1
|
Mason B, Hayward DC, Moya A, Cooke I, Sorenson A, Brunner R, Andrade N, Huerlimann R, Bourne DG, Schaeffer P, Grinblat M, Ravasi T, Ueda N, Tang SL, Ball EE, Miller DJ. Microbiome manipulation by corals and other Cnidaria via quorum quenching. Curr Biol 2024; 34:3226-3232.e5. [PMID: 38942019 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.073] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
A dynamic mucous layer containing numerous micro-organisms covers the surface of corals and has multiple functions including both removal of sediment and "food gathering."1 It is likely to also act as the primary barrier to infection; various proteins and compounds with antimicrobial activity have been identified in coral mucus, though these are thought to be largely or exclusively of microbial origin. As in Hydra,2 anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) are likely to play major roles in regulating the microbiomes of corals.3,4 Some eukaryotes employ a complementary but less obvious approach to manipulate their associated microbiome by interfering with quorum signaling, effectively preventing bacteria from coordinating gene expression across a population. Our investigation of immunity in the reef-building coral Acropora millepora,5 however, led to the discovery of a coral gene referred to here as AmNtNH1 that can inactivate a range of acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), common bacterial quorum signaling molecules, and is induced on immune challenge of adult corals and expressed during the larval settlement process. Closely related proteins are widely distributed within the Scleractinia (hard corals) and some other cnidarians, with multiple paralogs in Acropora, but their closest relatives are bacterial, implying that these are products of one or more lateral gene transfer events post-dating the cnidarian-bilaterian divergence. The deployment by corals of genes used by bacteria to compete with other bacteria reflects a mechanism of microbiome manipulation previously unknown in Metazoa but that may apply more generally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mason
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - David C Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Aurelie Moya
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Ira Cooke
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Alanna Sorenson
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Ramona Brunner
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Natalia Andrade
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Roger Huerlimann
- Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - David G Bourne
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Patrick Schaeffer
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Mila Grinblat
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Timothy Ravasi
- Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Nobuo Ueda
- Marine Science Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Sen-Lin Tang
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 15529, Taiwan
| | - Eldon E Ball
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - David J Miller
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang Q, Yang B, Yang B, Zhang W, Tang X, Sun H, Zhang Y, Li J, Ling J, Dong J. Alleviating Coral Thermal Stress via Inoculation with Quorum Quenching Bacteria. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024:10.1007/s10126-024-10344-6. [PMID: 39030411 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
In the background of global warming, coral bleaching induced by elevated seawater temperature is the primary cause of coral reef degradation. Coral microbiome engineering using the beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs) has become a hot spot in the field of coral reef conservation and restoration. Investigating the potential of alleviating thermal stress by quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria may provide more tools for coral microbial engineering remediation. In this study, QQ bacteria strain Pseudoalteromonas piscicida SCSIO 43740 was screened among 75 coral-derived bacterial strains, and its quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) compound was isolated and identified as 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP). Then, the thermal stress alleviating potential of QQ bacteria on coral Pocillopora damicornis was tested by a 30-day controlled experiment with three different treatments: control group (Con: 29 °C), high temperature group (HT: 31 °C), and the group of high temperature with QQ bacteria inoculation (HTQQ: 31 °C + QQ bacteria). The results showed that QQ bacteria SCSIO 43740 inoculation can significantly mitigate the loss of symbiotic algae and impairment of photosynthesis efficiency of coral P. damicornis under thermal stress. Significant difference in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities between HT and HTQQ was not observed. In addition, QQ bacteria inoculation suppressed the coral microbial community beta-dispersion and improved the stability of microbial co-occurrence network under thermal stress. It was suggested that QQ bacteria inoculation can alleviate coral thermal stress via reshaping microbial interaction and maintain community stability of coral microbiome. This study provided new evidence for the probiotic function of QQ bacteria in corals, which shedding light on the development of new microbiological tools for coral reef conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingsong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Bing Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Huiming Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Yanying Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Yantai University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Juan Ling
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China.
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China.
| | - Junde Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem, South China, Sea Institute of Oceanology , Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China.
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 511458, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hartmann A, Binder T, Rothballer M. Quorum sensing-related activities of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria have important implications for plant and human health. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae076. [PMID: 38744663 PMCID: PMC11149725 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae076] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic organisms coevolved with microbes from the environment forming holobiotic meta-genomic units. Members of host-associated microbiomes have commensalic, beneficial/symbiotic, or pathogenic phenotypes. More than 100 years ago, Lorenz Hiltner, pioneer of soil microbiology, introduced the term 'Rhizosphere' to characterize the observation that a high density of saprophytic, beneficial, and pathogenic microbes are attracted by root exudates. The balance between these types of microbes decide about the health of the host. Nowadays we know, that for the interaction of microbes with all eukaryotic hosts similar principles and processes of cooperative and competitive functions are in action. Small diffusible molecules like (phyto)hormones, volatiles and quorum sensing signals are examples for mediators of interspecies and cross-kingdom interactions. Quorum sensing of bacteria is mediated by different autoinducible metabolites in a density-dependent manner. In this perspective publication, the role of QS-related activities for the health of hosts will be discussed focussing mostly on N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL). It is also considered that in some cases very close phylogenetic relations exist between plant beneficial and opportunistic human pathogenic bacteria. Based on a genome and system-targeted new understanding, sociomicrobiological solutions are possible for the biocontrol of diseases and the health improvement of eukaryotic hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Hartmann
- Faculty of Biology, Microbe-Host Interactions, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Grosshaderner Str. 2, D-82152 Planegg/Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Health and Environment, Research Unit Microbe-Plant Interactions, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, D-85762 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tatiana Binder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Health and Environment, Research Unit Microbe-Plant Interactions, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, D-85762 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Rothballer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Health and Environment, Research Unit Microbe-Plant Interactions, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, D-85762 Neuherberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Health and Environment, Institute of Network Biology, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1 D-85762 Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu M, Cai Z, Cheng K, Chen G, Zhou J. Mitigation of Vibrio coralliilyticus-induced coral bleaching through bacterial dysbiosis prevention by Ruegeria profundi. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0227423. [PMID: 38470181 PMCID: PMC11022554 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02274-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Vibrio species are prevalent in ocean ecosystems, particularly Vibrio coralliilyticus, and pose a threat to corals and other marine organisms under global warming conditions. While microbiota manipulation is considered for coral disease management, understanding the role of commensal bacteria in stress resilience remains limited. Here, a single bacterial species (Ruegeria profundi) rather than a consortium of native was used to combat pathogenic V. coralliilyticus and protect corals from bleaching. R. profundi showed therapeutic activity in vivo, preventing a significant reduction in bacterial diversity in bleached corals. Notably, the structure of the bacterial community differed significantly among all the groups. In addition, compared with the bleached corals caused by V. coralliilyticus, the network analysis revealed that complex interactions and positive correlations in the bacterial community of the R. profundi protected non-bleached corals, indicating R. profundi's role in fostering synergistic associations. Many genera of bacteria significantly increased in abundance during V. coralliilyticus infection, including Vibrio, Alteromonas, Amphritea, and Nautella, contributing to the pathogenicity of the bacterial community. However, R. profundi effectively countered the proliferation of these genera, promoting potential probiotic Endozoicomonas and other taxa, while reducing the abundance of betaine lipids and the type VI section system of the bacterial community. These changes ultimately influenced the interactive relationships among symbionts and demonstrated that probiotic R. profundi intervention can modulate coral-associated bacterial community, alleviate pathogenic-induced dysbiosis, and preserve coral health. These findings elucidated the relationship between the behavior of the coral-associated bacterial community and the occurrence of pathological coral bleaching.IMPORTANCEChanges in the global climate and marine environment can influence coral host and pathogen repartition which refers to an increased likelihood of pathogen infection in hosts. The risk of Vibrio coralliilyticus-induced coral disease is significantly heightened, primarily due to its thermos-dependent expression of virulent and populations. This study investigates how coral-associated bacterial communities respond to bleaching induced by V. coralliilyticus. Our findings demonstrate that Ruegeria profundi exhibits clear evidence of defense against pathogenic bacterial infection, contributing to the maintenance of host health and symbiont homeostasis. This observation suggests that bacterial pathogens could cause dysbiosis in coral holobionts. Probiotic bacteria display an essential capability in restructuring and manipulating coral-associated bacterial communities. This restructuring effectively reduces bacterial community virulence and enhances the pathogenic resistance of holobionts. The study provides valuable insights into the correlation between the health status of corals and how coral-associated bacterial communities may respond to both pathogens and probiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiting Xu
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, China
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keke Cheng
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guofu Chen
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vollmer SV, Selwyn JD, Despard BA, Roesel CL. Genomic signatures of disease resistance in endangered staghorn corals. Science 2023; 381:1451-1454. [PMID: 37769073 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi3601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
White band disease (WBD) has caused unprecedented declines in the Caribbean Acropora corals, which are now listed as critically endangered species. Highly disease-resistant Acropora cervicornis genotypes exist, but the genetic underpinnings of disease resistance are not understood. Using transmission experiments, a newly assembled genome, and whole-genome resequencing of 76 A. cervicornis genotypes from Florida and Panama, we identified 10 genomic regions and 73 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that are associated with disease resistance and that include functional protein-coding changes in four genes involved in coral immunity and pathogen detection. Polygenic scores calculated from 10 genomic loci indicate that genetic screens can detect disease resistance in wild and nursery stocks of A. cervicornis across the Caribbean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven V Vollmer
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - Jason D Selwyn
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - Brecia A Despard
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - Charles L Roesel
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ji H, Zhao L, Lv K, Zhang Y, Gao H, Gong Q, Yu W. Citrinin Is a Potential Quorum Sensing Inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050296. [PMID: 37233490 DOI: 10.3390/md21050296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that infects patients by regulating virulence factors and biofilms through a quorum sensing (QS) system to protect itself from antibiotics and environmental stress. Therefore, the development of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) is expected to become a new strategy for studying drug resistance to P. aeruginosa infections. Marine fungi are valuable resources for screening QSIs. A marine fungus, Penicillium sp. JH1, with anti-QS activity was isolated from the offshore waters of Qingdao (China), and citrinin, a novel QSI, was purified from secondary metabolites of this fungus. Citrinin could significantly inhibit the production of violacein in Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472 and the production of three virulence factors (elastase, rhamnolipid and pyocyanin) in P. aeruginosa PAO1. It could also inhibit the biofilm formation and motility of PAO1. In addition, citrinin downregulated the transcript levels of nine genes (lasI, rhlI, pqsA, lasR, rhlR, pqsR, lasB, rhlA and phzH) associated with QS. Molecular docking results showed that citrinin bound to PqsR and LasR with better affinity than the natural ligands. This study laid a foundation for the further study of the structure optimization and structure-activity relationship of citrinin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Ji
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kaiwen Lv
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuzhu Zhang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Haibo Gao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qianhong Gong
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wengong Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mohamed AR, Ochsenkühn MA, Kazlak AM, Moustafa A, Amin SA. The coral microbiome: towards an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of coral-microbiota interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad005. [PMID: 36882224 PMCID: PMC10045912 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Corals live in a complex, multipartite symbiosis with diverse microbes across kingdoms, some of which are implicated in vital functions, such as those related to resilience against climate change. However, knowledge gaps and technical challenges limit our understanding of the nature and functional significance of complex symbiotic relationships within corals. Here, we provide an overview of the complexity of the coral microbiome focusing on taxonomic diversity and functions of well-studied and cryptic microbes. Mining the coral literature indicate that while corals collectively harbour a third of all marine bacterial phyla, known bacterial symbionts and antagonists of corals represent a minute fraction of this diversity and that these taxa cluster into select genera, suggesting selective evolutionary mechanisms enabled these bacteria to gain a niche within the holobiont. Recent advances in coral microbiome research aimed at leveraging microbiome manipulation to increase coral's fitness to help mitigate heat stress-related mortality are discussed. Then, insights into the potential mechanisms through which microbiota can communicate with and modify host responses are examined by describing known recognition patterns, potential microbially derived coral epigenome effector proteins and coral gene regulation. Finally, the power of omics tools used to study corals are highlighted with emphasis on an integrated host-microbiota multiomics framework to understand the underlying mechanisms during symbiosis and climate change-driven dysbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin R Mohamed
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michael A Ochsenkühn
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed M Kazlak
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Moustafa
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Department of Biology, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Shady A Amin
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Patel R, Soni M, Soyantar B, Shivangi S, Sutariya S, Saraf M, Goswami D. A clash of quorum sensing vs quorum sensing inhibitors: an overview and risk of resistance. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:107. [PMID: 36881156 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03442-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics to treat microbial pathogens has caused emergence of multiple drug resistant strains. Most infectious diseases are caused by microbes that are capable of intercommunication using signaling molecules, which is known as quorum sensing (QS). Such pathogens express their pathogenicity through various QS-regulated virulence factors. Interference of QS could lead to decisive results in controlling such pathogenicity. Hence, QS inhibition has become an attractive new approach for the development of novel drugs. Many quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) of diverse origins have been reported. It is imperative that more such anti-QS compounds be found and studied, as they have significant effect on microbial pathogenicity. This review attempts to give a brief account of QS mechanism, its inhibition and describes some compounds with anti-QS potential. Also discussed is the possibility of emergence of quorum sensing resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Mansi Soni
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Bilv Soyantar
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Suruchi Shivangi
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Swati Sutariya
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Meenu Saraf
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Dweipayan Goswami
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kanisan DP, Quek ZBR, Oh RM, Afiq-Rosli L, Lee JN, Huang D, Wainwright BJ. Diversity and Distribution of Microbial Communities Associated with Reef Corals of the Malay Peninsula. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:37-48. [PMID: 35043221 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coral-associated bacteria play critical roles in the regulation of coral health and function. Environmental perturbations that alter the bacterial community structure can render the coral holobiont more susceptible and less resilient to disease. Understanding the natural variation of the coral microbiome across space and host species provides a baseline that can be used to distinguish shifts in community structure. Using a 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding approach, this study examines bacterial community structure across three scleractinian coral hosts. Our results show that corals of three regions-eastern and western Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore-host distinct bacterial communities; despite these differences, we were able to identify a core microbiome shared across all three species. This core microbiome was also present in samples previously collected in Thailand, suggesting that these core microbes play an important role in promoting and maintaining host health. For example, several have been identified as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) metabolizers that have roles in sulfur cycling and the suppression of bacterial pathogens. Pachyseris speciosa has the most variable microbiome, followed by Porites lutea, with the composition of the Diploastrea heliopora microbiome the least variable throughout all locations. Microbial taxa associated with each region or site are likely shaped by local environmental conditions. Taken together, host identity is a major driver of differences in microbial community structure, while environmental heterogeneity shapes communities at finer scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya P Kanisan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Z B Randolph Quek
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, 138527, Singapore
| | - Ren Min Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Lutfi Afiq-Rosli
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
| | - Jen Nie Lee
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Malaysia
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
- Centre for Nature-Based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Benjamin J Wainwright
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, 138527, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gupta DS, Kumar MS. The implications of quorum sensing inhibition in bacterial antibiotic resistance- with a special focus on aquaculture. J Microbiol Methods 2022; 203:106602. [PMID: 36270462 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2022.106602] [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: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aquaculture industry is an expanding and demanding industry and due to an increase in urbanization, with rise in income of developing countries population, it offers to provide a sustainable food supply. However, the industry is facing a number of challenges, out of which few needs to be tackled immediately to maximise the productivity. An upcoming problem is the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens due to the unchecked use of antibiotics in aquaculture and human clinical practices. A wide variety of aquatic pathogens such as Edwardsiella, Vibrio, and Aeromonas spp. use quorum sensing (QS) systems, a regulatory process involving cell communication via signalling molecules for the collective function of pathogens which regulates the genes expression including virulent genes. Quorum sensing results in bacterial biofilms formation, which leads to their reduced susceptibility towards antimicrobial agents. The usage of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) has been proposed as an attractive strategy to tackle this problem. Due to the modulation of virulence genes expression, QSIs can be used as novel and viable approach to overcome antibiotic resistance in aquaculture. In this review, we direct our attention to the quorum sensing phenomenon and its viability as a target pathway for tackling the ever-growing problem of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture. This review also provides a concise compilation of the currently available QSIs and investigates possible natural sources for quorum quenching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv S Gupta
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'(S) NMIMS, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Maushmi S Kumar
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'(S) NMIMS, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai 400056, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hudson J, Egan S. Opportunistic diseases in marine eukaryotes: Could Bacteroidota be the next threat to ocean life? Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:4505-4518. [PMID: 35706128 PMCID: PMC9804302 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria within the phylum Bacteroidota (Bacteroidetes) are known to cause devastating and widespread disease outbreaks in marine eukaryotic hosts. However, with few pathogens described in detail, their prevalence and virulence strategies remain largely unknown. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the current understanding of Bacteroidota that cause disease in marine hosts. Isolates affiliated with the genera Tenacibaculum and Aquimarina (Flavobacteriaceae) were the most widely reported and characterized pathogens. Although cultured isolates were predominantly Flavobacteriia, culture-independent studies also found classes Bacteroidia, Cytophagia and Sphingobacteriia associated with disease. We found that pathogenic marine Bacteroidota largely conformed to an opportunistic lifestyle but could also act as secondary pathogens or were involved in polymicrobial diseases. Many diseases were also associated with an environmental stressor, especially those affecting coral, macroalgae and fish. Key virulence traits included the production of adhesins and host tissue-degrading enzymes. Overall, the nature of disease involving Bacteroidota pathogens appears to be an outcome of complex host-pathogen-environment interactions; however, our understanding of virulence remains limited by the lack of functional characterization studies. This is concerning as Bacteroidota have the potential to emerge as a serious threat to marine ecosystems and aquaculture industries, driven by global changes in ocean conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hudson
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Suhelen Egan
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Coral-microbe interactions: their importance to reef function and survival. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:33-44. [PMID: 35119475 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many different microorganisms associate with the coral host in a single entity known as the holobiont, and their interactions with the host contribute to coral health, thereby making them a fundamental part of reef function, survival, and conservation. As corals continue to be susceptible to bleaching due to environmental stress, coral-associated bacteria may have a potential role in alleviating bleaching. This review provides a synthesis of the various roles bacteria have in coral physiology and development, and explores the possibility that changes in the microbiome with environmental stress could have major implications in how corals acclimatize and survive. Recent studies on the interactions between the coral's algal and bacterial symbionts elucidate how bacteria may stabilize algal health and, therefore, mitigate bleaching. A summary of the innovative tools and experiments to examine host-microbe interactions in other cnidarians (a temperate coral, a jellyfish, two anemones, and a freshwater hydroid) is offered in this review to delineate our current knowledge of mechanisms underlying microbial establishment and maintenance in the animal host. A better understanding of these mechanisms may enhance the success of maintaining probiotics long-term in corals as a conservation strategy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Lu L, Li M, Yi G, Liao L, Cheng Q, Zhu J, Zhang B, Wang Y, Chen Y, Zeng M. Screening strategies for quorum sensing inhibitors in combating bacterial infections. J Pharm Anal 2021; 12:1-14. [PMID: 35573879 PMCID: PMC9073242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Interference with quorum sensing (QS) represents an antivirulence strategy with a significant promise for the treatment of bacterial infections and a new approach to restoring antibiotic tolerance. Over the past two decades, a novel series of studies have reported that quorum quenching approaches and the discovery of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) have a strong impact on the discovery of anti-infective drugs against various types of bacteria. The discovery of QSI was demonstrated to be an appropriate strategy to expand the anti-infective therapeutic approaches to complement classical antibiotics and antimicrobial agents. For the discovery of QSIs, diverse approaches exist and develop in-step with the scale of screening as well as specific QS systems. This review highlights the latest findings in strategies and methodologies for QSI screening, involving activity-based screening with bioassays, chemical methods to seek bacterial QS pathways for QSI discovery, virtual screening for QSI screening, and other potential tools for interpreting QS signaling, which are innovative routes for future efforts to discover additional QSIs to combat bacterial infections. Interference with QSrepresents a promising antivirulence strategy for the treatment of bacterial infections. The discovery ofQSIs was demonstrated as an appropriate strategy to expand the anti-infective therapeutic arsenal to complement classical antibiotics and antimicrobial agents. For the discovery of QSIs, diverse approaches exist and develop in-step with the scale of screening and targeted QS systems. Few previous reviews have summarized the strategies and approaches of QSI screening, whereas this review highlights the recent findings in QSI screening strategies and methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Guojuan Yi
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Li Liao
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dunphy CM, Vollmer SV, Gouhier TC. Host-microbial systems as glass cannons: Explaining microbiome stability in corals exposed to extrinsic perturbations. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:1044-1057. [PMID: 33666231 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Although stability is relatively well understood in macro-organisms, much less is known about its drivers in host-microbial systems where processes operating at multiple levels of biological organisation jointly regulate the microbiome. We conducted an experiment to examine the microbiome stability of three Caribbean corals (Acropora cervicornis, Pseudodiploria strigosa and Porites astreoides) by placing them in aquaria and exposing them to a pulse perturbation consisting of a large dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics before transplanting them into the field. We found that coral hosts harboured persistent, species-specific microbiomes. Stability was generally high but variable across coral species, with A. cervicornis microbiomes displaying the lowest community turnover in both the non-perturbed and the perturbed field transplants. Interestingly, the microbiome of P. astreoides was stable in the non-perturbed field transplants, but unstable in the perturbed field transplants. A mathematical model of host-microbial dynamics helped resolve this paradox by showing that when microbiome regulation is driven by host sanctioning, both resistance and resilience to invasion are low and can lead to instability despite the high direct costs bourne by corals. Conversely, when microbiome regulation is mainly associated with microbial processes, both resistance and resilience to invasion are high and promote stability at no direct cost to corals. We suggest that corals that are mainly regulated by microbial processes can be likened to 'glass cannons' because the high stability they exhibit in the field is due to their microbiome's potent suppression of invasive microbes. However, these corals are susceptible to destabilisation when exposed to perturbations that target the vulnerable members of their microbiomes who are responsible for mounting such powerful attacks against invasive microbes. The differential patterns of stability exhibited by P. astreoides across perturbed and non-perturbed field transplants suggest it is a 'glass cannon' whose microbiome is regulated by microbial processes, whereas A. cervicornis' consistent patterns of stability suggest that its microbiome is mainly regulated by host-level processes. Our results show that understanding how processes that operate at multiple levels of biological organisation interact to regulate microbiomes is critical for predicting the effects of environmental perturbations on host-microbial systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tarik C Gouhier
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Boilard A, Dubé CE, Gruet C, Mercière A, Hernandez-Agreda A, Derome N. Defining Coral Bleaching as a Microbial Dysbiosis within the Coral Holobiont. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111682. [PMID: 33138319 PMCID: PMC7692791 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral microbiomes are critical to holobiont health and functioning, but the stability of host–microbial interactions is fragile, easily shifting from eubiosis to dysbiosis. The heat-induced breakdown of the symbiosis between the host and its dinoflagellate algae (that is, “bleaching”), is one of the most devastating outcomes for reef ecosystems. Yet, bleaching tolerance has been observed in some coral species. This review provides an overview of the holobiont’s diversity, explores coral thermal tolerance in relation to their associated microorganisms, discusses the hypothesis of adaptive dysbiosis as a mechanism of environmental adaptation, mentions potential solutions to mitigate bleaching, and suggests new research avenues. More specifically, we define coral bleaching as the succession of three holobiont stages, where the microbiota can (i) maintain essential functions for holobiont homeostasis during stress and/or (ii) act as a buffer to mitigate bleaching by favoring the recruitment of thermally tolerant Symbiodiniaceae species (adaptive dysbiosis), and where (iii) environmental stressors exceed the buffering capacity of both microbial and dinoflagellate partners leading to coral death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Boilard
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Caroline E. Dubé
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
- California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA;
- Correspondence: (C.E.D.); (N.D.)
| | - Cécile Gruet
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan CEDEX, France;
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL”, 98729 Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | | | - Nicolas Derome
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: (C.E.D.); (N.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gao XY, Fu CA, Hao L, Gu XF, Wang R, Lin JQ, Liu XM, Pang X, Zhang CJ, Lin JQ, Chen LX. The substrate-dependent regulatory effects of the AfeI/R system in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans reveals the novel regulation strategy of quorum sensing in acidophiles. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:757-773. [PMID: 32656931 PMCID: PMC7984328 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A LuxI/R‐like quorum sensing (QS) system (AfeI/R) has been reported in the acidophilic and chemoautotrophic Acidithiobacillus spp. However, the function of AfeI/R remains unclear because of the difficulties in the genetic manipulation of these bacteria. Here, we constructed different afeI mutants of the sulfur‐ and iron‐oxidizer A. ferrooxidans, identified the N‐acyl homoserine lactones (acyl‐HSLs) synthesized by AfeI, and determined the regulatory effects of AfeI/R on genes expression, extracellular polymeric substance synthesis, energy metabolism, cell growth and population density of A. ferrooxidans in different energy substrates. Acyl‐HSLs‐mediated distinct regulation strategies were employed to influence bacterial metabolism and cell growth of A. ferrooxidans cultivated in either sulfur or ferrous iron. Based on these findings, an energy‐substrate‐dependent regulation mode of AfeI/R in A. ferrooxidans was illuminated that AfeI/R could produce different types of acyl‐HSLs and employ specific acyl‐HSLs to regulate specific genes in response to different energy substrates. The discovery of the AfeI/R‐mediated substrate‐dependent regulatory mode expands our knowledge on the function of QS system in the chemoautotrophic sulfur‐ and ferrous iron‐oxidizing bacteria, and provides new insights in understanding energy metabolism modulation, population control, bacteria‐driven bioleaching process, and the coevolution between the acidophiles and their acidic habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chang-Ai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Likai Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 99 Lincheng West Road, Guiyang, 550081, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xiang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xin Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Cheng-Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jian-Qun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Lin-Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou J, Lin ZJ, Cai ZH, Zeng YH, Zhu JM, Du XP. Opportunistic bacteria use quorum sensing to disturb coral symbiotic communities and mediate the occurrence of coral bleaching. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:1944-1962. [PMID: 32249540 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coral associated microorganisms, especially some opportunistic pathogens can utilize quorum-sensing (QS) signals to affect population structure and host health. However, direct evidence about the link between coral bleaching and dysbiotic microbiomes under QS regulation was lacking. Here, using 11 opportunistic bacteria and their QS products (AHLs, acyl-homoserine-lactones), we exposed Pocillopora damicornis to three different treatments: test groups (A and B: mixture of AHLs-producing bacteria and cocktail of AHLs signals respectively); control groups (C and D: group A and B with furanone added respectively); and a blank control (group E: only seawater) for 21 days. The results showed that remarkable bleaching phenomenon was observed in groups A and B. The operational taxonomic units-sequencing analysis shown that the bacterial network interactions and communities composition were significantly changed, becoming especially enhanced in the relative abundances of Vibrio, Edwardsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, and Aeromonas. Interestingly, the control groups (C and D) were found to have a limited influence upon host microbial composition and reduced bleaching susceptibility of P. damicornis. These results indicate bleaching's initiation and progression may be caused by opportunistic bacteria of resident microbes in a process under regulation by AHLs. These findings add a new dimension to our understanding of the complexity of bleaching mechanisms from a chemoecological perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening & Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Jun Lin
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening & Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.,Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Hua Cai
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening & Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hua Zeng
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening & Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ming Zhu
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening & Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.,School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Peng Du
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening & Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gignoux-Wolfsohn SA, Precht WF, Peters EC, Gintert BE, Kaufman LS. Ecology, histopathology, and microbial ecology of a white-band disease outbreak in the threatened staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2020; 137:217-237. [PMID: 32132275 DOI: 10.3354/dao03441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study is a multi-pronged description of a temperature-induced outbreak of white-band disease (WBD) that occurred in Acropora cervicornis off northern Miami Beach, Florida (USA), from July to October 2014. We describe the ecology of the disease and examine diseased corals using both histopathology and next-generation bacterial 16S gene sequencing, making it possible to better understand the effect this disease has on the coral holobiont, and to address some of the seeming contradictions among previous studies of WBD that employed either a purely histological or molecular approach. The outbreak began in July 2014, as sea surface temperatures reached 29°C, and peaked in mid-September, a month after the sea surface temperature maximum. The microscopic anatomy of apparently healthy portions of colonies displaying active disease signs appeared normal except for some tissue atrophy and dissociation of mesenterial filaments deep within the branch. Structural changes were more pronounced in visibly diseased fragments, with atrophy, necrosis, and lysing of surface and basal body wall and polyp structures at the tissue-loss margin. The only bacteria evident microscopically in both diseased and apparently healthy tissues with Giemsa staining was a Rickettsiales-like organism (RLO) occupying mucocytes. Sequencing also identified bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales in all fragments. When compared to apparently healthy fragments, diseased fragments had more diverse bacterial communities made up of many previously suggested potential primary pathogens and secondary (opportunistic) colonizers. Interactions between elevated seawater temperatures, the coral host, and pathogenic members of the diseased microbiome all contribute to the coral displaying signs of WBD.
Collapse
|
19
|
A horizon scan of priorities for coastal marine microbiome research. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:1509-1520. [PMID: 31636428 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0999-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Research into the microbiomes of natural environments is changing the way ecologists and evolutionary biologists view the importance of microorganisms in ecosystem function. This is particularly relevant in ocean environments, where microorganisms constitute the majority of biomass and control most of the major biogeochemical cycles, including those that regulate Earth's climate. Coastal marine environments provide goods and services that are imperative to human survival and well-being (for example, fisheries and water purification), and emerging evidence indicates that these ecosystem services often depend on complex relationships between communities of microorganisms (the 'microbiome') and the environment or their hosts - termed the 'holobiont'. Understanding of coastal ecosystem function must therefore be framed under the holobiont concept, whereby macroorganisms and their associated microbiomes are considered as a synergistic ecological unit. Here, we evaluate the current state of knowledge on coastal marine microbiome research and identify key questions within this growing research area. Although the list of questions is broad and ambitious, progress in the field is increasing exponentially, and the emergence of large, international collaborative networks and well-executed manipulative experiments are rapidly advancing the field of coastal marine microbiome research.
Collapse
|
20
|
van Oppen MJH, Blackall LL. Coral microbiome dynamics, functions and design in a changing world. Nat Rev Microbiol 2019; 17:557-567. [DOI: 10.1038/s41579-019-0223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
21
|
Dunphy CM, Gouhier TC, Chu ND, Vollmer SV. Structure and stability of the coral microbiome in space and time. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6785. [PMID: 31043671 PMCID: PMC6494856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is well established that the microbial communities inhabiting corals perform key functions that promote the health and persistence of their hosts, little is known about their spatial structure and temporal stability. We examined the natural variability of microbial communities associated with six Caribbean coral species from three genera at four reef sites over one year. We identified differences in microbial community composition between coral genera and species that persisted across space and time, suggesting that local host identity likely plays a dominant role in structuring the microbiome. However, we found that microbial community dissimilarity increased with geographical distance, which indicates that regional processes such as dispersal limitation and spatiotemporal environmental heterogeneity also influence microbial community composition. In addition, network analysis revealed that the strength of host identity varied across coral host genera, with species from the genus Acropora having the most influence over their microbial community. Overall, our results demonstrate that despite high levels of microbial diversity, coral species are characterized by signature microbiomes that are stable in both space and time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Dunphy
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA, 01908, USA.
| | - Tarik C Gouhier
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA, 01908, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Chu
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA, 01908, USA.,Microbiology Graduate Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Steven V Vollmer
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA, 01908, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Belikov S, Belkova N, Butina T, Chernogor L, Martynova-Van Kley A, Nalian A, Rorex C, Khanaev I, Maikova O, Feranchuk S. Diversity and shifts of the bacterial community associated with Baikal sponge mass mortalities. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213926. [PMID: 30921366 PMCID: PMC6438488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The disease of freshwater sponges was first discovered in 2011, when pink samples were found in the Central Basin of Lake Baikal. Subsequently, the visible signs of the disease have changed, and now sponges appear with various symptoms of damage to the body, such as discoloration, tissue necrosis, the formation of brown patches and dirty-purple biofilms on some branches. These signs of the disease are accompanied by the mass death of sponges. We identified differences in microbiomes by sequencing 16S rRNA genes and found changes in the consortium of microorganisms of freshwater Baikal sponges. We found that the observed imbalance in the studied microbial communities of diseased sponges is caused by several different conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that increase their negative effect by acting together and in concert, which leads to the death of photosynthetic microalgae and sponges. Sponges are an important component of coastal communities, and the massive loss of sponges can obviously affect the structure of benthic communities and the purity of water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Belikov
- Laboratory of Analytical Bioorganic Chemistry, Limnological Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
- * E-mail:
| | - Natalia Belkova
- Laboratory of Analytical Bioorganic Chemistry, Limnological Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Butina
- Laboratory of Analytical Bioorganic Chemistry, Limnological Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Lubov Chernogor
- Laboratory of Analytical Bioorganic Chemistry, Limnological Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
| | | | - Armen Nalian
- Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, United States of America
| | - Colin Rorex
- Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, United States of America
| | - Igor Khanaev
- Laboratory of Analytical Bioorganic Chemistry, Limnological Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Olga Maikova
- Laboratory of Analytical Bioorganic Chemistry, Limnological Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Sergey Feranchuk
- Laboratory of Analytical Bioorganic Chemistry, Limnological Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
- Department of Informatics, National Research Technical University, Irkutsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kalia VC, Patel SKS, Kang YC, Lee JK. Quorum sensing inhibitors as antipathogens: biotechnological applications. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 37:68-90. [PMID: 30471318 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms through which microbes communicate using signal molecules has inspired a great deal of research. Microbes use this exchange of information, known as quorum sensing (QS), to initiate and perpetuate infectious diseases in eukaryotic organisms, evading the eukaryotic defense system by multiplying and expressing their pathogenicity through QS regulation. The major issue to arise from such networks is increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics, resulting from QS-dependent mediation of the formation of biofilm, the induction of efflux pumps, and the production of antibiotics. QS inhibitors (QSIs) of diverse origins have been shown to act as potential antipathogens. In this review, we focus on the use of QSIs to counter diseases in humans as well as plants and animals of economic importance. We also discuss the challenges encountered in the potential applications of QSIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Chandra Kalia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sanjay K S Patel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Chan Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Dong, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kul Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu Y, Qin Q, Defoirdt T. Does quorum sensing interference affect the fitness of bacterial pathogens in the real world? Environ Microbiol 2018; 20:3918-3926. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University; Guangzhou China
| | - Qiwei Qin
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University; Guangzhou China
| | - Tom Defoirdt
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET); Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ma ZP, Song Y, Cai ZH, Lin ZJ, Lin GH, Wang Y, Zhou J. Anti-quorum Sensing Activities of Selected Coral Symbiotic Bacterial Extracts From the South China Sea. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:144. [PMID: 29868500 PMCID: PMC5951975 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens means that identification of alternative antibacterial drug targets and the subsequent development of new treatment strategies are urgently required. One such new target is the quorum sensing (QS) system. Coral microbial consortia harbor an enormous diversity of microbes, and are thus rich sources for isolating novel bioactive and pharmacologically valuable natural products. However, to date, the versatility of their bioactive compounds has not been broadly explored. In this study, about two hundred bacterial colonies were isolated from a coral species (Pocillopora damicornis) and screened for their ability to inhibit QS using the bioreporter strain Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472. Approximately 15% (30 isolates) exhibited anti-QS activity, against the indicator strain. Among them, a typical Gram-positive bacterium, D11 (Staphylococcus hominis) was identified and its anti-QS activity was investigated. Confocal microscopy observations showed that the bacterial extract inhibited the biofilm formation of clinical isolates of wild-type P. aeruginosa PAO1 in a dose-dependent pattern. Chromatographic separation led to the isolation of a potent QS inhibitor that was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as DL-homocysteine thiolactone. Gene expression analyses using RT-PCR showed that strain D11 led to a significant down-regulation of QS regulatory genes (lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR), as well as a virulence-related gene (lasB). From the chemical structure, the target compound (DL-homocysteine thiolactone) is an analog of the acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), and we presume that DL-homocysteine thiolactone outcompetes AHL in occupying the receptor and thereby inhibiting QS. Whole-genome sequence analysis of S. hominis D11 revealed the presence of predicted genes involved in the biosynthesis of homocysteine thiolactone. This study indicates that coral microbes are a resource bank for developing QS inhibitors and they will facilitate the discovery of new biotechnologically relevant compounds that could be used instead of traditional antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ping Ma
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Song
- The Department of Earth Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Cai
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Lin
- The Department of Earth Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Hui Lin
- The Department of Earth Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Biology, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|