1
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Salamzade R, Tran PQ, Martin C, Manson AL, Gilmore MS, Earl AM, Anantharaman K, Kalan LR. zol & fai: large-scale targeted detection and evolutionary investigation of gene clusters. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.07.544063. [PMID: 37333121 PMCID: PMC10274777 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Many universally and conditionally important genes are genomically aggregated within clusters. Here, we introduce fai and zol, which together enable large-scale comparative analysis of different types of gene clusters and mobile-genetic elements (MGEs), such as biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) or viruses. Fundamentally, they overcome a current bottleneck to reliably perform comprehensive orthology inference at large scale across broad taxonomic contexts and thousands of genomes. First, fai allows the identification of orthologous instances of a query gene cluster of interest amongst a database of target genomes. Subsequently, zol enables reliable, context-specific inference of ortholog groups for individual protein-encoding genes across gene cluster instances. In addition, zol performs functional annotation and computes a variety of evolutionary statistics for each inferred ortholog group. Importantly, in comparison to tools for visual exploration of homologous relationships between gene clusters, zol can scale to thousands of gene cluster instances and produce detailed reports that are easy to digest. To showcase fai and zol, we apply them for: (i) longitudinal tracking of a virus in metagenomes, (ii) discovering novel population-level genetic insights of two common BGCs in the fungal species Aspergillus flavus, and (iii) uncovering large-scale evolutionary trends of a virulence-associated gene cluster across thousands of genomes from a diverse bacterial genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauf Salamzade
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Patricia Q. Tran
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Freshwater and Marine Science Doctoral Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cody Martin
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Abigail L. Manson
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael S. Gilmore
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School and Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashlee M. Earl
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Lindsay R. Kalan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Madani WAM, Ramos Y, Cubillos-Ruiz JR, Morales DK. Enterococcal-host interactions in the gastrointestinal tract and beyond. FEMS MICROBES 2024; 5:xtae027. [PMID: 39391373 PMCID: PMC11466040 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is typically considered the natural niche of enterococci. However, these bacteria also inhabit extraintestinal tissues, where they can disrupt organ physiology and cause life-threatening infections. Here, we discuss how enterococci, primarily Enterococcus faecalis, interact with the intestine and other host anatomical locations such as the oral cavity, heart, liver, kidney, and vaginal tract. The metabolic flexibility of these bacteria allows them to quickly adapt to new environments, promoting their persistence in diverse tissues. In transitioning from commensals to pathogens, enterococci must overcome harsh conditions such as nutrient competition, exposure to antimicrobials, and immune pressure. Therefore, enterococci have evolved multiple mechanisms to adhere, colonize, persist, and endure these challenges in the host. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how enterococci interact with diverse host cells and tissues across multiple organ systems, highlighting the key molecular pathways that mediate enterococcal adaptation, persistence, and pathogenic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiam Abdalla Mo Madani
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10065, United States
| | - Yusibeska Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10065, United States
| | - Juan R Cubillos-Ruiz
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10065, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10065, United States
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10065, United States
| | - Diana K Morales
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10065, United States
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3
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Alrafaie AM, Pyrzanowska K, Smith EM, Partridge DG, Rafferty J, Mesnage S, Shepherd J, Stafford GP. A diverse set of Enterococcus-infecting phage provides insight into phage host-range determinants. Virus Res 2024; 347:199426. [PMID: 38960003 PMCID: PMC11269942 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199426] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Enterococci are robust Gram-positive bacteria that pose a significant threat in healthcare settings due to antibiotic resistance, with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) most prominent. To tackle this issue, bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) can be exploited as they specifically and efficiently target bacteria. Here, we successfully isolated and characterised a set of novel phages: SHEF10, SHEF11, SHEF13, SHEF14, and SHEF16 which target E. faecalis (SHEF10,11,13), or E. faecium (SHEF13, SHEF14 & SHEF16) strains including a range of clinical and VRE isolates. Genomic analysis shows that all phages are strictly lytic and diverse in terms of genome size and content, quickly and effectively lysing strains at different multiplicity of infections. Detailed analysis of the broad host-range SHEF13 phage revealed the crucial role of the enterococcal polysaccharide antigen (EPA) variable region in its infection of E. faecalis V583. In parallel, the discovery of a carbohydrate-targeting domain (CBM22) found conserved within the three phage genomes indicates a role in cell surface interactions that may be important in phage-bacterial interactons. These findings advance our comprehension of phage-host interactions and pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies against antibiotic-resistant enterococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan M Alrafaie
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Karolina Pyrzanowska
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Elspeth M Smith
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom, S10 2TA, UK
| | - David G Partridge
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - John Rafferty
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Stephane Mesnage
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Joanna Shepherd
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Graham P Stafford
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom, S10 2TA, UK; School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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4
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Adamczyk-Popławska M, Golec P, Piekarowicz A, Kwiatek A. The potential for bacteriophages and prophage elements in fighting and preventing the gonorrhea. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:769-784. [PMID: 37897236 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2274849] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most numerous entities on earth and are found everywhere their bacterial hosts live. As natural bacteria killers, phages are extensively investigated as a potential cure for bacterial infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the gonococcus) is the etiologic agent of a sexually transmitted disease: gonorrhea. The rapid increase of resistance of N. gonorrhoeae to antibiotics urges scientists to look for alternative treatments to combat gonococcal infections. Phage therapy has not been tested as an anti-gonococcal therapy so far. To date, no lytic phage has been discovered against N. gonorrhoeae. Nevertheless, gonococcal genomes contain both dsDNA and ssDNA prophages, and viral particle induction has been documented. In this review, we consider literature data about the attempts of hunting for a bacteriophage specific for gonococci - the gonophage. We also discuss the potential application of prophage elements in the fight against N. gonorrhoeae. Temperate phages may be useful in preventing and treating gonorrhea as a scaffold for anti-gonococcal vaccine development and as a source of lytic enzymes with anti-gonococcal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Adamczyk-Popławska
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Golec
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Piekarowicz
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kwiatek
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Bullen NP, Johnson CN, Andersen SE, Arya G, Marotta SR, Lee YJ, Weigele PR, Whitney JC, Duerkop BA. An enterococcal phage protein inhibits type IV restriction enzymes involved in antiphage defense. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6955. [PMID: 39138193 PMCID: PMC11322646 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51346-1] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections continues to rise as the development of antibiotics needed to combat these infections remains stagnant. MDR enterococci are a major contributor to this crisis. A potential therapeutic approach for combating MDR enterococci is bacteriophage (phage) therapy, which uses lytic viruses to infect and kill pathogenic bacteria. While phages that lyse some strains of MDR enterococci have been identified, other strains display high levels of resistance and the mechanisms underlying this resistance are poorly defined. Here, we use a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screen to identify a genetic locus found on a mobilizable plasmid from Enterococcus faecalis involved in phage resistance. This locus encodes a putative serine recombinase followed by a Type IV restriction enzyme (TIV-RE) that we show restricts the replication of phage phi47 in vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis. We further find that phi47 evolves to overcome restriction by acquiring a missense mutation in a TIV-RE inhibitor protein. We show that this inhibitor, termed type IV restriction inhibiting factor A (tifA), binds and inactivates diverse TIV-REs. Overall, our findings advance our understanding of phage defense in drug-resistant E. faecalis and provide mechanistic insight into how phages evolve to overcome antiphage defense systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Bullen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Cydney N Johnson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School-Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Shelby E Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School-Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Garima Arya
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School-Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sonia R Marotta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yan-Jiun Lee
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA, 01938, USA
| | - Peter R Weigele
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA, 01938, USA
| | - John C Whitney
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Breck A Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School-Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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6
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Sheriff EK, Salvato F, Andersen SE, Chatterjee A, Kleiner M, Duerkop BA. Enterococcal quorum-controlled protease alters phage infection. FEMS MICROBES 2024; 5:xtae022. [PMID: 39156124 PMCID: PMC11328733 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections has sparked interest in alternative antimicrobials, including bacteriophages (phages). Limited understanding of the phage infection process hampers our ability to utilize phages to their full therapeutic potential. To understand phage infection dynamics, we performed proteomics on Enterococcus faecalis infected with the phage VPE25. We discovered that numerous uncharacterized phage proteins are produced during phage infection of E. faecalis. Additionally, we identified hundreds of changes in bacterial protein abundances during infection. One such protein, enterococcal gelatinase (GelE), an fsr quorum-sensing-regulated protease involved in biofilm formation and virulence, was reduced during VPE25 infection. Plaque assays showed that mutation of either the quorum-sensing regulator fsrA or gelE resulted in plaques with a "halo" morphology and significantly larger diameters, suggesting decreased protection from phage infection. GelE-associated protection during phage infection is dependent on the putative murein hydrolase regulator LrgA and antiholin-like protein LrgB, whose expression have been shown to be regulated by GelE. Our work may be leveraged in the development of phage therapies that can modulate the production of GelE thereby altering biofilm formation and decreasing E. faecalis virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Sheriff
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Fernanda Salvato
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, 112 Derieux Pl., Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Shelby E Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Anushila Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Manuel Kleiner
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, 112 Derieux Pl., Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Breck A Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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7
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Bullen NP, Johnson CN, Andersen SE, Arya G, Marotta SR, Lee YJ, Weigele PR, Whitney JC, Duerkop BA. An enterococcal phage protein broadly inhibits type IV restriction enzymes involved in antiphage defense. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.16.567456. [PMID: 38014348 PMCID: PMC10680825 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.16.567456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections continues to rise as the development of antibiotics needed to combat these infections remains stagnant. MDR enterococci are a major contributor to this crisis. A potential therapeutic approach for combating MDR enterococci is bacteriophage (phage) therapy, which uses lytic viruses to infect and kill pathogenic bacteria. While phages that lyse some strains of MDR enterococci have been identified, other strains display high levels of resistance and the mechanisms underlying this resistance are poorly defined. Here, we use a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screen to identify a genetic locus found on a mobilizable plasmid from Enterococcus faecalis involved in phage resistance. This locus encodes a putative serine recombinase followed by a Type IV restriction enzyme (TIV-RE) that we show restricts the replication of phage phi47 in E. faecalis. We further find that phi47 evolves to overcome restriction by acquiring a missense mutation in a TIV-RE inhibitor protein. We show that this inhibitor, termed type IV restriction inhibiting factor A (tifA), binds and inactivates diverse TIV-REs. Overall, our findings advance our understanding of phage defense in drug-resistant E. faecalis and provide mechanistic insight into how phages evolve to overcome antiphage defense systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P. Bullen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Cydney N. Johnson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School – Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, 80045
| | - Shelby E. Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School – Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, 80045
| | - Garima Arya
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School – Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, 80045
| | - Sonia R. Marotta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yan-Jiun Lee
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA, USA, 01938
| | - Peter R. Weigele
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA, USA, 01938
| | - John C. Whitney
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Breck A. Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School – Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, 80045
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8
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Jiang B, Liu J, Wang J, Zhao G, Zhao Z. Adaptive Evolution for the Efficient Production of High-Quality d-Lactic Acid Using Engineered Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1167. [PMID: 38930549 PMCID: PMC11205318 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
d-Lactic acid serves as a pivotal platform chemical in the production of poly d-lactic acid (PDLA) and other value-added products. This compound can be synthesized by certain bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, industrial-scale lactic acid production in Klebsiella pneumoniae faces challenges due to growth inhibition caused by lactic acid stress, which acts as a bottleneck in commercial microbial fermentation processes. To address this, we employed a combination of evolutionary and genetic engineering approaches to create an improved Klebsiella pneumoniae strain with enhanced lactic acid tolerance and production. In flask fermentation experiments, the engineered strain achieved an impressive accumulation of 19.56 g/L d-lactic acid, representing the highest production yield observed in Klebsiella pneumoniae to date. Consequently, this strain holds significant promise for applications in industrial bioprocessing. Notably, our genome sequencing and experimental analyses revealed a novel correlation between UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase GalU and lactic acid resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of targeting GalU for enhancing d-lactic acid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (B.J.); (J.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiezheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (B.J.); (J.L.); (J.W.)
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao 266101, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (B.J.); (J.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Guang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (B.J.); (J.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Zhe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Institute of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; (B.J.); (J.L.); (J.W.)
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9
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Sheriff EK, Salvato F, Andersen SE, Chatterjee A, Kleiner M, Duerkop BA. Enterococcal quorum-controlled protease alters phage infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.10.593607. [PMID: 38766208 PMCID: PMC11100838 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.10.593607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Increased prevalence of multidrug resistant bacterial infections has sparked interest in alternative antimicrobials, including bacteriophages (phages). Limited understanding of the phage infection process hampers our ability to utilize phages to their full therapeutic potential. To understand phage infection dynamics we performed proteomics on Enterococcus faecalis infected with the phage VPE25. We discovered numerous uncharacterized phage proteins are produced during phage infection of Enterococcus faecalis. Additionally, we identified hundreds of changes in bacterial protein abundances during infection. One such protein, enterococcal gelatinase (GelE), an fsr quorum sensing regulated protease involved in biofilm formation and virulence, was reduced during VPE25 infection. Plaque assays showed that mutation of either the fsrA or gelE resulted in plaques with a "halo" morphology and significantly larger diameters, suggesting decreased protection from phage infection. GelE-associated protection during phage infection is dependent on the murein hydrolase regulator LrgA and antiholin-like protein LrgB, whose expression have been shown to be regulated by GelE. Our work may be leveraged in the development of phage therapies that can modulate the production of GelE thereby altering biofilm formation and decreasing E. faecalis virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K. Sheriff
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Fernanda Salvato
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Shelby E. Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Anushila Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Manuel Kleiner
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Breck A. Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
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10
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Boeder AM, Spiller F, Carlstrom M, Izídio GS. Enterococcus faecalis: implications for host health. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:190. [PMID: 38702495 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04007-w] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The microbiota represents a crucial area of research in maintaining human health due to its potential for uncovering novel biomarkers, therapies, and molecular mechanisms relevant to population identification and experimental model characterization. Among these microorganisms, Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, holds particular significance. Strains of this bacterial species have sparked considerable debate in the literature due to their dual nature; they can either be utilized as probiotics in the food industry or demonstrate resistance to antibiotics, potentially leading to severe illness, disability, and death. Given the diverse characteristics of Enterococcus faecalis strains, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of their impact on various systems within the host, including the immunological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and nervous systems. Furthermore, we summarize the bacterium-host interaction characteristics and molecular effects to highlight their targets, features, and overall impact on microbial communities and host health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariela Maína Boeder
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fernando Spiller
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mattias Carlstrom
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
- Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Laboratório de Genética do Comportamento, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Embriologia e Genética, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.
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11
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Lossouarn J, Beurrier E, Bouteau A, Moncaut E, Sir Silmane M, Portalier H, Zouari A, Cattoir V, Serror P, Petit MA. The virtue of training: extending phage host spectra against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains using the Appelmans method. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0143923. [PMID: 38591854 PMCID: PMC11210271 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01439-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy has (re)emerged as a serious possibility for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, including those caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains. These opportunistic pathogens belong to a specific clonal complex 17, against which relatively few phages have been screened. We isolated a collection of 21 virulent phages growing on these vancomycin-resistant isolates. Each of these phages harbored a typical narrow plaquing host range, lysing at most 5 strains and covering together 10 strains of our panel of 14 clinical isolates. To enlarge the host spectrum of our phages, the Appelmans protocol was used. We mixed four out of our most complementary phages in a cocktail that we iteratively grew on eight naive strains from our panel, of which six were initially refractory to at least three of the combined phages. Fifteen successive passages permitted to significantly improve the lytic activity of the cocktail, from which phages with extended host ranges within the E. faecium species could be isolated. A single evolved phage able to kill up to 10 of the 14 initial E. faecium strains was obtained, and it barely infected nearby species. All evolved phages had acquired point mutations or a recombination event in the tail fiber genetic region, suggesting these genes might have driven phage evolution by contributing to their extended host spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Lossouarn
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elsa Beurrier
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Astrid Bouteau
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elisabeth Moncaut
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Maria Sir Silmane
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Heïdi Portalier
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Asma Zouari
- CHU de Rennes, Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière et CNR de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques (laboratoire associé "Entérocoques"), Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Cattoir
- CHU de Rennes, Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière et CNR de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques (laboratoire associé "Entérocoques"), Rennes, France
- Université de Rennes, INSERM, UMR_S1230 BRM, Rennes, France
| | - Pascale Serror
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marie-Agnès Petit
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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12
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Berkson JD, Wate CE, Allen GB, Schubert AM, Dunbar KE, Coryell MP, Sava RL, Gao Y, Hastie JL, Smith EM, Kenneally CR, Zimmermann SK, Carlson PE. Phage-specific immunity impairs efficacy of bacteriophage targeting Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus in a murine model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2993. [PMID: 38582763 PMCID: PMC10998888 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47192-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage therapy is a promising approach to address antimicrobial infections though questions remain regarding the impact of the immune response on clinical effectiveness. Here, we develop a mouse model to assess phage treatment using a cocktail of five phages from the Myoviridae and Siphoviridae families that target Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus gut colonization. Phage treatment significantly reduces fecal bacterial loads of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus. We also characterize immune responses elicited following administration of the phage cocktail. While minimal innate responses are observed after phage administration, two rounds of treatment induces phage-specific neutralizing antibodies and accelerate phage clearance from tissues. Interestingly, the myophages in our cocktail induce a more robust neutralizing antibody response than the siphophages. This anti-phage immunity reduces the effectiveness of the phage cocktail in our murine model. Collectively, this study shows phage-specific immune responses may be an important consideration in the development of phage cocktails for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Berkson
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Claire E Wate
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Garrison B Allen
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Alyxandria M Schubert
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Kristin E Dunbar
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Michael P Coryell
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Rosa L Sava
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Yamei Gao
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Viral Products, Laboratory of Pediatric and Respiratory Viral Diseases, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Jessica L Hastie
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Emily M Smith
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Charlotte R Kenneally
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Sally K Zimmermann
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA
| | - Paul E Carlson
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20832, USA.
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13
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Sheriff EK, Andersen SE, Chatterjee A, Duerkop BA. Complete genome sequence of enterococcal phage G01. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0121723. [PMID: 38294211 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01217-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the annotated genome of enterococcal phage G01. The G01 genome is 41,189 bp in length and contains 67 predicted open reading frames. Host range analysis revealed G01 can infect 28.6% (6/21) of Enterococcus faecalis strains tested and appears to not require the enterococcal phage infection protein PIPEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Sheriff
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Shelby E Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anushila Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Breck A Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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14
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Li Y, Wei Y, Guo X, Li X, Lu L, Hu L, He Z. Insertion sequence transposition activates antimycobacteriophage immunity through an lsr2-silenced lipid metabolism gene island. MLIFE 2024; 3:87-100. [PMID: 38827510 PMCID: PMC11139207 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Insertion sequences (ISs) exist widely in bacterial genomes, but their roles in the evolution of bacterial antiphage defense remain to be clarified. Here, we report that, under the pressure of phage infection, the IS1096 transposition of Mycobacterium smegmatis into the lsr2 gene can occur at high frequencies, which endows the mutant mycobacterium with a broad-spectrum antiphage ability. Lsr2 functions as a negative regulator and directly silences expression of a gene island composed of 11 lipid metabolism-related genes. The complete or partial loss of the gene island leads to a significant decrease of bacteriophage adsorption to the mycobacterium, thus defending against phage infection. Strikingly, a phage that has evolved mutations in two tail-filament genes can re-escape from the lsr2 inactivation-triggered host defense. This study uncovered a new signaling pathway for activating antimycobacteriophage immunity by IS transposition and provided insight into the natural evolution of bacterial antiphage defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐Bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Yuyun Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐Bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Xiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐Bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐Bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Lining Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐Bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Lihua Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐Bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Zheng‐Guo He
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐Bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
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15
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Wang M, Zhang J, Wei J, Jiang L, Jiang L, Sun Y, Zeng Z, Wang Z. Phage-inspired strategies to combat antibacterial resistance. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:196-211. [PMID: 38400715 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2181056] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in clinically priority pathogensis now a major threat to public health worldwide. Phages are bacterial parasites that efficiently infect or kill specific strains and represent the most abundant biological entities on earth, showing great attraction as potential antibacterial therapeutics in combating AMR. This review provides a summary of phage-inspired strategies to combat AMR. We firstly cover the phage diversity, and then explain the biological principles of phage therapy that support the use of phages in the post-antimicrobial era. Furthermore, we state the versatility methods of phage therapy both from direct access as well as collateral access. Among the direct access approaches, we discuss the use of phage cocktail therapy, phage-encoded endolysins and the bioengineering for function improvement of used phages or endolysins. On the other hand, we introduce the collateral access, including the phages antimicrobial immunity combined therapy and phage-based novel antibacterial mimic molecules. Nowadays, more and more talented and enthusiastic scientist, doctors, pharmacists, media, authorities, and industry are promoting the progress of phage therapy, and proposed more phages-inspired strategy to make them more tractable to combat AMR and benefit more people, more animal and diverse environment in "one health" framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianzhi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junxuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yongxue Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenling Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou, China
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16
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Jiang A, Liu Z, Lv X, Zhou C, Ran T, Tan Z. Prospects and Challenges of Bacteriophage Substitution for Antibiotics in Livestock and Poultry Production. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 38248459 PMCID: PMC10812986 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in the livestock and poultry industry has led to the development of multi-drug resistance in animal pathogens, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria transfer from animals to humans through the consumption of animal products, posing a serious threat to human health. Therefore, the use of antibiotics in livestock production has been strictly controlled. As a result, bacteriophages have attracted increasing research interest as antibiotic alternatives, since they are natural invaders of bacteria. Numerous studies have shown that dietary bacteriophage supplementation could regulate intestinal microbial composition, enhance mucosal immunity and the physical barrier function of the intestinal tract, and play an important role in maintaining intestinal microecological stability and normal body development of animals. The effect of bacteriophages used in animals is influenced by factors such as species, dose, and duration. However, as a category of mobile genetic elements, the high frequency of gene exchange of bacteriophages also poses risks of transmitting ARGs among bacteria. Hence, we summarized the mechanism and efficacy of bacteriophage therapy, and highlighted the feasibility and challenges of bacteriophage utilization in farm animal production, aiming to provide a reference for the safe and effective application of bacteriophages as an antibiotic alternative in livestock and poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoyu Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Zixin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xiaokang Lv
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China;
| | - Chuanshe Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Tao Ran
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhiliang Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Agri-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Physiology and Metabolic Process, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; (A.J.); (Z.L.); (Z.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
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17
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Laanto E. Overcoming Bacteriophage Resistance in Phage Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2738:401-410. [PMID: 37966611 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3549-0_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria is one of the most severe global challenges. It is predicted that over ten million lives will be lost annually by 2050. Phage therapy is a promising alternative to antibiotics. However, the ease of development of phage resistance during therapy is a concern. This review focuses on the possible ways to overcome phage resistance in phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Laanto
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland.
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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18
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Fujiki J, Schnabl B. Phage therapy: Targeting intestinal bacterial microbiota for the treatment of liver diseases. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100909. [PMID: 37965159 PMCID: PMC10641246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy has been overshadowed by antibiotics for decades. However, it is being revisited as a powerful approach against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. As bacterial microbiota have been mechanistically linked to gastrointestinal and liver diseases, precise editing of the gut microbiota via the selective bactericidal action of phages has prompted renewed interest in phage therapy. In this review, we summarise the basic virological properties of phages and the latest findings on the composition of the intestinal phageome and the changes associated with liver diseases. We also review preclinical and clinical studies assessing phage therapy for the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as well as future prospects and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Fujiki
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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19
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Fujiki J, Nakamura K, Nakamura T, Iwano H. Fitness Trade-Offs between Phage and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Phage-Resistant Variants: Molecular Action and Insights into Clinical Applications for Phage Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15628. [PMID: 37958612 PMCID: PMC10650657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, phage therapy has been overshadowed by the widespread use of antibiotics in Western countries. However, it has been revitalized as a powerful approach due to the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Although bacterial resistance to phages has been reported in clinical cases, recent studies on the fitness trade-offs between phage and antibiotic resistance have revealed new avenues in the field of phage therapy. This strategy aims to restore the antibiotic susceptibility of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, even if phage-resistant variants develop. Here, we summarize the basic virological properties of phages and their applications within the context of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, we review the occurrence of phage resistance in clinical cases, and examine fitness trade-offs between phage and antibiotic sensitivity, exploring the potential of an evolutionary fitness cost as a countermeasure against phage resistance in therapy. Finally, we discuss future strategies and directions for phage-based therapy from the aspect of fitness trade-offs. This approach is expected to provide robust options when combined with antibiotics in this era of phage 're'-discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Fujiki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Keisuke Nakamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
- Phage Therapy Institute, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Iwano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
- Phage Therapy Institute, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
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20
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Chung KM, Liau XL, Tang SS. Bacteriophages and Their Host Range in Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Disease Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1467. [PMID: 37895938 PMCID: PMC10610060 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101467] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in recent times has prompted the search for new and more potent antibiotics. Bacteriophages (commonly known as phages) are viruses that target and infect their bacterial hosts. As such, they are also a potential alternative to antibiotics. These phages can be broadly categorized into monovalent (with a narrow host range spectrum and specific to a single bacterial genus) and polyvalent (with a broad host range and specific to more than two genera). However, there is still much ambiguity in the use of these terms, with researchers often describing their phages differently. There is considerable research on the use of both narrow- and broad-host range phages in the treatment of infections and diseases caused by MDR bacteria, including tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infectious diseases. From this, it is clear that the host range of these phages plays a vital role in determining the effectiveness of any phage therapy, and this factor is usually analyzed based on the advantages and limitations of different host ranges. There have also been efforts to expand phage host ranges via phage cocktail development, phage engineering and combination therapies, in line with current technological advancements. This literature review aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of the role of phage host ranges in the effectiveness of treating MDR-bacterial diseases, by exploring the following: phage biology, the importance of phages in MDR bacteria diseases treatment, the importance of phage host range and its advantages and limitations, current findings and recent developments, and finally, possible future directions for wide host range phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Mun Chung
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Xiew Leng Liau
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Swee Seong Tang
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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21
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Oromí-Bosch A, Antani JD, Turner PE. Developing Phage Therapy That Overcomes the Evolution of Bacterial Resistance. Annu Rev Virol 2023; 10:503-524. [PMID: 37268007 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-012423-110530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The global rise of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens and the waning efficacy of antibiotics urge consideration of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Phage therapy is a classic approach where bacteriophages (bacteria-specific viruses) are used against bacterial infections, with many recent successes in personalized medicine treatment of intractable infections. However, a perpetual challenge for developing generalized phage therapy is the expectation that viruses will exert selection for target bacteria to deploy defenses against virus attack, causing evolution of phage resistance during patient treatment. Here we review the two main complementary strategies for mitigating bacterial resistance in phage therapy: minimizing the ability for bacterial populations to evolve phage resistance and driving (steering) evolution of phage-resistant bacteria toward clinically favorable outcomes. We discuss future research directions that might further address the phage-resistance problem, to foster widespread development and deployment of therapeutic phage strategies that outsmart evolved bacterial resistance in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jyot D Antani
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Phage Biology & Therapy, and Quantitative Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Paul E Turner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Phage Biology & Therapy, and Quantitative Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
- Program in Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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22
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Bhatti JM, Raza SA, Alam AF, Khan YN, Mala A, Batool I, Sameeullah FNU. Antibiotic choices among healthcare professionals for enterococcal bacteremia with patterns of resistance and risk factors of mortality, in settings of poor antibiotic stewardship program - a five-year retrospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:514. [PMID: 37544982 PMCID: PMC10405468 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08498-0] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterococcal bacteremia has become prevalent in the recent decade, especially in hospitalized patients. Moreover, the rise in resistance patterns against antibiotic drugs regarding enterococci infection, such as cephalosporins, ampicillin and vancomycin, is prevailing. The major driving force behind this is the incongruous use of antibiotics with a minor contribution from environmental stressors which calls for vigilant and prudent administration of evidence-based antibiotics. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted from January 1 2017 until December 31 2021, at the tertiary care center, Dr Ziauddin Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. RESULTS Our research revealed ampicillin resistance in 87 (63.5%), with an estimated 25 (18.8%) mortality. Male gender 19 (76%) and vancomycin resistance 13 (52%) were associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, appropriate antibiotic therapy reduced the risk of death compared with inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics 10 (40%) vs. 15 (60%) vs. 20 (80%) respectively. Targeted therapy with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was associated with lower mortality 1 (4%) and higher discharge rates 34 (32.1%). On Kaplan-Meier survival, targeted therapy with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was associated with shorter hospital stays and prolonged survival. UTI was found as the most common source of enterococcal bacteremia 57 (41.6%), followed by respiratory 21 (15.3%) and intra-abdominal 13 (9.5%). In 26 (19%) patients, no identifiable source of infection was found. CONCLUSION Vancomycin resistance and male gender were found independent risk factors for mortality. The use of inappropriate antibiotics significantly increases mortality in these patients. The appropriate antibiotic therapy reduces the risk of death. Furthermore, overuse of antibiotics didn't reduce mortality; instead increased the financial burden and chances of developing multi-drug resistant strains of other organisms by increasing hospital stays of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syed Ali Raza
- Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, North Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Ali Mala
- Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, North Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan
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Song F, Sheng J, Tan J, Xie H, Wang X, Guo W. Characterization of an Enterococcus faecalis bacteriophage SFQ1 as a potential therapeutic agent. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1210319. [PMID: 37426023 PMCID: PMC10324664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1210319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a well-established resident of the human gastrointestinal tract and is also a major cause of human infections. Unfortunately, therapeutic options for E. faecalis infections remain limited, particularly with the emergence of vancomycin-resistant strains in hospital settings. Consequently, there has been a renewed interest in phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we have isolated a bacteriophage, vB_EfaS-SFQ1, from hospital sewage, which effectively infects E. faecalis strain EFS01. Phage SFQ1 is a siphovirus and exhibits a relatively broad host range. Furthermore, it has a short latent period of approximately 10 min and a large burst size of about 110 PFU/cell at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01, and it could effectively disrupt the biofilms formed by E. faecalis. Thus, this study provides a detailed characterization of E. faecalis phage SFQ1, which has great potential for treating E. faecalis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Song
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Sheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Jishan Tan
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Huajie Xie
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenqiong Guo
- School of Nursing, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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Kirsch JM, Ely S, Stellfox ME, Hullahalli K, Luong P, Palmer KL, Van Tyne D, Duerkop BA. Targeted IS-element sequencing uncovers transposition dynamics during selective pressure in enterococci. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011424. [PMID: 37267422 PMCID: PMC10266640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Insertion sequences (IS) are simple transposons implicated in the genome evolution of diverse pathogenic bacterial species. Enterococci have emerged as important human intestinal pathogens with newly adapted virulence potential and antibiotic resistance. These genetic features arose in tandem with large-scale genome evolution mediated by mobile elements. Pathoadaptation in enterococci is thought to be mediated in part by the IS element IS256 through gene inactivation and recombination events. However, the regulation of IS256 and the mechanisms controlling its activation are not well understood. Here, we adapt an IS256-specfic deep sequencing method to describe how chronic lytic phage infection drives widespread diversification of IS256 in E. faecalis and how antibiotic exposure is associated with IS256 diversification in E. faecium during a clinical human infection. We show through comparative genomics that IS256 is primarily found in hospital-adapted enterococcal isolates. Analyses of IS256 transposase gene levels reveal that IS256 mobility is regulated at the transcriptional level by multiple mechanisms in E. faecalis, indicating tight control of IS256 activation in the absence of selective pressure. Our findings reveal that stressors such as phages and antibiotic exposure drives rapid genome-scale transposition in the enterococci. IS256 diversification can therefore explain how selective pressures mediate evolution of the enterococcal genome, ultimately leading to the emergence of dominant nosocomial lineages that threaten human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Kirsch
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado–Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Shannon Ely
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado–Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Madison E. Stellfox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Karthik Hullahalli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, United States of America
| | - Phat Luong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado–Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kelli L. Palmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, United States of America
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Breck A. Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado–Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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Fungo GBN, Uy JCW, Porciuncula KLJ, Candelario CMA, Chua DPS, Gutierrez TAD, Clokie MRJ, Papa DMD. "Two Is Better Than One": The Multifactorial Nature of Phage-Antibiotic Combinatorial Treatments Against ESKAPE-Induced Infections. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:55-67. [PMID: 37350995 PMCID: PMC10282822 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2023.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) has been extensively explored over the past decade, with the aim of developing more effective treatments against multidrug-resistant organisms. However, it remains unclear how to effectively combine these two approaches. To address this uncertainty, we assessed four main aspects of PAS interactions in this review, seeking to identify commonalities of combining treatments within and between bacterial species. We examined all literature on PAS efficacy toward ESKAPE pathogens and present an analysis of the data in papers focusing on: (1) order of treatment, (2) dose of both phage and antibiotics, (3) mechanism of action, and (4) viability of transfer from in vivo or animal model trials to clinical applications. Our analysis indicates that there is little consistency within phage-antibiotic therapy regimens, suggesting that highly individualized treatment regimens should be used. We propose a set of experimental studies to address these research gaps. We end our review with suggestions on how to improve studies on phage-antibiotic combination therapy to advance this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gale Bernice N. Fungo
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Bacteriophage Ecology, Aquaculture, Therapy and Systematics (BEATS) Research Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - John Christian W. Uy
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Bacteriophage Ecology, Aquaculture, Therapy and Systematics (BEATS) Research Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kristiana Louise J. Porciuncula
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Bacteriophage Ecology, Aquaculture, Therapy and Systematics (BEATS) Research Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Chiarah Mae A. Candelario
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Bacteriophage Ecology, Aquaculture, Therapy and Systematics (BEATS) Research Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Deneb Philip S. Chua
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Bacteriophage Ecology, Aquaculture, Therapy and Systematics (BEATS) Research Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Tracey Antaeus D. Gutierrez
- Bacteriophage Ecology, Aquaculture, Therapy and Systematics (BEATS) Research Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Donna May D. Papa
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Bacteriophage Ecology, Aquaculture, Therapy and Systematics (BEATS) Research Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
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26
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Chen L, Hou X, Chu H. The Novel Role of Phage Particles in Chronic Liver Diseases. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1181. [PMID: 37317156 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051181] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea, all of which are closely related with human health. As the main component of enterovirus, the role of bacteriophages (phages) in chronic liver disease has been gradually recognized. Chronic liver diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, exhibit alterations of the enteric phages. Phages shape intestinal bacterial colonization and regulate bacterial metabolism. Phages adjoining to intestinal epithelial cells prevent bacteria from invading the intestinal barrier, and mediate intestinal inflammatory response. Phages are also observed increasing intestinal permeability and migrating to peripheral blood and organs, likely contributing to inflammatory injury in chronic liver diseases. By preying on harmful bacteria, phages can improve the gut microbiome of patients with chronic liver disease and thus act as an effective treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuying Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaohua Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Huikuan Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
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27
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Natterson-Horowitz B, Aktipis A, Fox M, Gluckman PD, Low FM, Mace R, Read A, Turner PE, Blumstein DT. The future of evolutionary medicine: sparking innovation in biomedicine and public health. FRONTIERS IN SCIENCE 2023; 1:997136. [PMID: 37869257 PMCID: PMC10590274 DOI: 10.3389/fsci.2023.997136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionary medicine - i.e. the application of insights from evolution and ecology to biomedicine - has tremendous untapped potential to spark transformational innovation in biomedical research, clinical care and public health. Fundamentally, a systematic mapping across the full diversity of life is required to identify animal model systems for disease vulnerability, resistance, and counter-resistance that could lead to novel clinical treatments. Evolutionary dynamics should guide novel therapeutic approaches that target the development of treatment resistance in cancers (e.g., via adaptive or extinction therapy) and antimicrobial resistance (e.g., via innovations in chemistry, antimicrobial usage, and phage therapy). With respect to public health, the insight that many modern human pathologies (e.g., obesity) result from mismatches between the ecologies in which we evolved and our modern environments has important implications for disease prevention. Life-history evolution can also shed important light on patterns of disease burden, for example in reproductive health. Experience during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has underlined the critical role of evolutionary dynamics (e.g., with respect to virulence and transmissibility) in predicting and managing this and future pandemics, and in using evolutionary principles to understand and address aspects of human behavior that impede biomedical innovation and public health (e.g., unhealthy behaviors and vaccine hesitancy). In conclusion, greater interdisciplinary collaboration is vital to systematically leverage the insight-generating power of evolutionary medicine to better understand, prevent, and treat existing and emerging threats to human, animal, and planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Natterson-Horowitz
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Molly Fox
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Peter D. Gluckman
- Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Felicia M. Low
- Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ruth Mace
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Read
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Paul E. Turner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Program in Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Daniel T. Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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The Regulations of Essential WalRK Two-Component System on Enterococcus faecalis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030767. [PMID: 36769415 PMCID: PMC9917794 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030767] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium that is highly adaptable to its environment. In humans, it can cause serious infections with biofilm formation. With increasing attention on its health threat, prevention and control of biofilm formation in E. faecalis have been observed. Many factors including polysaccharides as well as autolysis, proteases, and eDNA regulate biofilm formation. Those contributors are regulated by several important regulatory systems involving the two-component signal transduction system (TCS) for its adaptation to the environment. Highly conserved WalRK as one of 17 TCSs is the only essential TCS in E. faecalis. In addition to biofilm formation, various metabolisms, including cell wall construction, drug resistance, as well as interactions among regulatory systems and resistance to the host immune system, can be modulated by the WalRK system. Therefore, WalRK has been identified as a key target for E. faecalis infection control. In the present review, the regulation of WalRK on E. faecalis pathogenesis and associated therapeutic strategies are demonstrated.
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29
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Colbert JF, Kirsch JM, Erzen CL, Langouët-Astrié CJ, Thompson GE, McMurtry SA, Kofonow JM, Robertson CE, Kovacs EJ, Sullivan RC, Hippensteel JA, Sawant NV, De Nisco NJ, McCollister BD, Schwartz RS, Horswill AR, Frank DN, Duerkop BA, Schmidt EP. Aging-associated augmentation of gut microbiome virulence capability drives sepsis severity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.523523. [PMID: 36711447 PMCID: PMC9882086 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.523523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Prior research has focused on host factors as mediators of exaggerated sepsis-associated morbidity and mortality in older adults. This focus on the host, however, has failed to identify therapies that improve sepsis outcomes in the elderly. We hypothesized that the increased susceptibility of the aging population to sepsis is not only a function of the host, but also reflects longevity-associated changes in the virulence of gut pathobionts. We utilized two complementary models of gut microbiota-induced experimental sepsis to establish the aged gut microbiome as a key pathophysiologic driver of heightened disease severity. Further murine and human investigations into these polymicrobial bacterial communities demonstrated that age was associated with only subtle shifts in ecological composition, but an overabundance of genomic virulence factors that have functional consequence on host immune evasion. One Sentence Summary The severity of sepsis in the aged host is in part mediated by longevity-associated increases in gut microbial virulence.
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30
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Li G, Walker MJ, De Oliveira DMP. Vancomycin Resistance in Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010024. [PMID: 36677316 PMCID: PMC9866002 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus are both common commensals and major opportunistic human pathogens. In recent decades, these bacteria have acquired broad resistance to several major classes of antibiotics, including commonly employed glycopeptides. Exemplified by resistance to vancomycin, glycopeptide resistance is mediated through intrinsic gene mutations, and/or transferrable van resistance gene cassette-carrying mobile genetic elements. Here, this review will discuss the epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and S. aureus in healthcare, community, and agricultural settings, explore vancomycin resistance in the context of van and non-van mediated resistance development and provide insights into alternative therapeutic approaches aimed at treating drug-resistant Enterococcus and S. aureus infections.
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31
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Guérin H, Kulakauskas S, Chapot-Chartier MP. Structural variations and roles of rhamnose-rich cell wall polysaccharides in Gram-positive bacteria. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102488. [PMID: 36113580 PMCID: PMC9574508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhamnose-rich cell wall polysaccharides (Rha-CWPSs) have emerged as crucial cell wall components of numerous Gram-positive, ovoid-shaped bacteria—including streptococci, enterococci, and lactococci—of which many are of clinical or biotechnological importance. Rha-CWPS are composed of a conserved polyrhamnose backbone with side-chain substituents of variable size and structure. Because these substituents contain phosphate groups, Rha-CWPS can also be classified as polyanionic glycopolymers, similar to wall teichoic acids, of which they appear to be functional homologs. Recent advances have highlighted the critical role of these side-chain substituents in bacterial cell growth and division, as well as in specific interactions between bacteria and infecting bacteriophages or eukaryotic hosts. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the structure and biosynthesis of Rha-CWPS in several ovoid-shaped bacterial species. We emphasize the role played by multicomponent transmembrane glycosylation systems in the addition of side-chain substituents of various sizes as extracytoplasmic modifications of the polyrhamnose backbone. We provide an overview of the contribution of Rha-CWPS to cell wall architecture and biogenesis and discuss current hypotheses regarding their importance in the cell division process. Finally, we sum up the critical roles that Rha-CWPS can play as bacteriophage receptors or in escaping host defenses, roles that are mediated mainly through their side-chain substituents. From an applied perspective, increased knowledge of Rha-CWPS can lead to advancements in strategies for preventing phage infection of lactococci and streptococci in food fermentation and for combating pathogenic streptococci and enterococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Guérin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Saulius Kulakauskas
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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32
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The Mechanism of Bacterial Resistance and Potential Bacteriostatic Strategies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091215. [PMID: 36139994 PMCID: PMC9495013 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial drug resistance is rapidly developing as one of the greatest threats to human health. Bacteria will adopt corresponding strategies to crack the inhibitory effect of antibiotics according to the antibacterial mechanism of antibiotics, involving the mutation of drug target, secreting hydrolase, and discharging antibiotics out of cells through an efflux pump, etc. In recent years, bacteria are found to constantly evolve new resistance mechanisms to antibiotics, including target protective protein, changes in cell morphology, and so on, endowing them with multiple defense systems against antibiotics, leading to the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and the unavailability of drugs in clinics. Correspondingly, researchers attempt to uncover the mystery of bacterial resistance to develop more convenient and effective antibacterial strategies. Although traditional antibiotics still play a significant role in the treatment of diseases caused by sensitive pathogenic bacteria, they gradually lose efficacy in the MDR bacteria. Therefore, highly effective antibacterial compounds, such as phage therapy and CRISPER-Cas precision therapy, are gaining an increasing amount of attention, and are considered to be the treatments with the moist potential with regard to resistance against MDR in the future. In this review, nine identified drug resistance mechanisms are summarized, which enhance the retention rate of bacteria under the action of antibiotics and promote the distribution of drug-resistant bacteria (DRB) in the population. Afterwards, three kinds of potential antibacterial methods are introduced, in which new antibacterial compounds exhibit broad application prospects with different action mechanisms, the phage therapy has been successfully applied to infectious diseases caused by super bacteria, and the CRISPER-Cas precision therapy as a new technology can edit drug-resistant genes in pathogenic bacteria at the gene level, with high accuracy and flexibility. These antibacterial methods will provide more options for clinical treatment, and will greatly alleviate the current drug-resistant crisis.
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In Vitro Evaluation of Five Newly Isolated Bacteriophages against E. faecalis Biofilm for Their Potential Use against Post-Treatment Apical Periodontitis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091779. [PMID: 36145527 PMCID: PMC9503355 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
State-of-the-art treatment of root canal infection includes the use of mechanical debridement and chemical agents. This disinfection method is limited, and microorganisms can remain in the canal system. Enterococcus faecalis appears with a high prevalence in secondary and persistent root canal infections and can be linked to endodontic treatment failure due to its various resistance mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the activity of newly isolated bacteriophages against clinical isolates of E. faecalis (including one vancomycin- and gentamicin-resistant strain) as a single treatment or in combination with gentamicin and vancomycin. For the resistant strain, daptomycin and fosfomycin were tested. Sixteen E. faecalis strains were used to screen for the presence of bacteriophages in sewage. Five different bacteriophages were characterized in terms of virion morphology, host range and killing-kinetics against each E. faecalis host strain. To investigate the antibiofilm effect of antibiotic and phages, E. faecalis biofilm was grown on porous glass beads and treated with different antibiotic concentrations and with isolated bacteriophages alone or in staggered combinations. A strong biofilm reduction was observed when phages were combined with antibiotic, where combinations with gentamicin showed a better outcome compared to vancomycin. Regarding the resistant strain, daptomycin had a superior antibiofilm effect than fosfomycin.
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34
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Oliveira H, Drulis-Kawa Z, Azeredo J. Exploiting phage-derived carbohydrate depolymerases for combating infectious diseases. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:707-709. [PMID: 35691880 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria are protected against the immune system of their human hosts, as well as against predators such as phages, by expressing diverse surface carbohydrates. Some phages produce specialized depolymerases which can degrade those carbohydrates. Here, we discuss the biological role of depolymerases and how they can be exploited to develop new therapeutic strategies against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Oliveira
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; ESCMID Study Group for Non-traditional Antibacterial Therapy (ESGNTA); ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB).
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland; ESCMID Study Group for Non-traditional Antibacterial Therapy (ESGNTA).
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; ESCMID Study Group for Non-traditional Antibacterial Therapy (ESGNTA); ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB).
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Krause AL, Stinear TP, Monk IR. Barriers to genetic manipulation of Enterococci: Current Approaches and Future Directions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6650352. [PMID: 35883217 PMCID: PMC9779914 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are Gram-positive commensal gut bacteria that can also cause fatal infections. To study clinically relevant multi-drug resistant E. faecalis and E. faecium strains, methods are needed to overcome physical (thick cell wall) and enzymatic barriers that limit the transfer of foreign DNA and thus prevent facile genetic manipulation. Enzymatic barriers to DNA uptake identified in E. faecalis and E. faecium include type I, II and IV restriction modification systems and CRISPR-Cas. This review examines E. faecalis and E. faecium DNA defence systems and the methods with potential to overcome these barriers. DNA defence system bypass will allow the application of innovative genetic techniques to expedite molecular-level understanding of these important, but somewhat neglected, pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Krause
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Timothy P Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Ian R Monk
- Corresponding author: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia. E-mail:
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Evolutionary Dynamics between Phages and Bacteria as a Possible Approach for Designing Effective Phage Therapies against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070915. [PMID: 35884169 PMCID: PMC9311878 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing global threat of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to develop new effective therapies to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Bacteriophage therapy is considered as a possible alternative over antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, bacteria can evolve resistance towards bacteriophages through antiphage defense mechanisms, which is a major limitation of phage therapy. The antiphage mechanisms target the phage life cycle, including adsorption, the injection of DNA, synthesis, the assembly of phage particles, and the release of progeny virions. The non-specific bacterial defense mechanisms include adsorption inhibition, superinfection exclusion, restriction-modification, and abortive infection systems. The antiphage defense mechanism includes a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated (Cas) system. At the same time, phages can execute a counterstrategy against antiphage defense mechanisms. However, the antibiotic susceptibility and antibiotic resistance in bacteriophage-resistant bacteria still remain unclear in terms of evolutionary trade-offs and trade-ups between phages and bacteria. Since phage resistance has been a major barrier in phage therapy, the trade-offs can be a possible approach to design effective bacteriophage-mediated intervention strategies. Specifically, the trade-offs between phage resistance and antibiotic resistance can be used as therapeutic models for promoting antibiotic susceptibility and reducing virulence traits, known as bacteriophage steering or evolutionary medicine. Therefore, this review highlights the synergistic application of bacteriophages and antibiotics in association with the pleiotropic trade-offs of bacteriophage resistance.
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Shkoporov AN, Turkington CJ, Hill C. Mutualistic interplay between bacteriophages and bacteria in the human gut. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:737-749. [PMID: 35773472 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are often described as obligate predators of their bacterial hosts, and phage predation is one of the leading forces controlling the density and distribution of bacterial populations. Every 48 h half of all bacteria on Earth are killed by phages. Efficient killing also forms the basis of phage therapy in humans and animals and the use of phages as food preservatives. In turn, bacteria have a plethora of resistance systems against phage attack, but very few bacterial species, if any, have entirely escaped phage predation. However, in complex communities and environments such as the human gut, this antagonistic model of attack and counter-defence does not fully describe the scope of phage-bacterium interactions. In this Review, we explore some of the more mutualistic aspects of phage-bacterium interactions in the human gut, and we suggest that the relationship between phages and their bacterial hosts in the gut is best characterized not as a fight to the death between enemies but rather as a mutualistic relationship between partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey N Shkoporov
- APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. .,Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | | | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Abstract
Phages that infect pathogenic bacteria present a valuable resource for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. We isolated and developed a collection of 19 Enterococcus phages, including myoviruses, siphoviruses, and a podovirus, that can infect both Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. Several of the Myoviridae phages that we found in southern California wastewater were from the Brockvirinae subfamily (formerly Spounavirinae) and had a broad host range across both E. faecium and E. faecalis. By searching the NCBI Sequence Read Archive, we showed that these phages are prevalent globally in human and animal microbiomes. Enterococcus is a regular member of healthy human gut microbial communities; however, it is also an opportunistic pathogen responsible for an increasing number of antibiotic-resistant infections. We tested the ability of each phage to clear Enterococcus host cultures and delay the emergence of phage-resistant Enterococcus. We found that some phages were ineffective at clearing Enterococcus cultures individually but were effective when combined into cocktails. Quantitative PCR was used to track phage abundance in cocultures and revealed dynamics ranging from one dominant phage to an even distribution of phage growth. Genomic characterization showed that mutations in Enterococcus exopolysaccharide synthesis genes were consistently found in the presence of phage infection. This work will help to inform cocktail design for Enterococcus, which is an important target for phage therapy applications. IMPORTANCE Due to the rise in antibiotic resistance, Enterococcus infections are a major health crisis that requires the development of alternative therapies. Phage therapy offers an alternative to antibiotics and has shown promise in both in vitro and early clinical studies. Here, we established a collection of 19 Enterococcus phages and tested whether combining phages into cocktails could delay growth and the emergence of resistant mutants in comparison with individual phages. We showed that cocktails of two or three phages often prevented the growth of phage-resistant mutants, and we identified which phages were replicating the most in each cocktail. When resistant mutants emerged to single phages, they showed consistent accumulation of mutations in exopolysaccharide synthesis genes. These data serve to demonstrate that a cocktail approach can inform efforts to improve efficacy against Enterococcus isolates and reduce the emergence of resistance.
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The Phosphatase Bph and Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase PrsA Are Required for Gelatinase Expression and Activity in Enterococcus faecalis. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0012922. [PMID: 35657705 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00129-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a common commensal bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract as well as a frequent nosocomial pathogen. The secreted metalloprotease gelatinase (GelE) is an important E. faecalis virulence factor that contributes to numerous cellular activities, such as autolysis, biofilm formation, and biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance. Expression of gelE has been extensively studied and is regulated by the Fsr quorum sensing system. Here, we identify two additional factors regulating gelatinase expression and activity in E. faecalis OG1RF. The Bph phosphatase is required for expression of gelE in an Fsr-dependent manner. Additionally, the membrane-anchored protein foldase PrsA is required for GelE activity, but not fsr or gelE gene expression. Disrupting prsA also leads to increased antibiotic sensitivity in biofilms independent of the loss of GelE activity. Together, our results expand the model for gelatinase production in E. faecalis, which has important implications for fundamental studies of GelE function in Enterococcus and also E. faecalis pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE In Enterococcus faecalis, gelatinase (GelE) is a virulence factor that is also important for biofilm formation and interactions with other microbes as well as the host immune system. The long-standing model for GelE production is that the Fsr quorum sensing system positively regulates expression of gelE. Here, we update that model by identifying two additional factors that contribute to gelatinase production. The biofilm-associated Bph phosphatase regulates the expression of gelE through Fsr, and the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PrsA is required for production of active GelE through an Fsr-independent mechanism. This provides important insight into how regulatory networks outside of the fsr locus coordinate expression of gelatinase.
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Gordillo Altamirano FL, Kostoulias X, Subedi D, Korneev D, Peleg AY, Barr JJ. Phage-antibiotic combination is a superior treatment against Acinetobacter baumannii in a preclinical study. EBioMedicine 2022; 80:104045. [PMID: 35537278 PMCID: PMC9097682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical phage therapy is often delivered alongside antibiotics. However, the phenomenon of phage-antibiotic synergy has been mostly studied in vitro. Here, we assessed the in vivo bactericidal effect of a phage-antibiotic combination on Acinetobacter baumannii AB900 using phage øFG02, which binds to capsular polysaccharides and leads to antimicrobial resensitisation in vitro. METHODS We performed a two-stage preclinical study using a murine model of severe A. baumannii AB900 bacteraemia. In the first stage, with an endpoint of 11 h, mice (n = 4 per group) were treated with either PBS, ceftazidime, phage øFG02, or the combination of phage and ceftazidime. The second stage involved only the latter two groups (n = 5 per group), with a prolonged endpoint of 16 h. The primary outcome was the average bacterial burden from four body sites (blood, liver, kidney, and spleen). Bacterial colonies from phage-treated mice were retrieved and screened for phage-resistance. FINDINGS In the first stage, the bacterial burden (CFU/g of tissue) of the combination group (median: 4.55 × 105; interquartile range [IQR]: 2.79 × 105-2.81 × 106) was significantly lower than the PBS (median: 2.42 × 109; IQR: 1.97 × 109-3.48 × 109) and ceftazidime groups (median: 3.86 × 108; IQR: 2.15 × 108-6.35 × 108), but not the phage-only group (median: 1.28 × 107; IQR: 4.71 × 106-7.13 × 107). In the second stage, the combination treatment (median: 1.72 × 106; IQR: 5.11 × 105-4.00 × 106) outperformed the phage-only treatment (median: 7.46 × 107; IQR: 1.43 × 107-1.57 × 108). Phage-resistance emerged in 96% of animals receiving phages, and all the tested isolates (n = 11) had loss-of-function mutations in genes involved in capsule biosynthesis and increased sensitivity to ceftazidime. INTERPRETATION øFG02 reliably drives the in vivo evolution of A. baumannii AB900 towards a capsule-deficient, phage-resistant phenotype that is resensitised to ceftazidime. This mechanism highlights the clinical potential of using phage therapy to target A. baumannii and restore antibiotic activity. FUNDING National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando L Gordillo Altamirano
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xenia Kostoulias
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Infection Program, Department of Microbiology Monash University, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dinesh Subedi
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Denis Korneev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Science, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anton Y Peleg
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Infection Program, Department of Microbiology Monash University, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jeremy J Barr
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Machida K, Tahara SM. Immunotherapy and Microbiota for Targeting of Liver Tumor-Initiating Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2381. [PMID: 35625986 PMCID: PMC9139909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer contains tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs) that are resistant to therapies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence has increased twice over the past few decades, while the incidence of other cancer types has trended downward globally. Therefore, an understanding of HCC development and therapy resistance mechanisms is needed for this incurable malignancy. This review article describes links between immunotherapies and microbiota in tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs), which have stem cell characteristics with self-renewal ability and express pluripotency transcription factors such as NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4. This review discusses (1) how immunotherapies fail and (2) how gut dysbiosis inhibits immunotherapy efficacy. Gut dysbiosis promotes resistance to immunotherapies by breaking gut immune tolerance and activating suppressor immune cells. Unfortunately, this leads to incurable recurrence/metastasis development. Personalized medicine approaches targeting these mechanisms of TIC/metastasis-initiating cells are emerging targets for HCC immunotherapy and microbiota modulation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Machida
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., 503C-HMR, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
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Tkachev PV, Pchelin IM, Azarov DV, Gorshkov AN, Shamova OV, Dmitriev AV, Goncharov AE. Two Novel Lytic Bacteriophages Infecting Enterococcus spp. Are Promising Candidates for Targeted Antibacterial Therapy. Viruses 2022; 14:831. [PMID: 35458561 PMCID: PMC9030284 DOI: 10.3390/v14040831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance is of major concern globally. Among the most worrying pathogenic bacteria are vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Phage therapy is a highly promising method for controlling enterococcal infections. In this study, we described two virulent tailed bacteriophages possessing lytic activity against Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium isolates. The SSsP-1 bacteriophage belonged to the Saphexavirus genus of the Siphoviridae family, and the GVEsP-1 bacteriophage belonged to the Schiekvirus genus of Herelleviridae. The genomes of both viruses carried putative components of anti-CRISPR systems and did not contain known genes coding for antibiotic-resistance determinants and virulence factors. The conservative arrangement of protein-coding sequences in Saphexavirus and Schiekvirus genomes taken together with positive results of treating enterococcal peritonitis in an animal infection model imply the potential suitability of GVEsP-1 and SSsP-1 bacteriophages for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel V. Tkachev
- Scientific and Educational Center “Molecular Bases of Interaction of Microorganisms and Human” of the WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.M.P.); (D.V.A.); (O.V.S.); (A.V.D.)
| | - Ivan M. Pchelin
- Scientific and Educational Center “Molecular Bases of Interaction of Microorganisms and Human” of the WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.M.P.); (D.V.A.); (O.V.S.); (A.V.D.)
| | - Daniil V. Azarov
- Scientific and Educational Center “Molecular Bases of Interaction of Microorganisms and Human” of the WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.M.P.); (D.V.A.); (O.V.S.); (A.V.D.)
| | - Andrey N. Gorshkov
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
- Laboratory of Pathomorphology, Almazov National Research Centre, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga V. Shamova
- Scientific and Educational Center “Molecular Bases of Interaction of Microorganisms and Human” of the WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.M.P.); (D.V.A.); (O.V.S.); (A.V.D.)
| | - Alexander V. Dmitriev
- Scientific and Educational Center “Molecular Bases of Interaction of Microorganisms and Human” of the WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.M.P.); (D.V.A.); (O.V.S.); (A.V.D.)
| | - Artemiy E. Goncharov
- Scientific and Educational Center “Molecular Bases of Interaction of Microorganisms and Human” of the WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.M.P.); (D.V.A.); (O.V.S.); (A.V.D.)
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Johnson CN, Palacios Araya D, Schink V, Islam M, Mangalea MR, Decurtis EK, Ngo TC, Palmer KL, Duerkop BA. Genetically distant bacteriophages select for unique genomic changes in Enterococcus faecalis. Microbiologyopen 2022; 11:e1273. [PMID: 35478284 PMCID: PMC8924694 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The human microbiota harbors diverse bacterial and bacteriophage (phage) communities. Bacteria evolve to overcome phage infection, thereby driving phage evolution to counter bacterial resistance. Understanding how phages select for genetic alterations in medically relevant bacteria is important as phages become established biologics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Before phages can be widely used as standalone or combination antibacterial therapies, we must obtain a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms of phage infection and how host bacteria alter their genomes to become resistant. We performed coevolution experiments using a single Enterococcus faecalis strain and two distantly related phages to determine how phage pressure impacts the evolution of the E. faecalis genome. Whole-genome sequencing of E. faecalis following continuous exposure to these two phages revealed mutations previously demonstrated to be essential for phage infection. We also identified mutations in genes previously unreported to be associated with phage infection in E. faecalis. Intriguingly, there was only one shared mutation in the E. faecalis genome that was selected by both phages tested, demonstrating that infection by two genetically distinct phages selects for diverse variants. This knowledge serves as the basis for the continued study of E. faecalis genome evolution during phage infection and can be used to inform the design of future therapeutics, such as phage cocktails, intended to target MDR E. faecalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cydney N. Johnson
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | | | - Viviane Schink
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Moutusee Islam
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Mihnea R. Mangalea
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Emily K. Decurtis
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Tuong‐Vi C. Ngo
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Kelli L. Palmer
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Breck A. Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
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Pires DP, Meneses L, Brandão AC, Azeredo J. An overview of the current state of phage therapy for the treatment of biofilm-related infections. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 53:101209. [PMID: 35240424 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are involved in many chronic and difficult-to-treat infections. Phage therapy against infectious biofilms is becoming a promising strategy, as suggested by the increasing number of publications demonstrating the efficacy of phages against in vitro formed biofilms. However, the translation between in vitro results to in vivo phage therapy outcome is not straightforward due to the complexity of phage-biofilm interactions in clinical contexts. Here, we provide a critical overview of the in vitro studies of phages for biofilm control of clinical pathogens, followed by the major outcomes and lessons learned from the recently reported case studies (between 2018 and 2021) of phage therapy against biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Pires
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luciana Meneses
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana C Brandão
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal.
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45
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Mitigation of evolved bacterial resistance to phage therapy. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 53:101201. [PMID: 35180532 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ease with which bacteria can evolve resistance to phages is a key consideration for development of phage therapy. Here, we review recent work on the different evolutionary and ecological approaches to mitigate the problem. The approaches are broadly categorised into two areas: Minimising evolved phage resistance; and Directing phage-resistance evolution towards therapeutically beneficial outcomes.
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46
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Johnson CN, Sheriff EK, Duerkop BA, Chatterjee A. Let Me Upgrade You: Impact of Mobile Genetic Elements on Enterococcal Adaptation and Evolution. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0017721. [PMID: 34370561 PMCID: PMC8508098 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00177-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococci are Gram-positive bacteria that have evolved to thrive as both commensals and pathogens, largely due to their accumulation of mobile genetic elements via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Common agents of HGT include plasmids, transposable elements, and temperate bacteriophages. These vehicles of HGT have facilitated the evolution of the enterococci, specifically Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, into multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired pathogens. On the other hand, commensal strains of Enterococcus harbor CRISPR-Cas systems that prevent the acquisition of foreign DNA, restricting the accumulation of mobile genetic elements. In this review, we discuss enterococcal mobile genetic elements by highlighting their contributions to bacterial fitness, examine the impact of CRISPR-Cas on their acquisition, and identify key areas of research that can improve our understanding of enterococcal evolution and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cydney N. Johnson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Emma K. Sheriff
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Breck A. Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anushila Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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47
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Ramos Y, Sansone S, Morales DK. Sugarcoating it: Enterococcal polysaccharides as key modulators of host-pathogen interactions. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009822. [PMID: 34499702 PMCID: PMC8428557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yusibeska Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Sansone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Diana K. Morales
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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48
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Song M, Wu D, Hu Y, Luo H, Li G. Characterization of an Enterococcus faecalis Bacteriophage vB_EfaM_LG1 and Its Synergistic Effect With Antibiotic. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:698807. [PMID: 34336721 PMCID: PMC8322680 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.698807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that could cause pneumonia and bacteremia in stroke patients. The development of antibiotic resistance in hospital-associated E. faecalis is a formidable public health threat. Bacteriophage therapy is a renewed solution to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. However, bacteria can acquire phage resistance quite quickly, which is a significant barrier to phage therapy. Here, we characterized a lytic E. faecalis bacteriophage Vb_EfaM_LG1 with lytic activity. Its genome did not contain antibiotic resistance or virulence genes. Vb_EfaM_LG1 effectively inhibits E. faecalis growth for a short period, and phage resistance developed within hours. However, the combination of antibiotics and phage has a tremendous synergistic effect against E. faecalis, prevents the development of phage resistance, and disrupts the biofilm efficiently. Our results show that the phage-antibiotic combination has better killing efficiency against E. faecalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongmei Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyan Luo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gongbo Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Lavelle K, Sinderen DV, Mahony J. Cell wall polysaccharides of Gram positive ovococcoid bacteria and their role as bacteriophage receptors. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:4018-4031. [PMID: 34377367 PMCID: PMC8327497 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-positive bacterial cell walls are characterised by the presence of a thick peptidoglycan layer which provides protection from extracellular stresses, maintains cell integrity and determines cell morphology, while it also serves as a foundation to anchor a number of crucial polymeric structures. For ovococcal species, including streptococci, enterococci and lactococci, such structures are represented by rhamnose-containing cell wall polysaccharides, which at least in some instances appear to serve as a functional replacement for wall teichoic acids. The biochemical composition of several streptococcal, lactococcal and enterococcal rhamnose-containing cell wall polysaccharides have been elucidated, while associated functional genomic analyses have facilitated the proposition of models for individual biosynthetic pathways. Here, we review the genomic loci which encode the enzymatic machinery to produce rhamnose-containing, cell wall-associated polysaccharide (Rha cwps) structures of the afore-mentioned ovococcal bacteria with particular emphasis on gene content, biochemical structure and common biosynthetic steps. Furthermore, we discuss the role played by these saccharidic polymers as receptors for bacteriophages and the important role phages play in driving Rha cwps diversification and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Lavelle
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
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Kirsch JM, Brzozowski RS, Faith D, Round JL, Secor PR, Duerkop BA. Bacteriophage-Bacteria Interactions in the Gut: From Invertebrates to Mammals. Annu Rev Virol 2021; 8:95-113. [PMID: 34255542 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-091919-101238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria and their viruses (bacteriophages or phages) interact antagonistically and beneficially in polymicrobial communities such as the guts of animals. These interactions are multifaceted and are influenced by environmental conditions. In this review, we discuss phage-bacteria interactions as they relate to the complex environment of the gut. Within the mammalian and invertebrate guts, phages and bacteria engage in diverse interactions including genetic coexistence through lysogeny, and phages directly modulate microbiota composition and the immune system with consequences that are becoming recognized as potential drivers of health and disease. With greater depth of understanding of phage-bacteria interactions in the gut and the outcomes, future phage therapies become possible. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Kirsch
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA;
| | - Robert S Brzozowski
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA;
| | - Dominick Faith
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA;
| | - June L Round
- Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113, USA;
| | - Patrick R Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA;
| | - Breck A Duerkop
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA;
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