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Nakonieczna A, Topolska-Woś A, Łobocka M. New bacteriophage-derived lysins, LysJ and LysF, with the potential to control Bacillus anthracis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:76. [PMID: 38194144 PMCID: PMC10776502 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12839-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is an etiological agent of anthrax, a severe zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to people and cause high mortalities. Bacteriophages and their lytic enzymes, endolysins, have potential therapeutic value in treating infections caused by this bacterium as alternatives or complements to antibiotic therapy. They can also be used to identify and detect B. anthracis. Endolysins of two B. anthracis Wbetavirus phages, J5a and F16Ba which were described by us recently, differ significantly from the best-known B. anthracis phage endolysin PlyG from Wbetavirus genus bacteriophage Gamma and a few other Wbetavirus genus phages. They are larger than PlyG (351 vs. 233 amino acid residues), contain a signal peptide at their N-termini, and, by prediction, have a different fold of cell binding domain suggesting different structural basis of cell epitope recognition. We purified in a soluble form the modified versions of these endolysins, designated by us LysJ and LysF, respectively, and depleted of signal peptides. Both modified endolysins could lyse the B. anthracis cell wall in zymogram assays. Their activity against the living cells of B. anthracis and other species of Bacillus genus was tested by spotting on the layers of bacteria in soft agar and by assessing the reduction of optical density of bacterial suspensions. Both methods proved the effectiveness of LysJ and LysF in killing the anthrax bacilli, although the results obtained by each method differed. Additionally, the lytic efficiency of both proteins was different, which apparently correlates with differences in their amino acid sequence. KEY POINTS: • LysJ and LysF are B. anthracis-targeting lysins differing from lysins studied so far • LysJ and LysF could be overproduced in E. coli in soluble and active forms • LysJ and LysF are active in killing cells of B. anthracis virulent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Nakonieczna
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | | | - Małgorzata Łobocka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Jalil K, Tahara YO, Miyata M. Visualization of Bacillus subtilis spore structure and germination using quick-freeze deep-etch electron microscopy. Microscopy (Oxf) 2024:dfae023. [PMID: 38819330 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial spores, known for their complex and resilient structures, have been the focus of visualization using various methodologies. In this study, we applied quick-freeze and replica electron microscopy techniques, allowing observation of Bacillus subtilis spores in high-contrast and three-dimensional detail. This method facilitated visualization of the spore structure with enhanced resolution and provided new insights into the spores and their germination processes. We identified and described five distinct structures: (i) hair-like structures on the spore surface, (ii) spike formation on the surface of lysozyme-treated spores, (iii) the fractured appearance of the spore cortex during germination, (iv) potential connections between small vesicles and the core membrane and (v) the evolving surface structure of nascent vegetative cells during germination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Jalil
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Yuhei O Tahara
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
- The OCU Advanced Research Institute for Natural Science and Technology (OCARINA), Osaka Metropolitan University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Makoto Miyata
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
- The OCU Advanced Research Institute for Natural Science and Technology (OCARINA), Osaka Metropolitan University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
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Sundaresan A, Cheong I. Elucidating Bacterial Spore Dynamics through Lanthanide-Enhanced Live Imaging. ACS Sens 2024; 9:789-798. [PMID: 38221734 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Identifying and distinguishing dormant and active bacterial spores are vital for biosecurity, food safety, and space exploration. Yet, there is a lack of simple, quick, and nondestructive methods to achieve this. The common Schaeffer-Fulton method is both sample-destructive and requires significant operator involvement. In this study, we employed lanthanide-beta-diketonate complexes to directly observe both dormant and germinated single spores. Staining is instantaneous and requires minimal sample processing. The complex stains areas outside the core of dormant spores, leaving the core hollow and nonfluorescent. However, upon germination, the complex enters the core, making it brightly fluorescent. This difference was noted in five bacterial species including Bacillus, Clostridium, and Clostridioides. Various lanthanides and beta-diketonates can be mixed to form a range of spore-visualizing complexes. Due to their low toxicity, these complexes allow for live imaging of single germinating spores. We demonstrate low-cost imaging using a USB microscope as well as imaging of spores in milk matrices. This method provides a valuable tool for studying bacterial spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajitha Sundaresan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 117604 Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558 Singapore
| | - Ian Cheong
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 117604 Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558 Singapore
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Haque MA, Hu H, Liu J, Islam MA, Hossen F, Rahman MA, Ahmed F, He C. Emergence of multidrug-resistant Bacillus spp. derived from animal feed, food and human diarrhea in South-Eastern Bangladesh. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:61. [PMID: 38373893 PMCID: PMC10875756 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance poses a huge risk to human health worldwide, while Bangladesh is confronting the most severe challenge between the food supply and the huge consumption of antibiotics annually. More importantly, probiotics containing Bacillus spp. are claimed to be an alternative to antimicrobial stewardship programs. However, their antibiotic resistance remains elusive. Thus, we employed the antimicrobial susceptibility test and PCR to assess the prevalence of resistance, including multidrug resistance (MDR) and resito-genotyping of isolated Bacillus spp. RESULTS The phenotypic profile showed that Bacillus spp. were 100% sensitive to gentamicin (2 µg/mL), whereas lowered sensitivity to levofloxacin (67.8%, 0.5-1 µg/mL), ciprofloxacin (62.3%, 0.5-1 µg/mL), clindamycin (52.2%, 0.25-0.5 µg/mL), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (37.6%, 0.06 µg/mL), azithromycin (33.4%, 1-2 µg/mL), tetracycline (25.6%, 2-4 µg/mL), nitrofurantoin (21.1%, 16-32 µg/mL), co-trimoxazole (19.2%, 2 µg/mL), and erythromycin (18.8%, 0.25-0.5 µg/mL). The strains were completely resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefixime, ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and co-trimoxazole, and a species-specific trend was seen in both phenotypic and genotypic resistance patterns. Genotypic resistance indicated prevalence of the bla1 (71.5%), tetA (33%), erm1 (27%), blaTEM (13.1%), blaCTX-M-1/blaCTX-M-2 /sul1 (10.1%), blaSHV (9.6%), and qnrS (4.1%) genes. The β-lactamase resistance gene bla1 was found in all penicillin-resistant (MIC ≥ 32 µg/mL) Bacillus spp. One hundred ninety-one isolates (89.6%) were MDR, with 100% from diarrhea, 90.3% from food, and 88.7% from animal feed. CONCLUSION Based on the MIC value and profile analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, this is the first study that Bacillus spp. antimicrobial susceptibilities have been identified in Bangladesh, and our study will shed light on the adverse effects of feed-borne Bacillus spp. emerging from animal feed to the food chain. A comprehensive investigation is urgently needed by policymakers on tolerance limits and harmful effects in the animal industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Atiqul Haque
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100019, China
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Huilong Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100019, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100019, China
| | - Md Aminul Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Foysal Hossen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Md Arifur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Firoz Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Cheng He
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100019, China.
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Goossens PL. Bacillus anthracis, "la maladie du charbon", Toxins, and Institut Pasteur. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:66. [PMID: 38393144 PMCID: PMC10891547 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Institut Pasteur and Bacillus anthracis have enjoyed a relationship lasting almost 120 years, starting from its foundation and the pioneering work of Louis Pasteur in the nascent fields of microbiology and vaccination, and blooming after 1986 following the molecular biology/genetic revolution. This contribution will give a historical overview of these two research eras, taking advantage of the archives conserved at Institut Pasteur. The first era mainly focused on the production, characterisation, surveillance and improvement of veterinary anthrax vaccines; the concepts and technologies with which to reach a deep understanding of this research field were not yet available. The second period saw a new era of B. anthracis research at Institut Pasteur, with the anthrax laboratory developing a multi-disciplinary approach, ranging from structural analysis, biochemistry, genetic expression, and regulation to bacterial-host cell interactions, in vivo pathogenicity, and therapy development; this led to the comprehensive unravelling of many facets of this toxi-infection. B. anthracis may exemplify some general points on how science is performed in a given society at a given time and how a scientific research domain evolves. A striking illustration can be seen in the additive layers of regulations that were implemented from the beginning of the 21st century and their impact on B. anthracis research. B. anthracis and anthrax are complex systems that raise many valuable questions regarding basic research. One may hope that B. anthracis research will be re-initiated under favourable circumstances later at Institut Pasteur.
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Sauka DH, Peralta C, Pérez MP, Molla A, Fernandez-Göbel T, Ocampo F, Palma L. Bacillus thuringiensis Bt_UNVM-84, a Novel Strain Showing Insecticidal Activity against Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:4. [PMID: 38276528 PMCID: PMC10819922 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive bacterium known for its insecticidal proteins effective against various insect pests. However, limited strains and proteins target coleopteran pests like Anthonomous grandis Boheman, causing substantial economic losses in the cotton industry. This study focuses on characterizing a Bacillus sp. strain, isolated from Oncativo (Argentina), which exhibits ovoid to amorphous parasporal crystals and was designated Bt_UNVM-84. Its genome encodes genes for the production of two pairs of binary Vpb1/Vpa2 proteins and three Cry-like proteins showing similarity with different Cry8 proteins. Interestingly, this gene content was found to be conserved in a previously characterized Argentine isolate of B. thuringiensis designated INTA Fr7-4. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a major band of 130 kDa that is proteolytically processed to an approximately 66-kDa protein fragment by trypsin. Bioassays performed with spore-crystal mixtures demonstrated an interesting insecticidal activity against the cotton boll weevil A. grandis neonate larvae, resulting in 91% mortality. Strain Bt_UNVM-84 is, therefore, an interesting candidate for the efficient biological control of this species, causing significant economic losses in the cotton industry in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Herman Sauka
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; (D.H.S.); (C.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMYZA), Hurlingham, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina;
| | - Cecilia Peralta
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; (D.H.S.); (C.P.)
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria y Biotecnológica (IMITAB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Villa María (UNVM), Villa María 1555, Argentina;
- Laboratorio de Control Biotecnológico de Plagas, Instituto BIOTECMED, Departamento de Genética, Universitat de València, 46100 València, Spain
| | - Melisa Paula Pérez
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMYZA), Hurlingham, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina;
| | - Antonella Molla
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria y Biotecnológica (IMITAB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Villa María (UNVM), Villa María 1555, Argentina;
| | - Tadeo Fernandez-Göbel
- Elytron Biotech S.A., 275 Ing. Enrique Butty Street, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1001, Argentina; (T.F.-G.); (F.O.)
| | - Federico Ocampo
- Elytron Biotech S.A., 275 Ing. Enrique Butty Street, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1001, Argentina; (T.F.-G.); (F.O.)
| | - Leopoldo Palma
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina; (D.H.S.); (C.P.)
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigación y Transferencia Agroalimentaria y Biotecnológica (IMITAB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Villa María (UNVM), Villa María 1555, Argentina;
- Laboratorio de Control Biotecnológico de Plagas, Instituto BIOTECMED, Departamento de Genética, Universitat de València, 46100 València, Spain
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Gorgan M, Vanunu Ofri S, Engler ER, Yehuda A, Hutnick E, Hayouka Z, Bertucci MA. The importance of the PapR 7 C-terminus and amide protons in mediating quorum sensing in Bacilluscereus. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104139. [PMID: 37758114 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The opportunistic human pathogen Bacillus cereus controls the expression of key infection-promoting phenotypes using bacterial quorum sensing (QS). QS signal transduction within the species is controlled by an autoinducing peptide, PapR7, and its cognate receptor, PlcR, indicating that the PlcR:PapR interface is a prime target for QS inhibitor development. The C-terminal region of the peptide (PapR7; ADLPFEF) has been successfully employed as a scaffold to develop potent QS modulators. Despite the noted importance of the C-terminal carboxylate and amide protons in crystallographic data, their role in QS activity has yet to be explored. In this study, an N-methyl scan of PapR7 was conducted in conjunction with a C-terminal modification of previously identified B. cereus QS inhibitors. The results indicate that the amide proton at Glu6 and the C-terminal carboxylate are important for effective QS inhibition of the PlcR regulon. Through β-galactosidase and hemolysis assays, a series of QS inhibitors were discovered, including several capable of inhibiting QS with nanomolar potency. These inhibitors, along with the structure-activity data reported, will serve as valuable tools for disrupting the B. cereus QS pathway towards developing novel anti-infective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gorgan
- Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College, 701 Sullivan Rd., Easton, PA 18042, United States
| | - Shahar Vanunu Ofri
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Emilee R Engler
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, United States
| | - Avishag Yehuda
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Hutnick
- Department of Chemistry, Moravian University, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, United States
| | - Zvi Hayouka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Michael A Bertucci
- Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College, 701 Sullivan Rd., Easton, PA 18042, United States.
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Yehuda A, Malach E, Vanunu Ofri S, Slamti L, Kuo SH, Lau JZ, Oh MW, Adeoye J, Shlezinger N, Lereclus D, Lau GW, Hayouka Z. The quorum-sensing peptidic inhibitor rescues host immune system eradication: A novel infectivity mechanism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301045120. [PMID: 37607229 PMCID: PMC10469338 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301045120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Subverting the host immune system is a major task for any given pathogen to assure its survival and proliferation. For the opportunistic human pathogen Bacillus cereus (Bc), immune evasion enables the establishment of potent infections. In various species of the Bc group, the pleiotropic regulator PlcR and its cognate cell-cell signaling peptide PapR7 regulate virulence gene expression in response to fluctuations in population density, i.e., a quorum-sensing (QS) system. However, how QS exerts its effects during infections and whether PlcR confers the immune evading ability remain unclear. Herein, we report how interception of the QS communication in Bc obliterates the ability to affect the host immune system. Here, we designed a peptide-based QS inhibitor that suppresses PlcR-dependent virulence factor expression and attenuates Bc infectivity in mouse models. We demonstrate that the QS peptidic inhibitor blocks host immune system-mediated eradication by reducing the expression of PlcR-regulated major toxins similarly to the profile that was observed for isogenic strains. Our findings provide evidence that Bc infectivity is regulated by QS circuit-mediated destruction of host immunity, thus reveal a interesting strategy to limit Bc virulence and enhance host defense. This peptidic quorum-quenching agent constitutes a readily accessible chemical tool for studying how other pathogen QS systems modulate host immunity and forms a basis for development of anti-infective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishag Yehuda
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Einav Malach
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Shahar Vanunu Ofri
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Leyla Slamti
- Unité Micalis, Domaine de La Minière, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1319, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 78280Guyancourt, France
| | - Shanny Hsuan Kuo
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - Jonathan Z. Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - Myung Whan Oh
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - John Adeoye
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Neta Shlezinger
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
| | - Didier Lereclus
- Unité Micalis, Domaine de La Minière, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1319, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 78280Guyancourt, France
| | - Gee W. Lau
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61802
| | - Zvi Hayouka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot76100, Israel
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Mursalin MH, Astley R, Coburn PS, Bagaruka E, Hunt JJ, Fischetti VA, Callegan MC. Therapeutic potential of Bacillus phage lysin PlyB in ocular infections. mSphere 2023; 8:e0004423. [PMID: 37273201 PMCID: PMC10449515 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00044-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage lytic enzymes (i.e., phage lysins) are a trending alternative for general antibiotics to combat growing antimicrobial resistance. Gram-positive Bacillus cereus causes one of the most severe forms of intraocular infection, often resulting in complete vision loss. It is an inherently β-lactamase-resistant organism that is highly inflammogenic in the eye, and antibiotics are not often beneficial as the sole therapeutic option for these blinding infections. The use of phage lysins as a treatment for B. cereus ocular infection has never been tested or reported. In this study, the phage lysin PlyB was tested in vitro, demonstrating rapid killing of vegetative B. cereus but not its spores. PlyB was also highly group specific and effectively killed the bacteria in various bacterial growth conditions, including ex vivo rabbit vitreous (Vit). Furthermore, PlyB demonstrated no cytotoxic or hemolytic activity toward human retinal cells or erythrocytes and did not trigger innate activation. In in vivo therapeutic experiments, PlyB was effective in killing B. cereus when administered intravitreally in an experimental endophthalmitis model and topically in an experimental keratitis model. In both models of ocular infection, the effective bactericidal property of PlyB prevented pathological damage to ocular tissues. Thus, PlyB was found to be safe and effective in killing B. cereus in the eye, greatly improving an otherwise devastating outcome. Overall, this study demonstrates that PlyB is a promising therapeutic option for B. cereus eye infections.IMPORTANCEEye infections from antibiotic-resistant Bacillus cereus are devastating and can result in blindness with few available treatment options. Bacteriophage lysins are an alternative to conventional antibiotics with the potential to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study demonstrates that a lysin called PlyB can effectively kill B. cereus in two models of B. cereus eye infections, thus treating and preventing the blinding effects of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Huzzatul Mursalin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Roger Astley
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Phillip S. Coburn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Eddy Bagaruka
- Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, Oklahoma, USA
| | | | - Vincent A. Fischetti
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis and Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michelle C. Callegan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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10
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Zhang Y, Miao J, Zhang N, Wang X, Li Z, Richard OA, Li B. The analysis of the function, diversity, and evolution of the Bacillus phage genome. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:170. [PMID: 37337195 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02907-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phages play a pivotal role in the evolution of microbial populations. The interactions between phages and their hosts are complex and may vary in response to host physiology and environmental conditions. Here, we have selected the genomes of some representative Bacillus prophages and lysosomes from the NCBI database for evolutionary analysis. We explored their evolutionary relationships and analyzed the protein information encoded by hundreds of Bacillus phages. RESULTS We obtained the following conclusions: First, Bacillus phages carried some known functional gene fragments and a large number of unknown functional gene fragments, which might have an important impact on Bacillus populations, such as the formation of spores and biofilms and the transmission of virulence factors. Secondly, the Bacillus phage genome showed diversity, with a clear genome boundary between Bacillus prophages and Bacillus lytic phages. Furthermore, genetic mutations, sequence losses, duplications, and host-switching have occurred during the evolution of the Bacillus phage, resulting in low genome similarity between the Bacillus phages. Finally, the lysis module played an important influence on the process of Bacillus phage cross-species infestation. CONCLUSIONS This study systematically described their protein function, diversity, and genome evolution, and the results of this study provide a basis for evolutionary diversity, horizontal gene transfer and co-evolution with the host in Bacillus phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Jianjia Miao
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Zijing Li
- Food Science College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Owusu Ansah Richard
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Bingxue Li
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
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Wang K, Shu C, Bravo A, Soberón M, Zhang H, Crickmore N, Zhang J. Development of an Online Genome Sequence Comparison Resource for Bacillus cereus sensu lato Strains Using the Efficient Composition Vector Method. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:393. [PMID: 37368694 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An automated method was developed for differentiating closely related B. cereus sensu lato (s.l.) species, especially biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis, from other human pathogens, B. anthracis and B. cereus sensu stricto (s.s.). In the current research, four typing methods were initially compared, including multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), single-copy core genes phylogenetic analysis (SCCGPA), dispensable genes content pattern analysis (DGCPA) and composition vector tree (CVTree), to analyze the genomic variability of 23 B. thuringiensis strains from aizawai, kurstaki, israelensis, thuringiensis and morrisoni serovars. The CVTree method was the best option to be used for typing B. thuringiensis strains since it proved to be the fastest method, whilst giving high-resolution data about the strains. In addition, CVTree agrees well with ANI-based method, revealing the relationship between B. thuringiensis and other B. cereus s.l. species. Based on these data, an online genome sequence comparison resource was built for Bacillus strains called the Bacillus Typing Bioinformatics Database to facilitate strain identification and characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Changlong Shu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Alejandra Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico
| | - Mario Soberón
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico
| | - Hongjun Zhang
- Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100125, China
| | - Neil Crickmore
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Cruz-Facundo IM, Toribio-Jiménez J, Castro-Alarcón N, Leyva-Vázquez MA, Rodríguez-Ruíz HA, Pérez-Olais JH, Adame-Gómez R, Rodríguez-Bataz E, Reyes-Roldán J, Muñoz-Barrios S, Ramírez-Peralta A. Bacillus cereus in the Artisanal Cheese Production Chain in Southwestern Mexico. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1290. [PMID: 37317264 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus cereus is associated with milk, dairy product, and dairy farm contamination. The aim of this study was to characterize strains of B. cereus in the small-scale artisanal cheese production chain in southwestern Mexico. METHODS 130 samples were collected. B. cereus isolation was performed on Mannitol Egg Yolk Polymyxin (MYP) agar. Genotyping, enterotoxigenic profile, and determination of genes involved in the formation of B. cereus biofilm were performed by PCR. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was made by broth microdilution assay. The phylogenetic analysis was performed by amplification and sequencing of 16s rRNA. RESULTS B. cereus sensu lato was isolated and molecularly identified in 16 samples and B. cereus sensu stricto (B. cereus) was the most frequently isolated and identified species (81.25%). Of all the isolated B. cereus sensu lato strains, 93.75% presented at least one gene for some diarrheagenic toxins, 87.5% formed biofilms, and 18.75% were amylolytic. All B. cereus sensu lato strains were resistant to beta-lactams and folate inhibitors. A close phylogenetic relationship between isolates was found between the cheese isolates and the air isolates. CONCLUSIONS Strains of B. cereus sensu lato were found in small-scale artisanal cheeses on a farm in southwestern Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzel-Maralhi Cruz-Facundo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Jeiry Toribio-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Natividad Castro-Alarcón
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Microbiologia, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Marco-Antonio Leyva-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Hugo-Alberto Rodríguez-Ruíz
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Obesidad y Diabetes, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - José-Humberto Pérez-Olais
- Unidad de Investigación en Virología y Cancer, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gomez, Ciudad de Mexico 06720, Mexico
| | - Roberto Adame-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Elvia Rodríguez-Bataz
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Parasitologia, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Joel Reyes-Roldán
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Salvador Muñoz-Barrios
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunotoxigenomica, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
| | - Arturo Ramírez-Peralta
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Guerrero 39074, Mexico
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13
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Mappa C, Alpha-Bazin B, Pible O, Armengaud J. Mix24X, a Lab-Assembled Reference to Evaluate Interpretation Procedures for Tandem Mass Spectrometry Proteotyping of Complex Samples. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108634. [PMID: 37239979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Correct identification of the microorganisms present in a complex sample is a crucial issue. Proteotyping based on tandem mass spectrometry can help establish an inventory of organisms present in a sample. Evaluation of bioinformatics strategies and tools for mining the recorded datasets is essential to establish confidence in the results obtained and to improve these pipelines in terms of sensitivity and accuracy. Here, we propose several tandem mass spectrometry datasets recorded on an artificial reference consortium comprising 24 bacterial species. This assemblage of environmental and pathogenic bacteria covers 20 different genera and 5 bacterial phyla. The dataset comprises difficult cases, such as the Shigella flexneri species, which is closely related to Escherichia coli, and several highly sequenced clades. Different acquisition strategies simulate real-life scenarios: from rapid survey sampling to exhaustive analysis. We provide access to individual proteomes of each bacterium separately to provide a rational basis for evaluating the assignment strategy of MS/MS spectra when recorded from complex mixtures. This resource should provide an interesting common reference for developers who wish to compare their proteotyping tools and for those interested in evaluating protein assignment when dealing with complex samples, such as microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Mappa
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, 30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
- Laboratoire Innovations Technologiques Pour la Détection et le Diagnostic (Li2D), Université de Montpellier, 30207 Bagnols sur Cèze, France
| | - Béatrice Alpha-Bazin
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, 30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
| | - Olivier Pible
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, 30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
| | - Jean Armengaud
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, 30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
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14
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Alves GB, de Oliveira EE, Jumbo LOV, dos Santos GR, dos Santos MM, Ootani MA, Ribeiro BM, Aguiar RWDS. Genomic–proteomic analysis of a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain: toxicity against two lepidopteran pests, abundance of Cry1Ac5 toxin, and presence of InhA1 virulence factor. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:143. [PMID: 36967401 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a biological alternative to the indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides in agriculture. Due to resistance development on insect pests to Bt crops, isolating novel Bt strains is a strategy for screening new pesticidal proteins or strains containing toxin profile variety that can delay resistance. Besides, the combined genomic and proteomic approaches allow identifying pesticidal proteins and virulence factors accurately. Here, the genome of a novel Bt strain (Bt TOL651) was sequenced, and the proteins from the spore-crystal mixture were identified by proteomic analysis. Toxicity bioassays with the spore-crystal mixture against larvae of Diatraea saccharalis and Anticarsia gemmatalis, key pests of sugarcane and soybean, respectively, were performed. The toxicity of Bt TOL651 varies with the insect; A. gemmatalis (LC50 = 1.45 ng cm-2) is more susceptible than D. saccharalis (LC50 = 73.77 ng cm-2). Phylogenetic analysis of the gyrB gene indicates that TOL651 is related to Bt kenyae strains. The genomic analysis revealed the presence of cry1Aa18, cry1Ac5, cry1Ia44, and cry2Aa9 pesticidal genes. Virulence factor genes such as phospholipases (plcA, piplc), metalloproteases (inhA), hemolysins (cytK, hlyIII, hblA, hblC, hblD), and enterotoxins (nheA, nheB, nheC) were also identified. The combined use of the genomic and proteomic data indicated the expression of Cry1Aa18, Cry1Ac5, and Cry2Aa9 proteins, with Cry1Ac5 being the most abundant. InhA1 also was expressed and may contribute to Bt TOL651 pathogenicity. These results provide Bt TOL651 as a new tool for the biocontrol of lepidopteran pests.
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15
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Rabha M, Das D, Konwar T, Acharjee S, Sarmah BK. Whole genome sequencing of a novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from Assam soil. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:91. [PMID: 37003972 PMCID: PMC10064770 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive ubiquitous saprophytic bacterium that produces proteins (Crystal protein, Vegetative insecticidal protein, and Secreted insecticidal protein) toxic to insects during its growth cycle. In the present study, the whole genome of a locally isolated B. thuringiensis strain BA04 was sequenced to explore the genetic makeup and to identify the genes responsible to produce insecticidal proteins including the virulence factors. The strain was isolated from the soil sample of the Kaziranga National Park, Assam, North-Eastern part of India (Latitude: 26°34'39.11''N and Longitude: 93°10'16.04''E). RESULTS The whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the BA04 strain revealed that it has a circular genome of size 6,113,005 bp with four numbers of plasmids. A total of 6,111 genes including two novel crystal protein-encoding genes (MH753362.1 and MH753363.1) were identified. The BLASTn analysis of MH753362.1 showed 84% similarities (maximum identity) with Cry1Ia (KJ710646.1) gene, whereas MH753363.1 exhibited 66% identity with Insecticidal Crystal Protein (ICP)-6 gene (KM053257.1). At the protein level, MH753362.1 and MH753363.1 shared 79% identity with Cry1Ia (AIW52613.1) and 40% identity with Insecticidal Crystal Protein (ICP)-6 (AJW76687.1) respectively. Three-dimensional structures of these two novel protein sequences revealed that MH753362.1 have 48% structural similarity with Cry8ea1 protein, whereas MH753363.1 showed only 20% structural similarity with Cry4Aa protein. Apart from these insecticidal genes, the strain was also found to contain virulence and virulence-associated factors including the antibiotic resistance genes and Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) sequences. CONCLUSION This is the first report on the whole genome sequence of Bt strain BA04 isolated from Assam, a North-Eastern state of India. The WGS of strain BA04 unveils the presence of two novel types of insecticidal crystal protein-encoding genes which can be used for the development of insect-resistant transgenic crops. Additionally, the strain could be used for the formulations of effective biopesticides. The WGS provides the fastest and cheapest platform for a better understanding of the genetic makeup of a strain and helps to explore the role of virulence genes in pathogenicity against the insect host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Rabha
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
- Silkworm Pathology Section, Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textile, Govt of India, Berhampore, West Bengal, 7421 01, India
| | - Debajit Das
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
| | - Trishna Konwar
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India
| | - Sumita Acharjee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
| | - Bidyut Kumar Sarmah
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
- Department of Biotechnology-Northeast Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India.
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16
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Xu J, Bai X, Zhang X, Yuan B, Lin L, Guo Y, Cui Y, Liu J, Cui H, Ren X, Wang J, Yuan Y. Development and application of DETECTR-based rapid detection for pathogenic Bacillusanthracis. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1247:340891. [PMID: 36781250 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.340891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) is a gram-positive bacterium responsible for the acute disease anthrax. Rapid and reliable identification of pathogenic B. anthracis is important in the detection of natural infectious disease cases or bio-threats. Herein, a DNA endonuclease targeted CRISPR trans reporter (DETECTR) detection platform based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was studied. The DETECTR system targeted three sequences from B. anthracis (the BA_5345 chromosomal specific marker, the protective antigen gene pag A from pXO1 plasmid and the capsule-biosynthesis-related gene cap A from pXO2 plasmid). We developed a rapid (<40 min), easy-to-implement and accurate identification method for of B. anthracis nucleic acid with near two-copies sensitivity. The combination of tripartite primer sets is effective for the reliable identification of B. anthracis but also for fast screening of pathogenic strains. More importantly, DETECTR correctly detected simulated clinical blood samples and firstly detected positive samples collected from the location of world War-II site, preserved at north-east China (45°36'55.940″ N, 126°38'33.738″ E) with high sensitivity and specificity. Our study provides insight into the DETECTR-based detection of B. anthracis. We present a novel screening and diagnostic option for pathogenic B. anthracis that can be performed on a user-friendly portable device. Based on its proven reliability, sensitivity, specificity and simplicity, our proposed method can be readily adapted to detect pathogenic B. anthracis, anthrax and biothreats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xinru Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xianglilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Bing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Lei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yujun Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jinxiong Liu
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150009, China
| | - Hongyu Cui
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150009, China
| | - Xiangang Ren
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150009, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS), Beijing, 100071, China.
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17
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In Search of Proximate Triggers of Anthrax Outbreaks in Wildlife: A Hypothetical Individual-Based Model of Plasmid Transfer within Bacillus Communities. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax in humans, livestock, and wildlife, exists in a community with hundreds of other species of bacteria in the environment. Work on the genetics of these communities has shown that B. anthracis shares a high percentage of chromosomal genes with both B. thuringiensis and B. cereus, and that phenotypic differences among these bacteria can result from extra-chromosomal DNA in the form of plasmids. We developed a simple hypothetical individual-based model to simulate the likelihood of detecting plasmids with genes encoding anthrax toxins within bacterial communities composed of B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis, and B. cereus, and the surrounding matrix of extra-cellular polymeric substances. Simulation results suggest the horizontal transfer of plasmids with genes encoding anthrax toxins among Bacillus species persisting outside the host could function as a proximate factor triggering anthrax outbreaks.
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18
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Herschede SR, Salam R, Gneid H, Busschaert N. Bacterial cytological profiling identifies transmembrane anion transport as the mechanism of action for a urea-based antibiotic. Supramol Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10610278.2023.2178921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Herschede
- Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Rayhanus Salam
- Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Hassan Gneid
- Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Nathalie Busschaert
- Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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Intraspecific Diversity and Pathogenicity of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates from an Emetic Illness. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15020089. [PMID: 36828404 PMCID: PMC9963800 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes an emetic food-borne intoxication associated with a Bacillus cereus group species and the characterization of the bacterial isolates from the incident in aspects of molecular tying, genetic factors, cytotoxicity, and pathogenic mechanisms relating to emetic illness. Through the polyphasic identification approach, all seven isolates obtained from food and clinical samples were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis. According to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis, intraspecific diversity was found within the B. thuringiensis isolates. Four allelic profiles were found, including two previously known STs (ST8 and ST15) and two new STs (ST2804 and ST2805). All isolates harbored gene fragments located in the cereulide synthetase (ces) gene cluster. The heat-treated culture supernatants of three emetic B. thuringiensis isolates, FC2, FC7, and FC8, caused vacuolation and exhibited toxicity to Caco-2 cells, with CC50 values of 56.57, 72.17, and 79.94 µg/mL, respectively. The flow cytometry with the Annexin V/PI assay revealed both apoptosis and necrosis mechanisms, but necrosis was the prominent mechanism that caused Caco-2 cell destruction by FC2, the most toxic isolate.
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20
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Schäfer L, Volk F, Kleespies RG, Jehle JA, Wennmann JT. Elucidating the genomic history of commercially used Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis strain NB176. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1129177. [PMID: 37021121 PMCID: PMC10067926 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1129177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis (Btt) produces a coleopteran-specific crystal protoxin protein (Cry3Aa δ-endotoxin). After its discovery in 1982, the strain NB125 (DSM 5526) was eventually registered in 1990 to control the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Gamma-irradiation of NB125 resulted in strain NB176-1 (DSM 5480) that exhibited higher cry3Aa production and became the active ingredient of the plant protection product Novodor® FC. Here, we report a comparative genome analysis of the parental strain NB125, its derivative NB176-1 and the current commercial production strain NB176. The entire genome sequences of the parental and derivative strains were deciphered by a hybrid de novo approach using short (Illumina) and long (Nanopore) read sequencing techniques. Genome assembly revealed a chromosome of 5.4 to 5.6 Mbp and six plasmids with a size range from 14.9 to 250.5 kbp for each strain. The major differences among the original NB125 and the derivative strains NB176-1 and NB176 were an additional copy of the cry3Aa gene, which translocated to another plasmid as well as a chromosomal deletion (~ 178 kbp) in NB176. The assembled genome sequences were further analyzed in silico for the presence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Schäfer
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biological Control, Dossenheim, Germany
| | | | - Regina G. Kleespies
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biological Control, Dossenheim, Germany
| | - Johannes A. Jehle
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biological Control, Dossenheim, Germany
| | - Jörg T. Wennmann
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biological Control, Dossenheim, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jörg T. Wennmann,
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21
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Anderson BD, Bisanz JE. Challenges and opportunities of strain diversity in gut microbiome research. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1117122. [PMID: 36876113 PMCID: PMC9981649 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1117122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Just because two things are related does not mean they are the same. In analyzing microbiome data, we are often limited to species-level analyses, and even with the ability to resolve strains, we lack comprehensive databases and understanding of the importance of strain-level variation outside of a limited number of model organisms. The bacterial genome is highly plastic with gene gain and loss occurring at rates comparable or higher than de novo mutations. As such, the conserved portion of the genome is often a fraction of the pangenome which gives rise to significant phenotypic variation, particularly in traits which are important in host microbe interactions. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that give rise to strain variation and methods that can be used to study it. We identify that while strain diversity can act as a major barrier in interpreting and generalizing microbiome data, it can also be a powerful tool for mechanistic research. We then highlight recent examples demonstrating the importance of strain variation in colonization, virulence, and xenobiotic metabolism. Moving past taxonomy and the species concept will be crucial for future mechanistic research to understand microbiome structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jordan E Bisanz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,The Penn State Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, PA, United States
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22
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Boyer AE, Gallegos-Candela M, Lins RC, Solano MI, Woolfitt AR, Lee JS, Sanford DC, Knostman KAB, Quinn CP, Hoffmaster AR, Pirkle JL, Barr JR. Comprehensive characterization of toxins during progression of inhalation anthrax in a non-human primate model. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010735. [PMID: 36534695 PMCID: PMC9810172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhalation anthrax has three clinical stages: early-prodromal, intermediate-progressive, and late-fulminant. We report the comprehensive characterization of anthrax toxins, including total protective antigen (PA), total lethal factor (LF), total edema factor (EF), and their toxin complexes, lethal toxin and edema toxin in plasma, during the course of inhalation anthrax in 23 cynomolgus macaques. The toxin kinetics were predominantly triphasic with an early rise (phase-1), a plateau/decline (phase-2), and a final rapid rise (phase-3). Eleven animals had shorter survival times, mean±standard deviation of 58.7±7.6 hours (fast progression), 11 animals had longer survival times, 113±34.4 hours (slow progression), and one animal survived. Median (lower-upper quartile) LF levels at the end-of-phase-1 were significantly higher in animals with fast progression [138 (54.9-326) ng/mL], than in those with slow progression [23.8 (15.6-26.3) ng/mL] (p = 0.0002), and the survivor (11.1 ng/mL). The differences were also observed for other toxins and bacteremia. Animals with slow progression had an extended phase-2 plateau, with low variability of LF levels across all time points and animals. Characterization of phase-2 toxin levels defined upper thresholds; critical levels for exiting phase-2 and entering the critical phase-3, 342 ng/mL (PA), 35.8 ng/mL (LF), and 1.10 ng/mL (EF). The thresholds were exceeded earlier in animals with fast progression (38.5±7.4 hours) and later in animals with slow progression (78.7±15.2 hours). Once the threshold was passed, toxin levels rose rapidly in both groups to the terminal stage. The time from threshold to terminal was rapid and similar; 20.8±7.4 hours for fast and 19.9±7.5 hours for slow progression. The three toxemic phases were aligned with the three clinical stages of anthrax for fast and slow progression which showed that anthrax progression is toxin- rather than time-dependent. This first comprehensive evaluation of anthrax toxins provides new insights into disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E. Boyer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Renato C. Lins
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Battelle Atlanta Analytical Services, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Maria I. Solano
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Adrian R. Woolfitt
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John S. Lee
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Daniel C. Sanford
- Battelle Biomedical Research Center, West Jefferson, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Conrad P. Quinn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alex R. Hoffmaster
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James L. Pirkle
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John R. Barr
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Gazi E, Bayliss M, O'Sullivan C, Butler‐Ellis C, France B, Clapperton RM, Payne D, Govan N. Dose-response analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1 cry- spore reduction on surfaces using formaldehyde with pre-germination. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:3424-3437. [PMID: 35945896 PMCID: PMC9828334 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM To establish a basis for rapid remediation of large areas contaminated with Bacillus anthracis spores. METHODS AND RESULTS Representative surfaces of wood, steel and cement were coated by nebulization with B. thuringiensis HD-1 cry- (a simulant for B. anthracis) at 5.9 ± 0.2, 6.3 ± 0.2 and 5.8 ± 0.2 log10 CFU per cm2 , respectively. These were sprayed with formaldehyde, either with or without pre-germination. Low volume (equivalent to ≤2500 L ha-1 ) applications of formaldehyde at 30 g l-1 to steel or cement surfaces resulted in ≥4 or ≤2 log10 CFU per cm2 reductions respectively, after 2 h exposure. Pre-germinating spores (500 mmol l-1 l-alanine and 25 mmol l-1 inosine, pH 7) followed by formaldehyde application showed higher levels of spore inactivation than formaldehyde alone with gains of up to 3.4 log10 CFU per cm2 for a given dose. No loss in B. thuringiensis cry- viability was measured after the 2 h germination period, however, a pre-heat shock log10 reduction was seen for B. anthracis strains: LSU149 (1.7 log10), Vollum and LSU465 (both 0.9 log10), LSU442 (0.2 log10), Sterne (0.8 log10) and Ames (0.6 log10). CONCLUSIONS A methodology was developed to produce representative spore contamination of surfaces along with a laboratory-based technique to measure the efficacy of decontamination. Dose-response analysis was used to optimize decontamination. Pre-germinating spores was found to increase effectiveness of decontamination but requires careful consideration of total volume used (germinant and decontaminant) by surface type. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY To be practically achievable, decontamination of a wide area contaminated with B. anthracis spores must be effective, timely and minimize the amount of materials required. This study uses systematic dose-response methodology to demonstrate that such an approach is feasible.
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Bacilli in the International Space Station. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122309. [PMID: 36557562 PMCID: PMC9782108 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts remote from Earth, not least those who will inhabit the Moon or Mars, are vulnerable to disease due to their reduced immunity, isolation from clinical support, and the disconnect from any buffering capacity provided by the Earth. Here, we explore potential risks for astronaut health, focusing on key aspects of the biology of Bacillus anthracis and other anthrax-like bacilli. We examine aspects of Bacillus cereus group genetics in relation to their evolutionary biology and pathogenicity; a new clade of the Bacillus cereus group, close related to B. anthracis, has colonized the International Space Station (ISS), is still present, and could in theory at least acquire pathogenic plasmids from the other B. cereus group strains. The main finding is that the genomic sequence alignments of the B. cereus group ISS strains revealed a high sequence identity, indicating they originated from the same strain and that a close look to the genetic variations among the strains suggesting they lived, or they are living, in a vegetative form in the ISS enough time to accumulate genetic variations unique for each single strains.
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Furstenau TN, Schneider T, Shaffer I, Vazquez AJ, Sahl J, Fofanov V. MTSv: rapid alignment-based taxonomic classification and high-confidence metagenomic analysis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14292. [PMID: 36389404 PMCID: PMC9651046 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the size of reference sequence databases and high-throughput sequencing datasets continue to grow, it is becoming computationally infeasible to use traditional alignment to large genome databases for taxonomic classification of metagenomic reads. Exact matching approaches can rapidly assign taxonomy and summarize the composition of microbial communities, but they sacrifice accuracy and can lead to false positives. Full alignment tools provide higher confidence assignments and can assign sequences from genomes that diverge from reference sequences; however, full alignment tools are computationally intensive. To address this, we designed MTSv specifically for alignment-based taxonomic assignment in metagenomic analysis. This tool implements an FM-index assisted q-gram filter and SIMD accelerated Smith-Waterman algorithm to find alignments. However, unlike traditional aligners, MTSv will not attempt to make additional alignments to a TaxID once an alignment of sufficient quality has been found. This improves efficiency when many reference sequences are available per taxon. MTSv was designed to be flexible and can be modified to run on either memory or processor constrained systems. Although MTSv cannot compete with the speeds of exact k-mer matching approaches, it is reasonably fast and has higher precision than popular exact matching approaches. Because MTSv performs a full alignment it can classify reads even when the genomes share low similarity with reference sequences and provides a tool for high confidence pathogen detection with low off-target assignments to near neighbor species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara N. Furstenau
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
| | - Tsosie Schneider
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
| | - Isaac Shaffer
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
| | - Adam J. Vazquez
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
| | - Jason Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
| | - Viacheslav Fofanov
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States,Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
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Real-Time PCR Detection of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> by Lambda_Ba03 Prophage Genes. PROBLEMS OF PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS INFECTIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.21055/0370-1069-2022-3-170-172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to develop a set of primers and fluorescent probes for the detection of two chromosomal targets of Bacillus anthracis using real-time PCR based on the lambda_Ba03 prophage genes.Materials and methods. BLAST analysis of B. anthracis chromosomal DNA identified two target genes in the region of lambdaBa03 prophage, BA_5358 (AE016879.1: 4852332..4853642) and BA_5361 (AE016879.1: 4855298..4856278). The designed primers and fluorescent hydrolysable TaqMan probes for simultaneous detection of B. anthracis chromosomal DNA by two stated genes were tested in qPCR for sensitivity and specificity.Results and discussion. Studies performed on chromosomal DNA samples of closely related bacteria (B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, B. subtilis, B. clausii) have shown 100 % specificity of the developed sets of primers/probes. The sensitivity of the devised multiplex kit, tested on DNA samples of the m55-VNIIVViM vaccine strain and archival DNA samples of B. anthracis, reached 100 fg of bacterial DNA, which sets the limit of sensitivity at 17 genomes per reaction. The developed multiplex kit can be used as a separate tool for research laboratories studying anthrax.
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Mondange L, Tessier É, Tournier JN. Pathogenic Bacilli as an Emerging Biothreat? Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101186. [PMID: 36297243 PMCID: PMC9609551 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, present as a very durable endospore in soil, causes zoonotic illness which is mainly associated with herbivores and domestic animals. Human cases are scarce and often involve populations close to infected livestock. If anthrax is no longer of public health concern in developed countries, B. anthracis is one of the top-tier biological weapon agents. It is classified by the CDC as a category A agent. Since 1994, emerging strains of Bacillus cereus have been associated with anthrax-like disease in mammals. Some clinical strains of B. cereus harbor anthrax-like plasmid genes (pXO1 and pXO2) associated with non-human primate and human infections, with the same clinical presentation of inhalation anthrax and mortality rates. Although currently restricted to certain limited areas of circulation, the emergence of these new strains of B. cereus extends the list of potential agents possibly usable for bioterrorism or as a biological weapon. It is therefore important to improve our knowledge of the phylogeny within the B. cereus sensu lato group to better understand the origin of these strains. We can then more efficiently monitor the emergence of new strains to better control the risk of infection and limit potentially malicious uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou Mondange
- Bacteriology Unit, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- Yersinia Unit, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (J.-N.T.)
| | - Émilie Tessier
- Immunopathology Unit, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- CNR-LE Charbon, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- École du Val-de-Grâce, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (J.-N.T.)
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Fernanda Vázquez-Ramírez M, Ibarra JE, Edith Casados-Vázquez L, Eleazar Barboza-Corona J, Rincón-Castro MCD. Molecular and Toxicological Characterization of a Bacillus thuringiensis Strain Expressing a Vip3 Protein Highly Toxic to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:1455-1463. [PMID: 35930375 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) LBIT-418 strain was based on a previous work which indicated its high insecticidal potential. Therefore, toxicological, molecular, and biochemical characterizations were conducted in this work to identify its unique features and its potential to be developed as a bioinsecticide. This strain, originally isolated from a healthy mosquito larva, was identified within the subspecies kenyae by sequencing of the hag gene and by the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) technique. Genes cry1Ac2, cry1Ea3, cry2Aa1 and cry2Ab4, and a cry1Ia were detected in its genome, in addition to a vip3Aa gene. In this research, the latter protein was successfully cloned, expressed, and purified and showed high toxicity towards the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), fourth instar larvae in bioassays using the microdroplet ingestion technique, estimating an LD50 of 21.38 ng/larva. Additional bioassays were performed using the diet surface inoculation technique of the strain's spore-crystal complex against diamondback moth larvae, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), estimating an LC50 of 10.22 ng/cm2. Its inability to produce β-exotoxin was demonstrated by bioassays against the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Maupas and by HPLC analysis. These results support the high potential of this strain to be developed as a bioinsecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda Vázquez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Alimentos, Posgrado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Ex Hacienda El Copal Km., Carretera Irapuato-León, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Jorge E Ibarra
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, Cinvestav Unidad Irapuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Luz Edith Casados-Vázquez
- Departamento de Alimentos, Posgrado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Ex Hacienda El Copal Km., Carretera Irapuato-León, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - J Eleazar Barboza-Corona
- Departamento de Alimentos, Posgrado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Ex Hacienda El Copal Km., Carretera Irapuato-León, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Ma Cristina Del Rincón-Castro
- Departamento de Alimentos, Posgrado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Ex Hacienda El Copal Km., Carretera Irapuato-León, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
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A Comparative Analysis of the Core Proteomes within and among the Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus Evolutionary Groups Reveals the Patterns of Lineage- and Species-Specific Adaptations. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091720. [PMID: 36144322 PMCID: PMC9505155 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
By integrating phylogenomic and comparative analyses of 1104 high-quality genome sequences, we identify the core proteins and the lineage-specific fingerprint proteins of the various evolutionary clusters (clades/groups/species) of the Bacillus genus. As fingerprints, we denote those core proteins of a certain lineage that are present only in that particular lineage and absent in any other Bacillus lineage. Thus, these lineage-specific fingerprints are expected to be involved in particular adaptations of that lineage. Intriguingly, with a few notable exceptions, the majority of the Bacillus species demonstrate a rather low number of species-specific fingerprints, with the majority of them being of unknown function. Therefore, species-specific adaptations are mostly attributed to highly unstable (in evolutionary terms) accessory proteomes and possibly to changes at the gene regulation level. A series of comparative analyses consistently demonstrated that the progenitor of the Cereus Clade underwent an extensive genomic expansion of chromosomal protein-coding genes. In addition, the majority (76–82%) of the B. subtilis proteins that are essential or play a significant role in sporulation have close homologs in most species of both the Subtilis and the Cereus Clades. Finally, the identification of lineage-specific fingerprints by this study may allow for the future development of highly specific vaccines, therapeutic molecules, or rapid and low-cost molecular tests for species identification.
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Biggel M, Jessberger N, Kovac J, Johler S. Recent paradigm shifts in the perception of the role of Bacillus thuringiensis in foodborne disease. Food Microbiol 2022; 105:104025. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Millar EN, Kidd KA, Surette MG, Bennett CJ, Salerno J, Gillis PL. Effects of municipal wastewater effluents on the digestive gland microbiome of wild freshwater mussels (Lasmigona costata). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113774. [PMID: 35777341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbial communities are vital for maintaining host health, and are sensitive to diet, environment, and chemical exposures. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) release effluents containing antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants that may negatively affect the gut microbiome of downstream organisms. This study investigated changes in the diversity and composition of the digestive gland microbiome of flutedshell mussels (Lasmigona costata) from upstream and downstream of two large (service >100,000) WWTPs. Mussel digestive gland microbiome was analyzed following the extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing of bacterial DNA using the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16 S rRNA gene. Bacterial alpha diversity decreased at sites downstream of the second WWTP and these sites were dissimilar in beta diversity from sites upstream and downstream of the first upstream WWTP. The microbiomes of mussels collected downstream of the first WWTP had increased relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, with a decrease in Cyanobacteria, compared to upstream mussels. Meanwhile, those collected downstream of the second WWTP increased in Proteobacteria and decreased in Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Tenericutes. Increased Proteobacteria has been linked to adverse effects in mammals, but their functions in mussels is currently unknown. Finally, effluent-derived bacteria were found in the microbiome of mussels downstream of both WWTPs but not in those from upstream. Overall, results show that the digestive gland microbiome of mussels collected upstream and downstream of WWTPs differed, which has implications for altered host health and the transport of WWTP-derived bacteria through aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise N Millar
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Michael G Surette
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - C James Bennett
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Salerno
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia L Gillis
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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Delanthabettu A, Narasimhappa NS, Ramaswamy A, Mallesh MH, Nagarajappa N, Govind G. Molecular Characterization of Native Bacillus thuringiensis Strains from Root Nodules with Toxicity Against the Fall Armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) and Brinjal Ash Weevil (Myllocerus subfasciatus). Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:274. [PMID: 35907079 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fall armyworm is an exotic pest which destroys a wide variety of crops Querywhereas the brinjal ash weevil is a serious pest of eggplant and other solanaceous vegetables. The goal of this research is to find a sustainable and ecologically friendly bio-control agent for managing FAW and brinjal ash weevils. Twelve natural Bacillus thuringiensis strains were isolated from cowpea root nodules, and the Gram-positive cells with characteristic Bt crystal structures were discovered using phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy. There were bipyramidal, cuboidal, rhombus, and spherical crystals. The Bt cry gene content was characterized by PCR analysis, which revealed the presence of cry1, cry1I, cry3, cry7, cry7,8, cry14, cry26, and cry55 genes. The identity of Bt was confirmed by cloning and sequencing the cry genes. In the nucleotide sequences, no pseudo genes or indels were found in cry sequences. SDS-PAGE examination indicated the presence of bands ranging in size from 13 to 130 kDa, with 50-60 kDa being the most common. When compared to the control, the new native Bt strains were lethal, with pathogenicity ranging from 93 to 100% against S. frugiperda larvae and M. subfasciatus adults. The studies revealed that the native strains with conserved regions of 16S rRNA genes were compared to NCBI database sequences and classified as native Bt strains with 99-100% similarity to known Bt strains. In conclusion, native Bt strains from cowpea root nodules were shown to have bio-insecticidal activity against fall armyworm larvae and brinjal ash weevil adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asokan Ramaswamy
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore, 560089, India
| | | | - Nethra Nagarajappa
- Seed Technology Research Unit, AICRP on Seeds (Crops), UAS, GKVK, Bangalore, 560065, India
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Cai G, Liu T, Zhang J, Song H, Jiang Q, Zhou C. Control for chlorine resistant spore forming bacteria by the coupling of pre-oxidation and coagulation sedimentation, and UV-AOPs enhanced inactivation in drinking water treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118540. [PMID: 35550966 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spore forming bacteria (SFB) are strongly chlorine resistant. Their presence in drinking water may cause diseases and pose threat to public health. Three SFB strains, i.e. Bacillus alvei, Bacillus cereus, and Lysinibacillus fusiformis, were isolated and identified from the finished water of a drinking water treatment plant where bacteria colonies occasionally reached the limit value. Due to their chlorine resistance, a SFB control strategy coupling pre-oxidation, coagulation sedimentation, and UV-AOPs inactivation in water treatment process was studied in lab scale. Five minutes pre-oxidation treatment by applying Cl2 and ClO2 induced remarkable spore transformation. Longer pre-oxidation exposure time didn't have apparent improvement. Cl2 and ClO2 dosages of 0.9 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L were suggested, respectively. The formed spores can be efficiently removed by the following coagulation sedimentation treatment. At a suggested dosage combination of 20 mg/L PAC and 0.08 mg/L PAM, spore removal efficiency reached about 3.15-lg. Comparing to applying sole UV irradiation, enhanced UV inactivation by adding 0.1 mM H2O2, or Cl2, or peroxymonosulfate (PMS) substantially improved the inactivation of the most chlorine resistant SFB strain, Lysinibacillus fusiformis. UV-AOPs stably achieved 2-lg inactivation rate at UV dosage of 40 mJ/cm2. UV/H2O2, UV/Cl2 and UV/PMS inactivation kinetically enhanced 1.20 times, 1.36 times and 1.91 times over sole UV irradiation. Intracellular DNA and ATP leakages were detected, and remarkable damages of Lysinibacillus fusiformis cells' surface and ultrastructure were observed. These findings evidenced cell wall and cell membrane destructions, guaranteeing substantial SFB cells inactivation. This study was carried out based on three SFB strains isolated from a finished water, and common engineering practical operations. By providing engineeringly relevant references, the outcomes obtained would be helpful for dealing with SFB outbreak risk in drinking water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqiang Cai
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Water Affairs (Group) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518031, China
| | - Tongzhou Liu
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Water Affairs (Group) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518031, China
| | - Haoran Song
- Research Center for Eco-environmental Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Qijun Jiang
- Shenzhen Shen Shui Bao An Water Affairs (Group) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518133, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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Castulo-Arcos DA, Adame-Gómez R, Castro-Alarcón N, Galán-Luciano A, Santiago Dionisio MC, Leyva-Vázquez MA, Perez-Olais JH, Toribio-Jiménez J, Ramirez-Peralta A. Genetic diversity of enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus strains in coriander in southwestern Mexico. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13667. [PMID: 35795180 PMCID: PMC9252179 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coriander, like other leafy green vegetables, is available all year round and is commonly consumed raw in Mexico as in other countries in the preparation of street or homemade food. Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a microorganism that can reach coriander because it is usually found in the soil and in some regions the vegetables are irrigated with polluted water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determinate the presence of B. cereus in coriander used for human consumption in southwestern Mexico and determine the toxigenic profile, biofilm production, genes associated with the production of biofilms, sporulation rates, enzymatic profile, psychotropic properties, and genetic diversity of B. cereus. Methods Fresh coriander samples were collected from several vegetable retailers in different markets, microbiological analysis was performed. Molecular identification, genes related to the production of biofilm, and toxin gene profiling of B. cereus isolates were determined by PCR. The biofilm formation was measured by performing a crystal violet assay. The genetic diversity of B. cereus strains was determined by PCR of repetitive elements using oligonucleotide (GTG) 5. Results We found a frequency of B. cereus in vegetables was 20% (13/65). In this study, no strains with genes for the HBL toxin were found. In the case of genes related to biofilms, the frequency was low for sipW [5.8%, (1/17)] and tasA [11.7%, (2/17)]. B. cereus strains produce a low amount of biofilm with sporulation rates around 80%. As for genetic diversity, we observed that strains isolated from the same market, but different vegetable retailers are grouped into clusters. In the coriander marketed in southwestern Mexico, were found B. cereus strains with genes associated with the production of diarrheal toxins. Together, these results show actual information about the state of art of B. cereus strains circulating in the southwestern of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Alexander Castulo-Arcos
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Roberto Adame-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Natividad Castro-Alarcón
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Microbiología/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México
| | - Aketzalli Galán-Luciano
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - María Cristina Santiago Dionisio
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Análisis Microbiológicos/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México
| | - Marco A. Leyva-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México
| | - Jose-Humberto Perez-Olais
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular/Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jeiry Toribio-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Investigacion en Microbiologia Molecular y Biotecnologia Ambiental/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Arturo Ramirez-Peralta
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Patometabolismo Microbiano/Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
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Lyu Y, Wang D, Yuan L, Feng E, Zhu L, Pan C, Guo Y, Liu X, Wang H. Rapid Identification of Bacillus anthracis In Silico and On-Site Using Novel Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0228521. [PMID: 35575735 PMCID: PMC9241702 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02285-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming bacterium that causes life-threatening infections in animals and humans and has been used as a bioterror agent. Rapid and reliable detection and identification of B. anthracis are of primary interest for both medical and biological threat-surveillance purposes. Few chromosomal sequences provide enough polymorphisms to clearly distinguish B. anthracis from closely related species. We analyzed 18 loci of the chromosome of B. anthracis and discovered eight novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites that can be used for the specific identification of B. anthracis. Using these SNP sites, we developed software-named AGILE V1.1 (anthracis genome-based identification with high-fidelity E-probe)-for easy, user-friendly identification of B. anthracis from whole-genome sequences. We also developed a recombinase polymerase amplification-Cas12a-based method that uses nucleic acid extracts for the specific, rapid, in-the-field identification of B. anthracis based on these SNPs. Via this method and B. anthracis-specific CRISPR RNAs for the target CR5_2, CR5_1, and Ba813 SNPs, we clearly detected 5 aM genomic DNA. This study provides two simple and reliable methods suitable for use in local hospitals and public health programs for the detection of B. anthracis. IMPORTANCE Bacillus anthracis is the etiologic agent of anthrax, a fatal disease and a potential biothreat. A specific, accurate, and rapid method is urgently required for the identification of B. anthracis. We demonstrate the potential of using eight novel SNPs for the rapid and accurate detection of B. anthracis via in silico and laboratory-based testing methods. Our findings have important implications for public health responses to disease outbreaks and bioterrorism threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Dongshu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Erling Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiankai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hengliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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Pang F, Tao A, Ayra-Pardo C, Wang T, Yu Z, Huang S. Plant organ- and growth stage-diversity of endophytic bacteria with potential as biofertilisers isolated from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:276. [PMID: 35659526 PMCID: PMC9169407 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemical fertilisers are extensively used for crop production, which may cause soil deterioration and water pollution. Endophytic bacteria with plant-growth-promoting (PGP) activities may provide a solution to sustainably improve crop yields, including in-demand staples such as wheat. However, the diversity of the PGP endophytic bacteria in wheat across plant organs and growth stages has not been thoroughly characterised. RESULTS Here, we report the isolation of endophytic bacteria from root, stem, leaf and seed of three winter wheat varieties at tillering, jointing, heading and seed-filling growth stages that were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Strains were screened for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, potassium and phosphate solubilisation and the ability to grow on a nitrogen-free medium. Strain's capacity to stimulate various plant growth parameters, such as dry root weight, dry above-ground parts weight and plant height, was evaluated in pot trials. A total of 127 strains were randomly selected from 610 isolated endophytic bacterial cultures, representing ten genera and 22 taxa. Some taxa were organ-specific; others were growth-stage-specific. Bacillus aryabhattai, B. stratosphericus, Leclercia adecarboxylata and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans were detected as wheat endophytes for the first time. The IAA production, inorganic phosphorous solubilisation, organic phosphorus solubilisation, potassium solubilisation and growth on N-free medium were detected in 45%, 29%, 37%, 2.4% and 37.8% of the 127 strains, respectively. In pot trials, each strain showed variable effects on inoculated wheat plants regarding the evaluated growth parameters. CONCLUSIONS Wheat endophytic bacteria showed organ- and growth-stage diversity, which may reflect their adaptations to different plant tissues and seasonal variations, and differed in their PGP abilities. Bacillus was the most predominant bacterial taxa isolated from winter wheat plants. Our study confirmed wheat root as the best reservoir for screening endophytic bacteria with potential as biofertilisers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahu Pang
- School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Aili Tao
- School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Camilo Ayra-Pardo
- School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Yu
- School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siliang Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang M, Liu J, Yin Z, Zhang L. Phylogenetic and protein prediction analysis reveals the taxonomically diverse distribution of virulence factors in Bacillus cereus strains. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262974. [PMID: 35588435 PMCID: PMC9119529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is a food contaminant with widely varying enterotoxic potential due to its virulence proteins. In this article, phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences from the whole-genomes of 41 strains, evolutionary distance calculation of the amino acid sequences of the virulence genes, and functional and structural predictions of the virulence proteins were performed to reveal the taxonomically diverse distribution of virulence factors. The genome evolution of the strains showed a clustering trend based on the protein-coding virulence genes. The strains of B. cereus have evolved into non-toxic risk and toxic risk clusters with medium-high- and medium-low-risk subclusters. The evolutionary transfer distances of incomplete virulence genes relative to housekeeping genes were greater than those of complete virulence genes, and the distance values of HblACD were higher than those of nheABC and CytK among the complete virulence genes. Cytoplasmic localization was impossible for all the virulence proteins, and NheB, NheC, Hbl-B, and Hbl-L1 were predicted to be extracellular. Nhe and Hbl proteins except CytK had similar spatial structures. The predicted structures of Nhe and Hbl mainly showed ‘head’ and ‘tail’ domains. The ‘head’ of NheA and Hbl-B, including two α-helices separated by β-tongue strands, might play a special role in the formation of Nhe trimers and Hbl trimers, respectively. The ‘cap’ of CytK, which includes two ‘latches’ with many β-sheets, formed a β-barrel structure with pores, and a ‘rim’ balanced the structure. The evolution of B. cereus strains showed a clustering tendency based on the protein-coding virulence genes, and the complete virulence-gene operon combination had higher relative genetic stability. The beta-tongue or latch associated with β-sheet folding might play an important role in the binding of virulence structures and pore-forming toxins in B. cereus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- School of Yunkang Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Liu
- School of Yunkang Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yin
- School of Yunkang Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (ZY); (LZ)
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- * E-mail: (ZY); (LZ)
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Gonçalves KB, Appel RJC, Bôas LAV, Cardoso PF, Bôas GTV. Genomic insights into the diversity of non-coding RNAs in Bacillus cereus sensu lato. Curr Genet 2022; 68:449-466. [PMID: 35552506 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-022-01240-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus cereus sensu lato is a group of bacteria of medical and agricultural importance in different ecological niches and with controversial taxonomic relationships. Studying the composition of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in several bacterial groups has been an important tool for identifying genetic information and better understanding genetic regulation towards environment adaptation. However, to date, no comparative genomics study of ncRNA has been performed in this group. Thus, this study aimed to identify and characterize the set of ncRNAs from 132 strains of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus anthracis to obtain an overview of the diversity and distribution of these genetic elements in these species. We observed that the number of ncRNAs differs in the chromosomes of the three species, but not in the plasmids, when species or phylogenetic clusters were compared. The prevailing functional/structural category was Cis-reg and the most frequent class was Riboswitch. However, in plasmids, the class Group II intron was the most frequent. Also, nine ncRNAs were selected for validation in the strain B. thuringiensis 407 by RT-PCR, which allowed to identify the expression of the ncRNAs. The wide distribution and diversity of ncRNAs in the B. cereus group, and more intensely in B. thuringiensis, may help improve the abilities of these species to adapt to various environmental changes. Further studies should address the expression of these genetic elements in different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kátia B Gonçalves
- Depto Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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White H, Vos M, Sheppard SK, Pascoe B, Raymond B. Signatures of selection in core and accessory genomes indicate different ecological drivers of diversification among Bacillus cereus clades. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3584-3597. [PMID: 35510788 PMCID: PMC9324797 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial clades are often ecologically distinct, despite extensive horizontal gene transfer (HGT). How selection works on different parts of bacterial pan‐genomes to drive and maintain the emergence of clades is unclear. Focusing on the three largest clades in the diverse and well‐studied Bacillus cereus sensu lato group, we identified clade‐specific core genes (present in all clade members) and then used clade‐specific allelic diversity to identify genes under purifying and diversifying selection. Clade‐specific accessory genes (present in a subset of strains within a clade) were characterized as being under selection using presence/absence in specific clades. Gene ontology analyses of genes under selection revealed that different gene functions were enriched in different clades. Furthermore, some gene functions were enriched only amongst clade‐specific core or accessory genomes. Genes under purifying selection were often clade‐specific, while genes under diversifying selection showed signs of frequent HGT. These patterns are consistent with different selection pressures acting on both the core and the accessory genomes of different clades and can lead to ecological divergence in both cases. Examining variation in allelic diversity allows us to uncover genes under clade‐specific selection, allowing ready identification of strains and their ecological niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh White
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Michiel Vos
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel K Sheppard
- Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Ben Pascoe
- Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Ben Raymond
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
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Jovanovic J, Tretiak S, Begyn K, Rajkovic A. Detection of Enterotoxigenic Psychrotrophic Presumptive Bacillus cereus and Cereulide Producers in Food Products and Ingredients. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040289. [PMID: 35448897 PMCID: PMC9030337 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, foodborne outbreaks and individual cases caused by bacterial toxins showed an increasing trend. The major contributors are enterotoxins and cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus, which can cause a diarrheal and emetic form of the disease, respectively. These diseases usually induce relatively mild symptoms; however, fatal cases have been reported. With the aim to detected potential toxin producers that are able to grow at refrigerator temperatures and subsequently produce cereulide, we screened the prevalence of enterotoxin and cereulide toxin gene carriers and the psychrotrophic capacity of presumptive B. cereus obtained from 250 food products (cereal products, including rice and seeds/pulses, dairy-based products, dried vegetables, mixed food, herbs, and spices). Of tested food products, 226/250 (90.4%) contained presumptive B. cereus, which communities were further tested for the presence of nheA, hblA, cytK-1, and ces genes. Food products were mainly contaminated with the nheA B. cereus carriers (77.9%), followed by hblA (64.8%), ces (23.2%), and cytK-1 (4.4%). Toxigenic B. cereus communities were further subjected to refrigerated (4 and 7 °C) and mild abuse temperatures (10 °C). Overall, 77% (94/121), 86% (104/121), and 100% (121/121) were able to grow at 4, 7, and 10 °C, respectively. Enterotoxin and cereulide potential producers were detected in 81% of psychrotrophic presumptive B. cereus. Toxin encoding genes nheA, hblA, and ces gene were found in 77.2, 55, and 11.7% of tested samples, respectively. None of the psychrotrophic presumptive B. cereus were carriers of the cytotoxin K-1 encoding gene (cytK-1). Nearly half of emetic psychrotrophic B. cereus were able to produce cereulide in optimal conditions. At 4 °C none of the examined psychrotrophs produced cereulide. The results of this research highlight the high prevalence of B. cereus and the omnipresence of toxin gene harboring presumptive B. cereus that can grow at refrigerator temperatures, with a focus on cereulide producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Jovanovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety, and Health, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (J.J.); (K.B.)
| | - Svitlana Tretiak
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, D5 Ingang 78, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
- Impextraco nv, Wiekevorstsesteenweg 38, 2220 Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium
| | - Katrien Begyn
- Department of Food Technology, Safety, and Health, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (J.J.); (K.B.)
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety, and Health, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (J.J.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Mechanisms and Applications of Bacterial Sporulation and Germination in the Intestine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063405. [PMID: 35328823 PMCID: PMC8953710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested a major role for endospore forming bacteria within the gut microbiota, not only as pathogens but also as commensal and beneficial members contributing to gut homeostasis. In this review the sporulation processes, spore properties, and germination processes will be explained within the scope of the human gut. Within the gut, spore-forming bacteria are known to interact with the host’s immune system, both in vegetative cell and spore form. Together with the resistant nature of the spore, these characteristics offer potential for spores’ use as delivery vehicles for therapeutics. In the last part of the review, the therapeutic potential of spores as probiotics, vaccine vehicles, and drug delivery systems will be discussed.
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Schwenk V, Dietrich R, Klingl A, Märtlbauer E, Jessberger N. Characterization of strain-specific Bacillus cereus swimming motility and flagella by means of specific antibodies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265425. [PMID: 35298545 PMCID: PMC8929632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the multiple factors determining the onset of the diarrhoeal disease caused by enteropathogenic Bacillus cereus is the ability of the bacteria to actively move towards the site of infection. This ability depends on flagella, but it also varies widely between different strains. To gain more insights into these strain-specific variations, polyclonal rabbit antisera as well as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated in this study, which detected recombinant and natural B. cereus flagellin proteins in Western blots as well as in enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Based on mAb 1A11 and HRP-labelled rabbit serum, a highly specific sandwich EIA was developed. Overall, it could be shown that strain-specific swimming motility correlates with the presence of flagella/flagellin titres obtained in EIAs. Interestingly, mAb 1A11, recognizing an epitope in the N-terminal region of the flagellin protein, proved to inhibit bacterial swimming motility, while the rabbit serum rather decreased growth of selected B. cereus strains. Altogether, powerful tools enabling the in-depth characterization of the strain-specific variations in B. cereus swimming motility were developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Schwenk
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Richard Dietrich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Department of Biology I, Plant Development and Electron Microscopy, Biocenter Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, München, Germany
| | - Erwin Märtlbauer
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Nadja Jessberger
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the anthrax agent, exhibits robust proliferation in diverse niches of mammalian hosts. The metabolic attributes of B. anthracis that permit rapid growth in multiple mammalian tissues have not been established. We posit that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) metabolism is key to B. anthracis pathogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates the relationships between B. anthracis virulence and the expression of BCAA-related genes. The expression of some BCAA-related genes is altered during culture in bovine blood in vitro, and the bacterium exhibits valine auxotrophy in a blood serum mimic medium. Transcriptome analyses have revealed that the virulence regulator AtxA, which positively affects the expression of the anthrax toxin and capsule genes, negatively regulates genes predicted to be associated with BCAA biosynthesis and transport. Here, we show that B. anthracis growth in defined medium is severely restricted in the absence of exogenous BCAAs, indicating that BCAA transport is required for optimal growth in vitro. We demonstrate functional redundancy among multiple BrnQ-type BCAA transporters. Three transporters are associated with isoleucine and valine transport, and the deletion of one, BrnQ3, attenuates virulence in a murine model for anthrax. Interestingly, an ilvD-null mutant lacking dihydroxy acid dehydratase, an enzyme essential for BCAA synthesis, exhibits unperturbed growth when cultured in medium containing BCAAs but is highly attenuated in the murine model. Finally, our data show that BCAAs enhance AtxA activity in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a model in which BCAAs serve as a signal for virulence gene expression. IMPORTANCE Infection with B. anthracis can result in systemic disease with large numbers of the bacterium in multiple tissues. We found that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) synthesis is insufficient for the robust growth of B. anthracis; access to BCAAs is necessary for the proliferation of the pathogen during culture and during infection in a murine model for anthrax. B. anthracis produces an unusually large repertoire of BCAA-related transporters. We identified three isoleucine/valine transporters with partial functional redundancy during culture. The deletion of one of these transporters, BrnQ3, resulted in attenuated virulence. Interestingly, a BCAA biosynthesis mutant grew well in medium containing BCAAs but, like BrnQ3, was attenuated for virulence. These results suggest that BCAAs are limiting in multiple niches during infection and further our understanding of the nutritional requirements of this important pathogen.
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Lin Y, Briandet R, Kovács ÁT. Bacillus cereus sensu lato biofilm formation and its ecological importance. Biofilm 2022; 4:100070. [PMID: 35243332 PMCID: PMC8861577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is a ubiquitous process of bacterial communities that enables them to survive and persist in various environmental niches. The Bacillus cereus group includes phenotypically diversified species that are widely distributed in the environment. Often, B. cereus is considered a soil inhabitant, but it is also commonly isolated from plant roots, nematodes, and food products. Biofilms differ in their architecture and developmental processes, reflecting adaptations to specific niches. Importantly, some B. cereus strains are foodborne pathogens responsible for two types of gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea and emesis, caused by distinct toxins. Thus, the persistency of biofilms is of particular concern for the food industry, and understanding the underlying mechanisms of biofilm formation contributes to cleaning procedures. This review focuses on the genetic background underpinning the regulation of biofilm development, as well as the matrix components associated with biofilms. We also reflect on the correlation between biofilm formation and the development of highly resistant spores. Finally, advances in our understanding of the ecological importance and evolution of biofilm formation in the B. cereus group are discussed.
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Moteshareie H, Hassen WM, Vermette J, Dubowski JJ, Tayabali AF. Strategies for capturing Bacillus thuringiensis spores on surfaces of (001) GaAs-based biosensors. Talanta 2022; 236:122813. [PMID: 34635209 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is used as a bioinsecticide since it effectively kills insect larvae. Bt is also genetically similar to Bacillus cereus (Bc), a well recognized foodborne human pathogen; they are both members of the Bacillus cereus group (BC group). Although approved Bt bioinsecticide products have been confirmed to be non-pathogenic to humans, close monitoring of Bt during dissemination is important for cost considerations and to limit impact on biodiversity towards nontarget organisms. As such, developing rapid, sensitive, and specific tools for quantitative detection of Bt spores during and following spray operations is highly desirable. The goals of this study were to investigate commercially available detection reagents for sensitivity and selectivity in detecting Bt spores, and then functionalize a surface of (001) GaAs used in photonic biosensing. To achieve these goals, we (1) screened commercial antibodies for their capacity to bind recombinant proteins from Bt spores, (2) screened antibodies and aptamers for their sensitivity and selectivity against Bt spores, and (3) tested the efficiency of selected antibodies and aptamers in capturing Bt spores on the surface of functionalized GaAs biochips. Seven genes encoding Bt spore proteins were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The binding of each purified spore antigen was tested by commercially available polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies claimed to exclusively target spores. Of the seven targets, Bacillus collagen-like protein A, was the most abundant protein on Bt spores and demonstrated the strongest binding affinity to all test antibodies. The commercial antibodies (Abs) were also tested for specificity to BC Group versus non-BC Group spores. Three of six commercial antibodies showed selectivity to Bt spores, with recombinant Abs providing the most robust lower range of detection (102 to 6 × 103 spores/mL). The sensitivity and selectivity of three published DNA aptamer sequences demonstrated a wide range of detection sensitivity for Bt spores. Two of the three test aptamers also showed reasonable selectivity towards Bt spores while the third demonstrated reactivity to non-BC Group B. megaterium and B. subtilis. Of the reagents tested, a thiolated aptamer and llama recombinant Ab showed highest Bt spore capture efficiency as measured by spore coverage of the GaAs surface. These results confirm that the selected aptamer and llama rAb can be considered strong candidates for the development of GaAs-based biosensing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houman Moteshareie
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), CNRS UMI-3463, Laboratory for Quantum Semiconductors and Photon-based BioNanotechnology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Walid M Hassen
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), CNRS UMI-3463, Laboratory for Quantum Semiconductors and Photon-based BioNanotechnology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jonathan Vermette
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), CNRS UMI-3463, Laboratory for Quantum Semiconductors and Photon-based BioNanotechnology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jan J Dubowski
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), CNRS UMI-3463, Laboratory for Quantum Semiconductors and Photon-based BioNanotechnology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Azam F Tayabali
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), CNRS UMI-3463, Laboratory for Quantum Semiconductors and Photon-based BioNanotechnology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, present in two forms of vegetative cells and spores, is a pathogen that infects humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products and is also maliciously used in terrorist acts. Therefore, a rapid and sensitive test for B. anthracis is necessary but challenging. The challenge comes from the following aspects: an accurate distinction of B. anthracis from other Bacillus species due to their high genomic similarity and the horizontal gene transfer between Bacillus members; direct detection of the B. anthracis spores without damaging them for component extraction to avoid the risk of spore atomization; and the rapid detections of B. anthracis in complex samples, such as soil and suspicious powders, without sample pretreatments and expensive large-scale equipment. Although culturing B. anthracis from samples is the conventional method for the detection of B. anthracis, it is time-consuming and the detection results would not be easy to interpret because many Bacillus species share similar phenotypic features such as a lack of motility and hemolysis, resistance to gamma phages, and so on. Intensive and extensive effort has been expended to develop reliable detection technologies, among which biosensors exhibit comprehensive advantages in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and portability. Here, we briefly review the research progress, providing highlights of the latest achievements and our own practice and experience. The contents can be summarized in three aspects: the discovery of detection targets, including genes, toxins, and other components; the creation of molecular recognition elements, such as monoclonal antibodies, single-chain antibody fragments, specific peptides, and aptamers; and the design and construction of biosensing systems by the integration of appropriate molecular recognition elements and transducer devices. These sensor devices have their own characteristics and different principles. For example, the surface plasmon resonance biosensor and quartz crystal microbalance biosensor are very sensitive, while the multiplex PCR-on-a-chip can detect multitargets. Biosensors for direct spore detection are highly recommended because they are not only fast but also avoid contamination from aerosol-containing spores. The introduction of nanotechnology has significantly improved the performance of biosensors. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles and phage-displayed gold nanoparticle ligand peptides have made the results of spore detection visible to the naked eye. Because of space constraints, many advanced biosensors for B. anthracis are not described in detail but are cited as references. Although biosensors provide a variety of options for various application scenarios, the challenges have not been fully addressed, which leaves room for the development of more advanced and practical B. anthracis detection means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Bing Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Meng-Meng Cui
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Min Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xian-En Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Di Cesare A, Pinnell LJ, Brambilla D, Elli G, Sabatino R, Sathicq MB, Corno G, O'Donnell C, Turner JW. Bioplastic accumulates antibiotic and metal resistance genes in coastal marine sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118161. [PMID: 34537596 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The oceans are increasingly polluted with plastic debris, and several studies have implicated plastic as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes and a potential vector for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bioplastic is widely regarded as an environmentally friendly replacement to conventional petroleum-based plastic, but the effects of bioplastic pollution on marine environments remain largely unknown. Here, we present the first evidence that bioplastic accumulates antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs) in marine sediments. Biofilms fouling ceramic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) were investigated by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Four ARG groups were more abundant in PHA: trimethoprim resistance (TMP), multidrug resistance (MDR), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin resistance (MLS), and polymyxin resistance (PMR). One MRG group was more abundant in PHA: multimetal resistance (MMR). The relative abundance of ARGs and MRGs were strongly correlated based on a Mantel test between the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrices (R = 0.97, p < 0.05) and a Pearson's analysis (R = 0.96, p < 0.05). ARGs were detected in more than 40% of the 57 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) while MRGs were detected in more than 90% of the MAGs. Further investigation (e.g., culturing, genome sequencing, antibiotic susceptibility testing) revealed that PHA biofilms were colonized by hemolytic Bacillus cereus group bacteria that were resistant to beta-lactams, vancomycin, and bacitracin. Taken together, our findings indicate that bioplastic, like conventional petroleum-based plastic, is a reservoir for resistance genes and a potential vector for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in coastal marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Cesare
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Lee J Pinnell
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States
| | - Diego Brambilla
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Giulia Elli
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100, Lund, Sweden
| | - Raffaella Sabatino
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - María B Sathicq
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRSA), MEG - Molecular Ecology Group, Largo Tonolli 50, 28922, Verbania, Italy
| | - Colin O'Donnell
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States
| | - Jeffrey W Turner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States.
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Wang D, Chen G, Lyu Y, Feng E, Zhu L, Pan C, Zhang W, Liu X, Wang H. A CRISPR/Cas12a-based DNAzyme visualization system for rapid, non-electrically dependent detection of Bacillus anthracis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 11:428-437. [PMID: 34842509 PMCID: PMC8812752 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2012091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
As next-generation pathogen detection methods, CRISPR-Cas-based detection methods can perform single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level detection with high sensitivity and good specificity. They do not require any particular equipment, which opens up new possibilities for the accurate detection and identification of Bacillus anthracis. In this study, we developed a complete detection system for B. anthracis based on Cas12a. We used two chromosomally located SNP targets and two plasmid targets to identify B. anthracis with high accuracy. The CR5 target is completely new. The entire detection process can be completed within 90 min without electrical power and with single-copy level sensitivity. We also developed an unaided-eye visualization system based on G4-DNAzyme for use with our CRISPR-Cas12a detection system. This visualization system has good prospects for deployment in field-based point-of-care detection. We used the antisense nucleic acid CatG4R as the detection probe, which showed stronger resistance to interference from components of the solution. CatG4R can also be designed as an RNA molecule for adaptation to Cas13a detection, thereby broadening the scope of the detection system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongshu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Gang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yufei Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Erling Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Li Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Chao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Weicai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiankai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hengliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
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