Arginine catabolic mobile element encoded speG abrogates the unique hypersensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus to exogenous polyamines

Sequencing a CC239-MRSA-III with a novel composite SCC mec element from Kuwait

Staphylococcus aureus CC239-MRSA-III is an ancient pandemic strain of hospital-associated, methicillin-resistant S. aureus that spread globally for decades and that still can be found in some parts of the world. In Kuwait, microarray-based surveillance identified from 2019 to 2022 a series of isolates of a hitherto unknown variant of this strain that carried a second set of recombinase genes, ccrA/B-2. To elucidate the structure of its SCCmec element, two isolates were subjected to nanopore sequencing. This revealed, in addition to ccrA/B-2, several SCC-associated genes including speG (spermidine N acetyltransferase) and a gene encoding a large "E-domain containing protein" (dubbed as edcP-SCC). This gene contained three regions consisting of multiple repeating units. In terms of sequence and structure it was similar but not identical to the biofilm-related aap gene from S. epidermidis. A review of published sequences identified edcP-SCC in eighteen genome sequences of S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. capitis, and frequently it appears in a similar cluster of genes as in the strains sequenced herein. Isolates also carried a prophage with the adhesion factor sasX/sesI and aminoglycoside resistance genes. This is consistent with an affiliation to the "South-East Asian" Clade of CC239. The emergence of edcP-SCC and sasX-positive CC239 strain shows that, against a global trend towards community-associated MRSA, the ancient pandemic CC239 hospital strain still continues to evolve and to cause outbreaks.

A metabolomics pipeline highlights microbial metabolism in bloodstream infections

The growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlights an urgent need to identify bacterial pathogenic functions that may be targets for clinical intervention. Although severe infections profoundly alter host metabolism, prior studies have largely ignored microbial metabolism in this context. Here, we describe an iterative, comparative metabolomics pipeline to uncover microbial metabolic features in the complex setting of a host and apply it to investigate gram-negative bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients. We find elevated levels of bacterially derived acetylated polyamines during BSI and discover the enzyme responsible for their production (SpeG). Blocking SpeG activity reduces bacterial proliferation and slows pathogenesis. Reduction of SpeG activity also enhances bacterial membrane permeability and increases intracellular antibiotic accumulation, allowing us to overcome AMR in culture and in vivo. This study highlights how tools to study pathogen metabolism in the natural context of infection can reveal and prioritize therapeutic strategies for addressing challenging infections.

Evolution of polyamine resistance in Staphylococcus aureus through modulation of potassium transport

Microbes must adapt to diverse biotic and abiotic factors encountered in host environments. Polyamines are an abundant class of aliphatic molecules that play essential roles in fundamental cellular processes across the tree of life. Surprisingly, the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is highly sensitive to polyamines encountered during infection, and acquisition of a polyamine resistance locus has been implicated in spread of the prominent USA300 methicillin-resistant S. aureus lineage. At present, alternative pathways of polyamine resistance in staphylococci are largely unknown. Here we applied experimental evolution to identify novel mechanisms and consequences of S. aureus adaption when exposed to increasing concentrations of the polyamine spermine. Evolved populations of S. aureus exhibited striking evidence of parallel adaptation, accumulating independent mutations in the potassium transporter genes ktrA and ktrD. Mutations in either ktrA or ktrD are sufficient to confer polyamine resistance and function in an additive manner. Moreover, we find that ktr mutations provide increased resistance to multiple classes of unrelated cationic antibiotics, suggesting a common mechanism of resistance. Consistent with this hypothesis, ktr mutants exhibit alterations in cell surface charge indicative of reduced affinity and uptake of cationic molecules. Finally, we observe that laboratory-evolved ktr mutations are also present in diverse natural S. aureus isolates, suggesting these mutations may contribute to antimicrobial resistance during human infections. Collectively this study identifies a new role for potassium transport in S. aureus polyamine resistance with consequences for susceptibility to both host-derived and clinically-used antimicrobials.

Virulence attributes of successful methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineages

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of severe and often fatal infections. MRSA epidemics have occurred in waves, whereby a previously successful lineage has been replaced by a more fit and better adapted lineage. Selection pressures in both hospital and community settings are not uniform across the globe, which has resulted in geographically distinct epidemiology. This review focuses on the mechanisms that trigger the establishment and maintenance of current, dominant MRSA lineages across the globe. While the important role of antibiotic resistance will be mentioned throughout, factors which influence the capacity of S. aureus to colonize and cause disease within a host will be the primary focus of this review. We show that while MRSA possesses a diverse arsenal of toxins including alpha-toxin, the success of a lineage involves more than just producing toxins that damage the host. Success is often attributed to the acquisition or loss of genetic elements involved in colonization and niche adaptation such as the arginine catabolic mobile element, as well as the activity of regulatory systems, and shift metabolism accordingly (e.g., the accessory genome regulator, agr). Understanding exactly how specific MRSA clones cause prolonged epidemics may reveal targets for therapies, whereby both core (e.g., the alpha toxin) and acquired virulence factors (e.g., the Panton-Valentine leukocidin) may be nullified using anti-virulence strategies.

Antibiofilm and Antivirulence Properties of 6-Polyaminosteroid Derivatives against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens is a major public health problem, leading us to rethink and innovate our bacterial control strategies. Here, we explore the antibiofilm and antivirulence activities of nineteen 6-polyaminosterol derivatives (squalamine-based), presenting a modulation of their polyamine side chain on four major pathogens, i.e., carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) and P. aeruginosa (CRPA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VRE) strains. We screened the effect of these derivatives on biofilm formation and eradication. Derivatives 4e (for CRAB, VRE, and MRSA) and 4f (for all the strains) were the most potent ones and displayed activities as good as those of conventional antibiotics. We also identified 11 compounds able to decrease by more than 40% the production of pyocyanin, a major virulence factor of P. aeruginosa. We demonstrated that 4f treatment acts against bacterial infections in Galleria mellonella and significantly prolonged larvae survival (from 50% to 80%) after 24 h of CRAB, VRE, and MRSA infections. As shown by proteomic studies, 4f triggered distinct cellular responses depending on the bacterial species but essentially linked to cell envelope. Its interesting antibiofilm and antivirulence properties make it a promising a candidate for use in therapeutics.

Neuroprotection by agmatine: Possible involvement of the gut microbiome?

Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine derived from L-arginine, elicits tremendous multimodal neuromodulant properties. Alterations in agmatinergic signalling are closely linked to the pathogeneses of several brain disorders. Importantly, exogenous agmatine has been shown to act as a potent neuroprotectant in varied pathologies, including brain ageing and associated comorbidities. The antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, antidepressant and memory-enhancing activities of agmatine may derive from its ability to regulate several cellular pathways; including cell metabolism, survival and differentiation, nitric oxide signalling, protein translation, oxidative homeostasis and neurotransmitter signalling. This review briefly discusses mammalian metabolism of agmatine and then proceeds to summarize our current understanding of neuromodulation and neuroprotection mediated by agmatine. Further, the emerging exciting bidirectional links between agmatine and the resident gut microbiome and their implications for brain pathophysiology and ageing are also discussed.

Staphylococcus aureus Adaptation to the Skin in Health and Persistent/Recurrent Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a microorganism with an incredible capability to adapt to different niches within the human body. Approximately between 20 and 30% of the population is permanently but asymptomatically colonized with S. aureus in the nose, and another 30% may carry S. aureus intermittently. It has been established that nasal colonization is a risk factor for infection in other body sites, including mild to severe skin and soft tissue infections. The skin has distinct features that make it a hostile niche for many bacteria, therefore acting as a strong barrier against invading microorganisms. Healthy skin is desiccated; it has a low pH at the surface; the upper layer is constantly shed to remove attached bacteria; and several host antimicrobial peptides are produced. However, S. aureus is able to overcome these defenses and colonize this microenvironment. Moreover, this bacterium can very efficiently adapt to the stressors present in the skin under pathological conditions, as it occurs in patients with atopic dermatitis or suffering chronic wounds associated with diabetes. The focus of this manuscript is to revise the current knowledge concerning how S. aureus adapts to such diverse skin conditions causing persistent and recurrent infections.

Identification and targeting of microbial putrescine acetylation in bloodstream infections

The growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has highlighted an urgent need to identify bacterial pathogenic functions that may be targets for clinical intervention. Although severe bacterial infections profoundly alter host metabolism, prior studies have largely ignored alterations in microbial metabolism in this context. Performing metabolomics on patient and mouse plasma samples, we identify elevated levels of bacterially-derived N-acetylputrescine during gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSI), with higher levels associated with worse clinical outcomes. We discover that SpeG is the bacterial enzyme responsible for acetylating putrescine and show that blocking its activity reduces bacterial proliferation and slows pathogenesis. Reduction of SpeG activity enhances bacterial membrane permeability and results in increased intracellular accumulation of antibiotics, allowing us to overcome AMR of clinical isolates both in culture and in vivo. This study highlights how studying pathogen metabolism in the natural context of infection can reveal new therapeutic strategies for addressing challenging infections.

Structural and Kinetic Characterization of the SpeG Spermidine/Spermine N-acetyltransferase from Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300

Polyamines are simple yet critical molecules with diverse roles in numerous pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Regulating polyamine concentrations affects the transcription and translation of genes and proteins important for cell growth, stress, and toxicity. One way polyamine concentrations are maintained within the cell is via spermidine/spermine N-acetyltransferases (SSATs) that acetylate intracellular polyamines so they can be exported. The bacterial SpeG enzyme is an SSAT that exhibits a unique dodecameric structure and allosteric site compared to other SSATs that have been previously characterized. While its overall 3D structure is conserved, its presence and role in different bacterial pathogens are inconsistent. For example, not all bacteria have speG encoded in their genomes; in some bacteria, the speG gene is present but has become silenced, and in other bacteria, it has been acquired on mobile genetic elements. The latter is the case for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300, where it appears to aid pathogenesis. To gain a greater understanding of the structure/function relationship of SpeG from the MRSA USA300 strain (SaSpeG), we determined its X-ray crystal structure in the presence and absence of spermine. Additionally, we showed the oligomeric state of SaSpeG is dynamic, and its homogeneity is affected by polyamines and AcCoA. Enzyme kinetic assays showed that pre-incubation with polyamines significantly affected the positive cooperativity toward spermine and spermidine and the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Furthermore, we showed bacterial SpeG enzymes do not have equivalent capabilities to acetylate aminopropyl versus aminbutyl ends of spermidine. Overall, this study provides new insight that will assist in understanding the SpeG enzyme and its role in pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria at a molecular level.

Novel antimicrobial strategies to treat multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections

Antimicrobial resistance is a major obstacle for the treatment of infectious diseases and currently represents one of the most significant threats to global health. Staphylococcus aureus remains a formidable human pathogen with high mortality rates associated with severe systemic infections. S. aureus has become notorious as a multidrug resistant bacterium, which when combined with its extensive arsenal of virulence factors that exacerbate disease, culminates in an incredibly challenging pathogen to treat clinically. Compounding this major health issue is the lack of antibiotic discovery and development, with only two new classes of antibiotics approved for clinical use in the last 20 years. Combined efforts from the scientific community have reacted to the threat of dwindling treatment options to combat S. aureus disease in several innovative and exciting developments. This review describes current and future antimicrobial strategies aimed at treating staphylococcal colonization and/or disease, examining therapies that show significant promise at the preclinical development stage to approaches that are currently being investigated in clinical trials.

Putrescine Detected in Strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Most forms of life, including the archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes synthesize the polyamine putrescine. Although putrescine is widely distributed, several Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), appear to be the exceptions. We report here that strains of S. aureus can produce the polyamine putrescine, as well as the derivative N-acetyl-putrescine. Three strains of S. aureus from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), one strain listed in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, whose genomic sequence is well defined, and well as eight strains from S. aureus-induced brain abscesses of individual patients from multiple geographic locations were evaluated. Each strain was grown in complete chemically defined medium (CDM) under stringent conditions, after which the partially purified conditioned medium (CM) was analyzed by mass spectroscopy (MS), and the data were reported as the ratio of experimental results to controls. We confirmed the synthesis of putrescine by S. aureus by using ¹³C/¹⁵N-labeled arginine as a tracer. We found that agmatine, N-acetyl-putrescine, ornithine, citrulline, proline, and NH₃ were all labeled with heavy isotope derived from ¹³C/¹⁵N-labeled arginine. None of the strains examined produced spermine or spermidine, but strains from either ATCC or human brain abscesses produced putrescine and/or its derivative N-acetyl-putrescine.

Clonal Complexes Distribution of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Clinical Samples from the Caribbean Islands

The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterise S. aureus from the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. A total of 101 S. aureus/argenteus isolates were collected in 2020, mainly from patients with skin and soft tissue infections. They were characterised by DNA microarray allowing the detection of ca. 170 target genes and assignment to clonal complexes (CC)s and strains. In addition, the in vitro production of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) was examined by an experimental lateral flow assay. Two isolates were identified as S. argenteus, CC2596. The remaining S. aureus isolates were assigned to 21 CCs. The PVL rate among methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates was high (38/101), and 37 of the 38 genotypically positive isolates also yielded positive lateral flow results. The isolate that did not produce PVL was genome-sequenced, and it was shown to have a frameshift mutation in agrC. The high rate of PVL genes can be attributed to the presence of a known local CC8-MSSA clone in Trinidad and Tobago (n = 12) and to CC152-MSSA (n = 15). In contrast to earlier surveys, the USA300 clone was not found, although one MSSA isolate carried the ACME element, probably being a mecA-deficient derivative of this strain. Ten isolates, all from Trinidad and Tobago, were identified as MRSA. The pandemic ST239-MRSA-III strain was still common (n = 7), but five isolates showed a composite SCCmec element not observed elsewhere. Three isolates were sequenced. That showed a group of genes (among others, speG, crzC, and ccrA/B-4) to be linked to its SCC element, as previously found in some CC5- and CC8-MRSA, as well as in S. epidermidis. The other three MRSA belonged to CC22, CC72, and CC88, indicating epidemiological connections to Africa and the Middle East.

Overcoming biological barriers to improve treatment of a Staphylococcus aureus wound infection

Chronic wounds frequently become infected with bacterial biofilms which respond poorly to antibiotic therapy. Aminoglycoside antibiotics are ineffective at treating deep-seated wound infections due to poor drug penetration, poor drug uptake into persister cells, and widespread antibiotic resistance. In this study, we combat the two major barriers to successful aminoglycoside treatment against a biofilm-infected wound: limited antibiotic uptake and limited biofilm penetration. To combat the limited antibiotic uptake, we employ palmitoleic acid, a host-produced monounsaturated fatty acid that perturbs the membrane of gram-positive pathogens and induces gentamicin uptake. This novel drug combination overcomes gentamicin tolerance and resistance in multiple gram-positive wound pathogens. To combat biofilm penetration, we examined the ability of sonobactericide, a non-invasive ultrasound-mediated-drug delivery technology to improve antibiotic efficacy using an in vivo biofilm model. This dual approach dramatically improved antibiotic efficacy against a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection in diabetic mice.

Adaptive Responses of a Peroxidase-like Polyoxometalate-Based Tri-Assembly to Bacterial Microenvironment (BME) Significantly Improved the Anti-Bacterial Effects

The present study presents the tertiary assembly of a POM, peptide, and biogenic amine, which is a concept to construct new hybrid bio-inorganic materials for antibacterial applications and will help to promote the development of antivirus agents in the future. To achieve this, a Eu-containing polyoxometalate (EuW₁₀) was first co-assembled with a biogenic amine of spermine (Spm), which improved both the luminescence and antibacterial effect of EuW₁₀. Further introduction of a basic peptide from HPV E6, GL-22, induced more extensive enhancements, both of them being attributed to the cooperation and synergistic effects between the constituents, particularly the adaptive responses of assembly to the bacterial microenvironment (BME). Further intrinsic mechanism investigations revealed in detail that the encapsulation of EuW₁₀ in Spm and further GL-22 enhanced the uptake abilities of EuW₁₀ in bacteria, which further improved the ROS generation in BME via the abundant H₂O₂ involved there and significantly promoted the antibacterial effects.

Phage K gp102 Drives Temperature-Sensitive Antibacterial Activity on USA300 MRSA

There is widespread interest in using obligately lytic bacteriophages ("phages") to treat human bacterial infections. Among Staphylococcus aureus infections, the USA300 lineage is a frequent cause of invasive disease. We observed that phage K, a model S. aureus myophage, exhibits temperature-sensitive growth on USA300 strains, with the wild-type phage providing poorer growth suppression in broth and forming smaller and fainter plaques at 37 °C vs. 30 °C. We isolated 65 mutants of phage K that had improved plaquing characteristics at 37 °C when compared to the parental phage. In all 65 mutants, this phenotype was attributable to loss-of-function (LoF) mutations in gp102, which encodes a protein of unknown function that has homologs only among the Herelleviridae (SPO1-like myophages infecting gram-positive bacteria). Additional experiments with representative mutants consistently showed that the temperature-sensitive plaque phenotype was specific to USA300 MRSA strains and that Gp102 disruption was correlated with improved suppression of bacterial growth in broth and improved antibacterial activity in a mouse model of upper respiratory tract infection. The same genotype and in vitro phenotypes could be replicated in close relatives of phage K. Gp102 disruption did not have a detectable effect on adsorption but did delay cell culture lysis relative to wild-type under permissive infection conditions, suggesting that gp102 conservation might be maintained by selective pressure for more rapid replication. Expression of gp102 on a plasmid was toxic to both an MSSA and a USA300 MRSA strain. Molecular modeling predicts a protein with two helix-turn-helix domains that displays some similarity to DNA-binding proteins such as transcription factors. While its function remains unclear, gp102 is a conserved gene that is important to the infection process of Kayvirus phages, and it appears that the manner in which USA300 strains defend against them at 37 °C can be overcome by gp102 LoF mutations.

Contribution of Arginine Catabolic Mobile Element and Copper and Mercury Resistance Element in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Vantage Point

Different clones of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) are dominating geographically. One of the significant, hypervirulent, CA-MRSA and a significant health concern clones is USA3000, found worldwide regionally with varying frequencies. The clone harbors several mobile genetic elements (MGEs) including, arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) and copper and mercury resistance genes (COMER), accomplished by horizontal gene transfer from S. epidermidis. Evidence suggests that ACME and COMER have a more prominent role in enhancing biofilm capacity and ultimately persistent infections. This review highlights the comprehensive view on ACME and COMER structure, their distribution, and the mechanism of action along with pathogenetic features of USA3000 encompassing their role in biofilm formation, adhesion, quorum sensing, resistance to antibiotics, chemotaxis, and nutrient uptake. We also provided an insight into the role of ACME and COMER genes in the survival of bacterium. Our results shed light on the emergence of two independent clones possessing ACME (North American) and COMER (South American) elements which later disseminated to other regions. ACME and COMER both are adjacent to staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type IV (SCCmec IV). The acquisition of mecA, followed by COMER or ACME has been shown as a significant factor in the rise and fall of MRSA strains and their complex ability to adapt to hostile environments. The presence of ACME increases fitness, thereby allowing bacteria to colonize the skin and mucous membrane while COMER contributes to genetic stability by knocking over the copper-mediated killing in macrophages. Evidence suggests that ACME and COMER have a more prominent role in enhancing biofilm capacity and ultimately persistent infections. Interestingly, ACME strains have been shown to possess the ability to counteract skin acidity, thereby allowing increased skin colonization. A profound understanding of MGEs in S. aureus plays an important role in the prevention of epidemic clones.

Estimated Roles of the Carrier and the Bacterial Strain When Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Decolonization Fails: a Case-Control Study

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common bacterial pathogen that frequently colonizes healthy individuals, with potential to cause invasive infection. In Denmark, to keep the prevalence low, MRSA carriers are recommended to undergo decolonization treatments, but achieving decolonization is challenging. Knowledge about the factors contributing to decolonization is scarce. We aimed to identify bacterial genome and clinical factors influencing MRSA decolonization. We identified all new MRSA patients above 2 years of age within the Hvidovre catchment area, Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2017 and 2018. Carriers were defined as chronic carriers (cases) if they were MRSA positive after two or more treatments and as nonchronic carriers (controls) if they were MRSA free after the first or second treatment. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we constructed a pangenome of bacterial strains. With the incorporation of bacterial genome and clinical patient data, machine learning and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with decolonization. A total of 477 MRSA carriers were included. An age of ≥13 years was significantly associated with nonchronic carriage. We identified 278 bacterial genetic features that were statistically significantly associated with chronic carriage (P < 0.05 by Fisher's exact test). Chronic MRSA carriage was predicted with 68% accuracy using a combination of bacterial genome data and patient clinical data. Decolonization success is multifactorial. Apart from the 68% predicted accuracy found in this study, we estimate that the remaining 32% is a result of host factors and microbiome composition. IMPORTANCE Carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other multiresistant bacteria is a prerequisite for infection and transmission. Successful decolonization treatment removes these risks. We aimed to identify bacterial genome and host clinical factors that influence MRSA decolonization to estimate the roles of the carrier and the bacterial strain, respectively, when decolonization fails. The long-term goal, beyond this study, is to optimize decolonization success, minimize MRSA transmission, and, ultimately, improve the quality of life of MRSA carriers.

Antibacterial activity of novel linear polyamines against Staphylococcus aureus

New therapeutic options are urgently required for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections. Accordingly, we sought to exploit the vulnerability of S. aureus to naturally occurring polyamines. We have developed and tested the anti-staphylococcal activity of three novel linear polyamines based on spermine and norspermine. Using a panel of genetically distinct and clinically relevant multidrug resistant S. aureus isolates, including the polyamine resistant USA300 strain LAC, compound AHA-1394 showed a greater than 128-fold increase in inhibition against specific S. aureus strains compared to the most active natural polyamine. Furthermore, we show that AHA-1394 has superior biofilm prevention and biofilm dispersal properties compared to natural polyamines while maintaining minimal toxicity toward human HepG2 cells. We examined the potential of S. aureus to gain resistance to AHA-1394 following in vitro serial passage. Whole genome sequencing of two stable resistant mutants identified a gain of function mutation (S337L) in the phosphatidylglycerol lysyltransferase mprF gene. Inactivation of mutant mprF confirmed the importance of this allele to AHA-1394 resistance. Importantly, AHA-1394 resistant mutants showed a marked decrease in relative fitness and increased generation time. Intriguingly, mprF::S337L contributed to altered surface charge only in the USA300 background whereas increased cell wall thickness was observed in both USA300 and SH1000. Lastly, we show that AHA-1394 displays a particular proclivity for antibiotic potentiation, restoring sensitivity of MRSA and VRSA isolates to daptomycin, oxacillin and vancomycin. Together this study shows that polyamine derivatives are impressive drug candidates that warrant further investigation.

Polyamine and Ethanolamine Metabolism in Bacteria as an Important Component of Nitrogen Assimilation for Survival and Pathogenicity

Nitrogen is an essential element required for bacterial growth. It serves as a building block for the biosynthesis of macromolecules and provides precursors for secondary metabolites. Bacteria have developed the ability to use various nitrogen sources and possess two enzyme systems for nitrogen assimilation involving glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase and glutamate dehydrogenase. Microorganisms living in habitats with changeable availability of nutrients have developed strategies to survive under nitrogen limitation. One adaptation is the ability to acquire nitrogen from alternative sources including the polyamines putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine, as well as the monoamine ethanolamine. Bacterial polyamine and monoamine metabolism is not only important under low nitrogen availability, but it is also required to survive under high concentrations of these compounds. Such conditions can occur in diverse habitats such as soil, plant tissues and human cells. Strategies of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria to survive in the presence of poly- and monoamines offer the possibility to combat pathogens by using their capability to metabolize polyamines as an antibiotic drug target. This work aims to summarize the knowledge on poly- and monoamine metabolism in bacteria and its role in nitrogen metabolism.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota Metabolism in Obesity-Related Type 2 Diabetes Reduces Osteomyelitis Severity

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen causing osteomyelitis through hematogenous seeding or contamination of implants and open wounds following orthopedic surgeries. The severity of S. aureus-mediated osteomyelitis is enhanced in obesity-related type 2 diabetes (obesity/T2D) due to chronic inflammation impairing both adaptive and innate immunity. Obesity-induced inflammation is linked to gut dysbiosis, with modification of the gut microbiota by high-fiber diets leading to a reduction in the symptoms and complications of obesity/T2D. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which modifications of the gut microbiota alter host infection responses is limited. To address this gap, we monitored tibial S. aureus infections in obese/T2D mice treated with the inulin-like fructan fiber oligofructose. Treatment with oligofructose significantly decreased S. aureus colonization and lowered proinflammatory signaling postinfection in obese/T2D mice, as observed by decreased circulating inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) and chemokines (interferon-γ-induced protein 10 kDa [IP-10], keratinocyte-derived chemokine [KC], monokine induced by interferon-γ [MIG], monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted [RANTES]), indicating partial reduction in inflammation. Oligofructose markedly shifted diversity in the gut microbiota of obese/T2D mice, with notable increases in the anti-inflammatory bacterium Bifidobacterium pseudolongum. Analysis of the cecum and plasma metabolome suggested that polyamine production was increased, specifically spermine and spermidine. Oral administration of these polyamines to obese/T2D mice resulted in reduced infection severity similar to oligofructose supplementation, suggesting that polyamines can mediate the beneficial effects of fiber on osteomyelitis severity. These results demonstrate the contribution of gut microbiota metabolites to the control of bacterial infections distal to the gut and polyamines as an adjunct therapeutic for osteomyelitis in obesity/T2D. IMPORTANCE Individuals with obesity-related type 2 diabetes (obesity/T2D) are at a five times increased risk for invasive Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis (bone infection) following orthopedic surgeries. With increasing antibiotic resistance and limited discoveries of novel antibiotics, it is imperative that we explore other avenues for therapeutics. In this study, we demonstrated that the dietary fiber oligofructose markedly reduced osteomyelitis severity and hyperinflammation following acute prosthetic joint infections in obese/T2D mice. Reduced infection severity was associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolism, as indicated by increased production of natural polyamines in the gut and circulating plasma. This work identifies a novel role for the gut microbiome in mediating control of bacterial infections and polyamines as beneficial metabolites involved in improving the obesity/T2D host response to osteomyelitis. Understanding the impact of polyamines on host immunity and mechanisms behind decreasing susceptibility to severe implant-associated osteomyelitis is crucial to improving treatment strategies for this patient population.

Arabidopsis N-acetyltransferase activity 2 preferentially acetylates 1,3-diaminopropane and thialysine

Polyamine acetylation has an important regulatory role in polyamine metabolism. It is catalysed by GCN5-related N-acetyltransferases, which transfer acetyl groups from acetyl-coenzyme A to the primary amino groups of spermidine, spermine (Spm), or other polyamines and diamines, as was shown for the human Spermidine/Spermine N¹-acetyltransferase 1 (HsSSAT1). SSAT homologues specific for thialysine, a cysteine-derived lysine analogue, were also identified (e.g., HsSSAT2). Two HsSSAT1 homologues are present in Arabidopsis, namely N-acetyltransferase activity (AtNATA) 1 and 2. AtNATA1 was previously shown to be specific for 1,3-diaminopropane, ornithine, putrescine and thialysine, rather than Spm and spermidine. In the present study, in an attempt to find a plant Spm-specific SSAT, AtNATA2 was expressed in a heterologous bacterial system and catalytic properties of the recombinant protein were determined. Data indicate that recombinant AtNATA2 preferentially acetylates 1,3-diaminopropane and thialysine, throwing further light on AtNATA1 substrate specificity. Structural analyses evidenced that the preference of AtNATA1, AtNATA2 and HsSSAT2 for short amine substrates can be ascribed to different main-chain conformation or substitution of HsSSAT1 residues interacting with Spm distal regions. Moreover, gene expression studies evidenced that AtNATA1 gene, but not AtNATA2, is up-regulated by cytokinins, thermospermine and Spm, suggesting the existence of a link between AtNATAs and N¹-acetyl-Spm metabolism. This study provides insights into polyamine metabolism and structural determinants of substrate specificity of non Spm-specific SSAT homologues.

Investigation of the polyamine biosynthetic and transport capability of Streptococcus agalactiae: the non-essential PotABCD transporter

Polyamines constitute a group of organic polycations positively charged at physiological pH. They are involved in a large variety of biological processes, including the protection against physiological stress. In this study, we show that the genome of Streptococcus agalactiae, a commensal bacterium of the intestine and the vagina and one of the most common agents responsible of neonate infections, does not encode proteins homologous to the specific enzymes involved in the known polyamine synthetic pathways. This lack of biosynthetic capability was verified experimentally by TLC analysis of the intracellular content of S. agalactiae grown in the absence of polyamines. However, similar analyses showed that the polyamines spermidine, spermine and putrescine can be imported from the growth media into the bacteria. We found that all strains of S. agalactiae possess the genes encoding the polyamine ABC transporter PotABCD. We demonstrated that these genes form an operon with folK, a gene involved in folate biosynthesis, murB, a gene involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and with clc, a gene encoding a Cl⁻/H⁺ antiporter involved in resistance to acid stress in Escherichia coli. Transcription of the potABCD operon is induced by peroxide-induced oxidative stress but not by acidic stress. Spermidine and spermine were found to be inducers of potABCD transcription at pH 7.4 whereas putrescine induces this expression only during peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Using a deletion mutant of potABCD, we were nevertheless unable to associate phenotypic traits to the PotABCD transporter, probably due to the existence of one or more as yet identified transporters with a redundant action.

Bayesian inference of clonal expansions in a dated phylogeny

Microbial population genetics models often assume that all lineages are constrained by the same population size dynamics over time. However, many neutral and selective events can invalidate this assumption and can contribute to the clonal expansion of a specific lineage relative to the rest of the population. Such differential phylodynamic properties between lineages result in asymmetries and imbalances in phylogenetic trees that are sometimes described informally but which are difficult to analyze formally. To this end, we developed a model of how clonal expansions occur and affect the branching patterns of a phylogeny. We show how the parameters of this model can be inferred from a given dated phylogeny using Bayesian statistics, which allows us to assess the probability that one or more clonal expansion events occurred. For each putative clonal expansion event, we estimate its date of emergence and subsequent phylodynamic trajectory, including its long-term evolutionary potential which is important to determine how much effort should be placed on specific control measures. We demonstrate the applicability of our methodology on simulated and real data sets. Inference under our clonal expansion model can reveal important features in the evolution and epidemiology of infectious disease pathogens. [Clonal expansion; genomic epidemiology; microbial population genomics; phylodynamics.]

Copper Resistance Promotes Fitness of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus during Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious conditions affecting people in the United States and around the world. Our knowledge of the host-pathogen interaction during UTI caused by Gram-positive bacterial uropathogens is limited compared to that for Gram-negative pathogens. Here, we investigated whether copper and the primary copper-containing protein, ceruloplasmin, are mobilized to urine during naturally occurring UTI caused by Gram-positive uropathogens in patients. Next, we probed the role of copper resistance in the fitness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) during experimental UTI in a murine model. Our findings demonstrate that urinary copper and ceruloplasmin content are elevated during UTI caused by Enterococcus faecalis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. saprophyticus. MRSA strains successfully colonize the urinary tract of female CBA mice with selective induction of inflammation in the kidneys but not the bladder. MRSA mutants lacking CopL, a copper-binding cell surface lipoprotein, and the ACME genomic region containing copL, exhibit decreased fitness in the mouse urinary tract compared to parental strains. Copper sensitivity assays, cell-associated copper and iron content, and bioavailability of iron during copper stress demonstrate that homeostasis of copper and iron is interlinked in S. aureus. Importantly, relative fitness of the MRSA mutant lacking the ACME region is further decreased in mice that receive supplemental copper compared to the parental strain. In summary, copper is mobilized to the urinary tract during UTI caused by Gram-positive pathogens, and copper resistance is a fitness factor for MRSA during UTI. IMPORTANCE Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an extremely common infectious condition affecting people throughout the world. Increasing antibiotic resistance in pathogens causing UTI threatens our ability to continue to treat patients in the clinics. Better understanding of the host-pathogen interface is critical for development of novel interventional strategies. Here, we sought to elucidate the role of copper in host-Staphylococcus aureus interaction during UTI. Our results reveal that copper is mobilized to the urine as a host response in patients with UTI. Our findings from the murine model of UTI demonstrate that copper resistance is involved in the fitness of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) during interaction with the host. We also establish a critical link between adaptation to copper stress and iron homeostasis in S. aureus.

Discovery of ancestral L-ornithine and L-lysine decarboxylases reveals parallel, pseudoconvergent evolution of polyamine biosynthesis

Polyamines are fundamental molecules of life, and their deep evolutionary history is reflected in extensive biosynthetic diversification. The polyamines putrescine, agmatine, and cadaverine are produced by pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent L-ornithine, L-arginine, and L-lysine decarboxylases (ODC, ADC, LDC), respectively, from both the alanine racemase (AR) and aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) folds. Two homologous forms of AAT-fold decarboxylase are present in bacteria: an ancestral form and a derived, acid-inducible extended form containing an N-terminal fusion to the receiver-like domain of a bacterial response regulator. Only ADC was known from the ancestral form and limited to the Firmicutes phylum, whereas extended forms of ADC, ODC, and LDC are present in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Here, we report the discovery of ancestral form ODC, LDC, and bifunctional O/LDC and extend the phylogenetic diversity of functionally characterized ancestral ADC, ODC, and LDC to include phyla Fusobacteria, Caldiserica, Nitrospirae, and Euryarchaeota. Using purified recombinant enzymes, we show that these ancestral forms have a nascent ability to decarboxylate kinetically less preferred amino acid substrates with low efficiency, and that product inhibition primarily affects preferred substrates. We also note a correlation between the presence of ancestral ODC and ornithine/arginine auxotrophy and link this with a known symbiotic dependence on exogenous ornithine produced by species using the arginine deiminase system. Finally, we show that ADC, ODC, and LDC activities emerged independently, in parallel, in the homologous AAT-fold ancestral and extended forms. The emergence of the same ODC, ADC, and LDC activities in the nonhomologous AR-fold suggests that polyamine biosynthesis may be inevitable.

Path to improving the life cycle and quality of genome-scale models of metabolism

Genome-scale models of metabolism (GEMs) are key computational tools for the systems-level study of metabolic networks. Here, we describe the "GEM life cycle," which we subdivide into four stages: inception, maturation, specialization, and amalgamation. We show how different types of GEM reconstruction workflows fit in each stage and proceed to highlight two fundamental bottlenecks for GEM quality improvement: GEM maturation and content removal. We identify common characteristics contributing to increasing quality of maturing GEMs drawing from past independent GEM maturation efforts. We then shed some much-needed light on the latent and unrecognized but pervasive issue of content removal, demonstrating the substantial effects of model pruning on its solution space. Finally, we propose a novel framework for content removal and associated confidence-level assignment which will help guide future GEM development efforts, reduce duplication of effort across groups, potentially aid automated reconstruction platforms, and boost the reproducibility of model development.

PaeA (YtfL) protects from cadaverine and putrescine stress in Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli

Salmonella and E. coli synthesize, import, and export cadaverine, putrescine, and spermidine to maintain physiological levels and provide pH homeostasis. Both low and high intracellular levels of polyamines confer pleiotropic phenotypes or lethality. Here, we demonstrate that the previously uncharacterized inner membrane protein PaeA (YtfL) is required for reducing cytoplasmic cadaverine and putrescine concentrations. We identified paeA as a gene involved in stationary phase survival when cells were initially grown in acidic medium, in which they produce cadaverine. The paeA mutant is also sensitive to putrescine, but not to spermidine or spermine. Sensitivity to external cadaverine in stationary phase is only observed at pH > 8, suggesting that the polyamines need to be deprotonated to passively diffuse into the cell cytoplasm. In the absence of PaeA, intracellular polyamine levels increase and the cells lose viability. Degradation or modification of the polyamines is not relevant. Ectopic expression of the known cadaverine exporter, CadB, in stationary phase partially suppresses the paeA phenotype, and overexpression of PaeA in exponential phase partially complements a cadB mutant grown in acidic medium. These data support the hypothesis that PaeA is a cadaverine/putrescine exporter, reducing potentially toxic levels under certain stress conditions.

Novel staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type XIV (5A) and a truncated SCCmec element in SCC composite islands carrying speG in ST5 MRSA in Japan

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements are highly diverse and have been classified into 13 types. The arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) is an SCC-like element harbouring an arginine deiminase pathway gene cluster (ACME-arc). ACME type I (ACME I), additionally including a spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase gene (speG), is considered to have contributed to the rapid spread of the most successful MRSA clone, USA300.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the SCC composite islands (SCC-CIs) in ST5 MRSA positive for both ACME-arc and speG.

METHODS

Three ST5 MRSA strains (SC640, SC792 and SC955) collected in Hokkaido, Japan were subjected to WGS and the SCC-CIs were determined.

RESULTS

The SCC-CIs consisted of four (SC640 and SC792) or three (SC955) SCC/SCC-like elements and commonly harboured both an ACME type II' and an SCC encoding speG. These SCC-CIs appear to mimic ACME I in USA300, in that they are equipped with ACME-arc and speG. The SCC-CIs of SC640 and SC792 contained novel SCCmec/SCCmec-like elements at the 3' end, whereas SC955 contained SCCmec type V. The SCCmec of SC792 carried mec complex A and ccrC1, which was determined to be novel and designated as SCCmec type XIV (5A). SC640 harboured an SCCmec-like element derived from SCCmec type XIV. It lacked most of the downstream region of the mec complex, including the left chromosomal attachment site (SCCmec XIV Δkdp/DR-L), and lost its capability for chromosomal excision, suggesting that the mecA gene is immobilized on the chromosome.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide evidence for increasing complexity of SCC-CIs.

The expansive effects of polyamines on the metabolism and virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Polyamines are common intracellular metabolites of nearly all cells, and their conservation across a vast diversity of cells suggests critical roles for these compounds in cellular physiology. Most intracellular polyamines are associated with RNA and, subsequently, polyamines have significant effects on transcription and translation. Putrescine and spermidine are the most common polyamines in bacteria. Intracellular polyamine pools in bacteria are tightly controlled by both de novo synthesis and transport. Polyamine homeostasis is emerging as a critical parameter of multiple pathways and physiology with substantial impact on bacterial pathogenesis, including the important human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Modulation of polyamine metabolism in pneumococci is an important regulator of central metabolism. It has broad effects on virulence factors such as capsule as well as stress responses that ultimately impact the survival of pneumococcus in a host. Polyamine transport protein as a single antigen or in combination with other pneumococcal proteins is shown to be an efficacious immunogen that protects against nasopharyngeal colonization, and invasive disease. A comprehensive description of polyamine metabolic pathways and their intersection with pneumococcal pathogenesis will undoubtedly point to novel approaches for treatment and prevention of pneumococcal disease.

Another layer of complexity in Staphylococcus aureus methionine biosynthesis control: unusual RNase III-driven T-box riboswitch cleavage determines met operon mRNA stability and decay

In Staphylococcus aureus, de novo methionine biosynthesis is regulated by a unique hierarchical pathway involving stringent-response controlled CodY repression in combination with a T-box riboswitch and RNA decay. The T-box riboswitch residing in the 5′ untranslated region (met leader RNA) of the S. aureus metICFE-mdh operon controls downstream gene transcription upon interaction with uncharged methionyl-tRNA. met leader and metICFE-mdh (m)RNAs undergo RNase-mediated degradation in a process whose molecular details are poorly understood. Here we determined the secondary structure of the met leader RNA and found the element to harbor, beyond other conserved T-box riboswitch structural features, a terminator helix which is target for RNase III endoribonucleolytic cleavage. As the terminator is a thermodynamically highly stable structure, it also forms posttranscriptionally in met leader/ metICFE-mdh read-through transcripts. Cleavage by RNase III releases the met leader from metICFE-mdh mRNA and initiates RNase J-mediated degradation of the mRNA from the 5′-end. Of note, metICFE-mdh mRNA stability varies over the length of the transcript with a longer lifespan towards the 3′-end. The obtained data suggest that coordinated RNA decay represents another checkpoint in a complex regulatory network that adjusts costly methionine biosynthesis to current metabolic requirements.

Clonal diversity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from bloodstream infections in northern Japan: Identification of spermidine N-acetyltransferase gene (speG) in staphylococcal cassette chromosomes (SCCs) associated with type II and IV SCCmec

OBJECTIVES

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections (BSIs). We aimed to study molecular epidemiological characteristics of MRSA isolates from BSIs in northern Japan to elucidate the recent trend of their clonal diversity.

METHODS

MRSA isolates (n = 277) were collected from blood samples of patients who attended healthcare facilities in Hokkaido, the northern main island of Japan, for a two-year period from August 2017. Genotypes, virulence factors/drug-resistance determinants, and structure of SCCmec complex were analysed by PCR and sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

SCCmec-IIa (n = 171, 61.7%) with coagulase genotype (coa-) II, ST5/ST764/ST2389 was the most common genetic trait, followed by SCCmec-IVa (n = 78, 28.2%), and IVl (n = 10, 3.6%). Among the MRSA-IVa, 14 isolates (5.1% of all the isolates) had genetic features identical to USA300 clone (ST8/coa-IIIa/spa-t008 having ΦSa2USA and ACME-I), while PVL/ACME-negative MRSA-IVa isolates (n = 64) were classified into coa-IIa/IIIa/VIIa/VIIb, with coa-VIIa/spa-t1784/ST1 being dominant. Other minor clones included ST8-SCCmec-I, and ST30/ST45/ST81/ST121/ST1232-SCCmec-V, among which the ST1232 isolate harboured PVL genes. Spermidine N-acetyltransferase gene (speG), which is typically present in ACME-I of USA300 clone, was also identified in two isolates, ACME-II'-positive ST764-MRSA-IIa and ACME-negative ST1-MRSA-IVa, showing resistance to spermine. speG of these isolates was located in additional SCCs adjacent to SCCmec.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present study revealed clonal diversity of MRSA from BSIs in Japan, with increased prevalence of ST8-USA300. Distinct types of speG-carrying SCCs associated with SCCmec-II or IV were identified.

Alternative pathways utilize or circumvent putrescine for biosynthesis of putrescine-containing rhizoferrin

The siderophore rhizoferrin (N¹,N⁴-dicitrylputrescine) is produced in fungi and bacteria to scavenge iron. Putrescine-producing bacterium Ralstonia pickettii synthesizes rhizoferrin and encodes a single nonribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore (NIS) synthetase. From biosynthetic logic, we hypothesized that this single enzyme is sufficient for rhizoferrin biosynthesis. We confirmed this by expression of R. pickettii NIS synthetase in Escherichia coli, resulting in rhizoferrin production. This was further confirmed in vitro using the recombinant NIS synthetase, synthesizing rhizoferrin from putrescine and citrate. Heterologous expression of homologous lbtA from Legionella pneumophila, required for rhizoferrin biosynthesis in that species, produced siderophore activity in E. coli. Rhizoferrin is also synthesized by Francisella tularensis and Francisella novicida, but unlike R. pickettii or L. pneumophila, Francisella species lack putrescine biosynthetic pathways because of genomic decay. Francisella encodes a NIS synthetase FslA/FigA and an ornithine decarboxylase homolog FslC/FigC, required for rhizoferrin biosynthesis. Ornithine decarboxylase produces putrescine from ornithine, but we show here in vitro that FigA synthesizes N-citrylornithine, and FigC is an N-citrylornithine decarboxylase that together synthesize rhizoferrin without using putrescine. We co-expressed F. novicida figA and figC in E. coli and produced rhizoferrin. A 2.1 Å X-ray crystal structure of the FigC N-citrylornithine decarboxylase reveals how the larger substrate is accommodated and how active site residues have changed to recognize N-citrylornithine. FigC belongs to a new subfamily of alanine racemase-fold PLP-dependent decarboxylases that are not involved in polyamine biosynthesis. These data reveal a natural product biosynthetic workaround that evolved to bypass a missing precursor and re-establish it in the final structure.

Polyamines in the virulence of bacterial pathogens of respiratory tract

Polyamines are positively charged hydrocarbons that are essential for the growth and cellular maintenance in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Polyamines have been demonstrated to play a role in bacterial pathogenicity and biofilm formation. However, the role of extracellular polyamines as a signaling molecule in the regulation of virulence is not investigated in detail. The bacterial pathogens residing in the respiratory tract remain asymptomatic for an extended period; however, the factors that lead to symptomatic behavior are poorly understood. Further investigation to understand the relation between the host-secreted factors and virulence of pathogenic bacteria in the respiratory tract may provide insights into the pathogenesis of respiratory tract infections. Polyamines produced within the bacterial cell are generally sequestered. Therefore, the pool of extracellular polyamines formed by secretion of the commensals and the host may be one of the signaling molecules that might contribute toward the alterations in the expression of virulence factors in bacterial pathogens. Besides, convergent mechanisms of polyamine biosynthesis do exist across the border of species and genus level. Also, several novel polyamine transporters in the host and bacteria remain yet to be identified. The review focuses on the role of polyamines in the expression of virulence phenotypes and biofilm formation of the respiratory tract pathogens.

Staphylococcus aureus Population Structure and Genomic Profiles in Asymptomatic Carriers in Switzerland

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause for clinical infections and food intoxications, causing over 100,000 yearly cases of bacteremia in the United States and 434 food-borne outbreaks in the European Union. Approximately 30% of the population permanently carry S. aureus asymptomatically in their nasal cavity. The risk of infection and transmission to food items or the environment is higher in individuals that are nasally colonized. In addition, S. aureus can acquire various antimicrobial resistances leading to therapeutic failure, additional medical costs, and fatalities. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) cause a considerable burden of disease in humans and animals. MRSA carriage has been associated with animal and in particular livestock contact. Extensive current data on the virulence gene profiles, as well as data on antimicrobial resistance determinants is crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate the burden of disease. To this end, we screened the anterior nares of 160 test subjects (87 pupils and 73 members of farmer families) in Switzerland for S. aureus carriage. A total of 73 S. aureus isolates were obtained. Factors such as exposure to farm or companion animals and personal medical history were recorded using a questionnaire. Using a DNA microarray, isolates were assigned to clonal complexes (CCs), and virulence and resistance gene profiles were determined. The collected strains were assigned to 20 CCs, among others CC1, CC7, CC8, CC15, CC30, CC45, CC97, and CC398. Two MRSA strains and one multiresistant isolate carrying genes blaZ/I/R, InuA, aadD, tetK, and fosB were isolated from farmers with intensive exposure to animals. Strains carrying pvl, causing severe skin lesions and necrotizing pneumonia, as well as tetracycline, erythromycin, and kanamycin resistance genes were found in individuals that had taken antibiotics during the last year. A variety of superantigenic toxin genes was detected, including among others, the toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst1), and various enterotoxins (sea, sec, sel, and the egc cluster). Contact to chickens was identified as a significant factor contributing to S. aureus colonization.

The acid response network of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus colonizes or causes infection in a multitude of niches within a mammalian host. Many of these niches are acidic, yet specific pH resistance mechanisms that facilitate survival have not been thoroughly investigated. This review discusses recent studies documenting known acid resistance mechanisms in S. aureus and other staphylococcal species. However, studies that clearly define the regulation of the acid resistance regulon and potential interactions with weak organic acids in specific niches of the host including the skin and gut are yet to be defined.

Genome Sequence of a Highly Virulent pvl-positive Vancomycin intermediate- resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 30

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus isolates expressing the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) have been related to a wide range of diseases. Recently, pvl-positive community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus belonging to USA1100 (ST30/CC30/SCCmec IV) lineage has emerged in Brazilian hospitals.

Objective:

The aim of this work was to sequence the genome of a pvl-positive USA1100 Vancomycin- Intermediate-Resistant S. aureus (VISA) isolate from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods:

The 13420 genome was sequenced using the HiSeq 2500 platform. The draft genome, plasmids annotation, and genome analysis were performed using RAST. Comparison of the relative pvl gene expression of six S. aureus isolates was performed by qRT-PCR.

Results:

The isolate presented the ϕPVL phage codifying for the H2b PVL protein isoform, and another prophage carrying a PVL variant named lukF and lukS-PV.2. The 13420 genome presented a high number of virulence determinants, such as genes codifying for serine-protease proteins, enterotoxins (egc), the immune evasion cluster (IEC), adhesion proteins, spermine/spermidine acetyltransferase gene (blt), superantigen-like proteins, as well as the ica operon. Point mutations at vraS, tcaA, and tcaB genes were detected. Moreover, the PVL mRNA relative expression of the 13420 isolate was five times higher than mRNA PVL levels of the USA300/ST8 reference strain.

Conclusion:

We described for the first time the genome sequence of a VISA isolate harboring two pvl-associated genes and other virulence factors that may improve the USA1100/ST30 lineage fitness and impact its pathogenicity and spreading at Brazilian hospitals.

Arabidopsis ADC1 functions as an Nδ -acetylornithine decarboxylase

Polyamines are small aliphatic amines found in almost all organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants and animals. In most plants, putrescine, the metabolic precursor for longer polyamines, such as spermidine and spermine, is produced from arginine, with either agmatine or ornithine as intermediates. Here we show that Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) arginine decarboxylase 1 (ADC1), one of the two known arginine decarboxylases in Arabidopsis, not only synthesizes agmatine from arginine, but also converts N^δ -acetylornithine to N-acetylputrescine. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that duplication and neofunctionalization of ADC1 and NATA1, the enzymes that synthesize N^δ -acetylornithine in Arabidopsis, co-occur in a small number of related species in the Brassicaceae. Unlike ADC2, which is localized in the chloroplasts, ADC1 is in the endoplasmic reticulum together with NATA1, an indication that these two enzymes have access to the same substrate pool. Together, these results are consistent with a model whereby NATA1 and ADC1 together provide a pathway for the synthesis of N-acetylputrescine in Arabidopsis.

Small-Molecule Acetylation by GCN5-Related N-Acetyltransferases in Bacteria

Acetylation is a conserved modification used to regulate a variety of cellular pathways, such as gene expression, protein synthesis, detoxification, and virulence. Acetyltransferase enzymes transfer an acetyl moiety, usually from acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA), onto a target substrate, thereby modulating activity or stability. Members of the GCN5- N -acetyltransferase (GNAT) protein superfamily are found in all domains of life and are characterized by a core structural domain architecture. These enzymes can modify primary amines of small molecules or of lysyl residues of proteins. From the initial discovery of antibiotic acetylation, GNATs have been shown to modify a myriad of small-molecule substrates, including tRNAs, polyamines, cell wall components, and other toxins. This review focuses on the literature on small-molecule substrates of GNATs in bacteria, including structural examples, to understand ligand binding and catalysis. Understanding the plethora and versatility of substrates helps frame the role of acetylation within the larger context of bacterial cellular physiology.

SpeG polyamine acetyltransferase enzyme from Bacillus thuringiensis forms a dodecameric structure and exhibits high catalytic efficiency

Polyamines are important for regulating biofilms and the exopolysaccharide of the biofilm matrix of Bacillus subtilis. Understanding how enzymes can regulate polyamine concentrations is critical for learning more about how these processes occur in diverse bacteria. Here, we describe the structure and function of another member of the spermidine/spermine acetyltransferases (SSAT) found in Bacilli. The SpeG enzyme from B. thuringiensis (BtSpeG) binds polyamines in its allosteric site and adopts a dodecameric oligomeric state similar to other SpeG enzymes from Gram-negative bacteria. Our kinetic results show the catalytic efficiency of BtSpeG was greater than any previously characterized SpeG to date, and in contrast to other SpeG proteins it exhibited very similar kinetic properties toward both spermine and spermidine. Similar to the SpeG enzyme from E. coli, BtSpeG was able to acetylate spermidine on the N¹ and N⁸ positions. The turnover of BtSpeG toward spermine and spermidine was also two to three orders of magnitude greater than any other Bacilli SSAT enzyme that has been previously characterized. SpeG proteins from Bacilli, including B. cereus, B. thuringiensis and B. anthracis share nearly identical sequences and therefore our results likely provide insight into the structure/function relationship across multiple Bacillus species.

An integrated computational and experimental study to investigate Staphylococcus aureus metabolism

Staphylococcus aureus is a metabolically versatile pathogen that colonizes nearly all organs of the human body. A detailed and comprehensive knowledge of staphylococcal metabolism is essential to understand its pathogenesis. To this end, we have reconstructed and experimentally validated an updated and enhanced genome-scale metabolic model of S. aureus USA300_FPR3757. The model combined genome annotation data, reaction stoichiometry, and regulation information from biochemical databases and previous strain-specific models. Reactions in the model were checked and fixed to ensure chemical balance and thermodynamic consistency. To further refine the model, growth assessment of 1920 nonessential mutants from the Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library was performed, and metabolite excretion profiles of important mutants in carbon and nitrogen metabolism were determined. The growth and no-growth inconsistencies between the model predictions and in vivo essentiality data were resolved using extensive manual curation based on optimization-based reconciliation algorithms. Upon intensive curation and refinements, the model contains 863 metabolic genes, 1379 metabolites (including 1159 unique metabolites), and 1545 reactions including transport and exchange reactions. To improve the accuracy and predictability of the model to environmental changes, condition-specific regulation information curated from the existing knowledgebase was incorporated. These critical additions improved the model performance significantly in capturing gene essentiality, substrate utilization, and metabolite production capabilities and increased the ability to generate model-based discoveries of therapeutic significance. Use of this highly curated model will enhance the functional utility of omics data, and therefore, serve as a resource to support future investigations of S. aureus and to augment staphylococcal research worldwide.

Integration of in vivo experiment with a newly developed model of Staphylococcus aureus metabolism helps explore its metabolic versatility. A multidisciplinary team led by Rajib Saha at the University of Nebraska developed a new genome-scale metabolic model of the multi-drug resistant pathogen S. aureus by combining genome annotation data, reaction stoichiometry, and condition- and mutant-specific regulations from biochemical databases and previous strain-specific models. Extensive manual curation and incorporation of newly generated experimental data on growth and metabolite production improved the accuracy and predictability of the model and increased its ability to generate model-based discoveries of therapeutic significance. Use of this highly curated model will enhance the functional utility of omics data and, therefore, serve as a resource to support future investigations of S. aureus and to augment staphylococcal research worldwide.

Catabolism of biogenic amines in Pseudomonas species

Biogenic amines (BAs; 2-phenylethylamine, tyramine, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, octopamine, histamine, tryptamine, serotonin, agmatine, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine and certain aliphatic amines) are widely distributed organic molecules that play basic physiological functions in animals, plants and microorganisms. Pseudomonas species can grow in media containing different BAs as carbon and energy sources, a reason why these bacteria are excellent models for studying such catabolic pathways. In this review, we analyse most of the routes used by different species of Pseudomonas (P. putida, P. aeruginosa, P. entomophila and P. fluorescens) to degrade BAs. Analysis of these pathways has led to the identification of a huge number of genes, catabolic enzymes, transport systems and regulators, as well as to understanding of their hierarchy and functional evolution. Knowledge of these pathways has allowed the design and collection of genetically manipulated microbes useful for eliminating BAs from different sources, highlighting the biotechnological applications of these studies.

Staphylococcus petrasii diagnostics and its pathogenic potential enhanced by mobile genetic elements

Staphylococcus petrasii is recently described coagulase negative staphylococcal species and an opportunistic human pathogen, still often misidentified in clinical specimens. Four subspecies are distinguished in S. petrasii by polyphasic taxonomical analyses, however a comparative study has still not been done on the majority of isolates and their genome properties have not yet been thoroughly analysed. Here, we describe the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of 65 isolates and the results of de novo sequencing, whole genome assembly and annotation of draft genomes of five strains. The strains were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to the species level and the majority of the strains were identified to the subspecies level by fingerprinting methods, (GTG)₅ repetitive PCR and ribotyping. Macrorestriction profiling by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was confirmed to be a suitable strain typing method. Comparative genomics revealed the presence of new mobile genetic elements carrying antimicrobial resistance factors such as staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec, transposones, phage-inducible genomic islands, and plasmids. Their mosaic structure and similarity across coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus suggest the possible exchange of these elements. Numerous putative virulence factors such as adhesins, autolysins, exoenzymes, capsule formation genes, immunomodulators, the phage-associated sasX gene, and SCC-associated spermidine N-acetyltransferase gene, pseudouridine and sorbitol utilization operons might explain clinical manifestations of S. petrasii isolates. The increasing recovery of S. petrasii isolates from human clinical material, the multi-drug resistance including methicillin resistance of S. petrasii subsp. jettensis strains, and virulence factors homologous to other pathogenic staphylococci demonstrate the importance of the species in human disease.

Chemical Induction of Aminoglycoside Uptake Overcomes Antibiotic Tolerance and Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Aminoglycoside antibiotics require proton motive force (PMF) for bacterial internalization. In non-respiring populations, PMF drops below the level required for drug influx, limiting the utility of aminoglycosides against strict and facultative anaerobes. We recently demonstrated that rhamnolipids (RLs), biosurfactant molecules produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, potentiate aminoglycoside activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we demonstrate that RLs induce PMF-independent aminoglycoside uptake to restore sensitivity to otherwise tolerant persister, biofilm, small colony variant, and anaerobic populations of S. aureus. Furthermore, we show that this approach represses the rise of resistance, restores sensitivity to highly resistant clinical isolates, and is effective against other Gram-positive pathogens. Finally, while other membrane-acting agents can synergize with aminoglycosides, induction of PMF-independent uptake is uncommon, and distinct to RLs among several compounds tested. In all, small-molecule induction of PMF-independent aminoglycoside uptake circumvents phenotypic tolerance, overcomes genotypic resistance, and expands the utility of aminoglycosides against intrinsically recalcitrant bacterial populations.

Respiration and Small Colony Variants of Staphylococcus aureus

Respiratory mutants, both naturally occurring and genetically constructed, have taught us about the importance of metabolism in influencing virulence factor production, persistence, and antibiotic resistance. As we learn more about small colony variants, we find that Staphylococcus aureus has many pathways to produce small colony variants, although the respiratory variants are the best described clinically and in the laboratory.

The copBL operon protects Staphylococcus aureus from copper toxicity: CopL is an extracellular membrane-associated copper-binding protein

As complications associated with antibiotic resistance have intensified, copper (Cu) is attracting attention as an antimicrobial agent. Recent studies have shown that copper surfaces decrease microbial burden, and host macrophages use Cu to increase bacterial killing. Not surprisingly, microbes have evolved mechanisms to tightly control intracellular Cu pools and protect against Cu toxicity. Here, we identified two genes (copB and copL) encoded within the Staphylococcus aureus arginine-catabolic mobile element (ACME) that we hypothesized function in Cu homeostasis. Supporting this hypothesis, mutational inactivation of copB or copL increased copper sensitivity. We found that copBL are co-transcribed and that their transcription is increased during copper stress and in a strain in which csoR, encoding a Cu-responsive transcriptional repressor, was mutated. Moreover, copB displayed genetic synergy with copA, suggesting that CopB functions in Cu export. We further observed that CopL functions independently of CopB or CopA in Cu toxicity protection and that CopL from the S. aureus clone USA300 is a membrane-bound and surface-exposed lipoprotein that binds up to four Cu+ ions. Solution NMR structures of the homologous Bacillus subtilis CopL, together with phylogenetic analysis and chemical-shift perturbation experiments, identified conserved residues potentially involved in Cu+ coordination. The solution NMR structure also revealed a novel Cu-binding architecture. Of note, a CopL variant with defective Cu+ binding did not protect against Cu toxicity in vivo Taken together, these findings indicate that the ACME-encoded CopB and CopL proteins are additional factors utilized by the highly successful S. aureus USA300 clone to suppress copper toxicity.

Putrescine biosynthesis and export genes are essential for normal growth of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the infectious agent of a wide variety of avian diseases, which causes substantial economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Polyamines contribute to the optimal synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in bacteria. The objectives of this study were to investigate; i) whether APEC E. coli encodes the same systems for biosynthesis and uptake as described for E. coli K12 and ii) the role of polyamines during in vitro growth of an avian pathogenic E. coli strain (WT-ST117- O83:H4T).

RESULTS

Following whole genome sequencing, polyamine biosynthesis and export genes present in E. coli MG1655 (K-12) were found to be identical in WT-ST117. Defined mutants were constructed in putrescine and spermidine biosynthesis pathways (ΔspeB, ΔspeC, ΔspeF, ΔspeB/C and ΔspeD/E), and in polyamines transport systems (ΔpotE, ΔyeeF, ΔpotABCD and ΔpotFGHI). Contrary to what was observed for MG1655, the ΔpotE-ST117 mutant was growth attenuated, regardless of putrescine supplementation. The addition of spermidine or orthinine restored the growth to the level of WT-ST117. Growth attenuation after induction of membrane stress by SDS suggested that PotE is involved in protection against this stress. The ΔspeB/C-ST117 mutant was also growth attenuated in minimal medium. The addition of putrescine or spermidine to the media restored growth rate to the wild type level. The remaining biosynthesis and transport mutants showed a growth similar to that of WT-ST117. Analysis by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography revealed that the ΔspeB/C mutant was putrescine-deficient, despite that the gene speF, which is also involved in the synthesis of putrescine, was expressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Deletion of the putrescine transport system, PotE, or the putrescine biosynthesis pathway genes speB/C affected in vitro growth of APEC (ST117- O83:H4) strain, but not E. coli MG1655, despite the high similarity of the genetic make-up of biosynthesis and transport genes. Therefore, blocking these metabolic reactions may be a suitable way to prevent APEC growth in the host without disturbing the commensal E. coli population.

The spermidine acetyltransferase SpeG regulates transcription of the small RNA rprA

Spermidine N-acetyltransferase (SpeG) acetylates and thus neutralizes toxic polyamines. Studies indicate that SpeG plays an important role in virulence and pathogenicity of many bacteria, which have evolved SpeG-dependent strategies to control polyamine concentrations and survive in their hosts. In Escherichia coli, the two-component response regulator RcsB is reported to be subject to N^ε-acetylation on several lysine residues, resulting in reduced DNA binding affinity and reduced transcription of the small RNA rprA; however, the physiological acetylation mechanism responsible for this behavior has not been fully determined. Here, we performed an acetyltransferase screen and found that SpeG inhibits rprA promoter activity in an acetylation-independent manner. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that SpeG can physically interact with the DNA-binding carboxyl domain of RcsB. We hypothesize that SpeG interacts with the DNA-binding domain of RcsB and that this interaction might be responsible for SpeG-dependent inhibition of RcsB-dependent rprA transcription. This work provides a model for SpeG as a modulator of E. coli transcription through its ability to interact with the transcription factor RcsB. This is the first study to provide evidence that an enzyme involved in polyamine metabolism can influence the function of the global regulator RcsB, which integrates information concerning envelope stresses and central metabolic status to regulate diverse behaviors.

Are coagulase-negative staphylococci virulent?

BACKGROUND

Progress in contemporary medicine is associated with an increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. In this vulnerable group, the underlying disease together with long-term hospitalization and the use of medical devices facilitate infections by opportunistic pathogens, of which coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) represent a prime example.

OBJECTIVES

The diversity of CoNS with species- and strain-specific differences concerning virulence and clinical impact is highlighted. A focus is on the ability of CoNS to generate biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, which enables skin and mucosa colonization as well as establishment of CoNS on indwelling foreign bodies.

SOURCES

Literature about the virulence of CoNS listed in PubMed was reviewed.

CONTENT

Most catheter-related and prosthetic joint infections as well as most other device-related infections are caused by CoNS, specifically by Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. A common theme of CoNS infections is a high antibiotic resistance rate, which often limits treatment options and contributes to the significant health and economic burden imposed by CoNS.

IMPLICATIONS

Breaching the skin barrier along with the insertion of medical devices offers CoNS opportunities to gain access to host tissues and to sustain there by forming biofilms on foreign body surfaces. Biofilms represent the perfect niche to protect CoNS from both the host immune response and the action of antibiotics. Their particular lifestyle, combined with conditions that facilitate host colonization and infection, has led to the growing impact of CoNS as pathogens. Moreover, CoNS may serve as hidden reservoirs for antibiotic resistance and virulence traits.