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Möller J, Nosratabadi F, Musella L, Hofmann J, Burkovski A. Corynebacterium diphtheriae Proteome Adaptation to Cell Culture Medium and Serum. Proteomes 2021; 9:proteomes9010014. [PMID: 33805816 PMCID: PMC8005964 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes9010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-pathogen interactions are often studied in vitro using primary or immortal cell lines. This set-up avoids ethical problems of animal testing and has the additional advantage of lower costs. However, the influence of cell culture media on bacterial growth and metabolism is not considered or investigated in most cases. To address this question growth and proteome adaptation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain ISS3319 were investigated in this study. Bacteria were cultured in standard growth medium, cell culture medium, and fetal calf serum. Mass spectrometric analyses and label-free protein quantification hint at an increased bacterial pathogenicity when grown in cell culture medium as well as an influence of the growth medium on the cell envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Möller
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (F.N.); (L.M.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-28802
| | - Fatemeh Nosratabadi
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (F.N.); (L.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Musella
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (F.N.); (L.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (F.N.); (L.M.); (A.B.)
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Seth-Smith HMB, Egli A. Whole Genome Sequencing for Surveillance of Diphtheria in Low Incidence Settings. Front Public Health 2019; 7:235. [PMID: 31497588 PMCID: PMC6713046 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae) is a relatively rare pathogen in most Western countries. While toxin producing strains can cause pharyngeal diphtheria with potentially fatal outcomes, the more common presentation is wound infections. The diphtheria toxin is encoded on a prophage and can also be carried by Corynebacterium ulcerans and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Currently, across Europe, infections are mainly diagnosed in travelers and refugees from regions where diphtheria is more endemic, patients from urban areas with poor hygiene, and intravenous drug users. About half of the cases are non-toxin producing isolates. Rapid identification of the bacterial pathogen and toxin production is a critical element of patient and outbreak management. Beside the immediate clinical management of the patient, public health agencies should be informed of toxigenic C. diphtheriae diagnoses as soon as possible. The collection of case-related epidemiological data from the patient is often challenging due to language barriers and social circumstances. However, information on patient contacts, vaccine status and travel/refugee route, where appropriate, is critical, and should be documented. In addition, isolates should be characterized using high resolution typing, in order to identify transmissions and outbreaks. In recent years, whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become the gold standard of high-resolution typing methods, allowing detailed investigations of pathogen transmissions. De-centralized sequencing strategies with redundancy in sequencing capacities, followed by data exchange may be a valuable future option, especially since WGS becomes more available and portable. In this context, the sharing of sequence data, using public available platforms, is essential. A close interaction between microbiology laboratories, treating physicians, refugee centers, social workers, and public health officials is a key element in successful management of suspected outbreaks. Analyzing bacterial isolates at reference centers may further help to provide more specialized microbiological techniques and to standardize information, but this is also more time consuming during an outbreak. Centralized communication strategies between public health agencies and laboratories helps considerably in establishing and coordinating effective surveillance and infection control. We review the current literature on high-resolution typing of C. diphtheriae and share our own experience with the coordination of a Swiss-German outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M. B. Seth-Smith
- Division of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Egli
- Division of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Brodzik K, Krysztopa-Grzybowska K, Polak M, Lach J, Strapagiel D, Zasada AA. Analysis of the Amino Acid Sequence Variation of the 67-72p Protein and the Structural Pili Proteins of Corynebacterium diphtheriae for their Suitability as Potential Vaccine Antigens. Pol J Microbiol 2019; 68:233-246. [PMID: 31250594 PMCID: PMC7256701 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2019-025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the potential vaccine antigens in Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains by in silico analysis of the amino acid variation in the 67-72p surface protein that is involved in the colonization and induction of epithelial cell apoptosis in the early stages of infection. The analysis of pili structural proteins involved in bacterial adherence to host cells and related to various types of infections was also performed. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to amplify the genes encoding the 67-72p protein and three pili structural proteins (SpaC, SpaI, SapD) and the products obtained were sequenced. The nucleotide sequences of the particular genes were translated into amino acid sequences, which were then matched among all the tested strains using bioinformatics tools. In the last step, the affinity of the tested proteins to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II, and linear B-cell epitopes was analyzed. The variations in the nucleotide sequence of the 67-72p protein and pili structural proteins among C. diphtheriae strains isolated from various infections were noted. A transposition of the insertion sequence within the gene encoding the SpaC pili structural proteins was also detected. In addition, the bioinformatics analyses enabled the identification of epitopes for B-cells and T-cells in the conserved regions of the proteins, thus, demonstrating that these proteins could be used as antigens in the potential vaccine development. The results identified the most conserved regions in all tested proteins that are exposed on the surface of C. diphtheriae cells. The aim of this study was to identify the potential vaccine antigens in Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains by in silico analysis of the amino acid variation in the 67–72p surface protein that is involved in the colonization and induction of epithelial cell apoptosis in the early stages of infection. The analysis of pili structural proteins involved in bacterial adherence to host cells and related to various types of infections was also performed. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to amplify the genes encoding the 67–72p protein and three pili structural proteins (SpaC, SpaI, SapD) and the products obtained were sequenced. The nucleotide sequences of the particular genes were translated into amino acid sequences, which were then matched among all the tested strains using bioinformatics tools. In the last step, the affinity of the tested proteins to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II, and linear B-cell epitopes was analyzed. The variations in the nucleotide sequence of the 67–72p protein and pili structural proteins among C. diphtheriae strains isolated from various infections were noted. A transposition of the insertion sequence within the gene encoding the SpaC pili structural proteins was also detected. In addition, the bioinformatics analyses enabled the identification of epitopes for B-cells and T-cells in the conserved regions of the proteins, thus, demonstrating that these proteins could be used as antigens in the potential vaccine development. The results identified the most conserved regions in all tested proteins that are exposed on the surface of C. diphtheriae cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Brodzik
- Department of Sera and Vaccines Evaluation, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Katarzyna Krysztopa-Grzybowska
- Department of Sera and Vaccines Evaluation, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Maciej Polak
- Department of Sera and Vaccines Evaluation, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Jakub Lach
- Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland
| | - Dominik Strapagiel
- Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz , Lodz , Poland ; BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wroclaw Research Center EIT+ , Wroclaw , Poland
| | - Aleksandra Anna Zasada
- Department of Sera and Vaccines Evaluation, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene , Warsaw , Poland
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Weerasekera D, Stengel F, Sticht H, de Mattos Guaraldi AL, Burkovski A, Azevedo Antunes C. The C-terminal coiled-coil domain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae DIP0733 is crucial for interaction with epithelial cells and pathogenicity in invertebrate animal model systems. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:106. [PMID: 30180805 PMCID: PMC6123952 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1247-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the etiologic agent of diphtheria and different systemic infections. The bacterium has been classically described as an extracellular pathogen. However, a number of studies revealed its ability to invade epithelial cells, indicating a more complex pathogen-host interaction. The molecular mechanisms controlling and facilitating internalization of C. diphtheriae still remains unclear. Recently, the DIP0733 transmembrane protein was found to play an important role in the interaction with matrix proteins and cell surfaces, nematode colonization, cellular internalization and induction of cell death. Results In this study, we identified a number of short linear motifs and structural elements of DIP0733 with putative importance in virulence, using bioinformatic approaches. A C-terminal coiled-coil region of the protein was considered particularly important, since it was found only in DIP0733 homologs in pathogenic Corynebacterium species but not in non-pathogenic corynebacteria. Infections of epithelial cells and transepithelial resistance assays revealed that bacteria expressing the truncated form of C. diphtheriae DIP0733 and C. glutamicum DIP0733 homolog are less virulent, while the fusion of the coiled-coil sequence to the DIP0733 homolog from C. glutamicum resulted in increased pathogenicity. These results were supported by nematode killing assays and experiments using wax moth larvae as invertebrate model systems. Conclusions Our data indicate that the coil-coiled domain of DIP0733 is crucial for interaction with epithelial cells and pathogenicity in invertebrate animal model systems. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1247-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulanthi Weerasekera
- Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Stengel
- Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ana Luíza de Mattos Guaraldi
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Camila Azevedo Antunes
- Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. .,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Beijerink NJ, Bergmann W, Szatmári V. Incomplete endothelialization of an intravascular implant and fatal late-onset bacterial ductal arteritis in a dog with occluded patent ductus arteriosus. J Vet Intern Med 2018. [PMID: 29524349 PMCID: PMC5980296 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An 18‐month‐old male Akita Inu dog developed fever and lameness 8 months after successful transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus with an Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO). Corynebacterium species were cultured from 3 blood samples. Echocardiography showed a vegetative process on the aortic valves. The dog died spontaneously 3 days after development of the initial signs. Necropsy confirmed the presence of bacterial ductal arteritis and myocarditis, and revealed an incomplete endothelialization of the intraductal metal implant. The reason for the lack of (neo)endothelialization of the ACDO remains unknown. We conclude that late‐onset bacterial device‐related ductal arteritis can develop in dogs where the implant is incompletely covered by a protective endothelial layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Jozef Beijerink
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Viktor Szatmári
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and Corynebacterium ulcerans share one distinctive feature: they are all putative carriers of the diphtheria toxin (DT), encoded by a β-corynephage integrated into the genome. Due to its medical relevance, C. diphtheriae may be the most highly investigated species of the genus Corynebacterium. Nevertheless, systemic infections caused by C. ulcerans are increasingly being reported indicating that this species is an emerging pathogen today. C. diphtheriae, C. pseudotuberculosis and C. ulcerans are able to colonize different types of epithelial cells in a strain-specific manner, independent of the presence of the tox gene. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to host colonization are barely understood. This review gives a comprehensive update of recent data concerning the adhesion properties of toxigenic corynebacteria, demonstrating that adhesion is a multi-factorial process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ott
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Professur für Mikrobiologie, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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Peixoto RS, Antunes CA, Lourêdo LS, Viana VG, Santos CSD, Fuentes Ribeiro da Silva J, Hirata R, Hacker E, Mattos-Guaraldi AL, Burkovski A. Functional characterization of the collagen-binding protein DIP2093 and its influence on host-pathogen interaction and arthritogenic potential of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:692-701. [PMID: 28535857 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is typically recognized as the a etiological agent of diphtheria, a toxaemic infection of the respiratory tract; however, both non-toxigenic and toxigenic strains are increasingly isolated from cases of invasive infections. The molecular mechanisms responsible for bacterial colonization and dissemination to host tissues remain only partially understood. In this report, we investigated the role of DIP2093, described as a putative adhesin of the serine-aspartate repeat (Sdr) protein family in host-pathogen interactions of C. diphtheriae wild-type strain NCTC13129. Compared to the parental strain, a DIP2093 mutant RN generated in this study was attenuated in its ability to bind to type I collagen, to adhere to and invade epithelial cells, as well as to survive within macrophages. Furthermore, DIP2093 mutant strain RN had a less detrimental impact on the viability of Caenorhabditis elegans as well as in the clinical severity of arthritis in mice. In conclusion, DIP2093 functions as a microbial surface component recognizing adhesive matrix molecules, and may be included among the factors that contribute to the pathogenicity of C. diphtheriae strains, independently of toxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Stavracakis Peixoto
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, (IMPPG/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Camila Azevedo Antunes
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Liliane Simpson Lourêdo
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz- FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vanilda Gonçalves Viana
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cintia Silva Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jemima Fuentes Ribeiro da Silva
- Ultrastructure and Tissue Biology, Department of Histology and Embryology, Roberto Alcântara Gomes Biology Institute - iBRAG - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raphael Hirata
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elena Hacker
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ana Luíza Mattos-Guaraldi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, (IMPPG/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Peixoto RS, Hacker E, Antunes CA, Weerasekera D, Dias AA, Martins CA, Hirata R, Santos KRND, Burkovski A, Mattos-Guaraldi AL. Pathogenic properties of a Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain isolated from a case of osteomyelitis. J Med Microbiol 2017; 65:1311-1321. [PMID: 27902402 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is typically recognized as a colonizer of the upper respiratory tract (respiratory diphtheria) and the skin (cutaneous diphtheria). However, different strains of Corynebacteriumdiphtheriae can also cause invasive infections. In this study, the characterization of a non-toxigenic Corynebacteriumdiphtheriae strain (designated BR-INCA5015) isolated from osteomyelitis in the frontal bone of a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma was performed. Pathogenic properties of the strain BR-INCA5015 were tested in a Caenorhabditis elegans survival assay showing strong colonization and killing by this strain. Survival rates of 3.8±2.7 %, 33.6±7.3 % and 0 % were observed for strains ATCC 27010T, ATCC 27012 and BR-INCA5015, respectively, at day 7. BR-INCA5015 was able to colonize epithelial cells, showing elevated capacity to adhere to and survive within HeLa cells compared to other Corynebacteriumdiphtheriae isolates. Intracellular survival in macrophages (THP-1 and RAW 264.7) was significantly higher compared to control strains ATCC 27010T (non-toxigenic) and ATCC 27012 (toxigenic). Furthermore, the ability of BR-INCA5015 to induce osteomyelitis was confirmed by in vivo assay using Swiss Webster mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Stavracakis Peixoto
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Rio de Janeiro Federal University (IMPPG/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elena Hacker
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Camila Azevedo Antunes
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Dulanthi Weerasekera
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A A Dias
- National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Martins
- Brazilian National Cancer Institute - Ministry of Health, INCA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raphael Hirata
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Kátia Regina Netto Dos Santos
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Rio de Janeiro Federal University (IMPPG/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ana Luíza Mattos-Guaraldi
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Rio de Janeiro Federal University (IMPPG/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Hacker E, Antunes CA, Mattos-Guaraldi AL, Burkovski A, Tauch A. Corynebacterium ulcerans, an emerging human pathogen. Future Microbiol 2016; 11:1191-208. [PMID: 27545005 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While formerly known infections of Corynebacterium ulcerans are rare and mainly associated with contact to infected cattle, C. ulcerans has become an emerging pathogen today. In Western Europe, cases of respiratory diphtheria caused by C. ulcerans have been reported more often than infections by Corynebacterium diphtheria, while systemic infections are also increasingly reported. Little is known about factors that contribute to host colonization and virulence of this zoonotic pathogen. Research in this field has received new impetus by the publication of several C. ulcerans genome sequences in the past years. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the basic knowledge of C. ulcerans, as well as the recent advances made in the analysis of putative virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hacker
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Camila A Antunes
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Clinically Important Corynebacteria (LDCIC), Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana L Mattos-Guaraldi
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Clinically Important Corynebacteria (LDCIC), Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Tauch
- Centrum für Biotechnologie, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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10
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Sangal V, Blom J, Sutcliffe IC, von Hunolstein C, Burkovski A, Hoskisson PA. Adherence and invasive properties of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains correlates with the predicted membrane-associated and secreted proteome. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:765. [PMID: 26452736 PMCID: PMC4600297 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains are emerging as a major cause of severe pharyngitis and tonsillitis as well as invasive diseases such as endocarditis, septic arthritis, splenic abscesses and osteomyelitis. C. diphtheriae strains have been reported to vary in their ability to adhere and invade different cell lines. To identify the genetic basis of variation in the degrees of pathogenicity, we sequenced the genomes of four strains of C. diphtheriae (ISS 3319, ISS 4060, ISS 4746 and ISS 4749) that are well characterised in terms of their ability to adhere and invade mammalian cells. RESULTS Comparative analyses of 20 C. diphtheriae genome sequences, including 16 publicly available genomes, revealed a pan-genome comprising 3,989 protein coding sequences that include 1,625 core genes and 2,364 accessory genes. Most of the genomic variation between these strains relates to uncharacterised genes encoding hypothetical proteins or transposases. Further analyses of protein sequences using an array of bioinformatic tools predicted most of the accessory proteome to be located in the cytoplasm. The membrane-associated and secreted proteins are generally involved in adhesion and virulence characteristics. The genes encoding membrane-associated proteins, especially the number and organisation of the pilus gene clusters (spa) including the number of genes encoding surface proteins with LPXTG motifs differed between different strains. Other variations were among the genes encoding extracellular proteins, especially substrate binding proteins of different functional classes of ABC transport systems and 'non-classical' secreted proteins. CONCLUSIONS The structure and organisation of the spa gene clusters correlates with differences in the ability of C. diphtheriae strains to adhere and invade the host cells. Furthermore, differences in the number of genes encoding membrane-associated proteins, e.g., additional proteins with LPXTG motifs could also result in variation in the adhesive properties between different strains. The variation in the secreted proteome may be associated with the degree of pathogenesis. While the role of the 'non-classical' secretome in virulence remains unclear, differences in the substrate binding proteins of various ABC transport systems and cytoplasmic proteins potentially suggest strain variation in nutritional requirements or a differential ability to utilize various carbon sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vartul Sangal
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Jochen Blom
- Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, Justus-Liebig-Universität, 35392, Gießen, Germany.
| | - Iain C Sutcliffe
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | | | - Andreas Burkovski
- Professur für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Paul A Hoskisson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK.
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Santos LSD, Antunes CA, Santos CSD, Pereira JAA, Sabbadini PS, Luna MDGD, Azevedo V, Hirata Júnior R, Burkovski A, Asad LMBDO, Mattos-Guaraldi AL. Corynebacterium diphtheriae putative tellurite-resistance protein (CDCE8392_0813) contributes to the intracellular survival in human epithelial cells and lethality of Caenorhabditis elegans. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:662-8. [PMID: 26107188 PMCID: PMC4569831 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760140479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the aetiologic agent of diphtheria,
also represents a global medical challenge because of the existence of invasive
strains as causative agents of systemic infections. Although tellurite
(TeO32-) is toxic to most microorganisms, TeO32--resistant
bacteria, including C. diphtheriae, exist in
nature. The presence of TeO32--resistance (TeR)
determinants in pathogenic bacteria might provide selective advantages in the natural
environment. In the present study, we investigated the role of the putative
TeR determinant (CDCE8392_813gene) in the virulence
attributes of diphtheria bacilli. The disruption of CDCE8392_0813 gene expression in
the LDCIC-L1 mutant increased susceptibility to TeO32- and reactive oxygen
species (hydrogen peroxide), but not to other antimicrobial agents. The LDCIC-L1
mutant also showed a decrease in both the lethality of Caenorhabditis elegans
and the survival inside of human epithelial cells compared to wild-type
strain. Conversely, the haemagglutinating activity and adherence to and formation of
biofilms on different abiotic surfaces were not regulated through the CDCE8392_0813
gene. In conclusion, the CDCE8392_813 gene contributes to the TeR and
pathogenic potential of C. diphtheriae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisy Sanches Dos Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
| | - Camila Azevedo Antunes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, BR
| | - Cintia Silva Dos Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
| | - José Augusto Adler Pereira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
| | - Priscila Soares Sabbadini
- Laboratório de Doenças Bacterianas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, BR
| | - Maria das Graças de Luna
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, BR
| | - Raphael Hirata Júnior
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Lehrstuhl fuer Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, DE
| | - Lídia Maria Buarque de Oliveira Asad
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
| | - Ana Luíza Mattos-Guaraldi
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
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Antunes CA, Sanches dos Santos L, Hacker E, Köhler S, Bösl K, Ott L, de Luna MDG, Hirata R, Azevedo VADC, Mattos-Guaraldi AL, Burkovski A. Characterization of DIP0733, a multi-functional virulence factor of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2015; 161:639-47. [PMID: 25635272 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is typically recognized as an extracellular pathogen. However, a number of studies revealed its ability to invade epithelial cells, indicating a more complex pathogen-host interaction. The molecular mechanisms controlling and facilitating internalization of Cor. diphtheriae are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of DIP0733 as virulence factor to elucidate how it contributes to the process of pathogen-host cell interaction. Based on in vitro experiments, it was suggested recently that the DIP0733 protein might be involved in adhesion, invasion of epithelial cells and induction of apoptosis. A corresponding Cor. diphtheriae mutant strain generated in this study was attenuated in its ability to colonize and kill the host in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model system. Furthermore, the mutant showed an altered adhesion pattern and a drastically reduced ability to adhere and invade epithelial cells. Subsequent experiments showed an influence of DIP0733 on binding of Cor. diphtheriae to extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. Furthermore, based on its fibrinogen-binding activity, DIP0733 may play a role in avoiding recognition of Cor. diphtheriae by the immune system. In summary, our findings support the idea that DIP0733 is a multi-functional virulence factor of Cor. diphtheriae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Azevedo Antunes
- Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany Departmento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Elena Hacker
- Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Köhler
- Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Korbinian Bösl
- Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lisa Ott
- Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Raphael Hirata
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo
- Departmento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Andreas Burkovski
- Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Gomes DLR, Peixoto RS, Barbosa EAB, Napoleão F, Sabbadini PS, Dos Santos KRN, Mattos-Guaraldi AL, Hirata R. SubMICs of penicillin and erythromycin enhance biofilm formation and hydrophobicity of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains. J Med Microbiol 2013; 62:754-760. [PMID: 23449875 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.052373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Subinhibitory concentrations (subMICs) of antibiotics may alter bacterial surface properties and change microbial physiology. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a subMIC (⅛ MIC) of penicillin (PEN) and erythromycin (ERY) on bacterial morphology, haemagglutinating activity, cell-surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and biofilm formation on glass and polystyrene surfaces, as well as the distribution of cell-surface acidic anionic residues of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains (HC01 tox(-) strain; CDC-E8392 and 241 tox(+) strains). All micro-organisms tested were susceptible to PEN and ERY. Growth in the presence of PEN induced bacterial filamentation, whereas subMIC of ERY caused cell-size reduction of strains 241 and CDC-E8392. Adherence to human erythrocytes was reduced after growth in the presence of ERY, while CSH was increased by a subMIC of both antibiotics in bacterial adherence to n-hexadecane assays. Conversely, antibiotic inhibition of biofilm formation was not observed. All strains enhanced biofilm formation on glass after treatment with ERY, while only strain 241 increased glass adherence after cultivation in the presence of PEN. Biofilm production on polystyrene surfaces was improved by ⅛ MIC of ERY. After growth in the presence of both antimicrobial agents, strains 241 and CDC-E8392 exhibited anionic surface charges with focal distribution. In conclusion, subMICs of PEN and ERY modified bacterial surface properties and enhanced not only biofilm formation but also cell-surface hydrophobicity. Antibiotic-induced biofilm formation may contribute to the inconsistent success of antimicrobial therapy for C. diphtheriae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L R Gomes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro, IFRJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Medical Relevance, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | - R S Peixoto
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Medical Relevance, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | - E A B Barbosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro, IFRJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | - F Napoleão
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Medical Relevance, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | - P S Sabbadini
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Medical Relevance, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | - K R N Dos Santos
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | - A L Mattos-Guaraldi
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Medical Relevance, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | - R Hirata
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Medical Relevance, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
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Cell envelope of corynebacteria: structure and influence on pathogenicity. ISRN MICROBIOLOGY 2013; 2013:935736. [PMID: 23724339 PMCID: PMC3658426 DOI: 10.1155/2013/935736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To date the genus Corynebacterium comprises 88 species. More than half of these are connected to human and animal infections, with the most prominent member of the pathogenic species being Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which is also the type species of the genus. Corynebacterium species are characterized by a complex cell wall architecture: the plasma membrane of these bacteria is followed by a peptidoglycan layer, which itself is covalently linked to a polymer of arabinogalactan. Bound to this, an outer layer of mycolic acids is found which is functionally equivalent to the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. As final layer, free polysaccharides, glycolipids, and proteins are found. The composition of the different substructures of the corynebacterial cell envelope and their influence on pathogenicity are discussed in this paper.
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15
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Ott L, Scholz B, Höller M, Hasselt K, Ensser A, Burkovski A. Induction of the NFκ-B signal transduction pathway in response to Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection. Microbiology (Reading) 2013; 159:126-135. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.061879-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ott
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Brigitte Scholz
- Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Virologisches Institut des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Höller
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kristin Hasselt
- BioCer Entwicklungs-GmbH, Ludwig-Thoma-Str. 36c, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Armin Ensser
- Klinische und Molekulare Virologie, Virologisches Institut des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Dias AADSDO, Santos LS, Sabbadini PS, Santos CS, Silva Junior FC, Napoleão F, Nagao PE, Villas-Bôas MHS, Hirata Junior R, Guaraldi ALM. Corynebacterium ulcerans diphtheria: an emerging zoonosis in Brazil and worldwide. Rev Saude Publica 2012; 45:1176-91. [PMID: 22124745 DOI: 10.1590/s0034-89102011000600021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The article is a literature review on the emergence of human infections caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans in many countries including Brazil. Articles in Medline/PubMed and SciELO databases published between 1926 and 2011 were reviewed, as well as articles and reports of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. It is presented a fast, cost-effective and easy to perform screening test for the presumptive diagnosis of C. ulcerans and C. diphtheriae infections in most Brazilian public and private laboratories. C. ulcerans spread in many countries and recent isolation of this pathogen in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, is a warning to clinicians, veterinarians, and microbiologists on the occurrence of zoonotic diphtheria and C. ulcerans dissemination in urban and rural areas of Brazil and/or Latin America.
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17
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Rheinlaender J, Gräbner A, Ott L, Burkovski A, Schäffer TE. Contour and persistence length of Corynebacterium diphtheriae pili by atomic force microscopy. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2012; 41:561-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-012-0818-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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18
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Sabbadini PS, Assis MC, Trost E, Gomes DLR, Moreira LO, Dos Santos CS, Pereira GA, Nagao PE, Azevedo VADC, Hirata Júnior R, Dos Santos ALS, Tauch A, Mattos-Guaraldi AL. Corynebacterium diphtheriae 67-72p hemagglutinin, characterized as the protein DIP0733, contributes to invasion and induction of apoptosis in HEp-2 cells. Microb Pathog 2012; 52:165-76. [PMID: 22239957 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although Corynebacterium diphtheriae has been classically described as an exclusively extracellular pathogen, there is growing evidence that it may be internalized by epithelial cells. The aim of the present report was to investigate the nature and involvement of the surface-exposed non-fimbrial 67-72 kDa proteins (67-72p), previously characterized as adhesin/hemagglutinin, in C. diphtheriae internalization by HEp-2 cells. Transmission electron microscopy and bacterial internalization inhibition assays indicated the role of 67-72p as invasin for strains of varied sources. Cytoskeletal changes with accumulation of polymerized actin in HEp-2 cells beneath adherent 67-72p-adsorbed microspheres were observed by the Fluorescent actin staining test. Trypan blue staining method and Methylthiazole tetrazolium reduction assay showed a significant decrease in viability of HEp-2 cells treated with 67-72p. Morphological changes in HEp-2 cells observed after treatment with 67-72p included vacuolization, nuclear fragmentation and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Flow cytometry revealed an apoptotic volume decrease in HEp-2 cells treated with 67-72p. Moreover, a double-staining assay using Propidium Iodide/Annexin V gave information about the numbers of vital vs. early apoptotic cells and late apoptotic or secondary necrotic cells. The comparative analysis of MALDI-TOF MS experiments with the probes provided for 67-72p CDC-E8392 with an in silico proteome deduced from the complete genome sequence of C. diphtheriae identified with significant scores 67-72p as the protein DIP0733. In conclusion, DIP0733 (67-72p) may be directly implicated in bacterial invasion and apoptosis of epithelial cells in the early stages of diphtheria and C. diphtheriae invasive infection.
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19
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Adhesion by Pathogenic Corynebacteria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 715:91-103. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-0940-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Ott L, Höller M, Rheinlaender J, Schäffer TE, Hensel M, Burkovski A. Strain-specific differences in pili formation and the interaction of Corynebacterium diphtheriae with host cells. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:257. [PMID: 20942914 PMCID: PMC2965157 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative agent of diphtheria, is well-investigated in respect to toxin production, while little is known about C. diphtheriae factors crucial for colonization of the host. In this study, we investigated strain-specific differences in adhesion, invasion and intracellular survival and analyzed formation of pili in different isolates. RESULTS Adhesion of different C. diphtheriae strains to epithelial cells and invasion of these cells are not strictly coupled processes. Using ultrastructure analyses by atomic force microscopy, significant differences in macromolecular surface structures were found between the investigated C. diphtheriae strains in respect to number and length of pili. Interestingly, adhesion and pili formation are not coupled processes and also no correlation between invasion and pili formation was found. Using RNA hybridization and Western blotting experiments, strain-specific pili expression patterns were observed. None of the studied C. diphtheriae strains had a dramatic detrimental effect on host cell viability as indicated by measurements of transepithelial resistance of Detroit 562 cell monolayers and fluorescence microscopy, leading to the assumption that C. diphtheriae strains might use epithelial cells as an environmental niche supplying protection against antibodies and macrophages. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained suggest that it is necessary to investigate various isolates on a molecular level to understand and to predict the colonization process of different C. diphtheriae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ott
- Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
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21
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Corynebacterium diphtheriae invasion-associated protein (DIP1281) is involved in cell surface organization, adhesion and internalization in epithelial cells. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:2. [PMID: 20051108 PMCID: PMC2827468 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative agent of diphtheria, is well-investigated in respect to toxin production, while little is known about C. diphtheriae factors crucial for colonization of the host. In this study, we investigated the function of surface-associated protein DIP1281, previously annotated as hypothetical invasion-associated protein. Results Microscopic inspection of DIP1281 mutant strains revealed an increased size of the single cells in combination with an altered less club-like shape and formation of chains of cells rather than the typical V-like division forms or palisades of growing C. diphtheriae cells. Cell viability was not impaired. Immuno-fluorescence microscopy, SDS-PAGE and 2-D PAGE of surface proteins revealed clear differences of wild-type and mutant protein patterns, which were verified by atomic force microscopy. DIP1281 mutant cells were not only altered in shape and surface structure but completely lack the ability to adhere to host cells and consequently invade these. Conclusions Our data indicate that DIP1281 is predominantly involved in the organization of the outer surface protein layer rather than in the separation of the peptidoglycan cell wall of dividing bacteria. The adhesion- and invasion-negative phenotype of corresponding mutant strains is an effect of rearrangements of the outer surface.
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22
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Moreira LO, Mattos-Guaraldi AL, Andrade AFB. Novel lipoarabinomannan-like lipoglycan (CdiLAM) contributes to the adherence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae to epithelial cells. Arch Microbiol 2008; 190:521-30. [PMID: 18575847 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-008-0398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2008] [Revised: 04/20/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The genus Corynebacterium is part of the phylogenetic group nocardioform actinomycetes. Members of this group have a characteristic cell envelope structure composed primarily of branched long-chain lipids, termed mycolic acids, and a rich number of lipoglycans such as lipoarabinomanans (LAM) and lipomannans. In this study, we identified a novel LAM variant isolated from Corynebacterium diphtheriae named CdiLAM. The key structural features of CdiLAM are a linear alpha-1-->6-mannan with side chains containing 2-linked alpha-D-Manp and 4-linked alpha-D-Araf residues. The polysaccharide backbone is linked to a phosphatidylinositol anchor. In contrast to the LAMs of other members of actinomycetales, CdiLAM presents an unusual substitution at position 4 of alpha-1-->6-mannan backbone by alpha-D-Araf. Unlike the non-fimbrial adhesin 62-72p, CdiLAM did not function as a hemagglutinin to human red blood cells. Experimental evidences pointed to CdiLAM as an adhesin of C. diphtheriae to human respiratory epithelial cells, thereby, contributing to the pathogenesis of diphtheria.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O Moreira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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23
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Mandlik A, Swierczynski A, Das A, Ton-That H. Corynebacterium diphtheriae employs specific minor pilins to target human pharyngeal epithelial cells. Mol Microbiol 2007; 64:111-24. [PMID: 17376076 PMCID: PMC2844904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2007.05630.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adherence to host tissues mediated by pili is pivotal in the establishment of infection by many bacterial pathogens. Corynebacterium diphtheriae assembles on its surface three distinct pilus structures. The function and the mechanism of how various pili mediate adherence, however, have remained poorly understood. Here we show that the SpaA-type pilus is sufficient for the specific adherence of corynebacteria to human pharyngeal epithelial cells. The deletion of the spaA gene, which encodes the major pilin forming the pilus shaft, abolishes pilus assembly but not adherence to pharyngeal cells. In contrast, adherence is greatly diminished when either minor pilin SpaB or SpaC is absent. Antibodies directed against either SpaB or SpaC block bacterial adherence. Consistent with a direct role of the minor pilins, latex beads coated with SpaB or SpaC protein bind specifically to pharyngeal cells. Therefore, tissue tropism of corynebacteria for pharyngeal cells is governed by specific minor pilins. Importantly, immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies reveal clusters of minor pilins that are anchored to cell surface in the absence of a pilus shaft. Thus, the minor pilins may also be cell wall anchored in addition to their incorporation into pilus structures that could facilitate tight binding to host cells during bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hung Ton-That
- For correspondence. ; Tel. (+1) 860 679 8452; Fax (+1) 860 679 3408
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Bertuccini L, Baldassarri L, von Hunolstein C. Internalization of non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae by cultured human respiratory epithelial cells. Microb Pathog 2004; 37:111-8. [PMID: 15351033 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2004.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2004] [Accepted: 06/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although infection by Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a model of extracellular mucosal pathogenesis, and diphtheria is one of the most worried diseases, this microorganism can be associated also with invasive infections such as endocarditis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Invasive infections are usually caused by non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae strains. Over the last years severe pharyngitis/tonsillitis associated with the isolation of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae have been described. Penicillin treatment failure of these infections could only partially be explained by penicillin tolerance of the causing strain. Thus, we examined the in vitro ability of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae throat clinical isolates to adhere to, and enter human respiratory epithelial cells. Trasmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated intracellular C. diphtheriae in laryngeal (HEp-2 cells) and pharyngeal (Detroit D562 cells) tissue culture. Live intracellular bacteria were detectable up to 48 h post-infection. Using a variety of compound that act on eukariotic cell structures, the internalization of C. diphtheriae seems to occur via a zipper-like mechanism. It is likely that internalization of C. diphtheriae can be involved in throat colonization contributing to bacterial eradication failure and asymptomatic carriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Bertuccini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
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25
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Hirata R, Souza SMS, Rocha-de-Souza CM, Andrade AFB, Monteiro-Leal LH, Formiga LCD, Mattos-Guaraldi AL. Patterns of adherence to HEp-2 cells and actin polymerisation by toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains. Microb Pathog 2004; 36:125-30. [PMID: 14726229 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2003.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains displayed different degrees of attachment to HEp-2 cell monolayers with two distinct adherence patterns, termed localised (LA) and diffuse (DA). The LA phenotype predominated over the DA phenotype. The non-sucrose fermenting strains expressing DA pattern adhered mostly with high index values (> or =10bact/cell). Low adhesion index (<10bact/cell) was mainly observed among sucrose fermenting strains. The fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled phalloidin assay (fluorescent-actin staining test) showed positive results for microorganisms of both LA and DA phenotypes. The FITC-labelled C. diphtheriae non-fimbrial surface proteins 67-72p interacted directly with HEp-2 cell membranes. Therefore, toxigenic C. diphtheriae exhibited LA and DA adherence patterns and ability to induce actin polymerisation. The experimental evidences also pointed to 67-72p as putative adhesins of C. diphtheriae to HEp-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Hirata
- Disciplina de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 3 degrees andar. Vila Isabel, Av. 28 de Setembro, 87 Fundos, CEP 20 551-030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Moreira LDO, Andrade AFB, Vale MD, Souza SMS, Hirata R, Asad LMOB, Asad NR, Monteiro-Leal LH, Previato JO, Mattos-Guaraldi AL. Effects of iron limitation on adherence and cell surface carbohydrates of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains. Appl Environ Microbiol 2004; 69:5907-13. [PMID: 14532043 PMCID: PMC201255 DOI: 10.1128/aem.69.10.5907-5913.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron limitation may cause bacterial pathogens to grow more slowly; however, it may also stimulate these microorganisms to produce greater tissue damage, given that many virulence factors are controlled by the iron supply in the environment. The present study investigated the influence of low iron availability on the expression of proteins and surface sugar residues of two toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae subsp. mitis and evaluated their adherence to human group B erythrocytes and HEp-2 cells. A comparison was made between bacteria grown in (i) Trypticase soy broth (TSB), (ii) TSB treated with dipyridyl to deplete free iron, and (iii) TSB enriched with FeCl(3). The effects of iron concentration on adhesive properties were different for strains 241 and CDC-E8392, of the sucrose-fermenting and non-sucrose-fermenting biotypes, respectively. Iron-limited conditions enhanced interaction of strain 241 with erythrocytes and HEp-2 cells. Inhibition assays suggested the involvement of nonfimbrial protein combination 67-72p on hemagglutination of diphtheria bacilli grown under iron-limited conditions. Conversely, iron limitation inhibited adherence to glass and expression of electron-dense material on the bacterial surface. Lectin binding assays demonstrated a reduction in the number of sialic acid residues and an increase in D-mannose and D-galactose residues on the surfaces of both strains. Thus, iron exerts a regulatory role on adhesive properties of diphtheria bacilli, and low iron availability modulates the expression of C. diphtheriae surface carbohydrate moieties. The significant changes in the degree of lectin binding specific for D-mannose, D-galactose and sialic acid residues may have an effect on binding of host cells. The expression of dissimilar microbial virulence determinants may be coordinately controlled by common regulatory systems. For C. diphtheriae, the present results imply regulation of adherence and slime production as part of a global response to iron-limited environmental conditions that includes derepression of genes for the synthesis of cytotoxin and siderophores and for transport of the Fe(III)-siderophore complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lílian de Oliveira Moreira
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Instituto de Biologia Prof. Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Reed SM, Bayly WM, Sellon DC. Mechanisms of Infectious Disease. EQUINE INTERNAL MEDICINE 2004. [PMCID: PMC7278211 DOI: 10.1016/b0-72-169777-1/50004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Mattos-Guaraldi AL, Moreira LO, Damasco PV, Hirata Júnior R. Diphtheria remains a threat to health in the developing world: an overview. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2003; 98:987-93. [PMID: 15049077 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762003000800001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the epidemiology of diphtheria are occurring worldwide. A large proportion of adults in many industrialized and developing countries are now susceptible to diphtheria. Vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time unless periodic booster is given or exposure to toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae occurs. Immunity gap in adults coupled with large numbers of susceptible children creates the potential for new extensive epidemics. Epidemic emergencies may not be long in coming in countries experiencing rapid industrialization or undergoing sociopolitical instability where many of the factors thought to be important in producing epidemic such as mass population movements and difficult hygienic and economic conditions are present. The continuous circulation of toxigenic C. diphtheriae emphasizes the need to be aware of epidemiological features, clinical signs, and symptoms of diphtheria in vaccine era so that cases can be promptly diagnosed and treated, and further public health measures can be taken to contain this serious disease. This overview focused on worldwide data obtained from diphtheria with particular emphasis to main factors leading to recent epidemics, new clinical forms of C. diphtheriae infections, expression of virulence factors, other than toxin production, control strategies, and laboratory diagnosis procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luíza Mattos-Guaraldi
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. 28 de Setembro 87, fundos, 3o andar, 20551-030 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
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Hirata R, Napoleão F, Monteiro-Leal LH, Andrade AFB, Nagao PE, Formiga LCD, Fonseca LS, Mattos-Guaraldi AL. Intracellular viability of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains in HEp-2 cells. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2002; 215:115-9. [PMID: 12393210 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2002.tb11379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, generally considered an extracellular coloniser, was evaluated for its ability to enter and survive within HEp-2 monolayers by gentamicin protection assay. Intracellular viability of HC01 strain, isolated from endocarditis, was more expressive (2.59%) than observed in 241 (0.21%) and CDC-E8392 (1.93%) strains. Electron microscopy of C. diphtheriae-infected HEp-2 cells revealed intracellular bacteria inside membrane-bound vacuoles. Bacterial internalisation was totally inhibited by 5 microM cytochalasin E and significantly inhibited by 100 microM genistein (P<0.05). Therefore, C. diphtheriae presents the ability to survive within cultured epithelial cells and signalling cascade as well as actin polymerisation are required for entry of diphtheria bacilli into HEp-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Hirata
- Disciplina de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. 28 de Setembro 87, Fundos, 3 degrees andar., P.O. Box 20 551-030, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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