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Babar TK, Glare TR, Hampton JG, Hurst MRH, Narciso J. Biochemical characterisation and production kinetics of high molecular-weight (HMW) putative antibacterial proteins of insect pathogenic Brevibacillus laterosporus isolates. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:259. [PMID: 38997685 PMCID: PMC11245835 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03340-2] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial genomes often encode structures similar to phage capsids (encapsulins) and phage tails which can be induced spontaneously or using genotoxic compounds such as mitomycin C. These high molecular-weight (HMW) putative antibacterial proteins (ABPs) are used against the competitive strains under natural environment. Previously, it was unknown whether these HMW putative ABPs originating from the insect pathogenic Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus (Bl) isolates (1821L, 1951) are spontaneously induced during the growth and pose a detrimental effect on their own survival. Furthermore, no prior work has been undertaken to determine their biochemical characteristics. RESULTS Using a soft agar overlay method with polyethylene glycol precipitation, a narrow spectrum of bioactivity was found from the precipitated lysate of Bl 1951. Electron micrographs of mitomycin C- induced filtrates showed structures similar to phage capsids and contractile tails. Bioactivity assays of cell free supernatants (CFS) extracted during the growth of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 suggested spontaneous induction of these HMW putative ABPs with an autocidal activity. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of spontaneously induced putative ABPs showed appearance of ~ 30 kDa and ~ 48 kDa bands of varying intensity across all the time intervals during the bacterial growth except in the initial hours. Statistically, spontaneously induced HMW putative ABPs of Bl 1951 exhibited a significant decrease in the number of viable cells of its producer strain after 18 h of growth in liquid. In addition, a significant change in pH and prominent bioactivity of the CFS of this particular time period was noted. Biochemically, the filtered supernatant derived from either Bl 1821L or Bl 1951 maintained bioactivity over a wide range of pH and temperature. CONCLUSION This study reports the spontaneous induction of HMW putative ABPs (bacteriocins) of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 isolates during the course of growth with potential autocidal activity which is critically important during production as a potential biopesticide. A narrow spectrum of putative antibacterial activity of Bl 1951 precipitate was found. The stability of HMW putative ABPs of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 over a wide range of pH and temperature can be useful in expanding the potential of this useful bacterium beyond the insecticidal value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauseef K Babar
- Bioprotection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand.
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60000, Pakistan.
| | - Travis R Glare
- Bioprotection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - John G Hampton
- Bioprotection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Mark R H Hurst
- Resilient agriculture, AgResearch, Lincoln Research Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Josefina Narciso
- Bioprotection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
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Peters TL, Schow J, Spencer E, Van Leuven JT, Wichman H, Miller C. Directed evolution of bacteriophages: impacts of prolific prophage. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.28.601269. [PMID: 38979301 PMCID: PMC11230397 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.28.601269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Various directed evolution methods exist that seek to procure bacteriophages with expanded host ranges, typically targeting phage-resistant or non-permissive bacterial hosts. The general premise of these methods is to propagate phage on multiple bacterial hosts, pool the lysate, and repeat the propagation process until phage(s) can form plaques on the target host(s). In theory, this propagation process produces a phage lysate that contains input phages and their evolved phage progeny. However, in practice, this phage lysate can also include prophages originating from bacterial hosts. Here we describe our experience implementing one directed evolution method, the Appelmans protocol, to study phage evolution in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage-host system, in which we observed rapid host-range expansion of the phage cocktail. Further experimentation and sequencing analysis revealed that this observed host-range expansion was due to a Casadabanvirus prophage that originated from one of the Appelmans hosts. Host-range analysis of the prophage showed that it could infect five of eight bacterial hosts initially used, allowing it to proliferate and persist through the end of the experiment. This prophage was represented in half of the sequenced phage samples isolated from the Appelmans experiment. This work highlights the impact of prophages in directed evolution experiments and the importance of incorporating sequencing data in analyses to verify output phages, particularly for those attempting to procure phages intended for phage therapy applications. This study also notes the usefulness of intraspecies antagonism assays between bacterial host strains to establish a baseline for inhibitory activity and determine presence of prophage. IMPORTANCE Directed evolution is a common strategy for evolving phages to expand host range, often targeting pathogenic strains of bacteria. In this study we investigated phage host-range expansion using directed evolution in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa system. We show that prophage are active players in directed evolution and can contribute to observation of host-range expansion. Since prophage are prevalent in bacterial hosts, particularly pathogenic strains of bacteria, and all directed evolution approaches involve iteratively propagating phage on one or more bacterial hosts, the presence of prophage in phage preparations is a factor that needs to be considered in experimental design and interpretation of results. These results highlight the importance of screening for prophages either genetically or through intraspecies antagonism assays during selection of bacterial strains and will contribute to improving experimental design of future directed evolution studies.
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Yang L, Jia S, Sun S, Wang L, Zhao B, Zhang M, Yin Y, Yang M, Fulano AM, Shen X, Pan J, Wang Y. A pyocin-like T6SS effector mediates bacterial competition in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0427823. [PMID: 38712967 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04278-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the realm of Gram-negative bacteria, bacteriocins are secreted almost everywhere, and the most representative are colicin and pyocin, which are secreted by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Signal peptides at the amino terminus of bacteriocins or ABC transporters can secrete bacteriocins, which then enter bacteria through cell membrane receptors and exert toxicity. In general, the bactericidal spectrum is usually narrow, killing only the kin or closely related species. Our previous research indicates that YPK_0952 is an effector of the third Type VI secretion system (T6SS-3) in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Next, we sought to determine its identity and characterize its toxicity. We found that YPK_0952 (a pyocin-like effector) can achieve intra-species and inter-species competitive advantages through both contact-dependent and contact-independent mechanisms mediated by the T6SS-3 while enhancing the intestinal colonization capacity of Y. pseudotuberculosis. We further identified YPK_0952 as a DNase dependent on Mg2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ bivalent metal ions, and the homologous immune protein YPK_0953 can inhibit its activity. In summary, YPK_0952 exerts toxicity by degrading nucleic acids from competing cells, and YPK_0953 prevents self-attack in Y. pseudotuberculosis.IMPORTANCEBacteriocins secreted by Gram-negative bacteria generally enter cells through specific interactions on the cell surface, resulting in a narrow bactericidal spectrum. First, we identified a new pyocin-like effector protein, YPK_0952, in the third Type VI secretion system (T6SS-3) of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. YPK_0952 is secreted by T6SS-3 and can exert DNase activity through contact-dependent and contact-independent entry into nearby cells of the same and other species (e.g., Escherichia coli) to help Y. pseudotuberculosis to exert a competitive advantage and promote intestinal colonization. This discovery lays the foundation for an in-depth study of the different effector protein types within the T6SS and their complexity in competing interactions. At the same time, this study provides a new development for the toolbox of toxin/immune pairs for studying Gram-negative bacteriocin translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuangkai Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sihuai Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bobo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengsi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanling Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Mingming Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Alex M Fulano
- Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Xihui Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Junfeng Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Woudstra C, Sørensen AN, Sørensen MCH, Brøndsted L. Strategies for developing phages into novel antimicrobial tailocins. Trends Microbiol 2024:S0966-842X(24)00069-6. [PMID: 38580606 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Tailocins are high-molecular-weight bacteriocins produced by bacteria to kill related environmental competitors by binding and puncturing their target. Tailocins are promising alternative antimicrobials, yet the diversity of naturally occurring tailocins is limited. The structural similarities between phage tails and tailocins advocate using phages as scaffolds for developing new tailocins. This article reviews three strategies for producing tailocins: disrupting the capsid-tail junction of phage particles, blocking capsid assembly during phage propagation, and creating headless phage particles synthetically. Particularly appealing is the production of tailocins through synthetic biology using phages with contractile tails as scaffolds to unlock the antimicrobial potential of tailocins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Woudstra
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Anders Nørgaard Sørensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Martine C Holst Sørensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Atto B, Anteneh Y, Bialasiewicz S, Binks MJ, Hashemi M, Hill J, Thornton RB, Westaway J, Marsh RL. The Respiratory Microbiome in Paediatric Chronic Wet Cough: What Is Known and Future Directions. J Clin Med 2023; 13:171. [PMID: 38202177 PMCID: PMC10779485 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010171] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic wet cough for longer than 4 weeks is a hallmark of chronic suppurative lung diseases (CSLD), including protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB), and bronchiectasis in children. Severe lower respiratory infection early in life is a major risk factor of PBB and paediatric bronchiectasis. In these conditions, failure to clear an underlying endobronchial infection is hypothesised to drive ongoing inflammation and progressive tissue damage that culminates in irreversible bronchiectasis. Historically, the microbiology of paediatric chronic wet cough has been defined by culture-based studies focused on the detection and eradication of specific bacterial pathogens. Various 'omics technologies now allow for a more nuanced investigation of respiratory pathobiology and are enabling development of endotype-based models of care. Recent years have seen substantial advances in defining respiratory endotypes among adults with CSLD; however, less is understood about diseases affecting children. In this review, we explore the current understanding of the airway microbiome among children with chronic wet cough related to the PBB-bronchiectasis diagnostic continuum. We explore concepts emerging from the gut-lung axis and multi-omic studies that are expected to influence PBB and bronchiectasis endotyping efforts. We also consider how our evolving understanding of the airway microbiome is translating to new approaches in chronic wet cough diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Atto
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia;
| | - Yitayal Anteneh
- Child and Maternal Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia; (Y.A.); (M.J.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Seweryn Bialasiewicz
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Michael J. Binks
- Child and Maternal Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia; (Y.A.); (M.J.B.); (J.W.)
- SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Mostafa Hashemi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (M.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Jane Hill
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (M.H.); (J.H.)
- Spire Health Technology, PBC, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ruth B. Thornton
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jacob Westaway
- Child and Maternal Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia; (Y.A.); (M.J.B.); (J.W.)
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Robyn L. Marsh
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia;
- Child and Maternal Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia; (Y.A.); (M.J.B.); (J.W.)
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Heiman CM, Vacheron J, Keel C. Evolutionary and ecological role of extracellular contractile injection systems: from threat to weapon. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1264877. [PMID: 37886057 PMCID: PMC10598620 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1264877] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Contractile injection systems (CISs) are phage tail-related structures that are encoded in many bacterial genomes. These devices encompass the cell-based type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) as well as extracellular CISs (eCISs). The eCISs comprise the R-tailocins produced by various bacterial species as well as related phage tail-like structures such as the antifeeding prophages (Afps) of Serratia entomophila, the Photorhabdus virulence cassettes (PVCs), and the metamorphosis-associated contractile structures (MACs) of Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea. These contractile structures are released into the extracellular environment upon suicidal lysis of the producer cell and play important roles in bacterial ecology and evolution. In this review, we specifically portray the eCISs with a focus on the R-tailocins, sketch the history of their discovery and provide insights into their evolution within the bacterial host, their structures and how they are assembled and released. We then highlight ecological and evolutionary roles of eCISs and conceptualize how they can influence and shape bacterial communities. Finally, we point to their potential for biotechnological applications in medicine and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Margot Heiman
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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