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Mayo-Muñoz D, Pinilla-Redondo R, Camara-Wilpert S, Birkholz N, Fineran PC. Inhibitors of bacterial immune systems: discovery, mechanisms and applications. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:237-254. [PMID: 38291236 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
To contend with the diversity and ubiquity of bacteriophages and other mobile genetic elements, bacteria have developed an arsenal of immune defence mechanisms. Bacterial defences include CRISPR-Cas, restriction-modification and a growing list of mechanistically diverse systems, which constitute the bacterial 'immune system'. As a response, bacteriophages and mobile genetic elements have evolved direct and indirect mechanisms to circumvent or block bacterial defence pathways and ensure successful infection. Recent advances in methodological and computational approaches, as well as the increasing availability of genome sequences, have boosted the discovery of direct inhibitors of bacterial defence systems. In this Review, we discuss methods for the discovery of direct inhibitors, their diverse mechanisms of action and perspectives on their emerging applications in biotechnology and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mayo-Muñoz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rafael Pinilla-Redondo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Nils Birkholz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Peter C Fineran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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2
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Gladysheva-Azgari M, Sharko F, Evteeva M, Kuvyrchenkova A, Boulygina E, Tsygankova S, Slobodova N, Pustovoit K, Melkina O, Nedoluzhko A, Korzhenkov A, Kudryavtseva A, Utkina A, Manukhov I, Rastorguev S, Zavilgelsky G. ArdA genes from pKM101 and from B. bifidum chromosome have a different range of regulated genes. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22986. [PMID: 38144267 PMCID: PMC10746416 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22986] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The ardA genes are present in a wide variety of conjugative plasmids and play an important role in overcoming the restriction barrier. To date, there is no information on the chromosomal ardA genes. It is still unclear whether they keep their antirestriction activity and why bacterial chromosomes contain these genes. In the present study, we confirmed the antirestriction function of the ardA gene from the Bifidobacterium bifidum chromosome. Transcriptome analysis in Escherichia coli showed that the range of regulated genes varies significantly for ardA from conjugative plasmid pKM101 and from the B. bifidum chromosome. Moreover, if the targets for both ardA genes match, they often show an opposite effect on regulated gene expression. The results obtained indicate two seemingly mutually exclusive conclusions. On the one hand, the pleiotropic effect of ardA genes was shown not only on restriction-modification system, but also on expression of a number of other genes. On the other hand, the range of affected genes varies significally for ardA genes from different sources, which indicates the specificity of ardA to inhibited targets. Author Summary. Conjugative plasmids, bacteriophages, as well as transposons, are capable to transfer various genes, including antibiotic resistance genes, among bacterial cells. However, many of those genes pose a threat to the bacterial cells, therefore bacterial cells have special restriction systems that limit such transfer. Antirestriction genes have previously been described as a part of conjugative plasmids, and bacteriophages and transposons. Those plasmids are able to overcome bacterial cell protection in the presence of antirestriction genes, which inhibit bacterial restriction systems. This work unveils the antirestriction mechanisms, which play an important role in the bacterial life cycle. Here, we clearly show that antirestriction genes, which are able to inhibit cell protection, exist not only in plasmids but also in the bacterial chromosomes themselves. Moreover, antirestrictases have not only an inhibitory function but also participate in the regulation of other bacterial genes. The regulatory function of plasmid antirestriction genes also helps them to overcome the bacterial cell protection against gene transfer, whereas the regulatory function of genomic antirestrictases has no such effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - F.S. Sharko
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
- Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - M.A. Evteeva
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - E.S. Boulygina
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
| | - S.V. Tsygankova
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
| | - N.V. Slobodova
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
| | - K.S. Pustovoit
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia, 115454
| | - O.E. Melkina
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia, 115454
| | - A.V. Nedoluzhko
- European University at Saint Petersburg, 191187, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - A.A. Korzhenkov
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
| | - A.A. Kudryavtseva
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - A.A. Utkina
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - I.V. Manukhov
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Faculty of Physics, HSE University, 109028, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory for Microbiology, BIOTECH University, 125080, Moscow, Russia
| | - S.M. Rastorguev
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova Str. 1, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - G.B. Zavilgelsky
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia, 115454
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3
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Kudryavtseva AA, Alekhin VA, Lebedeva MD, Cséfalvay E, Weiserova M, Manukhov IV. Anti-Restriction Activity of ArdB Protein against EcoAI Endonuclease. Mol Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893323010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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4
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Kudryavtseva AA, Cséfalvay E, Gnuchikh EY, Yanovskaya DD, Skutel MA, Isaev AB, Bazhenov SV, Utkina AA, Manukhov IV. Broadness and specificity: ArdB, ArdA, and Ocr against various restriction-modification systems. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1133144. [PMID: 37138625 PMCID: PMC10149784 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1133144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ArdB, ArdA, and Ocr proteins inhibit the endonuclease activity of the type I restriction-modification enzymes (RMI). In this study, we evaluated the ability of ArdB, ArdA, and Ocr to inhibit different subtypes of Escherichia coli RMI systems (IA, IB, and IC) as well as two Bacillus licheniformis RMI systems. Furthermore we explored, the antirestriction activity of ArdA, ArdB, and Ocr against a type III restriction-modification system (RMIII) EcoPI and BREX. We found that DNA-mimic proteins, ArdA and Ocr exhibit different inhibition activity, depending on which RM system tested. This effect might be linked to the DNA mimicry nature of these proteins. In theory, DNA-mimic might competitively inhibit any DNA-binding proteins; however, the efficiency of inhibition depend on the ability to imitate the recognition site in DNA or its preferred conformation. In contrast, ArdB protein with an undescribed mechanism of action, demonstrated greater versatility against various RMI systems and provided similar antirestriction efficiency regardless of the recognition site. However, ArdB protein could not affect restriction systems that are radically different from the RMI such as BREX or RMIII. Thus, we assume that the structure of DNA-mimic proteins allows for selective inhibition of any DNA-binding proteins depending on the recognition site. In contrast, ArdB-like proteins inhibit RMI systems independently of the DNA recognition site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Kudryavtseva
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- *Correspondence: Anna A. Kudryavtseva
| | - Eva Cséfalvay
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Nové Hrady, Czechia
| | - Evgeniy Yu Gnuchikh
- Kurchatov Genomic Center, National Research Center Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Darya D. Yanovskaya
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Skutel
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem B. Isaev
- Center of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Bazhenov
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Laboratory for Microbiology, BIOTECH University, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Physics, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Utkina
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Manukhov
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Laboratory for Microbiology, BIOTECH University, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Physics, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
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5
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Fernandez-Lopez R, Ruiz R, del Campo I, Gonzalez-Montes L, Boer D, de la Cruz F, Moncalian G. Structural basis of direct and inverted DNA sequence repeat recognition by helix-turn-helix transcription factors. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11938-11947. [PMID: 36370103 PMCID: PMC9723621 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some transcription factors bind DNA motifs containing direct or inverted sequence repeats. Preference for each of these DNA topologies is dictated by structural constraints. Most prokaryotic regulators form symmetric oligomers, which require operators with a dyad structure. Binding to direct repeats requires breaking the internal symmetry, a property restricted to a few regulators, most of them from the AraC family. The KorA family of transcriptional repressors, involved in plasmid propagation and stability, includes members that form symmetric dimers and recognize inverted repeats. Our structural analyses show that ArdK, a member of this family, can form a symmetric dimer similar to that observed for KorA, yet it binds direct sequence repeats as a non-symmetric dimer. This is possible by the 180° rotation of one of the helix-turn-helix domains. We then probed and confirmed that ArdK shows affinity for an inverted repeat, which, surprisingly, is also recognized by a non-symmetrical dimer. Our results indicate that structural flexibility at different positions in the dimerization interface constrains transcription factors to bind DNA sequences with one of these two alternative DNA topologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Fernandez-Lopez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Raul Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Irene del Campo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Lorena Gonzalez-Montes
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria and Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - D Roeland Boer
- Alba Synchrotron, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Gomez-Simmonds A, Annavajhala MK, Tang N, Rozenberg FD, Ahmad M, Park H, Lopatkin AJ, Uhlemann AC. Population structure of blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmids at a New York City medical centre and evidence for multi-species horizontal transmission. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:1873-1882. [PMID: 35412609 PMCID: PMC9633718 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are highly concerning MDR pathogens. Horizontal transfer of broad-host-range IncN plasmids may contribute to the dissemination of the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), spreading carbapenem resistance among unrelated bacteria. However, the population structure and genetic diversity of IncN plasmids has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES We reconstructed blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmid genomes to characterize shared gene content, structural variability, and putative horizontal transfer within and across patients and diverse bacterial clones. METHODS We performed short- and long-read sequencing and hybrid assembly on 45 CRE isolates with blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmids. Eight serial isolates from two patients were included to assess intra-patient plasmid dynamics. Comparative genomic analysis was performed to assess structural and sequence similarity across plasmids. Within IncN sublineages defined by plasmid MLST and kmer-based clustering, phylogenetic analysis was used to identify closely related plasmids. RESULTS Comparative analysis of IncN plasmid genomes revealed substantial heterogeneity including large rearrangements in serial patient plasmids and differences in structure and content across plasmid clusters. Within plasmid sublineages, core genome content and resistance gene regions were largely conserved. Closely related plasmids (≤1 SNP) were found in highly diverse isolates, including ten pST6 plasmids found in eight bacterial clones from three different species. CONCLUSIONS Genomic analysis of blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmids revealed the presence of several distinct sublineages as well as substantial host diversity within plasmid clusters suggestive of frequent mobilization. This study reveals complex plasmid dynamics within a single plasmid family, highlighting the challenge of tracking plasmid-mediated transmission of blaKPC in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Gomez-Simmonds
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, New York NY 10032, USA
| | - Medini K Annavajhala
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, New York NY 10032, USA
| | - Nina Tang
- Barnard College, Columbia University, 3009 Broadway, New York NY 10027, USA
| | - Felix D Rozenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, New York NY 10032, USA
| | - Mehrose Ahmad
- Barnard College, Columbia University, 3009 Broadway, New York NY 10027, USA
| | - Heekuk Park
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, New York NY 10032, USA
| | - Allison J Lopatkin
- Barnard College, Columbia University, 3009 Broadway, New York NY 10027, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, 550 W 120th St, New York NY 10027, USA
| | - Anne Catrin Uhlemann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, New York NY 10032, USA
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7
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Salamzade R, Manson AL, Walker BJ, Brennan-Krohn T, Worby CJ, Ma P, He LL, Shea TP, Qu J, Chapman SB, Howe W, Young SK, Wurster JI, Delaney ML, Kanjilal S, Onderdonk AB, Bittencourt CE, Gussin GM, Kim D, Peterson EM, Ferraro MJ, Hooper DC, Shenoy ES, Cuomo CA, Cosimi LA, Huang SS, Kirby JE, Pierce VM, Bhattacharyya RP, Earl AM. Inter-species geographic signatures for tracing horizontal gene transfer and long-term persistence of carbapenem resistance. Genome Med 2022; 14:37. [PMID: 35379360 PMCID: PMC8981930 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an urgent global health threat. Inferring the dynamics of local CRE dissemination is currently limited by our inability to confidently trace the spread of resistance determinants to unrelated bacterial hosts. Whole-genome sequence comparison is useful for identifying CRE clonal transmission and outbreaks, but high-frequency horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of carbapenem resistance genes and subsequent genome rearrangement complicate tracing the local persistence and mobilization of these genes across organisms. METHODS To overcome this limitation, we developed a new approach to identify recent HGT of large, near-identical plasmid segments across species boundaries, which also allowed us to overcome technical challenges with genome assembly. We applied this to complete and near-complete genome assemblies to examine the local spread of CRE in a systematic, prospective collection of all CRE, as well as time- and species-matched carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales, isolated from patients from four US hospitals over nearly 5 years. RESULTS Our CRE collection comprised a diverse range of species, lineages, and carbapenem resistance mechanisms, many of which were encoded on a variety of promiscuous plasmid types. We found and quantified rearrangement, persistence, and repeated transfer of plasmid segments, including those harboring carbapenemases, between organisms over multiple years. Some plasmid segments were found to be strongly associated with specific locales, thus representing geographic signatures that make it possible to trace recent and localized HGT events. Functional analysis of these signatures revealed genes commonly found in plasmids of nosocomial pathogens, such as functions required for plasmid retention and spread, as well survival against a variety of antibiotic and antiseptics common to the hospital environment. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the framework we developed provides a clearer, high-resolution picture of the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance importation, spread, and persistence in patients and healthcare networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauf Salamzade
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA ,grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Present Address: Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Abigail L. Manson
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Bruce J. Walker
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA ,Applied Invention, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Thea Brennan-Krohn
- grid.239395.70000 0000 9011 8547Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Colin J. Worby
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Peijun Ma
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Lorrie L. He
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Terrance P. Shea
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - James Qu
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Sinéad B. Chapman
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Whitney Howe
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Sarah K. Young
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jenna I. Wurster
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Ophthalmology, Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 240 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Mary L. Delaney
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Sanjat Kanjilal
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Andrew B. Onderdonk
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Cassiana E. Bittencourt
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868 USA
| | - Gabrielle M. Gussin
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - Diane Kim
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - Ellena M. Peterson
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868 USA
| | - Mary Jane Ferraro
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - David C. Hooper
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Erica S. Shenoy
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Christina A. Cuomo
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Lisa A. Cosimi
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Susan S. Huang
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - James E. Kirby
- grid.239395.70000 0000 9011 8547Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Virginia M. Pierce
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Roby P. Bhattacharyya
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA ,grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Ashlee M. Earl
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
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8
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Seo PW, Hofmann A, Kim JH, Hwangbo SA, Kim JH, Kim JW, Huynh TYL, Choy HE, Kim SJ, Lee J, Lee JO, Jin KS, Park SY, Kim JS. Structural features of a minimal intact methyltransferase of a type I restriction-modification system. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 208:381-389. [PMID: 35337914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Type I restriction-modification enzymes are oligomeric proteins composed of methylation (M), DNA sequence-recognition (S), and restriction (R) subunits. The different bipartite DNA sequences of 2-4 consecutive bases are recognized by two discerned target recognition domains (TRDs) located at the two-helix bundle of the two conserved regions (CRs). Two M-subunits and a single S-subunit form an oligomeric protein that functions as a methyltransferase (M2S1 MTase). Here, we present the crystal structure of the intact MTase from Vibrio vulnificus YJ016 in complex with the DNA-mimicking Ocr protein and the S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH). This MTase includes the M-domain with a helix tail (M-tail helix) and the S1/2-domain of a TRD and a CR α-helix. The Ocr binds to the cleft of the TRD surface and SAH is located in the pocket within the M-domain. The solution- and negative-staining electron microscopy-based reconstructed (M1S1/2)2 structure reveals a symmetric (S1/2)2 assembly using two CR-helices and two M-tail helices as a pivot, which is plausible for recognizing two DNA regions of same sequence. The conformational flexibility of the minimal M1S1/2 MTase dimer indicates a particular state resembling the structure of M2S1 MTases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil-Won Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Jun-Ha Kim
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61, Daehak-ro, Gumi, Gyeongbuk 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-A Hwangbo
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea; Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Membrane Proteins, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Won Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Thi Yen Ly Huynh
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyon E Choy
- Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Research Building, Chonnam National University Medical College, Hwasun, Jeonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jung Kim
- Department of Integrative Food, Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jimin Lee
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Membrane Proteins, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie-Oh Lee
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Membrane Proteins, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Sik Jin
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suk-Youl Park
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Sun Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Shen Z, Tang CM, Liu GY. Towards a better understanding of antimicrobial resistance dissemination: what can be learnt from studying model conjugative plasmids? Mil Med Res 2022; 9:3. [PMID: 35012680 PMCID: PMC8744291 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria can evolve rapidly by acquiring new traits such as virulence, metabolic properties, and most importantly, antimicrobial resistance, through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Multidrug resistance in bacteria, especially in Gram-negative organisms, has become a global public health threat often through the spread of mobile genetic elements. Conjugation represents a major form of HGT and involves the transfer of DNA from a donor bacterium to a recipient by direct contact. Conjugative plasmids, a major vehicle for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, are selfish elements capable of mediating their own transmission through conjugation. To spread to and survive in a new bacterial host, conjugative plasmids have evolved mechanisms to circumvent both host defense systems and compete with co-resident plasmids. Such mechanisms have mostly been studied in model plasmids such as the F plasmid, rather than in conjugative plasmids that confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in important human pathogens. A better understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for predicting the flow of antimicrobial resistance-conferring conjugative plasmids among bacterial populations and guiding the rational design of strategies to halt the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Here, we review mechanisms employed by conjugative plasmids that promote their transmission and establishment in Gram-negative bacteria, by following the life cycle of conjugative plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Shen
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Guang-Yu Liu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK.
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10
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Boeckman J, Korn A, Yao G, Ravindran A, Gonzalez C, Gill J. Sheep in wolves’ clothing: Temperate T7-like bacteriophages and the origins of the Autographiviridae. Virology 2022; 568:86-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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11
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Establishment Genes Present on pLS20 Family of Conjugative Plasmids Are Regulated in Two Different Ways. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122465. [PMID: 34946067 PMCID: PMC8708921 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122465] [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: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During conjugation, a conjugative DNA element is transferred from a donor to a recipient cell via a connecting channel. Conjugation has clinical relevance because it is the major route for spreading antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. The conjugation process can be divided into different steps. The initial steps carried out in the donor cell culminate in the transfer of a single DNA strand (ssDNA) of the conjugative element into the recipient cell. However, stable settlement of the conjugative element in the new host requires at least two additional events: conversion of the transferred ssDNA into double-stranded DNA and inhibition of the hosts' defence mechanisms to prevent degradation of the transferred DNA. The genes involved in this late step are historically referred to as establishment genes. The defence mechanisms of the host must be inactivated rapidly and-importantly-transiently, because prolonged inactivation would make the cell vulnerable to the attack of other foreign DNA, such as those of phages. Therefore, expression of the establishment genes in the recipient cell has to be rapid but transient. Here, we studied regulation of the establishment genes present on the four clades of the pLS20 family of conjugative plasmids harboured by different Bacillus species. Evidence is presented that two fundamentally different mechanisms regulate the establishment genes present on these plasmids. Identification of the regulatory sequences were critical in revealing the establishment regulons. Remarkably, whereas the conjugation genes involved in the early steps of the conjugation process are conserved and are located in a single large operon, the establishment genes are highly variable and organised in multiple operons. We propose that the mosaical distribution of establishment genes in multiple operons is directly related to the variability of defence genes encoded by the host bacterial chromosomes.
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12
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Wang HC, Lin SJ, Mohapatra A, Kumar R, Wang HC. A Review of the Functional Annotations of Important Genes in the AHPND-Causing pVA1 Plasmid. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E996. [PMID: 32635298 PMCID: PMC7409025 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a lethal shrimp disease. The pathogenic agent of this disease is a special Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain that contains a pVA1 plasmid. The protein products of two toxin genes in pVA1, pirAvp and pirBvp, targeted the shrimp's hepatopancreatic cells and were identified as the major virulence factors. However, in addition to pirAvp and pirBvp, pVA1 also contains about ~90 other open-reading frames (ORFs), which may encode functional proteins. NCBI BLASTp annotations of the functional roles of 40 pVA1 genes reveal transposases, conjugation factors, and antirestriction proteins that are involved in horizontal gene transfer, plasmid transmission, and maintenance, as well as components of type II and III secretion systems that may facilitate the toxic effects of pVA1-containing Vibrio spp. There is also evidence of a post-segregational killing (PSK) system that would ensure that only pVA1 plasmid-containing bacteria could survive after segregation. Here, in this review, we assess the functional importance of these pVA1 genes and consider those which might be worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ching Wang
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
| | - Shin-Jen Lin
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Arpita Mohapatra
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Mits School of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004, India
| | - Ramya Kumar
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ching Wang
- International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (S.-J.L.); (R.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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13
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Kudryavtseva AA, Okhrimenko IS, Didina VS, Zavilgelsky GB, Manukhov IV. Antirestriction Protein ArdB (R64) Interacts with DNA. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2020; 85:318-325. [PMID: 32564736 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920030074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The antirestriction ArdB protein inhibits the endonuclease activity of type I restriction/modification (RM) systems in vivo; however, the mechanism of inhibition remains unknown. In this study, we showed that recombinant ArdB from Escherichia coli cells co-purified with DNA. When overexpressed in E. coli cells, a portion of ArdB protein formed insoluble DNA-free aggregates. Only native ArdB, but not the ArdBΔD141 mutant lacking the antirestriction activity, co-purified with DNA upon anion-exchange and affinity chromatography or total DNA isolation from formaldehyde-treated cells. These observations confirm the hypothesis that ArdB blocks DNA translocation via the R subunits of the R2M2S complex of type I RM enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Kudryavtseva
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141707, Russia.
| | - I S Okhrimenko
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141707, Russia
| | - V S Didina
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141707, Russia
| | - G B Zavilgelsky
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms, Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, Moscow, 117545, Russia
| | - I V Manukhov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141707, Russia.,State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms, Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, Moscow, 117545, Russia
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14
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Wand ME, Sutton JM. Mutations in the two component regulator systems PmrAB and PhoPQ give rise to increased colistin resistance in Citrobacter and Enterobacter spp. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:521-529. [PMID: 32125265 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Colistin is a last resort antibiotic for treating infections caused by carbapenem-resistant isolates. Mechanisms of resistance to colistin have been widely described in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli but have yet to be characterized in Citrobacter and Enterobacter species.Aim. To identify the causative mutations leading to generation of colistin resistance in Citrobacter and Enterobacter spp.Methodology. Colistin resistance was generated by culturing in increasing concentrations of colistin or by direct culture in a lethal (above MIC) concentration. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify mutations. Fitness of resistant strains was determined by changes in growth rate, and virulence in Galleria mellonella.Results. We were able to generate colistin resistance upon exposure to sub-MIC levels of colistin, in several but not all strains of Citrobacter and Enterobacter resulting in a 16-fold increase in colistin MIC values for both species. The same individual strains also developed resistance to colistin after a single exposure at 10× MIC, with a similar increase in MIC. Genetic analysis revealed that this increased resistance was attributed to mutations in PmrB for Citrobacter and PhoP in Enterobacter, although we were not able to identify causative mutations in all strains. Colistin-resistant mutants showed little difference in growth rate, and virulence in G. mellonella, although there were strain-to-strain differences.Conclusions. Stable colistin resistance may be acquired with no loss of fitness in these species. However, only select strains were able to adapt suggesting that acquisition of colistin resistance is dependent upon individual strain characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Wand
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - J Mark Sutton
- Public Health England, National Infection Service, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG, UK
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15
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Balabanov VP, Kudryavtseva AA, Melkina OE, Pustovoit KS, Khrulnova SA, Zavilgelsky GB. ArdB Protective Activity for Unmodified λ Phage Against EcoKI Restriction Decreases in UV-Treated Escherichia coli. Curr Microbiol 2019; 76:1374-1378. [PMID: 31407052 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-019-01755-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anti-restriction proteins ArdB/KlcA specifically inhibit restriction (endonuclease) activity of restriction-modification (RM) type I systems. Molecular mechanisms of ArdB/KlcA-based anti-restriction remain unknown. In this study, we quantitate effects of ArdB on protection of unmodified λ phage DNA from EcoKI restriction. After UV irradiations, which produce significant amounts of unmodified chromosomal DNA in Escherichia coli K12 cells, the protective activity of ArdB decreases. Unlike ArdB, DNA-mimicking protein Ocr retains its ability to protect the unmodified λ phage regardless of UV dose. We hypothesize that the observed decrease in ArdB protective activity in UV-treated cells is due to its binding to unmodified chromosomal DNA, which decreases effective concentrations of free ArdB molecules available for λ phage protection against type I restriction enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir P Balabanov
- Laboratory of Genetics of Bacteria, State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia, 115454
| | - Anna A Kudryavtseva
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia, 141700.
| | - Olga E Melkina
- Laboratory of Genetics of Bacteria, State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia, 115454
| | - Klara S Pustovoit
- Laboratory of Genetics of Bacteria, State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia, 115454
| | - Svetlana A Khrulnova
- Laboratory of Genetics of Bacteria, State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia, 115454.,Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Mycology, and Antibiotic Treatment, National Research Center for Hematology, Noviy Zykovskiy pr. 4, Moscow, Russia, 125167
| | - Gennadii B Zavilgelsky
- Laboratory of Genetics of Bacteria, State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia, 115454
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16
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Uhrynowski W, Radlinska M, Drewniak L. Genomic Analysis of Shewanella sp. O23S-The Natural Host of the pSheB Plasmid Carrying Genes for Arsenic Resistance and Dissimilatory Reduction. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051018. [PMID: 30813619 PMCID: PMC6429310 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Shewanella sp. O23S is a dissimilatory arsenate reducing bacterial strain involved in arsenic transformations within the abandoned gold mine in Zloty Stok (SW Poland). Previous physiological studies revealed that O23S may not only release arsenic from minerals, but also facilitate its immobilization through co-precipitation with reduced sulfur species. Given these uncommon, complementary characteristics and the application potential of the strain in arsenic-removal technologies, its genome (~5.3 Mbp), consisting of a single chromosome, two large plasmids (pSheA and pSheB) and three small plasmid-like phages (pSheC-E) was sequenced and annotated. Genes encoding putative proteins involved in heavy metal transformations, antibiotic resistance and other phenotypic traits were identified. An in-depth comparative analysis of arsenic respiration (arr) and resistance (ars) genes and their genetic context was also performed, revealing that pSheB carries the only copy of the arr genes, and a complete ars operon. The plasmid pSheB is therefore a unique natural vector of these genes, providing the host cells arsenic respiration and resistance abilities. The functionality of the identified genes was determined based on the results of the previous and additional physiological studies, including: the assessment of heavy metal and antibiotic resistance under various conditions, adhesion-biofilm formation assay and BiologTM metabolic preferences test. This combined genetic and physiological approach shed a new light on the capabilities of O23S and their molecular basis, and helped to confirm the biosafety of the strain in relation to its application in bioremediation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witold Uhrynowski
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Analysis, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Radlinska
- Department of Virology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Lukasz Drewniak
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Analysis, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
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17
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Liang W, Tang Y, Li G, Shen P, Tian Y, Jiang H, Jiang X, Lu Y. KlcA HS genes are ubiquitous in clinical, bla KPC-2-positive, Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 70:84-89. [PMID: 30807842 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged and spread widely throughout the world. The mechanisms involved remain unclear. To provide insight, five plasmids were obtained from carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. The five sequences were acquired, aligned and analyzed. In addition to the blaKPC-2 gene, which encodes beta lactamase, essentially all the plasmids contained a putative anti-restriction protein-encoding gene, KlcAHS. The KlcAHS gene was found in 98.2% of the blaKPC-2-positive, imipenem-resistant K. pneumoniae clinical isolates and in <1% of the blaKPC-2-negative control group. A searched of the GenBank database indicated that KlcAHS was mainly submitted by Chinese investigators beginning in 2010. Seventeen different KlcA amino acid sequences were found in the database using the restricting words: KlcA and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These sequences were used to generate a phylogenetic tree via MEGA6 software, revealing a distant evolutionary relationship between KlcAHS and other KlcAs. The secondary structure of KlcAHS, predicted with PROMALS3D software, exhibited highly conserved α-helices and β-strands. KlcAHS expressed anti-restriction activity in vivo. In summary, KlcAHS genes are ubiquitous in blaKPC-2-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates collected at Huashan Hospital, China. The KlcAHS protein possesses a secondary structure similar to that exhibited by anti-restriction proteins and displays anti-restriction activity. As such, KlcAHS is a probable factor in the accelerated spread of blaKPC-2 and carbapenem-resistance among clinical, K. pneumoniae isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinghua Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueru Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoqin Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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The plasmid-encoded transcription factor ArdK contributes to the repression of the IMP-6 metallo-β-lactamase gene blaIMP-6, leading to a carbapenem-susceptible phenotype in the blaIMP-6-positive Escherichia coli strain A56-1S. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208976. [PMID: 30533034 PMCID: PMC6289460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a global concern because these bacteria are resistant to almost all β-lactams. Horizontal interspecies gene transfer via plasmid conjugation has increased the global dissemination of CPE. Recently, an Enterobacteriaceae strain positive for carbapenemase gene but showing a carbapenem-susceptible phenotype was identified, suggesting that these susceptible strains may be challenging to detect solely via antimicrobial susceptibility tests without molecular analysis. Here, we isolated a blaIMP-6 carbapenemase-gene positive but imipenem- and meropenem-susceptible Escherichia coli (ISMS-E) strain A56-1S (imipenem and meropenem minimum inhibitory concentration, ≤ 0.125 mg/L), from a human urine specimen in Japan. A56-1S was carbapenemase negative by the Carba NP test, suggesting that IMP-6 production was low or undetectable. Thus, to characterize the mechanism of this phenotype, a meropenem-resistant E. coli A56-1R strain was obtained using meropenem-selection. A56-1R was positive for carbapenemase production by the Carba NP test, and blaIMP-6 transcription in A56-1R was 53-fold higher than in A56-1S, indicating that blaIMP-6 in A56-1S is negatively regulated at the transcriptional level. Comparative genomic analysis between the two strains revealed that the alleviation of restriction of DNA (ardK) gene encoding a putative transcription factor is disrupted by the IS26 insertion in A56-1R. A cotransformation assay of ardK and the regulatory element upstream of blaIMP-6 showed repression of blaIMP-6 transcription, indicating that ArdK negatively modulates blaIMP-6 transcription. ArdK binding and affinity assays demonstrated that ArdK directly binds to the regulatory element upstream of blaIMP-6 with dissociation constant values comparable to those of general transcription factors. The IMP-6 carbapenemase showed low hydrolytic activity against imipenem, resulting in an imipenem-susceptible and meropenem-resistant (ISMR) phenotype (previously reported as a stealth phenotype). However, the low expression of IMP-6 in the A56-1S strain could be a typical characteristic of ISMS-E due to gene repression, indicating that conventional antimicrobial susceptibility tests might be unable to detect such strains even when using both imipenem and meropenem. Bacteria that exhibit the ISMS phenotype could play a potential role as undetectable reservoirs and might facilitate gene transfer to other organisms while avoiding detection.
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Matteoli FP, Passarelli-Araujo H, Reis RJA, da Rocha LO, de Souza EM, Aravind L, Olivares FL, Venancio TM. Genome sequencing and assessment of plant growth-promoting properties of a Serratia marcescens strain isolated from vermicompost. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:750. [PMID: 30326830 PMCID: PMC6192313 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5130-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plant-bacteria associations have been extensively studied for their potential in increasing crop productivity in a sustainable manner. Serratia marcescens is a species of Enterobacteriaceae found in a wide range of environments, including soil. Results Here we describe the genome sequencing and assessment of plant growth-promoting abilities of S. marcescens UENF-22GI, a strain isolated from mature cattle manure vermicompost. In vitro, S. marcescens UENF-22GI is able to solubilize P and Zn, to produce indole compounds (likely IAA), to colonize hyphae and counter the growth of two phytopathogenic fungi. Inoculation of maize with this strain remarkably increased seedling growth and biomass under greenhouse conditions. The S. marcescens UENF-22GI genome has 5 Mb, assembled in 17 scaffolds comprising 4662 genes (4528 are protein-coding). No plasmids were identified. S. marcescens UENF-22GI is phylogenetically placed within a clade comprised almost exclusively of non-clinical strains. We identified genes and operons that are likely responsible for the interesting plant-growth promoting features that were experimentally described. The S. marcescens UENF-22GI genome harbors a horizontally-transferred genomic island involved in antibiotic production, antibiotic resistance, and anti-phage defense via a novel ADP-ribosyltransferase-like protein and possible modification of DNA by a deazapurine base, which likely contributes to its competitiveness against other bacteria. Conclusions Collectively, our results suggest that S. marcescens UENF-22GI is a strong candidate to be used in the enrichment of substrates for plant growth promotion or as part of bioinoculants for agriculture. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5130-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe P Matteoli
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hemanoel Passarelli-Araujo
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Régis Josué A Reis
- Núcleo de Desenvolvimento de Insumos Biológicos para a Agricultura (NUDIBA), Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Letícia O da Rocha
- Núcleo de Desenvolvimento de Insumos Biológicos para a Agricultura (NUDIBA), Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emanuel M de Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Núcleo de Fixação Biológica de Nitrogênio, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - L Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fabio L Olivares
- Núcleo de Desenvolvimento de Insumos Biológicos para a Agricultura (NUDIBA), Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Thiago M Venancio
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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20
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Kudryavtseva AA, Osetrova MS, Livinyuk VY, Manukhov IV, Zavilgelsky GB. The importance of C-terminal aspartic acid residue (D141) to the antirestriction activity of the ArdB (R64) protein. Mol Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893317050119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Zavilgelsky GB, Kotova VY, Melkina OE, Balabanov VP, Mindlin SZ. Proteolytic control of the antirestriction activity of Tn21, Tn5053, Tn5045, Tn501, and Tn402 non-conjugative transposons. Mol Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893315020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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22
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Zavilgelsky GB, Kotova VY, Melkina OE, Pustovoit KS. Antirestriction activity of the mercury resistance nonconjugative transposon Tn5053 is controlled by the protease ClpXP. RUSS J GENET+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795414090166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Roberts GA, Chen K, Bower EKM, Madrzak J, Woods A, Barker AM, Cooper LP, White JH, Blakely GW, Manfield I, Dryden DTF. Mutations of the domain forming the dimeric interface of the ArdA protein affect dimerization and antimodification activity but not antirestriction activity. FEBS J 2013; 280:4903-14. [PMID: 23910724 PMCID: PMC3906837 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
ArdA antirestriction proteins are encoded by genes present in many conjugative plasmids and transposons within bacterial genomes. Antirestriction is the ability to prevent cleavage of foreign incoming DNA by restriction-modification (RM) systems. Antimodification, the ability to inhibit modification by the RM system, can also be observed with some antirestriction proteins. As these mobile genetic elements can transfer antibiotic resistance genes, the ArdA proteins assist their spread. The consequence of antirestriction is therefore the enhanced dissemination of mobile genetic elements. ArdA proteins cause antirestriction by mimicking the DNA structure bound by Type I RM enzymes. The crystal structure of ArdA showed it to be a dimeric protein with a highly elongated curved cylindrical shape [McMahon SA et al. (2009) Nucleic Acids Res37, 4887–4897]. Each monomer has three domains covered with negatively charged side chains and a very small interface with the other monomer. We investigated the role of the domain forming the dimer interface for ArdA activity via site-directed mutagenesis. The antirestriction activity of ArdA was maintained when up to seven mutations per monomer were made or the interface was disrupted such that the protein could only exist as a monomer. The antimodification activity of ArdA was lost upon mutation of this domain. The ability of the monomeric form of ArdA to function in antirestriction suggests, first, that it can bind independently to the restriction subunit or the modification subunits of the RM enzyme, and second, that the many ArdA homologues with long amino acid extensions, present in sequence databases, may be active in antirestriction.
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Complete nucleotide sequences of blaKPC-4- and blaKPC-5-harboring IncN and IncX plasmids from Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated in New Jersey. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 57:269-76. [PMID: 23114770 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01648-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as major nosocomial pathogens. bla(KPC), commonly located on Tn4401, is found in Gram-negative bacterial strains, with the two most common variants, bla(KPC-2) and bla(KPC-3), identified in plasmids with diverse genetic backgrounds. In this study, we examined bla(KPC-4)- and bla(KPC-5)-bearing plasmids recovered from two K. pneumoniae strains, which were isolated from a single New Jersey hospital in 2005 and 2006, respectively. IncN plasmid pBK31551 is 84 kb in length and harbors bla(KPC-4), bla(TEM-1), qnrB2, aac(3)-Ib, aph(3')-I, qacF, qacEΔ1, sul1, and dfrA14, which confer resistance to β-lactams, quinolones, aminoglycosides, quaternary ammonium compounds, and co-trimoxazole. The conserved regions within pBK31551 are similar to those of other IncN plasmids. Surprisingly, analysis of the Tn4401 sequence revealed a large IS110- and Tn6901-carrying element (8.3 kb) inserted into the istA gene, encoding glyoxalase/bleomycin resistance, alcohol dehydrogenase, and S-formylglutathione hydrolase. Plasmid pBK31567 is 47 kb in length and harbors bla(KPC-5), dfrA5, qacEΔ1, and sul1. pBK31567 belongs to a novel IncX subgroup (IncX5) and possesses a highly syntenic plasmid backbone like other IncX plasmids; however, sequence similarity at the nucleotide level is divergent. The bla(KPC-5) gene is carried on a Tn4401 element and differs from the genetic environment of bla(KPC-5) described in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain P28 from Puerto Rico. This study underscores the genetic diversity of multidrug-resistant plasmids involved in the spread of bla(KPC) genes and highlights the mobility and plasticity of Tn4401. Comparative genomic analysis provides new insights into the evolution and dissemination of KPC plasmids belonging to different incompatibility groups.
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Balabanov VP, Kotova VY, Kholodii GY, Mindlin SZ, Zavilgelsky GB. A novel gene, ardD, determines antirestriction activity of the non-conjugative transposon Tn5053 and is located antisense within the tniA gene. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2012; 337:55-60. [PMID: 22967207 PMCID: PMC3533173 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The mercury-resistance transposon Tn5053 inhibits restriction activity of the type I restriction-modification endonuclease EcoKI in Escherichia coli K12 cells. This is the first report of antirestriction activity of a non-conjugative transposon. The gene (ardD) coding for the antirestriction protein has been cloned. The ardD gene is located within the tniA gene, coding for transposase, on the complementary strand. The direction of transcription is opposite to transcription of the tniA gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir P Balabanov
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms (GosNIIgenetika), Moscow, Russia
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Balabanov VP, Pustovoit KS, Zavilgelsky GB. Comparative analysis of antirestriction activity of the ArdA and ArdB proteins encoded by genes of the R64 transmissible plasmid (IncI1). Mol Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893312010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Eikmeyer F, Hadiati A, Szczepanowski R, Wibberg D, Schneiker-Bekel S, Rogers LM, Brown CJ, Top EM, Pühler A, Schlüter A. The complete genome sequences of four new IncN plasmids from wastewater treatment plant effluent provide new insights into IncN plasmid diversity and evolution. Plasmid 2012; 68:13-24. [PMID: 22326849 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2012.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria often occurs by means of plasmids. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were previously recognized as hot spots for the horizontal transfer of genetic material. One of the plasmid groups that is often associated with drug resistance is the incompatibility group IncN. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of IncN plasmids by determining and comparing the complete genome sequences of the four novel multi-drug resistance plasmids pRSB201, pRSB203, pRSB205 and pRSB206 that were exogenously isolated from the final effluent of a municipal WWTP. Their sizes range between 42,875 bp and 56,488 bp and they share a common set of backbone modules that encode plasmid replication initiation, conjugative transfer, and plasmid maintenance and control. All plasmids are transferable at high rates between Escherichia coli strains, but did not show a broad host range. Different genes conferring resistances to ampicillin, streptomycin, spectinomycin, sulfonamides, tetracycline and trimethoprim were identified in accessory modules inserted in these plasmids. Comparative analysis of the four WWTP IncN plasmids and IncN plasmids deposited in the NCBI database enabled the definition of a core set of backbone genes for this group. Moreover, this approach revealed a close phylogenetic relationship between the IncN plasmids isolated from environmental and clinical samples. Phylogenetic analysis also suggests the existence of host-specific IncN plasmid subgroups. In conclusion, IncN plasmids likely contribute to the dissemination of resistance determinants between environmental bacteria and clinical strains. This is of particular importance since multi-drug resistance IncN plasmids have been previously identified in members of the Enterobacteriaceae that cause severe infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Eikmeyer
- Institute for Genome Research and Systems Biology, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, D-33594 Bielefeld, Germany
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Genomes and characterization of phages Bcep22 and BcepIL02, founders of a novel phage type in Burkholderia cenocepacia. J Bacteriol 2011; 193:5300-13. [PMID: 21804006 DOI: 10.1128/jb.05287-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the Burkholderia cepacia complex, B. cenocepacia is the most common species associated with aggressive infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients, causing disease that is often refractive to treatment by antibiotics. Phage therapy may be a potential alternative form of treatment for these infections. Here we describe the genome of the previously described therapeutic B. cenocepacia podophage BcepIL02 and its close relative, Bcep22. Phage Bcep22 was found to contain a circularly permuted genome of 63,882 bp containing 77 genes; BcepIL02 was found to be 62,714 bp and contains 76 predicted genes. Major virion-associated proteins were identified by proteomic analysis. We propose that these phages comprise the founding members of a novel podophage lineage, the Bcep22-like phages. Among the interesting features of these phages are a series of tandemly repeated putative tail fiber genes that are similar to each other and also to one or more such genes in the other phages. Both phages also contain an extremely large (ca. 4,600-amino-acid), virion-associated, multidomain protein that accounts for over 20% of the phages' coding capacity, is widely distributed among other bacterial and phage genomes, and may be involved in facilitating DNA entry in both phage and other mobile DNA elements. The phages, which were previously presumed to be virulent, show evidence of a temperate lifestyle but are apparently unable to form stable lysogens in their hosts. This ambiguity complicates determination of a phage lifestyle, a key consideration in the selection of therapeutic phages.
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Complete genome sequence of the incompatibility group I1 plasmid R64. Plasmid 2010; 64:92-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2010.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Smet A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Vandekerckhove TTM, Martel A, Deforce D, Butaye P, Haesebrouck F. Complete nucleotide sequence of CTX-M-15-plasmids from clinical Escherichia coli isolates: insertional events of transposons and insertion sequences. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11202. [PMID: 20585456 PMCID: PMC2887853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli strains are regarded as major global pathogens. Methodology/Principal Findings The nucleotide sequence of three plasmids (pEC_B24: 73801-bp; pEC_L8: 118525-bp and pEC_L46: 144871-bp) from Escherichia coli isolates obtained from patients with urinary tract infections and one plasmid (pEC_Bactec: 92970-bp) from an Escherichia coli strain isolated from the joint of a horse with arthritis were determined. Plasmid pEC_Bactec belongs to the IncI1 group and carries two resistance genes: blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-15. It shares more than 90% homology with a previously published blaCTX-M-plasmid from E. coli of human origin. Plasmid pEC_B24 belongs to the IncFII group whereas plasmids pEC_L8 and pEC_L46 represent a fusion of two replicons of type FII and FIA. On the pEC_B24 backbone, two resistance genes, blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-15, were found. Six resistance genes, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1, aac6'-lb-cr, tetA and catB4, were detected on the pEC_L8 backbone. The same antimicrobial drug resistance genes, with the exception of tetA, were also identified on the pEC_L46 backbone. Genome analysis of all 4 plasmids studied provides evidence of a seemingly frequent transposition event of the blaCTX-M-15-ISEcp1 element. This element seems to have a preferred insertion site at the tnpA gene of a blaTEM-carrying Tn3-like transposon, the latter itself being inserted by a transposition event. The IS26-composite transposon, which contains the blaOXA-1, aac6'-lb-cr and catB4 genes, was inserted into plasmids pEC_L8 and pEC_L46 by homologous recombination rather than a transposition event. Results obtained for pEC_L46 indicated that IS26 also plays an important role in structural rearrangements of the plasmid backbone and seems to facilitate the mobilisation of fragments from other plasmids. Conclusions Collectively, these data suggests that IS26 together with ISEcp1 could play a critical role in the evolution of diverse multiresistant plasmids found in clinical Enterobacteriaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke Smet
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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ISEcp1-mediated transposition and homologous recombination can explain the context of bla(CTX-M-62) linked to qnrB2. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:3039-42. [PMID: 20421399 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00041-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
bla(CTX-M-62), a C508T variant of bla(CTX-M-3b), was transferred from Klebsiella pneumoniae JIE137 on a conjugative plasmid together with a class 1 integron containing the dfrA12-gcuF-aadA2 cassette array, ISCR1, and qnrB2. bla(CTX-M-62) lies between intact and rearranged copies of ISEcp1 in a configuration that can be explained by a combination of transposition and homologous recombination and which also illustrates the ability of ISEcp1 to mobilize an adjacent gene as part of transposition units of different sizes.
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Serfiotis-Mitsa D, Herbert AP, Roberts GA, Soares DC, White JH, Blakely GW, Uhrín D, Dryden DTF. The structure of the KlcA and ArdB proteins reveals a novel fold and antirestriction activity against Type I DNA restriction systems in vivo but not in vitro. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 38:1723-37. [PMID: 20007596 PMCID: PMC2836571 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmids, conjugative transposons and phage frequently encode anti-restriction proteins to enhance their chances of entering a new bacterial host that is highly likely to contain a Type I DNA restriction and modification (RM) system. The RM system usually destroys the invading DNA. Some of the anti-restriction proteins are DNA mimics and bind to the RM enzyme to prevent it binding to DNA. In this article, we characterize ArdB anti-restriction proteins and their close homologues, the KlcA proteins from a range of mobile genetic elements; including an ArdB encoded on a pathogenicity island from uropathogenic Escherichia coli and a KlcA from an IncP-1b plasmid, pBP136 isolated from Bordetella pertussis. We show that all the ArdB and KlcA act as anti-restriction proteins and inhibit the four main families of Type I RM systems in vivo, but fail to block the restriction endonuclease activity of the archetypal Type I RM enzyme, EcoKI, in vitro indicating that the action of ArdB is indirect and very different from that of the DNA mimics. We also present the structure determined by NMR spectroscopy of the pBP136 KlcA protein. The structure shows a novel protein fold and it is clearly not a DNA structural mimic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Serfiotis-Mitsa
- EaStChem School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JJ, UK
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McMahon SA, Roberts GA, Johnson KA, Cooper LP, Liu H, White JH, Carter LG, Sanghvi B, Oke M, Walkinshaw MD, Blakely GW, Naismith JH, Dryden DTF. Extensive DNA mimicry by the ArdA anti-restriction protein and its role in the spread of antibiotic resistance. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:4887-97. [PMID: 19506028 PMCID: PMC2731889 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ardA gene, found in many prokaryotes including important pathogenic species, allows associated mobile genetic elements to evade the ubiquitous Type I DNA restriction systems and thereby assist the spread of resistance genes in bacterial populations. As such, ardA contributes to a major healthcare problem. We have solved the structure of the ArdA protein from the conjugative transposon Tn916 and find that it has a novel extremely elongated curved cylindrical structure with defined helical grooves. The high density of aspartate and glutamate residues on the surface follow a helical pattern and the whole protein mimics a 42-base pair stretch of B-form DNA making ArdA by far the largest DNA mimic known. Each monomer of this dimeric structure comprises three alpha–beta domains, each with a different fold. These domains have the same fold as previously determined proteins possessing entirely different functions. This DNA mimicry explains how ArdA can bind and inhibit the Type I restriction enzymes and we demonstrate that 6 different ardA from pathogenic bacteria can function in Escherichia coli hosting a range of different Type I restriction systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A McMahon
- Centre for Biomolecular Science, The University, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
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Zavilgelsky GB, Rastorguev SM. Antirestriction proteins ArdA and Ocr as efficient inhibitors of type I restriction-modification enzymes. Mol Biol 2009. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893309020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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35
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The Orf18 gene product from conjugative transposon Tn916 is an ArdA antirestriction protein that inhibits type I DNA restriction-modification systems. J Mol Biol 2008; 383:970-81. [PMID: 18838147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Revised: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gene orf18, which is situated within the intercellular transposition region of the conjugative transposon Tn916 from the bacterial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis, encodes a putative ArdA (alleviation of restriction of DNA A) protein. Conjugative transposons are generally resistant to DNA restriction upon transfer to a new host. ArdA from Tn916 may be responsible for the apparent immunity of the transposon to DNA restriction and modification (R/M) systems and for ensuring that the transposon has a broad host range. The orf18 gene was engineered for overexpression in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant ArdA protein was purified to homogeneity. The protein appears to exist as a dimer at nanomolar concentrations but can form larger assemblies at micromolar concentrations. R/M assays revealed that ArdA can efficiently inhibit R/M by all four major classes of Type I R/M enzymes both in vivo and in vitro. These R/M systems are present in over 50% of sequenced prokaryotic genomes. Our results suggest that ArdA can overcome the restriction barrier following conjugation and so helps increase the spread of antibiotic resistance genes by horizontal gene transfer.
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36
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The genome and structural proteome of YuA, a new Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage resembling M6. J Bacteriol 2007; 190:1429-35. [PMID: 18065532 PMCID: PMC2238194 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01441-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage YuA (Siphoviridae) was isolated from a pond near Moscow, Russia. It has an elongated head, encapsulating a circularly permuted genome of 58,663 bp, and a flexible, noncontractile tail, which is terminally and subterminally decorated with short fibers. The YuA genome is neither Mu- nor lambda-like and encodes 78 gene products that cluster in three major regions involved in (i) DNA metabolism and replication, (ii) host interaction, and (iii) phage particle formation and host lysis. At the protein level, YuA displays significant homology with phages M6, phiJL001, 73, B3, DMS3, and D3112. Eighteen YuA proteins were identified as part of the phage particle by mass spectrometry analysis. Five different bacterial promoters were experimentally identified using a promoter trap assay, three of which have a sigma54-specific binding site and regulate transcription in the genome region involved in phage particle formation and host lysis. The dependency of these promoters on the host sigma54 factor was confirmed by analysis of an rpoN mutant strain of P. aeruginosa PAO1. At the DNA level, YuA is 91% identical to the recently (July 2007) annotated phage M6 of the Lindberg typing set. Despite this level of DNA homology throughout the genome, both phages combined have 15 unique genes that do not occur in the other phage. The genome organization of both phages differs substantially from those of the other known Pseudomonas-infecting Siphoviridae, delineating them as a distinct genus within this family.
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37
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Fernández-López R, Garcillán-Barcia MP, Revilla C, Lázaro M, Vielva L, de la Cruz F. Dynamics of the IncW genetic backbone imply general trends in conjugative plasmid evolution. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2006; 30:942-66. [PMID: 17026718 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2006.00042.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmids cannot be understood as mere tools for genetic exchange: they are themselves subject to the forces of evolution. Their genomic and phylogenetic features have been less studied in this respect. Focusing on the IncW incompatibility group, which includes the smallest known conjugative plasmids, we attempt to unveil some common trends in plasmid evolution. The functional modules of IncW genetic backbone are described, with emphasis on their architecture and relationships to other plasmid groups. Some plasmid regions exhibit strong phylogenetic mosaicism, in striking contrast to others of unusual synteny conservation. The presence of genes of unknown function that are widely distributed in plasmid genomes is also emphasized, exposing the existence of ill-defined yet conserved plasmid functions. Conjugation is an essential hallmark of IncW plasmid biology and special attention is given to the organization and evolution of its transfer modules. Genetic exchange between plasmids and their hosts is analysed by following the evolution of the type IV secretion system. Adaptation of the trw conjugative machinery to pathogenicity functions in Bartonella is discussed as an example of how plasmids can change their host modus vivendi. Starting from the phage paradigm, our analysis articulates novel concepts that apply to plasmid evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Fernández-López
- Departamento de Biología Molecular (Unidad Asociada al C.I.B., C.S.I.C.), Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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38
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Nekrasov SV, Agafonova OV, Belogurova NG, Delver EP, Belogurov AA. Plasmid-encoded antirestriction protein ArdA can discriminate between type I methyltransferase and complete restriction-modification system. J Mol Biol 2006; 365:284-97. [PMID: 17069852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2006.09.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2006] [Revised: 09/25/2006] [Accepted: 09/27/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Many promiscuous plasmids encode the antirestriction proteins ArdA (alleviation of restriction of DNA) that specifically affect the restriction activity of heterooligomeric type I restriction-modification (R-M) systems in Escherichia coli cells. In addition, a lot of the putative ardA genes encoded by plasmids and bacterial chromosomes are found as a result of sequencing of complete genomic sequences, suggesting that ArdA proteins and type I R-M systems that seem to be widespread among bacteria may be involved in the regulation of gene transfer among bacterial genomes. Here, the mechanism of antirestriction action of ArdA encoded by IncI plasmid ColIb-P9 has been investigated in comparison with that of well-studied T7 phage-encoded antirestriction protein Ocr using the mutational analysis, retardation assay and His-tag affinity chromatography. Like Ocr, ArdA protein was shown to be able to efficiently interact with EcoKI R-M complex and affect its in vivo and in vitro restriction activity by preventing its interaction with specific DNA. However, unlike Ocr, ArdA protein has a low binding affinity to EcoKI Mtase and the additional C-terminal tail region (VF-motif) is needed for ArdA to efficiently interact with the type I R-M enzymes. It seems likely that this ArdA feature is a basis for its ability to discriminate between activities of EcoKI Mtase (modification) and complete R-M system (restriction) which may interact with unmodified DNA in the cells independently. These findings suggest that ArdA may provide a very effective and delicate control for the restriction and modification activities of type I systems and its ability to discriminate against DNA restriction in favour of the specific modification of DNA may give some advantage for efficient transmission of the ardA-encoding promiscuous plasmids among different bacterial populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V Nekrasov
- Department of Genetic Engineering, National Cardiology Research and Development Center, Moscow 121552, Russia
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39
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Thomas CM, Nielsen KM. Mechanisms of, and barriers to, horizontal gene transfer between bacteria. Nat Rev Microbiol 2005; 3:711-21. [PMID: 16138099 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1214] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria evolve rapidly not only by mutation and rapid multiplication, but also by transfer of DNA, which can result in strains with beneficial mutations from more than one parent. Transformation involves the release of naked DNA followed by uptake and recombination. Homologous recombination and DNA-repair processes normally limit this to DNA from similar bacteria. However, if a gene moves onto a broad-host-range plasmid it might be able to spread without the need for recombination. There are barriers to both these processes but they reduce, rather than prevent, gene acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Thomas
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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40
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Szczepanowski R, Braun S, Riedel V, Schneiker S, Krahn I, Pühler A, Schlüter A. The 120 592 bp IncF plasmid pRSB107 isolated from a sewage-treatment plant encodes nine different antibiotic-resistance determinants, two iron-acquisition systems and other putative virulence-associated functions. Microbiology (Reading) 2005; 151:1095-1111. [PMID: 15817778 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.27773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The antibiotic-multiresistance IncF plasmid pRSB107 was isolated by a transformation-based approach from activated-sludge bacteria of a wastewater-treatment plant. It confers resistance to ampicillin, penicillin G, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, tetracycline and trimethoprim and against mercuric ions. Complete sequencing of this plasmid revealed that it is 120 592 bp in size and has a G+C content of 53.1 mol%. The plasmid backbone is composed of three replicons, RepFIA, RepFIB and RepFII, which are almost identical to corresponding regions located on the F-plasmid and on R100. The three replicons encode replication initiation (rep) and replication control, multimer resolution (mrs), post-segregational killing of plasmid-free cells (psk) and active plasmid partitioning (sopABC locus). Part of the F-leading region and remnants of the F-homologous DNA-transfer (tra) module complete the pRSB107 backbone. Plasmid pRSB107 contains a complex, highly mosaic 35 991 bp antibiotic-resistance region consisting of a Tn21- and a Tn10-derivative and a chloramphenicol-resistance module. The Tn21 derivative is composed of a mercury-resistance region (mer), a Tn4352B-like kanamycin/neomycin-resistance transposon, a streptomycin/sulfonamide-resistance module, remnants of the beta-lactam-resistance transposon Tn1, a macrolide-resistance module flanked by copies of IS26 and IS6100, remnants of Tn402 integrating a class 1 integron and the Tn21-specific transposition module. A truncated version of the tetracycline-resistance transposon Tn10 and the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene catA complete the pRSB107 resistance region. In addition to antibiotic resistance, pRSB107 encodes the following putative virulence-associated functions: (i) an aerobactin iron-acquisition siderophore system (iuc/iut); (ii) a putative high-affinity Fe(2+) uptake system which was previously identified on a pathogenicity island of Yersinia pestis and in the genome of the phytopathogen Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica SCRI1043; (iii) an sn-glycerol-3-phosphate transport system (ugp); and (iv) the virulence-associated genes vagCD having a possible function in stable plasmid inheritance. All the accessory modules are framed by insertion sequences, indicating that pRSB107 was gradually assembled by integration of different horizontally acquired DNA segments via transposition or homologous recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Szczepanowski
- Fakultät für Biologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - S Braun
- Fakultät für Biologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - V Riedel
- Fakultät für Biologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - S Schneiker
- Fakultät für Biologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - I Krahn
- Fakultät für Biologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - A Pühler
- Fakultät für Biologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - A Schlüter
- Fakultät für Biologie, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Wilkins
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
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Meima R, Lidstrom ME. Characterization of the minimal replicon of a cryptic Deinococcus radiodurans SARK plasmid and development of versatile Escherichia coli-D. radiodurans shuttle vectors. Appl Environ Microbiol 2000; 66:3856-67. [PMID: 10966401 PMCID: PMC92231 DOI: 10.1128/aem.66.9.3856-3867.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleotide sequence of a 12-kb fragment of the cryptic Deinococcus radiodurans SARK plasmid pUE10 was determined, in order to direct the development of small, versatile cloning systems for Deinococcus. Annotation of the sequence revealed 12 possible open reading frames. Among these are the repU and resU genes, the predicted products of which share similarity with replication proteins and site-specific resolvases, respectively. The products of both genes were demonstrated using an overexpression system in Escherichia coli. RepU was found to be required for replication, and ResU was found to be required for stable maintenance of pUE10 derivatives. Gel shift analysis using purified His-tagged RepU identified putative binding sites and suggested that RepU may be involved in both replication initiation and autoregulation of repU expression. In addition, a gene encoding a possible antirestriction protein was found, which was shown to be required for high transformation frequencies. The arrangement of the replication region and putative replication genes for this plasmid from D. radiodurans strain SARK is similar to that for plasmids found in Thermus but not to that for the 45.7-kb plasmid found in D. radiodurans strain R1. The minimal region required for autonomous replication in D. radiodurans was determined by sequential deletion of segments from the 12-kb fragment. The resulting minimal replicon, which consists of approximately 2.6 kb, was used for the construction of a shuttle vector for E. coli and D. radiodurans. This vector, pRAD1, is a convenient general-purpose cloning vector. In addition, pRAD1 was used to generate a promoter probe vector, and a plasmid containing lacZ and a Deinococcus promoter was shown to efficiently express LacZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Meima
- Departments of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1750, USA
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Murray NE. Type I restriction systems: sophisticated molecular machines (a legacy of Bertani and Weigle). Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2000; 64:412-34. [PMID: 10839821 PMCID: PMC98998 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.64.2.412-434.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Restriction enzymes are well known as reagents widely used by molecular biologists for genetic manipulation and analysis, but these reagents represent only one class (type II) of a wider range of enzymes that recognize specific nucleotide sequences in DNA molecules and detect the provenance of the DNA on the basis of specific modifications to their target sequence. Type I restriction and modification (R-M) systems are complex; a single multifunctional enzyme can respond to the modification state of its target sequence with the alternative activities of modification or restriction. In the absence of DNA modification, a type I R-M enzyme behaves like a molecular motor, translocating vast stretches of DNA towards itself before eventually breaking the DNA molecule. These sophisticated enzymes are the focus of this review, which will emphasize those aspects that give insights into more general problems of molecular and microbial biology. Current molecular experiments explore target recognition, intramolecular communication, and enzyme activities, including DNA translocation. Type I R-M systems are notable for their ability to evolve new specificities, even in laboratory cultures. This observation raises the important question of how bacteria protect their chromosomes from destruction by newly acquired restriction specifities. Recent experiments demonstrate proteolytic mechanisms by which cells avoid DNA breakage by a type I R-M system whenever their chromosomal DNA acquires unmodified target sequences. Finally, the review will reflect the present impact of genomic sequences on a field that has previously derived information almost exclusively from the analysis of bacteria commonly studied in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Murray
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, United Kingdom.
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Belogurov AA, Delver EP, Agafonova OV, Belogurova NG, Lee LY, Kado CI. Antirestriction protein Ard (Type C) encoded by IncW plasmid pSa has a high similarity to the "protein transport" domain of TraC1 primase of promiscuous plasmid RP4. J Mol Biol 2000; 296:969-77. [PMID: 10686096 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1999.3493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The IncW plasmid pSa contains the gene ard encoding an antirestriction function that is specific for type I restriction and modification systems. The nucleotide sequence of ard was determined and an appropriate polypeptide of about 33 kDa was identified in Escherichia coli T7 expression system. Analysis of deduced amino acid sequence of Ard encoded by pSa revealed that this protein has no significant similarities with the known Ard proteins (ArdA and ArdB types) except the "antirestriction" motif (14 amino acid residues in length) conserved for all known Ard proteins. This finding suggests that pSa Ard may be classified as a new type of Ard proteins which we designated ArdC. The remarkable feature of ArdC is that it has a high degree of similarity (about 38 % identity) to the N-terminal region of RP4 TraC1 primase which includes about 300 amino acid residues and seems to be essential for binding to the single-stranded DNA and TraC1 protein transport to the recipient cells during the conjugal transfer of plasmid DNA. ArdC also binds to single-stranded DNA. In addition, this protein is able in vitro to protect the single-stranded but not double-stranded plasmid DNA against the activity of type II restriction endonuclease HhaI that cleaves both single and double-stranded DNA. We suggest that like TraC1, ArdC would be transported as a result of their interaction with the single-stranded DNA of transferred plasmid strand during conjugative passage through the cell envelope to the recipient bacterium. Such properties of ArdC protein might be useful to protect immediately the incoming single-stranded DNA from the host endonucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Belogurov
- Department of Genetic Engineering, National Cardiological Research and Development Center, Moscow, 121552, Russia.
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Szpirer C, Top E, Couturier M, Mergeay M. Retrotransfer or gene capture: a feature of conjugative plasmids, with ecological and evolutionary significance. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 1999; 145 ( Pt 12):3321-3329. [PMID: 10627031 DOI: 10.1099/00221287-145-12-3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Szpirer
- Laboratoire de Génétique des Prokaryotes, Université Libre de Bruxelles, IBMM, B-6041-Gosselies, Belgium1
| | - Eva Top
- Laboratory for Microbial Ecology and Technology, University of Gent, B-9000 Gent, Belgium2
| | - Martine Couturier
- Laboratoire de Génétique des Prokaryotes, Université Libre de Bruxelles, IBMM, B-6041-Gosselies, Belgium1
| | - Max Mergeay
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Radioactive Waste & Clean-up Division, Center of Studies for Nuclear Energy, SCK/CEN, B-2400 Mol, Belgium4
- Environmental Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO, B-2400 Mol, Belgium3
- Laboratoire de Génétique des Prokaryotes, Université Libre de Bruxelles, IBMM, B-6041-Gosselies, Belgium1
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Abstract
Nucleotide sequence analysis, and more recently whole genome analysis, shows that bacterial evolution has often proceeded by horizontal gene flow between different species and genera. In bacteria, gene transfer takes place by transformation, transduction, or conjugation and this review examines the roles of these gene transfer processes, between different bacteria, in a wide variety of ecological niches in the natural environment. This knowledge is necessary for our understanding of plasmid evolution and ecology, as well as for risk assessment. The rise and spread of multiple antibiotic resistance plasmids in medically important bacteria are consequences of intergeneric gene transfer coupled to the selective pressures posed by the increasing use and misuse of antibiotics in medicine and animal feedstuffs. Similarly, the evolution of degradative plasmids is a response to the increasing presence of xenobiotic pollutants in soil and water. Finally, our understanding of the role of horizontal gene transfer in the environment is essential for the evaluation of the possible consequences of the deliberate environmental release of natural or recombinant bacteria for agricultural and bioremediation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Davison
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Route de Saint Cyr, Versailles, F-78026, France.
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Abstract
The entire nucleotide sequence of the first DNA segment of the conjugative F plasmid to enter the recipient cell, the leading region, is described. Analysis of the sequence provides further evidence that products encoded within the 13.2-kb leading region are likely to be expressed and perform functions associated with the transferred strand in the recipient cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Manwaring
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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Paterson ES, Moré MI, Pillay G, Cellini C, Woodgate R, Walker GC, Iyer VN, Winans SC. Genetic analysis of the mobilization and leading regions of the IncN plasmids pKM101 and pCU1. J Bacteriol 1999; 181:2572-83. [PMID: 10198024 PMCID: PMC93686 DOI: 10.1128/jb.181.8.2572-2583.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The conjugative IncN plasmids pKM101 and pCU1 have previously been shown to contain identical oriT sequences as well as conserved restriction endonuclease cleavage patterns within their tra regions. Complementation analysis and sequence data presented here indicate that these two plasmids encode essentially identical conjugal DNA-processing proteins. This region contains three genes, traI, traJ, and traK, transcribed in the same orientation from a promoter that probably lies within or near the conjugal transfer origin (oriT). Three corresponding proteins were visualized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and complementation analysis confirmed that this region contains three tra complementation groups. All three proteins resemble proteins of the IncW plasmid R388 and other plasmids thought to have roles in processing of plasmid DNA during conjugation. The hydropathy profile of TraJ suggests a transmembrane topology similar to that of several homologous proteins. Both traK and traI were required for efficient interplasmid site-specific recombination at oriT, while traJ was not required. The leading region of pKM101 contains three genes (stbA, stbB, and stbC), null mutations in which cause elevated levels of plasmid instability. Plasmid instability was observed only in hosts that are proficient in interplasmid recombination, suggesting that this recombination can potentially lead to plasmid loss and that Stb proteins somehow overcome this, possibly via site-specific multimer resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Paterson
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
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