1
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Yi Y, Zhou Y, Lin S, Shi K, Mei J, Ying G, Wu S. Screening and isolation of quorum sensing inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Phellodendron amurense extracts using bio-affinity chromatography. J Sep Sci 2024; 47:e2400222. [PMID: 39091177 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202400222] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Drug-resistant bacterial infections pose a significant challenge in the field of bacterial disease treatment. Finding new antibacterial pathways and targets to combat drug-resistant bacteria is crucial. The bacterial quorum sensing (QS) system regulates the expression of bacterial virulence factors. Inhibiting bacterial QS and reducing bacterial virulence can achieve antibacterial therapeutic effects, making QS inhibition an effective strategy to control bacterial pathogenicity. This article mainly focused on the PqsA protein in the QS system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. An affinity chromatography medium was developed using the SpyTag/SpyCatcher heteropeptide bond system. Berberine, which can interact with the PqsA target, was screened from Phellodendron amurense by affinity chromatography. We characterized its structure, verified its inhibitory activity on P. aeruginosa, and preliminarily analyzed its mechanism using molecular docking technology. This method can also be widely applied to the immobilization of various protein targets and the effective screening of active substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yi
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Susu Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kefan Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Mei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoqing Ying
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shujiang Wu
- HangZhouBiotest Biotech Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Vieira TF, Leitão MM, Cerqueira NMFSA, Sousa SF, Borges A, Simões M. Montelukast and cefoperazone act as antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae088. [PMID: 38587815 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae088] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy to control biofilm-related infectious diseases. In this study, two drugs (montelukast and cefoperazone) with well-established therapeutic applications were tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and biofilm control. METHODS AND RESULTS The activity of montelukast and cefoperazone was evaluated for Pqs signal inhibition, pyocyanin synthesis, and prevention and eradication of Ps. aeruginosa biofilms. Cefoperazone inhibited the Pqs system by hindering the production of the autoinducer molecules 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (the Pseudomonas quinolone signal or PQS), corroborating in silico results. Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin production was reduced by 50%. The combination of the antibiotics cefoperazone and ciprofloxacin was synergistic for Ps. aeruginosa biofilm control. On the other hand, montelukast had no relevant effects on the inhibition of the Pqs system and against Ps. aeruginosa biofilm. CONCLUSION This study provides for the first time strong evidence that cefoperazone interacts with the Pqs system, hindering the formation of the autoinducer molecules HHQ and PQS, reducing Ps. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence. Cefoperazone demonstrated a potential to be used in combination with less effective antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) to potentiate the biofilm control action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana F Vieira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Leitão
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, CIQUP-IMS - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno M F S A Cerqueira
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine, LAQV/REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Medicina, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Borges
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Simões
- Faculty of Engineering, LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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3
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Zhang J, Ma Q, Wang C, Lu S, Fan S. Biodegradation characteristics and genomic analysis of a newly isolated indole-degrading strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa Jade-X. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:449-457. [PMID: 37490176 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00408-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Indole is a typical heterocyclic compound derived from tryptophan widespread in nature. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common opportunistic pathogens everywhere in the world. Indole and P. aeruginosa will encounter inevitably; however, the indole transformation process by P. aeruginosa remains unclear. Herein, an indole-degrading strain of P. aeruginosa Jade-X was isolated from activated sludge. Strain Jade-X could degrade 1 mmol/L indole within 48 h with the inoculum size of 1% (v/v). It showed high efficiency in indole degradation under the conditions of 30-42 °C, pH 5.0-9.0, and NaCl concentration less than 2.5%. The complete genome of strain Jade-X was sequenced which was 6508614 bp in length with one chromosome. Bioinformatic analyses showed that strain Jade-X did not contain the indole oxygenase gene. Three cytochrome P450 genes were identified and up-regulated in the indole degradation process by RT-qPCR analysis, while cytochrome P450 inhibitors did not affect the indole degradation process. It suggested that indole oxidation was catalyzed by an unraveled enzyme. An ant gene cluster was identified, among which the anthranilate 1,2-dioxygenase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase genes were upregulated. An indole-anthranilate-catechol pathway was proposed in indole degradation by strain P. aeruginosa Jade-X. This study enriched our understanding of the indole biodegradation process in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China
| | - Qiao Ma
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China.
| | - Caihong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China
| | - Shuxian Lu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China
| | - Shengqiang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China.
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4
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Su Q, Lu D, Kong J, Lin H, Xuan G, Wang J. PqsA mutation-mediated enhancement of phage-mediated combat against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1296777. [PMID: 38469347 PMCID: PMC10925624 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1296777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a potential approach in the biocontrol of foodborne pathogens. However, the emergence of phage resistance and the narrow host range of most phage isolates continue to limit the antimicrobial efficacy of phages. Here, we investigated the potential of the pqsA gene, encoding the anthranilate-CoA ligase enzyme, as an adjuvant for phage therapy. The knockout of the pqsA gene significantly enhanced the bactericidal effect of phages vB_Pae_QDWS and vB_Pae_S1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Under phage infection pressure, the growth of the PaΔpqsA was significantly inhibited within 8 h compared to the wild-type PAO1. Furthermore, we found that altering phage adsorption is not how PaΔpqsA responds to phage infection. Although pqsA represents a promising target for enhancing phage killing, it may not be applicable to all phages, such as types vB_Pae_W3 and vB_Pae_TR. Our findings provide new material reserves for the future design of novel phage-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guanhua Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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5
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Rhoads DD, Pummill J, Alrubaye AAK. Molecular Genomic Analyses of Enterococcus cecorum from Sepsis Outbreaks in Broilers. Microorganisms 2024; 12:250. [PMID: 38399654 PMCID: PMC10892122 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020250] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive genomic analyses of Enterococcus cecorum isolates from sepsis outbreaks in broilers suggest a polyphyletic origin, likely arising from core genome mutations rather than gene acquisition. This species is a normal intestinal flora of avian species with particular isolates associated with osteomyelitis. More recently, this species has been associated with sepsis outbreaks affecting broilers during the first 3 weeks post-hatch. Understanding the genetic and management basis of this new phenotype is critical for developing strategies to mitigate this emerging problem. Phylogenomic analyses of 227 genomes suggest that sepsis isolates are polyphyletic and closely related to both commensal and osteomyelitis isolate genomes. Pangenome analyses detect no gene acquisitions that distinguish all the sepsis isolates. Core genome single nucleotide polymorphism analyses have identified a number of mutations, affecting the protein-coding sequences, that are enriched in sepsis isolates. The analysis of the protein substitutions supports the mutational origins of sepsis isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas D. Rhoads
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.P.); (A.A.K.A.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Jeff Pummill
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.P.); (A.A.K.A.)
- Arkansas High Performance Computing Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (J.P.); (A.A.K.A.)
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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6
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Liu Y, McQuillen EA, Rana PSJB, Gloag ES, Parsek MR, Wozniak DJ. A bacterial pigment provides cross-species protection from H 2O 2- and neutrophil-mediated killing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312334121. [PMID: 38170744 PMCID: PMC10786307 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312334121] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections are often polymicrobial. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus cause chronic co-infections, which are more problematic than mono-species infections. Understanding the mechanisms of their interactions is crucial for treating co-infections. Staphyloxanthin (STX), a yellow pigment synthesized by the S. aureus crt operon, promotes S. aureus resistance to oxidative stress and neutrophil-mediated killing. We found that STX production by S. aureus, either as surface-grown macrocolonies or planktonic cultures, was elevated when exposed to the P. aeruginosa exoproduct, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO). This was observed with both mucoid and non-mucoid P. aeruginosa strains. The induction phenotype was found in a majority of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus clinical isolates examined. When subjected to hydrogen peroxide or human neutrophils, P. aeruginosa survival was significantly higher when mixed with wild-type (WT) S. aureus, compared to P. aeruginosa alone or with an S. aureus crt mutant deficient in STX production. In a murine wound model, co-infection with WT S. aureus, but not the STX-deficient mutant, enhanced P. aeruginosa burden and disease compared to mono-infection. In conclusion, we identified a role for P. aeruginosa HQNO mediating polymicrobial interactions with S. aureus by inducing STX production, which consequently promotes resistance to the innate immune effectors H2O2 and neutrophils. These results further our understanding of how different bacterial species cooperatively cause co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH43210
| | - Eleanor A. McQuillen
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH43210
| | - Pranav S. J. B. Rana
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH43210
| | - Erin S. Gloag
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH43210
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA24060
| | - Matthew R. Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH43210
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7
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Schwartzkopf CM, Taylor VL, Groleau MC, Faith DR, Schmidt AK, Lamma TL, Brooks DM, Déziel E, Maxwell KL, Secor PR. Inhibition of PQS signaling by the Pf bacteriophage protein PfsE enhances viral replication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:116-128. [PMID: 38038061 PMCID: PMC10842821 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing, a bacterial signaling system that coordinates group behaviors as a function of cell density, plays an important role in regulating viral (phage) defense mechanisms in bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model system for the study of quorum sensing. P. aeruginosa is also frequently infected by Pf prophages that integrate into the host chromosome. Upon induction, Pf phages suppress host quorum sensing systems; however, the physiological relevance and mechanism of suppression are unknown. Here, we identify the Pf phage protein PfsE as an inhibitor of Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) quorum sensing. PfsE binds to the host protein PqsA, which is essential for the biosynthesis of the PQS signaling molecule. Inhibition of PqsA increases the replication efficiency of Pf virions when infecting a new host and when the Pf prophage switches from lysogenic replication to active virion replication. In addition to inhibiting PQS signaling, our prior work demonstrates that PfsE also binds to PilC and inhibits type IV pili extension, protecting P. aeruginosa from infection by type IV pili-dependent phages. Overall, this work suggests that the simultaneous inhibition of PQS signaling and type IV pili by PfsE may be a viral strategy to suppress host defenses to promote Pf replication while at the same time protecting the susceptible host from competing phages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marie-Christine Groleau
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Dominick R. Faith
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Amelia K. Schmidt
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Tyrza L. Lamma
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Diane M. Brooks
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Eric Déziel
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Karen L. Maxwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick R. Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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Liu J, Zhao SY, Hu JY, Chen QX, Jiao SM, Xiao HC, Zhang Q, Xu J, Zhao JF, Zhou HB, Zheng JX, Sun PH. Novel Coumarin Derivatives Inhibit the Quorum Sensing System and Iron Homeostasis as Antibacterial Synergists against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14735-14754. [PMID: 37874867 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is well-known to cause biofilm-associated drug resistance and infections that often lead to treatment failure. Herein, we reported a dual-acting antibiofilm strategy by inhibiting both the bacterial quorum sensing system and the iron uptake system. A series of coumarin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated, and compound 4t was identified as the most effective biofilm inhibitor (IC50 = 3.6 μM). Further mechanistic studies have confirmed that 4t not only inhibits the QS systems but also competes strongly with pyoverdine as an iron chelator, causing an iron deficiency in P. aeruginosa. Additionally, 4t significantly improved the synergistic antibacterial effects of ciprofloxacin and tobramycin by more than 200-1000-fold compared to the single-dose antibiotic treatments. Therefore, our study has shown that 4t is a potentially novel antibacterial synergist candidate to treat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Si-Yu Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Yi Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Qiu-Xian Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Meng Jiao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Chuan Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jun Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Fu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Bo Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Xia Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ping-Hua Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
- College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832099, P. R. China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
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9
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Liu J, Meng Y, Yang MH, Zhang XY, Zhao JF, Sun PH, Chen WM. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-ones based hybrids as Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115665. [PMID: 37506546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a gram-negative pathogenic bacterium, often causative drug-resistance related human infections, given its great capacity to form bioflm. It uses three major quorum sensing (QS) systems, las, rhl, and pqs, to regulate the expression of genes related to virulence and biofilm formation. Consequently, strategies for inhibiting QS have garnered considerable attention as antimicrobial therapies. In this study, we designed and synthesized several 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-one hybrids and assessed their potential as the inhibitors of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. The most active compound identified was 12h; it exhibited satisfactory biofilm inhibitory activity (IC50: 10.59 ± 1.17 μM). Mechanistic studies revealed that 12h significantly inhibited the fluorescence of the PAO1-lasB-gfp and PAO1-pqsA-gfp fluorescent reporter strains and the production of Las-regulated (elastase) and Pqs-regulated (pyocyanin) virulence factors. These findings indicate that 12h inhibited biofilm formation by suppressing the expression of lasB and pqsA, thereby inactivating the las and pqs pathways. Furthermore, 12h improved the antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa and reduced the acute virulence of this bacterium in the African green monkey kidney cell line Vero. In conclusion, 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-one hybrids, such as 12h, represent a promising class of antibacterial agents against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Ying Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Ming-Han Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jian-Fu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China.
| | - Ping-Hua Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
| | - Wei-Min Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
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10
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Ghosh M, Raghav S, Ghosh P, Maity S, Mohela K, Jain D. Structural analysis of novel drug targets for mitigation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad054. [PMID: 37771093 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen responsible for acute and chronic, hard to treat infections. Persistence of P. aeruginosa is due to its ability to develop into biofilms, which are sessile bacterial communities adhered to substratum and encapsulated in layers of self-produced exopolysaccharides. These biofilms provide enhanced protection from the host immune system and resilience towards antibiotics, which poses a challenge for treatment. Various strategies have been expended for combating biofilms, which involve inhibiting biofilm formation or promoting their dispersal. The current remediation approaches offer some hope for clinical usage, however, treatment and eradication of preformed biofilms is still a challenge. Thus, identifying novel targets and understanding the detailed mechanism of biofilm regulation becomes imperative. Structure-based drug discovery (SBDD) provides a powerful tool that exploits the knowledge of atomic resolution details of the targets to search for high affinity ligands. This review describes the available structural information on the putative target protein structures that can be utilized for high throughput in silico drug discovery against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Integrating available structural information on the target proteins in readily accessible format will accelerate the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Ghosh
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Shikha Raghav
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Puja Ghosh
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Swagatam Maity
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Kavery Mohela
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
| | - Deepti Jain
- Transcription Regulation Lab, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana-121001, India
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11
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Schwartzkopf CM, Taylor VL, Groleau MC, Faith DR, Schmidt AK, Lamma TL, Brooks DM, Déziel E, Maxwell KL, Secor PR. Inhibition of PQS signaling by the Pf bacteriophage protein PfsE enhances viral replication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.25.554831. [PMID: 37662248 PMCID: PMC10473763 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.25.554831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing, a bacterial signaling system that coordinates group behaviors as a function of cell density, plays an important role in regulating viral (phage) defense mechanisms in bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model system for the study of quorum sensing. P. aeruginosa is also frequently infected by Pf prophages that integrate into the host chromosome. Upon induction, Pf phages suppress host quorum sensing systems; however, the physiological relevance and mechanism of suppression are unknown. Here, we identify the Pf phage protein PfsE as an inhibitor of Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) quorum sensing. PfsE binds to the host protein PqsA, which is essential for the biosynthesis of the PQS signaling molecule. Inhibition of PqsA increases the replication efficiency of Pf virions when infecting a new host and when the Pf prophage switches from lysogenic replication to active virion replication. In addition to inhibiting PQS signaling, our prior work demonstrates that PfsE also binds to PilC and inhibits type IV pili extension, protecting P. aeruginosa from infection by type IV pili-dependent phages. Overall, this work suggests that the simultaneous inhibition of PQS signaling and type IV pili by PfsE may be a viral strategy to suppress host defenses to promote Pf replication while at the same time protecting the susceptible host from competing phages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marie-Christine Groleau
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Dominick R. Faith
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Amelia K. Schmidt
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Tyrza L. Lamma
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Diane M. Brooks
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Eric Déziel
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Karen L. Maxwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick R. Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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12
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Jenul C, Keim KC, Jens JN, Zeiler MJ, Schilcher K, Schurr MJ, Melander C, Phelan VV, Horswill AR. Pyochelin biotransformation by Staphylococcus aureus shapes bacterial competition with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in polymicrobial infections. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112540. [PMID: 37227819 PMCID: PMC10592502 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are among the most frequently isolated bacterial species from polymicrobial infections of patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic wounds. We apply mass spectrometry guided interaction studies to determine how chemical interaction shapes the fitness and community structure during co-infection of these two pathogens. We demonstrate that S. aureus is equipped with an elegant mechanism to inactivate pyochelin via the yet uncharacterized methyltransferase Spm (staphylococcal pyochelin methyltransferase). Methylation of pyochelin abolishes the siderophore activity of pyochelin and significantly lowers pyochelin-mediated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in S. aureus. In a murine wound co-infection model, an S. aureus mutant unable to methylate pyochelin shows significantly lower fitness compared with its parental strain. Thus, Spm-mediated pyochelin methylation is a mechanism to increase S. aureus survival during in vivo competition with P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Jenul
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Klara C Keim
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Justin N Jens
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael J Zeiler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Katrin Schilcher
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Michael J Schurr
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christian Melander
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Vanessa V Phelan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Alexander R Horswill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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13
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Giallonardi G, Letizia M, Mellini M, Frangipani E, Halliday N, Heeb S, Cámara M, Visca P, Imperi F, Leoni L, Williams P, Rampioni G. Alkyl-quinolone-dependent quorum sensing controls prophage-mediated autolysis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa colony biofilms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1183681. [PMID: 37305419 PMCID: PMC10250642 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1183681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model quorum sensing (QS) pathogen with three interconnected QS circuits that control the production of virulence factors and antibiotic tolerant biofilms. The pqs QS system of P. aeruginosa is responsible for the biosynthesis of diverse 2-alkyl-4-quinolones (AQs), of which 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (PQS) function as QS signal molecules. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that HHQ and PQS influenced the expression of multiple genes via PqsR-dependent and -independent pathways whereas 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO) had no effect on P. aeruginosa transcriptome. HQNO is a cytochrome bc 1 inhibitor that causes P. aeruginosa programmed cell death and autolysis. However, P. aeruginosa pqsL mutants unable to synthesize HQNO undergo autolysis when grown as colony biofilms. The mechanism by which such autolysis occurs is not understood. Through the generation and phenotypic characterization of multiple P. aeruginosa PAO1 mutants producing altered levels of AQs in different combinations, we demonstrate that mutation of pqsL results in the accumulation of HHQ which in turn leads to Pf4 prophage activation and consequently autolysis. Notably, the effect of HHQ on Pf4 activation is not mediated via its cognate receptor PqsR. These data indicate that the synthesis of HQNO in PAO1 limits HHQ-induced autolysis mediated by Pf4 in colony biofilms. A similar phenomenon is shown to occur in P. aeruginosa cystic fibrosis (CF) isolates, in which the autolytic phenotype can be abrogated by ectopic expression of pqsL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Mellini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nigel Halliday
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stephan Heeb
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Cámara
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Williams
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Giordano Rampioni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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14
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Ji H, Zhao L, Lv K, Zhang Y, Gao H, Gong Q, Yu W. Citrinin Is a Potential Quorum Sensing Inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050296. [PMID: 37233490 DOI: 10.3390/md21050296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that infects patients by regulating virulence factors and biofilms through a quorum sensing (QS) system to protect itself from antibiotics and environmental stress. Therefore, the development of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) is expected to become a new strategy for studying drug resistance to P. aeruginosa infections. Marine fungi are valuable resources for screening QSIs. A marine fungus, Penicillium sp. JH1, with anti-QS activity was isolated from the offshore waters of Qingdao (China), and citrinin, a novel QSI, was purified from secondary metabolites of this fungus. Citrinin could significantly inhibit the production of violacein in Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472 and the production of three virulence factors (elastase, rhamnolipid and pyocyanin) in P. aeruginosa PAO1. It could also inhibit the biofilm formation and motility of PAO1. In addition, citrinin downregulated the transcript levels of nine genes (lasI, rhlI, pqsA, lasR, rhlR, pqsR, lasB, rhlA and phzH) associated with QS. Molecular docking results showed that citrinin bound to PqsR and LasR with better affinity than the natural ligands. This study laid a foundation for the further study of the structure optimization and structure-activity relationship of citrinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Ji
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kaiwen Lv
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuzhu Zhang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Haibo Gao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qianhong Gong
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wengong Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycotechnology, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
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15
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Beenker WAG, Hoeksma J, Bannier-Hélaouët M, Clevers H, den Hertog J. Paecilomycone Inhibits Quorum Sensing in Gram-Negative Bacteria. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0509722. [PMID: 36920212 PMCID: PMC10100902 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05097-22] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes major health care concerns due to its virulence and high intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents. Therefore, new treatments are greatly needed. An interesting approach is to target quorum sensing (QS). QS regulates the production of a wide variety of virulence factors and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. This study describes the identification of paecilomycone as an inhibitor of QS in both Chromobacterium violaceum and P. aeruginosa. Paecilomycone strongly inhibited the production of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa, including various phenazines, and biofilm formation. In search of the working mechanism, we found that paecilomycone inhibited the production of 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (PQS), but not 2'-aminoacetophenone (2-AA). Therefore, we suggest that paecilomycone affects parts of QS in P. aeruginosa by targeting the PqsBC complex and alternative targets or alters processes that influence the enzymatic activity of the PqsBC complex. The toxicity of paecilomycone toward eukaryotic cells and organisms was low, making it an interesting lead for further clinical research. IMPORTANCE Antibiotics are becoming less effective against bacterial infections due to the evolution of resistance among bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative pathogen that causes major health care concerns and is difficult to treat due to its high intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents. Therefore, new targets are needed, and an interesting approach is to target quorum sensing (QS). QS is the communication system in bacteria that regulates multiple pathways, including the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation, which leads to high toxicity in the host and low sensitivity to antibiotics, respectively. We found a compound, named paecilomycone, that inhibited biofilm formation and the production of various virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. The toxicity of paecilomycone toward eukaryotic cells and organisms was low, making it an interesting lead for further clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter A. G. Beenker
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer Hoeksma
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Bannier-Hélaouët
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen den Hertog
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Yi Y, Shi K, Ding S, Hu J, Zhang C, Mei J, Ying G. A general strategy for protein affinity-ligand oriented-immobilization and screening for bioactive compounds. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1218:123591. [PMID: 36809735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural products containing complex mixtures of potentially bioactive compounds are a major source of new drugs, however, conventional screening for active compounds is a time-consuming and inefficient process. Here, we reported that a facile and efficient protein affinity-ligand oriented-immobilization strategy based on the SpyTag/SpyCatcher(ST/SC) chemistry, was used for bioactive compound screening. Two ST-fused model proteins, that is, GFP (green fluorescent protein) and PqsA (a critical enzyme in the quorum sensing pathway of Pseudomonas aeruginosa), were used to verify the feasibility of this screening method. GFP, as the capturing protein model, was ST-labeled and anchored at a specific orientation onto the surface of activated agarose coupled with SC protein via ST/SC self-ligation. The affinity carriers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and fluorography. The spontaneity and site-specificity of this unique reaction were confirmed via electrophoresis and fluorescence analyses. Although the alkaline stability of the affinity carriers was not ideal, its pH stability was acceptable under pH < 9. The general preparation strategy of this affinity carriers was validated by replacing GFP with PqsA, and PqsA inhibitor, 2-amino-6-fluorobenzoic acid, was successfully isolated from the fermentation broth. The proposed strategy can immobilize protein ligands in one-step and screen compounds that interact specifically with the ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yi
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Kefan Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Shenwei Ding
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Jianming Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Gmax Biopharm International Limited, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Jianfeng Mei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Guoqing Ying
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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17
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Feng Y, Liang J, Liu X, Gao K, Zhang Y, Li A, Chen C, Hou LA, Yang Y. Graphene oxide/methyl anthranilate modified anti-biofouling membrane possesses dual functions of anti-adhesion and quorum quenching. J Memb Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Liu Y, McQuillen EA, Rana PSJB, Gloag ES, Wozniak DJ. Cross-Species Protection to Innate Immunity Mediated by A Bacterial Pigment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.15.524085. [PMID: 36711503 PMCID: PMC9882196 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.15.524085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are often polymicrobial. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus cause chronic co-infections, which are more problematic than mono-species infections. We found that the production of S. aureus membrane-bound pigment staphyloxanthin (STX), was induced by the P. aeruginosa exoproduct, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO). The induction phenotype was conserved in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus clinical isolates examined. When subjected to hydrogen peroxide or human neutrophils, P. aeruginosa survival was significantly higher when mixed with wild-type (WT) S. aureus , compared to a mutant deficient in STX production or P. aeruginosa alone. In a murine wound model, co-infection with WT S. aureus , but not the STX-deficient mutant, enhanced P. aeruginosa burden and disease compared to mono-infection. In conclusion, we discovered a novel role for P. aeruginosa HQNO mediating polymicrobial interactions with S. aureus by inducing STX production, which consequently promotes resistance of both pathogens to innate immune effectors. These results further our understanding of how different bacterial species cooperatively cause co-infections.
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19
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Chen J, Lu Y, Ye F, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Li J, Wu Q, Xu X, Wu Q, Wei B, Zhang H, Wang H. A Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the Anthranilyl-CoA Synthetase PqsA for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0276421. [PMID: 35856709 PMCID: PMC9430567 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02764-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges associated with the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is the high prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR). Since conventional antibiotics are ineffective at treating such bacterial infections, innovative antibiotics acting upon novel targets or via mechanisms are urgently required. In this study, we identified a quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI), norharmane, that uniquely shows weak antibacterial activity but strongly inhibits pyocyanin production and biofilm formation of MDR P. aeruginosa. Biophysical experiments and molecular docking studies showed that norharmane competes with anthraniloyl-AMP for anthranilyl-CoA synthetase PqsA of P. aeruginosa at the ligand-binding pocket, which is not exploited by current inhibitors, thereby altering transcription regulatory activity. Moreover, norharmane exhibits synergy with polymyxin B. This synergism exhibits a high killing rate, low probability of resistance selection, and minimal cytotoxicity. Notably, norharmane can effectively boost polymyxin B activity against MDR P. aeruginosa-associated infections in animal models. Together, our findings provide novel insight critical to the design of improved PqsA inhibitors, and an effective combination strategy to overcome multiantibiotic bacterial resistance using conventional antibiotics and QSIs. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dominant hospital-acquired bacterial pathogen typically found in immunocompromised individuals. It is particularly dangerous for patients with chronic lung diseases and was identified as a serious threat for patients in the 2019 Antimicrobial Resistance Threats report (https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggest-threats.html). In this study, we used activity-based high-throughput screening to identify norharmane, a potent and selective inhibitor of P. aeruginosa PqsA, which is a well-conserved master quorum sensing (QS) regulator in multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa. This compound competitively binds anthranilyl-CoA synthetase PqsA at the anthraniloyl-AMP binding domain, which has not been exploited by known inhibitors. Remarkably, norharmane can significantly block the production of the virulence factor, pyocyanin (87%), and biofilm formation (80%) in MDR P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, norharmane is capable of augmenting polymyxin B activity against MDR P. aeruginosa in cell cultures and animal models. Taken together, these results suggest that norharmane may be an effective adjuvant for combating multiantibiotic bacterial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaojia Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongfang Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonglie Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangtao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xuewei Xu
- Second Institute of Oceanography, MNR, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qihao Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen of humans with hundreds of its virulence factors regulated by quorum sensing (QS) system. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are also key regulators of bacterial virulence. However, the QS regulatory sRNAs (Qrrs) that have been characterized in P. aeruginosa are still largely unknown. Here, sRNA AmiL (PA3366.1) in the amiEBCRS operon of PAO1 was identified as a novel Qrr by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). The expression of AmiL was negatively regulated by the las or rhl system, of which RhlR probably inhibited its transcription. AmiL deletion mutant and overexpressing strains were constructed in PAO1. Broad phenotypic changes were found, including reduced pyocyanin synthesis, elastase activity, biofilm formation, hemolytic activity, and cytotoxicity, as well as increased rhamnolipid production and swarming motility. AmiL appears to be a new regulator that influences diverse QS-mediated virulence. Furthermore, AmiL directly targeted PhzC, a key member of pyocyanin synthesis. AmiL also negatively regulated lasI expression in the early growth of PAO1, but predominantly increased rhlI expression and C4-HSL production in the middle and late stages. Therefore, a novel QS-sRNA signaling cascade of las/rhl (RhlR)-AmiL-PhzC/las/rhl was demonstrated, and it will help to shed new light on the virulence regulatory network of P. aeruginosa PAO1. IMPORTANCEP. aeruginosa is a common nosocomial pathogen that causes diverse opportunistic infections in humans. The virulence crucial for infection is mainly regulated by QS. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) involved in virulence regulation have also been identified in many bacteria. Recently, there is a growing interest in the new sRNA species, QS regulatory sRNAs (Qrrs). Understanding Qrrs-mediated regulation in P. aeruginosa virulence is therefore important to combat infection. In this study, a previously uncharacterized sRNA AmiL in PAO1 has been identified as a novel Qrr. It has been found to influence diverse QS-mediated virulence factors including pyocyanin, elastase, rhamnolipid, and hemolysin, as well as biofilm formation, swarming motility, and cytotoxicity. Furthermore, PhzC essential for pyocyanin synthesis was a direct target of AmiL. QS gene expression and C4-HSL production were also regulated by AmiL. This study provides insights into the roles of Qrr AmiL in modulating P. aeruginosa virulence.
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Duplantier M, Lohou E, Sonnet P. Quorum Sensing Inhibitors to Quench P. aeruginosa Pathogenicity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1262. [PMID: 34959667 PMCID: PMC8707152 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria constitute a major public health issue. Among incriminated Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been designated by the WHO as a critical priority threat. During the infection process, this pathogen secretes various virulence factors in order to adhere and colonize host tissues. Furthermore, P. aeruginosa has the capacity to establish biofilms that reinforce its virulence and intrinsic drug resistance. The regulation of biofilm and virulence factor production of this micro-organism is controlled by a specific bacterial communication system named Quorum Sensing (QS). The development of anti-virulence agents targeting QS that could attenuate P. aeruginosa pathogenicity without affecting its growth seems to be a promising new therapeutic strategy. This could prevent the selective pressure put on bacteria by the conventional antibiotics that cause their death and promote resistant strain survival. This review describes the QS-controlled pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa and its different specific QS molecular pathways, as well as the recent advances in the development of innovative QS-quenching anti-virulence agents to fight anti-bioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pascal Sonnet
- AGIR, UR4294, UFR of Pharmacy, Jules Verne University of Picardie, 80037 Amiens, France; (M.D.); (E.L.)
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22
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Hoshiko Y, Nishiyama Y, Moriya T, Kadokami K, López-Jácome LE, Hirano R, García-Contreras R, Maeda T. Quinolone Signals Related to Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal-Quorum Sensing Inhibits the Predatory Activity of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:722579. [PMID: 34566925 PMCID: PMC8461301 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.722579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is one of the predatory bacteria; therefore, it can act as a novel “living antibiotic,” unlike the current antibiotics. Here the predation of Escherichia coli by B. bacteriovorus was inhibited in the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study investigated whether P. aeruginosa-induced predation inhibition is associated with bacterial quorum sensing (QS). Each las, rhl, or pqs QS mutant in P. aeruginosa was used to check the predatory activity of E. coli cells using B. bacteriovorus. As a result, the predatory activity of B. bacteriovorus increased in a mutant pqs QS system, whereas wild-type PA14 inhibited the predatory activity. Moreover, the addition of 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) or the analog triggered the low predatory activity of B. bacteriovorus and killed B. bacteriovorus cells. Therefore, a defensive action of P. aeruginosa against B. bacteriovorus is activated by the pqs QS system, which produces some quinolone compounds such as HHQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hoshiko
- Department of Biological Functions Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshito Nishiyama
- Department of Biological Functions Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tae Moriya
- Department of Biological Functions Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kiwao Kadokami
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, The University of Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Luis Esaú López-Jácome
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratory of Infectology, National Institute of Rehabilitation Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ryutaro Hirano
- Department of Biological Functions Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | - Toshinari Maeda
- Department of Biological Functions Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Soh EYC, Smith F, Gimenez MR, Yang L, Vejborg RM, Fletcher M, Halliday N, Bleves S, Heeb S, Cámara M, Givskov M, Hardie KR, Tolker-Nielsen T, Ize B, Williams P. Disruption of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Tat system perturbs PQS-dependent quorum sensing and biofilm maturation through lack of the Rieske cytochrome bc1 sub-unit. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009425. [PMID: 34460871 PMCID: PMC8432897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and its release is regulated via pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) dependent quorum sensing (QS). By screening a P. aeruginosa transposon library to identify factors required for DNA release, mutants with insertions in the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway were identified as exhibiting reduced eDNA release, and defective biofilm architecture with enhanced susceptibility to tobramycin. P. aeruginosa tat mutants showed substantial reductions in pyocyanin, rhamnolipid and membrane vesicle (MV) production consistent with perturbation of PQS-dependent QS as demonstrated by changes in pqsA expression and 2-alkyl-4-quinolone (AQ) production. Provision of exogenous PQS to the tat mutants did not return pqsA, rhlA or phzA1 expression or pyocyanin production to wild type levels. However, transformation of the tat mutants with the AQ-independent pqs effector pqsE restored phzA1 expression and pyocyanin production. Since mutation or inhibition of Tat prevented PQS-driven auto-induction, we sought to identify the Tat substrate(s) responsible. A pqsA::lux fusion was introduced into each of 34 validated P. aeruginosa Tat substrate deletion mutants. Analysis of each mutant for reduced bioluminescence revealed that the primary signalling defect was associated with the Rieske iron-sulfur subunit of the cytochrome bc1 complex. In common with the parent strain, a Rieske mutant exhibited defective PQS signalling, AQ production, rhlA expression and eDNA release that could be restored by genetic complementation. This defect was also phenocopied by deletion of cytB or cytC1. Thus, either lack of the Rieske sub-unit or mutation of cytochrome bc1 genes results in the perturbation of PQS-dependent autoinduction resulting in eDNA deficient biofilms, reduced antibiotic tolerance and compromised virulence factor production. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly adaptable human pathogen responsible for causing chronic biofilm-associated infections. Biofilms are highly refractory to host defences and antibiotics and thus difficult to eradicate. The biofilm extracellular matrix incorporates extracellular DNA (eDNA). This stabilizes biofilm architecture and helps confer tolerance to antibiotics. Since mechanisms that control eDNA release are not well understood, we screened a P. aeruginosa mutant bank for strains with defects in eDNA release and discovered a role for the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway that exports folded proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane. Perturbation of the Tat pathway resulted in defective biofilms susceptible to antibiotic treatment as a consequence of perturbed pseudomonas quinolone (PQS) signalling. This resulted in the failure to produce or release biofilm components including eDNA, phenazines and rhamnolipids as well as microvesicles. Furthermore, we discovered that perturbation of PQS signalling was a consequence of the inability of tat mutants to translocate the Rieske subunit of the cytochrome bc1 complex involved in electron transfer and energy transduction. Given the importance of PQS signalling and the Tat system to virulence and biofilm maturation in P. aeruginosa, our findings underline the potential of the Tat system as a drug target for novel antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Ye-Chen Soh
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Smith
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Maxime Rémi Gimenez
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM-UMR7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Liang Yang
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Rebecca Munk Vejborg
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew Fletcher
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Halliday
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Bleves
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM-UMR7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Stephan Heeb
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Cámara
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Givskov
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim R. Hardie
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail: (TT-N); (BI); (PW)
| | - Bérengère Ize
- Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires (LISM-UMR7255), Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (TT-N); (BI); (PW)
| | - Paul Williams
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (TT-N); (BI); (PW)
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Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Species-Specific Metabolite Production and Shared Nutrient Consumption by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. mSystems 2021; 6:e0048021. [PMID: 34156287 PMCID: PMC8269234 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00480-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While bacterial metabolism is known to impact antibiotic efficacy and virulence, the metabolic capacities of individual microbes in cystic fibrosis lung infections are difficult to disentangle from sputum samples. Here, we show that untargeted metabolomic profiling of supernatants of multiple strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus grown in monoculture in synthetic cystic fibrosis media (SCFM) reveals distinct species-specific metabolic signatures despite intraspecies metabolic variability. We identify a set of 15 metabolites that were significantly consumed by both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, suggesting that nutrient competition has the potential to impact community dynamics even in the absence of other pathogen-pathogen interactions. Finally, metabolites that were uniquely produced by one species or the other were identified. Specifically, the virulence factor precursor anthranilic acid, as well as the quinoline 2,4-quinolinediol (DHQ), were robustly produced across all tested strains of P. aeruginosa. Through the direct comparison of the extracellular metabolism of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in a physiologically relevant environment, this work provides insight toward the potential for metabolic interactions in vivo and supports the development of species-specific diagnostic markers of infection. IMPORTANCE Interactions between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus can impact pathogenicity and antimicrobial efficacy. In this study, we aim to better understand the potential for metabolic interactions between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in an environment resembling the cystic fibrosis lung. We find that S. aureus and P. aeruginosa consume many of the same nutrients, suggesting that metabolic competition may play an important role in community dynamics during coinfection. We further identify metabolites uniquely produced by either organism with the potential to be developed into species-specific biomarkers of infection in the cystic fibrosis lung.
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Biological and clinical significance of quorum sensing alkylquinolones: current analytical and bioanalytical methods for their quantification. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:4599-4618. [PMID: 33959788 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a sophisticated bacterial communication system which plays a key role in the virulence and biofilm formation of many pathogens. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa QS network consists of four sets of connected systems (las, rlh, pqs and iqs) hierarchically organized. The pqs system involves characteristic autoinducers (AI), most of them sharing an alkylquinolone (AQ) structure, and is able to carry out several relevant biological functions besides its main signalling activity. Their role in bacterial physiology and pathogenicity has been widely studied. Indeed, the presence of these metabolites in several body fluids and infected tissues has pointed to their potential value as biomarkers of infection. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings about the biological implications and the clinical significance of the main P. aeruginosa AQs. These findings have encouraged the development of analytical and bioanalytical techniques addressed to assess the role of these metabolites in bacterial growth and survival, during pathogenesis or as biomarkers of infections. The availability of highly sensitive reliable analytical methods suitable for clinical analysis would allow getting knowledge about pathogenesis and disease prognosis or progression, supporting clinicians on the decision-making process for the management of these infections and guiding them on the application of more effective and appropriate treatments. The benefits from the implementation of the point-of-care (PoC)-type testing in infectious disease diagnostics, which are seen to improve patient outcomes by promoting earlier therapeutic interventions, are also discussed.
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Signal Synthase-Type versus Catabolic Monooxygenases: Retracing 3-Hydroxylation of 2-Alkylquinolones and Their N-Oxides by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Other Pulmonary Pathogens. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02241-20. [PMID: 33452035 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02241-20] [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: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The multiple biological activities of 2-alkylquinolones (AQs) are crucial for virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, conferring advantages during infection and in polymicrobial communities. Whereas 2-heptyl-3-hydroxyquinolin-4(1H)-one (the "Pseudomonas quinolone signal" [PQS]) is an important quorum sensing signal molecule, 2-alkyl-1-hydroxyquinolin-4(1H)-ones (also known as 2-alkyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxides [AQNOs]) are antibiotics inhibiting respiration. Hydroxylation of the PQS precursor 2-heptylquinolin-4(1H)-one (HHQ) by the signal synthase PqsH boosts AQ quorum sensing. Remarkably, the same reaction, catalyzed by the ortholog AqdB, is used by Mycobacteroides abscessus to initiate degradation of AQs. The antibiotic 2-heptyl-1-hydroxyquinolin-4(1H)-one (HQNO) is hydroxylated by Staphylococcus aureus to the less toxic derivative PQS-N-oxide (PQS-NO), a reaction probably also catalyzed by a PqsH/AqdB ortholog. In this study, we provide a comparative analysis of four AQ 3-monooxygenases of different organisms. Due to the major impact of AQ/AQNO 3-hydroxylation on the biological activities of the compounds, we surmised adaptations on the enzymatic and/or physiological level to serve either the producer or target organisms. Our results indicate that all enzymes share similar features and are incapable of discriminating between AQs and AQNOs. PQS-NO, hence, occurs as a native metabolite of P. aeruginosa although the unfavorable AQNO 3-hydroxylation is minimized by export as shown for HQNO, involving at least one multidrug efflux pump. Moreover, M. abscessus is capable of degrading the AQNO heterocycle by concerted action of AqdB and dioxygenase AqdC. However, S. aureus and M. abscessus orthologs disfavor AQNOs despite their higher toxicity, suggesting that catalytic constraints restrict evolutionary adaptation and lead to the preference of non-N-oxide substrates by AQ 3-monooxygenases.IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacteroides abscessus are major players in bacterial chronic infections and particularly common colonizers of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung tissue. Whereas S. aureus is an early onset pathogen in CF, P. aeruginosa establishes at later stages. M. abscessus occurs at all stages but has a lower epidemiological incidence. The dynamics of how these pathogens interact can affect survival and therapeutic success. 2-Alkylquinolone (AQ) and 2-alkylhydroxyquinoline N-oxide (AQNO) production is a major factor of P. aeruginosa virulence. The 3-position of the AQ scaffold is critical, both for attenuation of AQ toxicity or degradation by competitors, as well as for full unfolding of quorum sensing. Despite lacking signaling functionality, AQNOs have the strongest impact on suppression of Gram-positives. Because evidence for 3-hydroxylation of AQNOs has been reported, it is desirable to understand the extent by which AQ 3-monooxygenases contribute to manipulation of AQ/AQNO equilibrium, resistance, and degradation.
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27
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Oziat J, Cohu T, Elsen S, Gougis M, Malliaras GG, Mailley P. Electrochemical detection of redox molecules secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa - Part 1: Electrochemical signatures of different strains. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107747. [PMID: 33618190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During infections, fast identification of the microorganisms is critical to improve patient treatment and to better manage antibiotics use. Electrochemistry exhibits several advantages for rapid diagnostic: it enables easy, cheap and in situ analysis of redox molecules in most liquids. In this work, several culture supernatants of different Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (including PAO1 and its isogenic mutants PAO1ΔpqsA, PA14, PAK and CHA) were analyzed by square wave voltammetry on glassy carbon electrode during the bacterial growth. The obtained voltamograms shown complex traces exhibiting numerous redox peaks with potential repartitions and current amplitudes depending on the studied bacterium and/or growth time. Among them, some peaks were clearly associated to the well-known redox toxin Pyocyanin (PYO) and the autoinducer Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS). Other peaks were observed that are not yet attributed to known secreted species. Each complex electrochemical response (number of peaks, peak potential and amplitude) can be interpreted as a fingerprint or "ID-card" of the studied strain that may be implemented for fast bacteria strain identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Oziat
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, CEA Leti, MINATEC Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France; Department of Bioelectronics, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne, F-13541 Gardanne, France; Bioserenity, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, 47 Bd de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Thibaut Cohu
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, CEA Leti, MINATEC Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Elsen
- UMR 1036, INSERM-CEA-UJF, CNRS ERL5261, BIG, CEA-Grenoble, F-38054 Grenoble, France
| | - Maxime Gougis
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, CEA Leti, MINATEC Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France
| | - George G Malliaras
- Department of Bioelectronics, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Etienne, F-13541 Gardanne, France; Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - Pascal Mailley
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, CEA Leti, MINATEC Campus, F-38054 Grenoble, France.
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Grossman S, Soukarieh F, Richardson W, Liu R, Mashabi A, Emsley J, Williams P, Cámara M, Stocks MJ. Novel quinazolinone inhibitors of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing transcriptional regulator PqsR. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112778. [PMID: 32927392 PMCID: PMC7684530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Rising numbers of cases of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa over recent years have created an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches to cure potentially fatal infections. One such approach is virulence attenuation where anti-virulence compounds, designed to reduce pathogenicity without affording bactericidal effects, are employed to treat infections. P. aeruginosa uses the pqs quorum sensing (QS) system, to coordinate the expression of a large number of virulence determinants as well as bacterial-host interactions and hence represents an excellent anti-virulence target. We report the synthesis and identification of a new series of thiazole-containing quinazolinones capable of inhibiting PqsR, the transcriptional regulator of the pqs QS system. The compounds demonstrated high potency (IC50 < 300 nM) in a whole-cell assay, using a mCTX:PpqsA-lux-based bioreporter for the P. aeruginosa PAO1-L and PA14 strains. Structural evaluation defined the binding modes of four analogues in the ligand-binding domain of PqsR through X-ray crystallography. Further work showed the ability of 6-chloro-3((2-pentylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (18) and 6-chloro-3((2-hexylthiazol-4-yl)methyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (19) to attenuate production of the PqsR-regulated virulence factor pyocyanin. Compounds 18 and 19 showed a low cytotoxic profile in the A549 human epithelial lung cell line making them suitable candidates for further pre-clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Grossman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Fadi Soukarieh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - William Richardson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ruiling Liu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Alaa Mashabi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonas Emsley
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Michael J Stocks
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK; National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD, UK.
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29
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Bacterial Alkyl-4-quinolones: Discovery, Structural Diversity and Biological Properties. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235689. [PMID: 33276615 PMCID: PMC7731028 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The alkyl-4-quinolones (AQs) are a class of metabolites produced primarily by members of the Pseudomonas and Burkholderia genera, consisting of a 4-quinolone core substituted by a range of pendant groups, most commonly at the C-2 position. The history of this class of compounds dates back to the 1940s, when a range of alkylquinolones with notable antibiotic properties were first isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More recently, it was discovered that an alkylquinolone derivative, the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) plays a key role in bacterial communication and quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Many of the best-studied examples contain simple hydrocarbon side-chains, but more recent studies have revealed a wide range of structurally diverse examples from multiple bacterial genera, including those with aromatic, isoprenoid, or sulfur-containing side-chains. In addition to their well-known antimicrobial properties, alkylquinolones have been reported with antimalarial, antifungal, antialgal, and antioxidant properties. Here we review the structural diversity and biological activity of these intriguing metabolites.
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30
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Cooke AC, Florez C, Dunshee EB, Lieber AD, Terry ML, Light CJ, Schertzer JW. Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal-Induced Outer Membrane Vesicles Enhance Biofilm Dispersion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mSphere 2020; 5:e01109-20. [PMID: 33239369 PMCID: PMC7690959 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.01109-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are major contributors to chronic infections in humans. Because they are recalcitrant to conventional therapy, they present a particularly difficult treatment challenge. Identifying factors involved in biofilm development can help uncover novel targets and guide the development of antibiofilm strategies. Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes surgical site, burn wound, and hospital-acquired infections and is also associated with aggressive biofilm formation in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. A potent but poorly understood contributor to P. aeruginosa virulence is the ability to produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). OMV trafficking has been associated with cell-cell communication, virulence factor delivery, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. Because OMVs have almost exclusively been studied using planktonic cultures, little is known about their biogenesis and function in biofilms. Several groups have shown that Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) induces OMV formation in P. aeruginosa Our group described a biophysical mechanism for this and recently showed it is operative in biofilms. Here, we demonstrate that PQS-induced OMV production is highly dynamic during biofilm development. Interestingly, PQS and OMV synthesis are significantly elevated during dispersion compared to attachment and maturation stages. PQS biosynthetic and receptor mutant biofilms were significantly impaired in their ability to disperse, but this phenotype was rescued by genetic complementation or exogenous addition of PQS. Finally, we show that purified OMVs can actively degrade extracellular protein, lipid, and DNA. We therefore propose that enhanced production of PQS-induced OMVs during biofilm dispersion facilitates cell escape by coordinating the controlled degradation of biofilm matrix components.IMPORTANCE Treatments that manipulate biofilm dispersion hold the potential to convert chronic drug-tolerant biofilm infections from protected sessile communities into released populations that are orders-of-magnitude more susceptible to antimicrobial treatment. However, dispersed cells often exhibit increased acute virulence and dissemination phenotypes. A thorough understanding of the dispersion process is therefore critical before this promising strategy can be effectively employed. Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) has been implicated in early biofilm development, but we hypothesized that its function as an outer membrane vesicle (OMV) inducer may contribute at multiple stages. Here, we demonstrate that PQS and OMVs are differentially produced during Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development and provide evidence that effective biofilm dispersion is dependent on the production of PQS-induced OMVs, which likely act as delivery vehicles for matrix-degrading enzymes. These findings lay the groundwork for understanding OMV contributions to biofilm development and suggest a model to explain the controlled matrix degradation that accompanies biofilm dispersion in many species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Cooke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Catalina Florez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Elise B Dunshee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Avery D Lieber
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- First-year Research Immersion Program, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Michelle L Terry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- First-year Research Immersion Program, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Caitlin J Light
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- First-year Research Immersion Program, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Summer Research Immersion Program, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Schertzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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31
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Static Growth Promotes PrrF and 2-Alkyl-4(1 H)-Quinolone Regulation of Type VI Secretion Protein Expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00416-20. [PMID: 33020221 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00416-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is frequently associated with both acute and chronic infections. P. aeruginosa possesses a complex regulatory network that modulates nutrient acquisition and virulence, but our knowledge of these networks is largely based on studies with shaking cultures, which are not likely representative of conditions during infection. Here, we provide proteomic, metabolic, and genetic evidence that regulation by iron, a critical metallonutrient, is altered in static P. aeruginosa cultures. Specifically, we observed a loss of iron-induced expression of proteins for oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolism under static conditions. Moreover, we identified type VI secretion as a target of iron regulation in P. aeruginosa cells under static but not shaking conditions, and we present evidence that this regulation occurs via PrrF small regulatory RNA (sRNA)-dependent production of 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone metabolites. These results yield new iron regulation paradigms in an important opportunistic pathogen and highlight the need to redefine iron homeostasis in static microbial communities.IMPORTANCE Host-mediated iron starvation is a broadly conserved signal for microbial pathogens to upregulate expression of virulence traits required for successful infection. Historically, global iron regulatory studies in microorganisms have been conducted in shaking cultures to ensure culture homogeneity, yet these conditions are likely not reflective of growth during infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-studied opportunistic pathogen and model organism for iron regulatory studies. Iron homeostasis is maintained through the Fur protein and PrrF small regulatory sRNAs, the functions of which are highly conserved in many other bacterial species. In the current study, we examined how static growth affects the known iron and PrrF regulons of P. aeruginosa, leading to the discovery of novel PrrF-regulated virulence processes. This study demonstrates how the utilization of distinct growth models can enhance our understanding of basic physiological processes that may also affect pathogenesis.
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Vrla GD, Esposito M, Zhang C, Kang Y, Seyedsayamdost MR, Gitai Z. Cytotoxic alkyl-quinolones mediate surface-induced virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008867. [PMID: 32925969 PMCID: PMC7515202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface attachment, an early step in the colonization of multiple host environments, activates the virulence of the human pathogen P. aeruginosa. However, the downstream toxins that mediate surface-dependent P. aeruginosa virulence remain unclear, as do the signaling pathways that lead to their activation. Here, we demonstrate that alkyl-quinolone (AQ) secondary metabolites are rapidly induced upon surface association and act directly on host cells to cause cytotoxicity. Surface-induced AQ cytotoxicity is independent of other AQ functions like quorum sensing or PQS-specific activities like iron sequestration. We further show that packaging of AQs in outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) increases their cytotoxicity to host cells but not their ability to stimulate downstream quorum sensing pathways in bacteria. OMVs lacking AQs are significantly less cytotoxic, suggesting these molecules play a role in OMV cytotoxicity, in addition to their previously characterized role in OMV biogenesis. AQ reporters also enabled us to dissect the signal transduction pathways downstream of the two known regulators of surface-dependent virulence, the quorum sensing receptor, LasR, and the putative mechanosensor, PilY1. Specifically, we show that PilY1 regulates surface-induced AQ production by repressing the AlgR-AlgZ two-component system. AlgR then induces RhlR, which can induce the AQ biosynthesis operon under specific conditions. These findings collectively suggest that the induction of AQs upon surface association is both necessary and sufficient to explain surface-induced P. aeruginosa virulence. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most intensely studied bacterial pathogens and is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections in the United States. An intriguing aspect of P. aeruginosa is its ability increase its virulence following attachment to a solid surface, suggesting that these bacteria use mechano-transduction to regulate pathogenesis. However, the cytotoxins that mediate host-cell killing in response to surface attachment remain unknown. Here, we use a microscopy-based host-cell killing assay to show that the alkyl-quinolone (AQ) family of secreted small molecules is both necessary and sufficient to explain surface-induced virulence. We further show that these compounds are upregulated rapidly following bacterial surface attachment and that packaging of AQs into secreted outer membrane vesicles enhances AQ cytotoxicity. This work thus fills a major gap in our understanding of surface sensing in P. aeruginosa and provides new methods for investigating surface-dependent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D. Vrla
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, Unites States of America
| | - Mark Esposito
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, Unites States of America
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, Unites States of America
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, Unites States of America
| | | | - Zemer Gitai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, Unites States of America
- * E-mail:
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33
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Shao X, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Ding Y, Wu M, Wang X, Deng X. Novel therapeutic strategies for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1403-1423. [PMID: 32880507 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1803274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent infections caused by the superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents are huge threats to patients with cystic fibrosis as well as those with compromised immune systems. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa has posed a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches, which show limited efficacy and cause serious side effects. The public demand for new antibiotics is enormous; yet, drug development pipelines have started to run dry with limited targets available for inventing new antibacterial drugs. Consequently, it is important to uncover potential therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED The authors review the current state of drug development strategies that are promising in terms of the development of novel and potent drugs to treat P. aeruginosa infection. EXPERT OPINION The prevention of P. aeruginosa infection is increasingly challenging. Furthermore, targeting key virulence regulators has great potential for developing novel anti-P. aeruginosa drugs. Additional promising strategies include bacteriophage therapy, immunotherapies, and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, the authors believe that in the coming years, the overall network of molecular regulatory mechanism of P. aeruginosa virulence will be fully elucidated, which will provide more novel and promising drug targets for treating P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingui Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota , Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen, China
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34
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Spatiotemporal Distribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Alkyl Quinolones under Metabolic and Competitive Stress. mSphere 2020; 5:5/4/e00426-20. [PMID: 32699119 PMCID: PMC7376503 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00426-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkyl quinolones (AQs), including Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), made by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been associated with both population density and stress. The regulation of AQ production is known to be complex, and the stimuli that modulate AQ responses are not fully clear. Here, we have used hyperspectral Raman chemical imaging to examine the temporal and spatial profiles of AQs exhibited by P. aeruginosa under several potentially stressful conditions. We found that metabolic stress, effected by carbon limitation, or competition stress, effected by proximity to other species, resulted in accelerated PQS production. This competition effect did not require cell-to-cell interaction, as evidenced by the fact that the addition of supernatants from either Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus led to early appearance of PQS. Lastly, the fact that these modulations were observed for PQS but not for all AQs suggests a high level of complexity in AQ regulation that remains to be discerned. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen important to diseases such as cystic fibrosis. P. aeruginosa has multiple quorum-sensing (QS) systems, one of which utilizes the signaling molecule 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (Pseudomonas quinolone signal [PQS]). Here, we use hyperspectral Raman imaging to elucidate the spatiotemporal PQS distributions that determine how P. aeruginosa regulates surface colonization and its response to both metabolic stress and competition from other bacterial strains. These chemical imaging experiments illustrate the strong link between environmental challenges, such as metabolic stress caused by nutritional limitations or the presence of another bacterial species, and PQS signaling. Metabolic stress elicits a complex response in which limited nutrients induce the bacteria to produce PQS earlier, but the bacteria may also pause PQS production entirely if the nutrient concentration is too low. Separately, coculturing P. aeruginosa in the proximity of another bacterial species, or its culture supernatant, results in earlier production of PQS. However, these differences in PQS appearance are not observed for all alkyl quinolones (AQs) measured; the spatiotemporal response of 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO) is highly uniform for most conditions. These insights on the spatiotemporal distributions of quinolones provide additional perspective on the behavior of P. aeruginosa in response to different environmental cues. IMPORTANCE Alkyl quinolones (AQs), including Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), made by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been associated with both population density and stress. The regulation of AQ production is known to be complex, and the stimuli that modulate AQ responses are not fully clear. Here, we have used hyperspectral Raman chemical imaging to examine the temporal and spatial profiles of AQs exhibited by P. aeruginosa under several potentially stressful conditions. We found that metabolic stress, effected by carbon limitation, or competition stress, effected by proximity to other species, resulted in accelerated PQS production. This competition effect did not require cell-to-cell interaction, as evidenced by the fact that the addition of supernatants from either Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus led to early appearance of PQS. Lastly, the fact that these modulations were observed for PQS but not for all AQs suggests a high level of complexity in AQ regulation that remains to be discerned.
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35
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El-Mowafy M, Elgaml A, Shaaban M. New Approaches for Competing Microbial Resistance and Virulence. Microorganisms 2020. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.90388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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36
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Chatterjee P, Sass G, Swietnicki W, Stevens DA. Review of Potential Pseudomonas Weaponry, Relevant to the Pseudomonas-Aspergillus Interplay, for the Mycology Community. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6020081. [PMID: 32517271 PMCID: PMC7345761 DOI: 10.3390/jof6020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most prominent opportunistic bacteria in airways of cystic fibrosis patients and in immunocompromised patients. These bacteria share the same polymicrobial niche with other microbes, such as the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Their inter-kingdom interactions and diverse exchange of secreted metabolites are responsible for how they both fare in competition for ecological niches. The outcomes of their contests likely determine persistent damage and degeneration of lung function. With a myriad of virulence factors and metabolites of promising antifungal activity, P. aeruginosa products or their derivatives may prove useful in prophylaxis and therapy against A. fumigatus. Quorum sensing underlies the primary virulence strategy of P. aeruginosa, which serves as cell–cell communication and ultimately leads to the production of multiple virulence factors. Understanding the quorum-sensing-related pathogenic mechanisms of P. aeruginosa is a first step for understanding intermicrobial competition. In this review, we provide a basic overview of some of the central virulence factors of P. aeruginosa that are regulated by quorum-sensing response pathways and briefly discuss the hitherto known antifungal properties of these virulence factors. This review also addresses the role of the bacterial secretion machinery regarding virulence factor secretion and maintenance of cell–cell communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulami Chatterjee
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (P.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (P.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Wieslaw Swietnicki
- Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 50-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (P.C.); (G.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-408-998-4554
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37
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Liang L, Haltli B, Marchbank DH, Fischer M, Kirby CW, Correa H, Clark TN, Gray CA, Kerr RG. Discovery of an Isothiazolinone-Containing Antitubercular Natural Product Levesquamide. J Org Chem 2020; 85:6450-6462. [PMID: 32363877 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antitubercular agent levesquamide is a new polyketide-nonribosomal peptide (PK-NRP) hybrid marine natural product isolated from Streptomyces sp. RKND-216. The structure contains a rare isothiazolinone moiety which has only been reported in collismycin SN. Structure elucidation by NMR spectroscopy was a significant challenge due to a deficiency of protons in this aromatic moiety. Therefore, the genome of Streptomyces sp. RKND-216 was sequenced to identify the levesquamide biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). Analysis of the BGC provided structural insights and guided stable-isotope labeling experiments, which led to the assignment of the fused pyridine-isothiazolinone moiety. The BGC and the labeling experiments provide further insights into the biosynthetic origin of isothiazolinones. Levesquamide exhibited antimicrobial activity in the microplate alamarBlue assay (MABA) and low oxygen recovery assay (LORA) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 9.65 and 22.28 μM, respectively. Similar activity was exhibited against rifampicin- and isoniazid-resistant M. tuberculosis strains with MIC values of 9.46 and 9.90 μM, respectively. This result suggests levesquamide has a different mode of action against M. tuberculosis compared to the two first-line antitubercular drugs rifampicin and isoniazid. Furthermore, levesquamide shows no cytotoxicity against the Vero cell line, suggesting it may have a useful therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bradley Haltli
- Nautilus Biosciences Croda, 550 University Avenue, Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Douglas H Marchbank
- Nautilus Biosciences Croda, 550 University Avenue, Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Maike Fischer
- Charlottetown Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 440 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4N6, Canada
| | - Christopher W Kirby
- Charlottetown Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 440 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4N6, Canada
| | - Hebelin Correa
- Nautilus Biosciences Croda, 550 University Avenue, Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Trevor N Clark
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, 30 Dineen Drive, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Christopher A Gray
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, 30 Dineen Drive, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Russell G Kerr
- Nautilus Biosciences Croda, 550 University Avenue, Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
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38
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Zhu Z, Yang Y, Fang A, Lou Y, Xie G, Ren N, Xing D. Quorum sensing systems regulate heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification by changing the activity of nitrogen-cycling enzymes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:100026. [PMID: 36160926 PMCID: PMC9488085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2020.100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HNAD) is essential in diverse nitrogen-transforming processes. How HNAD is modulated by quorum sensing (QS) systems is still ambiguous. The QS system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa manipulates colony behavior. Here, we described the influence of the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) and N-acyl-l-homoserine lactone (AHL) on HNAD. The HNAD of P. aeruginosa was inhibited by the oversecretion of PQS. AHL- or PQS-deficient P. aeruginosa mutants had a higher ability for nitrogen removal. QS inhibited heterotrophic nitrification mainly via controlling the activity of nitrite oxidoreductase (NXR) and the depressed aerobic denitrification by regulating the catalytic abilities of nitric oxide reductase (NOR), nitrite reductase (NIR), and nitrate reductase (NAR). The addition of citrate as the sole carbon source increased the nitrogen removal efficiency compared with other carbon sources. Nitrite, as the sole nitrogen source, could be used entirely with only the moderate concentration of PQS contained. AHL and PQS controlled both nitrification and denitrification, suggesting that QS plays an important role in nitrogen cycle under aerobic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Defeng Xing
- Corresponding author. School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 2614, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150090, China.
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39
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García-Reyes S, Soberón-Chávez G, Cocotl-Yanez M. The third quorum-sensing system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Pseudomonas quinolone signal and the enigmatic PqsE protein. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:25-34. [PMID: 31794380 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that produces several virulence factors such as lectin A, pyocyanin, elastase and rhamnolipids. These compounds are controlled transcriptionally by three quorum-sensing circuits, two based on the synthesis and detection of N-acyl-homoserine-lactone termed the Las and Rhl system and a third system named the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) system, which is responsible for generating 2-alkyl-4(1 h)-quinolones (AQs). The transcriptional regulator called PqsR binds to the promoter of pqsABCDE in the presence of PQS or HHQ creating a positive feedback-loop. PqsE, encoded in the operon for AQ synthesis, is a crucial protein for pyocyanin production, activating the Rhl system by a still not fully understood mechanism. In turn, the regulation of the PQS system is modulated by Las and Rhl systems, which act positively and negatively, respectively. This review focuses on the PQS system, from its discovery to its role in Pseudomonas pathogenesis, such as iron depletion and pyocyanin synthesis that involves the PqsE protein - an intriguing player of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene García-Reyes
- Departamento de Biología molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apdo Postal 70228, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gloria Soberón-Chávez
- Departamento de Biología molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apdo Postal 70228, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Cocotl-Yanez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 3000, Cd. Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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40
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Mok N, Chan SY, Liu SY, Chua SL. Vanillin inhibits PqsR-mediated virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Food Funct 2020; 11:6496-6508. [DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00046a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Vanillin, a natural phenolic aldehyde from vanilla bean, has been reported to inhibit pqs quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with potential applications in combinatorial antimicrobial therapy against biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Mok
- Department of Biology
- University of Waterloo
- Waterloo
- Canada
| | - Shepherd Yuen Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Kowloon
- China
| | - Sylvia Yang Liu
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Kowloon
- China
| | - Song Lin Chua
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Kowloon
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
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41
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Fleitas Martínez O, Rigueiras PO, Pires ÁDS, Porto WF, Silva ON, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Franco OL. Interference With Quorum-Sensing Signal Biosynthesis as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 8:444. [PMID: 30805311 PMCID: PMC6371041 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Faced with the global health threat of increasing resistance to antibiotics, researchers are exploring interventions that target bacterial virulence factors. Quorum sensing is a particularly attractive target because several bacterial virulence factors are controlled by this mechanism. Furthermore, attacking the quorum-sensing signaling network is less likely to select for resistant strains than using conventional antibiotics. Strategies that focus on the inhibition of quorum-sensing signal production are especially attractive because the enzymes involved are expressed in bacterial cells but are not present in their mammalian counterparts. We review here various approaches that are being taken to interfere with quorum-sensing signal production via the inhibition of autoinducer-2 synthesis, PQS synthesis, peptide autoinducer synthesis, and N-acyl-homoserine lactone synthesis. We expect these approaches will lead to the discovery of new quorum-sensing inhibitors that can help to stem the tide of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Pietra Orlandi Rigueiras
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Állan da Silva Pires
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - William Farias Porto
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Porto Reports, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Osmar Nascimento Silva
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
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42
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Liu YC, Hussain F, Negm O, Paiva AC, Halliday N, Dubern JF, Singh S, Muntaka S, Wheldon L, Luckett J, Tighe P, Bosquillon C, Williams P, Cámara M, Martínez-Pomares L. Contribution of the Alkylquinolone Quorum-Sensing System to the Interaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa With Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:3018. [PMID: 30619119 PMCID: PMC6305577 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes infections in patients with compromised epithelial barrier function. Multiple virulence factors produced by P. aeruginosa are controlled by quorum sensing (QS) via 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone (AQ) signal molecules. Here, we investigated the impact of AQs on P. aeruginosa PAO1 infection of differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). The pqsA-E operon is responsible for the biosynthesis of AQs including the 2-alkyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolones, 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines, and 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinoline N-oxides as exemplified by pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ), and 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), respectively. PQS and HHQ both act as QS signal molecules while HQNO is a cytochrome inhibitor. PqsE contributes both to AQ biosynthesis and promotes virulence in a PQS-independent manner. Our results show that PQS, HHQ, and HQNO were produced during PAO1 infection of HBECs, but no differences in growth or cytotoxicity were apparent when PAO1 and an AQ-negative ΔpqsA mutant were compared. Both strains promoted synthesis of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17C by HBECs, and the provision of exogenous PQS negatively impacted on this response without affecting bacterial growth. Expression of pqsE and the PQS-independent PqsE-regulated genes mexG and lecA was detected during HBEC infection. Levels were reduced in the ΔpqsA mutant, that is, in the absence of PQS, and increased by exogenous PQS. These results support an AQ-independent role for PqsE during initial infection of HBEC by P. aeruginosa and for PQS as an enhancer of PqsE and PqsE-controlled virulence determinants and as an immunomodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chia Liu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Farah Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ola Negm
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ana Carolina Paiva
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Halliday
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Frédéric Dubern
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sonali Singh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sirina Muntaka
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Wheldon
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jeni Luckett
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paddy Tighe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cynthia Bosquillon
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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43
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Shaaban M, Elgaml A, Habib ESE. Biotechnological applications of quorum sensing inhibition as novel therapeutic strategies for multidrug resistant pathogens. Microb Pathog 2018; 127:138-143. [PMID: 30503958 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
High incidence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial clinical isolates necessitates the discovery of new targets for inhibition of microbial pathogenicity, without stimulation of microbial resistance. This could be achieved by targeting virulence determinants, which cause host damage and disease. Many pathogenic bacteria elaborate signaling molecules for cellular communication. This signaling system is named quorum sensing system (QS), and it is contingent on the bacterial population density and mediated by signal molecules called pheromones or autoinducers (AIs). Bacteria utilize QS to regulate activities and behaviors including competence, conjugation, symbiosis, virulence, motility, sporulation, antibiotic production, and biofilm formation. Hence, targeting bacterial communicating signals and suppression of QS exhibit a fundamental approach for competing microbial communication. In this review, we illustrate the common up to date approaches to utilize QS circuits in pathogenic bacteria, including Vibrio fischeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii, as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Shaaban
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, 30078, Saudi Arabia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516, Egypt
| | - Abdelaziz Elgaml
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516, Egypt; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed E Habib
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, 30078, Saudi Arabia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516, Egypt.
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44
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Kalia VC, Patel SKS, Kang YC, Lee JK. Quorum sensing inhibitors as antipathogens: biotechnological applications. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 37:68-90. [PMID: 30471318 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms through which microbes communicate using signal molecules has inspired a great deal of research. Microbes use this exchange of information, known as quorum sensing (QS), to initiate and perpetuate infectious diseases in eukaryotic organisms, evading the eukaryotic defense system by multiplying and expressing their pathogenicity through QS regulation. The major issue to arise from such networks is increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics, resulting from QS-dependent mediation of the formation of biofilm, the induction of efflux pumps, and the production of antibiotics. QS inhibitors (QSIs) of diverse origins have been shown to act as potential antipathogens. In this review, we focus on the use of QSIs to counter diseases in humans as well as plants and animals of economic importance. We also discuss the challenges encountered in the potential applications of QSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Chandra Kalia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sanjay K S Patel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Chan Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Anam-Dong, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kul Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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45
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Schütz C, Empting M. Targeting the Pseudomonas quinolone signal quorum sensing system for the discovery of novel anti-infective pathoblockers. Beilstein J Org Chem 2018; 14:2627-2645. [PMID: 30410625 PMCID: PMC6204780 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.14.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes severe nosocomial infections. It uses quorum sensing (QS) to regulate and coordinate population-wide group behaviours in the infection process like concerted secretion of virulence factors. One very important signalling network is the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) QS. With the aim to devise novel and innovative anti-infectives, inhibitors have been designed to address the various potential drug targets present within pqs QS. These range from enzymes within the biosynthesis cascade of the signal molecules PqsABCDE to the receptor of these autoinducers PqsR (MvfR). This review shortly introduces P. aeruginosa and its pathogenicity traits regulated by the pqs system and highlights the published drug discovery efforts providing insights into the compound binding modes if available. Furthermore, suitability of the individual targets for pathoblocker design is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schütz
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Saarbrücken, Germany
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46
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-substituted 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one derivatives as Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 158:753-766. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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47
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Soukarieh F, Williams P, Stocks MJ, Cámara M. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Systems as Drug Discovery Targets: Current Position and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10385-10402. [PMID: 29999316 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to public health globally, manifested by the frequent emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens that render current chemotherapy inadequate. Health organizations worldwide have recognized the severity of this crisis and implemented action plans to contain its adverse consequences and prolong the utility of conventional antibiotics. Hence, there is a pressing need for new classes of antibacterial agents with novel modes of action. Quorum sensing (QS), a communication system employed by bacterial populations to coordinate virulence gene expression, is a potential target that has been intensively investigated over the past decade. This Perspective will focus on recent advances in targeting the three main quorum sensing systems ( las, rhl, and pqs) of a major opportunistic human pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and will specifically evaluate the medicinal chemistry strategies devised to develop QS inhibitors from a drug discovery perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Soukarieh
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
| | - Paul Williams
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
| | - Michael J Stocks
- School of Pharmacy, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , NG7 2RD , U.K
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48
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Lin J, Cheng J, Wang Y, Shen X. The Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS): Not Just for Quorum Sensing Anymore. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:230. [PMID: 30023354 PMCID: PMC6039570 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) has been studied primarily in the context of its role as a quorum-sensing signaling molecule. Recent data suggest, however, that this molecule may also function to mediate iron acquisition, cytotoxicity, outer-membrane vesicle biogenesis, or to exert host immune modulatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshui Lin
- Shaanxi Engineering and Technological Research Center for Conservation and Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Juanli Cheng
- Shaanxi Engineering and Technological Research Center for Conservation and Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xihui Shen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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49
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Witzgall F, Depke T, Hoffmann M, Empting M, Brönstrup M, Müller R, Blankenfeldt W. The Alkylquinolone Repertoire of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is Linked to Structural Flexibility of the FabH-like 2-Heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (PQS) Biosynthesis Enzyme PqsBC. Chembiochem 2018; 19:1531-1544. [PMID: 29722462 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. It produces a large armory of saturated and mono-unsaturated 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones (AQs) and AQ N-oxides (AQNOs) that serve as signaling molecules to control the production of virulence factors and that are involved in membrane vesicle formation and iron chelation; furthermore, they also have, for example, antibiotic properties. It has been shown that the β-ketoacyl-acyl-carrier protein synthase III (FabH)-like heterodimeric enzyme PqsBC catalyzes the last step in the biosynthesis of the most abundant AQ congener, 2-heptyl-4(1H)-quinolone (HHQ), by condensing octanoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) with 2-aminobenzoylacetate (2-ABA), but the basis for the large number of other AQs/AQNOs produced by P. aeruginosa is not known. Here, we demonstrate that PqsBC uses different medium-chain acyl-CoAs to produce various saturated AQs/AQNOs and that it also biosynthesizes mono-unsaturated congeners. Further, we determined the structures of PqsBC in four different crystal forms at 1.5 to 2.7 Å resolution. Together with a previous report, the data reveal that PqsBC adopts open, intermediate, and closed conformations that alter the shape of the acyl-binding cavity and explain the promiscuity of PqsBC. The different conformations also allow us to propose a model for structural transitions that accompany the catalytic cycle of PqsBC that might have broader implications for other FabH-enzymes, for which such structural transitions have been postulated but have never been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Witzgall
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tobias Depke
- Department Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Department Drug Design and Optimization, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Mark Brönstrup
- Department Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Wulf Blankenfeldt
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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50
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Zhang C, Parrello D, Brown PJB, Wall JD, Hu Z. A novel whole-cell biosensor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to monitor the expression of quorum sensing genes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:6023-6038. [PMID: 29730766 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A novel whole-cell biosensor was developed to noninvasively and simultaneously monitor the in situ genetic activities of the four quorum sensing (QS) networks in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, including the las, rhl, pqs, and iqs systems. P. aeruginosa PAO1 is a model bacterium for studies of biofilm and pathogenesis while both processes are closely controlled by the QS systems. This biosensor worked well by selectively monitoring the expression of one representative gene from each network. In the biosensor, the promoter regions of lasI, rhlI, pqsA, and ambB (QS genes) controlled the fluorescent reporter genes of Turbo YFP, mTag BFP2, mNEON Green, and E2-Orange, respectively. The biosensor was successful in monitoring the impact of an important environmental factor, salt stress, on the genetic regulation of QS networks. High salt concentrations (≥ 20 g·L-1) significantly downregulated rhlI, pqsA, and ambB after the biosensor was incubated for 17 h to 18 h at 37 °C, resulting in slow bacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiqian Zhang
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Damien Parrello
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Pamela J B Brown
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Judy D Wall
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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