1
|
Amyx-Sherer K, Reichhardt C. Challenges and opportunities in elucidating the structures of biofilm exopolysaccharides: A case study of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exopolysaccharide called Pel. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY : MRC 2024; 62:361-369. [PMID: 37919227 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation protects bacteria from antibiotic treatment and host immune responses, making biofilm infections difficult to treat. Within biofilms, bacterial cells are entangled in a self-produced extracellular matrix that typically includes exopolysaccharides. Molecular-level descriptions of biofilm matrix components, especially exopolysaccharides, have been challenging to attain due to their complex nature and lack of solubility and crystallinity. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has emerged as a key tool to determine the structure of biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides without degradative sample preparation. In this review, we discuss challenges of studying biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides and opportunities to develop solid-state NMR approaches to study these generally intractable materials. We specifically highlight investigations of the exopolysaccharide called Pel made by the opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We provide a roadmap for determining exopolysaccharide structure and discuss future opportunities to study such systems using solid-state NMR. The strategies discussed for elucidating biofilm exopolysaccharide structure should be broadly applicable to studying the structures of other glycans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Amyx-Sherer
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun H, Zhou ZJ, Wen HQ, Chen FF, Pan Y, Tang Q, Yu HQ. Deciphering the Roles of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Shaping Disinfection Kinetics through Permanent Removal via Genetic Disruption. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6552-6563. [PMID: 38571383 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) ubiquitously encapsulate microbes and play crucial roles in various environmental processes. However, understanding their complex interactions with dynamic bacterial behaviors, especially during the disinfection process, remains very limited. In this work, we investigated the impact of EPS on bacterial disinfection kinetics by developing a permanent EPS removal strategy. We genetically disrupted the synthesis of exopolysaccharides, the structural components of EPS, in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a well-known EPS-producing opportunistic pathogen found in diverse environments, creating an EPS-deficient strain. This method ensured a lasting absence of EPS while maintaining bacterial integrity and viability, allowing for real-time in situ investigations of the roles of EPS in disinfection. Our findings indicate that removing EPS from bacteria substantially lowered their susceptibility threshold to disinfectants such as ozone, chloramine B, and free chlorine. This removal also substantially accelerated disinfection kinetics, shortened the resistance time, and increased disinfection efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall bactericidal effect. The absence of EPS was found to enhance bacterial motility and increase bacterial cell vulnerability to disinfectants, resulting in greater membrane damage and intensified reactive oxygen species (ROS) production upon exposure to disinfectants. These insights highlight the central role of EPS in bacterial defenses and offer promising implications for developing more effective disinfection strategies.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chance DL, Wang W, Waters JK, Mawhinney TP. Insights on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Carbohydrate Binding from Profiles of Cystic Fibrosis Isolates Using Multivalent Fluorescent Glycopolymers Bearing Pendant Monosaccharides. Microorganisms 2024; 12:801. [PMID: 38674745 PMCID: PMC11051836 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040801] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to frequent, persistent, and, often, polymicrobial respiratory tract infections for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Chronic CF infections lead to bronchiectasis and a shortened lifespan. P. aeruginosa expresses numerous adhesins, including lectins known to bind the epithelial cell and mucin glycoconjugates. Blocking carbohydrate-mediated host-pathogen and intra-biofilm interactions critical to the initiation and perpetuation of colonization offer promise as anti-infective treatment strategies. To inform anti-adhesion therapies, we profiled the monosaccharide binding of P. aeruginosa from CF and non-CF sources, and assessed whether specific bacterial phenotypic characteristics affected carbohydrate-binding patterns. Focusing at the cellular level, microscopic and spectrofluorometric tools permitted the solution-phase analysis of P. aeruginosa binding to a panel of fluorescent glycopolymers possessing distinct pendant monosaccharides. All P. aeruginosa demonstrated significant binding to glycopolymers specific for α-D-galactose, β-D-N-acetylgalactosamine, and β-D-galactose-3-sulfate. In each culture, a small subpopulation accounted for the binding. The carbohydrate anomeric configuration and sulfate ester presence markedly influenced binding. While this opportunistic pathogen from CF hosts presented with various colony morphologies and physiological activities, no phenotypic, physiological, or structural feature predicted enhanced or diminished monosaccharide binding. Important to anti-adhesive therapeutic strategies, these findings suggest that, regardless of phenotype or clinical source, P. aeruginosa maintain a small subpopulation that may readily associate with specific configurations of specific monosaccharides. This report provides insights into whole-cell P. aeruginosa carbohydrate-binding profiles and into the context within which successful anti-adhesive and/or anti-virulence anti-infective agents for CF must contend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L. Chance
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - James K. Waters
- Experiment Station Chemical Laboratories, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Thomas P. Mawhinney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- Experiment Station Chemical Laboratories, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Amoah AS, Pestov NB, Korneenko TV, Prokhorenko IA, Kurakin GF, Barlev NA. Lipoxygenases at the Intersection of Infection and Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3961. [PMID: 38612771 PMCID: PMC11011848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The persisting presence of opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a significant threat to many immunocompromised cancer patients with pulmonary infections. This review highlights the complexity of interactions in the host's defensive eicosanoid signaling network and its hijacking by pathogenic bacteria to their own advantage. Human lipoxygenases (ALOXs) and their mouse counterparts are integral elements of the innate immune system, mostly operating in the pro-inflammatory mode. Taking into account the indispensable role of inflammation in carcinogenesis, lipoxygenases have counteracting roles in this process. In addition to describing the structure-function of lipoxygenases in this review, we discuss their roles in such critical processes as cancer cell signaling, metastases, death of cancer and immune cells through ferroptosis, as well as the roles of ALOXs in carcinogenesis promoted by pathogenic infections. Finally, we discuss perspectives of novel oncotherapeutic approaches to harness lipoxygenase signaling in tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Saleem Amoah
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia; (A.-S.A.); (N.A.B.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia; (A.-S.A.); (N.A.B.)
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia; (T.V.K.); (I.A.P.)
- Laboratory of Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Other Viral Encephalitides, Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia; (T.V.K.); (I.A.P.)
| | - Igor A. Prokhorenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia; (T.V.K.); (I.A.P.)
| | - Georgy F. Kurakin
- Department of Biochemistry, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117513, Russia;
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia; (A.-S.A.); (N.A.B.)
- Laboratory of Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Other Viral Encephalitides, Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mirzaei R, Campoccia D, Ravaioli S, Arciola CR. Emerging Issues and Initial Insights into Bacterial Biofilms: From Orthopedic Infection to Metabolomics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:184. [PMID: 38391570 PMCID: PMC10885942 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13020184] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms, enigmatic communities of microorganisms enclosed in an extracellular matrix, still represent an open challenge in many clinical contexts, including orthopedics, where biofilm-associated bone and joint infections remain the main cause of implant failure. This study explores the scenario of biofilm infections, with a focus on those related to orthopedic implants, highlighting recently emerged substantial aspects of the pathogenesis and their potential repercussions on the clinic, as well as the progress and gaps that still exist in the diagnostics and management of these infections. The classic mechanisms through which biofilms form and the more recently proposed new ones are depicted. The ways in which bacteria hide, become impenetrable to antibiotics, and evade the immune defenses, creating reservoirs of bacteria difficult to detect and reach, are delineated, such as bacterial dormancy within biofilms, entry into host cells, and penetration into bone canaliculi. New findings on biofilm formation with host components are presented. The article also delves into the emerging and critical concept of immunometabolism, a key function of immune cells that biofilm interferes with. The growing potential of biofilm metabolomics in the diagnosis and therapy of biofilm infections is highlighted, referring to the latest research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Mirzaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Davide Campoccia
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all'Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ravaioli
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all'Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Laboratory of Immunorheumatology and Tissue Regeneration, Laboratory of Pathology of Implant Infections, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen YT, Lohia GK, Chen S, Riquelme SA. Immunometabolic Regulation of Bacterial Infection, Biofilms, and Antibiotic Susceptibility. J Innate Immun 2024; 16:143-158. [PMID: 38310854 PMCID: PMC10914382 DOI: 10.1159/000536649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upon infection, mucosal tissues activate a brisk inflammatory response to clear the pathogen, i.e., resistance to disease. Resistance to disease is orchestrated by tissue-resident macrophages, which undergo profound metabolic reprogramming after sensing the pathogen. These metabolically activated macrophages release many inflammatory factors, which promote their bactericidal function. However, in immunocompetent individuals, pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella evade this type of immunity, generating communities that thrive for the long term. SUMMARY These organisms develop features that render them less susceptible to eradication, such as biofilms and increased tolerance to antibiotics. Furthermore, after antibiotic therapy withdrawal, "persister" cells rapidly upsurge, triggering inflammatory relapses that worsen host health. How these pathogens persisted in inflamed tissues replete with activated macrophages remains poorly understood. KEY MESSAGES In this review, we discuss recent findings indicating that the ability of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Salmonella to evolve biofilms and antibiotic tolerance is promoted by the similar metabolic routes that regulate macrophage metabolic reprogramming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Tsun Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gaurav Kumar Lohia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Samantha Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sebastián A Riquelme
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dekker JP. Within-Host Evolution of Bacterial Pathogens in Acute and Chronic Infection. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:203-226. [PMID: 37832940 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051122-111408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens undergo remarkable adaptive change in response to the selective forces they encounter during host colonization and infection. Studies performed over the past few decades have demonstrated that many general evolutionary processes can be discerned during the course of host adaptation, including genetic diversification of lineages, clonal succession events, convergent evolution, and balanced fitness trade-offs. In some cases, elevated mutation rates resulting from mismatch repair or proofreading deficiencies accelerate evolution, and active mobile genetic elements or phages may facilitate genome plasticity. The host immune response provides another critical component of the fitness landscapes guiding adaptation, and selection operating on pathogens at this level may lead to immune evasion and the establishment of chronic infection. This review summarizes recent advances in this field, with a special focus on different forms of bacterial genome plasticity in the context of infection, and considers clinical consequences of adaptive changes for the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John P Dekker
- Bacterial Pathogenesis and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Disney-McKeethen S, Seo S, Mehta H, Ghosh K, Shamoo Y. Experimental evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to colistin in spatially confined microdroplets identifies evolutionary trajectories consistent with adaptation in microaerobic lung environments. mBio 2023; 14:e0150623. [PMID: 37847036 PMCID: PMC10746239 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01506-23] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance remains one of the great challenges confronting public health in the world today. Individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions are often at an increased for bacterial infections. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) produce thick mucus that clogs airways and provides a very favorable environment for infection by bacteria that further decrease lung function and, ultimately, mortality. CF patients are often infected by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa early in life and experience a series of chronic infections that, over time, become increasingly difficult to treat due to increased antibiotic resistance. Colistin is a major antibiotic used to treat CF patients. Clinical and laboratory studies have identified PmrA/PmrB and PhoP/PhoQ as responsible for increased resistance to colistin. Both have been identified in CF patient lungs, but why, in some cases, is it one and not the other? In this study, we show that distinct evolutionary trajectories to colistin resistance may be favored by the microaerobic partitioning found within the damaged CF lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Seokju Seo
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Heer Mehta
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Karukriti Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Yousif Shamoo
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston , Texas , USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rattray JB, Lowhorn RJ, Walden R, Márquez-Zacarías P, Molotkova E, Perron G, Solis-Lemus C, Pimentel Alarcon D, Brown SP. Machine learning identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from colony image data. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011699. [PMID: 38091365 PMCID: PMC10752536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
When grown on agar surfaces, microbes can produce distinct multicellular spatial structures called colonies, which contain characteristic sizes, shapes, edges, textures, and degrees of opacity and color. For over one hundred years, researchers have used these morphology cues to classify bacteria and guide more targeted treatment of pathogens. Advances in genome sequencing technology have revolutionized our ability to classify bacterial isolates and while genomic methods are in the ascendancy, morphological characterization of bacterial species has made a resurgence due to increased computing capacities and widespread application of machine learning tools. In this paper, we revisit the topic of colony morphotype on the within-species scale and apply concepts from image processing, computer vision, and deep learning to a dataset of 69 environmental and clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. We find that colony morphology and complexity under common laboratory conditions is a robust, repeatable phenotype on the level of individual strains, and therefore forms a potential basis for strain classification. We then use a deep convolutional neural network approach with a combination of data augmentation and transfer learning to overcome the typical data starvation problem in biological applications of deep learning. Using a train/validation/test split, our results achieve an average validation accuracy of 92.9% and an average test accuracy of 90.7% for the classification of individual strains. These results indicate that bacterial strains have characteristic visual 'fingerprints' that can serve as the basis of classification on a sub-species level. Our work illustrates the potential of image-based classification of bacterial pathogens and highlights the potential to use similar approaches to predict medically relevant strain characteristics like antibiotic resistance and virulence from colony data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B. Rattray
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ryan J. Lowhorn
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ryan Walden
- Department of Computer Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | - Evgeniya Molotkova
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gabriel Perron
- Department of Biology, Bard College, Annandale-On-Hudson, New York, United States of America
- Center for Systems Biology and Genomics, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Claudia Solis-Lemus
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Daniel Pimentel Alarcon
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sam P. Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Noaman KA, Alharbi NS, Khaled JM, Kadaikunnan S, Alobaidi AS, Almazyed AO, Aldosary MS, Al Rashedi S. The transmutation of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 to small colony variants (SCVs) E. coli strain as a result of exposure to gentamicin. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1821-1829. [PMID: 37742446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small colony variants (SCVs) are biotypes of bacteria that have a size of approximately one-tenth or less of the wild types and has distinct characteristics comparing to the wild type strains. Clinical SCVs are usually associated with persistent infection and require a long-term treatment program with antibiotics. In Saudi Arabia, there are few studies about SCVs Escherichia coli for this reason, this study is aimed to investigate the ability of gentamicin to mutate E. coli ATCC 25922 to produce small SCVs and investigate the genotypes and phenotypes changes and stress tolerance comparing to clinical SCVs E. coli and normal clinical E. coli Isolated from blood samples. METHODS In this investigation, four clinical blood samples were collected ted from patients and the cultivation and isolation were carried out in KFMC between December 2019 and February 2021. The identification of positive blood culture samples was done using phoenix MD. Non-SCV E. coli ATCC25922 were mutated to SCV using exposure to increasing gradual concentrations of gentamicin at 100-generation intervals. Biochemical features and susceptibility to standard antibiotics using automated Phoenix MD 50 and. The survival assays were done using several stresses including heat shock, low pH, high osmotic pressure, and oxidative pressure. Virulence genes screening included the detection of genes that encoded to α-haemolysin, CS12 fimbriae, F17-like fimbrial adhesion, P-related fimbriae, yersiniabactin siderophore system, P-fimbriae, aerobactin, iron-regulated genes using PCR and gel electrophoresis. RESULTS The data from the mutating E. coli ATCC 25922 small colony test with gentamicin revealed that the first emergence of the multidrug resistance (MDR) SCV E. coli strain occurred at generation number 250, corresponding to a gentamicin concentration of 57 g/ml. Pathogenicity islands detection revealed that all tested E. coli strains have PAI IV 536 genes on their chromosomes furthermore, mutated SCV E. coli ATCC 25922 acquired PAII CFT073 and PAI IV 536. Survival tests showed no significant differences changes in tolerance of mutated SCVs comparing to parental strain. CONCLUSION The present work concluded that gentamicin sub-MIC concentration gradual exposure can induce mutation responsible for SCV formation and evolving of MDR E. coli strains. The mutated SCVs evolved high-level aminoglycoside resistance for gentamicin and resistance to amikacin, it also developed resistance to 2 cephalosporin antibiotics cefuroxime, and cephalothin and a resistance to aztreonam.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Noaman
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naiyf S Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal M Khaled
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shine Kadaikunnan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S Alobaidi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer O Almazyed
- Microbiology Department, King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Saeed Al Rashedi
- Microbiology Department, King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Obeng N, Czerwinski A, Schütz D, Michels J, Leipert J, Bansept F, García García MJ, Schultheiß T, Kemlein M, Fuß J, Tholey A, Traulsen A, Sondermann H, Schulenburg H. Bacterial c-di-GMP has a key role in establishing host-microbe symbiosis. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:1809-1819. [PMID: 37653009 PMCID: PMC10522488 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01468-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Most microbes evolve faster than their hosts and should therefore drive evolution of host-microbe interactions. However, relatively little is known about the characteristics that define the adaptive path of microbes to host association. Here we identified microbial traits that mediate adaptation to hosts by experimentally evolving the free-living bacterium Pseudomonas lurida with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as its host. After ten passages, we repeatedly observed the evolution of beneficial host-specialist bacteria, with improved persistence in the nematode being associated with increased biofilm formation. Whole-genome sequencing revealed mutations that uniformly upregulate the bacterial second messenger, cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP). We subsequently generated mutants with upregulated c-di-GMP in different Pseudomonas strains and species, which consistently increased host association. Comparison of pseudomonad genomes from various environments revealed that c-di-GMP underlies adaptation to a variety of hosts, from plants to humans. This study indicates that c-di-GMP is fundamental for establishing host association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Obeng
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Czerwinski
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniel Schütz
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan Michels
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan Leipert
- Department of Systematic Proteome Research and Bioanalytics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - María J García García
- CSSB Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thekla Schultheiß
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Melinda Kemlein
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Janina Fuß
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Tholey
- Department of Systematic Proteome Research and Bioanalytics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Arne Traulsen
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Holger Sondermann
- CSSB Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany
- Section of Biology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hinrich Schulenburg
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lin QW, Lu JQ, Huang YS, Liu JJ, Chen WM, Lin J. Cyclic Diguanylate G-Quadruplex Inducer-Nitric Oxide Donor Conjugate as a Bifunctional Antibiofilm Agent and Antibacterial Synergist against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a Hyperbiofilm Phenotype. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11927-11939. [PMID: 37606617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance caused by biofilm formation is a clinical challenge. Nitric oxide (NO) can effectively disperse a mature biofilm and can also synergistically influence the level of cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP), a universal secondary messenger that plays an important role in biofilm formation in bacteria. Based on our previous finding that c-di-GMP G-quadruplex inducers are effective biofilm formation inhibitors, we designed and synthesized a c-di-GMP G-quadruplex inducer-NO donor conjugate (A11@NO) as a bifunctional antibiofilm agent after obtaining the c-di-GMP G-quadruplex inducer (A11), which has an amino group capable of binding to a nitroso group (NO donor). The conjugate A11@NO showed better biofilm inhibition efficiency than A11, and it can also eradicate mature biofilm. Additionally, it exhibited good antimicrobial synergism against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and helped elevate the bactericidal efficiency of tobramycin against biofilm-formed bacteria. In combination with tobramycin, A11@NO also improved the survival rate of Caenorhabditis elegans in a hyperbiofilm environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Wen Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Jin-Qiang Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P. R. China
| | - Ye-Si Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Jie-Jiao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Wei-Min Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kragh KN, Tolker-Nielsen T, Lichtenberg M. The non-attached biofilm aggregate. Commun Biol 2023; 6:898. [PMID: 37658117 PMCID: PMC10474055 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms have conventionally been perceived as dense bacterial masses on surfaces, following the five-step model of development. Initial biofilm research focused on surface-attached formations, but detached aggregates have received increasing attention in the past decade due to their pivotal role in chronic infections. Understanding their nature sparked fervent discussions in biofilm conferences and scientific literature. This review consolidates current insights on non-attached aggregates, offering examples of their occurrence in nature and diseases. We discuss their formation and dispersion mechanisms, resilience to antibiotics and immune-responses, drawing parallels to surface-attached biofilms. Moreover, we outline available in vitro models for studying non-attached aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasper N Kragh
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Lichtenberg
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang Y, Jin Y, Sun F, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Wang Q, Yang D, Zhang Y. The c-di-GMP signalling component YfiR regulates multiple bacterial phenotypes and virulence in Pseudomonas plecoglossicida. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad157. [PMID: 37500265 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad157] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (P. plecoglossicida) is the causative agent of visceral granulomas disease in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and it causes severe economic loss to its industry. Biofilm formation, related to intracellular cyclic bis (3'-5') diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) levels, is essential for the lifestyle of P. plecoglossicida. This research aims to investigate the role of YfiR-a key regulator of the diguanylate cyclase YfiN to regulate c-di-GMP levels and reveal its regulatory function of bacterial virulence expression in P. plecoglossicida. METHODS AND RESULTS A genetic analysis was carried out to identify the yfiBNR operon for c-di-GMP regulation in P. plecoglossicida. Then, we constructed a yfiR mutant and observed increased c-di-GMP levels, enhanced biofilm formation, increased exopolysaccharides, and diminished swimming and swarming motility in this strain. Moreover, through establishing a yolk sac microinjection infection model in zebrafish larvae, an attenuated phenotype of yfiR mutant that manifested as restored survival and lower bacterial colonization was found. CONCLUSIONS YfiR is the key regulator of virulence in P. plecoglossicida, which contributes to c-di-GMP level, biofilm formation, exopolysaccharides production, swimming, swarming motility, and bacterial colonization in zebrafish model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Diseases, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yinhua Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Diseases, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Fei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Diseases, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuanxing Zhang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Diseases, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qiyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Diseases, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Dahai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Diseases, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yibei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Diseases, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liang Z, Nilsson M, Kragh KN, Hedal I, Alcàcer-Almansa J, Kiilerich RO, Andersen JB, Tolker-Nielsen T. The role of individual exopolysaccharides in antibiotic tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa aggregates. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1187708. [PMID: 37333638 PMCID: PMC10272609 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1187708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is involved in chronic infections of cystic fibrosis lungs and chronic wounds. In these infections the bacteria are present as aggregates suspended in host secretions. During the course of the infections there is a selection for mutants that overproduce exopolysaccharides, suggesting that the exopolysaccharides play a role in the persistence and antibiotic tolerance of the aggregated bacteria. Here, we investigated the role of individual P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharides in aggregate-associated antibiotic tolerance. We employed an aggregate-based antibiotic tolerance assay on a set of P. aeruginosa strains that were genetically engineered to over-produce a single, none, or all of the three exopolysaccharides Pel, Psl, and alginate. The antibiotic tolerance assays were conducted with the clinically relevant antibiotics tobramycin, ciprofloxacin and meropenem. Our study suggests that alginate plays a role in the tolerance of P. aeruginosa aggregates toward tobramycin and meropenem, but not ciprofloxacin. However, contrary to previous studies we did not observe a role for Psl or Pel in the tolerance of P. aeruginosa aggregates toward tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Liang
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Nilsson
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Nørskov Kragh
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Hedal
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Júlia Alcàcer-Almansa
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rikke Overgaard Kiilerich
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Bo Andersen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ambreetha S, Singh V. Genetic and environmental determinants of surface adaptations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 37276014 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a well-studied Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium that thrives in markedly varied environments. It is a nutritionally versatile microbe that can colonize a host as well as exist in the environment. Unicellular, planktonic cells of
P. aeruginosa
can come together to perform a coordinated swarming movement or turn into a sessile, surface-adhered population called biofilm. These collective behaviours produce strikingly different outcomes. While swarming motility rapidly disseminates the bacterial population, biofilm collectively protects the population from environmental stresses such as heat, drought, toxic chemicals, grazing by predators, and attack by host immune cells and antibiotics. The ubiquitous nature of
P. aeruginosa
is likely to be supported by the timely transition between planktonic, swarming and biofilm lifestyles. The social behaviours of this bacteria viz biofilm and swarm modes are controlled by signals from quorum-sensing networks, LasI-LasR, RhlI-RhlR and PQS-MvfR, and several other sensory kinases and response regulators. A combination of environmental and genetic cues regulates the transition of the
P. aeruginosa
population to specific states. The current review is aimed at discussing key factors that promote physiologically distinct transitioning of the
P. aeruginosa
population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakthivel Ambreetha
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560012, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Malviya J, Alameri AA, Al-Janabi SS, Fawzi OF, Azzawi AL, Obaid RF, Alsudani AA, Alkhayyat AS, Gupta J, Mustafa YF, Karampoor S, Mirzaei R. Metabolomic profiling of bacterial biofilm: trends, challenges, and an emerging antibiofilm target. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:212. [PMID: 37256458 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03651-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm-related infections substantially contribute to bacterial illnesses, with estimates indicating that at least 80% of such diseases are linked to biofilms. Biofilms exhibit unique metabolic patterns that set them apart from their planktonic counterparts, resulting in significant metabolic reprogramming during biofilm formation. Differential glycolytic enzymes suggest that central metabolic processes are markedly different in biofilms and planktonic cells. The glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is highly expressed in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm progenitors, indicating that changes in glycolysis activity play a role in biofilm development. Notably, an important consideration is a correlation between elevated cyclic di-guanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) activity and biofilm formation in various bacteria. C-di-GMP plays a critical role in maintaining the persistence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by regulating alginate production, a significant biofilm matrix component. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that S. aureus biofilm development is initiated by several tricarboxylic acid (TCA) intermediates in a FnbA-dependent manner. Finally, Glucose 6-phosphatase (G6P) boosts the phosphorylation of histidine-containing protein (HPr) by increasing the activity of HPr kinase, enhancing its interaction with CcpA, and resulting in biofilm development through polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA) accumulation and icaADBC transcription. Therefore, studying the metabolic changes associated with biofilm development is crucial for understanding the complex mechanisms involved in biofilm formation and identifying potential targets for intervention. Accordingly, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in metabolomic profiling of biofilms, including emerging trends, prevailing challenges, and the identification of potential targets for anti-biofilm strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra Malviya
- Department of Life Sciences and Biological Sciences, IES University, Bhopal, India
| | - Ameer A Alameri
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Saif S Al-Janabi
- Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, Al-Maarif University College, Ramadi, Iraq
| | | | | | - Rasha Fadhel Obaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Ali A Alsudani
- College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Ameer S Alkhayyat
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, U. P., India
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41001, Iraq
| | - Sajad Karampoor
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Rasoul Mirzaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Reichhardt C. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Matrix Protein CdrA Has Similarities to Other Fibrillar Adhesin Proteins. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0001923. [PMID: 37098957 PMCID: PMC10210978 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00019-23] [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] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of bacteria to adhere to each other and both biotic and abiotic surfaces is key to biofilm formation, and one way that bacteria adhere is using fibrillar adhesins. Fibrillar adhesins share several key characteristics, including (i) they are extracellular, surface-associated proteins, (ii) they contain an adhesive domain as well as a repetitive stalk domain, and (iii) they are either a monomer or homotrimer (i.e., identical, coiled-coil) of a high molecular weight protein. Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses the fibrillar adhesin called CdrA to promote bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation. Here, the current literature on CdrA is reviewed, including its transcriptional and posttranslational regulation by the second messenger c-di-GMP as well as what is known about its structure and ability to interact with other molecules. I highlight its similarities to other fibrillar adhesins and discuss open questions that remain to be answered toward a better understanding of CdrA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Martínez-Rodríguez L, López-Sánchez A, García-Alcaide A, Govantes F, Gallegos MT. FleQ, FleN and c-di-GMP coordinately regulate cellulose production in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1155579. [PMID: 37051327 PMCID: PMC10083355 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1155579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) controls the transition between motility and sessility in many bacterial species by a variety of mechanisms, including the production of multiple exopolysaccharides. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000 is a plant pathogenic bacteria able to synthesize acetylated cellulose under high c-di-GMP levels thanks to the expression of the wssABCDEFGHI operon. Increased cellulose production enhances air-liquid biofilm formation and generates a wrinkled colony phenotype on solid media. We previously showed that under low levels of c-di-GMP, the regulators FleQ and AmrZ bound to adjacent sequences at the wss promoter inhibiting its expression, but only FleQ responded to the presence of c-di-GMP by activating cellulose production. In the present work, we advance in the knowledge of this complex regulation in Pto DC3000 by shedding light over the role of FleN in this process. The distinctive features of this system are that FleN and FleQ are both required for repression and activation of the wss operon under low and high c-di-GMP levels, respectively. We have also identified three putative FleQ binding sites at the wss promoter and show that FleQ/FleN-ATP binds at those sites under low c-di-GMP levels, inducing a distortion of DNA, impairing RNA polymerase binding, and repressing wss transcription. However, binding of c-di-GMP induces a conformational change in the FleQ/FleN-ATP complex, which relieves the DNA distortion, allows promoter access to the RNA polymerase, and leads to activation of wss transcription. On the other hand, AmrZ is always bound at the wss promoter limiting its expression independently of FleQ, FleN and c-di-GMP levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aroa López-Sánchez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Andrea García-Alcaide
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Govantes
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María-Trinidad Gallegos
- Department of Soil and Plant Microbiology, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: María-Trinidad Gallegos,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Emergence of Small Colony Variants Is an Adaptive Strategy Used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Mitigate the Effects of Redox Imbalance. mSphere 2023; 8:e0005723. [PMID: 36853007 PMCID: PMC10117050 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00057-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to generate a subpopulation of small colony variants (SCVs) is a conserved feature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and could represent a key adaptive strategy to colonize and persist in multiple niches. However, very little is known about the role of the SCV phenotype, the conditions that promote its emergence, and its possible involvement in an adaptive strategy. In the present work, we investigated the in vitro selective conditions promoting the emergence of SCVs from the prototypical strain PA14, which readily forms SCVs in nonagitated standing cultures. We found that O2 limitation, which causes a redox imbalance, is the main factor selecting for the SCV phenotype, which promotes survival of the population via formation of a biofilm at the air-liquid interface to access the electron acceptor. When this selective pressure is relieved by aeration or supplementation of an alternative electron acceptor, SCVs are barely detectable. We also observed that SCV emergence contributes to redox rebalancing, suggesting that it is involved in an adaptive strategy. We conclude that selection for the SCV phenotype is an adaptive solution adopted by P. aeruginosa to access poorly available O2. IMPORTANCE The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that thrives in many environments. It poses a significant health concern, notably because it is a causative agent of nosocomial infections and the most prevalent pathogen found in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. In infected hosts, its persistence is often related to the emergence of an alternative phenotype known as small colony variant (SCV). Identification of conditions selecting for the SCV phenotype contributes to knowledge regarding adaptive mechanisms exploited by P. aeruginosa to survive in multiple niches and persist during infections. Hindering this adaptation strategy could help control persistent P. aeruginosa infections.
Collapse
|
21
|
A Library of Promoter- gfp Fusion Reporters for Studying Systematic Expression Pattern of Cyclic-di-GMP Metabolism-Related Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0189122. [PMID: 36744921 PMCID: PMC9973039 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01891-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an environmental microorganism and is a model organism for biofilm research. Cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger that plays critical roles in biofilm formation. P. aeruginosa contains approximately 40 genes that encode enzymes that participate in the metabolism of c-di-GMP (biosynthesis or degradation), yet it lacks tools that aid investigation of the systematic expression pattern of those genes. In this study, we constructed a promoter-gfp fusion reporter library that consists of 41 reporter plasmids. Each plasmid contains a promoter of corresponding c-di-GMP metabolism-related (CMR) genes from P. aeruginosa reference strain PAO1; thus, each promoter-gfp fusion reporter can be used to detect the promoter activity as well as the transcription of corresponding gene. The promoter activity was tested in P. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Among the 41 genes, the promoters of 26 genes showed activity in both P. aeruginosa and E. coli. The library was applied to determine the influence of different temperatures, growth media, and subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics on the transcriptional profile of the 41 CMR genes in P. aeruginosa. The results showed that different growth conditions did affect the transcription of different genes, while the promoter activity of a few genes was kept at the same level under several different growth conditions. In summary, we provide a promoter-gfp fusion reporter library for systematic monitoring or study of the regulation of CMR genes in P. aeruginosa. In addition, the functional promoters can also be used as a biobrick for synthetic biology studies. IMPORTANCE The opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa can cause acute and chronic infections in humans, and it is one of the main pathogens in nosocomial infections. Biofilm formation is one of the most important causes for P. aeruginosa persistence in hosts and evasion of immune and antibiotic attacks. c-di-GMP is a critical second messenger to control biofilm formation. In P. aeruginosa reference strain PAO1, 41 genes are predicted to participate in the making and breaking of this dinucleotide. A major missing piece of information in this field is the systematic expression profile of those genes in response to changing environment. Toward this goal, we constructed a promoter-gfp transcriptional fusion reporter library that consists of 41 reporter plasmids, each of which contains a promoter of corresponding c-di-GMP metabolism-related genes in P. aeruginosa. This library provides a helpful tool to understand the complex regulation network related to c-di-GMP and to discover potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
22
|
Distinct Long- and Short-Term Adaptive Mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0304322. [PMID: 36374016 PMCID: PMC9769816 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03043-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous environments such as the chronically infected cystic fibrosis lung drive the diversification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations into, e.g., mucoid, alginate-overproducing isolates or small-colony variants (SCVs). In this study, we performed extensive genome and transcriptome profiling on a clinical SCV isolate that exhibited high cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) levels and a mucoid phenotype. We observed a delayed, stepwise decrease of the high levels of c-di-GMP as well as alginate gene expression upon passaging the SCV under noninducing, rich medium growth conditions over 7 days. Upon prolonged passaging, this lagging reduction of the high c-di-GMP levels under noninducing planktonic conditions (reminiscent of a hysteretic response) was followed by a phenotypic switch to a large-colony morphology, which could be linked to mutations in the Gac/Rsm signaling pathway. Complementation of the Gac/Rsm signaling-negative large-colony variants with a functional GacSA system restored the SCV colony morphotype but was not able to restore the high c-di-GMP levels of the SCV. Our data thus suggest that expression of the SCV colony morphotype and modulation of c-di-GMP levels are genetically separable and follow different evolutionary paths. The delayed switching of c-di-GMP levels in response to fluctuating environmental conditions might provide a unique opportunity to include a time dimension to close the gap between short-term phenotypic and long-term genetic adaptation to biofilm-associated growth conditions. IMPORTANCE Extreme environments, such as those encountered during an infection process in the human host, make effective bacterial adaptation inevitable. While bacteria adapt individually by activating stress responses, long-term adaptation of bacterial communities to challenging conditions can be achieved via genetic fixation of favorable traits. In this study, we describe a two-pronged bacterial stress resistance strategy in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We show that the production of adjusted elevated c-di-GMP levels, which drive protected biofilm-associated phenotypes in vivo, resembles a stable hysteretic response which prevents unwanted frequent switching. Cellular hysteresis might provide a link between individual adaptability and evolutionary adaptation to ensure the evolutionary persistence of host-adapted stress response strategies.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sikdar R, Elias MH. Evidence for Complex Interplay between Quorum Sensing and Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0126922. [PMID: 36314960 PMCID: PMC9769976 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01269-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-density-dependent, intercellular communication system mediated by small diffusible signaling molecules. QS regulates a range of bacterial behaviors, including biofilm formation, virulence, drug resistance mechanisms, and antibiotic tolerance. Enzymes capable of degrading signaling molecules can interfere in QS-a process termed as quorum quenching (QQ). Remarkably, previous work reported some cases where enzymatic interference in QS was synergistic to antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The premise of combination therapy is attractive to fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria, yet comprehensive studies are lacking. Here, we evaluate the effects of QS signal disruption on the antibiotic resistance profile of P. aeruginosa by testing 222 antibiotics and antibacterial compounds from 15 different classes. We found compelling evidence that QS signal disruption does indeed affect antibiotic resistance (40% of all tested compounds; 89/222), albeit not always synergistically (not synergistic for 19% of compounds; 43/222). For some tested antibiotics, such as sulfathiazole and trimethoprim, we were able to relate the changes in resistance caused by QS signal disruption to the modulation of the expression of key genes of the folate biosynthetic pathway. Moreover, using a P. aeruginosa-based Caenorhabditis elegans killing model, we confirmed that enzymatic QQ modulates the effects of antibiotics on P. aeruginosa's pathogenicity in vivo. Altogether, these results show that signal disruption has profound and complex effects on the antibiotic resistance profile of P. aeruginosa. This work suggests that combination therapy including QQ and antibiotics should be discussed not globally but, rather, in case-by-case studies. IMPORTANCE Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-density-dependent communication system used by a wide range of bacteria to coordinate behaviors. Strategies pertaining to the interference in QS are appealing approaches to control microbial behaviors that depend on QS, including virulence and biofilms. Interference in QS was previously reported to be synergistic with antibiotics, yet no systematic assessment exists. Here, we evaluate the potential of combination treatments using the model opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14. In this model, collected data demonstrate that QS largely modulates the antibiotic resistance profile of PA14 (for more than 40% of the tested drugs). However, the outcome of combination treatments is synergistic for only 19% of them. This research demonstrates the complex relationship between QS and antibiotic resistance and suggests that combination therapy including QS inhibitors and antibiotics should be discussed not globally but, rather, in case-by-case studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sikdar
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mikael H. Elias
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dreifus JE, O’Neal L, Jacobs HM, Subramanian AS, Howell PL, Wozniak DJ, Parsek MR. The Sia System and c-di-GMP Play a Crucial Role in Controlling Cell-Association of Psl in Planktonic P. aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0033522. [PMID: 36448788 PMCID: PMC9794950 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00335-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial species use the secondary messenger, c-di-GMP, to promote the production of biofilm matrix components. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, c-di-GMP production is stimulated upon initial surface contact and generally remains high throughout biofilm growth. Transcription of several gene clusters, including the Sia signal transduction system, are induced in response to high cellular levels of c-di-GMP. The output of this system is SiaD, a diguanylate cyclase whose activity is induced in the presence of the detergent SDS. Previous studies demonstrated that Sia-mediated cellular aggregation is a key feature of P. aeruginosa growth in the presence of SDS. Here, we show that the Sia system is important for producing low levels of c-di-GMP when P. aeruginosa is growing planktonically. In addition, we show that Sia activity is important for maintaining cell-associated Psl in planktonic populations. We also demonstrate that Sia mutant strains have reduced cell-associated Psl and a surface attachment-deficient phenotype. The Sia system also appears to posttranslationally impact cell-associated Psl levels. Collectively, our findings suggest a novel role for the Sia system and c-di-GMP in planktonic populations by regulating levels of cell-associated Psl.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Dreifus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsey O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Holly M. Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adithya S. Subramanian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - P. Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infections and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew R. Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains from Both Clinical and Environmental Origins Readily Adopt a Stable Small-Colony-Variant Phenotype Resulting from Single Mutations in c-di-GMP Pathways. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0018522. [PMID: 36102640 PMCID: PMC9578426 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00185-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A subpopulation of small-colony variants (SCVs) is a frequently observed feature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from colonized cystic fibrosis lungs. Since most SCVs have until now been isolated from clinical samples, it remains unclear how widespread the ability of P. aeruginosa strains to develop this phenotype is and what the genetic mechanism(s) behind the emergence of SCVs are according to the origin of the isolate. In the present work, we investigated the ability of 22 P. aeruginosa isolates from various environmental origins to spontaneously adopt an SCV-like smaller alternative morphotype distinguishable from that of the ancestral parent strain under laboratory culture conditions. We found that all the P. aeruginosa strains tested could adopt an SCV phenotype, regardless of their origin. Whole-genome sequencing of SCVs obtained from clinical and environmental sources revealed single mutations exclusively in two distinct c-di-GMP signaling pathways, the Wsp and YfiBNR pathways. We conclude that the ability to switch to an SCV phenotype is a conserved feature of P. aeruginosa and results from the acquisition of a stable genetic mutation, regardless of the origin of the strain. IMPORTANCE P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that thrives in many environments. It poses a significant health concern, notably because this bacterium is the most prevalent pathogen found in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. In infected hosts, its persistence is considered related to the emergence of an alternative small-colony-variant (SCV) phenotype. By reporting the distribution of P. aeruginosa SCVs in various nonclinical environments and the involvement of c-di-GMP in SCV emergence from both clinical and environmental strains, this work contributes to understanding a conserved adaptation mechanism used by P. aeruginosa to adapt readily in all environments. Hindering this adaptation strategy could help control persistent infection by P. aeruginosa.
Collapse
|
26
|
Grace A, Sahu R, Owen DR, Dennis VA. Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strains PAO1 and PA14: A genomic, phenotypic, and therapeutic review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1023523. [PMID: 36312971 PMCID: PMC9607943 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1023523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous, motile, gram-negative bacterium that has been recently identified as a multi-drug resistant pathogen in critical need of novel therapeutics. Of the approximately 5,000 strains, PAO1 and PA14 are common laboratory reference strains, modeling moderately and hyper-virulent phenotypes, respectively. PAO1 and PA14 have been instrumental in facilitating the discovery of novel drug targets, testing novel therapeutics, and supplying critical genomic information on the bacterium. While the two strains have contributed to a wide breadth of knowledge on the natural behaviors and therapeutic susceptibilities of P. aeruginosa, they have demonstrated significant deviations from observations in human infections. Many of these deviations are related to experimental inconsistencies in laboratory strain environment that complicate and, at times, terminate translation from laboratory results to clinical applications. This review aims to provide a comparative analysis of the two strains and potential methods to improve their clinical relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber Grace
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Rajnish Sahu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | | | - Vida A. Dennis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
- *Correspondence: Vida A. Dennis,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Haines RR, Putsathit P, Hammer KA, Tai AS. Activity of newest generation β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination therapies against multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16814. [PMID: 36207358 PMCID: PMC9547053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa accounts for 35% of all P. aeruginosa isolated from respiratory samples of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The usefulness of β-lactam antibiotics for treating CF, such as carbapenems and later generation cephalosporins, is limited by the development of antibacterial resistance. A proven treatment approach is the combination of a β-lactam antibiotic with a β-lactamase inhibitor. New β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations are available, but data are lacking regarding the susceptibility of MDR CF-associated P. aeruginosa (CFPA) to these new combination therapies. In this study we determined MIC values for three new combinations; imipenem-relebactam (I-R), ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), and ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) against MDR CFPA (n = 20). The MIC90 of I-R, CZA, and C/T was 64/4, 32/4, and 16/8 (all µg/mL), respectively. The susceptibility of isolates to imipenem was not significantly improved with the addition of relebactam (p = 0.68). However, susceptibility to ceftazidime was significantly improved with the addition of avibactam (p < 0.01), and the susceptibility to C/T was improved compared to piperacillin/tazobactam (p < 0.05) These data provide in vitro evidence that I-R may not be any more effective than imipenem monotherapy against MDR CFPA. The pattern of susceptibility observed for CZA and C/T in the current study was similar to data previously reported for non-CF-associated MDR P. aeruginosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robbie R Haines
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 30 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Papanin Putsathit
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Katherine A Hammer
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 30 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Anna S Tai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Institute of Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Planet PJ. Adaptation and Evolution of Pathogens in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2022; 11:S23-S31. [PMID: 36069898 PMCID: PMC9451014 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As opposed to acute respiratory infections, the persistent bacterial infections of the lung that characterize cystic fibrosis (CF) provide ample time for bacteria to evolve and adapt. The process of adaptation is recorded in mutations that accumulate over time in the genomes of the infecting bacteria. Some of these mutations lead to obvious phenotypic differences such as antibiotic resistance or the well-known mucoid phenotype of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other mutations may be just as important but harder to detect such as increased mutation rates, cell surface changes, and shifts in metabolism and nutrient acquisition. Remarkably, many of the adaptations occur again and again in different patients, signaling that bacteria are adapting to solve specific challenges in the CF respiratory tract. This parallel evolution even extends across distinct bacterial species. This review addresses the bacterial systems that are known to change in long-term CF infections with a special emphasis on cross-species comparisons. Consideration is given to how adaptation may impact health in CF, and the possible evolutionary mechanisms that lead to the repeated parallel adaptations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Planet
- Corresponding Author: Paul J. Planet, MD, PhD, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Effects of Levofloxacin, Aztreonam, and Colistin on Enzyme Synthesis by P. aeruginosa Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11081114. [PMID: 36009983 PMCID: PMC9404814 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11081114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronic pulmonary inflammation and persistent bacterial infections. P. aeruginosa is among the main opportunistic pathogens causing infections in CF. P. aeruginosa is able to form a biofilm, decreasing antibiotic permeability. LOX, a lipoxygenase enzyme, is a virulence factor produced by P. aeruginosa and promotes its persistence in lung tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate if antibiotics currently used for aerosol therapy in CF are able to interfere with the production of lipoxygenase from open isolates of P. Aeruginosa from patients with CF. (2) Methods: Clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from patients with CF were grown in Luria broth (LB). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed and interpreted for all isolated strains according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines. We selected four antibiotics with different mechanisms of action: aztreonam, colistin, amikacin, and levofloxacin. We used human pulmonary epithelial NCI-H929 cells to evaluate LOX activity and its metabolites according to antibiotic action at increasing concentrations. (3) Results: there is a correlation between LOX secretion by clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and biofilm production. Levofloxacin exhibits highly significant inhibitory activity compared to the control. Amikacin also exhibits significant inhibitory activity against LOX production. Aztreonam and colistin do not show inhibitory activity. These results are also confirmed for LOX metabolites. (4) Conclusions: among the evaluated antibiotics, levofloxacin and amikacin have an activity on LOX secretion.
Collapse
|
30
|
Preclinical Evaluation of Recombinant Microbial Glycoside Hydrolases as Antibiofilm Agents in Acute Pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0005222. [PMID: 35862738 PMCID: PMC9380554 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00052-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa can colonize the airways of patients with chronic lung disease. Within the lung, P. aeruginosa forms biofilms that can enhance resistance to antibiotics and immune defenses. P. aeruginosa biofilm formation is dependent on the secretion of matrix exopolysaccharides, including Pel and Psl. In this study, recombinant glycoside hydrolases (GHs) that degrade Pel and Psl were evaluated alone and in combination with antibiotics in a mouse model of P. aeruginosa infection. Intratracheal GH administration was well tolerated by mice. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that, although GHs have short half-lives, administration of two GHs in combination resulted in increased GH persistence. Combining GH prophylaxis and treatment with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin resulted in greater reduction in pulmonary bacterial burden than that with either agent alone. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of GH therapy in bacterial infections.
Collapse
|
31
|
Singkham-In U, Phuengmaung P, Makjaroen J, Saisorn W, Bhunyakarnjanarat T, Chatsuwan T, Chirathaworn C, Chancharoenthana W, Leelahavanichkul A. Chlorhexidine Promotes Psl Expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa That Enhances Cell Aggregation with Preserved Pathogenicity Demonstrates an Adaptation against Antiseptic. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158308. [PMID: 35955437 PMCID: PMC9368580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently in contact with Chlorhexidine (a regular antiseptic), bacterial adaptations are possible. In comparison with the parent strain, the Chlorhexidine-adapted strain formed smaller colonies with metabolic downregulation (proteomic analysis) with the cross-resistance against colistin (an antibiotic for several antibiotic-resistant bacteria), partly through the modification of L-Ara4N in the lipopolysaccharide at the outer membrane. Chlorhexidine-adapted strain formed dense liquid–solid interface biofilms with enhanced cell aggregation partly due to the Chlorhexidine-induced overexpression of psl (exopolysaccharide-encoded gene) through the LadS/GacSA pathway (c-di-GMP-independence) in 12 h biofilms and maintained the aggregation with SiaD-mediated c-di-GMP dependence in 24 h biofilms as evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The addition of Ca2+ in the Chlorhexidine-adapted strain facilitated several Psl-associated genes, indicating an impact of Ca2+ in Psl production. The activation by Chlorhexidine-treated sessile bacteria demonstrated a lower expression of IL-6 and IL-8 on fibroblasts and macrophages than the activation by the parent strain, indicating the less inflammatory reactions from Chlorhexidine-exposed bacteria. However, the 14-day severity of the wounds in mouse caused by Chlorhexidine-treated bacteria versus the parent strain was similar, as indicated by wound diameters and bacterial burdens. In conclusion, Chlorhexidine induced psl over-expression and colistin cross-resistance that might be clinically important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uthaibhorn Singkham-In
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Pornpimol Phuengmaung
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Jiradej Makjaroen
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Wilasinee Saisorn
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Thansita Bhunyakarnjanarat
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Tanittha Chatsuwan
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Chintana Chirathaworn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Wiwat Chancharoenthana
- Tropical Nephrology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-306-9130 (W.C.); +66-2-256-4251 (A.L.); Fax: +66-2-354-9150 (W.C.); +66-2-252-6920 (A.L.)
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-306-9130 (W.C.); +66-2-256-4251 (A.L.); Fax: +66-2-354-9150 (W.C.); +66-2-252-6920 (A.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen Q, Dharmaraj T, Cai PC, Burgener EB, Haddock NL, Spakowitz AJ, Bollyky PL. Bacteriophage and Bacterial Susceptibility, Resistance, and Tolerance to Antibiotics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1425. [PMID: 35890320 PMCID: PMC9318951 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, impact bacterial responses to antibiotics in complex ways. Recent studies using lytic bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections (phage therapy) demonstrate that phages can promote susceptibility to chemical antibiotics and that phage/antibiotic synergy is possible. However, both lytic and lysogenic bacteriophages can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. In particular, some phages mediate the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria via transduction and other mechanisms. In addition, chronic infection filamentous phages can promote antimicrobial tolerance, the ability of bacteria to persist in the face of antibiotics. In particular, filamentous phages serve as structural elements in bacterial biofilms and prevent the penetration of antibiotics. Over time, these contributions to antibiotic tolerance favor the selection of resistance clones. Here, we review recent insights into bacteriophage contributions to antibiotic susceptibility, resistance, and tolerance. We discuss the mechanisms involved in these effects and address their impact on bacterial fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (T.D.); (N.L.H.); (P.L.B.)
| | - Tejas Dharmaraj
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (T.D.); (N.L.H.); (P.L.B.)
| | - Pamela C. Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Elizabeth B. Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (E.B.B.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Naomi L. Haddock
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (T.D.); (N.L.H.); (P.L.B.)
| | - Andy J. Spakowitz
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (E.B.B.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (T.D.); (N.L.H.); (P.L.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Rahman MU, Fleming DF, Wang L, Rumbaugh KP, Gordon VD, Christopher GF. Microrheology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms grown in wound beds. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:49. [PMID: 35705574 PMCID: PMC9200728 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A new technique was used to measure the viscoelasticity of in vivo Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. This was done through ex vivo microrheology measurements of in vivo biofilms excised from mouse wound beds. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the mechanics of in vivo biofilms have been measured. In vivo results are then compared to typical in vitro measurements. Biofilms grown in vivo are more relatively elastic than those grown in a wound-like medium in vitro but exhibited similar compliance. Using various genetically mutated P. aeruginosa strains, it is observed that the contributions of the exopolysaccharides Pel, Psl, and alginate to biofilm viscoelasticity were different for the biofilms grown in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments with collagen containing medium suggest this likely arises from the incorporation of host material, most notably collagen, into the matrix of the biofilm when it is grown in vivo. Taken together with earlier studies that examined the in vitro effects of collagen on mechanical properties, we conclude that collagen may, in some cases, be the dominant contributor to biofilm viscoelasticity in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minhaz Ur Rahman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Derek F Fleming
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Liyun Wang
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kendra P Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Vernita D Gordon
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Gordon F Christopher
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Patil PD, Zheng H, Burns FN, Ibanez ACS, Jin Y, Luk YY. Chimeric Ligands of Pili and Lectin A Inhibit Tolerance, Persistence, and Virulence Factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa over a Wide Range of Phenotypes. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1582-1593. [PMID: 35658414 PMCID: PMC9379910 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00201] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Bacteria readily
form resilient phenotypes to counter environmental
and antibiotic stresses. Here, we demonstrate a class of small molecules
that inhibit a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phenotypes and enable antibiotics to kill previously tolerant bacteria,
preventing the transition of tolerant bacteria into a persistent population.
We identified two proteins, type IV pili and lectin LecA, as receptors
for our molecules by methods including a new label-free assay based
on bacterial motility sensing the chemicals in the environment, the
chemical inhibition of bacteriophage adsorption on pili appendages
of bacteria, and fluorescence polarization. Structure–activity
relationship studies reveal a molecule that inhibits only pili appendage
and a class of chimeric ligands that inhibit both LecA and pili. Important
structural elements of the ligand are identified for each protein.
This selective ligand binding identifies the phenotypes each protein
receptor controls. Inhibiting LecA results in reducing biofilm formation,
eliminating small colony variants, and is correlated with killing
previously tolerant bacteria. Inhibiting pili appendages impedes swarming
and twitching motilities and pyocyanin and elastase production. Because
these phenotypes are controlled by a broad range of signaling pathways,
this approach simultaneously controls the multiple signaling mechanisms
preventing bacteria to elude antibiotic treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj D Patil
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 1-014 Center of Science and Technology, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Hewen Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 1-014 Center of Science and Technology, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Felicia N Burns
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 1-014 Center of Science and Technology, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Arizza C S Ibanez
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 1-014 Center of Science and Technology, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Yuchen Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 1-014 Center of Science and Technology, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| | - Yan-Yeung Luk
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 1-014 Center of Science and Technology, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ma LZ, Wang D, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Wozniak DJ. Regulation of Biofilm Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis and Degradation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:413-433. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microbial communities enmeshed in a matrix of macromolecules, termed as biofilms, are the natural setting of bacteria. Exopolysaccharide is a critical matrix component of biofilms. Here, we focus on biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This opportunistic pathogen can adapt to a wide range of environments and can form biofilms or aggregates in a variety of surfaces or environments, such as the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, catheters, wounds, and contact lenses. The ability to synthesize multiple exopolysaccharides is one of the advantages that facilitate bacterial survival in different environments. P. aeruginosa can produce several exopolysaccharides, including alginate, Psl, Pel, and lipopolysaccharide. In this review, we highlight the roles of each exopolysaccharide in P. aeruginosa biofilm development and how bacteria coordinate the biosynthesis of multiple exopolysaccharides and bacterial motility. In addition, we present advances in antibiofilm strategies targeting matrix exopolysaccharides, with a focus on glycoside hydrolases. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyan Z. Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Di Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fleming D, Niese B, Redman W, Vanderpool E, Gordon V, Rumbaugh KP. Contribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl to Wound Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:835754. [PMID: 35463635 PMCID: PMC9021892 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.835754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are the cause of most chronic bacterial infections. Living within the biofilm matrix, which is made of extracellular substances, including polysaccharides, proteins, eDNA, lipids and other molecules, provides microorganisms protection from antimicrobials and the host immune response. Exopolysaccharides are major structural components of bacterial biofilms and are thought to be vital to numerous aspects of biofilm formation and persistence, including adherence to surfaces, coherence with other biofilm-associated cells, mechanical stability, protection against desiccation, binding of enzymes, and nutrient acquisition and storage, as well as protection against antimicrobials, host immune cells and molecules, and environmental stressors. However, the contribution of specific exopolysaccharide types to the pathogenesis of biofilm infection is not well understood. In this study we examined whether the absence of the two main exopolysaccharides produced by the biofilm former Pseudomonas aeruginosa would affect wound infection in a mouse model. Using P. aeruginosa mutants that do not produce the exopolysaccharides Pel and/or Psl we observed that the severity of wound infections was not grossly affected; both the bacterial load in the wounds and the wound closure rates were unchanged. However, the size and spatial distribution of biofilm aggregates in the wound tissue were significantly different when Pel and Psl were not produced, and the ability of the mutants to survive antibiotic treatment was also impaired. Taken together, our data suggest that while the production of Pel and Psl do not appear to affect P. aeruginosa pathogenesis in mouse wound infections, they may have an important implication for bacterial persistence in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek Fleming
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Brandon Niese
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, United States
| | - Whitni Redman
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Emily Vanderpool
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Vernita Gordon
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, United States
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Kendra P. Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Burn Center for Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
The nutritional environment is sufficient to select coexisting biofilm and quorum-sensing mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0044421. [PMID: 34978461 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00444-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of bacterial populations during infections can be influenced by various factors including available nutrients, the immune system, and competing microbes, rendering it difficult to identify the specific forces that select on evolved traits. The genomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the airway of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), for example, have revealed commonly mutated genes, but which phenotypes led to their prevalence is often uncertain. Here, we focus on effects of nutritional components of the CF airway on genetic adaptations by P. aeruginosa grown in either well-mixed (planktonic) or biofilm-associated conditions. After only 80 generations of experimental evolution in a simple medium with glucose, lactate, and amino acids, all planktonic populations diversified into lineages with mutated genes common to CF infections: morA, encoding a regulator of biofilm formation, or lasR, encoding a quorum sensing regulator that modulates the expression of virulence factors. Although mutated quorum sensing is often thought to be selected in vivo due to altered virulence phenotypes or social cheating, isolates with lasR mutations demonstrated increased fitness when grown alone and outcompeted the ancestral PA14 strain. Nonsynonymous SNPs in morA increased fitness in a nutrient concentration-dependent manner during planktonic growth and surprisingly also increased biofilm production. Populations propagated in biofilm conditions also acquired mutations in loci associated with chronic infections, including lasR and cyclic-di-GMP regulators roeA and wspF. These findings demonstrate that nutrient conditions and biofilm selection are sufficient to select mutants with problematic clinical phenotypes including increased biofilm and altered quorum sensing. Importance Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces dangerous chronic infections that are known for their rapid diversification and recalcitrance to treatment. We performed evolution experiments to identify adaptations selected by two specific aspects of the CF respiratory environment: nutrient levels and surface attachment. Propagation of P. aeruginosa in nutrients present within the CF airway was sufficient to drive diversification into subpopulations with identical mutations in regulators of biofilm and quorum sensing to those arising during infection. Thus, the adaptation of opportunistic pathogens to nutrients found in the host may select mutants with phenotypes that complicate treatment and clearance of infection.
Collapse
|
38
|
Lichtenberg M, Jakobsen TH, Kühl M, Kolpen M, Jensen PØ, Bjarnsholt T. OUP accepted manuscript. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6574409. [PMID: 35472245 PMCID: PMC9438473 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mads Lichtenberg
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, København, Denmark
| | - Tim Holm Jakobsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, København, Denmark
| | - Michael Kühl
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Strandpromenaden 5, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Mette Kolpen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Ole Maaløes vej 26, 2200, København, Denmark
| | - Peter Østrup Jensen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, København, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Ole Maaløes vej 26, 2200, København, Denmark
| | - Thomas Bjarnsholt
- Corresponding author: Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, København, Denmark. Tel: +45 20659888; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Matilla MA, Velando F, Monteagudo-Cascales E, Krell T. Flagella, Chemotaxis and Surface Sensing. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1386:185-221. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08491-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
40
|
Secor PR, Michaels LA, Bublitz DC, Jennings LK, Singh PK. The Depletion Mechanism Actuates Bacterial Aggregation by Exopolysaccharides and Determines Species Distribution & Composition in Bacterial Aggregates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:869736. [PMID: 35782109 PMCID: PMC9243289 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.869736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria in natural environments and infections are often found in cell aggregates suspended in polymer-rich solutions, and aggregation can promote bacterial survival and stress resistance. One aggregation mechanism, called depletion aggregation, is driven by physical forces between bacteria and high concentrations of polymers in the environment rather than bacterial activity per se. As such, bacteria aggregated by the depletion mechanism will disperse when polymer concentrations fall unless other adhesion mechanisms supervene. Here we investigated whether the depletion mechanism can actuate the aggregating effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exopolysaccharides for suspended (i.e. not surface attached) bacteria, and how depletion affects bacterial inter-species interactions. We found that cells overexpressing the exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl remained aggregated after short periods of depletion aggregation whereas wild-type and mucoid P. aeruginosa did not. In co-culture, depletion aggregation had contrasting effects on P. aeruginosa's interactions with coccus- and rod-shaped bacteria. Depletion caused S. aureus (cocci) and P. aeruginosa (rods) to segregate from each other and S. aureus to resist secreted P. aeruginosa antimicrobial factors resulting in species co-existence. In contrast, depletion aggregation caused P. aeruginosa and Burkholderia sp. (both rods) to intermix, enhancing type VI secretion inhibition of Burkholderia by P. aeruginosa, leading to P. aeruginosa dominance. These results show that in addition to being a primary cause of aggregation in polymer-rich suspensions, physical forces inherent to the depletion mechanism can promote aggregation by some self-produced exopolysaccharides and determine species distribution and composition of bacterial communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Lia A Michaels
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - DeAnna C Bublitz
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Laura K Jennings
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Pradeep K Singh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Park S, Sauer K. Controlling Biofilm Development Through Cyclic di-GMP Signaling. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1386:69-94. [PMID: 36258069 PMCID: PMC9891824 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08491-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) second messenger represents a signaling system that regulates many bacterial behaviors and is of key importance for driving the lifestyle switch between motile loner cells and biofilm formers. This review provides an up-to-date summary of c-di-GMP pathways connected to biofilm formation by the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa. Emphasis will be on the timing of c-di-GMP production over the course of biofilm formation, to highlight non-uniform and hierarchical increases in c-di-GMP levels, as well as biofilm growth conditions that do not conform with our current model of c-di-GMP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center (BBRC), Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Karin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA.
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center (BBRC), Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mahto KU, Kumari S, Das S. Unraveling the complex regulatory networks in biofilm formation in bacteria and relevance of biofilms in environmental remediation. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 57:305-332. [PMID: 34937434 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.2015747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are assemblages of bacteria embedded within a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) attached to a substratum. The process of biofilm formation is a complex phenomenon regulated by the intracellular and intercellular signaling systems. Various secondary messenger molecules such as cyclic dimeric guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (c-di-GMP), cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), and cyclic dimeric adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (c-di-AMP) are involved in complex signaling networks to regulate biofilm development in several bacteria. Moreover, the cell to cell communication system known as Quorum Sensing (QS) also regulates biofilm formation via diverse mechanisms in various bacterial species. Bacteria often switch to the biofilm lifestyle in the presence of toxic pollutants to improve their survivability. Bacteria within a biofilm possess several advantages with regard to the degradation of harmful pollutants, such as increased protection within the biofilm to resist the toxic pollutants, synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that helps in the sequestration of pollutants, elevated catabolic gene expression within the biofilm microenvironment, higher cell density possessing a large pool of genetic resources, adhesion ability to a wide range of substrata, and metabolic heterogeneity. Therefore, a comprehensive account of the various factors regulating biofilm development would provide valuable insights to modulate biofilm formation for improved bioremediation practices. This review summarizes the complex regulatory networks that influence biofilm development in bacteria, with a major focus on the applications of bacterial biofilms for environmental restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Uma Mahto
- Department of Life Science, Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), National Institute of Technology, Odisha, India
| | - Swetambari Kumari
- Department of Life Science, Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), National Institute of Technology, Odisha, India
| | - Surajit Das
- Department of Life Science, Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), National Institute of Technology, Odisha, India
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
β-lactam Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Current Status, Future Prospects. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121638. [PMID: 34959593 PMCID: PMC8706265 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen, causing a wide range of acute and chronic infections. β-lactam antibiotics including penicillins, carbapenems, monobactams, and cephalosporins play a key role in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. However, a significant number of isolates of these bacteria are resistant to β-lactams, complicating treatment of infections and leading to worse outcomes for patients. In this review, we summarize studies demonstrating the health and economic impacts associated with β-lactam-resistant P. aeruginosa. We then describe how β-lactams bind to and inhibit P. aeruginosa penicillin-binding proteins that are required for synthesis and remodelling of peptidoglycan. Resistance to β-lactams is multifactorial and can involve changes to a key target protein, penicillin-binding protein 3, that is essential for cell division; reduced uptake or increased efflux of β-lactams; degradation of β-lactam antibiotics by increased expression or altered substrate specificity of an AmpC β-lactamase, or by the acquisition of β-lactamases through horizontal gene transfer; and changes to biofilm formation and metabolism. The current understanding of these mechanisms is discussed. Lastly, important knowledge gaps are identified, and possible strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics in treating P. aeruginosa infections are considered.
Collapse
|
44
|
Alhajj N, O'Reilly NJ, Cathcart H. Developing ciprofloxacin dry powder for inhalation: A story of challenges and rational design in the treatment of cystic fibrosis lung infection. Int J Pharm 2021; 613:121388. [PMID: 34923051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited multisystem disease affecting the lung which leads to a progressive decline in lung function as a result of malfunctioning mucociliary clearance and subsequent chronic bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the predominant cause of lung infection in CF patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, antibiotic therapy remains the cornerstone of the treatment of CF. Pulmonary delivery of antibiotics for lung infections significantly reduces the required dose and the associated systemic side effects while improving therapeutic outcomes. Ciprofloxacin is one of the most widely used antibiotics against P. aeruginosa and the most effective fluoroquinolone. However, in spite of the substantial amount of research aimed at developing ciprofloxacin powder for inhalation, none of these formulations has been commercialized. Here, we present an integrated view of the diverse challenges associated with delivering ciprofloxacin dry particles to the lungs of CF patients and the rationales behind recent formulations of ciprofloxacin dry powder for inhalation. This review will discuss the challenges in developing ciprofloxacin powder for inhalation along with the physiological and pathophysiological challenges such as ciprofloxacin lung permeability, overproduction of viscous mucus and bacterial biofilms. The review will also discuss the current and emerging particle engineering approaches to overcoming these challenges. By doing so, we believe the review will help the reader to understand the current limitations in developing an inhalable ciprofloxacin powder and explore new opportunities of rational design strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Alhajj
- Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC), Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland.
| | - Niall J O'Reilly
- Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC), Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland; SSPC - The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Ireland
| | - Helen Cathcart
- Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC), Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mukherjee A, Dechow-Seligmann G, Gallie J. Evolutionary flexibility in routes to mat formation by Pseudomonas. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:394-410. [PMID: 34856020 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Many bacteria form mats at the air-liquid interface of static microcosms. These structures typically involve the secretion of exopolysaccharides, the production of which is often controlled by the secondary messenger c-di-GMP. Mechanisms of mat formation have been particularly well characterized in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25; stimuli or mutations that increase c-di-GMP production by diguanylate cyclases (WspR, AwsR, and MwsR) result in the secretion of cellulose and mat formation. Here, we characterize and compare mat formation in two close relatives of SBW25: Pseudomonas simiae PICF7 and P. fluorescens A506. We find that PICF7-the strain more closely related to SBW25-can form mats through mutations affecting the activity of the same three diguanylate cyclases as SBW25. However, instead of cellulose, these mutations activate production of the exopolysaccharide Pel. We also provide evidence for at least two further-as yet uncharacterized-routes to mat formation by PICF7. P. fluorescens A506, while retaining the same mutational routes to mat formation as SBW25 and PICF7, preferentially forms mats by a semi-heritable mechanism that culminates in Psl and Pga over-production. Our results demonstrate a high level of evolutionary flexibility in the molecular and structural routes to mat formation, even among close relatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Mukherjee
- Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Gunda Dechow-Seligmann
- Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Jenna Gallie
- Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Sindeldecker D, Stoodley P. The many antibiotic resistance and tolerance strategies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm 2021; 3:100056. [PMID: 34471871 PMCID: PMC8387898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2021.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial pathogen associated with a wide range of infections and utilizes several strategies to establish and maintain infection including biofilm production, multidrug resistance, and antibiotic tolerance. Multidrug resistance in P. aeruginosa, as well as in all other bacterial pathogens, is a growing concern. Aminoglycoside resistance, in particular, is a major concern in P. aeruginosa infections and must be better understood in order to maintain effective clinical treatment. In this review, the various antibiotic resistance and tolerance mechanisms of Pseudomonas are explored including: classic mutation driven resistance, adaptive resistance, persister cells, small colony variants, phoenix colonies, and biofilms. It is important to further characterize each of these phenotypes and continue to evaluate antibiotic surviving isolates for novel driving mechanisms, so that we are better prepared to combat the rising number of recurrent and recalcitrant infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin Sindeldecker
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- National Center for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Putrescine and its metabolic precursor arginine promote biofilm and c-di-GMP synthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2021; 204:e0029721. [PMID: 34723645 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00297-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen can synthesize and catabolize a number of small cationic molecules known as polyamines. In several clades of bacteria polyamines regulate biofilm formation, a lifestyle-switching process that confers resistance to environmental stress. The polyamine putrescine and its biosynthetic precursors, L-arginine and agmatine, promote biofilm formation in Pseudomonas spp. However, it remains unclear whether the effect is a direct effect of polyamines or through a metabolic derivative. Here we used a genetic approach to demonstrate that putrescine accumulation, either through disruption of the spermidine biosynthesis pathway or the catabolic putrescine aminotransferase pathway, promoted biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Consistent with this observation, exogenous putrescine robustly induced biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa that was dependent on putrescine uptake and biosynthesis pathways. Additionally, we show that L-arginine, the biosynthetic precursor of putrescine, also promoted biofilm formation, but via a mechanism independent of putrescine or agmatine conversion. We found that both putrescine and L-arginine induced a significant increase in the intracellular level of bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) (c-di-GMP), a bacterial second messenger widely found in Proteobacteria that upregulates biofilm formation. Collectively these data show that putrescine and its metabolic precursor arginine promote biofilm and c-di-GMP synthesis in P. aeruginosa. Importance: Biofilm formation allows bacteria to physically attach to a surface, confers tolerance to antimicrobial agents, and promotes resistance to host immune responses. As a result, regulation of biofilm is often crucial for bacterial pathogens to establish chronic infections. A primary mechanism of biofilm promotion in bacteria is the molecule c-di-GMP, which promotes biofilm formation. The level of c-di-GMP is tightly regulated by bacterial enzymes. In this study, we found that putrescine, a small molecule ubiquitously found in eukaryotic cells, robustly enhances P. aeruginosa biofilm and c-di-GMP. We propose that P. aeruginosa may sense putrescine as a host-associated signal that triggers a lifestyle switching that favors chronic infection.
Collapse
|
48
|
Xu A, Zhang X, Wang T, Xin F, Ma LZ, Zhou J, Dong W, Jiang M. Rugose small colony variant and its hyper-biofilm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Adaption, evolution, and biotechnological potential. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107862. [PMID: 34718136 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of the environmental bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is its excellent ecological flexibility, which can thrive in diverse ecological niches. In different ecosystems, P. aeruginosa may use different strategies to survive, such as forming biofilms in crude oil environment, converting to mucoid phenotype in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung, or becoming persisters when treated with antibiotics. Rugose small colony variants (RSCVs) are the adaptive mutants of P. aeruginosa, which can be frequently isolated from chronic infections. During the past years, there has been a renewed interest in using P. aeruginosa as a model organism to investigate the RSCVs formation, persistence and pathogenesis, as RSCVs represent a hyper-biofilm formation, high adaptability, high-tolerance sub-population in biofilms. This review will briefly summarize recent advances regarding the phenotypic, genetic and host interaction associated with RSCVs, with an emphasis on P. aeruginosa. Meanwhile, some non-pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas fluorescence, Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis will be also included. Remarkable emphasis is given on intrinsic functions of such hyper-biofilm formation characteristic as well as its potential applications in several biocatalytic transformations including wastewater treatment, microbial fermentation, and plastic degradation. Hopefully, this review will attract the interest of researchers in various fields and shape future research focused not only on evolutionary biology but also on biotechnological applications related to RSCVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Luyan Z Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Weiliang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Evolutionary Divergence of the Wsp Signal Transduction Systems in Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0130621. [PMID: 34495711 PMCID: PMC8552884 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01306-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria rapidly adapt to their environment by integrating external stimuli through diverse signal transduction systems. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for example, senses surface contact through the Wsp signal transduction system to trigger the production of cyclic di-GMP. Diverse mutations in wsp genes that manifest enhanced biofilm formation are frequently reported in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and in biofilm studies of Pseudomonas spp. and Burkholderia cenocepacia. In contrast to the convergent phenotypes associated with comparable wsp mutations, we demonstrate that the Wsp system in B. cenocepacia does not impact intracellular cyclic di-GMP levels, unlike that in Pseudomonas spp. Our current mechanistic understanding of the Wsp system is based entirely on the study of four Pseudomonas spp., and its phylogenetic distribution remains unknown. Here, we present a broad phylogenetic analysis to show that the Wsp system originated in the betaproteobacteria and then horizontally transferred to Pseudomonas spp., the sole member of the gammaproteobacteria. Alignment of 794 independent Wsp systems with reported mutations from the literature identified key amino acid residues that fall within and outside annotated functional domains. Specific residues that are highly conserved but uniquely modified in B. cenocepacia likely define mechanistic differences among Wsp systems. We also find the greatest sequence variation in the extracellular sensory domain of WspA, indicating potential adaptations to diverse external stimuli beyond surface contact sensing. This study emphasizes the need to better understand the breadth of functional diversity of the Wsp system as a major regulator of bacterial adaptation beyond B. cenocepacia and select Pseudomonas spp. IMPORTANCE The Wsp signal transduction system serves as an important model system for studying how bacteria adapt to living in densely structured communities known as biofilms. Biofilms frequently cause chronic infections and environmental fouling, and they are very difficult to eradicate. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the Wsp system senses contact with a surface, which in turn activates specific genes that promote biofilm formation. We demonstrate that the Wsp system in Burkholderia cenocepacia regulates biofilm formation uniquely from that in Pseudomonas species. Furthermore, a broad phylogenetic analysis reveals the presence of the Wsp system in diverse bacterial species, and sequence analyses of 794 independent systems suggest that the core signaling components function similarly but with key differences that may alter what or how they sense. This study shows that Wsp systems are highly conserved and more broadly distributed than previously thought, and their unique differences likely reflect adaptations to distinct environments.
Collapse
|
50
|
Armbruster CR, Marshall CW, Garber AI, Melvin JA, Zemke AC, Moore J, Zamora PF, Li K, Fritz IL, Manko CD, Weaver ML, Gaston JR, Morris A, Methé B, DePas WH, Lee SE, Cooper VS, Bomberger JM. Adaptation and genomic erosion in fragmented Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations in the sinuses of people with cystic fibrosis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109829. [PMID: 34686349 PMCID: PMC8667756 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa notoriously adapts to the airways of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet how infection-site biogeography and associated evolutionary processes vary as lifelong infections progress remains unclear. Here we test the hypothesis that early adaptations promoting aggregation influence evolutionary-genetic trajectories by examining longitudinal P. aeruginosa from the sinuses of six adults with CF. Highly host-adapted lineages harbored mutator genotypes displaying signatures of early genome degradation associated with recent host restriction. Using an advanced imaging technique (MiPACT-HCR [microbial identification after passive clarity technique]), we find population structure tracks with genome degradation, with the most host-adapted, genome-degraded P. aeruginosa (the mutators) residing in small, sparse aggregates. We propose that following initial adaptive evolution in larger populations under strong selection for aggregation, P. aeruginosa persists in small, fragmented populations that experience stronger effects of genetic drift. These conditions enrich for mutators and promote degenerative genome evolution. Our findings underscore the importance of infection-site biogeography to pathogen evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | | | - Arkadiy I Garber
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Melvin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Anna C Zemke
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - John Moore
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Paula F Zamora
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Kelvin Li
- Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Ian L Fritz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Christopher D Manko
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Madison L Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Jordan R Gaston
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Alison Morris
- Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Barbara Methé
- Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - William H DePas
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Stella E Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
| | - Vaughn S Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology & Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Bomberger
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
| |
Collapse
|