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Colombi E, Bertels F, Doulcier G, McConnell E, Pichugina T, Sohn KH, Straub C, McCann HC, Rainey PB. Rapid dissemination of host metabolism-manipulating genes via integrative and conjugative elements. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309263121. [PMID: 38457521 PMCID: PMC10945833 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309263121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are self-transmissible mobile elements that transfer functional genetic units across broad phylogenetic distances. Accessory genes shuttled by ICEs can make significant contributions to bacterial fitness. Most ICEs characterized to date encode readily observable phenotypes contributing to symbiosis, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance, yet the majority of ICEs carry genes of unknown function. Recent observations of rapid acquisition of ICEs in a pandemic lineage of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidae led to investigation of the structural and functional diversity of these elements. Fifty-three unique ICE types were identified across the P. syringae species complex. Together they form a distinct family of ICEs (PsICEs) that share a distant relationship to ICEs found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PsICEs are defined by conserved backbone genes punctuated by an array of accessory cargo genes, are highly recombinogenic, and display distinct evolutionary histories compared to their bacterial hosts. The most common cargo is a recently disseminated 16-kb mobile genetic element designated Tn6212. Deletion of Tn6212 did not alter pathogen growth in planta, but mutants displayed fitness defects when grown on tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. RNA-seq analysis of a set of nested deletion mutants showed that a Tn6212-encoded LysR regulator has global effects on chromosomal gene expression. We show that Tn6212 responds to preferred carbon sources and manipulates bacterial metabolism to maximize growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Colombi
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frederic Bertels
- Department of Microbial Population Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön 24306, Germany
| | - Guilhem Doulcier
- Laboratoire Biophysique et Évolution, Institut Chemie Biologie Innovation, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chemie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris, Université Paris Science et Lettres, Centre National de al Reserche Scientifique, Paris 75005, France
| | - Ellen McConnell
- Department of Microbial Population Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön 24306, Germany
| | - Tatyana Pichugina
- Department of Microbial Population Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön 24306, Germany
| | - Kee Hoon Sohn
- Plant Immunity Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Christina Straub
- Health and Environment, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Auckland 1025, New Zealand
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna 1030, Austria
| | - Honour C McCann
- Plant Pathogen Evolution Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Paul B Rainey
- Department of Microbial Population Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön 24306, Germany
- Laboratoire Biophysique et Évolution, Institut Chemie Biologie Innovation, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chemie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris, Université Paris Science et Lettres, Centre National de al Reserche Scientifique, Paris 75005, France
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Benigno V, Carraro N, Sarton-Lohéac G, Romano-Bertrand S, Blanc DS, van der Meer JR. Diversity and evolution of an abundant ICE clc family of integrative and conjugative elements in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mSphere 2023; 8:e0051723. [PMID: 37902330 PMCID: PMC10732049 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00517-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Microbial populations swiftly adapt to changing environments through horizontal gene transfer. While the mechanisms of gene transfer are well known, the impact of environmental conditions on the selection of transferred gene functions remains less clear. We investigated ICEs, specifically the ICEclc-type, in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Our findings revealed co-evolution between ICEs and their hosts, with ICE transfers occurring within strains. Gene functions carried by ICEs are positively selected, including potential virulence factors and heavy metal resistance. Comparison to publicly available P. aeruginosa genomes unveiled widespread antibiotic-resistance determinants within ICEclc clades. Thus, the ubiquitous ICEclc family significantly contributes to P. aeruginosa's adaptation and fitness in diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Benigno
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Carraro
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Garance Sarton-Lohéac
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Romano-Bertrand
- Hydrosciences Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Hospital Hygiene and Infection Control Team, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Dominique S. Blanc
- Prevention and Infection Control Unit, Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Wiehlmann L, Klockgether J, Hammerbacher AS, Salunkhe P, Horatzek S, Munder A, Peilert JF, Gulbins E, Eberl L, Tümmler B. A VirB4 ATPase of the mobile accessory genome orchestrates core genome-encoded features of physiology, metabolism, and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1234420. [PMID: 37577372 PMCID: PMC10413270 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1234420] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839 is a highly virulent strain that can persist and replicate in human neutrophils. Screening of a signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) TBCF10839 transposon library in phagocytosis tests identified a mutant that carried the transposon in the VirB4 homolog 5PG21 of an integrative and conjugative element (ICE)-associated type IV secretion system of the pKLC102 subtype. 5P21 TBCF10839 insertion mutants were deficient in metabolic versatility, secretion, quorum sensing, and virulence. The mutants were efficiently killed in phagocytosis tests in vitro and were avirulent in an acute murine airway infection model in vivo. The inactivation of 5PG21 silenced the rhl, las, and pqs operons and the gene expression for the synthesis of hydrogen cyanide, the antimetabolite l-2-amino-4-methoxy-trans-3-butenoic acid, and the H2- and H3-type VI secretion systems and their associated effectors. The mutants were impaired in the utilization of carbon sources and stored compounds that are not funneled into intermediary metabolism. This showcase demonstrates that a single gene of the mobile accessory genome can become an essential element to operate the core genome-encoded features of metabolism and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Wiehlmann
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Research Core Unit Genomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Silke Hammerbacher
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Prabhakar Salunkhe
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Horatzek
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antje Munder
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leo Eberl
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
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Cramer N, Klockgether J, Tümmler B. Microevolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the airways of people with cystic fibrosis. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 83:102328. [PMID: 37116385 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The chronic infections of cystic fibrosis (CF) airways with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a paradigm of how environmental bacteria can conquer, adapt, and persist in an atypical habitat and successfully evade defense mechanisms and chemotherapy in a susceptible host. The within-host evolution of intraclonal diversity has been examined by whole-genome sequencing, phenotyping, and competitive fitness experiments of serial P. aeruginosa isolates collected from CF airways since onset of colonization for a period of up to 40 years. The spectrum of de novo mutations and the adaptation of phenotype and fitness of the bacterial progeny were more influenced by the living conditions in the CF lung than by the clone type of their ancestor and its genetic repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Cramer
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany.
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Klockgether J, Pust MM, Davenport CF, Bunk B, Spröer C, Overmann J, Tümmler B. Structural genome variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone C and PA14 strains. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1095928. [PMID: 36992927 PMCID: PMC10040652 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1095928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasticity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa chromosomes is mainly driven by an extended accessory genome that is shaped by insertion and deletion events. Further modification of the genome composition can be induced by chromosomal inversion events which lead to relocation of genes in the affected genomic DNA segments, modify the otherwise highly conserved core genome synteny and could even alter the location of the replication terminus. Although the genome of the first sequenced strain, PAO1, displayed such a large genomic inversion, knowledge on such recombination events in the P. aeruginosa population is limited. Several large inversions had been discovered in the late 1990s in cystic fibrosis isolates of the major clonal lineage C by physical genome mapping, and subsequent work on these examples led to the characterization of the DNA at the recombination breakpoints and a presumed recombination mechanism. Since then, the topic was barely addressed in spite of the compilation of thousands of P. aeruginosa genome sequences that are deposited in databases. Due to the use of second-generation sequencing, genome contig assembly had usually followed synteny blueprints provided by the existing reference genome sequences. Inversion detection was not feasible by these approaches, as the respective read lengths did not allow reliable resolution of sequence repeats that are typically found at the borders of inverted segments. In this study, we applied PacBio and MinION long-read sequencing to isolates of the mentioned clone C collection. Confirmation of inversions predicted from the physical mapping data demonstrated that unbiased sequence assembly of such read datasets allows the detection of genomic inversions and the resolution of the recombination breakpoint regions. Additional long-read sequencing of representatives of the other major clonal lineage, PA14, revealed large inversions in several isolates, from cystic fibrosis origin as well as from other sources. These findings indicated that inversion events are not restricted to strains from chronic infection background, but could be widespread in the P. aeruginosa population and contribute to genome plasticity. Moreover, the monitored examples emphasized the role of small mobile DNA units, such as IS elements or transposons, and accessory DNA elements in the inversion-related recombination processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klockgether
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jens Klockgether,
| | - Marie-Madlen Pust
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Colin F. Davenport
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cathrin Spröer
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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Juhas M. Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. BRIEF LESSONS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023:65-77. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29544-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Juhas M. Gene Transfer. BRIEF LESSONS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023:51-63. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29544-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Mohapatra B, Malhotra H, Phale PS. Life Within a Contaminated Niche: Comparative Genomic Analyses of an Integrative Conjugative Element ICE nahCSV86 and Two Genomic Islands From Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86 T Suggest Probable Role in Colonization and Adaptation. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:928848. [PMID: 35875527 PMCID: PMC9298801 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.928848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative genomic and functional analyses revealed the presence of three genomic islands (GIs, >50 Kb size): ICEnahCSV86, Pseudomonas bharatica genomic island-1 (PBGI-1), and PBGI-2 in the preferentially aromatic-degrading soil bacterium, Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86T. Site-specific genomic integration at or near specific transfer RNAs (tRNAs), near-syntenic structural modules, and phylogenetic relatedness indicated their evolutionary lineage to the type-4 secretion system (T4SS) ICEclc family, thus predicting these elements to be integrative conjugative elements (ICEs). These GIs were found to be present as a single copy in the genome and the encoded phenotypic traits were found to be stable, even in the absence of selection pressure. ICEnahCSV86 harbors naphthalene catabolic (nah-sal) cluster, while PBGI-1 harbors Co-Zn-Cd (czc) efflux genes as cargo modules, whereas PBGI-2 was attributed to as a mixed-function element. The ICEnahCSV86 has been reported to be conjugatively transferred (frequency of 7 × 10–8/donor cell) to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia CSV89. Genome-wide comparative analyses of aromatic-degrading bacteria revealed nah-sal clusters from several Pseudomonas spp. as part of probable ICEs, syntenic to conjugatively transferable ICEnahCSV86 of strain CSV86T, suggesting it to be a prototypical element for naphthalene degradation. It was observed that the plasmids harboring nah-sal clusters were phylogenetically incongruent with predicted ICEs, suggesting genetic divergence of naphthalene metabolic clusters in the Pseudomonas population. Gene synteny, divergence estimates, and codon-based Z-test indicated that ICEnahCSV86 is probably derived from PBGI-2, while multiple recombination events masked the ancestral lineage of PBGI-1. Diversifying selection pressure (dN-dS = 2.27–4.31) imposed by aromatics and heavy metals implied the modular exchange-fusion of various cargo clusters through events like recombination, rearrangement, domain reshuffling, and active site optimization, thus allowing the strain to evolve, adapt, and maximize the metabolic efficiency in a contaminated niche. The promoters (Pnah and Psal) of naphthalene cargo modules (nah, sal) on ICEnahCSV86 were proved to be efficient for heterologous protein expression in Escherichia coli. GI-based genomic plasticity expands the metabolic spectrum and versatility of CSV86T, rendering efficient adaptation to the contaminated niche. Such isolate(s) are of utmost importance for their application in bioremediation and are the probable ideal host(s) for metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaram Mohapatra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Harshit Malhotra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Prashant S Phale
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
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Tümmler B. What Makes Pseudomonas aeruginosa a Pathogen? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1386:283-301. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08491-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Brinkman FSL, Winsor GL, Done RE, Filloux A, Francis VI, Goldberg JB, Greenberg EP, Han K, Hancock REW, Haney CH, Häußler S, Klockgether J, Lamont IL, Levesque RC, Lory S, Nikel PI, Porter SL, Scurlock MW, Schweizer HP, Tümmler B, Wang M, Welch M. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa whole genome sequence: A 20th anniversary celebration. Adv Microb Physiol 2021; 79:25-88. [PMID: 34836612 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toward the end of August 2000, the 6.3 Mbp whole genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 was published. With 5570 open reading frames (ORFs), PAO1 had the largest microbial genome sequenced up to that point in time-including a large proportion of metabolic, transport and antimicrobial resistance genes supporting its ability to colonize diverse environments. A remarkable 9% of its ORFs were predicted to encode proteins with regulatory functions, providing new insight into bacterial network complexity as a function of network size. In this celebratory article, we fast forward 20 years, and examine how access to this resource has transformed our understanding of P. aeruginosa. What follows is more than a simple review or commentary; we have specifically asked some of the leaders in the field to provide personal reflections on how the PAO1 genome sequence, along with the Pseudomonas Community Annotation Project (PseudoCAP) and Pseudomonas Genome Database (pseudomonas.com), have contributed to the many exciting discoveries in this field. In addition to bringing us all up to date with the latest developments, we also ask our contributors to speculate on how the next 20 years of Pseudomonas research might pan out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona S L Brinkman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Geoffrey L Winsor
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Rachel E Done
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Emory Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airway Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alain Filloux
- Department of Life Sciences, MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa I Francis
- Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna B Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Emory Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airway Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - E Peter Greenberg
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kook Han
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Cara H Haney
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Susanne Häußler
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Allergologie und Neonatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Iain L Lamont
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Roger C Levesque
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Pavillon Charles-Eugène Marchand, Faculté of Médicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Stephen Lory
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steven L Porter
- Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Herbert P Schweizer
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Allergologie und Neonatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry (Hopkins Building), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Welch
- Department of Biochemistry (Hopkins Building), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
The transcriptomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone C isolates NN2 and SG17M during the mid-exponential and early stationary phase of planktonic growth were evaluated by direct RNA sequencing on the nanopore platform and compared with established short-read cDNA sequencing on the Illumina platform. Fifty to ninety percent of the sense RNAs turned out to be rRNA molecules followed by similar proportions of mRNA transcripts and non-coding RNAs. Both platforms detected similar proportions of uncharged tRNAs and 29 yet undescribed antisense tRNAs. For example, the rarest arginine codon was paired with the most abundant tRNAArg, and the tRNAArg gene is missing for the most frequent arginine codon. More than 90% of the antisense RNA molecules were complementary to a coding sequence. The antisense RNAs were evenly distributed in the genomes. Direct RNA sequencing identified more than 4,000 distinct non-overlapping antisense RNAs during exponential and stationary growth. Besides highly expressed small antisense RNAs less than 200 bases in size, a population of longer antisense RNAs was sequenced that covered a broad range of a few hundred to thousands of bases and could be complementary to a contig of several genes. In summary, direct RNA sequencing identified yet undescribed RNA molecules and an unexpected composition of the pools of tRNAs, sense and antisense RNAs. IMPORTANCE Genome-wide gene expression of bacteria is commonly studied by high-throughput sequencing of size-selected cDNA fragment libraries of reverse-transcribed RNA preparations. However, the depletion of ribosomal RNAs, enzymatic reverse transcription and the fragmentation, size selection and amplification during library preparation lead to inevitable losses of information about the initial composition of the RNA pool. We demonstrate that direct RNA sequencing on the nanopore platform can overcome these limitations. Nanopore sequencing of total RNA yielded novel insights into the Pseudomonas aeruginosa transcriptome that - if replicated in other species - will change our view of the bacterial RNA world. The discovery of sense - antisense pairs of tmRNA, tRNAs and mRNAs indicates a further and unknown level of gene regulation in bacteria.
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Identification of Tn 6835 and a Novel Genomic Island, MMGI-1, in a Pan-Resistant Morganella morganii Strain. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.02524-20. [PMID: 33468469 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02524-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Lee C, Klockgether J, Fischer S, Trcek J, Tümmler B, Römling U. Why? - Successful Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones with a focus on clone C. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 44:740-762. [PMID: 32990729 PMCID: PMC7685784 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental species Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in a variety of habitats. Within the epidemic population structure of P. aeruginosa, occassionally highly successful clones that are equally capable to succeed in the environment and the human host arise. Framed by a highly conserved core genome, individual members of successful clones are characterized by a high variability in their accessory genome. The abundance of successful clones might be funded in specific features of the core genome or, although not mutually exclusive, in the variability of the accessory genome. In clone C, one of the most predominant clones, the plasmid pKLC102 and the PACGI-1 genomic island are two ubiquitous accessory genetic elements. The conserved transmissible locus of protein quality control (TLPQC) at the border of PACGI-1 is a unique horizontally transferred compository element, which codes predominantly for stress-related cargo gene products such as involved in protein homeostasis. As a hallmark, most TLPQC xenologues possess a core genome equivalent. With elevated temperature tolerance as a characteristic of clone C strains, the unique P. aeruginosa and clone C specific disaggregase ClpG is a major contributor to tolerance. As other successful clones, such as PA14, do not encode the TLPQC locus, ubiquitous denominators of success, if existing, need to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhan Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Biomedicum C8, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Clinic for Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Clinical Research Group 'Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fischer
- Clinic for Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Clinical Research Group 'Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Janja Trcek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology, University of Maribor, Maribor, 2000, Slovenia
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Clinic for Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Clinical Research Group 'Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ute Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Biomedicum C8, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Camus L, Vandenesch F, Moreau K. From genotype to phenotype: adaptations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the cystic fibrosis environment. Microb Genom 2021; 7:mgen000513. [PMID: 33529147 PMCID: PMC8190622 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main microbial species colonizing the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and is responsible for the decline in respiratory function. Despite the hostile pulmonary environment, P. aeruginosa is able to establish chronic infections thanks to its strong adaptive capacity. Various longitudinal studies have attempted to compare the strains of early infection with the adapted strains of chronic infection. Thanks to new '-omics' techniques, convergent genetic mutations, as well as transcriptomic and proteomic dysregulations have been identified. As a consequence of this evolution, the adapted strains of P. aeruginosa have particular phenotypes that promote persistent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Camus
- CIRI – Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon/Inserm U1111/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1/CNRS UMR5308/ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - François Vandenesch
- CIRI – Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon/Inserm U1111/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1/CNRS UMR5308/ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre National de Référence des Staphylocoques, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Karen Moreau
- CIRI – Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon/Inserm U1111/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1/CNRS UMR5308/ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
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15
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León LM, Park AE, Borges AL, Zhang JY, Bondy-Denomy J. Mobile element warfare via CRISPR and anti-CRISPR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2114-2125. [PMID: 33544853 PMCID: PMC7913775 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria deploy multiple defenses to prevent mobile genetic element (MGEs) invasion. CRISPR-Cas immune systems use RNA-guided nucleases to target MGEs, which counter with anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins. Our understanding of the biology and co-evolutionary dynamics of the common Type I-C CRISPR-Cas subtype has lagged because it lacks an in vivo phage-host model system. Here, we show the anti-phage function of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type I-C CRISPR-Cas system encoded on a conjugative pKLC102 island, and its Acr-mediated inhibition by distinct MGEs. Seven genes with anti-Type I-C function (acrIC genes) were identified, many with highly acidic amino acid content, including previously described DNA mimic AcrIF2. Four of the acr genes were broad spectrum, also inhibiting I-E or I-F P. aeruginosa CRISPR-Cas subtypes. Dual inhibition comes at a cost, however, as simultaneous expression of Type I-C and I-F systems renders phages expressing the dual inhibitor AcrIF2 more sensitive to targeting. Mutagenesis of numerous acidic residues in AcrIF2 did not impair anti-I-C or anti-I-F function per se but did exacerbate inhibition defects during competition, suggesting that excess negative charge may buffer DNA mimics against competition. Like AcrIF2, five of the Acr proteins block Cascade from binding DNA, while two function downstream, likely preventing Cas3 recruitment or activity. One such inhibitor, AcrIC3, is found in an 'anti-Cas3' cluster within conjugative elements, encoded alongside bona fide Cas3 inhibitors AcrIF3 and AcrIE1. Our findings demonstrate an active battle between an MGE-encoded CRISPR-Cas system and its diverse MGE targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina M León
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Allyson E Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Adair L Borges
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jenny Y Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joseph Bondy-Denomy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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16
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Tn 6603, a Carrier of Tn 5053 Family Transposons, Occurs in the Chromosome and in a Genomic Island of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Strains. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121997. [PMID: 33333808 PMCID: PMC7765201 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposons of the Pseudomonasaeruginosa accessory gene pool contribute to phenotype and to genome plasticity. We studied local P. aeruginosa strains to ascertain the encroachment of mer-type res site hunter transposons into clinical settings and their associations with other functional modules. Five different Tn5053 family transposons were detected, all chromosomal. Some were solitary elements; one was in res of Tn1013#, a relative of a reported carrier of int-type res site hunters (class 1 integrons), but most were in res of Tn6603, a new Tn501-related transposon of unknown phenotype. Most of the Tn6603::Tn elements, and some Tn6603 and Tn6603::Tn elements found in GenBank sequences, were at identical sites in an hypothetical gene of P. aeruginosa genomic island PAGI-5v. The island in clonally differing strains was at either of two tRNALys loci, suggesting lateral transfer to these sites. This observation is consistent with the membership of the prototype PAGI-5 island to the ICE family of mobile genetic elements. Additionally, the res site hunters in the nested transposons occupied different positions in the Tn6603 carrier. This suggested independent insertion events on five occasions at least. Tn5053 family members that were mer-/tni-defective were found in Tn6603- and Tn501-like carriers in GenBank sequences of non-clinical Pseudomonas spp. The transposition events in these cases presumably utilized tni functions in trans, as can occur with class 1 integrons. We suggest that in the clinical context, P. aeruginosa strains that carry Tn6603 alone or in PAGI-5v can serve to disseminate functional res site hunters; these in turn can provide the requisite trans-acting tni functions to assist in the dissemination of class 1 integrons, and hence of their associated antibiotic resistance determinants.
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17
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Carraro N, Richard X, Sulser S, Delavat F, Mazza C, van der Meer JR. An analog to digital converter controls bistable transfer competence development of a widespread bacterial integrative and conjugative element. eLife 2020; 9:57915. [PMID: 32720896 PMCID: PMC7423338 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugative transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEclc in Pseudomonas requires development of a transfer competence state in stationary phase, which arises only in 3–5% of individual cells. The mechanisms controlling this bistable switch between non-active and transfer competent cells have long remained enigmatic. Using a variety of genetic tools and epistasis experiments in P. putida, we uncovered an ‘upstream’ cascade of three consecutive transcription factor-nodes, which controls transfer competence initiation. One of the uncovered transcription factors (named BisR) is representative for a new regulator family. Initiation activates a feedback loop, controlled by a second hitherto unrecognized heteromeric transcription factor named BisDC. Stochastic modelling and experimental data demonstrated the feedback loop to act as a scalable converter of unimodal (population-wide or ‘analog’) input to bistable (subpopulation-specific or ‘digital’) output. The feedback loop further enables prolonged production of BisDC, which ensures expression of the ‘downstream’ functions mediating ICE transfer competence in activated cells. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the ICEclc regulatory constellation with BisR and BisDC is widespread among Gamma- and Beta-proteobacteria, including various pathogenic strains, highlighting its evolutionary conservation and prime importance to control the behaviour of this wide family of conjugative elements. Mobile DNA elements are pieces of genetic material that can jump from one bacterium to another, and even across species. They are often useful to their host, for example carrying genes that allow bacteria to resist antibiotics. One example of bacterial mobile DNA is the ICEclc element. Usually, ICEclc sits passively within the bacterium’s own DNA, but in a small number of cells, it takes over, hijacking its host to multiply and to get transferred to other bacteria. Cells that can pass on the elements cannot divide, and so this ability is ultimately harmful to individual bacteria. Carrying ICEclc can therefore be positive for a bacterium but passing it on is not in the cell’s best interest. On the other hand, mobile DNAs like ICEclc have evolved to be disseminated as efficiently as possible. To shed more light on this tense relationship, Carraro et al. set out to identify the molecular mechanisms ICEclc deploys to control its host. Experiments using mutant bacteria revealed that for ICEclc to successfully take over the cell, a number of proteins needed to be produced in the correct order. In particular, a protein called BisDC triggers a mechanism to make more of itself, creating a self-reinforcing ‘feedback loop’. Mathematical simulations of the feedback loop showed that it could result in two potential outcomes for the cell. In most of the ‘virtual cells’, ICEclc ultimately remained passive; however, in a few, ICEclc managed to take over its hosts. In this case, the feedback loop ensured that there was always enough BisDC to maintain ICEclc’s control over the cell. Further analyses suggested that this feedback mechanism is also common in many other mobile DNA elements, including some that help bacteria to resist drugs. These results are an important contribution to understand how mobile DNAs manipulate their bacterial host in order to propagate and disperse. In the future, this knowledge could help develop new strategies to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Carraro
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Richard
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Mathematics, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Sulser
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François Delavat
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,UMR CNRS 6286 UFIP, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Christian Mazza
- Department of Mathematics, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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18
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Vrancianu CO, Popa LI, Bleotu C, Chifiriuc MC. Targeting Plasmids to Limit Acquisition and Transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:761. [PMID: 32435238 PMCID: PMC7219019 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global threat to both public health and the environment. The emergence and expansion of AMR is sustained by the enormous diversity and mobility of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Different mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), including conjugation, transduction, and transformation, have facilitated the accumulation and dissemination of ARGs in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This has resulted in the development of multidrug resistance in some bacteria. The most clinically significant ARGs are usually located on different mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that can move intracellularly (between the bacterial chromosome and plasmids) or intercellularly (within the same species or between different species or genera). Resistance plasmids play a central role both in HGT and as support elements for other MGEs, in which ARGs are assembled by transposition and recombination mechanisms. Considering the crucial role of MGEs in the acquisition and transmission of ARGs, a potential strategy to control AMR is to eliminate MGEs. This review discusses current progress on the development of chemical and biological approaches for the elimination of ARG carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Ioana Popa
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,The National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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19
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ICEKp2: description of an integrative and conjugative element in Klebsiella pneumoniae, co-occurring and interacting with ICEKp1. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13892. [PMID: 31554924 PMCID: PMC6761156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50456-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a human pathogen, prominent in antimicrobial-resistant and nosocomial infection. The integrative and conjugative element ICEKp1 is present in a third of clinical isolates and more prevalent in invasive disease; it provides genetic diversity and enables the spread of virulence-associated genes. We report a second integrative conjugative element that can co-occur with ICEKp1 in K. pneumoniae. This element, ICEKp2, is similar to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity island PAPI. We identified ICEKp2 in K. pneumoniae sequence types ST11, ST258 and ST512, which are associated with carbapenem-resistant outbreaks in China and the US, including isolates with and without ICEKp1. ICEKp2 was competent for excision, but self-mobilisation to recipient Escherichia coli was not detected. In an isolate with both elements, ICEKp2 positively influenced the efficiency of plasmid mobilisation driven by ICEKp1. We propose a putative mechanism, in which a Mob2 ATPase of ICEKp2 may contribute to the ICEKp1 conjugation machinery. Supporting this mechanism, mob2, but not a variant with mutations in the ATPase motif, restored transfer efficiency to an ICEKp2 knockout. This is the first demonstration of the interaction between integrative and conjugative genetic elements in a single Gram-negative bacterium with implications for understanding evolution by horizontal gene transfer.
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20
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Klockgether J, Cramer N, Fischer S, Wiehlmann L, Tümmler B. Long-Term Microevolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Differs between Mildly and Severely Affected Cystic Fibrosis Lungs. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2019; 59:246-256. [PMID: 29470920 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0356oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic airway infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa determine morbidity in most individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). P. aeruginosa may persist for decades in CF lungs, which provides a rare opportunity to study the long-term within-host evolution of a bacterial airway pathogen. In this work, we sought to resolve the genetic adaptation of P. aeruginosa in CF lungs from the onset of colonization until the patient's death or permanent replacement by another P. aeruginosa clone. We followed the microevolution of the first persisting P. aeruginosa clone by whole-genome sequencing of serial isolates from highly divergent clinical courses of airway infection, i.e., a fatal outcome because of respiratory insufficiency within less than 15 years, or a rather normal daily life 25-35 years after acquisition of P. aeruginosa. Nonneutral mutations predominantly emerged in P. aeruginosa genes relevant for protection against and communication with signals from the lung environment, i.e., antibiotic resistance, cell wall components, and two-component systems. Drastic and loss-of-function mutations preferentially happened during the severe courses of infection, and the bacterial lineages of the mild courses more proficiently incorporated extra metabolic genes into their accessory genome. P. aeruginosa followed different evolutionary paths depending on whether the bacterium had taken up residence in a patient with CF and normal or already compromised lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klockgether
- 1 Clinical Research Group "Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis," Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, and
| | - Nina Cramer
- 1 Clinical Research Group "Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis," Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, and
| | - Sebastian Fischer
- 1 Clinical Research Group "Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis," Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, and
| | - Lutz Wiehlmann
- 1 Clinical Research Group "Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis," Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, and.,2 Research Core Unit Genomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; and
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- 1 Clinical Research Group "Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis," Clinic for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, and.,3 Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
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21
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Bianconi I, D'Arcangelo S, Esposito A, Benedet M, Piffer E, Dinnella G, Gualdi P, Schinella M, Baldo E, Donati C, Jousson O. Persistence and Microevolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung: A Single-Patient Longitudinal Genomic Study. Front Microbiol 2019; 9:3242. [PMID: 30692969 PMCID: PMC6340092 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: During its persistence in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, P. aeruginosa develops a series of phenotypic changes by the accumulation of pathoadaptive mutations. A better understanding of the role of these mutations in the adaptive process, with particular reference to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR), is essential for future development of novel therapeutic approaches, including the identification of new drug targets and the implementation of more efficient antibiotic therapy. Although several whole-genome sequencing studies on P. aeruginosa CF lineages have been published, the evolutionary trajectories in relation to the development of antimicrobial resistance remain mostly unexplored to date. In this study, we monitored the adaptive changes of P. aeruginosa during its microevolution in the CF airways to provide an innovative, genome-wide picture of mutations and persistent phenotypes and to point out potential novel mechanisms allowing survival in CF patients under antibiotic therapy. Results: We obtained whole genome sequences of 40 P. aeruginosa clinical CF strains isolated at Trentino Regional Support CF Centre (Rovereto, Italy) from a single CF patient over an 8-year period (2007-2014). Genotypic analysis of the P. aeruginosa isolates revealed a clonal population dominated by the Sequence Type 390 and three closely related variants, indicating that all members of the population likely belong to the same clonal lineage and evolved from a common ancestor. While the majority of early isolates were susceptible to most antibiotics tested, over time resistant phenotypes increased in the persistent population. Genomic analyses of the population indicated a correlation between the evolution of antibiotic resistance profiles and phylogenetic relationships, and a number of putative pathoadaptive variations were identified. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the within-host adaptation and microevolution of P. aeruginosa in the CF lung and revealed the emergence of an MDR phenotype over time, which could not be comprehensively explained by the variations found in known resistance genes. Further investigations on uncharacterized variations disclosed in this study should help to increase our understanding of the development of MDR phenotype and the poor outcome of antibiotic therapies in many CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Bianconi
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Alfonso Esposito
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Benedet
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Elena Piffer
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Grazia Dinnella
- Trentino Cystic Fibrosis Support Centre, Rovereto Hospital, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Paola Gualdi
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pathology, Rovereto Hospital, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Michele Schinella
- Operative Unit of Clinical Pathology, Rovereto Hospital, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Ermanno Baldo
- Trentino Cystic Fibrosis Support Centre, Rovereto Hospital, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Claudio Donati
- Centro Ricerca e Innovazione, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Olivier Jousson
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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22
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Van Houdt R, Provoost A, Van Assche A, Leys N, Lievens B, Mijnendonckx K, Monsieurs P. Cupriavidus metallidurans Strains with Different Mobilomes and from Distinct Environments Have Comparable Phenomes. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9100507. [PMID: 30340417 PMCID: PMC6210171 DOI: 10.3390/genes9100507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cupriavidus metallidurans has been mostly studied because of its resistance to numerous heavy metals and is increasingly being recovered from other environments not typified by metal contamination. They host a large and diverse mobile gene pool, next to their native megaplasmids. Here, we used comparative genomics and global metabolic comparison to assess the impact of the mobilome on growth capabilities, nutrient utilization, and sensitivity to chemicals of type strain CH34 and three isolates (NA1, NA4 and H1130). The latter were isolated from water sources aboard the International Space Station (NA1 and NA4) and from an invasive human infection (H1130). The mobilome was expanded as prophages were predicted in NA4 and H1130, and a genomic island putatively involved in abietane diterpenoids metabolism was identified in H1130. An active CRISPR-Cas system was identified in strain NA4, providing immunity to a plasmid that integrated in CH34 and NA1. No correlation between the mobilome and isolation environment was found. In addition, our comparison indicated that the metal resistance determinants and properties are conserved among these strains and thus maintained in these environments. Furthermore, all strains were highly resistant to a wide variety of chemicals, much broader than metals. Only minor differences were observed in the phenomes (measured by phenotype microarrays), despite the large difference in mobilomes and the variable (shared by two or three strains) and strain-specific genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Van Houdt
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Ann Provoost
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Ado Van Assche
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, KU Leuven, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, KU Leuven, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
| | - Kristel Mijnendonckx
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Pieter Monsieurs
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
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23
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Partridge SR, Kwong SM, Firth N, Jensen SO. Mobile Genetic Elements Associated with Antimicrobial Resistance. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:e00088-17. [PMID: 30068738 PMCID: PMC6148190 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00088-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1119] [Impact Index Per Article: 186.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Strains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, particularly those that are multiresistant, are an increasing major health care problem around the world. It is now abundantly clear that both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are able to meet the evolutionary challenge of combating antimicrobial chemotherapy, often by acquiring preexisting resistance determinants from the bacterial gene pool. This is achieved through the concerted activities of mobile genetic elements able to move within or between DNA molecules, which include insertion sequences, transposons, and gene cassettes/integrons, and those that are able to transfer between bacterial cells, such as plasmids and integrative conjugative elements. Together these elements play a central role in facilitating horizontal genetic exchange and therefore promote the acquisition and spread of resistance genes. This review aims to outline the characteristics of the major types of mobile genetic elements involved in acquisition and spread of antibiotic resistance in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, focusing on the so-called ESKAPEE group of organisms (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli), which have become the most problematic hospital pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally R Partridge
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen M Kwong
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neville Firth
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Slade O Jensen
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Antibiotic Resistance & Mobile Elements Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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Yu X, Reva ON. SWPhylo - A Novel Tool for Phylogenomic Inferences by Comparison of Oligonucleotide Patterns and Integration of Genome-Based and Gene-Based Phylogenetic Trees. Evol Bioinform Online 2018; 14:1176934318759299. [PMID: 29511354 PMCID: PMC5826093 DOI: 10.1177/1176934318759299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern phylogenetic studies may benefit from the analysis of complete genome sequences of various microorganisms. Evolutionary inferences based on genome-scale analysis are believed to be more accurate than the gene-based alternative. However, the computational complexity of current phylogenomic procedures, inappropriateness of standard phylogenetic tools to process genome-wide data, and lack of reliable substitution models which correlates with alignment-free phylogenomic approaches deter microbiologists from using these opportunities. For example, the super-matrix and super-tree approaches of phylogenomics use multiple integrated genomic loci or individual gene-based trees to infer an overall consensus tree. However, these approaches potentially multiply errors of gene annotation and sequence alignment not mentioning the computational complexity and laboriousness of the methods. In this article, we demonstrate that the annotation- and alignment-free comparison of genome-wide tetranucleotide frequencies, termed oligonucleotide usage patterns (OUPs), allowed a fast and reliable inference of phylogenetic trees. These were congruent to the corresponding whole genome super-matrix trees in terms of tree topology when compared with other known approaches including 16S ribosomal RNA and GyrA protein sequence comparison, complete genome-based MAUVE, and CVTree methods. A Web-based program to perform the alignment-free OUP-based phylogenomic inferences was implemented at http://swphylo.bi.up.ac.za/. Applicability of the tool was tested on different taxa from subspecies to intergeneric levels. Distinguishing between closely related taxonomic units may be enforced by providing the program with alignments of marker protein sequences, eg, GyrA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Oleg N Reva
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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25
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Characterization and interstrain transfer of prophage pp3 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174429. [PMID: 28346467 PMCID: PMC5367828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Prophages are major contributors to horizontal gene transfer and drive the evolution and diversification of bacteria. Here, we describe the characterization of a prophage element designated pp3 in the clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate PA1. pp3 spontaneously excises from the PA1 genome and circularizes at a very high frequency of 25%. pp3 is likely to be a defective prophage due to its inability to form plaques on P. aeruginosa indicator strains, and no phage particles could be detected in PA1 supernatants. The pp3-encoded integrase is essential for excision by mediating site-specific recombination at the 26-bp attachment sequence. Using a filter mating experiment, we demonstrated that pp3 can transfer into P. aeruginosa recipient strains that do not possess this element naturally. Upon transfer, pp3 integrates into the same attachment site as in PA1 and maintains the ability to excise and circularize. Furthermore, pp3 significantly promotes biofilm formation in the recipient. Sequence alignment reveals that the 26-bp attachment site recognized by pp3 is conserved in all P. aeruginosa strains sequenced to date, making it possible that pp3 could be extensively disseminated in P. aeruginosa. This work improves our understanding of the ways in which prophages influence bacterial behavior and evolution.
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Morales-Espinosa R, Delgado G, Espinosa LF, Isselo D, Méndez JL, Rodriguez C, Miranda G, Cravioto A. Fingerprint Analysis and Identification of Strains ST309 as a Potential High Risk Clone in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Population Isolated from Children with Bacteremia in Mexico City. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:313. [PMID: 28298909 PMCID: PMC5331068 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and is associated with nosocomial infections. Its ability to thrive in a broad range of environments is due to a large and diverse genome of which its accessory genome is part. The objective of this study was to characterize P. aeruginosa strains isolated from children who developed bacteremia, using pulse-field gel electrophoresis, and in terms of its genomic islands, virulence genes, multilocus sequence type, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Our results showed that P. aeruginosa strains presented the seven virulence genes: toxA, lasB, lecA, algR, plcH, phzA1, and toxR, a type IV pilin alleles (TFP) group I or II. Additionally, we detected a novel pilin and accessory gene, expanding the number of TFP alleles to group VI. All strains presented the PAPI-2 Island and the majority were exoU+ and exoS+ genotype. Ten percent of the strains were multi-drug resistant phenotype, 18% extensively drug-resistant, 68% moderately resistant and only 3% were susceptible to all the antimicrobial tested. The most prevalent acquired β-Lactamase was KPC. We identified a group of ST309 strains, as a potential high risk clone. Our finding also showed that the strains isolated from patients with bacteremia have important virulence factors involved in colonization and dissemination as: a TFP group I or II; the presence of the exoU gene within the PAPI-2 island and the presence of the exoS gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Morales-Espinosa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Delgado
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis F Espinosa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dassaev Isselo
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Regional 36 San Alejandro, IMSS Puebla, Mexico
| | - José L Méndez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cristina Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Facultad de Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Miranda
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Hospitalaria Mexico City, Mexico
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Genomic analyses of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1 resequenced by single-molecule real-time sequencing. Biosci Rep 2016; 36:BSR20160282. [PMID: 27765811 PMCID: PMC5293553 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a third-generation sequencing (TGS) method, single-molecule real-time (SMRT) technology provides long read length, and it is well suited for resequencing projects and de novo assembly. In the present study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1 was characterized and resequenced using SMRT technology. PA1 was also subjected to genomic, comparative and pan-genomic analyses. The multidrug resistant strain PA1 possesses a 6,498,072 bp genome and a sequence type of ST-782. The genome of PA1 was also visualized, and the results revealed the details of general genome annotations, virulence factors, regulatory proteins (RPs), secretion system proteins, type II toxin–antitoxin (T–A) pairs and genomic islands. Whole genome comparison analysis suggested that PA1 exhibits similarity to other P. aeruginosa strains but differs in terms of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) regions, such as prophages and genomic islands. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA sequences demonstrated that PA1 is closely related to PAO1, and P. aeruginosa strains can be divided into two main groups. The pan-genome of P. aeruginosa consists of a core genome of approximately 4,000 genes and an accessory genome of at least 6,600 genes. The present study presented a detailed, visualized and comparative analysis of the PA1 genome, to enhance our understanding of this notorious pathogen.
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Highly variable individual donor cell fates characterize robust horizontal gene transfer of an integrative and conjugative element. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E3375-83. [PMID: 27247406 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604479113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer is an important evolutionary mechanism for bacterial adaptation. However, given the typical low transfer frequencies in a bacterial population, little is known about the fate and interplay of donor cells and the mobilized DNA during transfer. Here we study transfer of an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) among individual live bacterial cells. ICEs are widely distributed mobile DNA elements that are different than plasmids because they reside silent in the host chromosome and are maintained through vertical descent. Occasionally, ICEs become active, excise, and transmit their DNA to a new recipient, where it is reintegrated. We develop a fluorescent tool to differentiate excision, transfer, and reintegration of a model ICE named ICEclc (for carrying the clc genes for chlorocatechol metabolism) among single Pseudomonas cells by using time-lapse microscopy. We find that ICEclc activation is initiated in stationary phase cells, but excision and transfer predominantly occur only when such cells have been presented with new nutrients. Donors with activated ICE develop a number of different states, characterized by reduced cell division rates or growth arrest, persistence, or lysis, concomitant with ICE excision, and likely, ICE loss or replication. The donor cell state transitions can be described by using a stochastic model, which predicts that ICE fitness is optimal at low initiation rates in stationary phase. Despite highly variable donor cell fates, ICE transfer is remarkably robust overall, with 75% success after excision. Our results help to better understand ICE behavior and shed a new light on bacterial cellular differentiation during horizontal gene transfer.
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Fischer S, Klockgether J, Morán Losada P, Chouvarine P, Cramer N, Davenport CF, Dethlefsen S, Dorda M, Goesmann A, Hilker R, Mielke S, Schönfelder T, Suerbaum S, Türk O, Woltemate S, Wiehlmann L, Tümmler B. Intraclonal genome diversity of the major Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones C and PA14. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2016; 8:227-234. [PMID: 26711897 PMCID: PMC4819714 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial populations differentiate at the subspecies level into clonal complexes. Intraclonal genome diversity was studied in 100 isolates of the two dominant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones C and PA14 collected from the inanimate environment, acute and chronic infections. The core genome was highly conserved among clone members with a median pairwise within-clone single nucleotide sequence diversity of 8 × 10(-6) for clone C and 2 × 10(-5) for clone PA14. The composition of the accessory genome was, on the other hand, as variable within the clone as between unrelated clones. Each strain carried a large cargo of unique genes. The two dominant worldwide distributed P. aeruginosa clones combine an almost invariant core with the flexible gain and loss of genetic elements that spread by horizontal transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Fischer
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patricia Morán Losada
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philippe Chouvarine
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Cramer
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Colin F Davenport
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sarah Dethlefsen
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie Dorda
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Goesmann
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
| | - Rolf Hilker
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
| | - Samira Mielke
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Torben Schönfelder
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Suerbaum
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, OE 5210, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oliver Türk
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabrina Woltemate
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, OE 5210, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lutz Wiehlmann
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Clinical Research Group 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', OE 6710, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
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Wiehlmann L, Cramer N, Tümmler B. Habitat-associated skew of clone abundance in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa population. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 7:955-960. [PMID: 26419222 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The population structure of the cosmopolitan Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated by genotyping 2921 isolates from 1448 independent habitats with a custom-made 58 binary marker microarray. Of 323 identified clone types, 109 clones made up 82% of the population. The 20 most frequent clones had an absolute share of 44% indicating that the P. aeruginosa population is dominated by few epidemic clonal complexes. The frequency distribution of common clones was different between inanimate habitats and human niches. The three most abundant clones in the environment were rare among isolates from human infection. Conversely, disease-associated isolates either belonged to ubiquitous clones such as C and PA14 or to clones that were uncommon in the environment. The P. aeruginosa population consists of major clones that are just as versatile in their habitat and geographic origin as the whole species and of minor clones with preference for a peculiar niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Wiehlmann
- Clinical Research Group, 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Cramer
- Clinical Research Group, 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Clinical Research Group, 'Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics', Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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31
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Carraro N, Burrus V. The dualistic nature of integrative and conjugative elements. Mob Genet Elements 2015; 5:98-102. [PMID: 26942046 PMCID: PMC4755238 DOI: 10.1080/2159256x.2015.1102796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements that play a key role in bacterial adaptation. Such elements are found in almost every bacterial genera and species, and often code for adaptive traits conferring selective advantages to their host. ICEs maintain by integrating into and replicating along with a replicon of the host genome. ICEs can propagate by conjugative transfer toward a recipient cell following excision from the replicon as a circular covalently-closed molecule. For a long time, the excised form of ICEs was assumed to be non-replicative. This assumption predicts that excised ICEs are sensitive to loss during cell division, unless they carry stabilization systems such as addiction modules or antibiotic resistance genes. Over the past few years, growing evidence have been presented that support conditional replication of the circular intermediate as an intrinsic feature of ICEs. We recently confirmed this feature in the large family of SXT/R391 ICEs, which thrive in several species of Enterobacteriaceae and Vibrionaceae. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SXT/R391 ICEs encode a functional plasmid-like type II partition system that enhances their stability, such systems being probably encoded by other ICEs. The lifecycle of ICEs is therefore much more complex than initially thought as many ICEs may use plasmid-like features to improve their stability and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Carraro
- Laboratory of Bacterial Molecular Genetics; Département de Biologie; Université de Sherbrooke ; Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Vincent Burrus
- Laboratory of Bacterial Molecular Genetics; Département de Biologie; Université de Sherbrooke ; Sherbrooke, Canada
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32
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Monsieurs P, Hobman J, Vandenbussche G, Mergeay M, Van Houdt R. Response of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 to Metals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20594-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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33
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Lee C, Wigren E, Trček J, Peters V, Kim J, Hasni MS, Nimtz M, Lindqvist Y, Park C, Curth U, Lünsdorf H, Römling U. A novel protein quality control mechanism contributes to heat shock resistance of worldwide-distributed Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone C strains. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:4511-26. [PMID: 26014207 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly successful nosocomial pathogen capable of causing a wide variety of infections with clone C strains most prevalent worldwide. In this study, we initially characterize a molecular mechanism of survival unique to clone C strains. We identified a P. aeruginosa clone C-specific genomic island (PACGI-1) that contains the highly expressed small heat shock protein sHsp20c, the founding member of a novel subclass of class B bacterial small heat shock proteins. sHsp20c and adjacent gene products are involved in resistance against heat shock. Heat stable sHsp20c is unconventionally expressed in stationary phase in a wide temperature range from 20 to 42°C. Purified sHsp20c has characteristic features of small heat shock protein class B as it is monodisperse, forms sphere-like 24-meric oligomers and exhibits significant chaperone activity. As the P. aeruginosa clone C population is significantly more heat shock resistant than genetically unrelated P. aeruginosa strains without sHsp20c, the horizontally acquired shsp20c operon might contribute to the survival of worldwide-distributed clone C strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhan Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Edvard Wigren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Janja Trček
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Verena Peters
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Jihong Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 305-701, Korea
| | - Muhammad Sharif Hasni
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Manfred Nimtz
- The Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Ylva Lindqvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 305-701, Korea
| | - Ute Curth
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 30625, Germany
| | - Heinrich Lünsdorf
- The Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Ute Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
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34
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Pierneef R, Cronje L, Bezuidt O, Reva ON. Pre_GI: a global map of ontological links between horizontally transferred genomic islands in bacterial and archaeal genomes. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2015. [PMID: 26200753 PMCID: PMC5630688 DOI: 10.1093/database/bav058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Predicted Genomic Islands database (Pre_GI) is a comprehensive repository of prokaryotic genomic islands (islands, GIs) freely accessible at http://pregi.bi.up.ac.za/index.php. Pre_GI, Version 2015, catalogues 26 744 islands identified in 2407 bacterial/archaeal chromosomes and plasmids. It provides an easy-to-use interface which allows users the ability to query against the database with a variety of fields, parameters and associations. Pre_GI is constructed to be a web-resource for the analysis of ontological roads between islands and cartographic analysis of the global fluxes of mobile genetic elements through bacterial and archaeal taxonomic borders. Comparison of newly identified islands against Pre_GI presents an alternative avenue to identify their ontology, origin and relative time of acquisition. Pre_GI aims to aid research on horizontal transfer events and materials through providing data and tools for holistic investigation of migration of genes through ecological niches and taxonomic boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rian Pierneef
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng 0002, South Africa
| | - Louis Cronje
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng 0002, South Africa
| | - Oliver Bezuidt
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng 0002, South Africa
| | - Oleg N Reva
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng 0002, South Africa
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35
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Hilker R, Munder A, Klockgether J, Losada PM, Chouvarine P, Cramer N, Davenport CF, Dethlefsen S, Fischer S, Peng H, Schönfelder T, Türk O, Wiehlmann L, Wölbeling F, Gulbins E, Goesmann A, Tümmler B. Interclonal gradient of virulence in thePseudomonas aeruginosapangenome from disease and environment. Environ Microbiol 2014; 17:29-46. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Hilker
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology; University of Giessen; Gießen D-35392 Germany
| | - Antje Munder
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Patricia Moran Losada
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Philippe Chouvarine
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Nina Cramer
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Colin F. Davenport
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Sarah Dethlefsen
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Sebastian Fischer
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Huiming Peng
- Department of Molecular Biology; University Hospital Essen; University of Duisburg-Essen; Essen D-45122 Germany
| | - Torben Schönfelder
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Oliver Türk
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Lutz Wiehlmann
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Florian Wölbeling
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology; University Hospital Essen; University of Duisburg-Essen; Essen D-45122 Germany
| | - Alexander Goesmann
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology; University of Giessen; Gießen D-35392 Germany
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Clinical Research Group; ‘Molecular Pathology of Cystic Fibrosis and Pseudomonas Genomics’; Hannover Medical School; OE 6710 Hannover D-30625 Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH); German Center for Lung Research; Hannover Germany
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36
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Conjugative transfer of ICESde3396 between three β-hemolytic streptococcal species. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:521. [PMID: 25115242 PMCID: PMC4266954 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that possess all genes necessary for excision, transfer and integration into recipient genome. They also carry accessory genes that impart new phenotypic features to recipient strains. ICEs therefore play an important role in genomic plasticity and population structure. We previously characterised ICESde3396, the first ICE identified in the β-hemolytic Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp equisimilis (SDSE) and demonstrated its transfer to single isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS) and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS). While molecular studies found the ICE in multiple SDSE and GBS isolates, it was absent in all GAS isolates examined. Results Here we demonstrate that ICESde3396:km is transferable from SDSE to multiple SDSE, GAS and GBS isolates. However not all strains of these species were successful recipients under the same growth conditions. To address the role that host factors may have in conjugation we also undertook conjugation experiments in the presence of A549 epithelial cells and DMEM. While Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) occurred, conjugation efficiencies were no greater than when similar experiments were conducted in DMEM. Additionally transfer to GAS NS235 was successful in the presence of DMEM but not in Todd Hewitt Broth suggesting that nutritional factors may also influence HGT. The GAS and GBS transconjugants produced in this study are also able to act as donors of the ICE. Conclusion We conclude that ICEs are major sources of interspecies HGT between β-hemolytic streptococci, and by introducing accessory genes imparting novel phenotypic characteristics, have the potential to alter the population structure of these species.
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Juhas M. Type IV secretion systems and genomic islands-mediated horizontal gene transfer in Pseudomonas and Haemophilus. Microbiol Res 2014; 170:10-7. [PMID: 25183653 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial secretion systems, such as type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are multi-subunit machines transferring macromolecules across membranes. Besides proteins, T4SSs also transfer nucleoprotein complexes, thus having a significant impact on the evolution of bacterial species. By T4SS-mediated horizontal gene transfer bacteria can acquire a broad spectrum of fitness genes allowing them to thrive in the wide variety of environments. Furthermore, acquisition of antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes can lead to the emergence of novel 'superbugs'. This review provides an update on the investigation of T4SSs. It highlights the role T4SSs play in the horizontal gene transfer, particularly in the evolution of catabolic pathways, antibiotic-resistance and virulence in Haemophilus and Pseudomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Juhas
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1QP Cambridge, UK.
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38
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Pradervand N, Sulser S, Delavat F, Miyazaki R, Lamas I, van der Meer JR. An operon of three transcriptional regulators controls horizontal gene transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEclc in Pseudomonas knackmussii B13. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004441. [PMID: 24945944 PMCID: PMC4063739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrative and conjugative element ICEclc is a mobile genetic element in Pseudomonas knackmussii B13, and an experimental model for a widely distributed group of elements in Proteobacteria. ICEclc is transferred from specialized transfer competent cells, which arise at a frequency of 3-5% in a population at stationary phase. Very little is known about the different factors that control the transfer frequency of this ICE family. Here we report the discovery of a three-gene operon encoded by ICEclc, which exerts global control on transfer initiation. The operon consists of three consecutive regulatory genes, encoding a TetR-type repressor MfsR, a MarR-type regulator and a LysR-type activator TciR. We show that MfsR autoregulates expression of the operon, whereas TciR is a global activator of ICEclc gene expression, but no clear role was yet found for MarR. Deletion of mfsR increases expression of tciR and marR, causing the proportion of transfer competent cells to reach almost 100% and transfer frequencies to approach 1 per donor. mfsR deletion also caused a two orders of magnitude loss in population viability, individual cell growth arrest and loss of ICEclc. This indicates that autoregulation is an important feature maintaining ICE transfer but avoiding fitness loss. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the mfsR-marR-tciR operon is unique for ICEclc and a few highly related ICE, whereas tciR orthologues occur more widely in a large variety of suspected ICE among Proteobacteria. Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are a relatively newly recognized class of mobile elements in bacteria, which integrate at one or more positions in a host chromosome, can be excised, circularized, and transfer by conjugation to a new recipient cell. Genome sequencing indicated that ICEs often carry genes with potential adaptive functions for the host. Various ICE-types have been described and ICEclc is a useful model for a wide class of elements found in Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria. Because ICEs normally remain “silent” in the host chromosome and often lack selectable markers, their lifestyle is difficult to study. One of the characteristics of ICEclc is that transfer is initiated in only 3-5% of donor cells in a population during stationary phase. Here, we describe an operon of three regulatory genes, two of which control the transfer initiation of ICEclc. Our findings suggest that the low transfer rate results from the repression of an activator and that this is essential to minimize the deleterious effect of hyper-activation of transfer initiation. While the individual regulatory genes are quite common on ICEs, they rarely occur in this configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pradervand
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Sulser
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François Delavat
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ryo Miyazaki
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Iker Lamas
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan Roelof van der Meer
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Bachmann NL, Petty NK, Ben Zakour NL, Szubert JM, Savill J, Beatson SA. Genome analysis and CRISPR typing of Salmonella enterica serovar Virchow. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:389. [PMID: 24885207 PMCID: PMC4042001 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Virchow has been recognized as a significant health burden in Asia, Australia and Europe. In addition to its global distribution, S. Virchow is clinically significant due to the frequency at which it causes invasive infections and its association with outbreaks arising from food-borne transmission. Here, we examine the genome of an invasive isolate of S. Virchow SVQ1 (phage type 8) from an outbreak in southeast Queensland, Australia. In addition to identifying new potential genotyping targets that could be used for discriminating between S. Virchow strains in outbreak scenarios, we also aimed to carry out a comprehensive comparative analysis of the S. Virchow genomes. Results Genome comparisons between S. Virchow SVQ1 and S. Virchow SL491, a previously published strain, identified a high degree of genomic similarity between the two strains with fewer than 200 single nucleotide differences. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) regions were identified as a highly variable region that could be used to discriminate between S. Virchow isolates. We amplified and sequenced the CRISPR regions of fifteen S. Virchow isolates collected from seven different outbreaks across Australia. We observed three allelic types of the CRISPR region from these isolates based on the presence/absence of the spacers and were able to discriminate S. Virchow phage type 8 isolates originating from different outbreaks. A comparison with 27 published Salmonella genomes found that the S. Virchow SVQ1 genome encodes 11 previously described Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands (SPI), as well as additional genomic islands including a remnant integrative conjugative element that is distinct from SPI-7. In addition, the S. Virchow genome possesses a novel prophage that encodes the Type III secretion system effector protein SopE, a key Salmonella virulence factor. The prophage shares very little similarity to the SopE prophages found in other Salmonella serovars suggesting an independent acquisition of sopE. Conclusions The availability of this genome will serve as a genome template and facilitate further studies on understanding the virulence and global distribution of the S. Virchow serovar, as well as the development of genotyping methods for outbreak investigations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-389) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - John Savill
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Rearrangement of a large novel Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene island in strains isolated from a patient developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:2430-8. [PMID: 24789195 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01626-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial gene islands add to the genetic repertoire of opportunistic pathogens. Here, we perform comparative analyses of three Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated sequentially over a 3-week period from a patient with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) who received clindamycin and piperacillin-tazobactam as part of their treatment regime. While all three strains appeared to be clonal by standard pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, whole-genome sequencing revealed subtle alterations in the chromosomal organization of the last two strains; specifically, an inversion event within a novel 124-kb gene island (PAGI 12) composed of 137 open reading frames [ORFs]. Predicted ORFs in the island included metabolism and virulence genes. Overexpression of a gene island-borne putative β-lactamase gene was observed following piperacillin-tazobactam exposure and only in those strains that had undergone the inversion event, indicating altered gene regulation following genomic remodeling. Examination of a separate cohort of 76 patients with VAP for integration at this tRNA(lys) recombination site demonstrated that patients exhibiting evidence of integration at this site had significantly higher 28-day mortality. These findings provide evidence that P. aeruginosa can integrate, rapidly remodel, and express exogenous genes, which likely contributes to its fitness in a clinical setting.
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Tümmler B, Wiehlmann L, Klockgether J, Cramer N. Advances in understanding Pseudomonas. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2014; 6:9. [PMID: 24592321 PMCID: PMC3913036 DOI: 10.12703/p6-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the type species of pseudomonads, is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes a wide range of niches. Current genome sequencing projects are producing previously inconceivable detail about the population biology and evolution of P. aeruginosa. Its pan-genome has a larger genetic repertoire than the human genome, which explains the broad metabolic capabilities of P. aeruginosa and its ubiquitous distribution in aquatic habitats. P. aeruginosa may persist in the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis for decades. The ongoing whole-genome analyses of serial isolates from cystic fibrosis patients provide the so far singular opportunity to monitor the microevolution of a bacterial pathogen during chronic infection over thousands of generations. Although the evolution in cystic fibrosis lungs is neutral overall, some pathoadaptive mutations are selected during the within-host evolutionary process. Even a single mutation may be sufficient to generate novel complex traits provided that predisposing mutational events have previously occurred in the clonal lineage.
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Wee BA, Woolfit M, Beatson SA, Petty NK. A distinct and divergent lineage of genomic island-associated Type IV Secretion Systems in Legionella. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82221. [PMID: 24358157 PMCID: PMC3864950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella encodes multiple classes of Type IV Secretion Systems (T4SSs), including the Dot/Icm protein secretion system that is essential for intracellular multiplication in amoebal and human hosts. Other T4SSs not essential for virulence are thought to facilitate the acquisition of niche-specific adaptation genes including the numerous effector genes that are a hallmark of this genus. Previously, we identified two novel gene clusters in the draft genome of Legionella pneumophila strain 130b that encode homologues of a subtype of T4SS, the genomic island-associated T4SS (GI-T4SS), usually associated with integrative and conjugative elements (ICE). In this study, we performed genomic analyses of 14 homologous GI-T4SS clusters found in eight publicly available Legionella genomes and show that this cluster is unusually well conserved in a region of high plasticity. Phylogenetic analyses show that Legionella GI-T4SSs are substantially divergent from other members of this subtype of T4SS and represent a novel clade of GI-T4SSs only found in this genus. The GI-T4SS was found to be under purifying selection, suggesting it is functional and may play an important role in the evolution and adaptation of Legionella. Like other GI-T4SSs, the Legionella clusters are also associated with ICEs, but lack the typical integration and replication modules of related ICEs. The absence of complete replication and DNA pre-processing modules, together with the presence of Legionella-specific regulatory elements, suggest the Legionella GI-T4SS-associated ICE is unique and may employ novel mechanisms of regulation, maintenance and excision. The Legionella GI-T4SS cluster was found to be associated with several cargo genes, including numerous antibiotic resistance and virulence factors, which may confer a fitness benefit to the organism. The in-silico characterisation of this new T4SS furthers our understanding of the diversity of secretion systems involved in the frequent horizontal gene transfers that allow Legionella to adapt to and exploit diverse environmental niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Wee
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Woolfit
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott A. Beatson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (NKP); (SAB)
| | - Nicola K. Petty
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- The ithree institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: (NKP); (SAB)
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Pereira SG, Cardoso O. Mobile genetic elements of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from hydrotherapy facility and respiratory infections. Clin Microbiol Infect 2013; 20:O203-6. [PMID: 24102722 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The content of mobile genetic elements in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates of a pristine natural mineral water system associated with healthcare was compared with clinical isolates from respiratory infections. One isolate, from the therapy pool circuit, presented a class 1 integron, with 100% similarity to a class 1 integron contained in plasmid p4800 of the Klebsiella pneumoniae Kp4800 strain, which is the first time it has been reported in P. aeruginosa. Class 1 integrons were found in 25.6% of the clinical isolates. PAGI1 orf3 was more prevalent in environmental isolates, while PAGI2 c105 and PAGI3 sg100 were more prevalent in clinical isolates. Plasmids were not observed in either population.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Pereira
- Center for Pharmaceutical Studies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer has a tremendous impact on the genome plasticity, adaptation and evolution of bacteria. Horizontally transferred mobile genetic elements are involved in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, thus contributing to the emergence of novel "superbugs". This review provides update on various mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer and examines how horizontal gene transfer contributes to the evolution of pathogenic bacteria. Special focus is paid to the role horizontal gene transfer plays in pathogenicity of the emerging human pathogens: hypervirulent Clostridium difficile and Escherichia coli (including the most recent haemolytic uraemic syndrome outbreak strain) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which have been associated with largest outbreaks of infection recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Juhas
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
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45
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Bezuidt OK, Klockgether J, Elsen S, Attree I, Davenport CF, Tümmler B. Intraclonal genome diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones CHA and TB. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:416. [PMID: 23799896 PMCID: PMC3697988 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to different living conditions is accompanied by microevolution resulting in genomic diversity between strains of the same clonal lineage. In order to detect the impact of colonized habitats on P. aeruginosa microevolution we determined the genomic diversity between the highly virulent cystic fibrosis (CF) isolate CHA and two temporally and geographically unrelated clonal variants. The outcome was compared with the intraclonal genome diversity between three more closely related isolates of another clonal complex. Results The three clone CHA isolates differed in their core genome in several dozen strain specific nucleotide exchanges and small deletions from each other. Loss of function mutations and non-conservative amino acid replacements affected several habitat- and lifestyle-associated traits, for example, the key regulator GacS of the switch between acute and chronic disease phenotypes was disrupted in strain CHA. Intraclonal genome diversity manifested in an individual composition of the respective accessory genome whereby the highest number of accessory DNA elements was observed for isolate PT22 from a polluted aquatic habitat. Little intraclonal diversity was observed between three spatiotemporally related outbreak isolates of clone TB. Although phenotypically different, only a few individual SNPs and deletions were detected in the clone TB isolates. Their accessory genome mainly differed in prophage-like DNA elements taken up by one of the strains. Conclusions The higher geographical and temporal distance of the clone CHA isolates was associated with an increased intraclonal genome diversity compared to the more closely related clone TB isolates derived from a common source demonstrating the impact of habitat adaptation on the microevolution of P. aeruginosa. However, even short-term habitat differentiation can cause major phenotypic diversification driven by single genomic variation events and uptake of phage DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Ki Bezuidt
- Klinische Forschergruppe, Klinik für Pädiatrische Pneumologie, Allergologie und Neonatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover D-30625, Germany
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Juhas M, Dimopoulou I, Robinson E, Elamin A, Harding R, Hood D, Crook D. Identification of another module involved in the horizontal transfer of the Haemophilus genomic island ICEHin1056. Plasmid 2013; 70:277-83. [PMID: 23764277 PMCID: PMC3739013 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The investigated module on the 5′ extremity of ICEHin1056 consists of 15 genes. Genes of this module are homologues of DNA replication and stabilization genes. This module is well conserved in a number of genomic islands. This module is important for the conjugal transfer of ICEHin1056.
A significant part of horizontal gene transfer is facilitated by genomic islands. Haemophilus influenzae genomic island ICEHin1056 is an archetype of a genomic island that accounts for pandemic spread of antibiotics resistance. ICEHin1056 has modular structure and harbors modules involved in type IV secretion and integration. Previous studies have shown that ICEHin1056 encodes a functional type IV secretion system; however, other modules have not been characterized yet. Here we show that the module on the 5′ extremity of ICEHin1056 consists of 15 genes that are well conserved in a number of related genomic islands. Furthermore by disrupting six genes of the investigated module of ICEHin1056 by site-specific mutagenesis we demonstrate that in addition to type IV secretion system module, the investigated module is also important for the successful conjugal transfer of ICEHin1056 from donor to recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Juhas
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, NDCLS, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
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Klockgether J, Miethke N, Kubesch P, Bohn YS, Brockhausen I, Cramer N, Eberl L, Greipel J, Herrmann C, Herrmann S, Horatzek S, Lingner M, Luciano L, Salunkhe P, Schomburg D, Wehsling M, Wiehlmann L, Davenport CF, Tümmler B. Intraclonal diversity of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis airway isolates TBCF10839 and TBCF121838: distinct signatures of transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, adherence and pathogenicity despite an almost identical genome sequence. Environ Microbiol 2012; 15:191-210. [PMID: 22882573 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2012.02842.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microevolution of closely related Pseudomonas aeruginosa was compared in the clone TB strains TBCF10839 and TBCF121838 which had been isolated from two unrelated individuals with cystic fibrosis who had acquired clone TB during a local outbreak. Compared with the strain PAO1 reference sequence the two clone TB genomes shared 23 155 nucleotide exchanges, 32 out-of-frame indels in the coding region and another repertoire of replacement and genomic islands such as PAGI-1, PAGI-2, PAGI-5, LESGI-1 and LES-prophage 4. Only TBCF121838 carried a genomic island known from Ralstonia pickettii. Six of the seven strain-specific sequence variations in the core genome were detected in genes affecting motility, biofilm formation or virulence, i.e. non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions in mexS, PA3729, PA5017, mifR, a frameshift mutation in pilF (TBCF121838) and an intragenic deletion in pilQ (TBCF10839). Despite their almost identical genome sequence the two strains differed strongly from each other in transcriptome and metabolome profiles, mucin adherence and phagocytosis assays. TBCF121838 was susceptible to killing by neutrophils, but TBCF10839 could grow in leucocytes. Microevolution in P. aeruginosa apparently can generate novel complex traits by few or even single mutations provided that predisposing mutational events had occurred before in the clonal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klockgether
- Klinische Forschergruppe, Zentrum Biochemie und Zentrum Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, OE 6710, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Cellular variability of RpoS expression underlies subpopulation activation of an integrative and conjugative element. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002818. [PMID: 22807690 PMCID: PMC3395598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugative transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEclc in the bacterium Pseudomonas knackmussii is the consequence of a bistable decision taken in some 3% of cells in a population during stationary phase. Here we study the possible control exerted by the stationary phase sigma factor RpoS on the bistability decision. The gene for RpoS in P. knackmussii B13 was characterized, and a loss-of-function mutant was produced and complemented. We found that, in absence of RpoS, ICEclc transfer rates and activation of two key ICEclc promoters (Pint and PinR) decrease significantly in cells during stationary phase. Microarray and gene reporter analysis indicated that the most direct effect of RpoS is on PinR, whereas one of the gene products from the PinR-controlled operon (InrR) transmits activation to Pint and other ICEclc core genes. Addition of a second rpoS copy under control of its native promoter resulted in an increase of the proportion of cells expressing the Pint and PinR promoters to 18%. Strains in which rpoS was replaced by an rpoS-mcherry fusion showed high mCherry fluorescence of individual cells that had activated Pint and PinR, whereas a double-copy rpoS-mcherry–containing strain displayed twice as much mCherry fluorescence. This suggested that high RpoS levels are a prerequisite for an individual cell to activate PinR and thus ICEclc transfer. Double promoter–reporter fusions confirmed that expression of PinR is dominated by extrinsic noise, such as being the result of cellular variability in RpoS. In contrast, expression from Pint is dominated by intrinsic noise, indicating it is specific to the ICEclc transmission cascade. Our results demonstrate how stochastic noise levels of global transcription factors can be transduced to a precise signaling cascade in a subpopulation of cells leading to ICE activation. Horizontal gene transfer is one of the amazing phenomena in the prokaryotic world, by which DNA can be moved between species with means of a variety of specialized “elements” and/or specific host cell mechanisms. In particular the molecular decisions that have to be made in order to transfer DNA from one cell to another are fascinating, but very little is known about this at a cellular basis. Here we study a member of a widely distributed type of mobile DNA called “integrative and conjugative elements” or ICE. ICEclc normally resides in the chromosome of its bacterial host, but can excise from the chromosome and prepare for conjugation. Interestingly, the decision to excise ICEclc is made in only 3%–5% of cells in a clonal population in stationary phase. We focus specifically on the question of which mechanism may be responsible for setting this threshold level of ICEclc activation. We find that ICEclc activation is dependent on the individual cell level of the stationary phase sigma factor RpoS. The noise in RpoS expression across a population of cells thus sets the “threshold” for ICEclc to excise and prepare transfer.
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Shankar J, Sueke H, Wiehlmann L, Horsburgh MJ, Tuft S, Neal TJ, Kaye SB, Winstanley C. Genotypic analysis of UK keratitis-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa suggests adaptation to environmental water as a key component in the development of eye infections. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2012; 334:79-86. [PMID: 22708785 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2012.02621.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine temporal dynamics of corneal infection (keratitis)-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we compared the genetic characteristics of isolates collected during two different time periods (2003-2004 and 2009-2010) using an ArrayTube genotyping system. The distribution of keratitis-associated isolates from the two studies (n = 123) among a database of P. aeruginosa strains of non-ocular origin (n = 322) indicated that 71% of UK keratitis-associated P. aeruginosa isolates clustered together, and there was no evidence for major variations in the distribution of clone types between the two collections. Our analysis indicates the presence of a 'core keratitis cluster', associated with corneal infections, that is related to the P. aeruginosa eccB clonal complex, which is associated with adaptation to survival in environmental water. This suggests that adaptation to environmental water is a key factor in the ability of P. aeruginosa to cause eye infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayendra Shankar
- Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Rau MH, Marvig RL, Ehrlich GD, Molin S, Jelsbak L. Deletion and acquisition of genomic content during early stage adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a human host environment. Environ Microbiol 2012; 14:2200-11. [PMID: 22672046 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2012.02795.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation of bacterial pathogens to a permanently host-associated lifestyle by means of deletion or acquisition of genetic material is usually examined through comparison of present-day isolates to a distant theoretical ancestor. This limits the resolution of the adaptation process. We conducted a retrospective study of the dissemination of the P.aeruginosa DK2 clone type among patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, sequencing the genomes of 45 isolates collected from 16 individuals over 35 years. Analysis of the genomes provides a high-resolution examination of the dynamics and mechanisms of the change in genetic content during the early stage of host adaptation by this P.aeruginosa strain as it adapts to the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung of several patients. Considerable genome reduction is detected predominantly through the deletion of large genomic regions, and up to 8% of the genome is deleted in one isolate. Compared with in vitro estimates the resulting average deletion rates are 12- to 36-fold higher. Deletions occur through both illegitimate and homologous recombination, but they are not IS element mediated as previously reported for early stage host adaptation. Uptake of novel DNA sequences during infection is limited as only one prophage region was putatively inserted in one isolate, demonstrating that early host adaptation is characterized by the reduction of genomic repertoire rather than acquisition of novel functions. Finally, we also describe the complete genome of this highly adapted pathogenic strain of P.aeruginosa to strengthen the genetic basis, which serves to help our understanding of microbial evolution in a natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Rau
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
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