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Jallet D, Soldan V, Shayan R, Stella A, Ismail N, Zenati R, Cahoreau E, Burlet-Schiltz O, Balor S, Millard P, Heux S. Integrative in vivo analysis of the ethanolamine utilization bacterial microcompartment in Escherichia coli. mSystems 2024; 9:e0075024. [PMID: 39023255 PMCID: PMC11334477 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00750-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are self-assembling protein megacomplexes that encapsulate metabolic pathways. Although approximately 20% of sequenced bacterial genomes contain operons encoding putative BMCs, few have been thoroughly characterized, nor any in the most studied Escherichia coli strains. We used an interdisciplinary approach to gain deep molecular and functional insights into the ethanolamine utilization (Eut) BMC system encoded by the eut operon in E. coli K-12. The eut genotype was linked with the ethanolamine utilization phenotype using deletion and overexpression mutants. The subcellular dynamics and morphology of the E. coli Eut BMCs were characterized in cellula by fluorescence microscopy and electron (cryo)microscopy. The minimal proteome reorganization required for ethanolamine utilization and the in vivo stoichiometric composition of the Eut BMC were determined by quantitative proteomics. Finally, the first flux map connecting the Eut BMC with central metabolism in cellula was obtained by genome-scale modeling and 13C-fluxomics. Our results reveal that contrary to previous suggestions, ethanolamine serves both as a nitrogen and a carbon source in E. coli K-12, while also contributing to significant metabolic overflow. Overall, this study provides a quantitative molecular and functional understanding of the BMCs involved in ethanolamine assimilation by E. coli.IMPORTANCEThe properties of bacterial microcompartments make them an ideal tool for building orthogonal network structures with minimal interactions with native metabolic and regulatory networks. However, this requires an understanding of how BMCs work natively. In this study, we combined genetic manipulation, multi-omics, modeling, and microscopy to address this issue for Eut BMCs. We show that the Eut BMC in Escherichia coli turns ethanolamine into usable carbon and nitrogen substrates to sustain growth. These results improve our understanding of compartmentalization in a widely used bacterial chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Jallet
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - Vanessa Soldan
- Plateforme de Microscopie Electronique Intégrative, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Ramteen Shayan
- Plateforme de Microscopie Electronique Intégrative, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexandre Stella
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III—Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
- Infrastructure nationale de protéomique, ProFI, Toulouse, France
| | - Nour Ismail
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - Rania Zenati
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - Edern Cahoreau
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
- MetaToul-MetaboHUB, National infrastructure of metabolomics and fluxomics, Toulouse, France
| | - Odile Burlet-Schiltz
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III—Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, France
- Infrastructure nationale de protéomique, ProFI, Toulouse, France
| | - Stéphanie Balor
- Plateforme de Microscopie Electronique Intégrative, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Millard
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
- MetaToul-MetaboHUB, National infrastructure of metabolomics and fluxomics, Toulouse, France
| | - Stéphanie Heux
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
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Chen Y, Xiao L, Zhou M, Zhang H. The microbiota: a crucial mediator in gut homeostasis and colonization resistance. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1417864. [PMID: 39165572 PMCID: PMC11333231 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1417864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is a complex and diverse community of microorganisms that colonizes the human gastrointestinal tract and influences various aspects of human health. These microbes are closely related to enteric infections. As a foreign entity for the host, commensal microbiota is restricted and regulated by the barrier and immune system in the gut and contributes to gut homeostasis. Commensals also effectively resist the colonization of pathogens and the overgrowth of indigenous pathobionts by utilizing a variety of mechanisms, while pathogens have developed strategies to subvert colonization resistance. Dysbiosis of the microbial community can lead to enteric infections. The microbiota acts as a pivotal mediator in establishing a harmonious mutualistic symbiosis with the host and shielding the host against pathogens. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying host-microbiome and microbiome-pathogen interactions, highlighting the multi-faceted roles of the gut microbiota in preventing enteric infections. We also discuss the applications of manipulating the microbiota to treat infectious diseases in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiding Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Gonyar LA, Sauder AB, Mortensen L, Willsey GG, Kendall MM. The yad and yeh fimbrial loci influence gene expression and virulence in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7. mSphere 2024; 9:e0012424. [PMID: 38904402 PMCID: PMC11287998 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00124-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fimbriae are essential virulence factors for many bacterial pathogens. Fimbriae are extracellular structures that attach bacteria to surfaces. Thus, fimbriae mediate a critical step required for any pathogen to establish infection by anchoring a bacterium to host tissue. The human pathogen enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7encodes 16 fimbriae that may be important for EHEC to initiate infection and allow for productive expression of virulence traits important in later stages of infection, including a type III secretion system (T3SS) and Shiga toxin; however, the roles of most EHEC fimbriae are largely uncharacterized. Here, we provide evidence that two EHEC fimbriae, Yad and Yeh, modulate expression of diverse genes including genes encoding T3SS and Shiga toxin and that these fimbriae are required for robust colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. These findings reveal a significant and previously unappreciated role for fimbriae in bacterial pathogenesis as important determinants of virulence gene expression.IMPORTANCEFimbriae are extracellular proteinaceous structures whose defining role is to anchor bacteria to surfaces. This is a fundamental step for bacterial pathogens to establish infection in a host. Here, we show that the contributions of fimbriae to pathogenesis are more complex. Specifically, we demonstrate that fimbriae influence expression of virulence traits essential for disease progression in the intestinal pathogen enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria express multiple fimbriae; therefore, these findings may have broad implications for understanding how pathogens use fimbriae, beyond adhesion, to initiate infection and coordinate gene expression, which ultimately results in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Gonyar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Amber B. Sauder
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Lindsay Mortensen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Graham G. Willsey
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Melissa M. Kendall
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Chatterjee A, Kaval KG, Garsin DA. Role of ethanolamine utilization and bacterial microcompartment formation in Listeria monocytogenes intracellular infection. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0016224. [PMID: 38752742 PMCID: PMC11237587 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00162-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ethanolamine (EA) affects the colonization and pathogenicity of certain human bacterial pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. However, EA can also affect the intracellular survival and replication of host cell invasive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes (LMO) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). The EA utilization (eut) genes can be categorized as regulatory, enzymatic, or structural, and previous work in LMO showed that loss of genes encoding functions for the enzymatic breakdown of EA inhibited LMO intracellular replication. In this work, we sought to further characterize the role of EA utilization during LMO infection of host cells. Unlike what was previously observed for S. Typhimurium, in LMO, an EA regulator mutant (ΔeutV) was equally deficient in intracellular replication compared to an EA metabolism mutant (ΔeutB), and this was consistent across Caco-2, RAW 264.7, and THP-1 cell lines. The structural genes encode proteins that self-assemble into bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) that encase the enzymes necessary for EA metabolism. For the first time, native EUT BMCs were fluorescently tagged, and EUT BMC formation was observed in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, BMC formation was observed in bacteria infecting Caco-2 cells, but not the macrophage cell lines. Finally, the cellular immune response of Caco-2 cells to infection with eut mutants was examined, and it was discovered that ΔeutB and ΔeutV mutants similarly elevated the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, EA sensing and utilization during LMO intracellular infection are important for optimal LMO replication and immune evasion but are not always concomitant with BMC formation.IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes (LMO) is a bacterial pathogen that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals when consumed in contaminated food. It can replicate inside of mammalian cells, escaping detection by the immune system. Therefore, understanding the features of this human pathogen that contribute to its infectiousness and intracellular lifestyle is important. In this work we demonstrate that genes encoding both regulators and enzymes of EA metabolism are important for optimal growth inside mammalian cells. Moreover, the formation of specialized compartments to enable EA metabolism were visualized by tagging with a fluorescent protein and found to form when LMO infects some mammalian cell types, but not others. Interestingly, the formation of the compartments was associated with features consistent with an early stage of the intracellular infection. By characterizing bacterial metabolic pathways that contribute to survival in host environments, we hope to positively impact knowledge and facilitate new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayan Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Karan Gautam Kaval
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle A Garsin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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5
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Chatterjee A, Kaval KG, Garsin DA. Role of Ethanolamine Utilization and Bacterial Microcompartment Formation in Listeria monocytogenes Intracellular Infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.19.572424. [PMID: 38187703 PMCID: PMC10769209 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.572424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Ethanolamine (EA) affects the colonization and pathogenicity of certain human bacterial pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. However, EA can also affect the intracellular survival and replication of host-cell invasive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes (LMO) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ( S. Typhimurium). The EA utilization ( eut) genes can be categorized as regulatory, enzymatic, or structural, and previous work in LMO showed that loss of genes encoding functions for the enzymatic breakdown of EA inhibited LMO intracellular replication. In this work, we sought to further characterize the role of EA utilization during LMO infection of host cells. Unlike what was previously observed for S. Typhimurium, in LMO, an EA regulator mutant ( ΔeutV) was equally deficient in intracellular replication compared to an EA metabolism mutant ( ΔeutB ), and this was consistent across Caco-2, RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cell lines. The structural genes encode proteins that self-assemble into bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) that encase the enzymes necessary for EA metabolism. For the first time, native EUT BMCs were fluorescently tagged, and EUT BMC formation was observed in vitro, and in vivo. Interestingly, BMC formation was observed in bacteria infecting Caco-2 cells, but not the macrophage cell lines. Finally, the cellular immune response of Caco-2 cells to infection with eut mutants was examined, and it was discovered that ΔeutB and ΔeutV mutants similarly elevated the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, EA sensing and utilization during LMO intracellular infection are important for optimal LMO replication and immune evasion but are not always concomitant with BMC formation.
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Quint I, Simantzik J, Kaiser L, Laufer S, Csuk R, Smith D, Kohl M, Deigner HP. Ready-to-use nanopore platform for label-free small molecule quantification: Ethanolamine as first example. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2024; 55:102724. [PMID: 38007066 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, nanopores have become a promising diagnostic tool. Protein and solid-state nanopores are increasingly used for both RNA/DNA sequencing and small molecule detection. The latter is of great importance, as their detection is difficult or expensive using available methods such as HPLC or LC-MS. DNA aptamers are an excellent detection element for sensitive and specific detection of small molecules. Herein, a method for quantifying small molecules using a ready-to-use sequencing platform is described. Taking ethanolamine as an example, a strand displacement assay is developed in which the target-binding aptamer is displaced from the surface of magnetic particles by ethanolamine. Non-displaced aptamer and thus the ethanolamine concentration are detected by the nanopore system and can be quantified in the micromolar range using our in-house developed analysis software. This method is thus the first to describe a label-free approach for the detection of small molecules in a protein nanopore system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Quint
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Jonathan Simantzik
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany
| | - Lars Kaiser
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rene' Csuk
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - David Smith
- Fraunhofer Institute IZI (Leipzig), Perlickstrasse 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Kohl
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany.
| | - Hans-Peter Deigner
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Strasse 17, Villingen-Schwenningen 78054, Germany; EXIM Department, Fraunhofer Institute IZI (Leipzig), Schillingallee 68, 18057 Rostock, Germany; Faculty of Science, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen, 72076, Germany.
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7
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Akouris PP, Stuivenberg GA, Chmiel JA, Kiattiburut W, Poon A, Reid G, Burton JP. Ethanolamine enhances adhesion, promotes microcompartment formation, and modulates gene expression in Levilactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2350778. [PMID: 38717446 PMCID: PMC11086012 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2350778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ethanolamine is an abundant compound in the gastrointestinal tract and a valuable source of carbon and nitrogen for pathogenic bacteria harboring ethanolamine utilization (eut) genes. Eut-positive pathogens can consume free ethanolamine to outcompete commensal microbes, which often lack eut genes, and establish infection. Ethanolamine can also act as a host recognition signal for eut-positive pathogens to upregulate virulence genes during colonization. Therefore, reducing free ethanolamine titers may represent a novel approach to preventing infection by eut-positive pathogens. Interestingly, the commensal microorganism Levilactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869 was found to encode over 18 eut genes within its genome. This led us to hypothesize that L. brevis can compete with eut-positive pathogens by clearing free ethanolamine from the environment. Our results demonstrate that despite being unable to metabolize ethanolamine under most conditions, L. brevis ATCC 14869 responds to the compound by increasing the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in microcompartment formation and adhesion to the intestinal epithelial barrier. The improved intestinal adhesion of L. brevis in the presence of ethanolamine also enhanced the exclusion of eut-positive pathogens from adhering to intestinal epithelial cells. These findings support further studies to test whether L. brevis ATCC 14869 can counter enteric pathogens and prevent or reduce the severity of infections. Overall, the metabolic capabilities of L. brevis ATCC 14869 offer a unique opportunity to add to the armamentarium of antimicrobial therapies as well as our understanding of the mechanisms used by beneficial microbes to sense and adapt to host microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polycronis P. Akouris
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gerrit A. Stuivenberg
- Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John A. Chmiel
- Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Wongsakorn Kiattiburut
- Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Annabel Poon
- Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gregor Reid
- Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy P. Burton
- Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Fang F, Xue Y, Xu X, Fang D, Liu W, Zhong Y, Han J, Li Y, Tao Q, Lu R, Ma C, Kumar A, Wang D. L-glutamine protects against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection by inhibiting bacterial virulence and enhancing host defense concurrently. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0097523. [PMID: 37815335 PMCID: PMC10714755 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00975-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The type 3 secretion system (T3SS) was obtained in many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, and it is crucial for their pathogenesis. Environmental signals were found to be involved in the expression regulation of T3SS, which was vital for successful bacterial infection in the host. Here, we discovered that L-glutamine (Gln), the most abundant amino acid in the human body, could repress enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) T3SS expression via nitrogen metabolism and therefore had potential as an antivirulence agent. Our in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrated that Gln could decline EHEC infection by attenuating bacterial virulence and enhancing host defense simultaneously. We repurpose Gln as a potential treatment for EHEC infection accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yunxin Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xuefang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control and National Institute for Communicable Diseases Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Dingli Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Weijia Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jinping Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yunhe Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qian Tao
- Department of Pathology, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Lishan Hospital, Anshan Central Hospital, Anshan, Liaoning Province, China
| | | | - Dai Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Perinatal-Neonatal Infection, Women and Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedical Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
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9
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Moreira de Gouveia MI, Reuter A, Garrivier A, Daniel J, Bernalier-Donadille A, Jubelin G. Design and validation of a dual-fluorescence reporter system to monitor bacterial gene expression in the gut environment. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:7301-7312. [PMID: 37750914 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence-based reporter systems are valuable tools for studying gene expression dynamics in living cells. However, available strategies to follow gene expression in bacteria within their natural ecosystem that can be typically rich and complex are scarce. In this work, we designed a plasmid-based tool ensuring both the identification of a strain of interest in complex environments and the monitoring of gene expression through the combination of two distinct fluorescent proteins as reporter genes. The tool was validated in Escherichia coli to monitor the expression of eut genes involved in the catabolism of ethanolamine. We demonstrated that the constructed reporter strain gradually responds with a bimodal output to increasing ethanolamine concentrations during in vitro cultures. The reporter strain was next inoculated to mice, and flow cytometry was used to detect the reporter strain among the dense microbiota of intestinal samples and to analyze specifically the expression of eut genes. This novel dual-fluorescent reporter system would be helpful to evaluate transcriptional processes in bacteria within complex environments. KEY POINTS: • A reporter tool was developed to monitor bacterial gene expression in complex environments. • Ethanolamine utilization (eut) genes are expressed by commensal E. coli in the mouse gut. • Expression of eut genes follows a bimodal distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey Reuter
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDIS UMR454, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Annie Garrivier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDIS UMR454, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Daniel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDIS UMR454, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Gregory Jubelin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDIS UMR454, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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10
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Liu B, Jiang L, Liu Y, Sun H, Yan J, Kang C, Yang B. Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli utilizes host- and microbiota-derived L-malate as a signaling molecule for intestinal colonization. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7227. [PMID: 37945607 PMCID: PMC10636207 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian gastrointestinal tract is a complex environment that hosts a diverse microbial community. To establish infection, bacterial pathogens must be able to compete with the indigenous microbiota for nutrients, as well as sense the host environment and modulate the expression of genes essential for colonization and virulence. Here, we found that enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 imports host- and microbiota-derived L-malate using the DcuABC transporters and converts these substrates into fumarate to fuel anaerobic fumarate respiration during infection, thereby promoting its colonization of the host intestine. Moreover, L-malate is important not only for nutrient metabolism but also as a signaling molecule that activates virulence gene expression in EHEC O157:H7. The complete virulence-regulating pathway was elucidated; the DcuS/DcuR two-component system senses high L-malate levels and transduces the signal to the master virulence regulator Ler, which in turn activates locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) genes to promote EHEC O157:H7 adherence to epithelial cells of the large intestine. Disruption of this virulence-regulating pathway by deleting either dcuS or dcuR significantly reduced colonization by EHEC O157:H7 in the infant rabbit intestinal tract; therefore, targeting these genes and altering physiological aspects of the intestinal environment may offer alternatives for EHEC infection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Lingyan Jiang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yutao Liu
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Hongmin Sun
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Jun Yan
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Chenbo Kang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Bin Yang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China.
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China.
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11
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Su Y, Xu MY, Cui Y, Chen RZ, Xie LX, Zhang JX, Chen YQ, Ding T. Bacterial quorum sensing orchestrates longitudinal interactions to shape microbiota assembly. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:241. [PMID: 37926838 PMCID: PMC10626739 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01699-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of microbiota assembly is one of the main problems in microbiome research, which is also the primary theoretical basis for precise manipulation of microbial communities. Bacterial quorum sensing (QS), as the most common means for bacteria to exchange information and interactions, is characterized by universality, specificity, and regulatory power, which therefore may influence the assembly processes of human microbiota. However, the regulating role of QS in microbiota assembly is rarely reported. In this study, we developed an optimized in vitro oral biofilm microbiota assembling (OBMA) model to simulate the time-series assembly of oral biofilm microbiota (OBM), by which to excavate the QS network and its regulating power in the process. RESULTS By using the optimized OBMA model, we were able to restore the assembly process of OBM and generate time-series OBM metagenomes of each day. We discovered a total of 2291 QS protein homologues related to 21 QS pathways. Most of these pathways were newly reported and sequentially enriched during OBM assembling. These QS pathways formed a comprehensive longitudinal QS network that included successively enriched QS hubs, such as Streptococcus, Veillonella-Megasphaera group, and Prevotella-Fusobacteria group, for information delivery. Bidirectional cross-talk among the QS hubs was found to play critical role in the directional turnover of microbiota structure, which in turn, influenced the assembly process. Subsequent QS-interfering experiments accurately predicted and experimentally verified the directional shaping power of the longitudinal QS network in the assembly process. As a result, the QS-interfered OBM exhibited delayed and fragile maturity with prolonged membership of Streptococcus and impeded membership of Prevotella and Fusobacterium. CONCLUSION Our results revealed an unprecedented longitudinal QS network during OBM assembly and experimentally verified its power in predicting and manipulating the assembling process. Our work provides a new perspective to uncover underlying mechanism in natural complex microbiota assembling and a theoretical basis for ultimately precisely manipulating human microbiota through intervention in the QS network. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Su
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ming-Ying Xu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Zhaoqing Medical College, Zhaoqing, 526020, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Run-Zhi Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li-Xiang Xie
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jing-Xiang Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yong-Qiu Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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12
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Faqerah N, Walker D, Gerasimidis K. Review article: The complex interplay between diet and Escherichia coli in inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:984-1004. [PMID: 37771255 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although no causative microbe has been yet identified or successfully targeted in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the role of Escherichia coli in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease has attracted considerable interest. AIM In this review, we present a literature overview of the interactions between diet and E. coli and other Proteobacteria in the aetiology, outcomes and management of IBD and suggest future research directions. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed to identify in vitro studies and research in animal models that explored mechanisms by which dietary components can interact with E. coli or Proteobacteria to initiate or propagate gut inflammation. We also explored the effect diet and dietary therapies have on the levels of E. coli or Proteobacteria in patients with IBD. RESULTS Preclinical data suggest that the Western diet and its components influence the abundance, colonisation and phenotypic behaviour of E. coli in the gut, which may in turn initiate or contribute to gut inflammation. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet and specific dietary fibres may abrogate these effects and protect from inflammation. There are limited data from clinical trials, mostly from patients with Crohn's disease during treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition, with findings often challenging observations from preclinical research. Data from patients with ulcerative colitis are sparse. CONCLUSIONS Preclinical and some clinical trial data suggest that E. coli and other Proteobacteria interact with certain dietary components to promote gut inflammation. Well-designed clinical trials are required before dietary recommendations for disease management can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nojoud Faqerah
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Microbiology, Rabigh Medical College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniel Walker
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Konstantinos Gerasimidis
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
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13
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Edison LK, Kudva IT, Kariyawasam S. Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Bovine Rectoanal Junction Cells and Human Colonic Epithelial Cells during Initial Adherence. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2562. [PMID: 37894220 PMCID: PMC10609592 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are notorious foodborne pathogens, capable of causing severe diarrhea and life-threatening complications in humans. Cattle, acting as both primary reservoirs and asymptomatic carriers of STEC, predominantly harbor the pathogen in their rectoanal junction (RAJ), facilitating its transmission to humans through contaminated food sources. Despite the central role of cattle in STEC transmission, the molecular mechanisms governing STEC's adaptation in the RAJ of the asymptomatic reservoir host and its subsequent infection of human colonic epithelial cells, resulting in diarrhea, remain largely unexplored. This study aims to uncover these complicated dynamics by focusing on the STEC O157:H7 serotype within two distinct host environments, bovine RAJ cells and human colonic epithelial cells, during initial colonization. We employed comparative transcriptomics analysis to investigate differential gene expression profiles of STEC O157:H7 during interactions with these cell types. STEC O157:H7 was cultured either with bovine RAJ cells or the human colonic epithelial cell line CCD CoN 841 to simulate STEC-epithelial cell interactions within these two host species. High-throughput RNA sequencing revealed 829 and 1939 bacterial genes expressed in RAJ and CCD CoN 841, respectively. After gene filtering, 221 E. coli O157:H7 genes were upregulated during initial adherence to CCD CoN cells and 436 with RAJ cells. Furthermore, 22 genes were uniquely expressed with human cells and 155 genes with bovine cells. Our findings revealed distinct expression patterns of STEC O157:H7 genes involved in virulence, including adherence, metal iron homeostasis, and stress response during its initial adherence (i.e., six hours post-infection) to bovine RAJ cells, as opposed to human colonic epithelial cells. Additionally, the comparative analysis highlighted the potential role of some genes in host adaptation and tissue-specific pathogenicity. These findings shed new light on the potential mechanisms of STEC O157:H7 contributing to colonize the intestinal epithelium during the first six hours of infection, leading to survival and persistence in the bovine reservoir and causing disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekshmi K. Edison
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Indira T. Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA;
| | - Subhashinie Kariyawasam
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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14
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Genomic Island-Encoded Histidine Kinase and Response Regulator Coordinate Mannose Utilization with Virulence in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. mBio 2023; 14:e0315222. [PMID: 36786613 PMCID: PMC10128022 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03152-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a highly adaptive pathogen and has acquired diverse genetic elements, such as genomic islands and prophages, via horizontal gene transfer to promote fitness in vivo. Two-component signaling systems (TCSs) allow bacteria to sense, respond to, and adapt to various environments. This study identified a putative two-component signaling system composed of the histidine kinase EDL5436 (renamed LmvK) and the response regulator EDL5428 (renamed LmvR) in EHEC. lmvK and lmvR along with EDL5429 to EDL5434 (EDL5429-5434) between them constitute the OI167 genomic island and are highly associated with the EHEC pathotype. EDL5429-5434 encode transporters and metabolic enzymes that contribute to growth on mannose and are directly upregulated by LmvK/LmvR in the presence of mannose, as revealed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and DNase I footprint assays. Moreover, LmvR directly activates the expression of the type III secretion system in response to mannose and promotes the formation of attaching and effacing lesions on HeLa cells. Using human colonoid and mouse infection models, we show that lmvK and lmvR contributed greatly to adherence and microcolony (MC) formation ex vivo and colonization in vivo. Finally, RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing analyses identified additional direct targets of LmvR, most of which are involved in metabolism. Given that mannose is a mucus-derived sugar that induces virulence and is preferentially used by EHEC during infection, our data revealed a previously unknown mechanism by which EHEC recognizes the host metabolic landscape and regulates virulence expression accordingly. Our findings provide insights into how pathogenic bacteria evolve by acquiring genetic elements horizontally to adapt to host environments. IMPORTANCE The gastrointestinal tract represents a complex and challenging environment for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). However, EHEC is a highly adaptable pathogen, requiring only 10 to 100 CFUs to cause infection. This ability was achieved partially by acquiring mobile genetic elements, such as genomic islands, that promote overall fitness. Mannose is an intestinal mucus-derived sugar that stimulates virulence and is preferentially used by EHEC during infection. Here, we characterize the OI167 genomic island of EHEC, which encodes a novel two-component signaling system (TCS) and transporters and metabolic enzymes (EDL5429-5434) involved in mannose utilization. The TCS directly upregulates EDL5429-5434 and genes encoding the type III secretion system in the presence of mannose. Moreover, the TCS contributes greatly to EHEC virulence ex vivo and in vivo. Our data demonstrate an elegant example in which EHEC strains evolve by acquiring genetic elements horizontally to recognize the host metabolic landscape and regulate virulence expression accordingly, leading to successful infections.
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15
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Buzzanca D, Alessandria V, Botta C, Seif Zadeh N, Ferrocino I, Houf K, Cocolin L, Rantsiou K. Transcriptome Analysis of Arcobacter butzleri Infection in a Mucus-Producing Human Intestinal In Vitro Model. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0207122. [PMID: 36622176 PMCID: PMC9927503 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02071-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Arcobacter butzleri is a foodborne pathogen belonging to the Arcobacteraceae family. This Gram-negative bacterium is found in water, food, and various organisms, including farm animals, clams, and fish. Moreover, A. butzleri has been isolated from human stool samples, where it was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. The present study focused on the transcriptome analysis of three A. butzleri strains isolated from human stools and displaying variable virulence potential in vitro. We used a mucus-producing human intestinal in vitro model (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12) to study the colonization and invasion abilities of the three A. butzleri strains. The ability of all three A. butzleri strains to colonize our in vitro model system was subsequently confirmed. Moreover, transcriptomics showed the upregulation of putative virulence genes. Among these genes, tonB, exbB, and exbD, which belong to the same operon, were upregulated in strain LMG 11119, which also had the greatest colonization ability. Moreover, genes not currently considered A. butzleri virulence genes were differentially expressed during cell model colonization. The main functions of these genes were linked to organic acid metabolism and iron transport and particularly to the function of the TonB complex. IMPORTANCE Recent advancements in the genomic characterization of A. butzleri revealed putative virulence genes and highlighted the possible pathogenic mechanisms used by this foodborne pathogen. It is therefore possible to study the transcriptomes of these bacteria to explore possible virulence mechanisms under conditions that mimic the infection process. The transcriptome and colonization/invasion analyses that we performed in this study enabled the evaluation of A. butzleri-mediated infection of the mucus-producing human intestinal in vitro model. We confirmed the upregulation of previously proposed virulence genes in the A. butzleri strains. In addition, we identified the differential expression of a number of other genes, which are not currently thought to be associated with virulence, in three A. butzleri strains during infection of mucus-producing human epithelial cells. Changes in the concentration of acetic acid and the upregulation of genes associated with organic acid metabolism during host-pathogen contact were also observed. These findings highlight the importance of previously unreported genes in the virulence mechanisms of A. butzleri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Buzzanca
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Valentina Alessandria
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristian Botta
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Negin Seif Zadeh
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilario Ferrocino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kurt Houf
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luca Cocolin
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Rantsiou
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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16
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Marshall A, McGrath JW, Graham R, McMullan G. Food for thought-The link between Clostridioides difficile metabolism and pathogenesis. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011034. [PMID: 36602960 PMCID: PMC9815643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is an opportunistic pathogen that leads to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antibiotic usage is the main risk factor leading to C. difficile infection (CDI), as a dysbiotic gut environment allows colonisation and eventual pathology manifested by toxin production. Although colonisation resistance is mediated by the action of secondary bile acids inhibiting vegetative outgrowth, nutrient competition also plays a role in preventing CDI as the gut microbiota compete for nutrient niches inhibiting C. difficile growth. C. difficile is able to metabolise carbon dioxide, the amino acids proline, hydroxyproline, and ornithine, the cell membrane constituent ethanolamine, and the carbohydrates trehalose, cellobiose, sorbitol, and mucin degradation products as carbon and energy sources through multiple pathways. Zinc sequestration by the host response mediates metabolic adaptation of C. difficile by perhaps signalling an inflamed gut allowing it to acquire abundant nutrients. Persistence within the gut environment is also mediated by the by-products of metabolism through the production of p-cresol, which inhibit gut commensal species growth promoting dysbiosis. This review aims to explore and describe the various metabolic pathways of C. difficile, which facilitate its survival and pathogenesis within the colonised host gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Marshall
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - John W. McGrath
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Graham
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Geoff McMullan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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17
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Moreira de Gouveia MI, Daniel J, Garrivier A, Bernalier-Donadille A, Jubelin G. Diversity of ethanolamine utilization by human commensal Escherichiacoli. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:103989. [PMID: 35988812 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.103989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ethanolamine (EA) is a substrate naturally present in the human gut and its catabolism by bacteria relies on the presence of eut genes encoding specific metabolic enzymes and accessory proteins. To date, EA utilization has been mostly investigated in gut bacterial pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of human gut commensal Escherichia coli isolates to utilize EA as a nitrogen and/or carbon sources. Although the capacity to consume EA is heterogeneous between the 40 strains of our collection, we determined that most of them could degrade EA to generate ammonia, a useful nitrogen resource for growth. Three isolates were also able to exploit EA as a carbon source. We also revealed that the inability of some strains to catabolize EA is explained either by mutations in the eut locus or by a defect in gene transcription. Finally, we demonstrated the importance of EA utilization for an optimal fitness of commensal E. coli in vivo. Our study provides new insights on the diversity of commensal E. coli strains to utilize EA as a nutrient in the gut and opens the way for new research in the field of interactions between host, gut microbiota and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Daniel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDIS UMR454, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Annie Garrivier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDIS UMR454, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | | | - Gregory Jubelin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDIS UMR454, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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18
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Effects of Treatment and Pre-treatment of Ethanolamine on Production of Metabolites in Haematococcus pluvialis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, TRANSACTIONS A: SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40995-022-01378-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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19
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Henrot C, Petit M. Signals triggering prophage induction in the gut microbiota. Mol Microbiol 2022; 118:494-502. [PMID: 36164818 PMCID: PMC9827884 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Compared to bacteria of the gut microbiota, bacteriophages are still poorly characterised, and their physiological importance is far less known. Temperate phages are probably a major actor in the gut, as it is estimated that 80% of intestinal bacteria are lysogens, meaning that they are carrying prophages. In addition, prophage induction rates are higher in the gut than in vitro. However, studies on the signals leading to prophage induction have essentially focused on genotoxic agents with poor relevance for this environment. In this review, we sum up recent findings about signals able to trigger prophage induction in the gut. Three categories of signals are at play: those originating from interactions between intestinal microbes, those from the human or animal host physiology and those from external intakes. These recent results highlight the diversity of factors influencing prophage induction in the gut, and start to unveil ways by which microbiota composition may be modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Henrot
- Université Paris‐Saclay, INRAEAgroParisTech, Micalis InstituteJouy‐en‐JosasFrance,Master de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1Université de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Marie‐Agnès Petit
- Université Paris‐Saclay, INRAEAgroParisTech, Micalis InstituteJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
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20
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Izquierdo M, Lopez J, Gallardo P, Vidal RM, Ossa JC, Farfan MJ. Bacteria from gut microbiota associated with diarrheal infections in children promote virulence of Shiga toxin-producing and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli pathotypes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:867205. [PMID: 36017363 PMCID: PMC9396624 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.867205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) pathogenicity relies on the interaction of bacteria with the host’s gut environment, which is regulated by the resident microbiota. Previously, we identified indicative bacterial species of gut microbiota in DEC-positive stool samples from children. Here, we evaluated the role of two indicative species, Citrobacter werkmanii (CW) and Escherichia albertii (EA), in the virulence of two DEC pathotypes, Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) and enteroaggregative (EAEC) Escherichia coli. Methods We determined the effect of supernatants obtained from CW and EA cultures on the gene expression of STEC strain 86-24 and EAEC strain 042 by RNA-seq analysis. We evaluated IL-8 secretion from T84 cells infected with these DEC strains in the presence or absence of the supernatant from EA. The effect of the supernatant from EA on the growth and adherence of STEC and EAEC to cells was also evaluated. Finally, we studied the effect of the EA supernatant on the STEC-induced inflammation mediated by the long polar fimbriae (Lpf) in T84 cells and the expression of plasmid-encoded toxin (Pet) in EAEC. Results RNA-seq analysis revealed that several virulence factors in STEC and EAEC were upregulated in the presence of supernatants from CW and EA. Interestingly, an increase in the secretion of IL-8 was observed in cells infected with STEC or EAEC in the presence of a supernatant from EA. Similar results were observed with the supernatants obtained from clinical strains of E. albertii. The supernatant from EA had no effect on the growth of STEC and EAEC, or on the ability of these DEC strains to adhere to cells. We found that Pet toxin in EAEC was upregulated in the presence of a supernatant from EA. In STEC, using mutant strains for Lpf fimbriae, our data suggested that these fimbriae might be participating in the increase in IL-8 induced by STEC in cells in the presence of a supernatant from EA. Conclusion Supernatant obtained from an indicative species of DEC-positive diarrhea could modulate gene expression in STEC and EAEC, and IL-8 secretion induced by these bacteria. These data provide new insights into the effect of gut microbiota species in the pathogenicity of STEC and EAEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Izquierdo
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Joaquín Lopez
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Gallardo
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto M. Vidal
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan C. Ossa
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio J. Farfan
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Mauricio J. Farfan,
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21
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Gelalcha BD, Brown SM, Crocker HE, Agga GE, Kerro Dego O. Regulation Mechanisms of Virulence Genes in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022; 19:598-612. [PMID: 35921067 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is one of the most common E. coli pathotypes reported to cause several outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. EHEC is a zoonotic pathogen, and ruminants, especially cattle, are considered important reservoirs for the most common EHEC serotype, E. coli O157:H7. Humans are infected indirectly through the consumption of food (milk, meat, leafy vegetables, and fruits) and water contaminated by animal feces or direct contact with carrier animals or humans. E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most frequently reported causes of foodborne illnesses in developed countries. It employs two essential virulence mechanisms to trigger damage to the host. These are the development of attaching and effacing (AE) phenotypes on the intestinal mucosa of the host and the production of Shiga toxin (Stx) that causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The AE phenotype is controlled by the pathogenicity island, the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). The induction of both AE and Stx is under strict and highly complex regulatory mechanisms. Thus, a good understanding of these mechanisms, major proteins expressed, and environmental cues involved in the regulation of the expression of the virulence genes is vital to finding a method to control the colonization of reservoir hosts, especially cattle, and disease development in humans. This review is a concise account of the current state of knowledge of virulence gene regulation in the LEE-positive EHEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benti D Gelalcha
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Selina M Brown
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hannah E Crocker
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Getahun E Agga
- Food Animal Environmental Systems Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
| | - Oudessa Kerro Dego
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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22
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Martins FH, Rajan A, Carter HE, Baniasadi HR, Maresso AW, Sperandio V. Interactions between Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Gut Commensals at the Interface of Human Colonoids. mBio 2022; 13:e0132122. [PMID: 35638758 PMCID: PMC9239246 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01321-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions between the gut microbiota and pathogens are complex and can determine the outcome of an infection. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a major human enteric pathogen that colonizes the colon through attaching and effacing (AE) lesions and uses microbiota-derived molecules as cues to control its virulence. Different gut commensals can modulate EHEC virulence. However, the lack of an animal model that recapitulates the human pathophysiology of EHEC infection makes it challenging to investigate how variations in microbiota composition could affect host susceptibility to this pathogen. Here, we addressed these interactions building from simple to more complex in vitro systems, culminating with the use of the physiological relevant human colonoids as a model to study the interactions between EHEC and different gut commensals. We demonstrated that Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Enterococcus faecalis enhance virulence expression and AE lesion formation in cultured epithelial cells, as well as on the colonic epithelium, while commensal E. coli did not affect these phenotypes. Importantly, in the presence of these three commensals together, virulence and AE lesion are enhanced. Moreover, we identified specific changes in the metabolic landscape promoted by different members of the gut microbiota and showed that soluble factors released by E. faecalis can increase EHEC virulence gene expression. Our study highlights the importance of interspecies bacterial interactions and chemical exchange in the modulation of EHEC virulence. IMPORTANCE Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) is a natural human pathogen that poorly colonizes mice. Hence, the use of murine models to understand features of EHEC infection is a challenge. In this study, we use human colonoids as a physiologically relevant model to study interactions between EHEC and gut commensals. We demonstrate that the ability of EHEC to form AE lesions on the intestinal epithelium is enhanced by the presence of certain gut commensals, such as B. thetaiotaomicron and E. faecalis, while it is not affected by commensal E. coli. Furthermore, we show that commensal bacteria differently impact the metabolic landscape. These data suggest that microbiota compositions can differentially modulate EHEC-mediated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando H. Martins
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anubama Rajan
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah E. Carter
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hamid R. Baniasadi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony W. Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vanessa Sperandio
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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23
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Elucidation of a complete mechanical signaling and virulence activation pathway in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110614. [PMID: 35385749 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is an important extracellular human pathogen. The initial adherence of EHEC to host cells is a major cue for transcriptional induction of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) genes to promote colonization and pathogenesis, but the mechanism through which this adherence is sensed and the LEE is induced remains largely elusive. Here, we report a complete signal transduction pathway for this virulence activation process. In this pathway, the outer-membrane lipoprotein NlpE senses a mechanical cue generated from initial host adherence and activates the BaeSR two-component regulatory system; the response regulator BaeR then directly activates the expression of airA located on O-island-134 and encoding a LEE transcriptional activator. Disruption of this pathway severely attenuates EHEC O157:H7 virulence both in vitro and in vivo. This study provides further insights into the evolution of EHEC pathogenesis and the host-pathogen interaction.
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24
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Strain R, Stanton C, Ross RP. Effect of diet on pathogen performance in the microbiome. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2022; 1:13. [PMID: 38045644 PMCID: PMC10688830 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2021.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Intricate interactions among commensal bacteria, dietary substrates and immune responses are central to defining microbiome community composition, which plays a key role in preventing enteric pathogen infection, a dynamic phenomenon referred to as colonisation resistance. However, the impact of diet on sculpting microbiota membership, and ultimately colonisation resistance has been overlooked. Furthermore, pathogens have evolved strategies to evade colonisation resistance and outcompete commensal microbiota by using unique nutrient utilisation pathways, by exploiting microbial metabolites as nutrient sources or by environmental cues to induce virulence gene expression. In this review, we will discuss the interplay between diet, microbiota and their associated metabolites, and how these can contribute to or preclude pathogen survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Strain
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland
| | - Catherine Stanton
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland
| | - R. Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, College Road, Cork T12 K8AF, Ireland
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25
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Pruss KM, Enam F, Battaglioli E, DeFeo M, Diaz OR, Higginbottom SK, Fischer CR, Hryckowian AJ, Van Treuren W, Dodd D, Kashyap P, Sonnenburg JL. Oxidative ornithine metabolism supports non-inflammatory C. difficile colonization. Nat Metab 2022; 4:19-28. [PMID: 34992297 PMCID: PMC8803604 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The enteric pathogen Clostridioides difficile (Cd) is responsible for a toxin-mediated infection that causes more than 200,000 recorded hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths in the United States every year1. However, Cd can colonize the gut in the absence of disease symptoms. Prevalence of asymptomatic colonization by toxigenic Cd in healthy populations is high; asymptomatic carriers are at increased risk of infection compared to noncolonized individuals and may be a reservoir for transmission of Cd infection2,3. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which Cd persists in the absence of disease is necessary for understanding pathogenesis and developing refined therapeutic strategies. Here, we show with gut microbiome metatranscriptomic analysis that mice recalcitrant to Cd infection and inflammation exhibit increased community-wide expression of arginine and ornithine metabolic pathways. To query Cd metabolism specifically, we leverage RNA sequencing in gnotobiotic mice infected with two wild-type strains (630 and R20291) and isogenic toxin-deficient mutants of these strains to differentiate inflammation-dependent versus -independent transcriptional states. A single operon encoding oxidative ornithine degradation is consistently upregulated across non-toxigenic Cd strains. Combining untargeted and targeted metabolomics with bacterial and host genetics, we demonstrate that both diet- and host-derived sources of ornithine provide a competitive advantage to Cd, suggesting a mechanism for Cd persistence within a non-inflammatory, healthy gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kali M Pruss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Fatima Enam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric Battaglioli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Mary DeFeo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Oscar R Diaz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Steven K Higginbottom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Curt R Fischer
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Octant Bio, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Andrew J Hryckowian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William Van Treuren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dylan Dodd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Purna Kashyap
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Justin L Sonnenburg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Center for Human Microbiome Studies, Stanford, CA, USA.
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26
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Khan I, Bai Y, Zha L, Ullah N, Ullah H, Shah SRH, Sun H, Zhang C. Mechanism of the Gut Microbiota Colonization Resistance and Enteric Pathogen Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:716299. [PMID: 35004340 PMCID: PMC8733563 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.716299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian gut microbial community, known as the gut microbiota, comprises trillions of bacteria, which co-evolved with the host and has an important role in a variety of host functions that include nutrient acquisition, metabolism, and immunity development, and more importantly, it plays a critical role in the protection of the host from enteric infections associated with exogenous pathogens or indigenous pathobiont outgrowth that may result from healthy gut microbial community disruption. Microbiota evolves complex mechanisms to restrain pathogen growth, which included nutrient competition, competitive metabolic interactions, niche exclusion, and induction of host immune response, which are collectively termed colonization resistance. On the other hand, pathogens have also developed counterstrategies to expand their population and enhance their virulence to cope with the gut microbiota colonization resistance and cause infection. This review summarizes the available literature on the complex relationship occurring between the intestinal microbiota and enteric pathogens, describing how the gut microbiota can mediate colonization resistance against bacterial enteric infections and how bacterial enteropathogens can overcome this resistance as well as how the understanding of this complex interaction can inform future therapies against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israr Khan
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Molecular Diagnosis, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Centre, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanrui Bai
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Molecular Diagnosis, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Centre, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lajia Zha
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Molecular Diagnosis, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Centre, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Naeem Ullah
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Habib Ullah
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Centre, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Syed Rafiq Hussain Shah
- Department of Microecology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Centre, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chunjiang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Molecular Diagnosis, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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27
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Sauder AB, Kendall MM. A pathogen-specific sRNA influences enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli fitness and virulence in part by direct interaction with the transcript encoding the ethanolamine utilization regulatory factor EutR. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10988-11004. [PMID: 34591974 PMCID: PMC8565329 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 relies on sRNAs to coordinate expression of metabolic and virulence factors to colonize the host. Here, we focus on the sRNA, named MavR (metabolism and virulence regulator), that is conserved among pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae. MavR is constitutively expressed under in vitro conditions that promote EHEC virulence gene expression. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing, the eutR transcript was identified as a putative target of MavR. EutR is a transcription factor that promotes expression of genes required for ethanolamine metabolism as well as virulence factors important for host colonization. MavR binds to the eutR coding sequence to protect the eutR transcript from RNase E-mediated degradation. Ultimately, MavR promotes EutR expression and in turn ethanolamine utilization and ethanolamine-dependent growth. RNAseq analyses revealed that MavR also affected expression of genes important for other metabolic pathways, motility, oxidative stress and attaching and effacing lesion formation, which contribute to EHEC colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. In support of the idea that MavR-dependent gene expression affects fitness during infection, deletion of mavR resulted in significant (∼10- to 100-fold) attenuation in colonization of the mammalian intestine. Altogether, these studies reveal an important, extensive, and robust phenotype for a bacterial sRNA in host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber B Sauder
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Melissa M Kendall
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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28
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Wale KR, Cottam C, Connolly JP, Roe AJ. Transcriptional and metabolic regulation of EHEC and Citrobacter rodentium pathogenesis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:70-75. [PMID: 34224961 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a gastrointestinal pathogen that colonizes the colonic epithelium of humans and ruminants using a Type Three Secretion System (T3SS). This system is indispensable for disease and is regulated in response to a plethora of host and microbiota derived signals. The murine pathogen, Citrobacter rodentium, has become an instrumental tool in studying EHEC infection mechanisms in vivo, given its natural ability to infect mice and reliance on the same colonisation machinery. Here, we provide a review of the most recent advancements in EHEC infection biology, focusing on transcriptional regulation of the T3SS in response to physiologically relevant signals and how colonisation impacts on the metabolic micro-environment of the host niche. We pay particular attention to studies that have employed the C. rodentium model for elucidation of such mechanisms in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabo R Wale
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Curtis Cottam
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - James Pr Connolly
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Andrew J Roe
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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29
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Prentice MB. Bacterial microcompartments and their role in pathogenicity. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:19-28. [PMID: 34107380 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Catabolic bacterial microcompartments (BMC), or metabolosomes, are self-assembling structures formed by enzymes enclosed by porous protein shells. They provide a specialised environment inside bacterial cells separating a short catabolic pathway with reactive or toxic intermediates from the cytoplasm. Substrates for microcompartment metabolism like ethanolamine and 1,2-propanediol are constantly produced in the human intestine by bacterial metabolism of food or host cell components. Enteric pathogens gain a competitive advantage in the intestine by metabolising these substrates, an advantage enhanced by the host inflammatory response. They exploit the intestinal specificity of signature metabolosome substrates by adopting substrate sensors and regulators encoded by BMC operons for governance of non-metabolic processes in pathogenesis. In turn, products of microcompartment metabolism regulate the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Prentice
- Department of Pathology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland.
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30
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Engevik MA, Danhof HA, Auchtung J, Endres BT, Ruan W, Bassères E, Engevik AC, Wu Q, Nicholson M, Luna RA, Garey KW, Crawford SE, Estes MK, Lux R, Yacyshyn MB, Yacyshyn B, Savidge T, Britton RA, Versalovic J. Fusobacteriumnucleatum Adheres to Clostridioides difficile via the RadD Adhesin to Enhance Biofilm Formation in Intestinal Mucus. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:1301-1314.e8. [PMID: 33227279 PMCID: PMC7956072 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is known to involve the disruption of the gut microbiota, little is understood regarding how mucus-associated microbes interact with C difficile. We hypothesized that select mucus-associated bacteria would promote C difficile colonization and biofilm formation. METHODS To create a model of the human intestinal mucus layer and gut microbiota, we used bioreactors inoculated with healthy human feces, treated with clindamycin and infected with C difficile with the addition of human MUC2-coated coverslips. RESULTS C difficile was found to colonize and form biofilms on MUC2-coated coverslips, and 16S rRNA sequencing showed a unique biofilm profile with substantial cocolonization with Fusobacterium species. Consistent with our bioreactor data, publicly available data sets and patient stool samples showed that a subset of patients with C difficile infection harbored high levels of Fusobacterium species. We observed colocalization of C difficile and F nucleatum in an aggregation assay using adult patients and stool of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease and in tissue sections of patients with CDI. C difficile strains were found to coaggregate with F nucleatum subspecies in vitro; an effect that was inhibited by blocking or mutating the adhesin RadD on Fusobacterium and removal of flagella on C difficile. Aggregation was shown to be unique between F nucleatum and C difficile, because other gut commensals did not aggregate with C difficile. Addition of F nucleatum also enhanced C difficile biofilm formation and extracellular polysaccharide production. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data show a unique interaction of between pathogenic C difficile and F nucleatum in the intestinal mucus layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda A. Engevik
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of
Medicine,Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Department of
Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Heather A. Danhof
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor
College of Medicine
| | - Jennifer Auchtung
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor
College of Medicine,Department of Food Science and Technology, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln
| | - Bradley T. Endres
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research,
University of Houston College of Pharmacy
| | - Wenly Ruan
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of
Medicine,Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Department of
Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Eugénie Bassères
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research,
University of Houston College of Pharmacy
| | - Amy C. Engevik
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center
| | - Qinglong Wu
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of
Medicine,Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Department of
Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | | | - Ruth Ann Luna
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of
Medicine,Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Department of
Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Kevin W. Garey
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research,
University of Houston College of Pharmacy
| | - Sue E. Crawford
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor
College of Medicine
| | - Mary K. Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor
College of Medicine,Department of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center
| | - Renate Lux
- Department of Periodontics, University of California Los
Angeles School of Dentistry
| | - Mary Beth Yacyshyn
- Department of Medicine Division of Digestive Diseases
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Bruce Yacyshyn
- Department of Medicine Division of Digestive Diseases
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Tor Savidge
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of
Medicine,Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Department of
Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Robert A. Britton
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor
College of Medicine
| | - James Versalovic
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of
Medicine,Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Department of
Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital
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31
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Straub TJ, Chou WC, Manson AL, Schreiber HL, Walker BJ, Desjardins CA, Chapman SB, Kaspar KL, Kahsai OJ, Traylor E, Dodson KW, Hullar MAJ, Hultgren SJ, Khoo C, Earl AM. Limited effects of long-term daily cranberry consumption on the gut microbiome in a placebo-controlled study of women with recurrent urinary tract infections. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:53. [PMID: 33596852 PMCID: PMC7890861 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 15 million women each year in the United States, with > 20% experiencing frequent recurrent UTIs. A recent placebo-controlled clinical trial found a 39% reduction in UTI symptoms among recurrent UTI sufferers who consumed a daily cranberry beverage for 24 weeks. Using metagenomic sequencing of stool from a subset of these trial participants, we assessed the impact of cranberry consumption on the gut microbiota, a reservoir for UTI-causing pathogens such as Escherichia coli, which causes > 80% of UTIs. RESULTS The overall taxonomic composition, community diversity, carriage of functional pathways and gene families, and relative abundances of the vast majority of observed bacterial taxa, including E. coli, were not changed significantly by cranberry consumption. However, one unnamed Flavonifractor species (OTU41), which represented ≤1% of the overall metagenome, was significantly less abundant in cranberry consumers compared to placebo at trial completion. Given Flavonifractor's association with negative human health effects, we sought to determine OTU41 characteristic genes that may explain its differential abundance and/or relationship to key host functions. Using comparative genomic and metagenomic techniques, we identified genes in OTU41 related to transport and metabolism of various compounds, including tryptophan and cobalamin, which have been shown to play roles in host-microbe interactions. CONCLUSION While our results indicated that cranberry juice consumption had little impact on global measures of the microbiome, we found one unnamed Flavonifractor species differed significantly between study arms. This suggests further studies are needed to assess the role of cranberry consumption and Flavonifractor in health and wellbeing in the context of recurrent UTI. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01776021 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Straub
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Abigail L Manson
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Henry L Schreiber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Bruce J Walker
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Christopher A Desjardins
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Sinéad B Chapman
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Orsalem J Kahsai
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Traylor
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karen W Dodson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Meredith A J Hullar
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott J Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Ashlee M Earl
- Infectious Disease & Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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Cho JY, Liu R, Macbeth JC, Hsiao A. The Interface of Vibrio cholerae and the Gut Microbiome. Gut Microbes 2021; 13:1937015. [PMID: 34180341 PMCID: PMC8244777 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1937015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is the etiologic agent of the severe human diarrheal disease cholera. The gut microbiome, or the native community of microorganisms found in the human gastrointestinal tract, is increasingly being recognized as a factor in driving susceptibility to infection, in vivo fitness, and host interactions of this pathogen. Here, we review a subset of the emerging studies in how gut microbiome structure and microbial function are able to drive V. cholerae virulence gene regulation, metabolism, and modulate host immune responses to cholera infection and vaccination. Improved mechanistic understanding of commensal-pathogen interactions offers new perspectives in the design of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for cholera control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y. Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - John C. Macbeth
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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A Toxic Environment: a Growing Understanding of How Microbial Communities Affect Escherichia coli O157:H7 Shiga Toxin Expression. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.00509-20. [PMID: 32358004 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00509-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains, including E. coli O157:H7, cause severe illness in humans due to the production of Shiga toxin (Stx) and other virulence factors. Because Stx is coregulated with lambdoid prophage induction, its expression is especially susceptible to environmental cues. Infections with Stx-producing E. coli can be difficult to model due to the wide range of disease outcomes: some infections are relatively mild, while others have serious complications. Probiotic organisms, members of the gut microbiome, and organic acids can depress Stx production, in many cases by inhibiting the growth of EHEC strains. On the other hand, the factors currently known to amplify Stx act via their effect on the stx-converting phage. Here, we characterize two interactive mechanisms that increase Stx production by O157:H7 strains: first, direct interactions with phage-susceptible E. coli, and second, indirect amplification by secreted factors. Infection of susceptible strains by the stx-converting phage can expand the Stx-producing population in a human or animal host, and phage infection has been shown to modulate virulence in vitro and in vivo Acellular factors, particularly colicins and microcins, can kill O157:H7 cells but may also trigger Stx expression in the process. Colicins, microcins, and other bacteriocins have diverse cellular targets, and many such molecules remain uncharacterized. The identification of additional Stx-amplifying microbial interactions will improve our understanding of E. coli O157:H7 infections and help elucidate the intricate regulation of pathogenicity in EHEC strains.
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Taddese R, Garza DR, Ruiter LN, de Jonge MI, Belzer C, Aalvink S, Nagtegaal ID, Dutilh BE, Boleij A. Growth rate alterations of human colorectal cancer cells by 157 gut bacteria. Gut Microbes 2020; 12:1-20. [PMID: 32915102 PMCID: PMC7524400 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1799733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several bacteria in the human gut microbiome have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) by high-throughput screens. In some cases, molecular mechanisms have been elucidated that drive tumorigenesis, including bacterial membrane proteins or secreted molecules that interact with the human cancer cells. For most gut bacteria, however, it remains unknown if they enhance or inhibit cancer cell growth. Here, we screened bacteria-free supernatants (secretomes) and inactivated cells of over 150 cultured bacterial strains for their effects on cell growth. We observed family-level and strain-level effects that often differed between bacterial cells and secretomes, suggesting that different molecular mechanisms are at play. Secretomes of Bacteroidaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae bacteria enhanced cell growth, while most Fusobacteriaceae cells and secretomes inhibited growth, contrasting prior findings. In some bacteria, the presence of specific functional genes was associated with cell growth rates, including the virulence genes TcdA, TcdB in Clostridiales and FadA in Fusobacteriaceae, which both inhibited growth. Bacteroidaceae cells that enhanced growth were enriched for genes of the cobalamin synthesis pathway, while Fusobacteriaceae cells that inhibit growth were enriched for genes of the ethanolamine utilization pathway. Together, our results reveal how different gut bacteria have wide-ranging effects on cell growth, contribute a better understanding of the effects of the gut microbiome on host cells, and provide a valuable resource for identifying candidate target genes for potential microbiome-based diagnostics and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahwa Taddese
- Department of Pathology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel R. Garza
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian N. Ruiter
- Department of Pathology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marien I. de Jonge
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Clara Belzer
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Aalvink
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris D. Nagtegaal
- Department of Pathology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas E. Dutilh
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,CONTACT Bas E.Dutilh Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Boleij
- Department of Pathology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Annemarie Boleij Department of Pathology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Anast JM, Bobik TA, Schmitz-Esser S. The Cobalamin-Dependent Gene Cluster of Listeria monocytogenes: Implications for Virulence, Stress Response, and Food Safety. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:601816. [PMID: 33240255 PMCID: PMC7677406 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.601816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several genes of the eut, pdu, and cob/cbi operons are responsible for the metabolism of ethanolamine (EA) and 1,2-propanediol (PD) and are essential during the pathogenic lifecycles of various enteric pathogens. Studies concerning EA and PD metabolism have primarily focused on bacterial genera from the family Enterobacteriaceae, especially the genus Salmonella. Listeria monocytogenes is a member of the Firmicutes phylum and is the causative agent of the rare but highly fatal foodborne disease listeriosis. The eut, pdu, and cob/cbi operons are organized as a single large locus collectively referred to as the cobalamin-dependent gene cluster (CDGC). The CDGC is well conserved in L. monocytogenes; however, functional characterization of the genes in this cluster and how they may contribute to Listeria virulence and stress tolerance in food production environments is highly limited. Previous work suggests that the degradation pathway of PD is essential for L. monocytogenes establishment in the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, EA metabolism may be more important during intracellular replication. Other studies indicate that the CDGC is utilized when L. monocytogenes is exposed to food and food production relevant stress conditions. Perhaps most noteworthy, L. monocytogenes exhibits attenuated growth at cold temperatures when a key EA utilization pathway gene was deleted. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of these pathways in L. monocytogenes and their significance in virulence and stress tolerance, especially considering recent developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Anast
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Thomas A Bobik
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Stephan Schmitz-Esser
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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36
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Stewart KL, Stewart AM, Bobik TA. Prokaryotic Organelles: Bacterial Microcompartments in E. coli and Salmonella. EcoSal Plus 2020; 9:10.1128/ecosalplus.ESP-0025-2019. [PMID: 33030141 PMCID: PMC7552817 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0025-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are proteinaceous organelles consisting of a metabolic pathway encapsulated within a selectively permeable protein shell. Hundreds of species of bacteria produce MCPs of at least nine different types, and MCP metabolism is associated with enteric pathogenesis, cancer, and heart disease. This review focuses chiefly on the four types of catabolic MCPs (metabolosomes) found in Escherichia coli and Salmonella: the propanediol utilization (pdu), ethanolamine utilization (eut), choline utilization (cut), and glycyl radical propanediol (grp) MCPs. Although the great majority of work done on catabolic MCPs has been carried out with Salmonella and E. coli, research outside the group is mentioned where necessary for a comprehensive understanding. Salient characteristics found across MCPs are discussed, including enzymatic reactions and shell composition, with particular attention paid to key differences between classes of MCPs. We also highlight relevant research on the dynamic processes of MCP assembly, protein targeting, and the mechanisms that underlie selective permeability. Lastly, we discuss emerging biotechnology applications based on MCP principles and point out challenges, unanswered questions, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Stewart
- The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA 50011
| | - Andrew M. Stewart
- The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA 50011
| | - Thomas A. Bobik
- The Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA 50011
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37
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The Ethanolamine-Sensing Transcription Factor EutR Promotes Virulence and Transmission during Citrobacter rodentium Intestinal Infection. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00137-20. [PMID: 32631916 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00137-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric pathogens exploit chemical and nutrient signaling to gauge their location within a host and control expression of traits important for infection. Ethanolamine-containing molecules are essential in host physiology and play important roles in intestinal processes. The transcription factor EutR is conserved in the Enterobacteriaceae and is required for ethanolamine sensing and metabolism. In enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7, EutR responds to ethanolamine to activate expression of traits required for host colonization and disease; however, the importance of EutR to EHEC intestinal infection has not been examined. Because EHEC does not naturally colonize or cause disease in mice, we employed the natural murine pathogen Citrobacter rodentium as a model of EHEC virulence to investigate the importance of EutR in vivo EHEC and C. rodentium possess the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), which is the canonical virulence trait of attaching and effacing pathogens. Our findings demonstrate that ethanolamine sensing and EutR-dependent regulation of the LEE are conserved in C. rodentium Moreover, during infection, EutR is required for maximal LEE expression, colonization, and transmission efficiency. These findings reveal that EutR not only is important for persistence during the primary host infection cycle but also is required for maintenance in a host population.
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38
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Uebanso T, Shimohata T, Mawatari K, Takahashi A. Functional Roles of B‐Vitamins in the Gut and Gut Microbiome. Mol Nutr Food Res 2020; 64:e2000426. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Uebanso
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Graduate School Tokushima 770–8503 Japan
| | - Takaaki Shimohata
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Graduate School Tokushima 770–8503 Japan
| | - Kazuaki Mawatari
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Graduate School Tokushima 770–8503 Japan
| | - Akira Takahashi
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Graduate School Tokushima 770–8503 Japan
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Short Chain Fatty Acids Modulate the Growth and Virulence of Pathosymbiont Escherichia coli and Host Response. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080462. [PMID: 32751519 PMCID: PMC7460008 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Short chain fatty acids (SCFA), principally acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are produced by fermentation of dietary fibers by the gut microbiota. SCFA regulate the growth and virulence of enteric pathogens, such as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), Klebsiella and Salmonella. We sought to investigate the impact of SCFA on growth and virulence of pathosymbiont E. coli associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC), and their role in regulating host responses to bacterial infection in vitro. We found that under ileal conditions (pH = 7.4; 12 mM total SCFA), SCFA significantly (p < 0.05) potentiate the growth and motility of pathosymbiont E. coli. However, under colonic conditions (pH = 6.5; 65 to 123 mM total SCFA), SCFA significantly (p < 0.05) inhibit growth in a pH dependent fashion (up to 60%), and down-regulate virulence gene expression (e.g., fliC, fimH, htrA, chuA, pks). Functional analysis reveals that colonic SCFA significantly (p < 0.05) inhibit E. coli motility (up to 95%), infectivity (up to 60%), and type 1 fimbria-mediated agglutination (up to 50%). In addition, SCFA significantly (p < 0.05) inhibit the activation of NF-κB, and IL-8 production by epithelial cells. Our findings provide novel insights on the role of the regional chemical microenvironment in regulating the growth and virulence of pathosymbiont E. coli and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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40
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Parallel quorum-sensing system in Vibrio cholerae prevents signal interference inside the host. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008313. [PMID: 32059031 PMCID: PMC7046293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) to regulate virulence factor production in response to changes in population density. QS is mediated through the production, secretion, and detection of signaling molecules called autoinducers (AIs) to modulate population-wide behavioral changes. Four histidine kinases, LuxPQ, CqsS, CqsR and VpsS, have been identified in Vibrio cholerae as QS receptors to activate virulence gene expression at low cell density. Detection of AIs by these receptors leads to virulence gene repression at high cell density. The redundancy among these receptors is puzzling since any one of the four receptors is sufficient to support colonization of V. cholerae in the host small intestine. It is believed that one of the functions of such circuit architecture is to prevent interference on any single QS receptor. However, it is unclear what natural molecules can interfere V. cholerae QS and in what environment interference is detrimental. We show here mutants expressing only CqsR without the other three QS receptors are defective in colonizing the host large intestine. We identified ethanolamine, a common intestinal metabolite that can function as a chemical source of QS interference. Ethanolamine specifically interacts with the ligand-binding CACHE domain of CqsR and induces a premature QS response in V. cholerae mutants expressing only CqsR without the other three QS receptors. The effect of ethanolamine on QS gene expression and host colonization is abolished by mutations that disrupt CqsR signal sensing. V. cholerae defective in producing ethanolamine is still proficient in QS, therefore, ethanolamine functions only as an external cue for CqsR. Our findings suggest the inhibitory effect of ethanolamine on CqsR could be a possible source of QS interference but is masked by the presence of the other parallel QS pathways, allowing V. cholerae to robustly colonize the host. Many pathogens use quorum sensing (QS) to regulate virulence gene expression for their survival and adaptation inside hosts. QS depends on the production and detection of chemical signals called autoinducers made endogenously by the bacteria. However, chemicals present in the surrounding environment could potentially lead to quorum signal interference, resulting in mis-regulation of virulence factor production and preventing effective host colonization. We show here ethanolamine, a metabolite commonly found inside the mammalian intestine, modulates the activity of one of the QS receptors in Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of the disease cholera. Despite the abundance of this common metabolite inside the host, by integrating multiple parallel signal inputs into its QS system, V. cholerae has evolved to maintain QS fidelity and avoids signal interference to allow robust colonization of the host.
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41
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Jimenez AG, Ellermann M, Abbott W, Sperandio V. Diet-derived galacturonic acid regulates virulence and intestinal colonization in enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Citrobacter rodentium. Nat Microbiol 2019; 5:368-378. [PMID: 31873206 PMCID: PMC6992478 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Enteric pathogens sense the complex chemistry within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to efficiently compete with the resident microbiota and establish a colonization niche. Here we show that enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), and its surrogate murine infection model Citrobacter rodentium, sense galacturonic-acid to initiate a multi-layered program towards successful mammalian infection. Galacturonic-acid utilization as a carbon source aids the initial pathogen expansion. The main source of galacturonic-acid is dietary pectin, which is broken into galacturonic-acid by the prominent member of the microbiota, Bacteroides thetaiotamicron (Bt). This regulation occurs through the ExuR transcription factor. However, galacturonic-acid is also sensed as a signal through ExuR to modulate the expression of the genes encoding a molecular syringe known as a type three secretion system (T3SS) leading to infectious colitis and inflammation. Galacturonic-acid moonlights as a nutrient and a signal directing the exquisite microbiota-pathogen relationships within the GI tract. Importantly, this work highlights that differential dietary sugar availability impacts the relationship between the microbiota and enteric pathogens, as well as disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel G Jimenez
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Melissa Ellermann
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Wade Abbott
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vanessa Sperandio
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Enterococcus faecalis Enhances Expression and Activity of the Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Type III Secretion System. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02547-19. [PMID: 31744919 PMCID: PMC6867897 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02547-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota can significantly impact invading pathogens and the disease they cause; however, many of the mechanisms that dictate commensal-pathogen interactions remain unclear. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a potentially lethal human intestinal pathogen that uses microbiota-derived molecules as cues to efficiently regulate virulence factor expression. Here, we investigate the interaction between EHEC and Enterococcus faecalis, a common human gut commensal, and show that E. faecalis affects both expression and activity of the EHEC type III secretion system (T3SS) via two distinct mechanisms. First, in the presence of E. faecalis there is increased transcription of genes encoding the EHEC T3SS. This leads to increased effector translocation and ultimately greater numbers of pedestals formed on host cells. The same effect was observed with several strains of enterococci, suggesting that it is a general characteristic of this group. In a mechanism separate from E. faecalis-induced transcription of the T3SS, we report that an E. faecalis-secreted protease, GelE, cleaves a critical structural component of the EHEC T3SS, EspB. Our data suggest that this cleavage actually increases effector translocation by the T3SS, supporting a model where EspB proteolysis promotes maximum T3SS activity. Finally, we report that treatment of EHEC with E. faecalis-conditioned cell-free medium is insufficient to induce increased T3SS expression, suggesting that this effect relies on cell contact between E. faecalis and EHEC. This work demonstrates a complex interaction between a human commensal and pathogen that impacts both expression and function of a critical virulence factor.IMPORTANCE This work reveals a complex and multifaceted interaction between a human gut commensal, Enterococcus faecalis, and a pathogen, enterohemorrhagic E. coli We demonstrate that E. faecalis enhances expression of the enterohemorrhagic E. coli type III secretion system and that this effect likely depends on cell contact between the commensal and the pathogen. Additionally, the GelE protease secreted by E. faecalis cleaves a critical structural component of the EHEC type III secretion system. In agreement with previous studies, we find that this cleavage actually increases effector protein delivery into host cells by the secretion system. This work demonstrates that commensal bacteria can significantly shape expression and activity of pathogen virulence factors, which may ultimately shape the progression of disease.
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Liu Y, Liu B, Yang P, Wang T, Chang Z, Wang J, Wang Q, Li W, Wu J, Huang D, Jiang L, Yang B. LysR-type transcriptional regulator OvrB encoded in O island 9 drives enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 virulence. Virulence 2019; 10:783-792. [PMID: 31502495 PMCID: PMC6768210 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1661721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 (O157) is a major foodborne pathogen that causes severe illness in humans worldwide. The genome of O157 contains 177 genomic islands known as O islands (OIs), including Shiga toxin-converting phages (OI-45 and OI-93) and the locus for enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island (OI-148). However, most genes in OIs are uncharacterized and code for unknown functions. In this study, we demonstrated, for the first time, that OI-9 encodes a novel transcriptional activator, Z0346 (named OvrB), which is required for bacterial adherence to host cells and LEE gene expression in O157. OvrB directly binds to the promoter region of LEE1 and activates the transcription of ler (encoding a master regulator of LEE genes), which in turn activates LEE1–5 genes to promote O157 adherence. Furthermore, mouse oral infection assays showed that OvrB promotes O157 colonization in the mouse intestine. Finally, OvrB is shown to be a widespread transcriptional activator of virulence genes in other enterohemorrhagic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotypes. Our work significantly expands the understanding of bacterial virulence control and provides new evidence suggesting that horizontally transferred regulator genes mediate LEE gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Liu
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Bin Liu
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Pan Yang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Zhanhe Chang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Junyue Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Wendi Li
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Jialin Wu
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Di Huang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Lingyan Jiang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
| | - Bin Yang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA , Tianjin , P. R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education , Tianjin , P. R. China
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44
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Kumar A, Ellermann M, Sperandio V. Taming the Beast: Interplay between Gut Small Molecules and Enteric Pathogens. Infect Immun 2019; 87:e00131-19. [PMID: 31262983 PMCID: PMC6704596 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00131-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria that are becoming increasingly dangerous to human health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause at least 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths in the United States annually. Traditionally, antibiotics are bactericidal or bacteriostatic agents that place selective pressure on bacteria, leading to the expansion of antibiotic-resistant strains. In addition, antibiotics that are effective against some pathogens can also exacerbate their pathogenesis and may lead to severe progression of the disease. Therefore, alternative strategies are needed to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. One novel approach is to target bacterial virulence to prevent or limit pathogen colonization, while also minimizing tissue damage and disease comorbidities in the host. This review focuses on the interactions between enteric pathogens and naturally occurring small molecules in the human gut as potential therapeutic targets for antivirulence strategies. Individual small molecules in the intestines modulate enteric pathogen virulence and subsequent intestinal fitness and colonization. Targeted interruption of pathogen sensing of these small molecules could therefore attenuate their virulence. This review highlights the paths of discovery for new classes of antimicrobials that could potentially mitigate the urgent problem of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Melissa Ellermann
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Vanessa Sperandio
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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45
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Melchior K, Moreira CG. Novel non-flagellated surface motility mediated by chemical signaling in Citrobacter rodentium. Braz J Microbiol 2019; 50:881-886. [PMID: 31456170 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-019-00123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are human intestinal pathogens of clinical importance and their mechanism of pathogenicity is widely studied. However, both EHEC and EPEC poorly infect mice, whereas they do not develop important characteristics of the disease, hindering studies about mechanisms of virulence in vivo. Citrobacter rodentium exhibits high similarity of its genes with these human pathogens, including the island of pathogenicity Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE). Therefore, C. rodentium becomes an alternative in vivo model for microorganisms that harbor LEE. The QseC directly regulates LEE as well as virulence mechanisms on these pathogens. Here, we report a novel surface motility in C. rodentium QseC-mediated in this non-flagellated bacterium. Moreover, we show norepinephrine and ethanolamine act as environmental signals in this movement. Hence, this study clarifies a novel role of the sensor QseC in completely unreported motility process of C. rodentium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Melchior
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rod. Araraquara-Jaú, Km 01, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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46
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Bacterial Microcompartment-Mediated Ethanolamine Metabolism in Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00211-19. [PMID: 31138611 PMCID: PMC6652756 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00211-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and in general are caused by intestinal uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) ascending via the urethra. Microcompartment-mediated catabolism of ethanolamine, a host cell breakdown product, fuels the competitive overgrowth of intestinal E. coli, both pathogenic enterohemorrhagic E. coli and commensal strains. During a UTI, urease-negative E. coli bacteria thrive, despite the comparative nutrient limitation in urine. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and in general are caused by intestinal uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) ascending via the urethra. Microcompartment-mediated catabolism of ethanolamine, a host cell breakdown product, fuels the competitive overgrowth of intestinal E. coli, both pathogenic enterohemorrhagic E. coli and commensal strains. During a UTI, urease-negative E. coli bacteria thrive, despite the comparative nutrient limitation in urine. The role of ethanolamine as a potential nutrient source during UTIs is understudied. We evaluated the role of the metabolism of ethanolamine as a potential nitrogen and carbon source for UPEC in the urinary tract. We analyzed infected urine samples by culture, high-performance liquid chromatography, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and genomic sequencing. The ethanolamine concentration in urine was comparable to the concentration of the most abundant reported urinary amino acid, d-serine. Transcription of the eut operon was detected in the majority of urine samples containing E. coli screened. All sequenced UPEC strains had conserved eut operons, while metabolic genotypes previously associated with UTI (dsdCXA, metE) were mainly limited to phylogroup B2. In vitro ethanolamine was found to be utilized as a sole source of nitrogen by UPEC strains. The metabolism of ethanolamine in artificial urine medium (AUM) induced metabolosome formation and provided a growth advantage at the physiological levels found in urine. Interestingly, eutE (which encodes acetaldehyde dehydrogenase) was required for UPEC strains to utilize ethanolamine to gain a growth advantage in AUM, suggesting that ethanolamine is also utilized as a carbon source. These data suggest that urinary ethanolamine is a significant additional carbon and nitrogen source for infecting E. coli strains.
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47
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Ravcheev DA, Moussu L, Smajic S, Thiele I. Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals Novel Microcompartment-Associated Metabolic Pathways in the Human Gut Microbiome. Front Genet 2019; 10:636. [PMID: 31333721 PMCID: PMC6620236 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments are self-assembling subcellular structures surrounded by a semipermeable protein shell and found only in bacteria, but not archaea or eukaryotes. The general functions of the bacterial microcompartments are to concentrate enzymes, metabolites, and cofactors for multistep pathways; maintain the cofactor ratio; protect the cell from toxic metabolic intermediates; and protect the encapsulated pathway from unwanted side reactions. The bacterial microcompartments were suggested to play a significant role in organisms of the human gut microbiome, especially for various pathogens. Here, we used a comparative genomics approach to analyze the bacterial microcompartments in 646 individual genomes of organisms commonly found in the human gut microbiome. The bacterial microcompartments were found in 150 (23.2%) analyzed genomes. These microcompartments include previously known ones for the utilization of ethanolamine, 1,2-propanediol, choline, and fucose/rhamnose. Moreover, we reconstructed two novel pathways associated with the bacterial microcompartments. These pathways are catabolic pathways for the utilization of 1-amino-2-propanol/1-amino-2-propanone and xanthine. Remarkably, the xanthine utilization pathway does not demonstrate similarity to previously known microcompartment-associated pathways. Thus, we describe a novel type of bacterial microcompartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry A Ravcheev
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.,Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Lubin Moussu
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Semra Smajic
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Ines Thiele
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.,Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Discipline of Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
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48
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The sRNA DicF integrates oxygen sensing to enhance enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli virulence via distinctive RNA control mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:14210-14215. [PMID: 31235565 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902725116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To establish infection, enteric pathogens integrate environmental cues to navigate the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and precisely control expression of virulence determinants. During passage through the GIT, pathogens encounter relatively high levels of oxygen in the small intestine before transit to the oxygen-limited environment of the colon. However, how bacterial pathogens sense oxygen availability and coordinate expression of virulence traits is not resolved. Here, we demonstrate that enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) regulates virulence via the oxygen-responsive small RNA DicF. Under oxygen-limited conditions, DicF enhances global expression of the EHEC type three secretion system, which is a key virulence factor required for host colonization, through the transcriptional activator PchA. Mechanistically, the pchA coding sequence (CDS) base pairs with the 5' untranslated region of the mRNA to sequester the ribosome binding site (RBS) and inhibit translation. DicF disrupts pchA cis-interactions by binding to the pchA CDS, thereby unmasking the pchA RBS and promoting PchA expression. These findings uncover a feed-forward regulatory pathway that involves distinctive mechanisms of RNA-based regulation and that provides spatiotemporal control of EHEC virulence.
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49
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Lengfelder I, Sava IG, Hansen JJ, Kleigrewe K, Herzog J, Neuhaus K, Hofmann T, Sartor RB, Haller D. Complex Bacterial Consortia Reprogram the Colitogenic Activity of Enterococcus faecalis in a Gnotobiotic Mouse Model of Chronic, Immune-Mediated Colitis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1420. [PMID: 31281321 PMCID: PMC6596359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with compositional and functional changes of the intestinal microbiota, but specific contributions of individual bacteria to chronic intestinal inflammation remain unclear. Enterococcus faecalis is a resident member of the human intestinal core microbiota that has been linked to the pathogenesis of IBD and induces chronic colitis in susceptible monoassociated IL-10-deficient (IL-10−/−) mice. In this study, we characterized the colitogenic activity of E. faecalis as part of a simplified human microbial consortium based on seven enteric bacterial strains (SIHUMI). RNA sequencing analysis of E. faecalis isolated from monoassociated wild type and IL-10−/− mice identified 408 genes including 14 genes of the ethanolamine utilization (eut) locus that were significantly up-regulated in response to inflammation. Despite considerable up-regulation of eut genes, deletion of ethanolamine utilization (ΔeutVW) had no impact on E. faecalis colitogenic activity in monoassociated IL-10−/− mice. However, replacement of the E. faecalis wild type bacteria by a ΔeutVW mutant in SIHUMI-colonized IL-10−/− mice resulted in exacerbated colitis, suggesting protective functions of E. faecalis ethanolamine utilization in complex bacterial communities. To better understand E. faecalis gene response in the presence of other microbes, we purified wild type E. faecalis cells from the colon content of SIHUMI-colonized wild type and IL-10−/− mice using immuno-magnetic separation and performed RNA sequencing. Transcriptional profiling revealed that the bacterial environment reprograms E. faecalis gene expression in response to inflammation, with the majority of differentially expressed genes not being shared between monocolonized and SIHUMI conditions. While in E. faecalis monoassociation a general bacterial stress response could be observed, expression of E. faecalis genes in SIHUMI-colonized mice was characterized by up-regulation of genes involved in growth and replication. Interestingly, in mice colonized with SIHUMI lacking E. faecalis enhanced inflammation was observed in comparison to SIHUMI-colonized mice, supporting the hypothesis that E. faecalis ethanolamine metabolism protects against colitis in complex consortia. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that complex bacterial consortia interactions reprogram the gene expression profile and colitogenic activity of the opportunistic pathogen E. faecalis toward a protective function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Lengfelder
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Irina G Sava
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Jonathan J Hansen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Karin Kleigrewe
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Jeremy Herzog
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Klaus Neuhaus
- ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,ZIEL Core Facility Microbiome, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Hofmann
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - R Balfour Sartor
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Dirk Haller
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
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50
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Ormsby MJ, Logan M, Johnson SA, McIntosh A, Fallata G, Papadopoulou R, Papachristou E, Hold GL, Hansen R, Ijaz UZ, Russell RK, Gerasimidis K, Wall DM. Inflammation associated ethanolamine facilitates infection by Crohn's disease-linked adherent-invasive Escherichia coli. EBioMedicine 2019; 43:325-332. [PMID: 31036531 PMCID: PMC6557746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The predominance of specific bacteria such as adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) within the Crohn's disease (CD) intestine remains poorly understood with little evidence uncovered to support a selective pressure underlying their presence. Intestinal ethanolamine is however readily accessible during periods of intestinal inflammation, and enables pathogens to outcompete the host microbiota under such circumstances. METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) to determine expression of genes central to ethanolamine metabolism; transmission electron microscopy to detect presence of bacterial microcompartments (MCPs); in vitro infections of both murine and human macrophage cell lines examining intracellular replication of the AIEC-type strain LF82 and clinical E. coli isolates in the presence of ethanolamine; determination of E. coli ethanolamine utilization (eut) operon transcription in faecal samples from healthy patients, patients with active CD and the same patients in remission following treatment. RESULTS Growth on the intestinal short chain fatty acid propionic acid (PA) stimulates significantly increased transcription of the eut operon (fold change relative to glucose: >16.9; p-value <.01). Additionally ethanolamine was accessible to intra-macrophage AIEC and stimulated significant increases in growth intracellularly when it was added extracellularly at concentrations comparable to those in the human intestine. Finally, qRT-PCR indicated that expression of the E. coli eut operon was increased in children with active CD compared to healthy controls (fold change increase: >4.72; P < .02). After clinical remission post-exclusive enteral nutrition treatment, the same CD patients exhibited significantly reduced eut expression (Pre vs Post fold change decrease: >15.64; P < .01). INTERPRETATION Our data indicates a role for ethanolamine metabolism in selecting for AIEC that are consistently overrepresented in the CD intestine. The increased E. coli metabolism of ethanolamine seen in the intestine during active CD, and its decrease during remission, indicates ethanolamine use may be a key factor in shaping the intestinal microbiome in CD patients, particularly during times of inflammation. FUND: This work was funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) grants BB/K008005/1 & BB/P003281/1 to DMW; by a Tenovus Scotland grant to MJO; by Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, Nestle Health Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Catherine McEwan Foundation grants awarded to KG; and by a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) fellowship (NE/L011956/1) to UZI. The IBD team at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow are supported by the Catherine McEwan Foundation and Yorkhill IBD fund. RKR and RH are supported by NHS Research Scotland Senior fellowship awards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Ormsby
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Sir Graeme Davies Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Logan
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Rankine Building, 79-85 Oakfield Ave, Glasgow G12 8LT, United Kingdom
| | - Síle A Johnson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Sir Graeme Davies Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Anne McIntosh
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Sir Graeme Davies Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ghaith Fallata
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Sir Graeme Davies Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
| | - Rodanthi Papadopoulou
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, United Kingdom
| | - Eleftheria Papachristou
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina L Hold
- Microbiome Research Centre, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW, Australia
| | - Richard Hansen
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom
| | - Umer Z Ijaz
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Rankine Building, 79-85 Oakfield Ave, Glasgow G12 8LT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard K Russell
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Gerasimidis
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel M Wall
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Sir Graeme Davies Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom.
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