1
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Ott LC, Mellata M. Short-chain fatty acids inhibit bacterial plasmid transfer through conjugation in vitro and in ex vivo chicken tissue explants. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1414401. [PMID: 38903782 PMCID: PMC11187007 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1414401] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The animal gut acts as a potent reservoir for spreading and maintaining conjugative plasmids that confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR), fitness, and virulence attributes. Interventions that inhibit the continued emergence and expansion of AMR and virulent strains in agricultural and clinical environments are greatly desired. This study aims to determine the presence and efficacy of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) inhibitory effects on the conjugal transfer of AMR plasmids. In vitro broth conjugations were conducted between donor Escherichia coli strains carrying AMP plasmids and the plasmid-less Escherichia coli HS-4 recipient strain. Conjugations were supplemented with ddH2O or SCFAs at 1, 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 molar final concentration. The addition of SCFAs completely inhibited plasmid transfer at 1 and 0.1 molar and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced transfer at 0.01 molar, regardless of SCFA tested. In explant models for the chicken ceca, either ddH2O or a final concentration of 0.025 M SCFAs were supplemented to the explants infected with donor and recipient E. coli. In every SCFA tested, significant decreases in transconjugant populations compared to ddH2O-treated control samples were observed with minimal effects on donor and recipient populations. Finally, significant reductions in transconjugants for plasmids of each incompatibility type (IncP1ε, IncFIβ, and IncI1) tested were detected. This study demonstrates for the first time the broad inhibition ability of SCFAs on bacterial plasmid transfer and eliminates AMR with minimal effect on bacteria. Implementing interventions that increase the concentrations of SCFAs in the gut may be a viable method to reduce the risk, incidence, and rate of AMR emergence in agricultural and human environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C. Ott
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Melha Mellata
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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2
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Costa TRD, Patkowski JB, Macé K, Christie PJ, Waksman G. Structural and functional diversity of type IV secretion systems. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:170-185. [PMID: 37814112 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in recent years in the structural and molecular biology of type IV secretion systems in Gram-negative bacteria. The latest advances have substantially improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the recruitment and delivery of DNA and protein substrates to the extracellular environment or target cells. In this Review, we aim to summarize these exciting structural and molecular biology findings and to discuss their functional implications for substrate recognition, recruitment and translocation, as well as the biogenesis of extracellular pili. We also describe adaptations necessary for deploying a breadth of processes, such as bacterial survival, host-pathogen interactions and biotic and abiotic adhesion. We highlight the functional and structural diversity that allows this extremely versatile secretion superfamily to function under different environmental conditions and in different bacterial species. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of further understanding the mechanism of type IV secretion, which will support us in combating antimicrobial resistance and treating type IV secretion system-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago R D Costa
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK.
| | - Jonasz B Patkowski
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Kévin Macé
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, London, UK
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes and CNRS, Rennes, France
| | - Peter J Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Gabriel Waksman
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, London, UK.
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3
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Feng Z, Wang L, Guan Q, Chu X, Luo ZQ. Acinetobacter baumannii coordinates central metabolism, plasmid dissemination, and virulence by sensing nutrient availability. mBio 2023; 14:e0227623. [PMID: 37855599 PMCID: PMC10746170 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02276-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmid conjugation plays an important role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes. The emergence of multidrug-resistant isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii poses grave challenges in treating infections caused by this notorious nosocomial pathogen. Yet, the composition, functionality, and regulation of conjugative machinery utilized by A. baumannii remain poorly understood. Here, we found that conjugation of the major plasmid pAB3 of A. baumannii is mediated by a type IVB secretion system similar to the Dot/Icm transporter of Legionella pneumophila. Furthermore, the expression of the structural genes of the Dot/Icm-like system is co-regulated with genes involved in central metabolism by the GacS/GacA two-component system in response to various metabolites, including intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Loss of GacS/A also severely impaired bacterial virulence. These results establish that A. baumannii coordinates metabolism with plasmid conjugation and virulence by sensing nutrient availability, which may be exploited to develop inhibitory agents for controlling the spread of drug-resistance genes and virulence factors. IMPORTANCE Plasmid conjugation is known to be an energy-expensive process, but our understanding of the molecular linkage between conjugation and metabolism is limited. Our finding reveals that Acinetobacter baumannii utilizes a two-component system to co-regulate metabolism, plasmid transfer, and virulence by sensing reaction intermediates of key metabolic pathways, which suggests that nutrient availability dictates not only bacterial proliferation but also horizontal gene transfer. The identification of Dot/Icm-like proteins as components of a conjugation system involved in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes by A. baumannii has provided important targets for the development of agents capable of inhibiting virulence and the spread of anti-microbial-resistance genes in bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengshan Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lidong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qingtian Guan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Chu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhao-Qing Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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4
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Wang XY, Song HW, Yi T, Shen YB, Dai CS, Sun CT, Liu DJ, Shen JZ, Wu CM, Wang Y. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits plasmid transfer in drug-resistant Escherichia coli via limiting energy supply. Zool Res 2023; 44:894-904. [PMID: 37551137 PMCID: PMC10559095 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by plasmids is an important route for ARG dissemination. An increasing number of antibiotic and nonantibiotic compounds have been reported to aid the spread of ARGs, highlighting potential challenges for controlling this type of horizontal transfer. Development of conjugation inhibitors that block or delay the transfer of ARG-bearing plasmids is a promising strategy to control the propagation of antibiotic resistance. Although such inhibitors are rare, they typically exhibit relatively high toxicity and low efficacy in vivo and their mechanisms of action are inadequately understood. Here, we studied the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an artemisinin derivative used to treat malaria, on conjugation. DHA inhibited the conjugation of the IncI2 and IncX4 plasmids carrying the mobile colistin resistance gene ( mcr-1) by more than 160-fold in vitro in Escherichia coli, and more than two-fold (IncI2 plasmid) in vivo in a mouse model. It also suppressed the transfer of the IncX3 plasmid carrying the carbapenem resistance gene bla NDM-5 by more than two-fold in vitro. Detection of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and proton motive force (PMF), in combination with transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, revealed that DHA impaired the function of the electron transport chain (ETC) by inhibiting the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathway, thereby disrupting PMF and limiting the availability of intracellular ATP for plasmid conjugative transfer. Furthermore, expression levels of genes related to conjugation and pilus generation were significantly down-regulated during DHA exposure, indicating that the transfer apparatus for conjugation may be inhibited. Our findings provide new insights into the control of antibiotic resistance and the potential use of DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Huang-Wei Song
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Tian Yi
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Ying-Bo Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Chong-Shan Dai
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Cheng-Tao Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - De-Jun Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Cong-Ming Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China. E-mail:
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5
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Alav I, Buckner MMC. Non-antibiotic compounds associated with humans and the environment can promote horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37462915 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2233603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer plays a key role in the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR genes are often carried on self-transmissible plasmids, which are shared amongst bacteria primarily by conjugation. Antibiotic use has been a well-established driver of the emergence and spread of AMR. However, the impact of commonly used non-antibiotic compounds and environmental pollutants on AMR spread has been largely overlooked. Recent studies found common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, artificial sweeteners, food preservatives, and environmental pollutants, can increase the conjugative transfer of AMR plasmids. The potential mechanisms by which these compounds promote plasmid transmission include increased membrane permeability, upregulation of plasmid transfer genes, formation of reactive oxygen species, and SOS response gene induction. Many questions remain around the impact of most non-antibiotic compounds on AMR plasmid conjugation in clinical isolates and the long-term impact on AMR dissemination. By elucidating the role of routinely used pharmaceuticals, food additives, and pollutants in the dissemination of AMR, action can be taken to mitigate their impact by closely monitoring use and disposal. This review will discuss recent progress on understanding the influence of non-antibiotic compounds on plasmid transmission, the mechanisms by which they promote transfer, and the level of risk they pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Alav
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michelle M C Buckner
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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6
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Zhu S, Yang B, Jia Y, Yu F, Wang Z, Liu Y. Comprehensive analysis of disinfectants on the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 453:131428. [PMID: 37094448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The propagation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is constantly paralyzing our healthcare systems. In addition to the pressure of antibiotic selection, the roles of non-antibiotic compounds in disseminating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a matter of great concerns. This study aimed to explore the impact of different disinfectants on the horizontal transfer of ARGs and their underlying mechanisms. First, the effects of different kinds of disinfectants on the conjugative transfer of RP4-7 plasmid were evaluated. Results showed that quaternary ammonium salt, organic halogen, alcohol and guanidine disinfectants significantly facilitated the conjugative transfer. Conversely, heavy-metals, peroxides and phenols otherwise displayed an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, we deciphered the mechanism by which guanidine disinfectants promoted conjugation, which includes increased cell membrane permeability, over-production of ROS, enhanced SOS response, and altered expression of conjugative transfer-related genes. More critically, we also revealed that guanidine disinfectants promoted bacterial energy metabolism by enhancing the activity of electron transport chain (ETC) and proton force motive (PMF), thus promoting ATP synthesis and flagellum motility. Overall, our findings reveal the promotive effects of disinfectants on the transmission of ARGs and highlight the potential risks caused by the massive use of guanidine disinfectants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingqing Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqian Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feiyu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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7
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Mackieh R, Al-Bakkar N, Kfoury M, Roufayel R, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Inhibitors of ATP Synthase as New Antibacterial Candidates. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040650. [PMID: 37107012 PMCID: PMC10135114 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
ATP, the power of all cellular functions, is constantly used and produced by cells. The enzyme called ATP synthase is the energy factory in all cells, which produces ATP by adding inorganic phosphate (Pi) to ADP. It is found in the inner, thylakoid and plasma membranes of mitochondria, chloroplasts and bacteria, respectively. Bacterial ATP synthases have been the subject of multiple studies for decades, since they can be genetically manipulated. With the emergence of antibiotic resistance, many combinations of antibiotics with other compounds that enhance the effect of these antibiotics have been proposed as approaches to limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. ATP synthase inhibitors, such as resveratrol, venturicidin A, bedaquiline, tomatidine, piceatannol, oligomycin A and N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were the starting point of these combinations. However, each of these inhibitors target ATP synthase differently, and their co-administration with antibiotics increases the susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria. After a brief description of the structure and function of ATP synthase, we aim in this review to highlight therapeutic applications of the major bacterial ATP synthase inhibitors, including animal’s venoms, and to emphasize their importance in decreasing the activity of this enzyme and subsequently eradicating resistant bacteria as ATP synthase is their source of energy.
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8
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Montelongo Hernandez C, Putonti C, Wolfe AJ. Profiling the plasmid conjugation potential of urinary Escherichia coli. Microb Genom 2022; 8:mgen000814. [PMID: 35536743 PMCID: PMC9465074 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is often associated with urinary tract infection (UTI). Antibiotic resistance in E. coli is an ongoing challenge in managing UTI. Extrachromosomal elements - plasmids - are vectors for clinically relevant traits, such as antibiotic resistance, with conjugation being one of the main methods for horizontal propagation of plasmids in bacterial populations. Targeting of conjugation components has been proposed as a strategy to curb the spread of plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance. Understanding the types of conjugative systems present in urinary E. coli isolates is fundamental to assessing the viability of this strategy. In this study, we profile two well-studied conjugation systems (F-type and P-type) in the draft genomes of 65 urinary isolates of E. coli obtained from the bladder urine of adult women with and without UTI-like symptoms. Most of these isolates contained plasmids and we found that conjugation genes were abundant/ubiquitous, diverse and often associated with IncF plasmids. To validate conjugation of these urinary plasmids, the plasmids from two urinary isolates, UMB1223 (predicted to have F-type genes) and UMB1284 (predicted to have P-type genes), were transferred by conjugation into the K-12 E. coli strain MG1655. Overall, the findings of this study support the notion that care should be taken in targeting any individual component of a urinary E. coli isolate's conjugation system, given the inherent mechanistic redundancy, gene diversity and different types of conjugation systems in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Montelongo Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Catherine Putonti
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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9
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Cheng E, Dorjsuren D, Lehman S, Larson CL, Titus SA, Sun H, Zakharov A, Rai G, Heinzen RA, Simeonov A, Machner MP. A Comprehensive Phenotypic Screening Strategy to Identify Modulators of Cargo Translocation by the Bacterial Type IVB Secretion System. mBio 2022; 13:e0024022. [PMID: 35258332 PMCID: PMC9040768 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00240-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are macromolecular machines that translocate effector proteins across multiple membranes into infected host cells. Loss of function mutations in genes encoding protein components of the T4SS render bacteria avirulent, highlighting the attractiveness of T4SSs as drug targets. Here, we designed an automated high-throughput screening approach for the identification of compounds that interfere with the delivery of a reporter-effector fusion protein from Legionella pneumophila into RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based detection assay in a bacteria/macrophage coculture format, we screened a library of over 18,000 compounds and, upon vetting compound candidates in a variety of in vitro and cell-based secondary screens, isolated several hits that efficiently interfered with biological processes that depend on a functional T4SS, such as intracellular bacterial proliferation or lysosomal avoidance, but had no detectable effect on L. pneumophila growth in culture medium, conditions under which the T4SS is dispensable. Notably, the same hit compounds also attenuated, to varying degrees, effector delivery by the closely related T4SS from Coxiella burnetii, notably without impacting growth of this organism within synthetic media. Together, these results support the idea that interference with T4SS function is a possible therapeutic intervention strategy, and the emerging compounds provide tools to interrogate at a molecular level the regulation and dynamics of these virulence-critical translocation machines. IMPORTANCE Multi-drug-resistant pathogens are an emerging threat to human health. Because conventional antibiotics target not only the pathogen but also eradicate the beneficial microbiota, they often cause additional clinical complications. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of "smarter" therapeutics that selectively target pathogens without affecting beneficial commensals. The bacterial type IV secretion system (T4SS) is essential for the virulence of a variety of pathogens but dispensable for bacterial viability in general and can, thus, be considered a pathogen's Achilles heel. By identifying small molecules that interfere with cargo delivery by the T4SS from two important human pathogens, Legionella pneumophila and Coxiella burnetii, our study represents the first step in our pursuit toward precision medicine by developing pathogen-selective therapeutics capable of treating the infections without causing harm to commensal bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Cheng
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dorjbal Dorjsuren
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie Lehman
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles L. Larson
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Steven A. Titus
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Hongmao Sun
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexey Zakharov
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert A. Heinzen
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthias P. Machner
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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10
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Ahmad AAM, Gharieb AA, Elshorbgy E, Elewasy OA, Elmowalid GA. Nigella sativaoil extract: A natural novel specific conjugal transfer inhibitor of vancomycin resistance from vanA/B Resistant Enterococcus faecium to Staphylococcus aureus. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:619-629. [PMID: 35395119 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) has been identified as one of the most challenging problems in healthcare settings worldwide. Specific conjugation inhibitors development are critical in the fight against the spread of emerging VRSA. The impact of Nigella sativa oil on VR genes conjugal transfer from Enterococcus faecium (VREtfm) to vancomycin sensitive S. aureus (VSSA) was investigated in this study. METHODS AND RESULTS Enterococci were isolated from retail broilers, fish, cows' milk, and human urine. VR Enterococcus faecalis and VREtfm VanA-phenotype' were prevalent in retail broiler samples. The VREtfm isolates were dominant, exhibiting high levels of resistance to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin antibiotics, as well as the existence of both vanA and vanB genes and virulence traits (ESP+, asa1+) as determined by PCR. VREtfm strains containing vanA/vanB genes and transconjugants containing 20Kb plasmids (transfer frequency around 103 ) and carrying the Tn1546 transposon were identified. Tn1546 transposon transfer with its VR markers to VSSA was effectively inhibited in treated VREtfm donor strains with a sub-MIC of N. sativa oil. THE SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This work offers new insights for overcoming VR conjugal transfer utilising natural N. sativa oil, as well as a suggestion for a novel specialized conjugation inhibitor that could effectively facilitate the difficulty of eliminating VR bacteria from healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Attia M Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Ash Sharqiah Governorate, Egypt
| | - Ahlam A Gharieb
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Ash Sharqiah Governorate, Egypt
| | | | - Omnia A Elewasy
- Animal Diseases Research Institute, Zagazig, Ash Sharqiah, Egypt
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11
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Ghaly TM, Gillings MR. New perspectives on mobile genetic elements: a paradigm shift for managing the antibiotic resistance crisis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20200462. [PMID: 34839710 PMCID: PMC8628067 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are primary facilitators in the global spread of antibiotic resistance. Here, we present novel ecological and evolutionary perspectives to understand and manage these elements: as selfish entities that exhibit biological individuality, as pollutants that replicate and as invasive species that thrive under human impact. Importantly, each viewpoint suggests new means to control their activity and spread. When seen as biological individuals, MGEs can be regarded as therapeutic targets in their own right. We highlight promising conjugation-inhibiting compounds that could be administered alongside antibiotic treatment. Viewed as pollutants, sewage treatment methods could be modified to efficiently remove antimicrobials and the resistance genes that they select. Finally, by recognizing the invasive characteristics of MGEs, we might apply strategies developed for the management of invasive species. These include environmental restoration to reduce antimicrobial selection, early detection to help inform appropriate antibiotic usage, and biocontrol strategies that target MGEs, constituting precision antimicrobials. These actions, which embody the One Health approach, target different characteristics of MGEs that are pertinent at the cellular, community, landscape and global levels. The strategies could act on multiple fronts and, together, might provide a more fruitful means to combat the global resistance crisis. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The secret lives of microbial mobile genetic elements’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Ghaly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R Gillings
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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12
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Jia Y, Yang B, Shi J, Fang D, Wang Z, Liu Y. Melatonin prevents conjugative transfer of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance genes by disrupting proton motive force. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105978. [PMID: 34813930 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The widespread dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a serious problem and constitutes a threat for public health. Plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of ARGs is recognized as one of the most important pathways accounting for this global crisis. Inhibiting the conjugative transfer of resistant gene-bearing plasmids provides a feasible strategy to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. Here we found that melatonin, a neurohormone secreted from pineal gland, substantially inhibited the horizontal transfer of RP4-7 plasmid in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, melatonin could also suppress the conjugal frequency of different types of clinical plasmids that carrying colistin resistance gene mcr-1 rather than blaNDM or tet(X) genes. Next, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of melatonin on conjugation. As a result, we showed that the addition of melatonin markedly reduced bacterial membrane permeability and inhibited the oxidative stress. In line with these observations, the conjugative transfer-related genes were regulated accordingly. Most importantly, we uncovered that melatonin disrupted bacterial proton motive force (PMF), which is an essential bacterial energy metabolism substance and is important for conjugative process. Collectively, these results provide implications that some non-antibiotics such as melatonin are effective inhibitors of transmission of ARGs and raise a promising strategy to confront the increasing resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Bingqing Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jingru Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Dan Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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13
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Woodbury DJ, Whitt EC, Coffman RE. A review of TNP-ATP in protein binding studies: benefits and pitfalls. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2021; 1:100012. [PMID: 36425312 PMCID: PMC9680771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2021.100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We review 50 years of use of 2',3'-O-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-ATP, a fluorescently tagged ATP analog. It has been extensively used to detect binding interactions of ATP to proteins and to measure parameters of those interactions such as the dissociation constant, Kd, or inhibitor dissociation constant, Ki. TNP-ATP has also found use in other applications, for example, as a fluorescence marker in microscopy, as a FRET pair, or as an antagonist (e.g., of P2X receptors). However, its use in protein binding studies has limitations because the TNP moiety often enhances binding affinity, and the fluorescence changes that occur with binding can be masked or mimicked in unexpected ways. The goal of this review is to provide a clear perspective of the pros and cons of using TNP-ATP to allow for better experimental design and less ambiguous data in future experiments using TNP-ATP and other TNP nucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon J. Woodbury
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
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14
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Sayer JR, Walldén K, Koss H, Allan H, Daviter T, Gane PJ, Waksman G, Tabor AB. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of peptide-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine bioconjugates as potential bivalent inhibitors of the VirB11 ATPase HP0525. J Pept Sci 2021; 27:e3353. [PMID: 34142414 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections have been implicated in the development of gastric ulcers and various cancers: however, the success of current therapies is compromised by rising antibiotic resistance. The virulence and pathogenicity of H. pylori is mediated by the type IV secretion system (T4SS), a multiprotein macromolecular nanomachine that transfers toxic bacterial factors and plasmid DNA between bacterial cells, thus contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance. A key component of the T4SS is the VirB11 ATPase HP0525, which is a hexameric protein assembly. We have previously reported the design and synthesis of a series of novel 8-amino imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives as inhibitors of HP0525. In order to improve their selectivity, and potentially develop these compounds as tools for probing the assembly of the HP0525 hexamer, we have explored the design and synthesis of potential bivalent inhibitors. We used the structural details of the subunit-subunit interactions within the HP0525 hexamer to design peptide recognition moieties of the subunit interface. Different methods (cross metathesis, click chemistry, and cysteine-malemide) for bioconjugation to selected 8-amino imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazines were explored, as well as peptides spanning larger or smaller regions of the interface. The IC50 values of the resulting linker-8-amino imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives, and the bivalent inhibitors, were related to docking studies with the HP0525 crystal structure and to molecular dynamics simulations of the peptide recognition moieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Sayer
- Department of Chemistry, UCL, London, UK.,MedPharm Ltd, Guildford, UK
| | - Karin Walldén
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, UCL, London, UK.,Department Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Hans Koss
- Department of Chemistry, UCL, London, UK.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Tina Daviter
- Department of Biological Sciences, ISMB Biophysics Centre, London, UK.,The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Paul J Gane
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, UCL, London, UK.,Abcam, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gabriel Waksman
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, UCL, London, UK
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15
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Apiwatsiri P, Pupa P, Yindee J, Niyomtham W, Sirichokchatchawan W, Lugsomya K, Shah AA, Prapasarakul N. Anticonjugation and Antibiofilm Evaluation of Probiotic Strains Lactobacillus plantarum 22F, 25F, and Pediococcus acidilactici 72N Against Escherichia coli Harboring mcr-1 Gene. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:614439. [PMID: 34179153 PMCID: PMC8225926 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.614439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used as probiotics and as an alternative to antibiotics in various industries, especially in the livestock industry. This study aimed to investigate the anticonjugation and antibiofilm activity of cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Thai LAB strains (Lactobacillus plantarum 22F, 25F, and Pediococcus acidilactici 72N) against colistin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates. A total of six colistin-resistant E. coli strains were isolated from different sources, including pigs, farmers, and farmhouse environments. The E. coli were characterized by plasmid profiling, PCR detection of mcr-1 gene, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The CFS at dilutions ≥1:16 was chosen as the proper dilution for anticonjugation assay. Besides, it could significantly reduce the transfer frequencies of resistance gene mcr-1 up to 100 times compared to the neutralizing CFS (pH 6.5). The biofilm production in the planktonic stage was reduced by non-neutralizing and neutralizing CFS determining with crystal violet staining assay up to 82 and 60%, respectively. Moreover, the non-neutralizing CFS also inhibited the biofilm formation in the sessile stage up to 52%. The biofilm illustration was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results agreed with the findings of the crystal violet technique, which showed a significant reduction in cell density, aggregation, and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) matrix. The application of Thai LAB may serve as an attractive alternative to antibiotics for reducing biofilm formation and limiting the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasert Apiwatsiri
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pawiya Pupa
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jitrapa Yindee
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Waree Niyomtham
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Kittitat Lugsomya
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Asad Ali Shah
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuvee Prapasarakul
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Diagnosis and Monitoring of Animal Pathogens Research Unit (DMAP), Bangkok, Thailand
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16
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Nowak KP, Sobolewska-Ruta A, Jagiełło A, Bierczyńska-Krzysik A, Kierył P, Wawrzyniak P. Molecular and Functional Characterization of MobK Protein-A Novel-Type Relaxase Involved in Mobilization for Conjugational Transfer of Klebsiella pneumoniae Plasmid pIGRK. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5152. [PMID: 34068033 PMCID: PMC8152469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugation, besides transformation and transduction, is one of the main mechanisms of horizontal transmission of genetic information among bacteria. Conjugational transfer, due to its essential role in shaping bacterial genomes and spreading of antibiotics resistance genes, has been widely studied for more than 70 years. However, new and intriguing facts concerning the molecular basis of this process are still being revealed. Most recently, a novel family of conjugative relaxases (Mob proteins) was distinguished. The characteristic feature of these proteins is that they are not related to any of Mobs described so far. Instead of this, they share significant similarity to tyrosine recombinases. In this study MobK-a tyrosine recombinase-like Mob protein, encoded by pIGRK cryptic plasmid from the Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strain, was characterized. This study revealed that MobK is a site-specific nuclease and its relaxase activity is dependent on both a conserved catalytic tyrosine residue (Y179) that is characteristic of tyrosine recombinases and the presence of Mg2+ divalent cations. The pIGRK minimal origin of transfer sequence (oriT) was also characterized. This is one of the first reports presenting tyrosine recombinase-like conjugative relaxase protein. It also demonstrates that MobK is a convenient model for studying this new protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Paulina Nowak
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Cosmetics Chemicals and Electrochemistry, Łukasiewicz Research Network—Industrial Chemistry Institute, Rydygiera 8, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-R.); (A.J.); (A.B.-K.); (P.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Sobolewska-Ruta
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Cosmetics Chemicals and Electrochemistry, Łukasiewicz Research Network—Industrial Chemistry Institute, Rydygiera 8, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-R.); (A.J.); (A.B.-K.); (P.K.)
| | - Agata Jagiełło
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Cosmetics Chemicals and Electrochemistry, Łukasiewicz Research Network—Industrial Chemistry Institute, Rydygiera 8, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-R.); (A.J.); (A.B.-K.); (P.K.)
- Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police, Biology Department, Iwicka 14, 00-735 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bierczyńska-Krzysik
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Cosmetics Chemicals and Electrochemistry, Łukasiewicz Research Network—Industrial Chemistry Institute, Rydygiera 8, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-R.); (A.J.); (A.B.-K.); (P.K.)
- Curiosity Diagnostics Sp. z o.o., Duchnicka 3, Building 16, Entrance A, 01-796 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Kierył
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Cosmetics Chemicals and Electrochemistry, Łukasiewicz Research Network—Industrial Chemistry Institute, Rydygiera 8, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-R.); (A.J.); (A.B.-K.); (P.K.)
| | - Paweł Wawrzyniak
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Cosmetics Chemicals and Electrochemistry, Łukasiewicz Research Network—Industrial Chemistry Institute, Rydygiera 8, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-R.); (A.J.); (A.B.-K.); (P.K.)
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17
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Casillas-Vargas G, Ocasio-Malavé C, Medina S, Morales-Guzmán C, Del Valle RG, Carballeira NM, Sanabria-Ríos DJ. Antibacterial fatty acids: An update of possible mechanisms of action and implications in the development of the next-generation of antibacterial agents. Prog Lipid Res 2021; 82:101093. [PMID: 33577909 PMCID: PMC8137538 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2021.101093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The antibacterial activity of fatty acids (FA) is well known in the literature and represents a promising option for developing the next-generation of antibacterial agents to treat a broad spectrum of bacterial infections. FA are highly involved in living organisms' defense system against numerous pathogens, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. When combined with other antibacterial agents, the remarkable ability of FA to enhance their bactericidal properties is a critical feature that is not commonly observed in other naturally-occurring compounds. More reviews focusing on FA antibacterial activity, traditional and non-traditional mechanisms and biomedical applications are needed. This review is intended to update the reader on the antibacterial properties of recent FA and how their chemical structures influence their antibacterial activity. This review also aims to better understand both traditional and non-traditional mechanisms involved in these recently explored FA antibacterial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Casillas-Vargas
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR 00919, USA
| | - Carlimar Ocasio-Malavé
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR 00919, USA
| | - Solymar Medina
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR 00919, USA
| | - Christian Morales-Guzmán
- University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Department of Chemistry, 17 Ave. Universidad Ste. 1701, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
| | - René García Del Valle
- University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Department of Chemistry, 17 Ave. Universidad Ste. 1701, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA
| | - Néstor M Carballeira
- University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Department of Chemistry, 17 Ave. Universidad Ste. 1701, San Juan, PR 00925-2537, USA.
| | - David J Sanabria-Ríos
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR 00919, USA.
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18
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Costa TRD, Harb L, Khara P, Zeng L, Hu B, Christie PJ. Type IV secretion systems: Advances in structure, function, and activation. Mol Microbiol 2021; 115:436-452. [PMID: 33326642 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are a functionally diverse translocation superfamily. They consist mainly of two large subfamilies: (i) conjugation systems that mediate interbacterial DNA transfer and (ii) effector translocators that deliver effector macromolecules into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. A few other T4SSs export DNA or proteins to the milieu, or import exogenous DNA. The T4SSs are defined by 6 or 12 conserved "core" subunits that respectively elaborate "minimized" systems in Gram-positive or -negative bacteria. However, many "expanded" T4SSs are built from "core" subunits plus numerous others that are system-specific, which presumptively broadens functional capabilities. Recently, there has been exciting progress in defining T4SS assembly pathways and architectures using a combination of fluorescence and cryoelectron microscopy. This review will highlight advances in our knowledge of structure-function relationships for model Gram-negative bacterial T4SSs, including "minimized" systems resembling the Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirB/VirD4 T4SS and "expanded" systems represented by the Helicobacter pylori Cag, Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm, and F plasmid-encoded Tra T4SSs. Detailed studies of these model systems are generating new insights, some at atomic resolution, to long-standing questions concerning mechanisms of substrate recruitment, T4SS channel architecture, conjugative pilus assembly, and machine adaptations contributing to T4SS functional versatility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago R D Costa
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Laith Harb
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Pratick Khara
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lanying Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J Christie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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Li G, Xia LJ, Zhou SY, Wang XR, Cui CY, He YZ, Diao XY, Liu M, Lian XL, Kreiswirth BN, Liu YH, Liao XP, Chen L, Sun J. Linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid inhibit conjugative transfer of an IncX4 plasmid carrying mcr-1. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 130:1893-1901. [PMID: 33034112 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to determine the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on clinical plasmids. METHODS AND RESULTS Two unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) at final concentration 0, 0·03, 0·3 and 3 mmol l-1 , respectively, were used to assess the effects on conjugative transfer of a mcr-1-harbouring plasmid pCSZ4 (IncX4) in conjugation experiment. The inhibitory mechanisms were analysed by molecular docking and the gene expression of virB11 was quantitated by qRT-PCR. Target plasmid diversity was carried out by TrwD/VirB11 homology protein sequence prediction analysis. Our results showed that LA and ALA inhibit plasmid pCSZ4 transfer by binding to the amino acid residues (Phe124 and Thr125) of VirB11 with dose-dependent effects. The expression levels of virB11 gene were also significantly inhibited by LA and ALA treatment. Protein homology analysis revealed a wide distribution of TrwD/VirB11-like genes among over 37 classes of plasmids originated from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates representing a diversity of plasmids that may be potentially inhibited by unsaturated fatty acids. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Our work reported here provides additional support for application of curbing the spread of multiple plasmids by unsaturated fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Li
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - L-J Xia
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - S-Y Zhou
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - X-R Wang
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - C-Y Cui
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Y-Z He
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - X-Y Diao
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - M Liu
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - X-L Lian
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - B N Kreiswirth
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA.,Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Seton Hall University, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Y-H Liu
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - X-P Liao
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - L Chen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA.,Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Seton Hall University, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - J Sun
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Dissemination and Stability of the bla NDM-5-Carrying IncX3-Type Plasmid among Multiclonal Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates. mSphere 2020; 5:5/6/e00917-20. [PMID: 33148824 PMCID: PMC7643832 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00917-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and spread of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been a serious challenge to public health, and NDM-5 shows increased resistance to carbapenems compared with other variants. NDM-5 has been identified mostly in E. coli but has rarely been described in K. pneumoniae and other Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Here, we present the dissemination of highly similar 46-kb IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids among multiclonal K. pneumoniae strains in children, highlighting the horizontal gene transfer of blaNDM-5 among K. pneumoniae strains via the IncX3 plasmid. Moreover, the IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids displayed strong stability in clinical strains when cultured in antibiotic-free medium, and the plasmid maintenance was attributed partly to conjugal transfer. Plasmid conjugation is mediated by the type IV secretion system (T4SS), and T4SS is conserved among all epidemic IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids. Therefore, combining conjugation inhibition and promotion of plasmid loss would be an effective strategy to limit the conjugation-assisted persistence of IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids. NDM-5 carbapenemase was mainly identified in Escherichia coli, while the rapid transmission of blaNDM-5 among Enterobacteriaceae has raised serious public attention. This study identified 14 NDM-5-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from 107 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, recovered from blood, urine, and normally sterile body fluids of pediatric patients from January 2016 to December 2018. All NDM-5-producing isolates were highly resistant to β-lactams, while tigecycline and polymyxin B exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity. These 14 strains belonged to 9 different sequence types (STs) and displayed various pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns, suggesting that they were not clonally related. S1-PFGE followed by Southern blotting showed that the blaNDM-5 gene was located on an ∼46-kb IncX3 plasmid in all strains. All blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids were successfully transferred into recipient E. coli J53. PCR-based sequencing demonstrated that all of the blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids shared highly similar backbones, with nucleotide sequence identity of >99%. Moreover, this plasmid displayed high sequence similarity to the previously reported epidemic IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids, with dynamic changes observed only in blaNDM-5-surrounding elements. Interestingly, the IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids showed strong stability in clinical isolates when cultured in antibiotic-free medium. However, after the conjugation inhibitor linoleic acid was added, a gradual increase in the level of IncX3 plasmid loss could be observed. Clinical isolates displayed 10% to 15% blaNDM-5-carrying plasmid loss after coculture with linoleic acid for 5 days. These results showed that the IncX3 plasmid facilitated the dissemination of blaNDM-5 among multiclonal K. pneumoniae strains in children and that conjugal transfer contributed significantly to IncX3 plasmid stability within K. pneumoniae. IMPORTANCE The emergence and spread of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been a serious challenge to public health, and NDM-5 shows increased resistance to carbapenems compared with other variants. NDM-5 has been identified mostly in E. coli but has rarely been described in K. pneumoniae and other Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Here, we present the dissemination of highly similar 46-kb IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids among multiclonal K. pneumoniae strains in children, highlighting the horizontal gene transfer of blaNDM-5 among K. pneumoniae strains via the IncX3 plasmid. Moreover, the IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids displayed strong stability in clinical strains when cultured in antibiotic-free medium, and the plasmid maintenance was attributed partly to conjugal transfer. Plasmid conjugation is mediated by the type IV secretion system (T4SS), and T4SS is conserved among all epidemic IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids. Therefore, combining conjugation inhibition and promotion of plasmid loss would be an effective strategy to limit the conjugation-assisted persistence of IncX3 blaNDM-5-carrying plasmids.
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Protein Dynamics in F-like Bacterial Conjugation. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090362. [PMID: 32961700 PMCID: PMC7555446 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient in silico development of novel antibiotics requires high-resolution, dynamic models of drug targets. As conjugation is considered the prominent contributor to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, targeted drug design to disrupt vital components of conjugative systems has been proposed to lessen the proliferation of bacterial antibiotic resistance. Advancements in structural imaging techniques of large macromolecular complexes has accelerated the discovery of novel protein-protein interactions in bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SS). The known structural information regarding the F-like T4SS components and complexes has been summarized in the following review, revealing a complex network of protein-protein interactions involving domains with varying degrees of disorder. Structural predictions were performed to provide insight on the dynamicity of proteins within the F plasmid conjugative system that lack structural information.
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Álvarez-Rodríguez I, Arana L, Ugarte-Uribe B, Gómez-Rubio E, Martín-Santamaría S, Garbisu C, Alkorta I. Type IV Coupling Proteins as Potential Targets to Control the Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:201. [PMID: 32903459 PMCID: PMC7434980 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, together with the loss of effectiveness of currently available antibiotics, represents one of the most serious threats to public health worldwide. The loss of human lives and the economic costs associated to the problem of the dissemination of antibiotic resistance require immediate action. Bacteria, known by their great genetic plasticity, are capable not only of mutating their genes to adapt to disturbances and environmental changes but also of acquiring new genes that allow them to survive in hostile environments, such as in the presence of antibiotics. One of the major mechanisms responsible for the horizontal acquisition of new genes (e.g., antibiotic resistance genes) is bacterial conjugation, a process mediated by mobile genetic elements such as conjugative plasmids and integrative conjugative elements. Conjugative plasmids harboring antibiotic resistance genes can be transferred from a donor to a recipient bacterium in a process that requires physical contact. After conjugation, the recipient bacterium not only harbors the antibiotic resistance genes but it can also transfer the acquired plasmid to other bacteria, thus contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Conjugative plasmids have genes that encode all the proteins necessary for the conjugation to take place, such as the type IV coupling proteins (T4CPs) present in all conjugative plasmids. Type VI coupling proteins constitute a heterogeneous family of hexameric ATPases that use energy from the ATP hydrolysis for plasmid transfer. Taking into account their essential role in bacterial conjugation, T4CPs are attractive targets for the inhibition of bacterial conjugation and, concomitantly, the limitation of antibiotic resistance dissemination. This review aims to compile present knowledge on T4CPs as a starting point for delving into their molecular structure and functioning in future studies. Likewise, the scientific literature on bacterial conjugation inhibitors has been reviewed here, in an attempt to elucidate the possibility of designing T4CP-inhibitors as a potential solution to the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itxaso Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Lide Arana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Begoña Ugarte-Uribe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Elena Gómez-Rubio
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CIB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Martín-Santamaría
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CIB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Garbisu
- Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, Soil Microbial Ecology Group, NEIKER - Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Cient fico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio, Spain
| | - Itziar Alkorta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
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Correlation between Exogenous Compounds and the Horizontal Transfer of Plasmid-Borne Antibiotic Resistance Genes. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081211. [PMID: 32784449 PMCID: PMC7463591 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of antibiotic resistance has posed a serious threat to public healthcare and undermined decades of progress made in the fight against bacterial infections. It has been demonstrated that the lack of novel effective antibiotics and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes via horizontal transfer in the ecosystem are mainly responsible for this crisis. Notably, plasmid-mediated horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is recognized as the most dominant dissemination pathway of ARGs in humans, animals and environmental settings. Antibiotic selective pressure has always been regarded as one of the crucial contributors to promoting the dissemination of antibiotic resistance through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). However, the roles of exogenous compounds and particularly non-antibiotic drugs in the spread of ARGs are still underappreciated. In this review, we first summarize the major pathways of HGT in bacteria, including conjugation, transformation, transduction and vesiduction. Subsequently, an overview of these compounds capable of promoting the HGT is presented, which guides to the formulation of more reasonable dosing regimens and drug residue standards in clinical practice. By contrast, these compounds that display an inhibition effect on HGT are also highlighted, which provides a unique strategy to minimize the spread of ARGs. Lastly, we discuss the implementations and challenges in bringing these HGT inhibitors into clinical trials.
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Possible drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections in the future: anti-virulence drugs. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2020; 74:24-41. [PMID: 32647212 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-020-0344-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global threat that should be urgently resolved. Finding a new antibiotic is one way, whereas the repression of the dissemination of virulent pathogenic bacteria is another. From this point of view, this paper summarizes first the mechanisms of conjugation and transformation, two important processes of horizontal gene transfer, and then discusses the approaches for disarming virulent pathogenic bacteria, that is, virulence factor inhibitors. In contrast to antibiotics, anti-virulence drugs do not impose a high selective pressure on a bacterial population, and repress the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Disarmed virulence factors make virulent pathogens avirulent bacteria or pathobionts, so that we human will be able to coexist with these disarmed bacteria peacefully.
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25
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Wang HC, Lin SJ, Mohapatra A, Kumar R, Wang HC. A Review of the Functional Annotations of Important Genes in the AHPND-Causing pVA1 Plasmid. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E996. [PMID: 32635298 PMCID: PMC7409025 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a lethal shrimp disease. The pathogenic agent of this disease is a special Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain that contains a pVA1 plasmid. The protein products of two toxin genes in pVA1, pirAvp and pirBvp, targeted the shrimp's hepatopancreatic cells and were identified as the major virulence factors. However, in addition to pirAvp and pirBvp, pVA1 also contains about ~90 other open-reading frames (ORFs), which may encode functional proteins. NCBI BLASTp annotations of the functional roles of 40 pVA1 genes reveal transposases, conjugation factors, and antirestriction proteins that are involved in horizontal gene transfer, plasmid transmission, and maintenance, as well as components of type II and III secretion systems that may facilitate the toxic effects of pVA1-containing Vibrio spp. There is also evidence of a post-segregational killing (PSK) system that would ensure that only pVA1 plasmid-containing bacteria could survive after segregation. Here, in this review, we assess the functional importance of these pVA1 genes and consider those which might be worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ching Wang
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
| | - Shin-Jen Lin
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Arpita Mohapatra
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Mits School of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004, India
| | - Ramya Kumar
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ching Wang
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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26
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Buckner MMC, Ciusa ML, Meek RW, Moorey AR, McCallum GE, Prentice EL, Reid JP, Alderwick LJ, Di Maio A, Piddock LJV. HIV Drugs Inhibit Transfer of Plasmids Carrying Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase and Carbapenemase Genes. mBio 2020; 11:e03355-19. [PMID: 32098822 PMCID: PMC7042701 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03355-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections pose a serious risk to human and animal health. A major factor contributing to this global crisis is the sharing of resistance genes between different bacteria via plasmids. The WHO lists Enterobacteriaceae, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases as "critical" priorities for new drug development. These resistance genes are most often shared via plasmid transfer. However, finding methods to prevent resistance gene sharing has been hampered by the lack of screening systems for medium-/high-throughput approaches. Here, we have used an ESBL-producing plasmid, pCT, and a carbapenemase-producing plasmid, pKpQIL, in two different Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli and K. pneumoniae Using these critical resistance-pathogen combinations, we developed an assay using fluorescent proteins, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy to assess plasmid transmission inhibition within bacterial populations in a medium-throughput manner. Three compounds with some reports of antiplasmid properties were tested; chlorpromazine reduced transmission of both plasmids and linoleic acid reduced transmission of pCT. We screened the Prestwick library of over 1,200 FDA-approved drugs/compounds. From this, we found two nucleoside analogue drugs used to treat HIV, abacavir and azidothymidine (AZT), which reduced plasmid transmission (AZT, e.g., at 0.25 μg/ml reduced pCT transmission in E. coli by 83.3% and pKpQIL transmission in K. pneumoniae by 80.8% compared to untreated controls). Plasmid transmission was reduced by concentrations of the drugs which are below peak serum concentrations and are achievable in the gastrointestinal tract. These drugs could be used to decolonize humans, animals, or the environment from AMR plasmids.IMPORTANCE More and more bacterial infections are becoming resistant to antibiotics. This has made treatment of many infections very difficult. One of the reasons this is such a large problem is that bacteria are able to share their genetic material with other bacteria, and these shared genes often include resistance to a variety of antibiotics, including some of our drugs of last resort. We are addressing this problem by using a fluorescence-based system to search for drugs that will stop bacteria from sharing resistance genes. We uncovered a new role for two drugs used to treat HIV and show that they are able to prevent the sharing of two different types of resistance genes in two unique bacterial strains. This work lays the foundation for future work to reduce the prevalence of resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M C Buckner
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - M Laura Ciusa
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Richard W Meek
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Alice R Moorey
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory E McCallum
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L Prentice
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy P Reid
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Luke J Alderwick
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Di Maio
- Birmingham Advanced Light Microscopy, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Laura J V Piddock
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
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27
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Sanabria-Ríos DJ, Morales-Guzmán C, Mooney J, Medina S, Pereles-De-León T, Rivera-Román A, Ocasio-Malavé C, Díaz D, Chorna N, Carballeira NM. Antibacterial Activity of Hexadecynoic Acid Isomers toward Clinical Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Lipids 2020; 55:101-116. [PMID: 31975430 DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the structural characteristics that impart antibacterial activity to C16 alkynoic fatty acids (aFA) were further investigated. The syntheses of hexadecynoic acids (HDA) containing triple bonds at C-3, C-6, C-8, C-9, C-10, and C-12 were carried out in four steps and with an overall yield of 34-78%. In addition, HDA analogs containing a sulfur atom at either C-4 or C-5 were also prepared in 69-77% overall yields, respectively. Results from this study revealed that the triple bond at C-2 is pivotal for the antibacterial activity displayed by 2-HDA, while the farther the position of the triple bond from the carbonyl group, the lower its bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria, including clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CIMRSA) strains. The potential of 2-HDA as an antibacterial agent was also assessed in five CIMRSA strains that were resistant to Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) demonstrating that 2-HDA was the most effective treatment in inhibiting their growth when compared with either Cipro alone or equimolar combinations of Cipro and 2-HDA. Moreover, it was proved that the inhibition of S. aureus DNA gyrase can be linked to the antibacterial activity displayed by 2-HDA. Finally, it was determined that the ability of HDA analogs to form micelles can be linked to their decreased activity against gram-positive bacteria, since critical micellar concentrations (CMC) between 50 and 300 μg/mL were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sanabria-Ríos
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR, 00919, USA
| | - Christian Morales-Guzmán
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, 17 Ave Universidad STE 1701, San Juan, PR, 00925, USA
| | - Joseph Mooney
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR, 00919, USA
| | - Solymar Medina
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR, 00919, USA
| | - Tomás Pereles-De-León
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR, 00919, USA
| | - Ashley Rivera-Román
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR, 00919, USA
| | - Carlimar Ocasio-Malavé
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR, 00919, USA
| | - Damarith Díaz
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, PO Box 191293, San Juan, PR, 00919, USA
| | - Nataliya Chorna
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences, Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR, 00936, USA
| | - Néstor M Carballeira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, 17 Ave Universidad STE 1701, San Juan, PR, 00925, USA
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28
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Boudaher E, Shaffer CL. Inhibiting bacterial secretion systems in the fight against antibiotic resistance. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:682-692. [PMID: 31741728 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00076c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a mounting global health crisis that threatens a resurgence of life-threatening bacterial infections. Despite intensive drug discovery efforts, the rate of antimicrobial resistance outpaces the discovery of new antibiotic agents. One of the major mechanisms driving the rapid propagation of antibiotic resistance is bacterial conjugation mediated by the versatile type IV secretion system (T4SS). The search for therapeutic compounds that prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance via T4SS-dependent mechanisms has identified several promising molecular scaffolds that disrupt resistance determinant dissemination. In this brief review, we highlight the progress and potential of conjugation inhibitors and anti-virulence compounds that target diverse T4SS machineries. These studies provide a solid foundation for the future development of potent, dual-purpose molecular scaffolds that can be used as biochemical tools to probe type IV secretion mechanisms and target bacterial conjugation in clinical settings to prevent the dissemination of antibiotic resistance throughout microbial populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Boudaher
- University of Kentucky , Department of Veterinary Science , Gluck Equine Research Center , 1400 Nicholasville Road , Lexington , KY , USA . ; Tel: +1 (859) 218 1168
| | - Carrie L Shaffer
- University of Kentucky , Department of Veterinary Science , Gluck Equine Research Center , 1400 Nicholasville Road , Lexington , KY , USA . ; Tel: +1 (859) 218 1168.,University of Kentucky , Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics , 800 Rose Street , Lexington , KY , USA.,University of Kentucky , Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , 789 South Limestone Street , Lexington , KY , USA
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29
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Arya T, Oudouhou F, Casu B, Bessette B, Sygusch J, Baron C. Fragment-based screening identifies inhibitors of ATPase activity and of hexamer formation of Cagα from the Helicobacter pylori type IV secretion system. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6474. [PMID: 31019200 PMCID: PMC6482174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42876-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Type IV secretion systems are multiprotein complexes that mediate the translocation of macromolecules across the bacterial cell envelope. In Helicobacter pylori a type IV secretion system encoded by the cag pathogenicity island encodes 27 proteins and most are essential for virulence. We here present the identification and characterization of inhibitors of Cagα, a hexameric ATPase and member of the family of VirB11-like proteins that is essential for translocation of the CagA cytotoxin into mammalian cells. We conducted fragment-based screening using a differential scanning fluorimetry assay and identified 16 molecules that stabilize the protein suggesting that they bind Cagα. Several molecules affect binding of ADP and four of them inhibit the ATPase activity. Analysis of enzyme kinetics suggests that their mode of action is non-competitive, suggesting that they do not bind to the active site. Cross-linking suggests that the active molecules change protein conformation and gel filtration and transmission electron microscopy show that molecule 1G2 dissociates the Cagα hexamer. Addition of the molecule 1G2 inhibits the induction of interleukin-8 production in gastric cancer cells after co-incubation with H. pylori suggesting that it inhibits Cagα in vivo. Our results reveal a novel mechanism for the inhibition of the ATPase activity of VirB11-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Arya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Flore Oudouhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bastien Casu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benoit Bessette
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jurgen Sygusch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Baron
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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30
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Swietnicki W, Czarny A, Urbanska N, Drab M. Identification of small molecule compounds active against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:1047-1051. [PMID: 30409430 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen rapidly becoming a serious health problem due to ease of acquiring antibiotic resistance. To help identify potential new drug candidates effective against the pathogen, a small focused library was screened for inhibition of bacterial growth against several pathogens, including S. aureus. At least one of the compounds, Compound 10, was capable of blocking bacterial growth of S. aureus in a test tube with IC50 = 140 ± 30 μM. Another inhibitor, Compound 7, was bacteriostatic against S. aureus with IC50 ranging from 33 to 150 μM against 3 different strains. However, only Compound 7 was bactericidal against P. mirabilis as examined by electron microscopy. Human cell line toxicity studies suggested that both compounds had small effect on cell growth at 100 μM concentration as examined by MTT assay. Analysis of compounds' structures showed lack of similarity to any known antibiotics and bacteriostatics, potentially offering the inhibitors as an alternative to existing solutions in controlling bacterial infections for selected pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieslaw Swietnicki
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Science, Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, ul. R. Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Czarny
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Science, Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, ul. R. Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Urbanska
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Science, Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, ul. R. Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland; University of Wroclaw, Department of Biological Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, ul. Kanonia 6/8, 50-328, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Drab
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Science, Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, ul. R. Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
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31
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Buckner MMC, Ciusa ML, Piddock LJV. Strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance: anti-plasmid and plasmid curing. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:781-804. [PMID: 30085063 PMCID: PMC6199537 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem hindering treatment of bacterial infections, rendering many aspects of modern medicine less effective. AMR genes (ARGs) are frequently located on plasmids, which are self-replicating elements of DNA. They are often transmissible between bacteria, and some have spread globally. Novel strategies to combat AMR are needed, and plasmid curing and anti-plasmid approaches could reduce ARG prevalence, and sensitise bacteria to antibiotics. We discuss the use of curing agents as laboratory tools including chemicals (e.g. detergents and intercalating agents), drugs used in medicine including ascorbic acid, psychotropic drugs (e.g. chlorpromazine), antibiotics (e.g. aminocoumarins, quinolones and rifampicin) and plant-derived compounds. Novel strategies are examined; these include conjugation inhibitors (e.g. TraE inhibitors, linoleic, oleic, 2-hexadecynoic and tanzawaic acids), systems designed around plasmid incompatibility, phages and CRISPR/Cas-based approaches. Currently, there is a general lack of in vivo curing options. This review highlights this important shortfall, which if filled could provide a promising mechanism to reduce ARG prevalence in humans and animals. Plasmid curing mechanisms which are not suitable for in vivo use could still prove important for reducing the global burden of AMR, as high levels of ARGs exist in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M C Buckner
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Maria Laura Ciusa
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Laura J V Piddock
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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32
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Graf FE, Palm M, Warringer J, Farewell A. Inhibiting conjugation as a tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Drug Dev Res 2018; 80:19-23. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice E. Graf
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe); University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Martin Palm
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe); University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jonas Warringer
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe); University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Anne Farewell
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe); University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
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33
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García-Cazorla Y, Getino M, Sanabria-Ríos DJ, Carballeira NM, de la Cruz F, Arechaga I, Cabezón E. Conjugation inhibitors compete with palmitic acid for binding to the conjugative traffic ATPase TrwD, providing a mechanism to inhibit bacterial conjugation. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:16923-16930. [PMID: 30201608 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial conjugation is a key mechanism by which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance. Therefore, conjugation inhibitors (COINs) are promising compounds in the fight against the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria. Unsaturated fatty acids (uFAs) and alkynoic fatty acid derivatives, such as 2-hexadecanoic acid (2-HDA), have been reported previously as being effective COINs. The traffic ATPase TrwD, a VirB11 homolog in plasmid R388, is the molecular target of these compounds, which likely affect binding of TrwD to bacterial membranes. In this work, we demonstrate that COINs are abundantly incorporated into Escherichia coli membranes, replacing palmitic acid as the major component of the membrane. We also show that TrwD binds palmitic acid, thus facilitating its interaction with the membrane. Our findings also suggest that COINs bind TrwD at a site that is otherwise occupied by palmitic acid. Accordingly, molecular docking predictions with palmitic acid indicated that it shares the same binding site as uFAs and 2-HDA, although it differs in the contacts involved in this interaction. We also identified 2-bromopalmitic acid, a palmitate analog that inhibits many membrane-associated enzymes, as a compound that effectively reduces TrwD ATPase activity and bacterial conjugation. Moreover, we demonstrate that 2-bromopalmitic and palmitic acids both compete for the same binding site in TrwD. Altogether, these detailed findings open up a new avenue in the search for effective synthetic inhibitors of bacterial conjugation, which may be pivotal for combating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda García-Cazorla
- From the Departamento de Biología Molecular and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - María Getino
- From the Departamento de Biología Molecular and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - David J Sanabria-Ríos
- the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, Faculty of Science and Technology, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919, and
| | - Néstor M Carballeira
- the Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925
| | - Fernando de la Cruz
- From the Departamento de Biología Molecular and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Ignacio Arechaga
- From the Departamento de Biología Molecular and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 39011 Santander, Spain,
| | - Elena Cabezón
- From the Departamento de Biología Molecular and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 39011 Santander, Spain,
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34
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Prevost MS, Waksman G. X-ray crystal structures of the type IVb secretion system DotB ATPases. Protein Sci 2018; 27:1464-1475. [PMID: 29770512 PMCID: PMC6153414 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human infections by the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila result in a severe form of pneumonia, the Legionnaire's disease. L. pneumophila utilizes a Type IVb secretion (T4bS) system termed “dot/icm” to secrete protein effectors to the host cytoplasm. The dot/icm system is powered at least in part by a functionally critical AAA+ ATPase, a protein called DotB, thought to belong to the VirB11 family of proteins. Here we present the crystal structure of DotB at 3.19 Å resolution, in its hexameric form. We observe that DotB is in fact a structural intermediate between VirB11 and PilT family proteins, with a PAS‐like N‐terminal domain coupled to a RecA‐like C‐terminal domain. It also shares critical structural elements only found in PilT. The structure also reveals two conformers, termed α and β, with an αβαβαβ configuration. The existence of α and β conformers in this class of proteins was confirmed by solving the structure of DotB from another bacterial pathogen, Yersinia, where, intriguingly, we observed an ααβααβ configuration. The two conformers co‐exist regardless of the nucleotide‐bound states of the proteins. Our investigation therefore reveals that these ATPases can adopt a wider range of conformational states than was known before, shedding new light on the extraordinary spectrum of conformations these ATPases can access to carry out their function. Overall, the structure of DotB provides a template for further rational drug design to develop more specific antibiotics to tackle Legionnaire's disease. PDB Code(s): http://firstglance.jmol.org/fg.htm?mol=Will; http://firstglance.jmol.org/fg.htm?mol=be; http://firstglance.jmol.org/fg.htm?mol=provided
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie S Prevost
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London and Birkbeck, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Waksman
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London and Birkbeck, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
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35
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Abstract
Ever since antibiotics were introduced into human and veterinary medicine to treat and prevent bacterial infections there has been a steady selection and increase in the frequency of antibiotic resistant bacteria. To be able to reduce the rate of resistance evolution, we need to understand how various biotic and abiotic factors interact to drive the complex processes of resistance emergence and transmission. We describe several of the fundamental factors that underlay resistance evolution, including rates and niches of emergence and persistence of resistant bacteria, time- and space-gradients of various selective agents, and rates and routes of transmission of resistant bacteria between humans, animals and other environments. Furthermore, we discuss the options available to reduce the rate of resistance evolution and/ or transmission and their advantages and disadvantages.
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36
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Bevan ER, Jones AM, Hawkey PM. Global epidemiology of CTX-M β-lactamases: temporal and geographical shifts in genotype. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 72:2145-2155. [PMID: 28541467 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 480] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, rates of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae are rising. We undertook a literature review, and present the temporal trends in blaCTX-M epidemiology, showing that blaCTX-M-15 and blaCTX-M-14 have displaced other genotypes in many parts of the world. Explanations for these changes can be attributed to: (i) horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of plasmids; (ii) successful Escherichia coli clones; (iii) ESBLs in food animals; (iv) the natural environment; and (v) human migration and access to basic sanitation. We also provide explanations for the changing epidemiology of blaCTX-M-2 and blaCTX-M-27. Modifiable anthropogenic factors, such as poor access to basic sanitary facilities, encourage the spread of blaCTX-M and other antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, such as blaNDM, blaKPC and mcr-1. We provide further justification for novel preventative and interventional strategies to reduce transmission of these AMR genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Bevan
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.,Public Health England, West Midlands Public Health Laboratory, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B5 9SS, UK
| | - Annie M Jones
- Magus Strategic Communications Ltd, Marr House, Scagglethorpe, Malton YO17?8ED, UK
| | - Peter M Hawkey
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.,Public Health England, West Midlands Public Health Laboratory, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B5 9SS, UK
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37
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Conjugative plasmids are the main carriers of transmissible antibiotic resistance (AbR) genes. For that reason, strategies to control plasmid transmission have been proposed as potential solutions to prevent AbR dissemination. Natural mechanisms that bacteria employ as defense barriers against invading genomes, such as restriction-modification or CRISPR-Cas systems, could be exploited to control conjugation. Besides, conjugative plasmids themselves display mechanisms to minimize their associated burden or to compete with related or unrelated plasmids. Thus, FinOP systems, composed of FinO repressor protein and FinP antisense RNA, aid plasmids to regulate their own transfer; exclusion systems avoid conjugative transfer of related plasmids to the same recipient bacteria; and fertility inhibition systems block transmission of unrelated plasmids from the same donor cell. Artificial strategies have also been designed to control bacterial conjugation. For instance, intrabodies against R388 relaxase expressed in recipient cells inhibit plasmid R388 conjugative transfer; pIII protein of bacteriophage M13 inhibits plasmid F transmission by obstructing conjugative pili; and unsaturated fatty acids prevent transfer of clinically relevant plasmids in different hosts, promoting plasmid extinction in bacterial populations. Overall, a number of exogenous and endogenous factors have an effect on the sophisticated process of bacterial conjugation. This review puts them together in an effort to offer a wide picture and inform research to control plasmid transmission, focusing on Gram-negative bacteria.
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38
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Cabezón E, de la Cruz F, Arechaga I. Conjugation Inhibitors and Their Potential Use to Prevent Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2329. [PMID: 29255449 PMCID: PMC5723004 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become one of the most challenging problems in health care. Bacteria conjugation is one of the main mechanisms whereby bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, the search for specific conjugation inhibitors (COINs) is of interest in the fight against the spread of antibiotic resistances in a variety of laboratory and natural environments. Several compounds, discovered as COINs, are promising candidates in the fight against plasmid dissemination. In this review, we survey the effectiveness and toxicity of the most relevant compounds. Particular emphasis has been placed on unsaturated fatty acid derivatives, as they have been shown to be efficient in preventing plasmid invasiveness in bacterial populations. Biochemical and structural studies have provided insights concerning their potential molecular targets and inhibitory mechanisms. These findings open a new avenue in the search of new and more effective synthetic inhibitors. In this pursuit, the use of structure-based drug design methods will be of great importance for the screening of ligands and binding sites of putative targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cabezón
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Fernando de la Cruz
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Ignacio Arechaga
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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39
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Abstract
Type IV coupling proteins (T4CPs) are essential constituents of most type IV secretion systems (T4SSs), and probably the most intriguing component in terms of their evolutionary origin and functional role. Coupling proteins have coevolved with their cognate secretion system and translocated substrates. They are present in all conjugative systems, leading to the suggestion that they play a specific role in DNA transfer. However, they are also part of many T4SSs involved in bacterial virulence, where they are required for protein translocation, with no apparent involvement in DNA secretion. Their name reflects genetic and biochemical evidence of a connecting role between the substrate and the T4SS, thus probably playing a major role in substrate recruitment. Increasing evidence supports also a role in signal transmission leading to activation of secretion. Most studies have addressed conjugative coupling proteins of the VirD4-like protein family. Their conserved features include a nucleotide-binding domain, essential for substrate translocation, a C-terminal domain involved in substrate interactions, and a transmembrane domain anchoring them to the inner membrane, which is an important regulator of protein function. Purified soluble deletion mutants display ATP hydrolysis activity and unspecific DNA binding. Elucidation of the 3D structure of the soluble deletion mutant of the conjugative coupling protein TrwB, TrwBΔN70, provided the basis for further mutagenesis studies rendering interesting insights into the structure-function of these proteins. Their key role as couplers between substrate and transporter provides biotechnological potential as targets for anti-virulence strategies, as well as for customization of substrate delivery through heterologous secretion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matxalen Llosa
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria (UC), and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), UC-CSIC-SODERCAN, C/Albert Einstein 22, 39011, Santander, Spain.
| | - Itziar Alkorta
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (UPV/EHU), Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena S/N, 48940, Leioa, Spain
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