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Su HL, Lai SJ, Tsai KC, Fung KM, Lung TL, Hsu HM, Wu YC, Liu CH, Lai HX, Lin JH, Tseng TS. Structure-guided identification and characterization of potent inhibitors targeting PhoP and MtrA to combat mycobacteria. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1477-1488. [PMID: 38623562 PMCID: PMC11016868 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacteria are causative agents of tuberculosis (TB), which is a global health concern. Drug-resistant TB strains are rapidly emerging, thereby necessitating the urgent development of new drugs. Two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) are signaling pathways involved in the regulation of various bacterial behaviors and responses to environmental stimuli. Applying specific inhibitors of TCSs can disrupt bacterial signaling, growth, and virulence, and can help combat drug-resistant TB. We conducted a comprehensive pharmacophore-based inhibitor screening and biochemical and biophysical examinations to identify, characterize, and validate potential inhibitors targeting the response regulators PhoP and MtrA of mycobacteria. The constructed pharmacophore model Phar-PR-n4 identified effective inhibitors of formation of the PhoP-DNA complex: ST132 (IC50 = 29 ± 1.6 µM) and ST166 (IC50 = 18 ± 1.3 µM). ST166 (KD = 18.4 ± 4.3 μM) and ST132 (KD = 14.5 ± 0.1 μM) strongly targeted PhoP in a slow-on, slow-off manner. The inhibitory potency and binding affinity of ST166 and ST132 for MtrAC were comparable to those of PhoP. Structural analyses and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that ST166 and ST132 mainly interact with the α8-helix and C-terminal β-hairpin of PhoP, with functionally essential residue hotspots for structure-based inhibitor optimization. Moreover, ST166 has in vitro antibacterial activity against Macrobacterium marinum. Thus, ST166, with its characteristic 1,2,5,6-tetrathiocane and terminal sulphonic groups, has excellent potential as a candidate for the development of novel antimicrobial agents to combat pathogenic mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Li Su
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 600, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Jung Lai
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Chang Tsai
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kit-Man Fung
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Lin Lung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung,Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Mien Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung,Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Wu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung,Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Liu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung,Taiwan
| | - Hui-Xiang Lai
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung,Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Han Lin
- Department of Industrial Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei, Taiwan
- Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Sheng Tseng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung,Taiwan
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2
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Jackson M, Vineberg S, Theis KR. The Epistemology of Bacterial Virulence Factor Characterization. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1272. [PMID: 39065041 PMCID: PMC11278562 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071272] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of microbial pathogenesis seeks to identify the agents and mechanisms responsible for disease causation. Since Robert Koch introduced postulates that were used to guide the characterization of microbial pathogens, technological advances have substantially increased the capacity to rapidly identify a causative infectious agent. Research efforts currently focus on causation at the molecular level with a search for virulence factors (VFs) that contribute to different stages of the infectious process. We note that the quest to identify and characterize VFs sometimes lacks scientific rigor, and this suggests a need to examine the epistemology of VF characterization. We took this premise as an opportunity to explore the epistemology of VF characterization. In this perspective, we discuss how the characterization of various gene products that evolved to facilitate bacterial survival in the broader environment have potentially been prematurely mischaracterized as VFs that contribute to pathogenesis in the context of human biology. Examples of the reasoning that can affect misinterpretation, or at least a premature assignment of mechanistic causation, are provided. Our aim is to refine the categorization of VFs by emphasizing a broader biological view of their origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Susan Vineberg
- Department of Philosophy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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3
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Manisha Y, Srinivasan M, Jobichen C, Rosenshine I, Sivaraman J. Sensing for survival: specialised regulatory mechanisms of Type III secretion systems in Gram-negative pathogens. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:837-863. [PMID: 38217090 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
For centuries, Gram-negative pathogens have infected the human population and been responsible for numerous diseases in animals and plants. Despite advancements in therapeutics, Gram-negative pathogens continue to evolve, with some having developed multi-drug resistant phenotypes. For the successful control of infections caused by these bacteria, we need to widen our understanding of the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. Gram-negative pathogens utilise an array of effector proteins to hijack the host system to survive within the host environment. These proteins are secreted into the host system via various secretion systems, including the integral Type III secretion system (T3SS). The T3SS spans two bacterial membranes and one host membrane to deliver effector proteins (virulence factors) into the host cell. This multifaceted process has multiple layers of regulation and various checkpoints. In this review, we highlight the multiple strategies adopted by these pathogens to regulate or maintain virulence via the T3SS, encompassing the regulation of small molecules to sense and communicate with the host system, as well as master regulators, gatekeepers, chaperones, and other effectors that recognise successful host contact. Further, we discuss the regulatory links between the T3SS and other systems, like flagella and metabolic pathways including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, anaerobic metabolism, and stringent cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadav Manisha
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Mahalashmi Srinivasan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Ilan Rosenshine
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - J Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
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4
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Zhang T, Nickerson R, Zhang W, Peng X, Shang Y, Zhou Y, Luo Q, Wen G, Cheng Z. The impacts of animal agriculture on One Health-Bacterial zoonosis, antimicrobial resistance, and beyond. One Health 2024; 18:100748. [PMID: 38774301 PMCID: PMC11107239 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The industrialization of animal agriculture has undoubtedly contributed to the improvement of human well-being by increasing the efficiency of food animal production. At the same time, it has also drastically impacted the natural environment and human society. The One Health initiative emphasizes the interdependency of the health of ecosystems, animals, and humans. In this paper, we discuss some of the most profound consequences of animal agriculture practices from a One Health perspective. More specifically, we focus on impacts to host-microbe interactions by elaborating on how modern animal agriculture affects zoonotic infections, specifically those of bacterial origin, and the concomitant emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A key question underlying these deeply interconnected issues is how to better prevent, monitor, and manage infections in animal agriculture. To address this, we outline approaches to mitigate the impacts of agricultural bacterial zoonoses and AMR, including the development of novel treatments as well as non-drug approaches comprising integrated surveillance programs and policy and education regarding agricultural practices and antimicrobial stewardship. Finally, we touch upon additional major environmental and health factors impacted by animal agriculture within the One Health context, including animal welfare, food security, food safety, and climate change. Charting how these issues are interwoven to comprise the complex web of animal agriculture's broad impacts on One Health will allow for the development of concerted, multidisciplinary interventions which are truly necessary to tackle these issues from a One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Rhea Nickerson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Wenting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Xitian Peng
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Wuhan 430064, Hubei, China
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Laboratory of Quality and Safe Risk Assessment for Agro-products (Wuhan), Wuhan 430064, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Youxiang Zhou
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Wuhan 430064, Hubei, China
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Laboratory of Quality and Safe Risk Assessment for Agro-products (Wuhan), Wuhan 430064, Hubei, China
| | - Qingping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Guoyuan Wen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Zhenyu Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Cheema HS, Maurya A, Kumar S, Pandey VK, Singh RM. Antibiotic Potentiation Through Phytochemical-Based Efflux Pump Inhibitors to Combat Multidrug Resistance Bacteria. Med Chem 2024; 20:557-575. [PMID: 37907487 DOI: 10.2174/0115734064263586231022135644] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance development poses a significant danger to the efficacy of antibiotics, which were once believed to be the most efficient method for treating infections caused by bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance typically involves various mechanisms, such as drug inactivation or modification, drug target modification, drug uptake restriction, and drug efflux, resulting in decreased antibiotic concentrations within the cell. Antimicrobial resistance has been associated with efflux Pumps, known for their capacity to expel different antibiotics from the cell non-specifically. This makes EPs fascinating targets for creating drugs to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The varied structures of secondary metabolites (phytomolecules) found in plants have positioned them as a promising reservoir of efflux pump inhibitors. These inhibitors act as modifiers of bacterial resistance and facilitate the reintroduction of antibiotics that have lost clinical effectiveness. Additionally, they may play a role in preventing the emergence of multidrug resistant strains. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review article is to discuss the latest studies on plant-based efflux pump inhibitors such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tetralones. It highlighted their potential in enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics and combating the development of multidrug resistance. RESULTS Efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) derived from botanical sources, including compounds like lysergol, chanaoclavine, niazrin, 4-hydroxy-α-tetralone, ursolic acid, phytol, etc., as well as their partially synthesized forms, have shown significant potential as practical therapeutic approaches in addressing antimicrobial resistance caused by efflux pumps. Further, several phyto-molecules and their analogs demonstrated superior potential for reversing drug resistance, surpassing established agents like reserpine, niaziridin, etc. Conclusion: This review found that while the phyto-molecules and their derivatives did not possess notable antimicrobial activity, their combination with established antibiotics significantly reduced their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Specific molecules, such as chanaoclavine and niaziridin, exhibited noteworthy potential in reversing the effectiveness of drugs, resulting in a reduction of the MIC of tetracycline by up to 16 times against the tested strain of bacteria. These molecules inhibited the efflux pumps responsible for drug resistance and displayed a stronger affinity for membrane proteins. By employing powerful EPIs, these molecules can selectively target and obstruct drug efflux pumps. This targeted approach can significantly augment the strength and efficacy of older antibiotics against various drug resistant bacteria, given that active drug efflux poses a susceptibility for nearly all antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anupam Maurya
- Chemistry Section, Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine, and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), Ministry of Ayush, Ghaziabad, 201002, (U.P.), India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Botany, Meerut College, Meerut, 250003 (U.P.), India
| | - Vineet Kumar Pandey
- Chemistry Section, Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine, and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), Ministry of Ayush, Ghaziabad, 201002, (U.P.), India
| | - Raman Mohan Singh
- Chemistry Section, Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine, and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), Ministry of Ayush, Ghaziabad, 201002, (U.P.), India
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Neetu N, Mahto JK, Sharma M, Katiki M, Dhaka P, Roy P, Tomar S, Narayan A, Yernool D, Kumar P. Sulisobenzone is a potent inhibitor of the global transcription factor Cra. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108034. [PMID: 37805153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108034] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcription is carried out by the RNA polymerase and is regulated through a series of interactions with transcription factors. Catabolite activator repressor (Cra), a LacI family transcription factor regulates the virulence gene expression in Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and thus is a promising drug target for the discovery of antivirulence molecules. Here, we report the crystal structure of the effector molecule binding domain of Cra from E. coli (EcCra) in complex with HEPES molecule. Based on the EcCra-HEPES complex structure, ligand screening was performed that identified sulisobenzone as an potential inhibitor of EcCra. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and in vitro transcription assay validated the sulisobenzone binding to EcCra. Moreover, the isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments demonstrated a 40-fold higher binding affinity of sulisobenzone (KD 360 nM) compared to the HEPES molecule. Finally, the sulisobenzone bound EcCra complex crystal structure was determined to elucidate the binding mechanism of sulisobenzone to the effector binding pocket of EcCra. Together, this study suggests that sulisobenzone may be a promising candidate that can be studied and developed as an effective antivirulence agent against EHEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Neetu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jai Krishna Mahto
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Monica Sharma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Madhusudhanarao Katiki
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Preeti Dhaka
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Partha Roy
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anoop Narayan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Dinesh Yernool
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Pravindra Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
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7
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Miljkovic M, Lozano S, Castellote I, de Cózar C, Villegas-Moreno AI, Gamallo P, Jimenez-Alfaro Martinez D, Fernández-Álvaro E, Ballell L, Garcia GA. Novel inhibitors that target bacterial virulence identified via HTS against intra-macrophage survival of Shigella flexneri. mSphere 2023; 8:e0015423. [PMID: 37565760 PMCID: PMC10597453 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00154-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Shigella flexneri is a facultative intracellular pathogen that causes shigellosis, a human diarrheal disease characterized by the destruction of the colonic epithelium. Novel antimicrobial compounds to treat infections are urgently needed due to the proliferation of bacterial antibiotic resistance and lack of new effective antimicrobials in the market. Our approach to find compounds that block the Shigella virulence pathway has three potential advantages: (i) resistance development should be minimized due to the lack of growth selection pressure, (ii) no resistance due to environmental antibiotic exposure should be developed since the virulence pathways are not activated outside of host infection, and (iii) the normal intestinal microbiota, which do not have the targeted virulence pathways, should be unharmed. We chose to utilize two phenotypic assays, inhibition of Shigella survival in macrophages and Shigella growth inhibition (minimum inhibitory concentration), to interrogate the 1.7 M compound screening collection subset of the GlaxoSmithKline drug discovery chemical library. A number of secondary assays on the hit compounds resulting from the primary screens were conducted, which, in combination with chemical, structural, and physical property analyses, narrowed the final hit list to 44 promising compounds for further drug discovery efforts. The rapid development of antibiotic resistance is a critical problem that has the potential of returning the world to a "pre-antibiotic" type of environment, where millions of people will die from previously treatable infections. One relatively newer approach to minimize the selection pressures for the development of resistance is to target virulence pathways. This is anticipated to eliminate any resistance selection pressure in environmental exposure to virulence-targeted antibiotics and will have the added benefit of not affecting the non-virulent microbiome. This paper describes the development and application of a simple, reproducible, and sensitive assay to interrogate an extensive chemical library in high-throughput screening format for activity against the survival of Shigella flexneri 2457T-nl in THP-1 macrophages. The ability to screen very large numbers of compounds in a reasonable time frame (~1.7 M compounds in ~8 months) distinguishes this assay as a powerful tool in further exploring new compounds with intracellular effect on S. flexneri or other pathogens with similar pathways of pathogenesis. The assay utilizes a luciferase reporter which is extremely rapid, simple, relatively inexpensive, and sensitive and possesses a broad linear range. The assay also utilized THP-1 cells that resemble primary monocytes and macrophages in morphology and differentiation properties. THP-1 cells have advantages over human primary monocytes or macrophages because they are highly plastic and their homogeneous genetic background minimizes the degree of variability in the cell phenotype (1). The intracellular and virulence-targeted selectivity of our methodology, determined via secondary screening, is an enormous advantage. Our main interest focuses on hits that are targeting virulence, and the most promising compounds with adequate physicochemical and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) properties will be progressed to a suitable in vivo shigellosis model to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach. Additionally, compounds that act via a host-directed mechanism could be a promising source for further research given that it would allow a whole new, specific, and controlled approach to the treatment of diseases caused by some pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Miljkovic
- Department of Medical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- GSK Global Health Unit, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - George A. Garcia
- Department of Medical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Gadar K, McCarthy RR. Using next generation antimicrobials to target the mechanisms of infection. NPJ ANTIMICROBIALS AND RESISTANCE 2023; 1:11. [PMID: 38686217 PMCID: PMC11057201 DOI: 10.1038/s44259-023-00011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of antibiotics on human health is being eroded at an alarming rate by the emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens. There is a recognised consensus that new strategies to tackle infection are urgently needed to limit the devasting impact of antibiotic resistance on our global healthcare infrastructure. Next generation antimicrobials (NGAs) are compounds that target bacterial virulence factors to disrupt pathogenic potential without impacting bacterial viability. By disabling the key virulence factors required to establish and maintain infection, NGAs make pathogens more vulnerable to clearance by the immune system and can potentially render them more susceptible to traditional antibiotics. In this review, we discuss the developing field of NGAs and how advancements in this area could offer a viable standalone alternative to traditional antibiotics or an effective means to prolong antibiotic efficacy when used in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Gadar
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH United Kingdom
| | - Ronan R. McCarthy
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH United Kingdom
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9
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Lee D, Choi H, Son S, Bae J, Joo J, Kim DW, Kim EJ. Expression of Cholera Toxin (CT) and the Toxin Co-Regulated Pilus (TCP) by Variants of ToxT in Vibrio cholerae Strains. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:507. [PMID: 37624264 PMCID: PMC10467113 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080507] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of the two major virulence genes of Vibrio cholerae-tcpA (the major subunit of the toxin co-regulated pilus) and ctxAB (cholera toxin)-is regulated by the ToxR regulon, which is triggered by environmental stimuli during infection within the human small intestine. Special culture methods are required to induce the expression of virulence genes in V. cholerae in the laboratory setting. In the present study, induction of the expression of virulence genes by two point mutations (65th and 139th amino acids) in toxT, which is produced by the ToxR regulon and activates the transcription of the virulence genes in V. cholerae, under laboratory culture conditions has been investigated. Each of the four toxT alleles assessed displayed different transcriptional activator functions in a given V. cholerae strain. Although the ToxR regulon has been known to not be expressed by El Tor biotype V. cholerae strains cultured under standard laboratory conditions, the variant toxT alleles that we assessed in this study enabled the expression virulence genes in El Tor biotype strains grown under simple culture conditions comprising shake culture in LB medium, suggesting that the regulation of virulence gene expression may be regulated more complexly than previously thought and may involve additional factors beyond the production of ToxT by the ToxR regulon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghyun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Hunseok Choi
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghyeon Son
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghyun Bae
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jayun Joo
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Pharmacological Research, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
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10
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Wang S, Wang D, Kai M, Shen WT, Sun L, Gao W, Zhang L. Design Strategies for Cellular Nanosponges as Medical Countermeasures. BME FRONTIERS 2023; 4:0018. [PMID: 37849681 PMCID: PMC10521708 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The interest in using therapeutic nanoparticles to bind with harmful molecules or pathogens and subsequently neutralize their bioactivity has grown tremendously. Among various nanomedicine platforms, cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, namely, "cellular nanosponges," stand out for their broad-spectrum neutralization capability challenging to achieve in traditional countermeasure technologies. Such ability is attributable to their cellular function-based rather than target structure-based working principle. Integrating cellular nanosponges with various synthetic substrates further makes their applications exceptionally versatile and adaptive. This review discusses the latest cellular nanosponge technology focusing on how the structure-function relationship in different designs has led to versatile and potent medical countermeasures. Four design strategies are discussed, including harnessing native cell membrane functions for biological neutralization, functionalizing cell membrane coatings to enhance neutralization capabilities, combining cell membranes and functional cores for multimodal neutralization, and integrating cellular nanosponges with hydrogels for localized applications. Examples in each design strategy are selected, and the discussion is to highlight their structure-function relationships in complex disease settings. The review may inspire additional design strategies for cellular nanosponges and fulfill even broader medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Wang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mingxuan Kai
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wei-Ting Shen
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Weiwei Gao
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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11
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Pis Diez CM, Antelo GT, Dalia TN, Dalia AB, Giedroc DP, Capdevila DA. Increased intracellular persulfide levels attenuate HlyU-mediated hemolysin transcriptional activation in Vibrio cholerae. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.13.532278. [PMID: 36993174 PMCID: PMC10054925 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.13.532278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate host’s immune system and resident commensal bacteria deploy a range of highly reactive small molecules that provide a barrier against infections by microbial pathogens. Gut pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae , sense and respond to these stressors by modulating the expression of exotoxins that are crucial for colonization. Here, we employ mass-spectrometry-based profiling, metabolomics, expression assays and biophysical approaches to show that transcriptional activation of the hemolysin gene hlyA in V. cholerae is regulated by intracellular reactive sulfur species (RSS), specifically sulfane sulfur. We first present a comprehensive sequence similarity network analysis of the arsenic repressor (ArsR) superfamily of transcriptional regulators where RSS and reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensors segregate into distinct clusters. We show that HlyU, transcriptional activator of hlyA in V. cholerae , belongs to the RSS-sensing cluster and readily reacts with organic persulfides, showing no reactivity and remaining DNA-bound following treatment with various ROS in vitro, including H 2 O 2 . Surprisingly, in V. cholerae cell cultures, both sulfide and peroxide treatment downregulate HlyU-dependent transcriptional activation of hlyA . However, RSS metabolite profiling shows that both sulfide and peroxide treatment raise the endogenous inorganic sulfide and disulfide levels to a similar extent, accounting for this crosstalk, and confirming that V. cholerae attenuates HlyU-mediated activation of hlyA in a specific response to intracellular RSS. These findings provide new evidence that gut pathogens may harness RSS-sensing as an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to overcome the gut inflammatory response by modulating the expression of exotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian M. Pis Diez
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), C1405BWE Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Giuliano T. Antelo
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), C1405BWE Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Triana N. Dalia
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Ankur B. Dalia
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - David P. Giedroc
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Daiana A. Capdevila
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires (IIBBA-CONICET), C1405BWE Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Midgett CR, Kull FJ. Structural Insights into Regulation of Vibrio Virulence Gene Networks. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1404:269-294. [PMID: 36792881 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-22997-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the best studied aspects of pathogenic Vibrios are the virulence cascades that lead to the production of virulence factors and, ultimately, clinical outcomes. In this chapter, we will examine the regulation of Vibrio virulence gene networks from a structural and biochemical perspective. We will discuss the recent research into the numerous proteins that contribute to regulating virulence in Vibrio spp such as quorum sensing regulator HapR, the transcription factors AphA and AphB, or the virulence regulators ToxR and ToxT. We highlight how insights gained from these studies are already illuminating the basic molecular mechanisms by which the virulence cascade of pathogenic Vibrios unfold and contend that understanding how protein interactions contribute to the host-pathogen communications will enable the development of new antivirulence compounds that can effectively target these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - F Jon Kull
- Chemistry Department, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
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13
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Balasubramanian D, López-Pérez M, Almagro-Moreno S. Cholera Dynamics and the Emergence of Pandemic Vibrio cholerae. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1404:127-147. [PMID: 36792874 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-22997-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the aquatic bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Interestingly, to date, only one major clade has emerged to cause pandemic disease in humans: the clade that encompasses the strains from the O1 and O139 serogroups. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive perspective on the virulence factors and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) associated with the emergence of pandemic V. cholerae strains and highlight novel findings such as specific genomic background or interactions between MGEs that explain their confined distribution. Finally, we discuss pandemic cholera dynamics contextualizing them within the evolution of the bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Balasubramanian
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Mario López-Pérez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, División de Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvador Almagro-Moreno
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
- National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
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14
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Calkins AL, Demey LM, Rosenthal BM, DiRita VJ, Biteen JS. Achieving Single-Molecule Tracking of Subcellular Regulation in Bacteria during Real-Time Environmental Perturbations. Anal Chem 2023; 95:774-783. [PMID: 36576807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria rely on protein systems for regulation in response to external environmental signals. Single-molecule fluorescence imaging and tracking has elucidated the complex mechanism of these protein systems in a variety of bacteria. We recently investigated Vibrio cholerae, the Gram-negative bacterium responsible for the human cholera disease, and its regulation of the production of toxins and virulence factors through the membrane-localized transcription factors TcpP and ToxR. These experiments determined that TcpP and ToxR work cooperatively under steady-state conditions, but measurements of how these dynamical interactions change over the course of environmental perturbations were precluded by the traditional preparation of bacterial cells confined on agarose pads. Here, we address this gap in technology and access single-molecule dynamics during real-time changes by implementing two alternative sample preparations: microfluidic devices and chitosan-coated coverslips. We report the first demonstration of single-molecule tracking within live bacterial cells in a microfluidic device. Additionally, using the chitosan-coated coverslips, we show that real-time environmental changes impact TcpP-PAmCherry dynamics, activating a virulence condition in the bacteria about 45 min after dropping to pH 6 and about 20 min after inducing ToxR expression. These new technology advances open our ability for new experiments studying a variety of bacteria with single-molecule imaging and tracking during real-time environmental perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Calkins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, United States
| | - Lucas M Demey
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Brooke M Rosenthal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, United States
| | - Victor J DiRita
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Julie S Biteen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, United States
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15
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Yang X, Stein KR, Hang HC. Anti-infective bile acids bind and inactivate a Salmonella virulence regulator. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:91-100. [PMID: 36175659 PMCID: PMC9805502 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Bile acids are prominent host and microbiota metabolites that modulate host immunity and microbial pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms by which bile acids suppress microbial virulence are not clear. To identify the direct protein targets of bile acids in bacterial pathogens, we performed activity-guided chemical proteomic studies. In Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) most effectively inhibited the expression of virulence genes and invasion of epithelial cells and interacted with many proteins. Notably, we discovered that CDCA can directly bind and inhibit the function of HilD, an important transcriptional regulator of S. Typhimurium virulence and pathogenesis. Our characterization of bile acid-resistant HilD mutants in vitro and in S. Typhimurium infection models suggests that HilD is one of the key protein targets of anti-infective bile acids. This study highlights the utility of chemical proteomics to identify the direct protein targets of microbiota metabolites for mechanistic studies in bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglin Yang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn R Stein
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Howard C Hang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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16
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Research Progress on Small Molecular Inhibitors of the Type 3 Secretion System. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238348. [PMID: 36500441 PMCID: PMC9740592 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238348] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics has led to severe bacterial drug resistance. Blocking pathogen virulence devices is a highly effective approach to combating bacterial resistance worldwide. Type three secretion systems (T3SSs) are significant virulence factors in Gram-negative pathogens. Inhibition of these systems can effectively weaken infection whilst having no significant effect on bacterial growth. Therefore, T3SS inhibitors may be a powerful weapon against resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, and there has been increasing interest in the research and development of T3SS inhibitors. This review outlines several reported small-molecule inhibitors of the T3SS, covering those of synthetic and natural origin, including their sources, structures, and mechanisms of action.
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17
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Huang J, Yao C, Sun Y, Ji Q, Deng X. Virulence-related regulatory network of Pseudomonas syringae. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:6259-6270. [PMID: 36420163 PMCID: PMC9678800 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.011] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in regulating multiple biological processes by binding to promoter regions and regulating the global gene transcription levels. Pseudomonas syringae is a Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacterium harbouring 301 putative TFs in its genome, approximately 50 of which are responsible for virulence-related gene and pathway regulation. Over the past decades, RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, high-throughput systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, and other technologies have been applied to identify the functions of master regulators and their interactions in virulence-related pathways. This review summarises the recent advances in the regulatory networks of TFs involved in the type III secretion system (T3SS) and non-T3SS virulence-associated pathways, including motility, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, nucleotide-based secondary messengers, phytotoxins, siderophore production, and oxidative stress. Moreover, this review discusses the future perspectives in terms of TF-mediated pathogenesis mechanisms and provides novel insights that will help combat P. syringae infections based on the regulatory networks of TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiadai Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Chunyan Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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18
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Monteiro KLC, Silva ON, Dos Santos Nascimento IJ, Mendonça Júnior FJB, Aquino PGV, da Silva-Júnior EF, de Aquino TM. Medicinal Chemistry of Inhibitors Targeting Resistant Bacteria. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:1983-2028. [PMID: 35319372 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220321124452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics was a revolutionary feat that provided countless health benefits. The identification of penicillin by Alexander Fleming initiated the era of antibiotics, represented by constant discoveries that enabled effective treatments for the different classes of diseases caused by bacteria. However, the indiscriminate use of these drugs allowed the emergence of resistance mechanisms of these microorganisms against the available drugs. In addition, the constant discoveries in the 20th century generated a shortage of new molecules, worrying health agencies and professionals about the appearance of multidrug-resistant strains against available drugs. In this context, the advances of recent years in molecular biology and microbiology have allowed new perspectives in drug design and development, using the findings related to the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to generate new drugs that are not affected by such mechanisms and supply new molecules to be used to treat resistant bacterial infections. Besides, a promising strategy against bacterial resistance is the combination of drugs through adjuvants, providing new expectations in designing new antibiotics and new antimicrobial therapies. Thus, this manuscript will address the main mechanisms of bacterial resistance under the understanding of medicinal chemistry, showing the main active compounds against efflux mechanisms, and also the application of the use of drug delivery systems, and finally, the main potential natural products as adjuvants or with promising activity against resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadja Luana Chagas Monteiro
- Research Group on Therapeutic Strategies - GPET, Laboratory of Synthesis and Research in Medicinal Chemistry - LSPMED, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-970, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Osmar Nascimento Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Center of Anápolis, Unievangélica, 75083-515, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Igor José Dos Santos Nascimento
- Research Group on Therapeutic Strategies - GPET, Laboratory of Synthesis and Research in Medicinal Chemistry - LSPMED, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-970, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-970, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Thiago Mendonça de Aquino
- Research Group on Therapeutic Strategies - GPET, Laboratory of Synthesis and Research in Medicinal Chemistry - LSPMED, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-970, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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19
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Sionov RV, Steinberg D. Targeting the Holy Triangle of Quorum Sensing, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic Resistance in Pathogenic Bacteria. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1239. [PMID: 35744757 PMCID: PMC9228545 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic and recurrent bacterial infections are frequently associated with the formation of biofilms on biotic or abiotic materials that are composed of mono- or multi-species cultures of bacteria/fungi embedded in an extracellular matrix produced by the microorganisms. Biofilm formation is, among others, regulated by quorum sensing (QS) which is an interbacterial communication system usually composed of two-component systems (TCSs) of secreted autoinducer compounds that activate signal transduction pathways through interaction with their respective receptors. Embedded in the biofilms, the bacteria are protected from environmental stress stimuli, and they often show reduced responses to antibiotics, making it difficult to eradicate the bacterial infection. Besides reduced penetration of antibiotics through the intricate structure of the biofilms, the sessile biofilm-embedded bacteria show reduced metabolic activity making them intrinsically less sensitive to antibiotics. Moreover, they frequently express elevated levels of efflux pumps that extrude antibiotics, thereby reducing their intracellular levels. Some efflux pumps are involved in the secretion of QS compounds and biofilm-related materials, besides being important for removing toxic substances from the bacteria. Some efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) have been shown to both prevent biofilm formation and sensitize the bacteria to antibiotics, suggesting a relationship between these processes. Additionally, QS inhibitors or quenchers may affect antibiotic susceptibility. Thus, targeting elements that regulate QS and biofilm formation might be a promising approach to combat antibiotic-resistant biofilm-related bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- The Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
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20
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Lissens M, Joos M, Lories B, Steenackers HP. Evolution-proof inhibitors of public good cooperation: a screening strategy inspired by social evolution theory. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6604382. [PMID: 35675280 PMCID: PMC9616471 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interference with public good cooperation provides a promising novel antimicrobial strategy since social evolution theory predicts that resistant mutants will be counter-selected if they share the public benefits of their resistance with sensitive cells in the population. Although this hypothesis is supported by a limited number of pioneering studies, an extensive body of more fundamental work on social evolution describes a multitude of mechanisms and conditions that can stabilize public behaviour, thus potentially allowing resistant mutants to thrive. In this paper we theorize on how these different mechanisms can influence the evolution of resistance against public good inhibitors. Based hereon, we propose an innovative 5-step screening strategy to identify novel evolution-proof public good inhibitors, which involves a systematic evaluation of the exploitability of public goods under the most relevant experimental conditions, as well as a careful assessment of the most optimal way to interfere with their action. Overall, this opinion paper is aimed to contribute to long-term solutions to fight bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maries Lissens
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, B-3001, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Joos
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, B-3001, Belgium
| | - Bram Lories
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, B-3001, Belgium
| | - Hans P Steenackers
- Corresponding author: Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Kasteelpark Arenberg 20 – Box 2460, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium. E-mail:
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21
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Expanding the search for small-molecule antibacterials by multidimensional profiling. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:584-595. [PMID: 35606559 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
New techniques for systematic profiling of small-molecule effects can enhance traditional growth inhibition screens for antibiotic discovery and change how we search for new antibacterial agents. Computational models that integrate physicochemical compound properties with their phenotypic and molecular downstream effects can not only predict efficacy of molecules yet to be tested, but also reveal unprecedented insights on compound modes of action (MoAs). The unbiased characterization of compounds that themselves are not growth inhibitory but exhibit diverse MoAs, can expand antibacterial strategies beyond direct inhibition of core essential functions. Early and systematic functional annotation of compound libraries thus paves the way to new models in the selection of lead antimicrobial compounds. In this Review, we discuss how multidimensional small-molecule profiling and the ever-increasing computing power are accelerating the discovery of unconventional antibacterials capable of bypassing resistance and exploiting synergies with established antibacterial treatments and with protective host mechanisms.
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22
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tRNA fMet Inactivating Mycobacterium tuberculosis VapBC Toxin-Antitoxin Systems as Therapeutic Targets. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0189621. [PMID: 35404073 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01896-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome contains an abundance of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, 50 of which belong to the VapBC family. The activity of VapC toxins is controlled by dynamic association with their cognate antitoxins-the toxin is inactive when complexed with VapB antitoxin but active when freed. Here, we determined the cellular target of two phylogenetically related VapC toxins and demonstrate how their properties can be harnessed for drug development. First, we used a specialized RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach, 5' RNA-seq, to accurately identify the in vivo RNA target of M. tuberculosis VapC2 and VapC21 toxins. Both toxins exclusively disable initiator tRNAfMet through cleavage at a single, identical site within their anticodon loop. Consistent with the essential role and global requirement for initiator tRNAfMet in bacteria, expression of each VapC toxin resulted in potent translation inhibition followed by growth arrest and cell death. Guided by previous structural studies, we then mutated two conserved amino acids in the antitoxin (WR→AA) that resided in the toxin-antitoxin interface and were predicted to inhibit toxin activity. Both mutants were markedly less efficient in rescuing growth over time, suggesting that screens for high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors against this or other crucial VapB-VapC interaction sites could drive constitutive inactivation of tRNAfMet by these VapC toxins. Collectively, the properties of the VapBC2 and VapBC21 TA systems provide a framework for development of bactericidal antitubercular agents with high specificity for M. tuberculosis cells.
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23
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Wang S, Wang D, Duan Y, Zhou Z, Gao W, Zhang L. Cellular Nanosponges for Biological Neutralization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107719. [PMID: 34783078 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biological neutralization represents a general strategy that deploys therapeutic agents to bind with harmful molecules or infectious pathogens, block their bioactivity, and thus prevent them from causing the diseases. Here, a comprehensive review of using cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles, namely "cellular nanosponges," as host decoys for a wide range of biological neutralization applications is provided. Compared to traditional neutralization strategies, the cellular nanosponges stand out by mimicking susceptible host cells rather than accommodating the structures of the causative agents for the design of therapeutics. As all pathological agents must interact with host cells for bioactivity, nanosponges bypass the diversity of these agents and create function-driven and broad-spectrum neutralization solutions. The review focuses on the recent progress of using this new nanomedicine platform for neutralization against five primary pathological agents, including bacterial toxins, chemical toxicants, inflammatory cytokines, pathological antibodies, and viruses. Existing studies have established cellular nanosponges as versatile tools for biological neutralization. A thorough review of the cellular nanosponge technology is expected to inspire more refined cellular nanosponge designs and unique neutralization applications to address unsolved medical problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Wang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yaou Duan
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zhidong Zhou
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Weiwei Gao
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Liangfang Zhang
- Department of NanoEngineering, Chemical Engineering Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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24
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Saha P, Banerjee A, Banerjee G, Bag PK. Inhibitory activities of Typhonium trilobatum (L.) Schott on virulence potential of multi-drug resistant toxigenic Vibrio cholerae. Microb Pathog 2022; 165:105485. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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25
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Roncarati D, Scarlato V, Vannini A. Targeting of Regulators as a Promising Approach in the Search for Novel Antimicrobial Agents. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10010185. [PMID: 35056634 PMCID: PMC8777881 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of penicillin in the first half of the last century, antibiotics have become the pillars of modern medicine for fighting bacterial infections. However, pathogens resistant to antibiotic treatment have increased in recent decades, and efforts to discover new antibiotics have decreased. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to treat bacterial infections successfully, and we look forward to more significant efforts from both governments and the scientific community to research new antibacterial drugs. This perspective article highlights the high potential of bacterial transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulators as targets for developing new drugs. We highlight some recent advances in the search for new compounds that inhibit their biological activity and, as such, appear very promising for treating bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Roncarati
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.R.); (V.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Vincenzo Scarlato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.R.); (V.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Andrea Vannini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.R.); (V.S.); (A.V.)
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Aslam B, Khurshid M, Arshad MI, Muzammil S, Rasool M, Yasmeen N, Shah T, Chaudhry TH, Rasool MH, Shahid A, Xueshan X, Baloch Z. Antibiotic Resistance: One Health One World Outlook. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:771510. [PMID: 34900756 PMCID: PMC8656695 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.771510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a growing public health concern worldwide, and it is now regarded as a critical One Health issue. One Health’s interconnected domains contribute to the emergence, evolution, and spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms on a local and global scale, which is a significant risk factor for global health. The persistence and spread of resistant microbial species, and the association of determinants at the human-animal-environment interface can alter microbial genomes, resulting in resistant superbugs in various niches. ABR is motivated by a well-established link between three domains: human, animal, and environmental health. As a result, addressing ABR through the One Health approach makes sense. Several countries have implemented national action plans based on the One Health approach to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes, following the Tripartite’s Commitment Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)-World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The ABR has been identified as a global health concern, and efforts are being made to mitigate this global health threat. To summarize, global interdisciplinary and unified approaches based on One Health principles are required to limit the ABR dissemination cycle, raise awareness and education about antibiotic use, and promote policy, advocacy, and antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Aslam
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Khurshid
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Saima Muzammil
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Maria Rasool
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nafeesa Yasmeen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taif Shah
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Life Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Tamoor Hamid Chaudhry
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan.,Public Health Laboratories Division, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Aqsa Shahid
- Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Xia Xueshan
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Life Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Life Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Markham L, Tolbert JD, Kull FJ, Midgett CR, Micalizio GC. An Enantiodefined Conformationally Constrained Fatty Acid Mimetic and Potent Inhibitor of ToxT. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1493-1497. [PMID: 34531958 PMCID: PMC8436414 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The chiral conformation that palmitoleic acid takes when it is bound to ToxT, the master regulator of virulence genes in the bacterial pathogen Vibrio cholerae, was used as inspiration to design a novel class of fatty acid mimetics. The best mimetic, based on a chiral hydrindane, was found to be a potent inhibitor of this target. The synthetic chemistry that enabled these studies was based on the sequential use of a stereoselective annulative cross-coupling reaction and dissolving metal reduction to establish the C13 and C9 stereocenters, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren
E. Markham
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Burke Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Jessica D. Tolbert
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Burke Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - F. Jon Kull
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Burke Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Charles R. Midgett
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Burke Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Glenn C. Micalizio
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Burke Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
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28
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Farahani NN, Kalani BS, Monavari SH, Mirkalantari S, Montazer F, Sholeh M, Javanmard Z, Irajian G. Therapeutic effects, immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of a cell penetrating peptide-peptide nucleic acid conjugate against cagA of Helicobacter pylori in cell culture and animal model. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 13:360-371. [PMID: 34540175 PMCID: PMC8416595 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v13i3.6399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Helicobacter pylori causes several gastrointestinal diseases, including asymptomatic gastritis, chronic peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer, lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), and gastric adenocarcinoma. In recent years, failure to eradicate H. pylori infections has become an alarming problem for physicians. It is now clear that the current treatment strategies may become ineffective, necessitating the development of innovative antimicrobial compounds as alternative treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, a cell-penetrating peptide-conjugated peptide nucleic acid (CPP-PNA) was used to target the cagA expression. cagA expression was evaluated using RT-qPCR assay after treatment by the CPPPNA in cell culture and animal model. Additionally, immunogenicity and toxicity of the CPP-PNA were assessed in both cell culture and animal models. RESULTS Our analysis showed that cagA mRNA levels reduced in H. pylori-infected HT29 cells after treatment with CPPPNA in a dose-dependent manner. Also, cagA expression in bacterial RNA extracted from stomach tissue of mice treated with PNA was reduced compared to that of untreated mice. The expression of inflammatory cytokines also decreased in cells and tissue of H. pylori-infected mice after PNA treatment. The tested CPP-PNA showed no significant adverse effects on cell proliferation of cultured cells and no detectable toxicity and immunogenicity were observed in mice. CONCLUSION These results suggest the effectiveness of CPP-PNA in targeting CagA for various research and therapeutic purposes, offering a potential antisense therapy against H. pylori infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Nodeh Farahani
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrooz Sadeghi Kalani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Shiva Mirkalantari
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Montazer
- Firoozabadi Clinical Research and Development Unit (FACRDU), Iran university of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sholeh
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Javanmard
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Irajian
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Jana SK, Gucchait A, Paul S, Saha T, Acharya S, Hoque KM, Misra AK, Chatterjee BK, Chatterjee T, Chakrabarti P. Virstatin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticle with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity against the Vibrio cholerae El Tor Biotype. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:3089-3100. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Swapan Kumar Jana
- Department of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Arin Gucchait
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Susmita Paul
- School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Tultul Saha
- Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, National Institute of Cholera & Enteric Diseases, P-33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, India
| | - Somobrata Acharya
- School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Kazi Mirajul Hoque
- Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, National Institute of Cholera & Enteric Diseases, P-33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, India
| | - Anup Kumar Misra
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Barun K. Chatterjee
- Department of Physics, Bose Institute, 93/1 A.P.C. Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Tanaya Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Pinak Chakrabarti
- Department of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, India
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30
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Cortés-Avalos D, Martínez-Pérez N, Ortiz-Moncada MA, Juárez-González A, Baños-Vargas AA, Estrada-de Los Santos P, Pérez-Rueda E, Ibarra JA. An update of the unceasingly growing and diverse AraC/XylS family of transcriptional activators. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6219864. [PMID: 33837749 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional factors play an important role in gene regulation in all organisms, especially in Bacteria. Here special emphasis is placed in the AraC/XylS family of transcriptional regulators. This is one of the most abundant as many predicted members have been identified and more members are added because more bacterial genomes are sequenced. Given the way more experimental evidence has mounded in the past decades, we decided to update the information about this captivating family of proteins. Using bioinformatics tools on all the data available for experimentally characterized members of this family, we found that many members that display a similar functional classification can be clustered together and in some cases they have a similar regulatory scheme. A proposal for grouping these proteins is also discussed. Additionally, an analysis of surveyed proteins in bacterial genomes is presented. Altogether, the current review presents a panoramic view into this family and we hope it helps to stimulate future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cortés-Avalos
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Noemy Martínez-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Mario A Ortiz-Moncada
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Aylin Juárez-González
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Arturo A Baños-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paulina Estrada-de Los Santos
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ernesto Pérez-Rueda
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México.,Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - J Antonio Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
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31
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Pancu DF, Scurtu A, Macasoi IG, Marti D, Mioc M, Soica C, Coricovac D, Horhat D, Poenaru M, Dehelean C. Antibiotics: Conventional Therapy and Natural Compounds with Antibacterial Activity-A Pharmaco-Toxicological Screening. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:401. [PMID: 33917092 PMCID: PMC8067816 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are considered as a cornerstone of modern medicine and their discovery offers the resolution to the infectious diseases problem. However, the excessive use of antibiotics worldwide has generated a critical public health issue and the bacterial resistance correlated with antibiotics inefficiency is still unsolved. Finding novel therapeutic approaches to overcome bacterial resistance is imperative, and natural compounds with antibacterial effects could be considered a promising option. The role played by antibiotics in tumorigenesis and their interrelation with the microbiota are still debatable and are far from being elucidated. Thus, the present manuscript offers a global perspective on antibiotics in terms of evolution from a historical perspective with an emphasis on the main classes of antibiotics and their adverse effects. It also highlights the connection between antibiotics and microbiota, focusing on the dual role played by antibiotics in tumorigenesis. In addition, using the natural compounds with antibacterial properties as potential alternatives for the classical antibiotic therapy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Florin Pancu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.F.P.); (D.H.); (M.P.)
| | - Alexandra Scurtu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.M.); (C.S.); (D.C.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Gabriela Macasoi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.M.); (C.S.); (D.C.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniela Marti
- Faculty of Medicine, Western University Vasile Goldis Arad, 94 Revolutiei Blvd., 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.M.); (C.S.); (D.C.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.M.); (C.S.); (D.C.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.M.); (C.S.); (D.C.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Delia Horhat
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.F.P.); (D.H.); (M.P.)
| | - Marioara Poenaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.F.P.); (D.H.); (M.P.)
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.M.); (C.S.); (D.C.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Das S, Chourashi R, Mukherjee P, Kundu S, Koley H, Dutta M, Mukhopadhyay AK, Okamoto K, Chatterjee NS. Inhibition of growth and virulence of Vibrio cholerae by carvacrol, an essential oil component of Origanum spp. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:1147-1161. [PMID: 33544959 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS In the age where bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics is increasing at an alarming rate, the use of the traditional plant, herb extracts or other bioactive constituents is gradually becoming popular as an anti-virulence agent to treat pathogenic diseases. Carvacrol, a major essential oil fraction of Oregano, possesses a wide range of bioactivities. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of carvacrol on major virulence traits of Vibrio cholerae. METHODS AND RESULTS We have used in vitro as well as ex vivo models to access the anti-pathogenic role of carvacrol. We found that the sub-inhibitory concentration of carvacrol significantly repressed bacterial mucin penetrating ability. Carvacrol also reduced the adherence and fluid accumulation in the rabbit ileal loop model. Reduction in virulence is associated with the downregulated expression of tcpA, ctxB, hlyA and toxT. Furthermore, carvacrol inhibits flagellar synthesis by downregulating the expression of flrC and most of the class III genes. CONCLUSIONS Carvacrol exhibited anti-virulence activity against V. cholerae, which involved many events including the inhibition of mucin penetration, adhesion, reduced expression of virulence-associated genes culminating in reduced fluid accumulation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These findings indicate that carvacrol possesses inhibitory activity against V. cholerae pathogenesis and might be considered as a potential bio-active therapeutic alternative to combat cholera.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Das
- Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - R Chourashi
- Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - P Mukherjee
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - S Kundu
- Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - H Koley
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - M Dutta
- Division of Electron Microscopy, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - A K Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - K Okamoto
- Collaborative Research Center of Okayama University for Infectious Diseases at NICED, Kolkata, India
| | - N S Chatterjee
- Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
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Wang N, Qi F, Yu H, Yestrepsky BD, Larsen SD, Shi H, Ji J, Anderson DW, Li H, Sun H. Physicochemical properties and formulation development of a novel compound inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246408. [PMID: 33556134 PMCID: PMC7870075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic resistance over the past several decades has given urgency to new antibacterial strategies that apply less selective pressure. A new class of anti-virulence compounds were developed that are active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), by inhibiting bacterial virulence without hindering their growth to reduce the selective pressure for resistance development. One of the compounds CCG-211790 has demonstrated potent anti-biofilm activity against MRSA. This new class of anti-virulence compounds inhibited the gene expression of virulence factors involved in biofilm formation and disrupted the biofilm structures. In this study, the physicochemical properties of CCG-211790, including morphology, solubility in pure water or in water containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, solubility in organic solvents, and stability with respect to pH were investigated for the first time. Furthermore, a topical formulation was developed to enhance the therapeutic potential of the compound. The formulation demonstrated acceptable properties for drug release, viscosity, pH, cosmetic elegance and stability of over nine months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Haqing Yu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Bryan D. Yestrepsky
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Scott D. Larsen
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Honglan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Juan Ji
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David W. Anderson
- Ivogen Inc. (Subsidiary of Nanova, Inc.), Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HS); (HL)
| | - Hongmin Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HS); (HL)
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Pollock J, Low AS, McHugh RE, Muwonge A, Stevens MP, Corbishley A, Gally DL. Alternatives to antibiotics in a One Health context and the role genomics can play in reducing antimicrobial use. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 26:1617-1621. [PMID: 32220638 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review follows on from the International Conference on One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (ICOHAR 2019), where strategies to improve the fundamental understanding and management of antimicrobial resistance at the interface between humans, animals and the environment were discussed. OBJECTIVE This review identifies alternatives to antimicrobials in a One Health context, noting how advances in genomic technologies are assisting their development and enabling more targeted use of antimicrobials. SOURCES Key articles on the use of microbiota modulation, livestock breeding and gene editing, vaccination, antivirulence strategies and bacteriophage therapy are discussed. CONTENT Antimicrobials are central for disease control, but reducing their use is paramount as a result of the rise of transmissible antimicrobial resistance. This review discusses antimicrobial alternatives in the context of improved understanding of fundamental host-pathogen and microbiota interactions using genomic tools. IMPLICATIONS Host and microbial genomics and other novel technologies play an important role in devising disease control strategies for healthier animals and humans that in turn reduce our reliance on antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pollock
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A S Low
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R E McHugh
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - A Muwonge
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M P Stevens
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Corbishley
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D L Gally
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK.
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35
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Sun H, Pulakat L, Anderson DW. Challenges and New Therapeutic Approaches in the Management of Chronic Wounds. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1264-1275. [PMID: 32576127 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200623131200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic non-healing wounds are estimated to cost the US healthcare $28-$31 billion per year. Diabetic ulcers, arterial and venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers are some of the most common types of chronic wounds. The burden of chronic wounds continues to rise due to the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes and the increase in elderly adults in the population who are more vulnerable to chronic wounds than younger individuals. This patient population is also highly vulnerable to debilitating infections caused by opportunistic and multi-drug resistant pathogens. Reduced microcirculation, decreased availability of cytokines and growth factors that promote wound closure and healing, and infections by multi-drug resistant and biofilm forming microbes are some of the critical factors that contribute to the development of chronic non-healing wounds. This review discusses novel approaches to understand chronic wound pathology and methods to improve chronic wound care, particularly when chronic wounds are infected by multi-drug resistant, biofilm forming microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmin Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, United States
| | - Lakshmi Pulakat
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, United States
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Sousa FBM, Nolêto IRSG, Chaves LS, Pacheco G, Oliveira AP, Fonseca MMV, Medeiros JVR. A comprehensive review of therapeutic approaches available for the treatment of cholera. J Pharm Pharmacol 2020; 72:1715-1731. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The oral rehydration solution is the most efficient method to treat cholera; however, it does not interfere in the action mechanism of the main virulence factor produced by Vibrio cholerae, the cholera toxin (CT), and this disease still stands out as a problem for human health worldwide. This review aimed to describe therapeutic alternatives available in the literature, especially those related to the search for molecules acting upon the physiopathology of cholera.
Key findings
New molecules have offered a protection effect against diarrhoea induced by CT or even by infection from V. cholerae. The receptor regulator cystic fibrosis channel transmembrane (CFTR), monosialoganglioside (GM1), enkephalinase, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), inhibitors of expression of virulence factors and activators of ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase are the main therapeutic targets studied. Many of these molecules or extracts still present unclear action mechanisms.
Conclusions
Knowing therapeutic alternatives and their molecular mechanisms for the treatment of cholera could guide us to develop a new drug that could be used in combination with the rehydration solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca B M Sousa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (Lafidg), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Isabela R S G Nolêto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (Lafidg), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Leticia S Chaves
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (Lafidg), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Pacheco
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (Lafidg), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Ana P Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (Lafidg), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Mikhail M V Fonseca
- Institute of Higher Education of Vale do Parnaíba (IESVAP), Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Jand V R Medeiros
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Disorders (Lafidg), Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
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Wang S, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Quorum Sensing Communication: Molecularly Connecting Cells, Their Neighbors, and Even Devices. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2020; 11:447-468. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101519-124728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a molecular signaling modality that mediates molecular-based cell–cell communication. Prevalent in nature, QS networks provide bacteria with a method to gather information from the environment and make decisions based on the intel. With its ability to autonomously facilitate both inter- and intraspecies gene regulation, this process can be rewired to enable autonomously actuated, but molecularly programmed, genetic control. On the one hand, novel QS-based genetic circuits endow cells with smart functions that can be used in many fields of engineering, and on the other, repurposed QS circuitry promotes communication and aids in the development of synthetic microbial consortia. Furthermore, engineered QS systems can probe and intervene in interkingdom signaling between bacteria and their hosts. Lastly, QS is demonstrated to establish conversation with abiotic materials, especially by taking advantage of biological and even electronically induced assembly processes; such QS-incorporated biohybrid devices offer innovative ways to program cell behavior and biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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Pellissery AJ, Vinayamohan PG, Venkitanarayanan K. In vitro antivirulence activity of baicalin against Clostridioides difficile. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:631-639. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.
Clostridioides difficile
is an enteric pathogen that causes a serious toxin-mediated colitis in humans. Bacterial exotoxins and sporulation are critical virulence components that contribute to pathogenesis, and disease transmission and relapse, respectively. Therefore, reducing toxin production and sporulation could significantly minimize
C. difficile
pathogenicity and disease outcome in affected individuals.
Aim. This study investigated the efficacy of a natural flavone glycoside, baicalin, in reducing toxin synthesis, sporulation and spore germination in C. difficile in vitro.
Methodology. Hypervirulent
C. difficile
isolates BAA 1870 or 1803 were cultured in brain heart infusion broth with or without the subinhibitory concentration (SIC) of baicalin, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h under strictly anaerobic conditions. The supernatant was harvested after 24 h for determining
C. difficile
toxin production by ELISA. In addition, a similar experiment was performed wherein samples were harvested for assessing total viable counts, and heat-resistant spore counts at 72 h of incubation. Furthermore,
C. difficile
spore germination and spore outgrowth kinetics, with or without baicalin treatment, was measured in a plate reader by recording optical density at 600 nm. Finally, the effect of baicalin on
C. difficile
toxin, sporulation and virulence-associated genes was investigated using real-time quantitative PCR.
Results. The SIC of baicalin significantly reduced toxin synthesis, sporulation and spore outgrowth when compared to control. In addition,
C. difficile
genes critical for pathogenesis were significantly down-regulated in the presence of baicalin.
Conclusion. Our results suggest that baicalin could potentially be used to control
C. difficile
, and warrant future studies in vivo.
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Abstract
Progress against tuberculosis (TB) requires faster-acting drugs. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the leading cause of death by an infectious disease and its treatment is challenging and lengthy. Mtb is remarkably successful, in part, due to its ability to become dormant in response to host immune pressures. The DosRST two-component regulatory system is induced by hypoxia, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide and remodels Mtb physiology to promote nonreplicating persistence (NRP). NRP bacteria are thought to play a role in the long course of TB treatment. Therefore, inhibitors of DosRST-dependent adaptation may function to kill this reservoir of persisters and potentially shorten therapy. This review examines the function of DosRST, newly discovered compounds that inhibit DosRST signaling and considers future development of DosRST inhibitors as adjunct therapies.
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Wang CH, Hsieh YH, Powers ZM, Kao CY. Defeating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Exploring Alternative Therapies for a Post-Antibiotic Era. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1061. [PMID: 32033477 PMCID: PMC7037027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century, however, they are quickly becoming useless due to antibiotic resistance that has been augmented by poor antibiotic stewardship and a void in novel antibiotic discovery. Few novel classes of antibiotics have been discovered since 1960, and the pipeline of antibiotics under development is limited. We therefore are heading for a post-antibiotic era in which common infections become untreatable and once again deadly. There is thus an emergent need for both novel classes of antibiotics and novel approaches to treatment, including the repurposing of existing drugs or preclinical compounds and expanded implementation of combination therapies. In this review, we highlight to utilize alternative drug targets/therapies such as combinational therapy, anti-regulator, anti-signal transduction, anti-virulence, anti-toxin, engineered bacteriophages, and microbiome, to defeat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Wang
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
| | - Zachary M. Powers
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Cheng-Yen Kao
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Life Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
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Zheng H, Williams JT, Aleiwi B, Ellsworth E, Abramovitch RB. Inhibiting Mycobacterium tuberculosis DosRST Signaling by Targeting Response Regulator DNA Binding and Sensor Kinase Heme. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:52-62. [PMID: 31556993 PMCID: PMC6970277 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (Mtb) possesses a two-component
regulatory system, DosRST, that enables Mtb to sense host immune cues
and establish a state of nonreplicating persistence (NRP). NRP bacteria
are tolerant to several antimycobacterial drugs in vitro and are thought to play a role in the long course of tuberculosis
therapy. Previously, we reported the discovery of six novel chemical
inhibitors of DosRST, named HC101A–106A, from a whole cell,
reporter-based phenotypic high throughput screen. Here, we report
functional and mechanism of action studies of HC104A and HC106A. RNaseq
transcriptional profiling shows that the compounds downregulate genes
of the DosRST regulon. Both compounds reduce hypoxia-induced triacylglycerol
synthesis by ∼50%. HC106A inhibits Mtb survival during hypoxia-induced
NRP; however, HC104A did not inhibit survival during NRP. An electrophoretic
mobility assay shows that HC104A inhibits DosR DNA binding in a dose-dependent
manner, indicating that HC104A may function by directly targeting
DosR. In contrast, UV–visible spectroscopy studies suggest
HC106A directly targets the sensor kinase heme, via a mechanism that
is distinct from the oxidation and alkylation of heme previously observed
with artemisinin (HC101A). Synergistic interactions were observed
when DosRST inhibitors were examined in pairwise combinations with
the strongest potentiation observed between artemisinin paired with
HC102A, HC103A, or HC106A. Our data collectively show that the DosRST
pathway can be inhibited by multiple distinct mechanisms.
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Khardori N, Stevaux C, Ripley K. Antibiotics: From the Beginning to the Future: Part 2. Indian J Pediatr 2020; 87:43-47. [PMID: 31808125 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-019-03113-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We read, write, and discuss the option of adding new agents to the armamentarium of antibiotic therapy very frequently. However, the past and present has taught us that resistance is likely to develop to any and all kinds of antibiotics. Here we start with an overview of potential future antibiotics from novel sources and targets that may circumvent most known resistance mechanisms. The other future options for antibiotic discovery include antibiotic hybridization, harvesting, and modifying natural antimicrobial peptides from eukaryote and prokaryote organisms. Non bacteriostatic and bactericidal agents that have the potential of becoming therapeutic agents include bacterial attachment inhibitors, bacteriophages, and live microbial vectors. In this review, we have incorporated all the possible avenues that might be useful in the future. However, none is more important than relearning the judicious use of antibiotics based on microbiology, pharmacology, and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Khardori
- Infectious Diseases, Solid Organ Transplant Program at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
| | - Cecilia Stevaux
- Infectious Diseases, Solid Organ Transplant Program at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Kathryn Ripley
- Infectious Diseases, Solid Organ Transplant Program at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Cruite JT, Kovacikova G, Clark KA, Woodbrey AK, Skorupski K, Kull FJ. Structural basis for virulence regulation in Vibrio cholerae by unsaturated fatty acid components of bile. Commun Biol 2019; 2:440. [PMID: 31815195 PMCID: PMC6882843 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0686-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The AraC/XylS-family transcriptional regulator ToxT is the master virulence activator of Vibrio cholerae, the gram-negative bacterial pathogen that causes the diarrheal disease cholera. Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) found in bile inhibit the activity of ToxT. Crystal structures of inhibited ToxT bound to UFA or synthetic inhibitors have been reported, but no structure of ToxT in an active conformation had been determined. Here we present the 2.5 Å structure of ToxT without an inhibitor. The structure suggests release of UFA or inhibitor leads to an increase in flexibility, allowing ToxT to adopt an active conformation that is able to dimerize and bind DNA. Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to validate a structural model of an open ToxT dimer bound to the cholera toxin promoter. The results presented here provide a detailed structural mechanism for virulence gene regulation in V. cholerae by the UFA components of bile and other synthetic ToxT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T. Cruite
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
- Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Gabriela Kovacikova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Kenzie A. Clark
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
- Present Address: Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ USA
| | - Anne K. Woodbrey
- Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Karen Skorupski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - F. Jon Kull
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
- Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
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44
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Chelliah R, Saravanakumar K, Daliri EBM, Kim JH, Lee JK, Jo HY, Kim SH, Ramakrishnan SR, Madar IH, Wei S, Rubab M, Barathikannan K, Ofosu FK, Subin H, Eun-Ji P, Yeong JD, Elahi F, Wang MH, Park JH, Ahn J, Kim DH, Park SJ, Oh DH. Unveiling the potentials of bacteriocin (Pediocin L50) from Pediococcus acidilactici with antagonist spectrum in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 143:555-572. [PMID: 31785295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human-milk-based probiotics play a major role in the early colonization and protection of infants against gastrointestinal infection. We investigated potential probiotics in human milk. Among 41 Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, four strains showed high antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14576, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 19095, and Helicobacter pylori. The selected LAB strains were tested in simulated gastrointestinal conditions for their survival. Four LAB strains showed high resistance to pepsin (82%-99%), bile with pancreatine stability (96%-100%), and low pH (80%-94%). They showed moderate cell surface hydrophobicity (22%-46%), auto-aggregation abilities (12%-34%), and 70%-80% co-aggregation abilities against L. monocytogenes ATCC 15313, S. aureus ATCC 19095, B. cereus ATCC 14576, and E. coli 0157:H7. All four selected isolates were resistant to gentamicin, imipenem, novobiocin, tetracycline, clindamycin, meropenem, ampicillin, and penicillin. The results show that Pediococcus acidilatici is likely an efficient probiotic strain to produce < 3 Kda pediocin-based antimicrobial peptides, confirmed by applying amino acid sequences), using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and HPLC with the corresponding sequences from class 2 bacteriocin, and based on the molecular docking, the mode of action of pediocin was determined on LipoX complex, further the 13C nuclear magnetic resonance structural analysis, which confirmed the antimicrobial peptide as pediocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandran Chelliah
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Kandasamy Saravanakumar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biomedical Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Eric Banan-Mwine Daliri
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Joong-Hark Kim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biomedical Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea; Erom, Co., Ltd, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24427, South Korea
| | - Jung-Kun Lee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biomedical Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea; Erom, Co., Ltd, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24427, South Korea
| | - Hyeon-Yeong Jo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Se-Hun Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | | | - Inamul Hasan Madar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Science, Bharathidasan University, Thiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Shuai Wei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biomedical Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Momna Rubab
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Kaliyan Barathikannan
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Fred Kwame Ofosu
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Hwang Subin
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Park Eun-Ji
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Jung Da Yeong
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Fazle Elahi
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Myeong-Hyeon Wang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biomedical Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Park
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Juhee Ahn
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biomedical Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Dong-Hwan Kim
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Sung Jin Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea
| | - Deog-Hwan Oh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, South Korea.
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45
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Mellini M, Di Muzio E, D’Angelo F, Baldelli V, Ferrillo S, Visca P, Leoni L, Polticelli F, Rampioni G. In silico Selection and Experimental Validation of FDA-Approved Drugs as Anti-quorum Sensing Agents. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2355. [PMID: 31649658 PMCID: PMC6796623 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens is increasing at an unprecedented pace, calling for the development of new therapeutic options. Small molecules interfering with virulence processes rather than growth hold promise as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. Anti-virulence agents are expected to decrease bacterial virulence and to pose reduced selective pressure for the emergence of resistance. In the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa the expression of key virulence traits is controlled by quorum sensing (QS), an intercellular communication process that coordinates gene expression at the population level. Hence, QS inhibitors represent promising anti-virulence agents against P. aeruginosa. Virtual screenings allow fast and cost-effective selection of target ligands among vast libraries of molecules, thus accelerating the time and limiting the cost of conventional drug-discovery processes, while the drug-repurposing approach is based on the identification of off-target activity of FDA-approved drugs, likely endowed with low cytotoxicity and favorable pharmacological properties. This study aims at combining the advantages of virtual screening and drug-repurposing approaches to identify new QS inhibitors targeting the pqs QS system of P. aeruginosa. An in silico library of 1,467 FDA-approved drugs has been screened by molecular docking, and 5 hits showing the highest predicted binding affinity for the pqs QS receptor PqsR (also known as MvfR) have been selected. In vitro experiments have been performed by engineering ad hoc biosensor strains, which were used to verify the ability of hit compounds to decrease PqsR activity in P. aeruginosa. Phenotypic analyses confirmed the impact of the most promising hit, the antipsychotic drug pimozide, on the expression of P. aeruginosa PqsR-controlled virulence traits. Overall, this study highlights the potential of virtual screening campaigns of FDA-approved drugs to rapidly select new inhibitors of important bacterial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mellini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma Tre Section, Rome, Italy
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Omersa N, Podobnik M, Anderluh G. Inhibition of Pore-Forming Proteins. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E545. [PMID: 31546810 PMCID: PMC6784129 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Perforation of cellular membranes by pore-forming proteins can affect cell physiology, tissue integrity, or immune response. Since many pore-forming proteins are toxins or highly potent virulence factors, they represent an attractive target for the development of molecules that neutralize their actions with high efficacy. There has been an assortment of inhibitors developed to specifically obstruct the activity of pore-forming proteins, in addition to vaccination and antibiotics that serve as a plausible treatment for the majority of diseases caused by bacterial infections. Here we review a wide range of potential inhibitors that can specifically and effectively block the activity of pore-forming proteins, from small molecules to more specific macromolecular systems, such as synthetic nanoparticles, antibodies, antibody mimetics, polyvalent inhibitors, and dominant negative mutants. We discuss their mechanism of inhibition, as well as advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neža Omersa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Marjetka Podobnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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47
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Geisinger E, Huo W, Hernandez-Bird J, Isberg RR. Acinetobacter baumannii: Envelope Determinants That Control Drug Resistance, Virulence, and Surface Variability. Annu Rev Microbiol 2019; 73:481-506. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-020518-115714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen, particularly for patients in intensive care units and with invasive indwelling devices. The most recent clinical isolates are resistant to several classes of clinically important antibiotics, greatly restricting the ability to effectively treat critically ill patients. The bacterial envelope is an important driver of A. baumannii disease, both at the level of battling against antibiotic therapy and at the level of protecting from host innate immune function. This review provides a comprehensive overview of key features of the envelope that interface with both the host and antimicrobial therapies. Carbohydrate structures that contribute to protecting from the host are detailed, and mutations that alter these structures, resulting in increased antimicrobial resistance, are explored. In addition, protein complexes involved in both intermicrobial and host-microbe interactions are described. Finally we discuss regulatory mechanisms that control the nature of the cell envelope and its impact on host innate immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Geisinger
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Wenwen Huo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Juan Hernandez-Bird
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | - Ralph R. Isberg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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48
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Patel J, Yin HB, Bauchan G, Mowery J. Inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica virulence factors by benzyl isothiocyanate. Food Microbiol 2019; 86:103303. [PMID: 31703885 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2019.103303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica are foodborne pathogens with major public health concern in the U.S. These pathogens utilize several virulence factors to initiate infections in humans. The antimicrobial effect of seven glucosinolate hydrolysis compounds against Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 was investigated by the disc diffusion assay. Among the tested compounds, benzyl isothiocyanate (BIT), which exerted the highest antimicrobial activity, was evaluated for its anti-virulence properties against these pathogens. The effect of BIT on motility of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 and Shiga toxin production by E. coli O157:H7 was determined by the motility assay and ELISA procedure, respectively. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) procedures were used to determine bacterial damage at the cellular level. Results revealed that sub-inhibitory concentrations (SICs) of BIT significantly inhibited the motility of both bacteria (P < 0.05). Shiga toxin production by E. coli O157:H7 was decreased by ~32% in the presence of BIT at SICs. TEM results showed the disruption of outer membrane, release of cytoplasmic contents, and cell lysis following BIT treatment. Results suggest that BIT could be potentially used to attenuate Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 infections by reducing the virulence factors including bacterial motility and Shiga toxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra Patel
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental and Microbial Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Hsin-Bai Yin
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental and Microbial Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Gary Bauchan
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, SGIL Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Joseph Mowery
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, SGIL Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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49
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Massai F, Saleeb M, Doruk T, Elofsson M, Forsberg Å. Development, Optimization, and Validation of a High Throughput Screening Assay for Identification of Tat and Type II Secretion Inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:250. [PMID: 31355152 PMCID: PMC6635566 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are becoming less effective in treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial therapies based on the inhibition of specific virulence-related traits, as opposed to growth inhibitors, constitute an innovative and appealing approach to tackle the threat of P. aeruginosa infections. The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa, and constitutes a promising target for the development of anti-pseudomonal drugs. In this study we developed and optimized a whole-cell, one-well assay, based on native phospholipase C activity, to identify compounds active against the Tat system. Statistical robustness, sensitivity and consequently suitability for high-throughput screening (HTS) were confirmed by a dry run/pre-screening test scoring a Z′ of 0.82 and a signal-to-noise ratio of 49. Using this assay, we evaluated ca. 40,000 molecules and identified 59 initial hits as possible Tat inhibitors. Since phospholipase C is exported into the periplasm by Tat, and subsequently translocated across the outer membrane by the type II secretion system (T2SS), our assay could also identify T2SS inhibitors. To validate our hits and discriminate between compounds that inhibited either Tat or T2SS, two separate counter assays were developed and optimized. Finally, three Tat inhibitors and one T2SS inhibitor were confirmed by means of dose-response analysis and additional counter and confirming assays. Although none of the identified inhibitors was suitable as a lead compound for drug development, this study validates our assay as a simple, efficient, and HTS compatible method for the identification of Tat and T2SS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Massai
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Michael Saleeb
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tugrul Doruk
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Elofsson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Åke Forsberg
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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50
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van Hoek ML, Hoang KV, Gunn JS. Two-Component Systems in Francisella Species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:198. [PMID: 31263682 PMCID: PMC6584805 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria alter gene expression in response to changes in their environment through various mechanisms that include signal transduction systems. These signal transduction systems use membrane histidine kinase with sensing domains to mediate phosphotransfer to DNA-binding proteins that alter the level of gene expression. Such regulators are called two-component systems (TCSs). TCSs integrate external signals and information from stress pathways, central metabolism and other global regulators, thus playing an important role as part of the overall regulatory network. This review will focus on the knowledge of TCSs in the Gram-negative bacterium, Francisella tularensis, a biothreat agent with a wide range of potential hosts and a significant ability to cause disease. While TCSs have been well-studied in several bacterial pathogens, they have not been well-studied in non-model organisms, such as F. tularensis and its subspecies, whose canonical TCS content surprisingly ranges from few to none. Additionally, of those TCS genes present, many are orphan components, including KdpDE, QseC, QseB/PmrA, and an unnamed two-component system (FTN_1452/FTN_1453). We discuss recent advances in this field related to the role of TCSs in Francisella physiology and pathogenesis and compare the TCS genes present in human virulent versus. environmental species and subspecies of Francisella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Ky V Hoang
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - John S Gunn
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
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