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Tajer L, Paillart JC, Dib H, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z, Abi Khattar Z. Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides in the Modern Era: An Updated Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1259. [PMID: 39065030 PMCID: PMC11279074 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global health concern, resulting in a significant number of deaths annually due to infections that are resistant to treatment. Amidst this crisis, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics (ATBs). These cationic peptides, naturally produced by all kingdoms of life, play a crucial role in the innate immune system of multicellular organisms and in bacterial interspecies competition by exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMPs target bacterial pathogens through multiple mechanisms, most importantly by disrupting their membranes, leading to cell lysis. However, bacterial resistance to host AMPs has emerged due to a slow co-evolutionary process between microorganisms and their hosts. Alarmingly, the development of resistance to last-resort AMPs in the treatment of MDR infections, such as colistin, is attributed to the misuse of this peptide and the high rate of horizontal genetic transfer of the corresponding resistance genes. AMP-resistant bacteria employ diverse mechanisms, including but not limited to proteolytic degradation, extracellular trapping and inactivation, active efflux, as well as complex modifications in bacterial cell wall and membrane structures. This review comprehensively examines all constitutive and inducible molecular resistance mechanisms to AMPs supported by experimental evidence described to date in bacterial pathogens. We also explore the specificity of these mechanisms toward structurally diverse AMPs to broaden and enhance their potential in developing and applying them as therapeutics for MDR bacteria. Additionally, we provide insights into the significance of AMP resistance within the context of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Tajer
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
| | - Jean-Christophe Paillart
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Université de Strasbourg, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, F-67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Hanna Dib
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
| | - Ziad Abi Khattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli, Lebanon
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Savitskaya A, Masso-Silva J, Haddaoui I, Enany S. Exploring the arsenal of antimicrobial peptides: Mechanisms, diversity, and applications. Biochimie 2023; 214:216-227. [PMID: 37499896 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential for defence against pathogens in all living organisms and possessed activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and even cancer cells. AMPs are short peptides containing 12-100 amino acids conferring a net positive charge and an amphiphilic property in most cases. Although, anionic AMPs also exist. AMPs can be classified based on the types of secondary structures, charge, hydrophobicity, amino acid composition, length, etc. Their mechanism of action usually includes a membrane disruption process through pore formation (three different models have been described, barrel-stave, toroidal or carpet model) but AMPs can also penetrate and impair intracellular functions. Besides their activity against pathogens, they have also shown immunomodulatory properties in complex scenarios through many different interactions. The aim of this review to summarize knowledge about AMP's and discuss the potential application of AMPs as therapeutics, the challenges due to their limitations, including their susceptibility to degradation, the potential generation of AMP resistance, cost, etc. We also discuss the current FDA-approved drugs based on AMPs and strategies to circumvent natural AMPs' limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Savitskaya
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Jorge Masso-Silva
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and Physiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Imen Haddaoui
- National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, University of Carthage, LR Valorization of Unconventional Waters, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Shymaa Enany
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt; Biomedical Research Department, Armed Force College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.
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Zahari NIN, Engku Abd Rahman ENS, Irekeola AA, Ahmed N, Rabaan AA, Alotaibi J, Alqahtani SA, Halawi MY, Alamri IA, Almogbel MS, Alfaraj AH, Ibrahim FA, Almaghaslah M, Alissa M, Yean CY. A Review of the Resistance Mechanisms for β-Lactams, Macrolides and Fluoroquinolones among Streptococcus pneumoniae. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1927. [PMID: 38003976 PMCID: PMC10672801 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59111927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a bacterial species often associated with the occurrence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). CAP refers to a specific kind of pneumonia that occurs in individuals who acquire the infection outside of a healthcare setting. It represents the leading cause of both death and morbidity on a global scale. Moreover, the declaration of S. pneumoniae as one of the 12 leading pathogens was made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017. Antibiotics like β-lactams, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones are the primary classes of antimicrobial medicines used for the treatment of S. pneumoniae infections. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these antibiotics is diminishing as a result of the establishment of resistance in S. pneumoniae against these antimicrobial agents. In 2019, the WHO declared that antibiotic resistance was among the top 10 hazards to worldwide health. It is believed that penicillin-binding protein genetic alteration causes β-lactam antibiotic resistance. Ribosomal target site alterations and active efflux pumps cause macrolide resistance. Numerous factors, including the accumulation of mutations, enhanced efflux mechanisms, and plasmid gene acquisition, cause fluoroquinolone resistance. Furthermore, despite the advancements in pneumococcal vaccinations and artificial intelligence (AI), it is not feasible for individuals to rely on them indefinitely. The ongoing development of AI for combating antimicrobial resistance necessitates more research and development efforts. A few strategies can be performed to curb this resistance issue, including providing educational initiatives and guidelines, conducting surveillance, and establishing new antibiotics targeting another part of the bacteria. Hence, understanding the resistance mechanism of S. pneumoniae may aid researchers in developing a more efficacious antibiotic in future endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Izzaty Najwa Zahari
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia (E.N.S.E.A.R.)
| | - Engku Nur Syafirah Engku Abd Rahman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia (E.N.S.E.A.R.)
| | - Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia (E.N.S.E.A.R.)
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Summit University Offa, Offa PMB 4412, Nigeria
| | - Naveed Ahmed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia (E.N.S.E.A.R.)
| | - Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
| | - Jawaher Alotaibi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed Y. Halawi
- Cytogenetics Department, Dammam Regional Laboratory and Blood Bank, Dammam 31411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Ateeq Alamri
- Blood Bank Department, Dammam Regional Laboratory and Blood Bank, Dammam 31411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S. Almogbel
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail 4030, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H. Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq 33261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Al Ibrahim
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam 32245, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Almaghaslah
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam 32245, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alissa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chan Yean Yean
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia (E.N.S.E.A.R.)
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
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Lohsen S, Stephens DS. Inducible Mega-Mediated Macrolide Resistance Confers Heteroresistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0131922. [PMID: 36847556 PMCID: PMC10019249 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01319-22] [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] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), the 5.4 to 5.5 kb Macrolide Genetic Assembly (Mega) encodes an efflux pump (Mef[E]) and a ribosomal protection protein (Mel) conferring antibiotic resistance to commonly used macrolides in clinical isolates. We found the macrolide-inducible Mega operon provides heteroresistance (more than 8-fold range in MICs) to 14- and 15-membered ring macrolides. Heteroresistance is commonly missed during traditional clinical resistance screens but is highly concerning as resistant subpopulations can persist despite treatment. Spn strains containing the Mega element were screened via Etesting and population analysis profiling (PAP). All Mega-containing Spn strains screened displayed heteroresistance by PAP. The heteroresistance phenotype was linked to the mRNA expression of the mef(E)/mel operon of the Mega element. Macrolide induction uniformly increased Mega operon mRNA expression across the population, and heteroresistance was eliminated. A deletion of the 5' regulatory region of the Mega operon results in a mutant deficient in induction as well as in heteroresistance. The mef(E)L leader peptide sequence of the 5' regulatory region was required for induction and heteroresistance. Treatment with a noninducing 16-membered ring macrolide antibiotic did not induce the mef(E)/mel operon or eliminate the heteroresistance phenotype. Thus, inducibility of the Mega element by 14- and 15-membered macrolides and heteroresistance are linked in Spn. The stochastic variation in mef(E)/mel expression in a Spn population containing Mega provides the basis for heteroresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lohsen
- Departments of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David S. Stephens
- Departments of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Li T, Wang Z, Guo J, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Wang J, Han B, Tao H, Liu J, Wang X. Bacterial resistance to antibacterial agents: Mechanisms, control strategies, and implications for global health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160461. [PMID: 36435256 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The spread of bacterial drug resistance has posed a severe threat to public health globally. Here, we cover bacterial resistance to current antibacterial drugs, including traditional herbal medicines, conventional antibiotics, and antimicrobial peptides. We summarize the influence of bacterial drug resistance on global health and its economic burden while highlighting the resistance mechanisms developed by bacteria. Based on the One Health concept, we propose 4A strategies to combat bacterial resistance, including prudent Application of antibacterial agents, Administration, Assays, and Alternatives to antibiotics. Finally, we identify several opportunities and unsolved questions warranting future exploration for combating bacterial resistance, such as predicting genetic bacterial resistance through the use of more effective techniques, surveying both genetic determinants of bacterial resistance and the transmission dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, No. 20, Dongda Street, Fengtai District, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
| | - Jinquan Wang
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bing Han
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Hui Tao
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China.
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Targeting the Holy Triangle of Quorum Sensing, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic Resistance in Pathogenic Bacteria. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061239. [PMID: 35744757 PMCID: PMC9228545 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic and recurrent bacterial infections are frequently associated with the formation of biofilms on biotic or abiotic materials that are composed of mono- or multi-species cultures of bacteria/fungi embedded in an extracellular matrix produced by the microorganisms. Biofilm formation is, among others, regulated by quorum sensing (QS) which is an interbacterial communication system usually composed of two-component systems (TCSs) of secreted autoinducer compounds that activate signal transduction pathways through interaction with their respective receptors. Embedded in the biofilms, the bacteria are protected from environmental stress stimuli, and they often show reduced responses to antibiotics, making it difficult to eradicate the bacterial infection. Besides reduced penetration of antibiotics through the intricate structure of the biofilms, the sessile biofilm-embedded bacteria show reduced metabolic activity making them intrinsically less sensitive to antibiotics. Moreover, they frequently express elevated levels of efflux pumps that extrude antibiotics, thereby reducing their intracellular levels. Some efflux pumps are involved in the secretion of QS compounds and biofilm-related materials, besides being important for removing toxic substances from the bacteria. Some efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) have been shown to both prevent biofilm formation and sensitize the bacteria to antibiotics, suggesting a relationship between these processes. Additionally, QS inhibitors or quenchers may affect antibiotic susceptibility. Thus, targeting elements that regulate QS and biofilm formation might be a promising approach to combat antibiotic-resistant biofilm-related bacterial infections.
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Luong HX, Ngan HD, Thi Phuong HB, Quoc TN, Tung TT. Multiple roles of ribosomal antimicrobial peptides in tackling global antimicrobial resistance. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211583. [PMID: 35116161 PMCID: PMC8790363 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the last century, conventional antibiotics have played a significant role in global healthcare. Antibiotics support the body in controlling bacterial infection and simultaneously increase the tendency of drug resistance. Consequently, there is a severe concern regarding the regression of the antibiotic era. Despite the use of antibiotics, host defence systems are vital in fighting infectious diseases. In fact, the expression of ribosomal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has been crucial in the evolution of innate host defences and has been irreplaceable to date. Therefore, this valuable source is considered to have great potential in tackling the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Furthermore, the possibility of bacterial resistance to AMPs has been intensively investigated. Here, we summarize all aspects related to the multiple applications of ribosomal AMPs and their derivatives in combating AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Xuan Luong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Thang Nguyen Quoc
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Truong Thanh Tung
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
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Ridyard KE, Overhage J. The Potential of Human Peptide LL-37 as an Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Agent. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060650. [PMID: 34072318 PMCID: PMC8227053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in antimicrobial resistant bacteria threatens the current methods utilized to treat bacterial infections. The development of novel therapeutic agents is crucial in avoiding a post-antibiotic era and the associated deaths from antibiotic resistant pathogens. The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been considered as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics as it displays broad spectrum antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities as well as immunomodulatory functions. While LL-37 has shown promising results, it has yet to receive regulatory approval as a peptide antibiotic. Despite the strong antimicrobial properties, LL-37 has several limitations including high cost, lower activity in physiological environments, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, and high toxicity to human cells. This review will discuss the challenges associated with making LL-37 into a viable antibiotic treatment option, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and cross-resistance as well as adaptive responses to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the peptide. The possible methods to overcome these challenges, including immobilization techniques, LL-37 delivery systems, the development of LL-37 derivatives, and synergistic combinations will also be considered. Herein, we describe how combination therapy and structural modifications to the sequence, helicity, hydrophobicity, charge, and configuration of LL-37 could optimize the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of LL-37 for future clinical use.
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Russum S, Lam KJK, Wong NA, Iddamsetty V, Hendargo KJ, Wang J, Dubey A, Zhang Y, Medrano-Soto A, Saier MH. Comparative population genomic analyses of transporters within the Asgard archaeal superphylum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247806. [PMID: 33770091 PMCID: PMC7997004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon discovery of the first archaeal species in the 1970s, life has been subdivided into three domains: Eukarya, Archaea, and Bacteria. However, the organization of the three-domain tree of life has been challenged following the discovery of archaeal lineages such as the TACK and Asgard superphyla. The Asgard Superphylum has emerged as the closest archaeal ancestor to eukaryotes, potentially improving our understanding of the evolution of life forms. We characterized the transportomes and their substrates within four metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), that is, Odin-, Thor-, Heimdall- and Loki-archaeota as well as the fully sequenced genome of Candidatus Prometheoarchaeum syntrophicum strain MK-D1 that belongs to the Loki phylum. Using the Transporter Classification Database (TCDB) as reference, candidate transporters encoded within the proteomes were identified based on sequence similarity, alignment coverage, compatibility of hydropathy profiles, TMS topologies and shared domains. Identified transport systems were compared within the Asgard superphylum as well as within dissimilar eukaryotic, archaeal and bacterial organisms. From these analyses, we infer that Asgard organisms rely mostly on the transport of substrates driven by the proton motive force (pmf), the proton electrochemical gradient which then can be used for ATP production and to drive the activities of secondary carriers. The results indicate that Asgard archaea depend heavily on the uptake of organic molecules such as lipid precursors, amino acids and their derivatives, and sugars and their derivatives. Overall, the majority of the transporters identified are more similar to prokaryotic transporters than eukaryotic systems although several instances of the reverse were documented. Taken together, the results support the previous suggestions that the Asgard superphylum includes organisms that are largely mixotrophic and anaerobic but more clearly define their metabolic potential while providing evidence regarding their relatedness to eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Russum
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Katie Jing Kay Lam
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Alan Wong
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Vasu Iddamsetty
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Kevin J. Hendargo
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Jianing Wang
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Aditi Dubey
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Arturo Medrano-Soto
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MHS); (AMS)
| | - Milton H. Saier
- Division of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MHS); (AMS)
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Cardoso P, Glossop H, Meikle TG, Aburto-Medina A, Conn CE, Sarojini V, Valery C. Molecular engineering of antimicrobial peptides: microbial targets, peptide motifs and translation opportunities. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:35-69. [PMID: 33495702 PMCID: PMC7817352 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00784-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The global public health threat of antimicrobial resistance has led the scientific community to highly engage into research on alternative strategies to the traditional small molecule therapeutics. Here, we review one of the most popular alternatives amongst basic and applied research scientists, synthetic antimicrobial peptides. The ease of peptide chemical synthesis combined with emerging engineering principles and potent broad-spectrum activity, including against multidrug-resistant strains, has motivated intense scientific focus on these compounds for the past decade. This global effort has resulted in significant advances in our understanding of peptide antimicrobial activity at the molecular scale. Recent evidence of molecular targets other than the microbial lipid membrane, and efforts towards consensus antimicrobial peptide motifs, have supported the rise of molecular engineering approaches and design tools, including machine learning. Beyond molecular concepts, supramolecular chemistry has been lately added to the debate; and helped unravel the impact of peptide self-assembly on activity, including on biofilms and secondary targets, while providing new directions in pharmaceutical formulation through taking advantage of peptide self-assembled nanostructures. We argue that these basic research advances constitute a solid basis for promising industry translation of rationally designed synthetic peptide antimicrobials, not only as novel drugs against multidrug-resistant strains but also as components of emerging antimicrobial biomaterials. This perspective is supported by recent developments of innovative peptide-based and peptide-carrier nanobiomaterials that we also review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Cardoso
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hugh Glossop
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Celine Valery
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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Assoni L, Milani B, Carvalho MR, Nepomuceno LN, Waz NT, Guerra MES, Converso TR, Darrieux M. Resistance Mechanisms to Antimicrobial Peptides in Gram-Positive Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:593215. [PMID: 33193264 PMCID: PMC7609970 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.593215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the alarming increase of infections caused by pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria over the last decades, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been investigated as a potential treatment for those infections, directly through their lytic effect or indirectly, due to their ability to modulate the immune system. There are still concerns regarding the use of such molecules in the treatment of infections, such as cell toxicity and host factors that lead to peptide inhibition. To overcome these limitations, different approaches like peptide modification to reduce toxicity and peptide combinations to improve therapeutic efficacy are being tested. Human defense peptides consist of an important part of the innate immune system, against a myriad of potential aggressors, which have in turn developed different ways to overcome the AMPs microbicidal activities. Since the antimicrobial activity of AMPs vary between Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, so do the bacterial resistance arsenal. This review discusses the mechanisms exploited by Gram-positive bacteria to circumvent killing by antimicrobial peptides. Specifically, the most clinically relevant genera, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp. and Gram-positive bacilli, have been explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Assoni
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Barbara Milani
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Marianna Ribeiro Carvalho
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Lucas Natanael Nepomuceno
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Natalha Tedeschi Waz
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Souza Guerra
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Thiago Rojas Converso
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Michelle Darrieux
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
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12
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Mücke PA, Maaß S, Kohler TP, Hammerschmidt S, Becher D. Proteomic Adaptation of Streptococcus pneumoniae to the Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E413. [PMID: 32183275 PMCID: PMC7143398 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Secreted antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an important part of the human innate immune system and prevent local and systemic infections by inhibiting bacterial growth in a concentration-dependent manner. In the respiratory tract, the cationic peptide LL-37 is one of the most abundant AMPs and capable of building pore complexes in usually negatively charged bacterial membranes, leading to the destruction of bacteria. However, the adaptation mechanisms of several pathogens to LL-37 are already described and are known to weaken the antimicrobial effect of the AMP, for instance, by repulsion, export or degradation of the peptide. This study examines proteome-wide changes in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39, the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, in response to physiological concentrations of LL-37 by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Our data indicate that pneumococci may use some of the known adaptation mechanisms to reduce the effect of LL-37 on their physiology, too. Additionally, several proteins seem to be involved in resistance to AMPs which have not been related to this process before, such as the teichoic acid flippase TacF (SPD_1128). Understanding colonization- and infection-relevant adaptations of the pneumococcus to AMPs, especially LL-37, could finally uncover new drug targets to weaken the burden of this widespread pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Alexander Mücke
- Department of Microbial Proteomics, Institute of Microbiology, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 8, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (P.-A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sandra Maaß
- Department of Microbial Proteomics, Institute of Microbiology, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 8, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (P.-A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Thomas P. Kohler
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 8, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (T.P.K.); (S.H.)
| | - Sven Hammerschmidt
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 8, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (T.P.K.); (S.H.)
| | - Dörte Becher
- Department of Microbial Proteomics, Institute of Microbiology, Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 8, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (P.-A.M.); (S.M.)
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13
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Duperthuy M. Antimicrobial Peptides: Virulence and Resistance Modulation in Gram-Negative Bacteria. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020280. [PMID: 32092866 PMCID: PMC7074834 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing resistance to antibiotics is one of the biggest threats to human health. One of the possibilities to overcome this resistance is to use and develop alternative molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, an increasing number of studies have shown that bacterial resistance to AMPs does exist. Since AMPs are immunity molecules, it is important to ensure that their potential therapeutic use is not harmful in the long term. Recently, several studies have focused on the adaptation of Gram-negative bacteria to subinhibitory concentrations of AMPs. Such concentrations are commonly found in vivo and in the environment. It is therefore necessary to understand how bacteria detect and respond to low concentrations of AMPs. This review focuses on recent findings regarding the impact of subinhibitory concentrations of AMPs on the modulation of virulence and resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylise Duperthuy
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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14
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Xie F, Zan Y, Zhang Y, Zheng N, Yan Q, Zhang W, Zhang H, Jin M, Chen F, Zhang X, Liu S. The cysteine protease ApdS from Streptococcus suis promotes evasion of innate immune defenses by cleaving the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin LL-37. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:17962-17977. [PMID: 31619521 PMCID: PMC6879338 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a globally distributed zoonotic pathogen associated with meningitis and septicemia in humans, posing a serious threat to public health. To successfully invade and disseminate within its host, this bacterium must overcome the innate immune system. The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 impedes invading pathogens by directly perforating bacterial membranes and stimulating the immune function of neutrophils, which are the major effector cells against S. suis However, little is known about the biological relationship between S. suis and LL-37 and how this bacterium adapts to and evades LL-37-mediated immune responses. In this study by using an array of approaches, including enzyme, chemotaxis, cytokine assays, quantitative RT-PCR, and CD spectroscopy, we found that the cysteine protease ApdS from S. suis cleaves LL-37 and thereby plays a key role in the interaction between S. suis and human neutrophils. S. suis infection stimulated LL-37 production in human neutrophils, and S. suis exposure to LL-37 up-regulated ApdS protease expression in the bacterium. We observed that ApdS targets and rapidly cleaves LL-37, impairing its bactericidal activity against S. suis We attributed this effect to the decreased helical content of the secondary structure in the truncated peptide. Moreover, ApdS rescued S. suis from killing by human neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps because LL-37 truncation attenuated neutrophil chemotaxis and inhibited the formation of extracellular traps and the production of reactive oxygen species. Altogether, our findings reveal an immunosuppressive strategy of S. suis whereby the bacterium blunts the innate host defenses via ApdS protease-mediated LL-37 cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Yanan Zan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Ning Zheng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian, China
| | - Qiulong Yan
- College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian, China
| | - Wanjiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Mingjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Fuguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 010018 Huhehaote, China
| | - Siguo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
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15
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Schroeder MR, Lohsen S, Chancey ST, Stephens DS. High-Level Macrolide Resistance Due to the Mega Element [ mef(E)/ mel] in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:868. [PMID: 31105666 PMCID: PMC6491947 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transferable genetic elements conferring macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae can encode the efflux pump and ribosomal protection protein, mef(E)/mel, in an operon of the macrolide efflux genetic assembly (Mega) element- or induce ribosomal methylation through a methyltransferase encoded by erm(B). During the past 30 years, strains that contain Mega or erm(B) or both elements on Tn2010 and other Tn916-like composite mobile genetic elements have emerged and expanded globally. In this study, we identify and define pneumococcal isolates with unusually high-level macrolide resistance (MICs > 16 μg/ml) due to the presence of the Mega element [mef(E)/mel] alone. High-level resistance due to mef(E)/mel was associated with at least two specific genomic insertions of the Mega element, designated Mega-2.IVa and Mega-2.IVc. Genome analyses revealed that these strains do not possess erm(B) or known ribosomal mutations. Deletion of mef(E)/mel in these isolates eliminated macrolide resistance. We also found that Mef(E) and Mel of Tn2010-containing pneumococci were functional but the high-level of macrolide resistance was due to Erm(B). Using in vitro competition experiments in the presence of macrolides, high-level macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae conferred by either Mega-2.IVa or erm(B), had a growth fitness advantage over the lower-level, mef(E)/mel-mediated macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae phenotypes. These data indicate the ability of S. pneumoniae to generate high-level macrolide resistance by macrolide efflux/ribosomal protection [Mef(E)/Mel] and that high-level resistance regardless of mechanism provides a fitness advantage in the presence of macrolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max R Schroeder
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sarah Lohsen
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Scott T Chancey
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David S Stephens
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
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16
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Sharma P, Sharma N, Mishra P, Joseph J, Mishra DK, Garg P, Roy S. Differential Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides in Streptococcus pneumoniae Keratitis and STAT3-Dependent Expression of LL-37 by Streptococcus pneumoniae in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8010031. [PMID: 30845777 PMCID: PMC6470555 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of bacterial keratitis in the developing world with a growing trend of acquiring resistance against various antibiotics. In the current study, we determined the expression of different antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in response to S. pneumoniae in patients, as well as in primary and immortalized human corneal epithelial cells. We further focused on LL-37 and determined its expression in human cornea infected with S. pneumoniae and studied the killing ability of LL-37 against S. pneumoniae. The expression of AMPs was determined by quantitative PCR and the phosphorylation of signaling proteins was evaluated by immunoblot analysis. LL-37 expression was also determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot method and the killing ability of LL-37 against S. pneumoniae was determined by colony-forming units. Differential expression of antimicrobial peptides was observed in patients with S. pneumoniae keratitis. Although S. pneumoniae induced expression of the AMPs in human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC), it did not induce AMP expression in U937, a human monocyte cell line. S. pneumoniae also caused activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in corneal epithelial cells. LL-37 was found to be effective against both laboratory and clinical strains of S. pneumoniae. LL-37 induction by S. pneumoniae in human corneal epithelial cells was mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, and inhibition of STAT3 activation significantly reduced LL-37 expression. Our study determines an extensive profile of AMPs expressed in the human cornea during S. pneumoniae infection, and suggests the potential of LL-37 to be developed as an alternative therapeutic intervention to fight increasing antibiotic resistance among bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerana Sharma
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India.
| | - Natalia Sharma
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
| | - Priyasha Mishra
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
| | - Joveeta Joseph
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
| | - Dilip K Mishra
- Pathology Department, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
| | - Prashant Garg
- Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
| | - Sanhita Roy
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
- Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India.
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17
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Goad B, Harris LK. Identification and prioritization of macrolideresistance genes with hypothetical annotation inStreptococcus pneumoniae. Bioinformation 2018; 14:488-498. [PMID: 31223208 PMCID: PMC6563660 DOI: 10.6026/97320630014488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrolide resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae infections have limited treatment options. While some resistance mechanisms are well
established, ample understanding is limited by incomplete genome annotation (hypothetical genes). Some hypothetical genes encode a
domain of unknown function (DUF), a conserved protein domain with uncharacterized function. Here, we identify and confirm macrolide
resistance genes. We further explore DUFs from macrolide resistance hypothetical genes to prioritize them for experimental
characterization. We found gene similarities between two macrolide resistance gene signatures from untreated and either erythromycin- or
spiramycin-treated resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. We confirmed the association of these gene sets with macrolide resistance through
comparison to gene signatures from (i) second erythromycin resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strain, and (ii) erythromycin-treated
sensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae strain, both from non-overlapping datasets. Examination into which cellular processes these macrolide
resistance genes belong found connections to known resistance mechanisms such as increased amino acid biosynthesis and efflux genes,
and decreased ribonucleotide biosynthesis genes, highlighting the predictive ability of the method used. 22 genes had hypothetical
annotation with 10 DUFs associated with macrolide resistance. DUF characterization could uncover novel co-therapies that restore
macrolide efficacy across multiple macrolide resistant species. Application of the methods to other antibiotic resistances could
revolutionize treatment of resistant infections
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Affiliation(s)
- Blue Goad
- Davenport University, 200 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI, 48933, USA
| | - Laura K Harris
- Davenport University, 200 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI, 48933, USA
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18
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Zafar H, Saier MH. Comparative genomics of transport proteins in seven Bacteroides species. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208151. [PMID: 30517169 PMCID: PMC6281302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The communities of beneficial bacteria that live in our intestines, the gut microbiome, are important for the development and function of the immune system. Bacteroides species make up a significant fraction of the human gut microbiome, and can be probiotic and pathogenic, depending upon various genetic and environmental factors. These can cause disease conditions such as intra-abdominal sepsis, appendicitis, bacteremia, endocarditis, pericarditis, skin infections, brain abscesses and meningitis. In this study, we identify the transport systems and predict their substrates within seven Bacteroides species, all shown to be probiotic; however, four of them (B. thetaiotaomicron, B. vulgatus, B. ovatus, B. fragilis) can be pathogenic (probiotic and pathogenic; PAP), while B. cellulosilyticus, B. salanitronis and B. dorei are believed to play only probiotic roles (only probiotic; OP). The transport system characteristics of the four PAP and three OP strains were identified and tabulated, and results were compared among the seven strains, and with E. coli and Salmonella strains. The Bacteroides strains studied contain similarities and differences in the numbers and types of transport proteins tabulated, but both OP and PAP strains contain similar outer membrane carbohydrate receptors, pore-forming toxins and protein secretion systems, the similarities were noteworthy, but these Bacteroides strains showed striking differences with probiotic and pathogenic enteric bacteria, particularly with respect to their high affinity outer membrane receptors and auxiliary proteins involved in complex carbohydrate utilization. The results reveal striking similarities between the PAP and OP species of Bacteroides, and suggest that OP species may possess currently unrecognized pathogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Zafar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Milton H. Saier
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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19
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Antonova AV, Gryadunov DA, Zimenkov DV. Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Tolerance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mol Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893318030020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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20
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Blodkamp S, Kadlec K, Gutsmann T, Quiblier C, Naim HY, Schwarz S, von Köckritz-Blickwede M. Effects of SecDF on the antimicrobial functions of cathelicidins against Staphylococcus aureus. Vet Microbiol 2017; 200:52-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides, are small naturally occurring microbicidal molecules produced by the host innate immune response that function as a first line of defense to kill pathogenic microorganisms by inducing deleterious cell membrane damage. AMPs also possess signaling and chemoattractant activities and can modulate the innate immune response to enhance protective immunity or suppress inflammation. Human pathogens have evolved defense molecules and strategies to counter and survive the AMPs released by host immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages. Here, we review the various mechanisms used by human bacterial pathogens to resist AMP-mediated killing, including surface charge modification, active efflux, alteration of membrane fluidity, inactivation by proteolytic digestion, and entrapment by surface proteins and polysaccharides. Enhanced understanding of AMP resistance at the molecular level may offer insight into the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and augment the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and drug design for the treatment of recalcitrant multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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22
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Fyfe C, Grossman TH, Kerstein K, Sutcliffe J. Resistance to Macrolide Antibiotics in Public Health Pathogens. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2016; 6:a025395. [PMID: 27527699 PMCID: PMC5046686 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Macrolide resistance mechanisms can be target-based with a change in a 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) residue or a mutation in ribosomal protein L4 or L22 affecting the ribosome's interaction with the antibiotic. Alternatively, mono- or dimethylation of A2058 in domain V of the 23S rRNA by an acquired rRNA methyltransferase, the product of an erm (erythromycin ribosome methylation) gene, can interfere with antibiotic binding. Acquired genes encoding efflux pumps, most predominantly mef(A) + msr(D) in pneumococci/streptococci and msr(A/B) in staphylococci, also mediate resistance. Drug-inactivating mechanisms include phosphorylation of the 2'-hydroxyl of the amino sugar found at position C5 by phosphotransferases and hydrolysis of the macrocyclic lactone by esterases. These acquired genes are regulated by either translation or transcription attenuation, largely because cells are less fit when these genes, especially the rRNA methyltransferases, are highly induced or constitutively expressed. The induction of gene expression is cleverly tied to the mechanism of action of macrolides, relying on antibiotic-bound ribosomes stalled at specific sequences of nascent polypeptides to promote transcription or translation of downstream sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Fyfe
- Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
| | | | - Kathy Kerstein
- Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
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23
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Schroeder MR, Stephens DS. Macrolide Resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:98. [PMID: 27709102 PMCID: PMC5030221 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common commensal and an opportunistic pathogen. Suspected pneumococcal upper respiratory infections and pneumonia are often treated with macrolide antibiotics. Macrolides are bacteriostatic antibiotics and inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. The widespread use of macrolides is associated with increased macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae, and the treatment of pneumococcal infections with macrolides may be associated with clinical failures. In S. pneumoniae, macrolide resistance is due to ribosomal dimethylation by an enzyme encoded by erm(B), efflux by a two-component efflux pump encoded by mef (E)/mel(msr(D)) and, less commonly, mutations of the ribosomal target site of macrolides. A wide array of genetic elements have emerged that facilitate macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae; for example erm(B) is found on Tn917, while the mef (E)/mel operon is carried on the 5.4- or 5.5-kb Mega element. The macrolide resistance determinants, erm(B) and mef (E)/mel, are also found on large composite Tn916-like elements most notably Tn6002, Tn2009, and Tn2010. Introductions of 7-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV-7 and PCV-13) have decreased the incidence of macrolide-resistant invasive pneumococcal disease, but serotype replacement and emergence of macrolide resistance remain an important concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David S Stephens
- Departments of Medicine, Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA, USA; Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA, USA; Departments of Epidemiology, Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA, USA
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24
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Joo HS, Fu CI, Otto M. Bacterial strategies of resistance to antimicrobial peptides. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150292. [PMID: 27160595 PMCID: PMC4874390 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a key component of the host's innate immune system, targeting invasive and colonizing bacteria. For successful survival and colonization of the host, bacteria have a series of mechanisms to interfere with AMP activity, and AMP resistance is intimately connected with the virulence potential of bacterial pathogens. In particular, because AMPs are considered as potential novel antimicrobial drugs, it is vital to understand bacterial AMP resistance mechanisms. This review gives a comparative overview of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strategies of resistance to various AMPs, such as repulsion or sequestration by bacterial surface structures, alteration of membrane charge or fluidity, degradation and removal by efflux pumps.This article is part of the themed issue 'Evolutionary ecology of arthropod antimicrobial peptides'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwang-Soo Joo
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chih-Iung Fu
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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25
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Joo HS, Fu CI, Otto M. Bacterial strategies of resistance to antimicrobial peptides. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016. [PMID: 27160595 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0292.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a key component of the host's innate immune system, targeting invasive and colonizing bacteria. For successful survival and colonization of the host, bacteria have a series of mechanisms to interfere with AMP activity, and AMP resistance is intimately connected with the virulence potential of bacterial pathogens. In particular, because AMPs are considered as potential novel antimicrobial drugs, it is vital to understand bacterial AMP resistance mechanisms. This review gives a comparative overview of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strategies of resistance to various AMPs, such as repulsion or sequestration by bacterial surface structures, alteration of membrane charge or fluidity, degradation and removal by efflux pumps.This article is part of the themed issue 'Evolutionary ecology of arthropod antimicrobial peptides'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwang-Soo Joo
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chih-Iung Fu
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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26
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Chancey ST, Bai X, Kumar N, Drabek EF, Daugherty SC, Colon T, Ott S, Sengamalay N, Sadzewicz L, Tallon LJ, Fraser CM, Tettelin H, Stephens DS. Transcriptional attenuation controls macrolide inducible efflux and resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae and in other Gram-positive bacteria containing mef/mel(msr(D)) elements. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116254. [PMID: 25695510 PMCID: PMC4335068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrolide resistance, emerging in Streptococcus pneumoniae and other Gram-positive bacteria, is increasingly due to efflux pumps encoded by mef/mel(msr) operons found on discrete mobile genetic elements. The regulation of mef/mel(msr) in these elements is not well understood. We identified the mef(E)/mel transcriptional start, localized the mef(E)/mel promoter, and demonstrated attenuation of transcription as a mechanism of regulation of macrolide-inducible mef-mediated macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae. The mef(E)/mel transcriptional start site was a guanine 327 bp upstream of mef(E). Consensus pneumococcal promoter -10 (5′-TATACT-3′) and -35 (5′-TTGAAC-3′) boxes separated by 17 bp were identified 7 bp upstream of the start site. Analysis of the predicted secondary structure of the 327 5’ region identified four pairs of inverted repeats R1-R8 predicted to fold into stem-loops, a small leader peptide [MTASMRLR, (Mef(E)L)] required for macrolide induction and a Rho-independent transcription terminator. RNA-seq analyses provided confirmation of transcriptional attenuation. In addition, expression of mef(E)L was also influenced by mef(E)L-dependent mRNA stability. The regulatory region 5’ of mef(E) was highly conserved in other mef/mel(msr)-containing elements including Tn1207.1 and the 5612IQ complex in pneumococci and Tn1207.3 in Group A streptococci, indicating a regulatory mechanism common to a wide variety of Gram-positive bacteria containing mef/mel(msr) elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T. Chancey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Xianhe Bai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nikhil Kumar
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elliott F. Drabek
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sean C. Daugherty
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas Colon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sandra Ott
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Naomi Sengamalay
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lisa Sadzewicz
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luke J. Tallon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Claire M. Fraser
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hervé Tettelin
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David S. Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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LaRock CN, Nizet V. Cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance mechanisms of streptococcal pathogens. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:3047-54. [PMID: 25701232 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are critical front line contributors to host defense against invasive bacterial infection. These immune factors have direct killing activity toward microbes, but many pathogens are able to resist their effects. Group A Streptococcus, group B Streptococcus and Streptococcus pneumoniae are among the most common pathogens of humans and display a variety of phenotypic adaptations to resist CAMPs. Common themes of CAMP resistance mechanisms among the pathogenic streptococci are repulsion, sequestration, export, and destruction. Each pathogen has a different array of CAMP-resistant mechanisms, with invasive disease potential reflecting the utilization of several mechanisms that may act in synergy. Here we discuss recent progress in identifying the sources of CAMP resistance in the medically important Streptococcus genus. Further study of these mechanisms can contribute to our understanding of streptococcal pathogenesis, and may provide new therapeutic targets for therapy and disease prevention. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N LaRock
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Skaggs School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Chancey ST, Agrawal S, Schroeder MR, Farley MM, Tettelin H, Stephens DS. Composite mobile genetic elements disseminating macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:26. [PMID: 25709602 PMCID: PMC4321634 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae emerged in the U.S. and globally during the early 1990's. The RNA methylase encoded by erm(B) and the macrolide efflux genes mef(E) and mel were identified as the resistance determining factors. These genes are disseminated in the pneumococcus on mobile, often chimeric elements consisting of multiple smaller elements. To better understand the variety of elements encoding macrolide resistance and how they have evolved in the pre- and post-conjugate vaccine eras, the genomes of 121 invasive and ten carriage isolates from Atlanta from 1994 to 2011 were analyzed for mobile elements involved in the dissemination of macrolide resistance. The isolates were selected to provide broad coverage of the genetic variability of antibiotic resistant pneumococci and included 100 invasive isolates resistant to macrolides. Tn916-like elements carrying mef(E) and mel on the Macrolide Genetic Assembly (Mega) and erm(B) on the erm(B) element and Tn917 were integrated into the pneumococcal chromosome backbone and into larger Tn5253-like composite elements. The results reported here include identification of novel insertion sites for Mega and characterization of the insertion sites of Tn916-like elements in the pneumococcal chromosome and in larger composite elements. The data indicate that integration of elements by conjugation was infrequent compared to recombination. Thus, it appears that conjugative mobile elements allow the pneumococcus to acquire DNA from distantly related bacteria, but once integrated into a pneumococcal genome, transformation and recombination is the primary mechanism for transmission of novel DNA throughout the pneumococcal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T Chancey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA ; Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sonia Agrawal
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Max R Schroeder
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA ; Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monica M Farley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA ; Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hervé Tettelin
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David S Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, USA ; Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Atlanta, GA, USA
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29
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Heimlich DR, Harrison A, Mason KM. Host Antimicrobial Peptides in Bacterial Homeostasis and Pathogenesis of Disease. Antibiotics (Basel) 2014; 3:645-76. [PMID: 26029470 PMCID: PMC4448142 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics3040645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune responses function as a first line of host defense against the development of bacterial infection, and in some cases to preserve the sterility of privileged sites in the human host. Bacteria that enter these sites must counter host responses for colonization. From the host's perspective, the innate immune system works expeditiously to minimize the bacterial threat before colonization and subsequent dysbiosis. The multifactorial nature of disease further challenges predictions of how each independent variable influences bacterial pathogenesis. From bacterial colonization to infection and through disease, the microenvironments of the host are in constant flux as bacterial and host factors contribute to changes at the host-pathogen interface, with the host attempting to eradicate bacteria and the bacteria fighting to maintain residency. A key component of this innate host response towards bacterial infection is the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). As an early component of the host response, AMPs modulate bacterial load and prevent establishment of infection. Under quiescent conditions, some AMPs are constitutively expressed by the epithelium. Bacterial infection can subsequently induce production of other AMPs in an effort to maintain sterility, or to restrict colonization. As demonstrated in various studies, the absence of a single AMP can influence pathogenesis, highlighting the importance of AMP concentration in maintaining homeostasis. Yet, AMPs can increase bacterial virulence through the co-opting of the peptides or alteration of bacterial virulence gene expression. Further, bacterial factors used to subvert AMPs can modify host microenvironments and alter colonization of the residential flora that principally maintain homeostasis. Thus, the dynamic interplay between host defense peptides and bacterial factors produced to quell peptide activity play a critical role in the progression and outcome of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R. Heimlich
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; E-Mails: (D.R.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Alistair Harrison
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; E-Mails: (D.R.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Kevin M. Mason
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; E-Mails: (D.R.H.); (A.H.)
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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30
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Ribosomally synthesized peptides from natural sources. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2014; 67:277-89. [DOI: 10.1038/ja.2013.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Strempel N, Neidig A, Nusser M, Geffers R, Vieillard J, Lesouhaitier O, Brenner-Weiss G, Overhage J. Human host defense peptide LL-37 stimulates virulence factor production and adaptive resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82240. [PMID: 24349231 PMCID: PMC3862677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A multitude of different virulence factors as well as the ability to rapidly adapt to adverse environmental conditions are important features for the high pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both virulence and adaptive resistance are tightly controlled by a complex regulatory network and respond to external stimuli, such as host signals or antibiotic stress, in a highly specific manner. Here, we demonstrate that physiological concentrations of the human host defense peptide LL-37 promote virulence factor production as well as an adaptive resistance against fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside antibiotics in P. aeruginosa PAO1. Microarray analyses of P. aeruginosa cells exposed to LL-37 revealed an upregulation of gene clusters involved in the production of quorum sensing molecules and secreted virulence factors (PQS, phenazine, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), elastase and rhamnolipids) and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modification as well as an induction of genes encoding multidrug efflux pumps MexCD-OprJ and MexGHI-OpmD. Accordingly, we detected significantly elevated levels of toxic metabolites and proteases in bacterial supernatants after LL-37 treatment. Pre-incubation of bacteria with LL-37 for 2 h led to a decreased susceptibility towards gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. Quantitative Realtime PCR results using a PAO1-pqsE mutant strain present evidence that the quinolone response protein and virulence regulator PqsE may be implicated in the regulation of the observed phenotype in response to LL-37. Further experiments with synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptides IDR-1018, 1037 and HHC-36 showed no induction of pqsE expression, suggesting a new role of PqsE as highly specific host stress sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Strempel
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anke Neidig
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Michael Nusser
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Genome Analytics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Olivier Lesouhaitier
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment LMSM EA 4312, University of Rouen, Evreux, France
| | - Gerald Brenner-Weiss
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Joerg Overhage
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe, Germany
- * E-mail:
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32
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Guilhelmelli F, Vilela N, Albuquerque P, Derengowski LDS, Silva-Pereira I, Kyaw CM. Antibiotic development challenges: the various mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides and of bacterial resistance. Front Microbiol 2013; 4:353. [PMID: 24367355 PMCID: PMC3856679 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are natural antibiotics produced by various organisms such as mammals, arthropods, plants, and bacteria. In addition to antimicrobial activity, AMPs can induce chemokine production, accelerate angiogenesis, and wound healing and modulate apoptosis in multicellular organisms. Originally, their antimicrobial mechanism of action was thought to consist solely of an increase in pathogen cell membrane permeability, but it has already been shown that several AMPs do not modulate membrane permeability in the minimal lethal concentration. Instead, they exert their effects by inhibiting processes such as protein and cell wall synthesis, as well as enzyme activity, among others. Although resistance to these molecules is uncommon several pathogens developed different strategies to overcome AMPs killing such as surface modification, expression of efflux pumps, and secretion of proteases among others. This review describes the various mechanisms of action of AMPs and how pathogens evolve resistance to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Guilhelmelli
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nathália Vilela
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lorena da S Derengowski
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
| | - Cynthia M Kyaw
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
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Gupta S, Tyagi S, Almeida DV, Maiga MC, Ammerman NC, Bishai WR. Acceleration of tuberculosis treatment by adjunctive therapy with verapamil as an efflux inhibitor. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 188:600-7. [PMID: 23805786 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201304-0650oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE A major priority in tuberculosis (TB) is to reduce effective treatment times and emergence of resistance. Recent studies in macrophages and zebrafish show that inhibition of mycobacterial efflux pumps with verapamil reduces the bacterial drug tolerance and may enhance drug efficacy. OBJECTIVES Using mice, a mammalian model known to predict human treatment responses, and selecting conservative human bioequivalent doses, we tested verapamil as an adjunctive drug together with standard TB chemotherapy. As verapamil is a substrate for CYP3A4, which is induced by rifampin, we evaluated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships of verapamil and rifampin coadministration in mice. METHODS Using doses that achieve human bioequivalent levels matched to those of standard verapamil, but lower than those of extended release verapamil, we evaluated the activity of verapamil added to standard chemotherapy in both C3HeB/FeJ (which produce necrotic granulomas) and the wild-type background C3H/HeJ mouse strains. Relapse rates were assessed after 16, 20, and 24 weeks of treatment in mice. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We determined that a dose adjustment of verapamil by 1.5-fold is required to compensate for concurrent use of rifampin during TB treatment. We found that standard TB chemotherapy plus verapamil accelerates bacterial clearance in C3HeB/FeJ mice with near sterilization, and significantly lowers relapse rates in just 4 months of treatment when compared with mice receiving standard therapy alone. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate treatment shortening by verapamil adjunctive therapy in mice, and strongly support further study of verapamil and other efflux pump inhibitors in human TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Gupta
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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34
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Hein-Kristensen L, Knapp KM, Franzyk H, Gram L. Selectivity in the potentiation of antibacterial activity of α-peptide/β-peptoid peptidomimetics and antimicrobial peptides by human blood plasma. Res Microbiol 2013; 164:933-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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35
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Adaptive and mutational resistance: role of porins and efflux pumps in drug resistance. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 25:661-81. [PMID: 23034325 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00043-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 528] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The substantial use of antibiotics in the clinic, combined with a dearth of new antibiotic classes, has led to a gradual increase in the resistance of bacterial pathogens to these compounds. Among the various mechanisms by which bacteria endure the action of antibiotics, those affecting influx and efflux are of particular importance, as they limit the interaction of the drug with its intracellular targets and, consequently, its deleterious effects on the cell. This review evaluates the impact of porins and efflux pumps on two major types of resistance, namely, mutational and adaptive types of resistance, both of which are regarded as key phenomena in the global rise of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microorganisms. In particular, we explain how adaptive and mutational events can dramatically influence the outcome of antibiotic therapy by altering the mechanisms of influx and efflux of antibiotics. The identification of porins and pumps as major resistance markers has opened new possibilities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies directed specifically against these mechanisms.
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36
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Chancey ST, Zähner D, Stephens DS. Acquired inducible antimicrobial resistance in Gram-positive bacteria. Future Microbiol 2013; 7:959-78. [PMID: 22913355 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.12.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A major contributor to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Gram-positive bacterial pathogens is the expansion of acquired, inducible genetic elements. Although acquired, inducible antibiotic resistance is not new, the interest in its molecular basis has been accelerated by the widening distribution and often 'silent' spread of the elements responsible, the diagnostic challenges of such resistance and the mounting limitations of available agents to treat Gram-positive infections. Acquired, inducible antibiotic resistance elements belong to the accessory genome of a species and are horizontally acquired by transformation/recombination or through the transfer of mobile DNA elements. The two key, but mechanistically very different, induction mechanisms are: ribosome-sensed induction, characteristic of the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B antibiotics and tetracycline resistance, leading to ribosomal modifications or efflux pump activation; and resistance by cell surface-associated sensing of β-lactams (e.g., oxacillin), glycopeptides (e.g., vancomycin) and the polypeptide bacitracin, leading to drug inactivation or resistance due to cell wall alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T Chancey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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37
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Szumowski JD, Adams KN, Edelstein PH, Ramakrishnan L. Antimicrobial efflux pumps and Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug tolerance: evolutionary considerations. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2013; 374:81-108. [PMID: 23242857 PMCID: PMC3859842 DOI: 10.1007/82_2012_300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The need for lengthy treatment to cure tuberculosis stems from phenotypic drug resistance, also known as drug tolerance, which has been previously attributed to slowed bacterial growth in vivo. We discuss recent findings that challenge this model and instead implicate macrophage-induced mycobacterial efflux pumps in antimicrobial tolerance. Although mycobacterial efflux pumps may have originally served to protect against environmental toxins, in the pathogenic mycobacteria, they appear to have been repurposed for intracellular growth. In this light, we discuss the potential of efflux pump inhibitors such as verapamil to shorten tuberculosis treatment by their dual inhibition of tolerance and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Szumowski
- Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,
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38
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Chancey ST, Zhou X, Zähner D, Stephens DS. Induction of efflux-mediated macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:3413-22. [PMID: 21537010 PMCID: PMC3122420 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00060-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial efflux system encoded by the operon mef(E)-mel on the mobile genetic element MEGA in Streptococcus pneumoniae and other Gram-positive bacteria is inducible by macrolide antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides. Induction may affect the clinical response to the use of macrolides. We developed mef(E) reporter constructs and a disk diffusion induction and resistance assay to determine the kinetics and basis of mef(E)-mel induction. Induction occurred rapidly, with a >15-fold increase in transcription within 1 h of exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of erythromycin. A spectrum of environmental conditions, including competence and nonmacrolide antibiotics with distinct cellular targets, did not induce mef(E). Using 16 different structurally defined macrolides, induction was correlated with the amino sugar attached to C-5 of the macrolide lactone ring, not with the size (e.g., 14-, 15- or 16-member) of the ring or with the presence of the neutral sugar cladinose at C-3. Macrolides with a monosaccharide attached to C-5, known to block exit of the nascent peptide from the ribosome after the incorporation of up to eight amino acids, induced mef(E) expression. Macrolides with a C-5 disaccharide, which extends the macrolide into the ribosomal exit tunnel, disrupting peptidyl transferase activity, did not induce it. The induction of mef(E) did not require macrolide efflux, but the affinity of macrolides for the ribosome determined the availability for efflux and pneumococcal susceptibility. The induction of mef(E)-mel expression by inducing macrolides appears to be based on specific interactions of the macrolide C-5 saccharide with the ribosome that alleviate transcriptional attenuation of mef(E)-mel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T. Chancey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30033
| | - Xiaoliu Zhou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30033
| | - Dorothea Zähner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30033
| | - David S. Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30033
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Adams KN, Takaki K, Connolly LE, Wiedenhoft H, Winglee K, Humbert O, Edelstein PH, Cosma CL, Ramakrishnan L. Drug tolerance in replicating mycobacteria mediated by a macrophage-induced efflux mechanism. Cell 2011; 145:39-53. [PMID: 21376383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of tuberculosis, a complex granulomatous disease, requires long-term multidrug therapy to overcome tolerance, an epigenetic drug resistance that is widely attributed to nonreplicating bacterial subpopulations. Here, we deploy Mycobacterium marinum-infected zebrafish larvae for in vivo characterization of antitubercular drug activity and tolerance. We describe the existence of multidrug-tolerant organisms that arise within days of infection, are enriched in the replicating intracellular population, and are amplified and disseminated by the tuberculous granuloma. Bacterial efflux pumps that are required for intracellular growth mediate this macrophage-induced tolerance. This tolerant population also develops when Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects cultured macrophages, suggesting that it contributes to the burden of drug tolerance in human tuberculosis. Efflux pump inhibitors like verapamil reduce this tolerance. Thus, the addition of this currently approved drug or more specific efflux pump inhibitors to standard antitubercular therapy should shorten the duration of curative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Adams
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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