1
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Alkyl Gallates as Potential Antibiofilm Agents: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041751. [PMID: 36838739 PMCID: PMC9959617 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms, which consist of microorganisms embedded in a polymer-rich matrix, contribute to a variety of infections and increase antimicrobial resistance. Thus, there is a constant need to develop new chemotherapeutic agents to combat biofilms. This review article focuses on the use of alkyl gallates, gallic acid and its esters (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl, and dodecyl gallate), most of which are found in plants, to inhibit biofilm formation. The studies under review reveal that alkyl gallates have the capacity to prevent biofilm development and eradicate mature biofilms through mechanisms that suppress the synthesis of the extracellular polymeric matrix, inhibit quorum-sensing signaling, and alter the microbial cell membrane. The effects are stronger the greater the length of the alkyl chain. Moreover, the alkyl gallates' preventive activity against biofilm formation occurs at doses below the minimum inhibitory concentration. More importantly, combining alkyl gallates with antimicrobials or blue-light irradiation produces a synergistic effect on the inhibition of biofilm formation that can be used to treat infections and overcome microbial resistance.
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2
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Ding T, Lin Q, Tan Y. Quality improvement in Scophthalmus maximus fillets during cold storage by coating with polylactic acid/hesperidin electrospun fiber. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.114080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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3
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Synergistic effect of propyl gallate and antibiotics against biofilms of Serratia marcescens and Erwinia carotovora in vitro. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.114258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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4
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Li Y, Liu T, Meng X, Qian Y, Yan S, Liu Z. AI-2/Lux-S Quorum Sensing of Lactobacillus plantarum SS-128 Prolongs the Shelf Life of Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): From Myofibril Simulation to Practical Application. Foods 2022; 11:foods11152273. [PMID: 35954040 PMCID: PMC9368648 DOI: 10.3390/foods11152273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retarding the protein deterioration of shrimp during storage is important for maintaining its quality. Lactobacillus plantarum SS-128 (L. plantarum SS-128) is a biocontrol bacterium that can effectively maintain the fresh quality of food. This research establishes a myofibril simulation system and refrigerated control system to explore the impact of L. plantarum SS-128 on the quality and shelf life of refrigerated shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Through the bacterial growth assay and AI-2 signal molecule measurement, the effect of the AI-2/LuxS quorum sensing (QS) system of L. plantarum SS-128 and shrimp spoilage bacteria was established. In the myofibril simulation system, a study on protein degradation (dimer tyrosine content, protein solubility, sulfhydryl content, and carbonyl content) showed that adding L. plantarum SS-128 effectively slowed protein degradation by inhibiting the growth of food pathogens. The application to refrigerated shrimp indicated that the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value increased more slowly in the group with added L. plantarum SS-128, representing better quality. The total viable count (TVC) and pH results exhibited similar trends. This study provides theoretical support for the application of L. plantarum SS-128 in storing aquatic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Taige Liu
- College of Food Science and Biological Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300392, China;
| | - Xianghong Meng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Yilin Qian
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (Y.Q.)
| | - Shijie Yan
- College of Food Science and Biological Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300392, China;
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zunying Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.); (Y.Q.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (Z.L.)
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5
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Meng F, Zhang F, Chen Q, Yang M, Yang Y, Li X, Gu W, Yu J. Virtual screening and in vitro experimental verification of LuxS inhibitors from natural products for Lactobacillus reuteri. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 147:112521. [PMID: 35149360 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid proliferation and colonization of probiotics in the intestines are essential for human health. Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication mechanism among bacteria, which can regulate various bacterial crowd behavior. This study aimed to enhance the viability of Lactobacillus reuteri 1-12 by regulating QS. Herein, we built a database containing 72 natural products (previously reported) that can improve intestinal flora. Virtual screening (VS) was subsequently conducted to screen four potential active compounds. After that, molecular docking was conducted to analyze the binding mode of the four natural products to S-Ribosylhomocysteinase (LuxS). The results showed that norathyriol, mangiferin, baicalein, and kaempferol had good binding ability to LuxS. The validation experiment showed that norathyriol, mangiferin, baicalein, and kaempferol could inhibit the production of autoinducer-2 (AI-2). Moreover, mangiferin significantly increased L. reuteri 1-12 biomass and promoted L. reuteri 1-12 biofilm formation and structure. Besides, only mangiferin inhibited luxS expression, thus increasing L. reuteri 1-12 biomass. This research indicated that mangiferin may be a potential inhibitor of LuxS, promoting the probiotic properties of L. reuteri and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanying Meng
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiuding Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Min Yang
- Kunming Third People's Hospital, 319 Wujing Road, Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yaqin Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xue Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wen Gu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jie Yu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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6
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Quintieri L, Caputo L, Brasca M, Fanelli F. Recent Advances in the Mechanisms and Regulation of QS in Dairy Spoilage by Pseudomonas spp. Foods 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34945641 PMCID: PMC8701193 DOI: 10.3390/foods10123088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Food spoilage is a serious issue dramatically impacting the worldwide need to counteract food insecurity. Despite the very expensive application of low temperatures, the proper conservation of fresh dairy products is continuously threatened at different stages of production and commercialization by psychrotrophic populations mainly belonging to the Pseudomonas genus. These bacteria cause discolouration, loss of structure, and off-flavours, with fatal implications on the quality and shelf-life of products. While the effects of pseudomonad decay have been widely reported, the mechanisms responsible for the activation and regulation of spoilage pathways are still poorly explored. Recently, molecule signals and regulators involved in quorum sensing (QS), such as homoserine lactones, the luxR/luxI system, hdtS, and psoR, have been detected in spoiled products and bacterial spoiler species; this evidence suggests the role of bacterial cross talk in dairy spoilage and paves the way towards the search for novel preservation strategies based on QS inhibition. The aim of this review was to investigate the advancements achieved by the application of omic approaches in deciphering the molecular mechanisms controlled by QS systems in pseudomonads, by focusing on the regulators and metabolic pathways responsible for spoilage of fresh dairy products. In addition, due the ability of pseudomonads to quickly spread in the environment as biofilm communities, which may also include pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) species, the risk derived from the gaps in clearly defined and regulated sanitization actions is underlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Quintieri
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Leonardo Caputo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Milena Brasca
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Francesca Fanelli
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
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7
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Effect of black pepper essential oil on quorum sensing and efflux pump systems in the fish-borne spoiler Pseudomonas psychrophila KM02 identified by RNA-seq, RT-qPCR and molecular docking analyses. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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8
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Shukla A, Shukla G, Parmar P, Patel B, Goswami D, Saraf M. Exemplifying the next generation of antibiotic susceptibility intensifiers of phytochemicals by LasR-mediated quorum sensing inhibition. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22421. [PMID: 34789810 PMCID: PMC8599845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01845-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There persists a constant threat from multidrug resistance being acquired by all human pathogens that challenges the well-being of humans. This phenomenon is predominantly led by Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is already resistant to the current generations of antibiotic by altering its metabolic pathways to survive. Specifically for this microbe the phenomenon of quorum sensing (QS) plays a crucial role in acquiring virulence and pathogenicity. QS is simply the cross talk between the bacterial community driven by signals that bind to receptors, enabling the entire bacterial microcosm to function as a single unit which has led to control P. aeruginosa cumbersome even in presence of antibiotics. Inhibition of QS can, therefore, be of a significant importance to curb such virulent and pathogenic strains of P. aeruginosa. Natural compounds are well known for their antimicrobial properties, of which, information on their mode of action is scarce. There can be many antimicrobial phytochemicals that act by hindering QS-pathways. The rationale of the current study is to identify such natural compounds that can inhibit QS in P. aeruginosa driven by LasR, PhzR, and RhlR dependent pathways. To achieve this rationale, in silico studies were first performed to identify such natural compounds which were then validated by in vitro experiments. Gingerol and Curcumin were identified as QS-antagonists (QSA) which could further suppress the production of biofilm, EPS, pyocyanin, and rhamnolipid along with improving the susceptibility to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpit Shukla
- Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382426, India
| | - Gaurav Shukla
- Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Raysan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382426, India
| | - Paritosh Parmar
- Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Baldev Patel
- Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Dweipayan Goswami
- Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
| | - Meenu Saraf
- Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
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9
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Identification of New Potential Inhibitors of Quorum Sensing through a Specialized Multi-Level Computational Approach. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092600. [PMID: 33946907 PMCID: PMC8125606 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms anchored to a surface and embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances and have been associated with 80% of all bacterial infections in humans. Because bacteria in biofilms are less amenable to antibiotic treatment, biofilms have been associated with developing antibiotic resistance, a problem that urges developing new therapeutic options and approaches. Interfering with quorum-sensing (QS), an important process of cell-to-cell communication by bacteria in biofilms is a promising strategy to inhibit biofilm formation and development. Here we describe and apply an in silico computational protocol for identifying novel potential inhibitors of quorum-sensing, using CviR—the quorum-sensing receptor from Chromobacterium violaceum—as a model target. This in silico approach combines protein-ligand docking (with 7 different docking programs/scoring functions), receptor-based virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulations, and free energy calculations. Particular emphasis was dedicated to optimizing the discrimination ability between active/inactive molecules in virtual screening tests using a target-specific training set. Overall, the optimized protocol was used to evaluate 66,461 molecules, including those on the ZINC/FDA-Approved database and to the Mu.Ta.Lig Virtual Chemotheca. Multiple promising compounds were identified, yielding good prospects for future experimental validation and for drug repurposing towards QS inhibition.
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10
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An AY, Choi KYG, Baghela AS, Hancock REW. An Overview of Biological and Computational Methods for Designing Mechanism-Informed Anti-biofilm Agents. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:640787. [PMID: 33927701 PMCID: PMC8076610 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.640787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are complex and highly antibiotic-resistant aggregates of microbes that form on surfaces in the environment and body including medical devices. They are key contributors to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis and account for two-thirds of all infections. Thus, there is a critical need to develop anti-biofilm specific therapeutics. Here we discuss mechanisms of biofilm formation, current anti-biofilm agents, and strategies for developing, discovering, and testing new anti-biofilm agents. Biofilm formation involves many factors and is broadly regulated by the stringent response, quorum sensing, and c-di-GMP signaling, processes that have been targeted by anti-biofilm agents. Developing new anti-biofilm agents requires a comprehensive systems-level understanding of these mechanisms, as well as the discovery of new mechanisms. This can be accomplished through omics approaches such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, which can also be integrated to better understand biofilm biology. Guided by mechanistic understanding, in silico techniques such as virtual screening and machine learning can discover small molecules that can inhibit key biofilm regulators. To increase the likelihood that these candidate agents selected from in silico approaches are efficacious in humans, they must be tested in biologically relevant biofilm models. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of in vitro and in vivo biofilm models and highlight organoids as a new biofilm model. This review offers a comprehensive guide of current and future biological and computational approaches of anti-biofilm therapeutic discovery for investigators to utilize to combat the antibiotic resistance crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Carradori S, Di Giacomo N, Lobefalo M, Luisi G, Campestre C, Sisto F. Biofilm and Quorum Sensing inhibitors: the road so far. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:917-930. [PMID: 32985271 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1830059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biofilm is a complex aggregation of microorganisms characterized by the presence of a dynamic, adhesive and protective extracellular matrix composed of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. It is estimated that the vast majority of human infections are related to the biofilm in which the microorganisms reside and communicate with each other (Quorum Sensing), surviving in hostile environmental conditions. AREAS COVERED This review provides a comprehensive focus on the development state of promising strategies against biofilm production and eradication describing chemical structures, results, administration routes, pharmaceutical compositions, and SARs as well as their shortcomings within the 2019-2020 range. EXPERT OPINION New pharmacological targets have been explored in the past years, allowing a broader therapeutic arsenal against biofilm-related pathologies. The Quorum Sensing system was targeted as well in order to avoid the development of intrinsically antibiotic-resistant bacteria and to enhance a proper host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti, Italy
| | - Noemi Di Giacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti, Italy
| | - Martina Lobefalo
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti, Italy
| | - Grazia Luisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Campestre
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara , Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Sisto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche ed Odontoiatriche, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
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12
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Sobieszczańska N, Myszka K, Szwengiel A, Majcher M, Grygier A, Wolko Ł. Tarragon essential oil as a source of bioactive compounds with anti-quorum sensing and anti-proteolytic activity against Pseudomonas spp. isolated from fish - in vitro, in silico and in situ approaches. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 331:108732. [PMID: 32521374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) and anti-proteolytic potentials of tarragon essential oil (TEO) and its major compounds against food-associated Pseudomonas spp. The activities were verified by in vitro, in silico and in situ approaches. In this work, methyl eugenol (ME)- and β-phellandrene (β-PH)-rich TEO was investigated. TEO at subMIC increased the percentage of saturated fatty acids in the bacterial membranes (from 7 to 22%) and exhibited anti-quorum sensing via decreasing the efficiency of QS autoinducer synthesis [3-oxo-C12-HSL (from 2.028 μg/mL to <LOD), C4-HSL (from 1.312 μg/mL to <LOD) and PQS (from 0.007625 μg/mL to <LOD)]. ME and β-PH were docked into LasR, RhlR and PqsR proteins, with docking scores comparable to native autoinductors. The subMICs of TEO, ME and β-PH decreased the proteolysis in the examined bacteria by 33, 29, and 21% (in TSB medium) and by 29, 26, and 19% (in fish juice medium), respectively. Almost all genes encoding proteases were downregulated by the applied agents. The ME- and β-PH-rich TEO acts as an anti-QS agent and significantly suppresses the proteolytic activity of food-associated pseudomonads. It might therefore increase the quality of fish-based products, where Pseudomonas spp. predominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sobieszczańska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-637 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Kamila Myszka
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Artur Szwengiel
- Department of Fermentation and Biosynthesis, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Majcher
- Department of Food Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Grygier
- Department of Food Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Wolko
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11, 60-632 Poznan, Poland
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Mellini M, Di Muzio E, D’Angelo F, Baldelli V, Ferrillo S, Visca P, Leoni L, Polticelli F, Rampioni G. In silico Selection and Experimental Validation of FDA-Approved Drugs as Anti-quorum Sensing Agents. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2355. [PMID: 31649658 PMCID: PMC6796623 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens is increasing at an unprecedented pace, calling for the development of new therapeutic options. Small molecules interfering with virulence processes rather than growth hold promise as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. Anti-virulence agents are expected to decrease bacterial virulence and to pose reduced selective pressure for the emergence of resistance. In the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa the expression of key virulence traits is controlled by quorum sensing (QS), an intercellular communication process that coordinates gene expression at the population level. Hence, QS inhibitors represent promising anti-virulence agents against P. aeruginosa. Virtual screenings allow fast and cost-effective selection of target ligands among vast libraries of molecules, thus accelerating the time and limiting the cost of conventional drug-discovery processes, while the drug-repurposing approach is based on the identification of off-target activity of FDA-approved drugs, likely endowed with low cytotoxicity and favorable pharmacological properties. This study aims at combining the advantages of virtual screening and drug-repurposing approaches to identify new QS inhibitors targeting the pqs QS system of P. aeruginosa. An in silico library of 1,467 FDA-approved drugs has been screened by molecular docking, and 5 hits showing the highest predicted binding affinity for the pqs QS receptor PqsR (also known as MvfR) have been selected. In vitro experiments have been performed by engineering ad hoc biosensor strains, which were used to verify the ability of hit compounds to decrease PqsR activity in P. aeruginosa. Phenotypic analyses confirmed the impact of the most promising hit, the antipsychotic drug pimozide, on the expression of P. aeruginosa PqsR-controlled virulence traits. Overall, this study highlights the potential of virtual screening campaigns of FDA-approved drugs to rapidly select new inhibitors of important bacterial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mellini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma Tre Section, Rome, Italy
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14
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Quintieri L, Fanelli F, Caputo L. Antibiotic Resistant Pseudomonas Spp. Spoilers in Fresh Dairy Products: An Underestimated Risk and the Control Strategies. Foods 2019; 8:E372. [PMID: 31480507 PMCID: PMC6769999 DOI: 10.3390/foods8090372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial multidrug resistance (MDR) is a growing threat to public health mostly because it makes the fight against microorganisms that cause lethal infections ever less effective. Thus, the surveillance on MDR microorganisms has recently been strengthened, taking into account the control of antibiotic abuse as well as the mechanisms underlying the transfer of antibiotic genes (ARGs) among microbiota naturally occurring in the environment. Indeed, ARGs are not only confined to pathogenic bacteria, whose diffusion in the clinical field has aroused serious concerns, but are widespread in saprophytic bacterial communities such as those dominating the food industry. In particular, fresh dairy products can be considered a reservoir of Pseudomonas spp. resistome, potentially transmittable to consumers. Milk and fresh dairy cheeses products represent one of a few "hubs" where commensal or opportunistic pseudomonads frequently cohabit together with food microbiota and hazard pathogens even across their manufacturing processes. Pseudomonas spp., widely studied for food spoilage effects, are instead underestimated for their possible impact on human health. Recent evidences have highlighted that non-pathogenic pseudomonads strains (P. fluorescens, P. putida) are associated with some human diseases, but are still poorly considered in comparison to the pathogen P. aeruginosa. In addition, the presence of ARGs, that can be acquired and transmitted by horizontal genetic transfer, further increases their risk and the need to be deeper investigated. Therefore, this review, starting from the general aspects related to the physiological traits of these spoilage microorganisms from fresh dairy products, aims to shed light on the resistome of cheese-related pseudomonads and their genomic background, current methods and advances in the prediction tools for MDR detection based on genomic sequences, possible implications for human health, and the affordable strategies to counteract MDR spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Quintieri
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanelli
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Caputo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
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