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Di Bella S, Sanson G, Monticelli J, Zerbato V, Principe L, Giuffrè M, Pipitone G, Luzzati R. Clostridioides difficile infection: history, epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, clinical manifestations, treatment, and future options. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0013523. [PMID: 38421181 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00135-23] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the major issues in nosocomial infections. This bacterium is constantly evolving and poses complex challenges for clinicians, often encountered in real-life scenarios. In the face of CDI, we are increasingly equipped with new therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies and live biotherapeutic products, which need to be thoroughly understood to fully harness their benefits. Moreover, interesting options are currently under study for the future, including bacteriophages, vaccines, and antibiotic inhibitors. Surveillance and prevention strategies continue to play a pivotal role in limiting the spread of the infection. In this review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of epidemiological aspects, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and current and future prophylactic and therapeutic options for C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Bella
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sanson
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jacopo Monticelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Trieste University Hospital (ASUGI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Verena Zerbato
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Trieste University Hospital (ASUGI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Principe
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Great Metropolitan Hospital "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Mauro Giuffrè
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine (Digestive Diseases), Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Giuseppe Pipitone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS Civico-Di Cristina Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, Trieste, Italy
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Wang S, Courreges MC, Xu L, Gurung B, Berryman M, Gu T. Revealing roles of S-layer protein (SlpA) in Clostridioides difficile pathogenicity by generating the first slpA gene deletion mutant. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0400523. [PMID: 38709045 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04005-23] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) with high morbidity and high mortality is an urgent threat to public health, and C. difficile pathogenesis studies are eagerly required for CDI therapy. The major surface layer protein, SlpA, was supposed to play a key role in C. difficile pathogenesis; however, a lack of isogenic slpA mutants has greatly hampered analysis of SlpA functions. In this study, the whole slpA gene was successfully deleted for the first time via CRISPR-Cas9 system. Deletion of slpA in C. difficile resulted in smaller, smother-edged colonies, shorter bacterial cell size, and aggregation in suspension. For life cycle, the mutant demonstrated lower growth (changes of optical density at 600 nm, OD600) but higher cell density (colony-forming unit, CFU), decreased toxins production, and inhibited sporulation. Moreover, the mutant was more impaired in motility, more sensitive to vancomycin and Triton X-100-induced autolysis, releasing more lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, SlpA deficiency led to robust biofilm formation but weak adhesion to human host cells.IMPORTANCEClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has been the most common hospital-acquired infection, with a high rate of antibiotic resistance and recurrence incidences, become a debilitating public health threat. It is urgently needed to study C. difficile pathogenesis for developing efficient strategies as CDI therapy. SlpA was indicated to play a key role in C. difficile pathogenesis. However, analysis of SlpA functions was hampered due to lack of isogenic slpA mutants. Surprisingly, the first slpA deletion C. difficile strain was generated in this study via CRISPR-Cas9, further negating the previous thought about slpA being essential. Results in this study will provide direct proof for roles of SlpA in C. difficile pathogenesis, which will facilitate future investigations for new targets as vaccines, new therapeutic agents, and intervention strategies in combating CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Maria C Courreges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Lingjun Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Institute for Corrosion and Multiphase Technology, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Bijay Gurung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark Berryman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Tingyue Gu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Institute for Corrosion and Multiphase Technology, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
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3
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Zbylicki BR, Murphy CE, Petsche JA, Müh U, Dobrila HA, Ho TD, Daum MN, Pannullo AG, Weiss DS, Ellermeier CD. Identification of Clostridioides difficile mutants with increased daptomycin resistance. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0036823. [PMID: 38376203 PMCID: PMC10955854 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00368-23] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic used to treat infections caused by some Gram-positive bacteria. Daptomycin disrupts synthesis of the peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall by inserting into the cytoplasmic membrane and binding multiple forms of the undecaprenyl carrier lipid required for PG synthesis. Membrane insertion requires phosphatidylglycerol, so studies of daptomycin can provide insight into assembly and maintenance of the cytoplasmic membrane. Here, we studied the effects of daptomycin on Clostridioides difficile, the leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. We observed that growth of C. difficile strain R20291 in the presence of sub-MIC levels of daptomycin resulted in a chaining phenotype, minicell formation, and lysis-phenotypes broadly consistent with perturbation of membranes and PG synthesis. We also selected for and characterized eight mutants with elevated daptomycin resistance. The mutations in these mutants were mapped to four genes: cdsA (cdr20291_2041), ftsH2 (cdr20291_3396), esrR (cdr20291_1187), and draS (cdr20291_2456). Of these four genes, only draS has been characterized previously. Follow-up studies indicate these mutations confer daptomycin resistance by two general mechanisms: reducing the amount of phosphatidylglycerol in the cytoplasmic membrane (cdsA) or altering the regulation of membrane processes (ftsH2, esrR, and draS). Thus, the mutants described here provide insights into phospholipid synthesis and identify signal transduction systems involved in cell envelope biogenesis and stress response in C. difficile. IMPORTANCE C. difficile is the leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and is a threat to public health due to the risk of recurrent infections. Understanding biosynthesis of the atypical cell envelope of C. difficile may provide insight into novel drug targets to selectively inhibit C. difficile. Here, we identified mutations that increased daptomycin resistance and allowed us to better understand phospholipid synthesis, cell envelope biogenesis, and stress response in C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne R. Zbylicki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Claire E. Murphy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Petsche
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ute Müh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Horia A. Dobrila
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Theresa D. Ho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Mikaela N. Daum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Anthony G. Pannullo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - David S. Weiss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Craig D. Ellermeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Sun Y, Wang X, Li L, Zhong C, Zhang Y, Yang X, Li M, Yang C. The role of gut microbiota in intestinal disease: from an oxidative stress perspective. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1328324. [PMID: 38419631 PMCID: PMC10899708 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1328324] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that gut microbiota-mediated oxidative stress is significantly associated with intestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been reported to increase when the gut microbiota is dysregulated, especially when several gut bacterial metabolites are present. Although healthy gut microbiota plays a vital role in defending against excessive oxidative stress, intestinal disease is significantly influenced by excessive ROS, and this process is controlled by gut microbiota-mediated immunological responses, DNA damage, and intestinal inflammation. In this review, we discuss the relationship between gut microbiota and intestinal disease from an oxidative stress perspective. In addition, we also provide a summary of the most recent therapeutic approaches for preventing or treating intestinal diseases by modifying gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Sun
- Surgery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xurui Wang
- Surgery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatic, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Chengdu Anorectal Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangdong Yang
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Chengdu Anorectal Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyue Li
- Special Needs Outpatient Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Surgery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Hunault L, England P, Barbut F, Iannascoli B, Godon O, Déjardin F, Thomas C, Dupuy B, Guo C, Macdonald L, Gorochov G, Sterlin D, Bruhns P. A monoclonal antibody collection for C. difficile typing ? Gut Pathog 2024; 16:4. [PMID: 38243246 PMCID: PMC10797914 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00592-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in adults. Various C. difficile strains circulate currently, associated with different outcomes and antibiotic resistance profiles. However, most studies still focus on the reference strain 630 that does not circulate anymore, partly due to the lack of immunological tools to study current clinically important C. difficile PCR ribotypes. The goal of this study was to generate monoclonal antibodies recognizing various epidemic ribotypes of C. difficile. To do so, we immunized mice expressing human variable antibody genes with the Low Molecular Weight (LMW) subunit of the surface layer protein SlpA from various C. difficile strains. Monoclonal antibodies purified from hybridomas bound LMW with high-affinity and whole bacteria from current C. difficile ribotypes with different cross-specificities. This first collection of anti-C. difficile mAbs represent valuable tools for basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Hunault
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1222, 75015, Paris, France
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 75013, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège doctoral, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Patrick England
- Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3528, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Barbut
- National Reference Laboratory for Clostridium difficile, 75012, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-1139, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Iannascoli
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1222, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Ophélie Godon
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1222, 75015, Paris, France
| | - François Déjardin
- Production and Purification of Recombinant Proteins Facility, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Thomas
- Production and Purification of Recombinant Proteins Facility, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Dupuy
- UMR-CNRS 6047, Laboratoire Pathogenèse des Bactéries Anaérobies, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Guy Gorochov
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 75013, Paris, France.
| | - Delphine Sterlin
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Bruhns
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1222, 75015, Paris, France.
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Hunault L, Auria E, England P, Deschamps J, Briandet R, Kremer V, Iannascoli B, Vidal-Maison L, Guo C, Macdonald L, Péchiné S, Denève-Larrazet C, Dupuy B, Gorochov G, Bruhns P, Sterlin D. Anti-S-layer monoclonal antibodies impact Clostridioides difficile physiology. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2301147. [PMID: 38289292 PMCID: PMC10829821 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2301147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), a gram-positive anaerobic and spore-forming bacterium, is the leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults which is characterized by high levels of recurrence and mortality. Surface (S)-layer Protein A (SlpA), the most abundantly expressed protein on the bacterial surface, plays a crucial role in the early stages of infection although the nature of its involvement in C. difficile physiology is yet to be fully understood. Anti-S-layer antibodies have been identified in the sera of convalescent patients and have been correlated with improved outcomes of C. difficile infection (CDI). However, the precise mechanisms by which anti-S-layer antibodies confer protection to the host remain unknown. In this study, we report the first monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the S-layer of reference strain 630. Characterization of these mAbs unraveled important roles for the S-layer protein in growth, toxin secretion, and biofilm formation by C. difficile, with differential and even opposite effects of various anti-SlpA mAbs on these functions. Moreover, one anti-SlpA mAb impaired C. difficile growth and conferred sensitivity to lysozyme-induced lysis. The results of this study show that anti-S-layer antibody responses can be beneficial or harmful for the course of CDI and provide important insights for the development of adequate S-layer-targeting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Hunault
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
- Collège doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Emile Auria
- Laboratoire Pathogenèse des Bactéries Anaérobies, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, UMR-CNRS 6047, Paris, France
| | - Patrick England
- Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3528, Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, Paris, France
| | - Julien Deschamps
- Institut Micalis, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Romain Briandet
- Institut Micalis, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Vanessa Kremer
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Bruno Iannascoli
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
| | - Léo Vidal-Maison
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Séverine Péchiné
- Equipe Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut MICALIS (UMR 1319 Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech), Orsay, France
| | - Cécile Denève-Larrazet
- Equipe Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut MICALIS (UMR 1319 Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech), Orsay, France
| | - Bruno Dupuy
- Laboratoire Pathogenèse des Bactéries Anaérobies, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, UMR-CNRS 6047, Paris, France
| | - Guy Gorochov
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Bruhns
- Antibodies in Therapy and Pathology, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm UMR1222, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Sterlin
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
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Galley NF, Greetham D, Alamán-Zárate MG, Williamson MP, Evans CA, Spittal WD, Buddle JE, Freeman J, Davis GL, Dickman MJ, Wilcox MH, Lovering AL, Fagan RP, Mesnage S. Clostridioides difficile canonical L,D-transpeptidases catalyze a novel type of peptidoglycan cross-links and are not required for beta-lactam resistance. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105529. [PMID: 38043796 PMCID: PMC10792238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105529] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. This organism is naturally resistant to several beta-lactam antibiotics that inhibit the polymerization of peptidoglycan, an essential component of the bacteria cell envelope. Previous work has revealed that C. difficile peptidoglycan has an unusual composition. It mostly contains 3-3 cross-links, catalyzed by enzymes called L,D-transpeptidases (Ldts) that are poorly inhibited by beta-lactams. It was therefore hypothesized that peptidoglycan polymerization by these enzymes could underpin antibiotic resistance. Here, we investigated the catalytic activity of the three canonical Ldts encoded by C. difficile (LdtCd1, LdtCd2, and LdtCd3) in vitro and explored their contribution to growth and antibiotic resistance. We show that two of these enzymes catalyze the formation of novel types of peptidoglycan cross-links using meso-diaminopimelic acid both as a donor and an acceptor, also observed in peptidoglycan sacculi. We demonstrate that the simultaneous deletion of these three genes only has a minor impact on both peptidoglycan structure and resistance to beta-lactams. This unexpected result therefore implies that the formation of 3-3 peptidoglycan cross-links in C. difficile is catalyzed by as yet unidentified noncanonical Ldt enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola F Galley
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Darren Greetham
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Caroline A Evans
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - William D Spittal
- Department of Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Healthcare Associated Infections Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Jane Freeman
- Department of Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Healthcare Associated Infections Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Georgina L Davis
- Department of Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Healthcare Associated Infections Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mark H Wilcox
- Department of Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Healthcare Associated Infections Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Robert P Fagan
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Buddle JE, Fagan RP. Pathogenicity and virulence of Clostridioides difficile. Virulence 2023; 14:2150452. [PMID: 36419222 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and is responsible for a spectrum of diseases characterized by high levels of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. Treatment is complex, since antibiotics constitute both the main treatment and the major risk factor for infection. Worryingly, resistance to multiple antibiotics is becoming increasingly widespread, leading to the classification of this pathogen as an urgent threat to global health. As a consummate opportunist, C. difficile is well equipped for promoting disease, owing to its arsenal of virulence factors: transmission of this anaerobe is highly efficient due to the formation of robust endospores, and an array of adhesins promote gut colonization. C. difficile produces multiple toxins acting upon gut epithelia, resulting in manifestations typical of diarrheal disease, and severe inflammation in a subset of patients. This review focuses on such virulence factors, as well as the importance of antimicrobial resistance and genome plasticity in enabling pathogenesis and persistence of this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Buddle
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robert P Fagan
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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9
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Sogues A, Fioravanti A, Jonckheere W, Pardon E, Steyaert J, Remaut H. Structure and function of the EA1 surface layer of Bacillus anthracis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7051. [PMID: 37923757 PMCID: PMC10624894 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42826-x] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a deadly disease mostly affecting wildlife and livestock, as well as representing a bioterrorism threat. Its cell surface is covered by the mutually exclusive S-layers Sap and EA1, found in early and late growth phases, respectively. Here we report the nanobody-based structural characterization of EA1 and its native lattice contacts. The EA1 assembly domain consists of 6 immunoglobulin-like domains, where three calcium-binding sites structure interdomain contacts that allow monomers to adopt their assembly-competent conformation. Nanobody-induced depolymerization of EA1 S-layers results in surface defects, membrane blebbing and cell lysis under hypotonic conditions, indicating that S-layers provide additional mechanical stability to the cell wall. Taken together, we report a complete model of the EA1 S-layer and present a set of nanobodies that may have therapeutic potential against Bacillus anthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Sogues
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Antonella Fioravanti
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim Jonckheere
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Els Pardon
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Han Remaut
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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10
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Choudhury A, Ortiz PS, Young M, Mahmud MT, Stoffel RT, Greathouse KL, Kearney CM. Control of Helicobacter pylori with engineered probiotics secreting selective guided antimicrobial peptides. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0201423. [PMID: 37712669 PMCID: PMC10580918 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02014-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is the primary cause of 78% of gastric cancer cases, providing an opportunity to prevent cancer by controlling a single bacterial pathogen within the complex gastric microbiota. We developed highly selective antimicrobial agents against H. pylori by fusing an H. pylori-binding guide peptide (MM1) to broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides. The common dairy probiotic Lactococcus lactis was then engineered to secrete these guided antimicrobial peptides (gAMPs). When co-cultured in vitro with H. pylori, the gAMP probiotics lost no toxicity compared to unguided AMP probiotics against the target, H. pylori, while losing >90% of their toxicity against two tested off-target bacteria. To test binding to H. pylori, the MM1 guide was fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP), resulting in enhanced binding compared to unguided GFP as measured by flow cytometry. In contrast, MM1-GFP showed no increased binding over GFP against five different off-target bacteria. These highly selective gAMP probiotics were then tested by oral gavage in mice infected with H. pylori. As a therapy, the probiotics outperformed antibiotic treatment, effectively eliminating H. pylori in just 5 days, and also protected mice from challenge infection as a prophylactic. As expected, the gAMP probiotics were as toxic against H. pylori as the unguided AMP probiotics. However, a strong rebound in gastric species diversity was found with both the selective gAMP probiotics and the non-selective AMP probiotics. Eliminating the extreme microbial dysbiosis caused by H. pylori appeared to be the major factor in diversity recovery. IMPORTANCE Alternatives to antibiotics in the control of Helicobacter pylori and the prevention of gastric cancer are needed. The high prevalence of H. pylori in the human population, the induction of microbial dysbiosis by antibiotics, and increasing antibiotic resistance call for a more sustainable approach. By selectively eliminating the pathogen and retaining the commensal community, H. pylori control may be achieved without adverse health outcomes. Antibiotics are typically used as a therapeutic post-infection, but a more targeted, less disruptive approach could be used as a long-term prophylactic against H. pylori or, by extension, against other gastrointestinal pathogens. Furthermore, the modular nature of the guided antimicrobial peptide (gAMP) technology allows for the substitution of different guides for different pathogens and the use of a cocktail of gAMPs to avoid the development of pathogen resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mikaeel Young
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | | | - Ryan T. Stoffel
- Baylor Sciences Building Vivarium, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - K. Leigh Greathouse
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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11
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Umansky AA, Fortier LC. The long and sinuous road to phage-based therapy of Clostridioides difficile infections. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1259427. [PMID: 37680620 PMCID: PMC10481535 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1259427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With the antibiotic crisis and the rise in antimicrobial resistance worldwide, new therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Phage therapy represents one of the most promising alternatives but for some pathogens, such as Clostridioides difficile, important challenges are being faced. The perspective of phage therapy to treat C. difficile infections is complicated by the fact that no strictly lytic phages have been identified so far, and current temperate phages generally have a narrow host range. C. difficile also harbors multiple antiphage mechanisms, and the bacterial genome is often a host of one or multiple prophages that can interfere with lytic phage infection. Nevertheless, due to recent advances in phage host receptor recognition and improvements in genetic tools to manipulate phage genomes, it is now conceivable to genetically engineer C. difficile phages to make them suitable for phage therapy. Other phage-based alternatives such as phage endolysins and phage tail-like bacteriocins (avidocins) are also being investigated but these approaches also have their own limitations and challenges. Last but not least, C. difficile produces spores that are resistant to phage attacks and all current antibiotics, and this complicates therapeutic interventions. This mini-review gives a brief historical overview of phage work that has been carried out in C. difficile, presents recent advances in the field, and addresses the most important challenges that are being faced, with potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis Charles Fortier
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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12
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Raeisi H, Noori M, Azimirad M, Mohebbi SR, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Yadegar A, Zali MR. Emerging applications of phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation for treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection: challenges and perspectives. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:21. [PMID: 37161478 PMCID: PMC10169144 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00550-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, which causes life-threatening diarrheal disease, is considered an urgent threat to healthcare setting worldwide. The current standards of care solely rely on conventional antibiotic treatment, however, there is a risk of promoting recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Globally, the alarming spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of C. difficile has resulted in a quest for alternative therapeutics. The use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which involves direct infusion of fecal suspension from a healthy donor into a diseased recipient, has been approved as a highly efficient therapeutic option for patients with rCDI. Bacteriophages or phages are a group of viruses that can infect and destroy bacterial hosts, and are recognized as the dominant viral component of the human gut microbiome. Accumulating data has demonstrated that phages play a vital role in microbial balance of the human gut microbiome. Recently, phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation (FVT) have been introduced as promising alternatives for the treatment of C. difficile -related infections, in particular drug-resistant CDI. Herein, we review the latest updates on C. difficile- specific phages, and phage-mediated treatments, and highlight the current and future prospects of phage therapy in the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Raeisi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Noori
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Royer ALM, Umansky AA, Allen MM, Garneau JR, Ospina-Bedoya M, Kirk JA, Govoni G, Fagan RP, Soutourina O, Fortier LC. Clostridioides difficile S-Layer Protein A (SlpA) Serves as a General Phage Receptor. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0389422. [PMID: 36790200 PMCID: PMC10100898 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03894-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic bacteriophages (phages) are being considered as alternatives in the fight against Clostridioides difficile infections. To be efficient, phages should have a wide host range, buthe lack of knowledge about the cell receptor used by C. difficile phages hampers the rational design of phage cocktails. Recent reports suggested that the C. difficile surface layer protein A (SlpA) is an important phage receptor, but available data are still limited. Here, using the epidemic R20291 strain and its FM2.5 mutant derivative lacking a functional S-layer, we show that the absence of SlpA renders cells completely resistant to infection by ϕCD38-2, ϕCD111, and ϕCD146, which normally infect the parental strain. Complementation with 12 different S-layer cassette types (SLCTs) expressed from a plasmid revealed that SLCT-6 also allowed infection by ϕCD111 and SLCT-11 enabled infection by ϕCD38-2 and ϕCD146. Of note, the expression of SLCT-1, -6, -8, -9, -10, or -12 conferred susceptibility to infection by 5 myophages that normally do not infect the R20291 strain. Also, deletion of the D2 domain within the low-molecular-weight fragment of SlpA was found to abolish infection by ϕCD38-2 and ϕCD146 but not ϕCD111. Altogether, our data suggest that many phages use SlpA as their receptor and, most importantly, that both siphophages and myophages target SlpA despite major differences in their tail structures. Our study therefore represents an important step in understanding the interactions between C. difficile and its phages. IMPORTANCE Phage therapy represents an interesting alternative to treat Clostridioides difficile infections because, contrary to antibiotics, most phages are highly species specific, thereby sparing the beneficial gut microbes that protect from infection. However, currently available phages against C. difficile have a narrow host range and target members from only one or a few PCR ribotypes. Without a clear comprehension of the factors that define host specificity, and in particular the host receptor recognized by phages, it is hard to develop therapeutic cocktails in a rational manner. In our study, we provide clear and unambiguous experimental evidence that SlpA is a common receptor used by many siphophages and myophages. Although work is still needed to define how a particular phage receptor-binding protein binds to a specific SLCT, the identification of SlpA as a common receptor is a major keystone that will facilitate the rational design of therapeutic phage cocktails against clinically important strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia L. M. Royer
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Andrew A. Umansky
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Maude Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Julian R. Garneau
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Maicol Ospina-Bedoya
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Joseph A. Kirk
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robert P. Fagan
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Olga Soutourina
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Louis-Charles Fortier
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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14
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Chandra H, Kovall RA, Yadav JS, Sun X. Host Immune Responses to Surface S-Layer Proteins (SLPs) of Clostridioides difficile. Microorganisms 2023; 11:380. [PMID: 36838345 PMCID: PMC9963625 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, a nosocomial pathogen, is an emerging gut pathobiont causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. C. difficile infection involves gut colonization and disruption of the gut epithelial barrier, leading to the induction of inflammatory/immune responses. The expression of two major exotoxins, TcdA and TcdB is the major cause of C. difficile pathogenicity. Attachment of bacterial abundant cell wall proteins or surface S-layer proteins (SLPs) such as SlpA with host epithelial cells is critical for virulence. In addition to being toxins, these surface components have been shown to be highly immunogenic. Recent studies indicate that C. difficile SLPs play important roles in the adhesion of the bacteria to the intestinal epithelial cells, disruption of tight junctions, and modulation of the immune response of the host cells. These proteins might serve as new targets for vaccines and new therapeutic agents. This review summarizes our current understanding of the immunological role of SLPs in inducing host immunity and their use in the development of vaccines and novel therapeutics to combat C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Chandra
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow 226025, UP, India
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Rhett A. Kovall
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jagjit S. Yadav
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Xingmin Sun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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15
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Cheng JKJ, Unnikrishnan M. Clostridioides difficile infection: traversing host-pathogen interactions in the gut. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 36848200 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
C. difficile is the primary cause for nosocomial infective diarrhoea. For a successful infection, C. difficile must navigate between resident gut bacteria and the harsh host environment. The perturbation of the intestinal microbiota by broad-spectrum antibiotics alters the composition and the geography of the gut microbiota, deterring colonization resistance, and enabling C. difficile to colonize. This review will discuss how C. difficile interacts with and exploits the microbiota and the host epithelium to infect and persist. We provide an overview of C. difficile virulence factors and their interactions with the gut to aid adhesion, cause epithelial damage and mediate persistence. Finally, we document the host responses to C. difficile, describing the immune cells and host pathways that are associated and triggered during C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey K J Cheng
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Meera Unnikrishnan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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16
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Zhou J, Horton JR, Menna M, Fiorentino F, Ren R, Yu D, Hajian T, Vedadi M, Mazzoccanti G, Ciogli A, Weinhold E, Hüben M, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Mai A, Rotili D, Cheng X. Systematic Design of Adenosine Analogs as Inhibitors of a Clostridioides difficile-Specific DNA Adenine Methyltransferase Required for Normal Sporulation and Persistence. J Med Chem 2023; 66:934-950. [PMID: 36581322 PMCID: PMC9841527 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Antivirulence agents targeting endospore-transmitted Clostridioides difficile infections are urgently needed. C. difficile-specific DNA adenine methyltransferase (CamA) is required for efficient sporulation and affects persistence in the colon. The active site of CamA is conserved and closely resembles those of hundreds of related S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases, which makes the design of selective inhibitors more challenging. We explored the solvent-exposed edge of the SAM adenosine moiety and systematically designed 42 analogs of adenosine carrying substituents at the C6-amino group (N6) of adenosine. We compare the inhibitory properties and binding affinity of these diverse compounds and present the crystal structures of CamA in complex with 14 of them in the presence of substrate DNA. The most potent of these inhibitors, compound 39 (IC50 ∼ 0.4 μM and KD ∼ 0.2 μM), is selective for CamA against closely related bacterial and mammalian DNA and RNA adenine methyltransferases, protein lysine and arginine methyltransferases, and human adenosine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jujun Zhou
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - John R. Horton
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Martina Menna
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fiorentino
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ren Ren
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Dan Yu
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Taraneh Hajian
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Giulia Mazzoccanti
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciogli
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elmar Weinhold
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, D-52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Hüben
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, D-52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert M. Blumenthal
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life
Sciences, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur
Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department
of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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17
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Garcia-Garcia T, Douché T, Giai Gianetto Q, Poncet S, El Omrani N, Smits WK, Cuenot E, Matondo M, Martin-Verstraete I. In-Depth Characterization of the Clostridioides difficile Phosphoproteome to Identify Ser/Thr Kinase Substrates. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100428. [PMID: 36252736 PMCID: PMC9674922 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of postantibiotic diarrhea in adults. During infection, the bacterium must rapidly adapt to the host environment by using survival strategies. Protein phosphorylation is a reversible post-translational modification employed ubiquitously for signal transduction and cellular regulation. Hanks-type serine/threonine kinases (STKs) and serine/threonine phosphatases have emerged as important players in bacterial cell signaling and pathogenicity. C. difficile encodes two STKs (PrkC and CD2148) and one phosphatase. We optimized a titanium dioxide phosphopeptide enrichment approach to determine the phosphoproteome of C. difficile. We identified and quantified 2500 proteins representing 63% of the theoretical proteome. To identify STK and serine/threonine phosphatase targets, we then performed comparative large-scale phosphoproteomics of the WT strain and isogenic ΔprkC, CD2148, Δstp, and prkC CD2148 mutants. We detected 635 proteins containing phosphorylated peptides. We showed that PrkC is phosphorylated on multiple sites in vivo and autophosphorylates in vitro. We were unable to detect a phosphorylation for CD2148 in vivo, whereas this kinase was phosphorylated in vitro only in the presence of PrkC. Forty-one phosphoproteins were identified as phosphorylated under the control of CD2148, whereas 114 proteins were phosphorylated under the control of PrkC including 27 phosphoproteins more phosphorylated in the ∆stp mutant. We also observed enrichment for phosphothreonine among the phosphopeptides more phosphorylated in the Δstp mutant. Both kinases targeted pathways required for metabolism, translation, and stress response, whereas cell division and peptidoglycan metabolism were more specifically controlled by PrkC-dependent phosphorylation in agreement with the phenotypes of the ΔprkC mutant. Using a combination of approaches, we confirmed that FtsK was phosphorylated in vivo under the control of PrkC and that Spo0A was a substrate of PrkC in vitro. This study provides a detailed mapping of kinase-substrate relationships in C. difficile, paving the way for the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Transito Garcia-Garcia
- Laboratoire Pathogénese des Bactéries Anaérobies, UMR CNRS 6047, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Thibaut Douché
- Plateforme Protéomique, Unité de Technologie et Service Spectrométrie de Masse pour la biologie, CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Giai Gianetto
- Plateforme Protéomique, Unité de Technologie et Service Spectrométrie de Masse pour la biologie, CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France,Hub de bioinformatique et biostatistiques, Departement de Biologie computationelle, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Poncet
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nesrine El Omrani
- Plateforme Protéomique, Unité de Technologie et Service Spectrométrie de Masse pour la biologie, CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Wiep Klaas Smits
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elodie Cuenot
- Laboratoire Pathogénese des Bactéries Anaérobies, UMR CNRS 6047, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Plateforme Protéomique, Unité de Technologie et Service Spectrométrie de Masse pour la biologie, CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France,For correspondence: Isabelle Martin-Verstraete; Mariette Matondo
| | - Isabelle Martin-Verstraete
- Laboratoire Pathogénese des Bactéries Anaérobies, UMR CNRS 6047, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France,For correspondence: Isabelle Martin-Verstraete; Mariette Matondo
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18
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Phetruen T, Chanarat S, Janvilisri T, Phanchana M, Charoensutthivarakul S, Phothichaisri W, Chankhamhaengdecha S. Receptor binding protein of prophage reversibly recognizes the low-molecular weight subunit of the surface-layer protein SlpA in Clostridioides difficile. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:998215. [PMID: 36312948 PMCID: PMC9615553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.998215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) are located at the viral tail and mediate the initial recognition of phage to a specific bacterial host. Phage RBPs have co-evolved with numerous types of host receptors resulting in the formation of a diverse assortment of cognate pairs of RBP-receptors that function during the phage attachment step. Although several Clostridioides difficile bacteriophages have been discovered, their RBPs are poorly described. Using homology analysis, putative prophage-tail structure (pts) genes were identified from the prophage genome of the C. difficile HN10 strain. Competition and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, using recombinant PtsHN10M, demonstrated the interaction of this Pts to C. difficile cells, suggesting a role as a phage RBP. Gel filtration and cross-linking assay revealed the native form of this protein as a homotrimer. Moreover, truncated variants indicated that the C-terminal domain of PtsHN10M was important for binding to C. difficile cells. Interaction of PtsHN10M was also observed to the low-molecular weight subunit of surface-layer protein A (SlpA), located at the outermost surface of C. difficile cells. Altogether, our study highlights the function of PtsHN10M as an RBP and potentially paves the way toward phage engineering and phage therapy against C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaporn Phetruen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sittinan Chanarat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Matthew Phanchana
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sitthivut Charoensutthivarakul
- Faculty of Science, School of Bioinnovation and Bio-Based Product Intelligence, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Science, Excellent Center for Drug Discovery (ECDD), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wichuda Phothichaisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surang Chankhamhaengdecha
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Surang Chankhamhaengdecha,
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19
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Bhattacharjee R, Nandi A, Sinha A, Kumar H, Mitra D, Mojumdar A, Patel P, Jha E, Mishra S, Rout PK, Panda PK, Suar M, Verma SK. Phage-tail-like bacteriocins as a biomedical platform to counter anti-microbial resistant pathogens. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113720. [PMID: 36162371 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phage Tail Like bacteriocins (PTLBs) has been an area of interest in the last couple of years owing to their varied application against multi-drug resistant (MDR), anti-microbial resistant (AMR) pathogens and their evolutionary link with the dsDNA virus and bacteriophages. PTLBs are defective phages derived from Myoviridae and Siphoviridae phages, PTLBs are distinguished into R-type (Rigid type) characterized by a non-flexible contractile nanotube resembling Myoviridae phage contractile tails, and F-type (Flexible type) with a flexible non-contractile rod-like structure similar to Siphoviridae phages. In this review, we have discussed the structural association, mechanism, and characterization of PTLBs. Moreover, we have elucidated the symbiotic biological function and application of PTLBs against MDR and XDR pathogens and highlighted the evolutionary role of PTLBs. The difficulties that must be overcome to implement PTLBs clinically are also discussed. It is imperative that these issues be addressed by academics in future studies before being implemented in clinical settings. This article is novel in its way as it will not only provide us with a gateway that acts as a novel strategy for scholars to mitigate and control the uprising issue of AMR pathogens but also promote the development of clinical studies for PTLBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Bhattacharjee
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aditya Nandi
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Adrija Sinha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Hrithik Kumar
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India
| | - Disha Mitra
- University of Calcutta, 92, APC Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Abhik Mojumdar
- Center for Research Equipment, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang Center, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 28119, Republic of Korea; Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Paritosh Patel
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Ealisha Jha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Suman Mishra
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Prabhat Kumar Rout
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Pritam Kumar Panda
- Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
| | - Suresh K Verma
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden.
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20
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Phothichaisri W, Chankhamhaengdecha S, Janvilisri T, Nuadthaisong J, Phetruen T, Fagan RP, Chanarat S. Potential Role of the Host-Derived Cell-Wall Binding Domain of Endolysin CD16/50L as a Molecular Anchor in Preservation of Uninfected Clostridioides difficile for New Rounds of Phage Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0236121. [PMID: 35377223 PMCID: PMC9045149 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02361-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endolysin is a phage-encoded cell-wall hydrolase which degrades the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. The enzyme is often expressed at the late stage of the phage lytic cycle and is required for progeny escape. Endolysins of bacteriophage that infect Gram-positive bacteria often comprises two domains: a peptidoglycan hydrolase and a cell-wall binding domain (CBD). Although the catalytic domain of endolysin is relatively well-studied, the precise role of CBD is ambiguous and remains controversial. Here, we focus on the function of endolysin CBD from a recently isolated Clostridioides difficile phage. We found that the CBD is not required for lytic activity, which is strongly prevented by the surface layer of C. difficile. Intriguingly, hidden Markov model analysis suggested that the endolysin CBD is likely derived from the CWB2 motif of C. difficile cell-wall proteins but possesses a higher binding affinity to bacterial cell-wall polysaccharides. Moreover, the CBD forms a homodimer, formation of which is necessary for interaction with the surface saccharides. Importantly, endolysin diffusion and sequential cytolytic assays showed that CBD of endolysin is required for the enzyme to be anchored to post-lytic cell-wall remnants, suggesting its physiological roles in limiting diffusion of the enzyme, preserving neighboring host cells, and thereby enabling the phage progeny to initiate new rounds of infection. Taken together, this study provides an insight into regulation of endolysin through CBD and can potentially be applied for endolysin treatment against C. difficile infection. IMPORTANCE Endolysin is a peptidoglycan hydrolase encoded in a phage genome. The enzyme is attractive due to its potential use as antibacterial treatment. To utilize endolysin for the therapeutic propose, understanding of the fundamental role of endolysin becomes important. Here, we investigate the function of cell-wall binding domain (CBD) of an endolysin from a C. difficile phage. The domain is homologous to a cell-wall associating module of bacterial cell-wall proteins, likely acquired during phage-host coevolution. The interaction of CBD to bacterial cell walls reduces enzyme diffusion and thereby limits cell lysis of the neighboring bacteria. Our findings indicate that the endolysin is trapped to the cell-wall residuals through CBD and might serve as an advantage for phage replication. Thus, employing a CBD-less endolysin might be a feasible strategy for using endolysin for the treatment of C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wichuda Phothichaisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jirayu Nuadthaisong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanaporn Phetruen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Robert P. Fagan
- School of Biosciences, Florey Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sittinan Chanarat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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21
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Anwar F, Vedantam G. Surface-displayed glycopolymers of Clostridioides difficile. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 66:86-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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22
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Lanzoni-Mangutchi P, Banerji O, Wilson J, Barwinska-Sendra A, Kirk JA, Vaz F, O'Beirne S, Baslé A, El Omari K, Wagner A, Fairweather NF, Douce GR, Bullough PA, Fagan RP, Salgado PS. Structure and assembly of the S-layer in C. difficile. Nat Commun 2022; 13:970. [PMID: 35217634 PMCID: PMC8881574 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28196-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria and archaea possess a two-dimensional protein array, or S-layer, that covers the cell surface and plays crucial roles in cell physiology. Here, we report the crystal structure of SlpA, the main S-layer protein of the bacterial pathogen Clostridioides difficile, and use electron microscopy to study S-layer organisation and assembly. The SlpA crystal lattice mimics S-layer assembly in the cell, through tiling of triangular prisms above the cell wall, interlocked by distinct ridges facing the environment. Strikingly, the array is very compact, with pores of only ~10 Å in diameter, compared to other S-layers (30-100 Å). The surface-exposed flexible ridges are partially dispensable for overall structure and assembly, although a mutant lacking this region becomes susceptible to lysozyme, an important molecule in host defence. Thus, our work gives insights into S-layer organisation and provides a basis for development of C. difficile-specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lanzoni-Mangutchi
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Oishik Banerji
- Krebs Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, UK
| | - Jason Wilson
- Krebs Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Barwinska-Sendra
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joseph A Kirk
- Krebs Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Florey Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Filipa Vaz
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shauna O'Beirne
- Krebs Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Florey Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Arnaud Baslé
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Gillian R Douce
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Per A Bullough
- Krebs Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Robert P Fagan
- Krebs Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Florey Institute, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Paula S Salgado
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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23
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A Novel Bacteriophage with Broad Host Range against Clostridioides difficile Ribotype 078 Supports SlpA as the Likely Phage Receptor. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0229521. [PMID: 35107319 PMCID: PMC8809339 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02295-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages represent a promising option for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) infection (CDI), which at present relies on conventional antibiotic therapy. The specificity of bacteriophages should prevent dysbiosis of the colonic microbiota associated with antibiotic treatment of CDI. While numerous phages have been isolated, none have been characterized with broad host range activity toward PCR ribotype (RT) 078 strains, despite their relevance to medicine and agriculture. In this study, we isolated four novel C. difficile myoviruses: ΦCD08011, ΦCD418, ΦCD1801, and ΦCD2301. Their characterization revealed that each was comparable with other C. difficile phages described in the literature, with the exception of ΦCD1801, which exhibited broad host range activity toward RT 078, infecting 15/16 (93.8%) of the isolates tested. In order for wild-type phages to be exploited in the effective treatment of CDI, an optimal phage cocktail must be assembled that provides broad coverage against all C. difficile RTs. We conducted experiments to support previous findings suggesting that SlpA, a constituent of the C. difficile surface layer (S-layer) is the likely phage receptor. Through interpretation of phage-binding assays, our data suggested that ΦCD1801 could bind to an RT 012 strain only in the presence of a plasmid-borne S-layer cassette corresponding to the slpA allele found in RT 078. Armed with this information, efforts should be directed toward the isolation of phages with broad host range activity toward defined S-layer cassette types, which could form the basis of an effective phage cocktail for the treatment of CDI. IMPORTANCE Research into phage therapy has seen a resurgence in recent years owing to growing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance. Phage research for potential therapy against Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is in its infancy, where an optimal “one size fits all” phage cocktail is yet to be derived. The pursuit thus far has aimed to find phages with the broadest possible host range. However, for C. difficile strains belonging to certain PCR ribotypes (RTs), in particular RT 078, phages with broad host range activity are yet to be discovered. In this study, we isolate four novel myoviruses, including ΦCD1801, which exerts the broadest host range activity toward RT 078 reported in the literature. Through the application of ΦCD1801 to phage-binding assays, we provide data to support the prior notion that SlpA represents the likely phage receptor on the bacterial cell surface. Our finding directs research attention toward the isolation of phages with activity toward strains possessing defined S-layer cassette types.
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24
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Ho TD, Ellermeier CD. Activation of the extracytoplasmic function σ factor σ V by lysozyme in Clostridioides difficile. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 65:162-166. [PMID: 34894542 PMCID: PMC8792214 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.11.008] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is naturally resistant to high levels of lysozyme an important component of the innate immune defense system. C. difficile encodes both constitutive as well as inducible lysozyme resistance genes. The inducible lysozyme resistance genes are controlled by an alternative σ factor σV that belongs to the Extracytoplasmic function σ factor family. In the absence of lysozyme, the activity of σV is inhibited by the anti-σ factor RsiV. In the presence of lysozyme RsiV is destroyed via a proteolytic cascade that leads to σV activation and increased lysozyme resistance. This review highlights how activity of σV is controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa D. Ho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 431 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Craig D. Ellermeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 431 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242,Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA,Corresponding author: , 319-384-4565
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25
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Kalelkar PP, Riddick M, García AJ. Biomaterial-based delivery of antimicrobial therapies for the treatment of bacterial infections. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2022; 7:39-54. [PMID: 35330939 PMCID: PMC8938918 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including strains that are resistant to last-resort antibiotics, and the limited ability of antibiotics to eradicate biofilms, have necessitated the development of alternative antibacterial therapeutics. Antibacterial biomaterials, such as polycationic polymers, and biomaterial-assisted delivery of non-antibiotic therapeutics, such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides and antimicrobial enzymes, have improved our ability to treat antibiotic-resistant and recurring infections. Biomaterials not only allow targeted delivery of multiple agents, but also sustained release at the infection site, thereby reducing potential systemic adverse effects. In this Review, we discuss biomaterial-based non-antibiotic antibacterial therapies for the treatment of community- and hospital-acquired infectious diseases, with a focus in in vivo results. We highlight the translational potential of different biomaterial-based strategies, and provide a perspective on the challenges associated with their clinical translation. Finally, we discuss the future scope of biomaterial-assisted antibacterial therapies. WEB SUMMARY The development of antibiotic tolerance and resistance has demanded the search for alternative antibacterial therapies. This Review discusses antibacterial biomaterials and biomaterial-assisted delivery of non-antibiotic therapeutics for the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases, with a focus on clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav P. Kalelkar
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Milan Riddick
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Andrés J. García
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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26
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Zhou J, Horton JR, Yu D, Ren R, Blumenthal RM, Zhang X, Cheng X. Repurposing epigenetic inhibitors to target the Clostridioides difficile-specific DNA adenine methyltransferase and sporulation regulator CamA. Epigenetics 2021; 17:970-981. [PMID: 34523387 PMCID: PMC9487755 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1976910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetically targeted therapeutic development, particularly for SAM-dependent methylations of DNA, mRNA and histones has been proceeding rapidly for cancer treatments over the past few years. However, this approach has barely begun to be exploited for developing new antibiotics, despite an overwhelming global need to counter antimicrobial resistance. Here, we explore whether SAM analogues, some of which are in (pre)clinical studies as inhibitors of human epigenetic enzymes, can also inhibit Clostridioides difficile-specific DNA adenine methyltransferase (CamA), a sporulation regulator present in all C. difficile genomes sequenced to date, but found in almost no other bacteria. We found that SGC0946 (an inhibitor of DOT1L), JNJ-64619178 (an inhibitor of PRMT5) and SGC8158 (an inhibitor of PRMT7) inhibit CamA enzymatic activity in vitro at low micromolar concentrations. Structural investigation of the ternary complexes of CamA-DNA in the presence of SGC0946 or SGC8158 revealed conformational rearrangements of the N-terminal arm, with no apparent disturbance of the active site. This N-terminal arm and its modulation of exchanges between SAM (the methyl donor) and SAH (the reaction product) during catalysis of methyl transfer are, to date, unique to CamA. Our work presents a substantial first step in generating potent and selective inhibitors of CamA that would serve in the near term as chemical probes to investigate the cellular mechanism(s) of CamA in controlling spore formation and colonization, and eventually as therapeutic antivirulence agents useful in treating C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jujun Zhou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John R Horton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ren Ren
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert M Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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27
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Brauer M, Lassek C, Hinze C, Hoyer J, Becher D, Jahn D, Sievers S, Riedel K. What's a Biofilm?-How the Choice of the Biofilm Model Impacts the Protein Inventory of Clostridioides difficile. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:682111. [PMID: 34177868 PMCID: PMC8225356 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.682111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaerobic pathogen Clostridioides difficile is perfectly equipped to survive and persist inside the mammalian intestine. When facing unfavorable conditions C. difficile is able to form highly resistant endospores. Likewise, biofilms are currently discussed as form of persistence. Here a comprehensive proteomics approach was applied to investigate the molecular processes of C. difficile strain 630Δerm underlying biofilm formation. The comparison of the proteome from two different forms of biofilm-like growth, namely aggregate biofilms and colonies on agar plates, revealed major differences in the formation of cell surface proteins, as well as enzymes of its energy and stress metabolism. For instance, while the obtained data suggest that aggregate biofilm cells express both flagella, type IV pili and enzymes required for biosynthesis of cell-surface polysaccharides, the S-layer protein SlpA and most cell wall proteins (CWPs) encoded adjacent to SlpA were detected in significantly lower amounts in aggregate biofilm cells than in colony biofilms. Moreover, the obtained data suggested that aggregate biofilm cells are rather actively growing cells while colony biofilm cells most likely severely suffer from a lack of reductive equivalents what requires induction of the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and C. difficile’s V-type ATPase to maintain cell homeostasis. In agreement with this, aggregate biofilm cells, in contrast to colony biofilm cells, neither induced toxin nor spore production. Finally, the data revealed that the sigma factor SigL/RpoN and its dependent regulators are noticeably induced in aggregate biofilms suggesting an important role of SigL/RpoN in aggregate biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madita Brauer
- Department for Microbial Physiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Lassek
- Department for Microbial Physiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Hinze
- Department for Microbial Physiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Juliane Hoyer
- Department for Microbial Proteomics, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dörte Becher
- Department for Microbial Proteomics, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dieter Jahn
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Sievers
- Department for Microbial Physiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katharina Riedel
- Department for Microbial Physiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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28
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Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a leading cause of health care-associated infections worldwide. These infections are transmitted by C. difficile′s metabolically dormant, aerotolerant spore form. Functional spore formation depends on the assembly of two protective layers, a thick layer of modified peptidoglycan known as the cortex layer and a multilayered proteinaceous meshwork known as the coat. We previously identified two spore morphogenetic proteins, SpoIVA and SipL, that are essential for recruiting coat proteins to the developing forespore and making functional spores. While SpoIVA and SipL directly interact, the identities of the proteins they recruit to the forespore remained unknown. Here, we used mass spectrometry-based affinity proteomics to identify proteins that interact with the SpoIVA-SipL complex. These analyses identified the Peptostreptococcaceae family-specific, sporulation-induced bitopic membrane protein CD3457 (renamed SpoVQ) as a protein that interacts with SipL and SpoIVA. Loss of SpoVQ decreased heat-resistant spore formation by ∼5-fold and reduced cortex thickness ∼2-fold; the thinner cortex layer of ΔspoVQ spores correlated with higher levels of spontaneous germination (i.e., in the absence of germinant). Notably, loss of SpoVQ in either spoIVA or sipL mutants prevented cortex synthesis altogether and greatly impaired the localization of a SipL-mCherry fusion protein around the forespore. Thus, SpoVQ is a novel regulator of C. difficile cortex synthesis that appears to link cortex and coat formation. The identification of SpoVQ as a spore morphogenetic protein further highlights how Peptostreptococcaceae family-specific mechanisms control spore formation in C. difficile. IMPORTANCE The Centers for Disease Control has designated Clostridioides difficile as an urgent threat because of its intrinsic antibiotic resistance. C. difficile persists in the presence of antibiotics in part because it makes metabolically dormant spores. While recent work has shown that preventing the formation of infectious spores can reduce C. difficile disease recurrence, more selective antisporulation therapies are needed. The identification of spore morphogenetic factors specific to C. difficile would facilitate the development of such therapies. In this study, we identified SpoVQ (CD3457) as a spore morphogenetic protein specific to the Peptostreptococcaceae family that regulates the formation of C. difficile’s protective spore cortex layer. SpoVQ acts in concert with the known spore coat morphogenetic factors, SpoIVA and SipL, to link formation of the protective coat and cortex layers. These data reveal a novel pathway that could be targeted to prevent the formation of infectious C. difficile spores.
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29
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Ravi J, Fioravanti A. S-layers: The Proteinaceous Multifunctional Armors of Gram-Positive Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:663468. [PMID: 33889148 PMCID: PMC8056022 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.663468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
S-layers are self-assembled crystalline 2D lattices enclosing the cell envelopes of several bacteria and archaea. Despite their abundance, the landscape of S-layer structure and function remains a land of wonder. By virtue of their location, bacterial S-layers have been hypothesized to add structural stability to the cell envelope. In addition, S-layers are implicated in mediating cell-environment and cell-host interactions playing a key role in adhesion, cell growth, and division. Significant strides in the understanding of these bacterial cell envelope components were made possible by recent studies that have provided structural and functional insights on the critical S-layer and S-layer-associated proteins (SLPs and SLAPs), highlighting their roles in pathogenicity and their potential as therapeutic or vaccine targets. In this mini-review, we revisit the sequence-structure-function relationships of S-layers, SLPs, and SLAPs in Gram-positive pathogens, focusing on the best-studied classes, Bacilli (Bacillus anthracis) and Clostridia (Clostridioides difficile). We delineate the domains and their architectures in archetypal S-layer proteins across Gram-positive genera and reconcile them with experimental findings. Similarly, we highlight a few key "flavors" of SLPs displayed by Gram-positive pathogens to assemble and support the bacterial S-layers. Together, these findings indicate that S-layers are excellent candidates for translational research (developing diagnostics, antibacterial therapeutics, and vaccines) since they display the three crucial characteristics: accessible location at the cell surface, abundance, and unique lineage-specific signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani Ravi
- Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Antonella Fioravanti
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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30
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Oatley P, Kirk JA, Ma S, Jones S, Fagan RP. Spatial organization of Clostridium difficile S-layer biogenesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14089. [PMID: 32839524 PMCID: PMC7445750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface layers (S-layers) are protective protein coats which form around all archaea and most bacterial cells. Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive bacterium with an S-layer covering its peptidoglycan cell wall. The S-layer in C. difficile is constructed mainly of S-layer protein A (SlpA), which is a key virulence factor and an absolute requirement for disease. S-layer biogenesis is a complex multi-step process, disruption of which has severe consequences for the bacterium. We examined the subcellular localization of SlpA secretion and S-layer growth; observing formation of S-layer at specific sites that coincide with cell wall synthesis, while the secretion of SlpA from the cell is relatively delocalized. We conclude that this delocalized secretion of SlpA leads to a pool of precursor in the cell wall which is available to repair openings in the S-layer formed during cell growth or following damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Oatley
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Florey Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
- School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 7BH, UK.
| | - Joseph A Kirk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Florey Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Shuwen Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Simon Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK
| | - Robert P Fagan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Florey Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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Abstract
R-type bacteriocins are minimal contractile nanomachines that hold promise as precision antibiotics1–4. Each bactericidal complex uses a collar to bridge a hollow tube with a contractile sheath loaded in a metastable state by a baseplate scaffold1,2. Fine-tuning of such nucleic acid-free protein machines for precision medicine calls for an atomic description of the entire complex and contraction mechanism, which is not available from baseplate structures of (DNA-containing) T4 bacteriophage5. Here we report the atomic model of the complete R2 pyocin in its pre- and post-contraction states, each containing 384 subunits of 11 unique atomic models of 10 gene products. Comparison of these structures suggests the sequence of events during pyocin contraction: tail fibers trigger lateral dissociation of baseplate triplexes; the dissociation then initiates a cascade of events leading to sheath contraction; this contraction converts chemical energy into mechanical force to drive the iron-tipped tube across the bacterial cell surface, killing the bacterium.
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Structure of S-layer protein Sap reveals a mechanism for therapeutic intervention in anthrax. Nat Microbiol 2019; 4:1805-1814. [DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Zhu D, Bullock J, He Y, Sun X. Cwp22, a novel peptidoglycan cross-linking enzyme, plays pleiotropic roles in Clostridioides difficile. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:3076-3090. [PMID: 31173438 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, toxin-producing anaerobe pathogen, and can induce nosocomial antibiotic-associated intestinal disease. While production of toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) contribute to the main pathogenesis of C. difficile, adhesion and colonization of C. difficile in the host gut are prerequisites for disease onset. Previous cell wall proteins (CWPs) were identified that were implicated in C. difficile adhesion and colonization. In this study, we predicted and characterized Cwp22 (CDR20291_2601) from C. difficile R20291 to be involved in bacterial adhesion based on the Vaxign reverse vaccinology tool. The ClosTron-generated cwp22 mutant showed decreased TcdA and TcdB production during early growth, and increased cell permeability and autolysis. Importantly, the cwp22 mutation impaired cellular adherence in vitro and decreased cytotoxicity and fitness over the parent strain in a mouse infection model. Furthermore, lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay, live-dead cell staining and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the decreased cell viability of the cwp22 mutant. Thus, Cwp22 is involved in cell wall integrity and cell viability, which could affect most phenotypes of R20291. Our data suggest that Cwp22 is an attractive target for C. difficile infection therapeutics and prophylactics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duolong Zhu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jessica Bullock
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Yongqun He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xingmin Sun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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34
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Abstract
Clostridioides difficile genetics has rapidly advanced in recent years thanks to the development of tools for allelic replacement and transposon mutagenesis. In this Journal of Bacteriology issue, Müh et al extend the genetics toolbox by developing a CRISPRi strategy for gene silencing in C. difficile (U.Müh, A. G. Pannullo, D. S. Weiss, and C. D. Ellermeier, 2019, J Bacteriol 201:e00711-18. . https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00711-18). The authors demonstrate the tunability and robustness of their CRISPRi system, highlight its utility in studying essential gene function, and discuss exciting new possibilities for dissecting C. difficile physiology.
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35
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A Xylose-Inducible Expression System and a CRISPR Interference Plasmid for Targeted Knockdown of Gene Expression in Clostridioides difficile. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00711-18. [PMID: 30745377 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00711-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we introduce plasmids for xylose-regulated expression and repression of genes in Clostridioides difficile The xylose-inducible expression vector allows for ∼100-fold induction of an mCherryOpt reporter gene. Induction is titratable and uniform from cell to cell. The gene repression plasmid is a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system based on a nuclease-defective, codon-optimized allele of the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 protein (dCas9) that is targeted to a gene of interest by a constitutively expressed single guide RNA (sgRNA). Expression of dCas9 is induced by xylose, allowing investigators to control the timing and extent of gene silencing, as demonstrated here by dose-dependent repression of a chromosomal gene for a red fluorescent protein (maximum repression, ∼100-fold). To validate the utility of CRISPRi for deciphering gene function in C. difficile, we knocked down the expression of three genes involved in the biogenesis of the cell envelope: the cell division gene ftsZ, the S-layer protein gene slpA, and the peptidoglycan synthase gene pbp-0712 CRISPRi confirmed known or expected phenotypes associated with the loss of FtsZ and SlpA and revealed that the previously uncharacterized peptidoglycan synthase PBP-0712 is needed for proper elongation, cell division, and protection against lysis.IMPORTANCE Clostridioides difficile has become the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in developed countries. A better understanding of the basic biology of this devastating pathogen might lead to novel approaches for preventing or treating C. difficile infections. Here we introduce new plasmid vectors that allow for titratable induction (P xyl ) or knockdown (CRISPRi) of gene expression. The CRISPRi plasmid allows for easy depletion of target proteins in C. difficile Besides bypassing the lengthy process of mutant construction, CRISPRi can be used to study the function of essential genes, which are particularly important targets for antibiotic development.
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36
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Brockhurst MA, Harrison F, Veening JW, Harrison E, Blackwell G, Iqbal Z, Maclean C. Assessing evolutionary risks of resistance for new antimicrobial therapies. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:515-517. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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37
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Arredondo-Hernandez R, Orduña-Estrada P, Lopez-Vidal Y, Ponce de Leon-Rosales S. Clostridium Difficile Infection: An Immunological Conundrum. Arch Med Res 2019; 49:359-364. [PMID: 30617004 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The lack of comprehensive understanding of the way immunity backfires on incidence and complications has made Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), the infectious disease of our times, as evidenced by in the parallel course it follows along epidemic of chronic degenerative diseases. Within these ailments, if as suspected the main effect of Clostridium difficile A and B toxins depends on inflammation, then aberrant immune function due to antibiotics would explain IBD triggering after treatment but also, the higher incidence and mortality surrounding disorders that are inflammatory and/or that show abatement of neutrophils. This review will discuss severity of the disease in terms of challenges to immunity during the progression of acute illness. We will identify the common signals in the communication between microbiota and inflammatory cells, as well as the sequestration of the regulatory network by Clostridium difficile, which leads to tissue damage and prevents its elimination from intestinal lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Arredondo-Hernandez
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Patricia Orduña-Estrada
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Yolanda Lopez-Vidal
- Departamento de Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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38
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Richards E, Bouché L, Panico M, Arbeloa A, Vinogradov E, Morris H, Wren B, Logan SM, Dell A, Fairweather NF. The S-layer protein of a Clostridium difficile SLCT-11 strain displays a complex glycan required for normal cell growth and morphology. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:18123-18137. [PMID: 30275012 PMCID: PMC6254364 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a bacterial pathogen that causes major health challenges worldwide. It has a well-characterized surface (S)-layer, a para-crystalline proteinaceous layer surrounding the cell wall. In many bacterial and archaeal species, the S-layer is glycosylated, but no such modifications have been demonstrated in C. difficile. Here, we show that a C. difficile strain of S-layer cassette type 11, Ox247, has a complex glycan attached via an O-linkage to Thr-38 of the S-layer low-molecular-weight subunit. Using MS and NMR, we fully characterized this glycan. We present evidence that it is composed of three domains: (i) a core peptide-linked tetrasaccharide with the sequence -4-α-Rha-3-α-Rha-3-α-Rha-3-β-Gal-peptide; (ii) a repeating pentasaccharide with the sequence -4-β-Rha-4-α-Glc-3-β-Rha-4-(α-Rib-3-)β-Rha-; and (iii) a nonreducing end-terminal 2,3 cyclophosphoryl-rhamnose attached to a ribose-branched sub-terminal rhamnose residue. The Ox247 genome contains a 24-kb locus containing genes for synthesis and protein attachment of this glycan. Mutations in genes within this locus altered or completely abrogated formation of this glycan, and their phenotypes suggested that this S-layer modification may affect sporulation, cell length, and biofilm formation of C. difficile In summary, our findings indicate that the S-layer protein of SLCT-11 strains displays a complex glycan and suggest that this glycan is required for C. difficile sporulation and control of cell shape, a discovery with implications for the development of antimicrobials targeting the S-layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Richards
- From the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Bouché
- From the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Panico
- From the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Arbeloa
- From the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- the Vaccine Program, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Howard Morris
- From the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom,; Biopharmaspec, Suite 3.1, Lido Medical Centre, St. Saviours Road, JE2 7LA Jersey, United Kingdom, and
| | - Brendan Wren
- the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Logan
- the Vaccine Program, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Anne Dell
- From the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom,.
| | - Neil F Fairweather
- From the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom,.
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Liu D, Yang Z, Chen Y, Zhuang W, Niu H, Wu J, Ying H. Clostridium acetobutylicum grows vegetatively in a biofilm rich in heteropolysaccharides and cytoplasmic proteins. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2018; 11:315. [PMID: 30479660 PMCID: PMC6245871 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1316-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofilms are cell communities wherein cells are embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The biofilm of Clostridium acetobutylicum confers the cells superior phenotypes and has been extensively exploited to produce a variety of liquid biofuels and bulk chemicals. However, little has been known about the physiology of C. acetobutylicum in biofilm as well as the composition and biosynthesis of the EPS. Thus, this study is focused on revealing the cell physiology and EPS composition of C. acetobutylicum biofilm. RESULTS Here, we revealed a novel lifestyle of C. acetobutylicum in biofilm: elimination of sporulation and vegetative growth. Extracellular polymeric substances and wire-like structures were also observed in the biofilm. Furthermore, for the first time, the biofilm polysaccharides and proteins were isolated and characterized. The biofilm contained three heteropolysaccharides. The major fraction consisted of predominantly glucose, mannose and aminoglucose. Also, a great variety of proteins including many non-classically secreted proteins moonlighting as adhesins were found considerably present in the biofilm, with GroEL, a S-layer protein and rubrerythrin being the most abundant ones. CONCLUSIONS This study evidenced that vegetative C. acetobutylicum cells rather than commonly assumed spore-forming cells were essentially the solvent-forming cells. The abundant non-classically secreted moonlighting proteins might be important for the biofilm formation. This study provides the first physiological and molecular insights into C. acetobutylicum biofilm which should be valuable for understanding and development of the biofilm-based processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advance Material (SICAM), No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
| | - Zhengjiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
| | - Yong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advance Material (SICAM), No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advance Material (SICAM), No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
| | - Huanqing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advance Material (SICAM), No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
| | - Jinglan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advance Material (SICAM), No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advance Material (SICAM), No. 30, Puzhu South Road, Nanjing, 211800 China
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40
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Fortier LC. Bacteriophages Contribute to Shaping Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile Species. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2033. [PMID: 30233520 PMCID: PMC6127314 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are bacterial viruses that parasitize bacteria. They are highly prevalent in nature, with an estimated 1031 viral particles in the whole biosphere, and they outnumber bacteria by at least 10-fold. Hence, phages represent important drivers of bacterial evolution, although our knowledge of the role played by phages in the mammalian gut is still embryonic. Several pathogens owe their virulence to the integrated phages (prophages) they harbor, which encode diverse virulence factors such as toxins. Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is an important opportunistic pathogen and several phages infecting this species have been described over the last decade. However, their exact contribution to the biology and virulence of this pathogen remains elusive. Current data have shown that C. difficile phages can alter virulence-associated phenotypes, in particular toxin production, by interfering with bacterial regulatory circuits through crosstalk with phage proteins for example. One phage has also been found to encode a complete binary toxin locus. Multiple regulatory genes have also been identified in phage genomes, suggesting that their impact on the host can be complex and often subtle. In this minireview, the current state of knowledge, major findings, and pending questions regarding C. difficile phages will be presented. In addition, with the apparent role played by phages in the success of fecal microbiota transplantation and the perspective of phage therapy for treatment of recurrent C. difficile infection, it has become even more crucial to understand what C. difficile phages do in the gut, how they impact their host, and how they influence the epidemiology and evolution of this clinically important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Charles Fortier
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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41
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Baktash A, Terveer EM, Zwittink RD, Hornung BVH, Corver J, Kuijper EJ, Smits WK. Mechanistic Insights in the Success of Fecal Microbiota Transplants for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infections. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1242. [PMID: 29946308 PMCID: PMC6005852 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fecal microbiota transplantation has proven to be an effective treatment for infections with the gram-positive enteropathogen Clostridium difficile. Despite its effectiveness, the exact mechanisms that underlie its success are largely unclear. In this review, we highlight the pleiotropic effectors that are transferred during fecal microbiota transfer and relate this to the C. difficile lifecycle. In doing so, we show that it is likely that multiple factors contribute to the elimination of symptoms of C. difficile infections after fecal microbiota transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amoe Baktash
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M Terveer
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Netherlands Donor Feces Bank, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Romy D Zwittink
- Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Experimental Bacteriology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bastian V H Hornung
- Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Experimental Bacteriology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Corver
- Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Experimental Bacteriology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Netherlands Donor Feces Bank, Leiden, Netherlands.,Experimental Bacteriology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wiep Klaas Smits
- Experimental Bacteriology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Cwp19 Is a Novel Lytic Transglycosylase Involved in Stationary-Phase Autolysis Resulting in Toxin Release in Clostridium difficile. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.00648-18. [PMID: 29895635 PMCID: PMC6016235 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00648-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is the major etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated intestinal disease. Pathogenesis of C. difficile is mainly attributed to the production and secretion of toxins A and B. Unlike most clostridial toxins, toxins A and B have no signal peptide, and they are therefore secreted by unusual mechanisms involving the holin-like TcdE protein and/or autolysis. In this study, we characterized the cell surface protein Cwp19, a newly identified peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme containing a novel catalytic domain. We purified a recombinant His6-tagged Cwp19 protein and showed that it has lytic transglycosylase activity. Moreover, we observed that Cwp19 is involved in cell autolysis and that a C. difficilecwp19 mutant exhibited delayed autolysis in stationary phase compared to the wild type when bacteria were grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium. Wild-type cell autolysis is correlated to strong alterations of cell wall thickness and integrity and to release of cytoplasmic material. Furthermore, we demonstrated that toxins were released into the extracellular medium as a result of Cwp19-induced autolysis when cells were grown in BHI medium. In contrast, Cwp19 did not induce autolysis or toxin release when cells were grown in tryptone-yeast extract (TY) medium. These data provide evidence for the first time that TcdE and bacteriolysis are coexisting mechanisms for toxin release, with their relative contributions in vitro depending on growth conditions. Thus, Cwp19 is an important surface protein involved in autolysis of vegetative cells of C. difficile that mediates the release of the toxins from the cell cytosol in response to specific environment conditions.IMPORTANCEClostridium difficile-associated disease is mainly known as a health care-associated infection. It represents the most problematic hospital-acquired infection in North America and Europe and exerts significant economic pressure on health care systems. Virulent strains of C. difficile generally produce two toxins that have been identified as the major virulence factors. The mechanism for release of these toxins from bacterial cells is not yet fully understood but is thought to be partly mediated by bacteriolysis. Here we identify a novel peptidoglycan hydrolase in C. difficile, Cwp19, exhibiting lytic transglycosylase activity. We show that Cwp19 contributes to C. difficile cell autolysis in the stationary phase and, consequently, to toxin release, most probably as a response to environmental conditions such as nutritional signals. These data highlight that Cwp19 constitutes a promising target for the development of new preventive and curative strategies.
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43
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Péchiné S, Bruxelle JF, Janoir C, Collignon A. Targeting Clostridium difficile Surface Components to Develop Immunotherapeutic Strategies Against Clostridium difficile Infection. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1009. [PMID: 29875742 PMCID: PMC5974105 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies are needed to prevent and treat Clostridium difficile infection and to limit the rise in antibiotic resistance. Besides toxins, several surface components have been characterized as colonization factors and have been shown as immunogenic. This review will focus on passive and active immunization strategies targeting C. difficile surface components to combat C. difficile. Concerning passive immunization, the first strategies used antisera raised against the entire bacterium to prevent infection in the hamster model. Then, surface components such as the flagellin and the S-layer proteins were used for immunization and the passive transfer of antibodies was protective in animal models. Passive immunotherapy with polyvalent immunoglobulins was used in humans and bovine immunoglobulin concentrates were evaluated in clinical trials. Concerning active immunization, vaccine assays targeting surface components were tested mainly in animal models, mouse models of colonization and hamster models of infection. Bacterial extracts, spore proteins and surface components of vegetative cells such as cell wall proteins, flagellar proteins, and polysaccharides were used as vaccine targets. Vaccine assays were performed by parenteral and mucosal routes of immunization. Both gave promising results and pave the way to development of new vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Péchiné
- EA 4043, Unités Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Jean F Bruxelle
- EA 4043, Unités Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Claire Janoir
- EA 4043, Unités Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Anne Collignon
- EA 4043, Unités Bactéries Pathogènes et Santé, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
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Beyond Structure: Defining the Function of the Gut Using Omic Approaches for Rational Design of Personalized Therapeutics. mSystems 2018; 3:mSystems00173-17. [PMID: 29556548 PMCID: PMC5853185 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00173-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 10 years, microbiome research has focused on defining the structures associated with different disease states in multiple systems, but has fallen short on showing causation. Prior omic studies have generated many new hypotheses, but moving forward we need to start dissecting the function of each bacterium alone and in concert with complex bacterial communities in well-characterized systems. Over the next 5 years, we need a merging of new omic technologies for exploratory studies with classical bacterial genetics, bacterial physiology, protein engineering, and biochemistry to further define the biochemical mechanisms of the gut microbiota. The future of the systems microbiology field will focus on targeted engineering and editing of the microbiome to alter function, which will be leveraged to prevent and/or treat human diseases. This perspective will focus on my contribution to the microbiome field, both past and present, and where I think research in the field is headed in the near future.
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Bradshaw WJ, Roberts AK, Shone CC, Acharya KR. The structure of the S-layer of Clostridium difficile. J Cell Commun Signal 2018; 12:319-331. [PMID: 29170885 PMCID: PMC5842191 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-017-0429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The nosocomially acquired pathogen Clostridium difficile is the primary causative agent of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and causes tens of thousands of deaths globally each year. C. difficile presents a paracrystalline protein array on the surface of the cell known as an S-layer. S-layers have been demonstrated to possess a wide range of important functions, which, combined with their inherent accessibility, makes them a promising drug target. The unusually complex S-layer of C. difficile is primarily comprised of the high- and low- molecular weight S-layer proteins, HMW SLP and LMW SLP, formed from the cleavage of the S-layer precursor protein, SlpA, but may also contain up to 28 SlpA paralogues. A model of how the S-layer functions as a whole is required if it is to be exploited in fighting the bacterium. Here, we provide a summary of what is known about the S-layer of C. difficile and each of the paralogues and, considering some of the domains present, suggest potential roles for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Bradshaw
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | | | | | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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Cho JA, Chinnapen DJF. Targeting friend and foe: Emerging therapeutics in the age of gut microbiome and disease. J Microbiol 2018; 56:183-188. [PMID: 29492875 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-018-8037-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces that line our gastrointestinal tract are continuously exposed to trillions of bacteria that form a symbiotic relationship and impact host health and disease. It is only beginning to be understood that the cross-talk between the host and microbiome involve dynamic changes in commensal bacterial population, secretion, and absorption of metabolites between the host and microbiome. As emerging evidence implicates dysbiosis of gut microbiota in the pathology and progression of various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and allergy, conventional treatments that either overlook the microbiome in the mechanism of action, or eliminate vast populations of microbes via wide-spectrum antibiotics need to be reconsidered. It is also becoming clear the microbiome can influence the body's response to therapeutic treatments for cancers. As such, targeting the microbiome as treatment has garnered much recent attention and excitement from numerous research labs and biotechnology companies. Treatments range from fecal microbial transplantation to precision-guided molecular approaches. Here, we survey recent progress in the development of innovative therapeutics that target the microbiome to treat disease, and highlight key findings in the interplay between host microbes and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ah Cho
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel J F Chinnapen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, 02115, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Digestive Diseases Center, Boston, 02115, USA.
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Roshan N, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Non-conventional antimicrobial and alternative therapies for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. Anaerobe 2018; 49:103-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Paharik AE, Schreiber HL, Spaulding CN, Dodson KW, Hultgren SJ. Narrowing the spectrum: the new frontier of precision antimicrobials. Genome Med 2017; 9:110. [PMID: 29241446 PMCID: PMC5729598 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0504-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics have become the standard of care for bacterial infections. However, rising rates of antibiotic-resistant infections are outpacing the development of new antimicrobials. Broad-spectrum antibiotics also harm beneficial microbial communities inhabiting humans. To combat antibiotic resistance and protect these communities, new precision antimicrobials must be engineered to target specific pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Paharik
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Henry L Schreiber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Caitlin N Spaulding
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Karen W Dodson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Scott J Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. .,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Ferrarelli LK. Paper of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(406). Sci Signal 2017. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aap9099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
This week’s article describes how targeted antimicrobials may reduce the virulence of
Clostridium difficile
infection.
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