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Hunt BC, Brix V, Vath J, Guterman BL, Taddei SM, Learman BS, Brauer AL, Shen S, Qu J, Armbruster CE. Metabolic interplay between Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis facilitates polymicrobial biofilm formation and invasive disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.17.533237. [PMID: 36993593 PMCID: PMC10055233 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Polymicrobial biofilms play an important role in the development and pathogenesis of CAUTI. Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis are common CAUTI pathogens that persistently co-colonize the catheterized urinary tract and form biofilms with increased biomass and antibiotic resistance. In this study, we uncover the metabolic interplay that drives biofilm enhancement and examine the contribution to CAUTI severity. Through compositional and proteomic biofilm analyses, we determined that the increase in biofilm biomass stems from an increase in the protein fraction of the polymicrobial biofilm matrix. We further observed an enrichment in proteins associated with ornithine and arginine metabolism in polymicrobial biofilms compared to single-species biofilms. We show that L-ornithine secretion by E. faecalis promotes arginine biosynthesis in P. mirabilis, and that disruption of this metabolic interplay abrogates the biofilm enhancement we see in vitro and leads to significant decreases in infection severity and dissemination in a murine CAUTI model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Hunt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Vitus Brix
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Joseph Vath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Beryl L. Guterman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Steven M. Taddei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Brian S. Learman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Aimee L. Brauer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Shichen Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
- NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
| | - Chelsie E. Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States of America
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Lu L, Zhao Y, Li M, Wang X, Zhu J, Liao L, Wang J. Contemporary strategies and approaches for characterizing composition and enhancing biofilm penetration targeting bacterial extracellular polymeric substances. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100906. [PMID: 38634060 PMCID: PMC11022105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) constitutes crucial elements within bacterial biofilms, facilitating accelerated antimicrobial resistance and conferring defense against the host's immune cells. Developing precise and effective antibiofilm approaches and strategies, tailored to the specific characteristics of EPS composition, can offer valuable insights for the creation of novel antimicrobial drugs. This, in turn, holds the potential to mitigate the alarming issue of bacterial drug resistance. Current analysis of EPS compositions relies heavily on colorimetric approaches with a significant bias, which is likely due to the selection of a standard compound and the cross-interference of various EPS compounds. Considering the pivotal role of EPS in biofilm functionality, it is imperative for EPS research to delve deeper into the analysis of intricate compositions, moving beyond the current focus on polymeric materials. This necessitates a shift from heavy reliance on colorimetric analytic methods to more comprehensive and nuanced analytical approaches. In this study, we have provided a comprehensive summary of existing analytical methods utilized in the characterization of EPS compositions. Additionally, novel strategies aimed at targeting EPS to enhance biofilm penetration were explored, with a specific focus on highlighting the limitations associated with colorimetric methods. Furthermore, we have outlined the challenges faced in identifying additional components of EPS and propose a prospective research plan to address these challenges. This review has the potential to guide future researchers in the search for novel compounds capable of suppressing EPS, thereby inhibiting biofilm formation. This insight opens up a new avenue for exploration within this research domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Yuting Zhao
- Meishan Pharmaceutical Vocational College, School of Pharmacy, Meishan, Sichuan, 620200, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Langzhong People's Hospital, Langzhong, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Li Liao
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jingya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
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Redox-Mediated Inactivation of the Transcriptional Repressor RcrR is Responsible for Uropathogenic Escherichia coli's Increased Resistance to Reactive Chlorine Species. mBio 2022; 13:e0192622. [PMID: 36073817 PMCID: PMC9600549 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01926-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to overcome stressful environments is critical for pathogen survival in the host. One challenge for bacteria is the exposure to reactive chlorine species (RCS), which are generated by innate immune cells as a critical part of the oxidative burst. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the most potent antimicrobial RCS and is associated with extensive macromolecular damage in the phagocytized pathogen. However, bacteria have evolved defense strategies to alleviate the effects of HOCl-mediated damage. Among these are RCS-sensing transcriptional regulators that control the expression of HOCl-protective genes under non-stress and HOCl stress. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the major causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs), is particularly exposed to infiltrating neutrophils during pathogenesis; however, their responses to and defenses from HOCl are still completely unexplored. Here, we present evidence that UPEC strains tolerate higher levels of HOCl and are better protected from neutrophil-mediated killing compared with other E. coli. Transcriptomic analysis of HOCl-stressed UPEC revealed the upregulation of an operon consisting of three genes, one of which encodes the transcriptional regulator RcrR. We identified RcrR as a HOCl-responsive transcriptional repressor, which, under non-stress conditions, is bound to the operator and represses the expression of its target genes. During HOCl exposure, however, the repressor forms reversible intermolecular disulfide bonds and dissociates from the DNA resulting in the derepression of the operon. Deletion of one of the target genes renders UPEC significantly more susceptible to HOCl and phagocytosis indicating that the HOCl-mediated induction of the regulon plays a major role for UPEC’s HOCl resistance.
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Gmiter D, Kaca W. Into the understanding the multicellular lifestyle of Proteus mirabilis on solid surfaces. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:864305. [PMID: 36118021 PMCID: PMC9478170 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.864305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Indwelling urinary catheterization can lead to the development of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), an important type of nosocomial infection, as well as other medical issues among institutionalized adults. Recently, Proteus mirabilis was highlighted as the important cause of CAUTIs. The pathogenicity of P. mirabilis is dependent on two multicellular types of surface colonization: the adherence and swarming motility. Adhesion, mostly mediated by fimbrial and nonfimbrial adhesins, is important for the initiation of biofilm formation. Moreover, the production of urease frequently results in biofilm crystallization, which leads to the blockage of catheters. The heterologous polymeric matrix of the biofilm offers protection against antibiotics and the host immune system. P. mirabilis displays remarkable motility abilities. After contact with solid surfaces, hyper-flagellated cells are able to rapidly migrate. The importance of swarming motility in CAUTIs development remains controversial; however, it was indicated that swarming cells were able to co-express other virulence factors. Furthermore, flagella are strong immunomodulating proteins. On the other hand, both biofilm formation and swarming motility implicates multiple inter- and intraspecies interactions, which might contribute to the pathogenicity.
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Brauer AL, Learman BS, Taddei SM, Deka N, Hunt BC, Armbruster CE. Preferential catabolism of l- vs d-serine by Proteus mirabilis contributes to pathogenesis and catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Mol Microbiol 2022; 118:125-144. [PMID: 35970717 PMCID: PMC9486832 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of urinary tract infection, especially in catheterized individuals. Amino acids are the predominant nutrient for bacteria during growth in urine, and our prior studies identified several amino acid import and catabolism genes as fitness factors for P. mirabilis catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), particularly those for d- and l-serine. In this study, we sought to determine the hierarchy of amino acid utilization by P. mirabilis and to examine the relative importance of d- vs l-serine catabolism for critical steps in CAUTI development and progression. Herein, we show that P. mirabilis preferentially catabolizes l-serine during growth in human urine, followed by d-serine, threonine, tyrosine, glutamine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. Independently disrupting catabolism of either d- or l-serine has minimal impact on in vitro phenotypes while completely disrupting both pathways decreases motility, biofilm formation, and fitness due to perturbation of membrane potential and cell wall biosynthesis. In a mouse model of CAUTI, loss of either serine catabolism system decreased fitness, but disrupting l-serine catabolism caused a greater fitness defect than disrupting d-serine catabolism. We, therefore, conclude that the hierarchical utilization of amino acids may be a critical component of P. mirabilis colonization and pathogenesis within the urinary tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee L. Brauer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Brian S. Learman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Steven M. Taddei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Namrata Deka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Benjamin C. Hunt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Chelsie E. Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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