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Berking BB, Rijpkema SJ, Zhang BHE, Sait A, Amatdjais-Groenen H, Wilson DA. Biofilm Disruption from within: Light-Activated Molecular Drill-Functionalized Polymersomes Bridge the Gap between Membrane Damage and Quorum Sensing-Mediated Cell Death. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024. [PMID: 39176452 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c01177] [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: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms represent an escalating global health concern with the proliferation of drug resistance and hospital-acquired infections annually. Numerous strategies are under exploration to combat biofilms and preempt the development of antibacterial resistance. Among these, mechanical disruption of biofilms and enclosed bacteria presents a promising avenue, aiming to induce membrane permeabilization and consequent lethal damage. Herein, we introduce a hemithioindigo (HTI) motor activated by visible light, capable of disrupting sessile bacteria when integrated into a polymeric vesicle carrier. Under visible light, bacteria exhibited a notable outer membrane permeability, reduced membrane fluidity, and diminished viability following mechanical drilling. Moreover, various genetic responses pertaining to the cell envelope were examined via qRT-PCR, alongside the activation of a self-lysis mechanism associated with phage stress, which was coupled with increases in quorum sensing, demonstrating a potential self-lysis cascade from within. The multifaceted mechanisms of action, coupled with the energy efficiency of mechanical damage, underscore the potential of this system in addressing the challenges posed by pathogenic biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bela B Berking
- Systems Chemistry Department, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6500 HC, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd J Rijpkema
- Systems Chemistry Department, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6500 HC, The Netherlands
| | - Bai H E Zhang
- Systems Chemistry Department, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6500 HC, The Netherlands
| | - Arbaaz Sait
- Systems Chemistry Department, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6500 HC, The Netherlands
| | - Helene Amatdjais-Groenen
- Systems Chemistry Department, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6500 HC, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Systems Chemistry Department, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6500 HC, The Netherlands
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Fessia A, Ponzio R, Arcibia L, Barros G, Nesci A. Effects of different light wavelengths on Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis, two biocontrol agents isolated from the maize phyllosphere. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:104. [PMID: 38363376 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03836-5] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In previous studies, two strains isolated from the maize phyllosphere were identified as Bacillus subtilis (EM-A7) and Bacillus velezensis (EM-A8) and selected as potential biocontrol agents against Exserohilum turcicum. This study aimed to assess the ability of EM-A7 and EM-A8 to form biofilm and have antagonistic activity under varying light conditions. LED sources were custom-designed so that each corresponded to a given spectrum at a specific photosynthetically active photon flux density. Significant differences were observed in growth parameters (generation time and constant growth rate) under different LED sources. Blue light inhibited the growth of both strains. Red increased k rate in EM-A8, while the g values increased in EM-A7. Red and white light generally increased biofilm formation, and blue light inhibited it. EM-A7 and EM-A8 significantly reduced their ability to swim under blue LED, but it was not affected by red, green, or white light. The ability to swarm was negatively affected. Fungal growth decreased significantly compared to the control when the bacterium growing on the same plate had been previously incubated under red and white light or in the dark. These results indicate that different light wavelengths clearly influenced the aspects assessed in B. subtilis and B. velezensis, with the effects of blue light being overall negative and those of red and white overall positive. Given that, all these factors can be important for the establishment and survival of Bacillus strains on leaves, as well as for their effectiveness against pathogens, light could be a significant factor to consider in the design of biocontrol strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aluminé Fessia
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Rodrigo Ponzio
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, CONICET, X5804BYA, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Luciana Arcibia
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Germán Barros
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Nesci
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Blanco-Romero E, Garrido-Sanz D, Durán D, Rybtke M, Tolker-Nielsen T, Redondo-Nieto M, Rivilla R, Martín M. Role of extracellular matrix components in biofilm formation and adaptation of Pseudomonas ogarae F113 to the rhizosphere environment. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1341728. [PMID: 38333580 PMCID: PMC10850567 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1341728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulating the transition of bacteria from motile to sessile lifestyles is crucial for their ability to compete effectively in the rhizosphere environment. Pseudomonas are known to rely on extracellular matrix (ECM) components for microcolony and biofilm formation, allowing them to adapt to a sessile lifestyle. Pseudomonas ogarae F113 possesses eight gene clusters responsible for the production of ECM components. These gene clusters are tightly regulated by AmrZ, a major transcriptional regulator that influences the cellular levels of c-di-GMP. The AmrZ-mediated transcriptional regulation of ECM components is primarily mediated by the signaling molecule c-di-GMP and the flagella master regulator FleQ. To investigate the functional role of these ECM components in P. ogarae F113, we performed phenotypic analyses using mutants in genes encoding these ECM components. These analyses included assessments of colony morphology, dye-staining, static attachment to abiotic surfaces, dynamic biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces, swimming motility, and competitive colonization assays of the rhizosphere. Our results revealed that alginate and PNAG polysaccharides, along with PsmE and the fimbrial low molecular weight protein/tight adherence (Flp/Tad) pilus, are the major ECM components contributing to biofilm formation. Additionally, we found that the majority of these components and MapA are needed for a competitive colonization of the rhizosphere in P. ogarae F113.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Blanco-Romero
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Garrido-Sanz
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Durán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Morten Rybtke
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miguel Redondo-Nieto
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Rivilla
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Martín
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Song Y, Sun M, Mu G, Tuo Y. Exopolysaccharide produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y12 exhibits inhibitory effect on the Shigella flexneri genes expression related to biofilm formation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127048. [PMID: 37748596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Shigella is a specific enteric pathogen in humans, causing symptoms of bacterial dysentery. The biofilm formation of S. flexneri contributes to the emergence of multidrug resistance and facilitates the establishment of persistent chronic infections. This study investigated the regulatory effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y12 exopolysaccharide (L-EPS) on gene expression and its spatial hindrance effects in inhibiting the biofilm formation of S. flexneri. The transcriptome analysis revealed a significant impact of L-EPS on the gene expression profile of S. flexneri, with a total of 968 genes showing significant changes (507 up-regulated and 461 down-regulated). The significantly down-regulated KEGG metabolic pathway enriched in phosphotransferase system, Embden-Meyerhf-Parnas, Citrate cycle, Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, Cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance, Two-component system. Moreover, L-EPS significantly down-regulated the gene expression levels of fimbriae synthesis (fimF), lipopolysaccharide synthesis (lptE, lptB), anchor protein repeat domain (arpA), virulence factor (lpp, yqgB), antibiotic resistance (marR, cusB, mdtL, mdlB), heavy metal resistance (zraP), and polysaccharide synthesis (mtgA, mdoB, mdoC). The expression of biofilm regulator factor (bssS) and two-component system suppressor factor (mgrB) were significantly up-regulated. The RT-qPCR results indicated that a major component of L-EPS (L-EPS 2-1) exhibited the gene regulatory effect on the S. flexneri biofilm formation. Furthermore, electrophoresis and isothermal microtitration calorimetry demonstrated that the interaction between L-EPS 2-1 and eDNA is electrostatic dependent on the change in environmental pH, disrupting the stable spatial structure of S. flexneri biofilm. In conclusion, L-EPS inhibited the biofilm formation of S. flexneri through gene regulation and spatial obstruction effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglong Song
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China
| | - Mengying Sun
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China
| | - Guangqing Mu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China; Dalian Probiotics Function Research Key Laboratory, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Yanfeng Tuo
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China.
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Jarzynka S, Makarewicz O, Weiss D, Minkiewicz-Zochniak A, Iwańska A, Skorupa W, Padzik M, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E, Olędzka G. The Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients-A Single Polish Centre Study. Pathogens 2023; 12:1440. [PMID: 38133323 PMCID: PMC10748198 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121440] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is one of the most predominant pathogens of lung infections, often causing exacerbations in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). MATERIALS AND METHODS Microbiological characterization of 74 PA isolates and to evaluate the correlations between the bacterial features and 44 adult Polish CF cohort clinical parameters. RESULTS The most common variant in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene was F508del (76.3%), followed by 3849+10kbC>T (26.3%). A total of 39.4% of the PA isolates showed multiple resistances. In patients with parameters pointing to a decline in lung function, there was a statistically significant moderate correlation with β-lactam resistance and a weak correlation between hospital frequency and colistin resistance. The mucoidity did not correlate with the biofilm formation ability, which showed 41.9% of the isolates. Proteolytic activity, observed in 60.8% of the clinical isolates, was weakly associated with motility detected in 78.4% of the strains. The genetic profiles of the PA were highly heterogeneous, and a weak positive correlation was established between cluster group and biofilm formation. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that there is a high variety in P. aeruginosa populations in adult CF patients. There is a need to monitor PA strains in groups of patients with cystic fibrosis, in particular, in terms of the occurrence of antibiotic resistance related to a decline in lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Jarzynka
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.-Z.); (M.P.); (G.O.)
| | - Oliwia Makarewicz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (O.M.); (D.W.)
| | - Daniel Weiss
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (O.M.); (D.W.)
| | - Anna Minkiewicz-Zochniak
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.-Z.); (M.P.); (G.O.)
| | - Agnieszka Iwańska
- Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Plocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland; (A.I.); (E.A.-K.)
| | - Wojciech Skorupa
- First Department of Lung Diseases, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Plocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marcin Padzik
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.-Z.); (M.P.); (G.O.)
| | - Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć
- Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Plocka 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland; (A.I.); (E.A.-K.)
| | - Gabriela Olędzka
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Warsaw, Litewska 14/16, 00-575 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.-Z.); (M.P.); (G.O.)
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Zhang S, Yang H, Wang M, Mantovani D, Yang K, Witte F, Tan L, Yue B, Qu X. Immunomodulatory biomaterials against bacterial infections: Progress, challenges, and future perspectives. Innovation (N Y) 2023; 4:100503. [PMID: 37732016 PMCID: PMC10507240 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Even with the use of multiple antibiotic treatment strategies, 4.95 million people died from drug-resistant bacterial infections in 2019. By 2050, the number of deaths will reach 10 million annually. The increasing mortality may be partly due to bacterial heterogeneity in the infection microenvironment, such as drug-resistant bacteria, biofilms, persister cells, intracellular bacteria, and small colony variants. In addition, the complexity of the immune microenvironment at different stages of infection makes biomaterials with direct antimicrobial activity unsatisfactory for the long-term treatment of chronic bacterial infections. The increasing mortality may be partly attributed to the biomaterials failing to modulate the active antimicrobial action of immune cells. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective alternatives to treat bacterial infections. Accordingly, the development of immunomodulatory antimicrobial biomaterials has recently received considerable interest; however, a comprehensive review of their research progress is lacking. In this review, we focus mainly on the research progress and future perspectives of immunomodulatory antimicrobial biomaterials used at different stages of infection. First, we describe the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in the acute and chronic phases of bacterial infections. Then, we highlight the immunomodulatory strategies for antimicrobial biomaterials at different stages of infection and their corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, we discuss biomaterial-mediated bacterial vaccines' potential applications and challenges for activating innate and adaptive immune memory. This review will serve as a reference for future studies to develop next-generation immunomodulatory biomaterials and accelerate their translation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Hongtao Yang
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Minqi Wang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Diego Mantovani
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair I in Biomaterials and Bioengineering for the Innovation in Surgery, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering, Research Center of CHU de Quebec, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Ke Yang
- Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Frank Witte
- Department of Prosthodontics, Geriatric Dentistry and Craniomandibular Disorders, Charite Medical University, Assmannshauser Strasse 4–6, 14197 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lili Tan
- Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bing Yue
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Xinhua Qu
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
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Gheorghita AA, Wozniak DJ, Parsek MR, Howell PL. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm exopolysaccharides: assembly, function, and degradation. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad060. [PMID: 37884397 PMCID: PMC10644985 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad060] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The biofilm matrix is a fortress; sheltering bacteria in a protective and nourishing barrier that allows for growth and adaptation to various surroundings. A variety of different components are found within the matrix including water, lipids, proteins, extracellular DNA, RNA, membrane vesicles, phages, and exopolysaccharides. As part of its biofilm matrix, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is genetically capable of producing three chemically distinct exopolysaccharides - alginate, Pel, and Psl - each of which has a distinct role in biofilm formation and immune evasion during infection. The polymers are produced by highly conserved mechanisms of secretion, involving many proteins that span both the inner and outer bacterial membranes. Experimentally determined structures, predictive modelling of proteins whose structures are yet to be solved, and structural homology comparisons give us insight into the molecular mechanisms of these secretion systems, from polymer synthesis to modification and export. Here, we review recent advances that enhance our understanding of P. aeruginosa multiprotein exopolysaccharide biosynthetic complexes, and how the glycoside hydrolases/lyases within these systems have been commandeered for antimicrobial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea A Gheorghita
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 776 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University College, Biological Sciences Bldg, 105, 484 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Health Sciences Bldg, 1705 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195-7735, United States
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Ferguson DL, Gloag ES, Parsek MR, Wozniak DJ. Extracellular DNA enhances biofilm integrity and mechanical properties of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0023823. [PMID: 37791754 PMCID: PMC10601617 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00238-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common biofilm-forming pathogens responsible for lung infections of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). P. aeruginosa becomes tolerant to antimicrobials in the biofilm state and is difficult to treat. Production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), such as alginate and extracellular DNA (eDNA), can allow adherence to abiotic and biotic surfaces, antimicrobial evasion, and resilience to environmental pressures. Alginate-producing mucoid variants of P. aeruginosa are frequently isolated from CF airway samples and are associated with worsening patient outcomes. While eDNA is a major structural component of nonmucoid P. aeruginosa biofilms, the potential role of eDNA in mucoid biofilms is unclear. Here, we investigate how eDNA contributes to clinical mucoid biofilm physiology and integrity. We predicted that eDNA plays a structural and mechanical role in mucoid biofilms. To test this, we quantified biofilm eDNA in mucoid biofilms and used microscopy and rheology to visualize eDNA and detect changes in biofilm structure and mechanics upon DNaseI treatment. We showed that biofilm eDNA abundance is diverse across clinical mucoid strains and observed a temporal increase in foci of eDNA within intact mucoid biofilms. Increased cell dispersal and reduced biomass were also observed following DNaseI treatment of mucoid biofilms. Degradation of eDNA also impacted the mechanical integrity of mucoid biofilms by increasing the stiffness and decreasing the cohesion of the biofilm. These findings advance our understanding of clinical mucoid P. aeruginosa biofilms and facilitate the development of new approaches to target biofilms by exploiting the functions of EPS components. IMPORTANCE Understanding the role of eDNA in mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms will lead to therapeutic strategies that combat the biophysical and structural function of EPS for the eradication of bacteria in mucoid biofilms during chronic infections. This knowledge can be used to further identify unknown matrix component interactions within pathogenic biofilm-forming clinical isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. Ferguson
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Erin S. Gloag
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew R. Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Hastings CJ, Syed SS, Marques CNH. Subversion of the Complement System by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0001823. [PMID: 37436150 PMCID: PMC10464199 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00018-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen heavily implicated in chronic diseases. Immunocompromised patients that become infected with P. aeruginosa usually are afflicted with a lifelong chronic infection, leading to worsened patient outcomes. The complement system is an integral piece of the first line of defense against invading microorganisms. Gram-negative bacteria are thought to be generally susceptible to attack from complement; however, P. aeruginosa can be an exception, with certain strains being serum resistant. Various molecular mechanisms have been described that confer P. aeruginosa unique resistance to numerous aspects of the complement response. In this review, we summarize the current published literature regarding the interactions of P. aeruginosa and complement, as well as the mechanisms used by P. aeruginosa to exploit various complement deficiencies and the strategies used to disrupt or hijack normal complement activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody James Hastings
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Shazrah Salim Syed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Cláudia Nogueira Hora Marques
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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10
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Perković I, Poljak T, Savijoki K, Varmanen P, Maravić-Vlahoviček G, Beus M, Kučević A, Džajić I, Rajić Z. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Quinoline and Anthranilic Acid Derivatives as Potential Quorum Sensing Inhibitors. Molecules 2023; 28:5866. [PMID: 37570836 PMCID: PMC10420644 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting quorum sensing (QS), a central communication system, is a promising strategy to combat bacterial pathogens without antibiotics. Here, we designed novel hybrid compounds targeting the PQS (Pseudomonas quinolone signal)-dependent quorum sensing (QS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is one of the multidrug-resistant and highly virulent pathogens with urgent need of new antibacterial strategies. We synthesized 12 compounds using standard procedures to combine halogen-substituted anthranilic acids with 4-(2-aminoethyl/4-aminobuthyl)amino-7-chloroquinoline, linked via 1,3,4-oxadiazole. Their antibiofilm activities were first pre-screened using Gram-negative Chromobacterium violaceum-based reporter, which identified compounds 15-19 and 23 with the highest anti-QS and minimal bactericidal effects in a single experiment. These five compounds were then evaluated against P. aeruginosa PAO1 to assess their ability to prevent biofilm formation, eradicate pre-formed biofilms, and inhibit virulence using pyocyanin as a representative marker. Compound 15 displayed the most potent antibiofilm effect, reducing biofilm formation by nearly 50% and pre-formed biofilm masses by 25%. On the other hand, compound 23 exhibited the most significant antivirulence effect, reducing pyocyanin synthesis by over 70%. Thus, our study highlights the potential of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles 15 and 23 as promising scaffolds to combat P. aeruginosa. Additionally, interactive QS systems should be considered to achieve maximal anti-QS activity against this clinically relevant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Perković
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.M.-V.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (Z.R.)
| | | | - Kirsi Savijoki
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Pekka Varmanen
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Gordana Maravić-Vlahoviček
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.M.-V.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (Z.R.)
| | - Maja Beus
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.M.-V.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (Z.R.)
| | - Anja Kučević
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.M.-V.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (Z.R.)
| | - Ivan Džajić
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Zrinka Rajić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.M.-V.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (Z.R.)
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11
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Melaugh G, Martinez VA, Baker P, Hill PJ, Howell PL, Wozniak DJ, Allen RJ. Distinct types of multicellular aggregates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa liquid cultures. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:52. [PMID: 37507436 PMCID: PMC10382557 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms suspended multicellular aggregates when cultured in liquid media. These aggregates may be important in disease, and/or as a pathway to biofilm formation. The polysaccharide Psl and extracellular DNA (eDNA) have both been implicated in aggregation, but previous results depend strongly on the experimental conditions. Here we develop a quantitative microscopy-based method for assessing changes in the size distribution of suspended aggregates over time in growing cultures. For exponentially growing cultures of P. aeruginosa PAO1, we find that aggregation is mediated by cell-associated Psl, rather than by either eDNA or secreted Psl. These aggregates arise de novo within the culture via a growth process that involves both collisions and clonal growth, and Psl non-producing cells do not aggregate with producers. In contrast, we find that stationary phase (overnight) cultures contain a different type of multicellular aggregate, in which both eDNA and Psl mediate cohesion. Our findings suggest that the physical and biological properties of multicellular aggregates may be very different in early-stage vs late-stage bacterial cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Melaugh
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK.
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL, UK.
| | - Vincent A Martinez
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
| | - Perrin Baker
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
| | - Preston J Hill
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Rosalind J Allen
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
- Theoretical Microbial Ecology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, 07745, Germany
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12
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Tran TMT, Addison RS, Davis RA, Rehm BHA. Bromotyrosine-Derived Metabolites from a Marine Sponge Inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10204. [PMID: 37373352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms stable biofilms, providing a major barrier for multiple classes of antibiotics and severely impairing treatment of infected patients. The biofilm matrix of this Gram-negative bacterium is primarily composed of three major exopolysaccharides: alginate, Psl, and Pel. Here, we studied the antibiofilm properties of sponge-derived natural products ianthelliformisamines A-C and their combinations with clinically used antibiotics. Wild-type P. aeruginosa strain and its isogenic exopolysaccharide-deficient mutants were employed to determine the interference of the compounds with biofilm matrix components. We identified that ianthelliformisamines A and B worked synergistically with ciprofloxacin to kill planktonic and biofilm cells. Ianthelliformisamines A and B reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin to 1/3 and 1/4 MICs, respectively. In contrast, ianthelliformisamine C (MIC = 53.1 µg/mL) alone exhibited bactericidal effects dose-dependently on both free-living and biofilm populations of wild-type PAO1, PAO1ΔpslA (Psl deficient), PDO300 (alginate overproducing and mimicking clinical isolates), and PDO300Δalg8 (alginate deficient). Interestingly, the biofilm of the clinically relevant mucoid variant PDO300 was more susceptible to ianthelliformisamine C than strains with impaired polysaccharide synthesis. Ianthelliformisamines exhibited low cytotoxicity towards HEK293 cells in the resazurin viability assay. Mechanism of action studies showed that ianthelliformisamine C inhibited the efflux pump of P. aeruginosa. Metabolic stability analyses indicated that ianthelliformisamine C is stable and ianthelliformisamines A and B are rapidly degraded. Overall, these findings suggest that the ianthelliformisamine chemotype could be a promising candidate for the treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam M T Tran
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Russell S Addison
- Preclinical ADME/PK, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Rohan A Davis
- NatureBank, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Bernd H A Rehm
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
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13
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Bleem A, Prosswimmer T, Chen R, Hady TF, Li J, Bryers JD, Daggett V. Designed α-sheet peptides disrupt uropathogenic E. coli biofilms rendering bacteria susceptible to antibiotics and immune cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9272. [PMID: 37286572 PMCID: PMC10247742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli account for the largest proportion of nosocomial infections in the United States. Nosocomial infections are a major source of increased costs and treatment complications. Many infections are biofilm associated, rendering antibiotic treatments ineffective or cause additional complications (e.g., microbiome depletion). This work presents a potentially complementary non-antibiotic strategy to fight nosocomial infections by inhibiting the formation of amyloid fibrils, a proteinaceous structural reinforcement known as curli in E. coli biofilms. Despite extensive characterization of the fibrils themselves and their associated secretion system, mechanistic details of curli assembly in vivo remain unclear. We hypothesized that, like other amyloid fibrils, curli polymerization involves a unique secondary structure termed "α-sheet". Biophysical studies herein confirmed the presence of α-sheet structure in prefibrillar species of CsgA, the major component of curli, as it aggregated. Binding of synthetic α-sheet peptides to the soluble α-sheet prefibrillar species inhibited CsgA aggregation in vitro and suppressed amyloid fibril formation in biofilms. Application of synthetic α-sheet peptides also enhanced antibiotic susceptibility and dispersed biofilm-resident bacteria for improved uptake by phagocytic cells. The ability of synthetic α-sheet peptides to reduce biofilm formation, improve antibiotic susceptibility, and enhance clearance by macrophages has broad implications for combating biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Bleem
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Tatum Prosswimmer
- Molecular Engineering Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ruying Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Surgery and Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Thomas F Hady
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jinzheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - James D Bryers
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Surgery and Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Valerie Daggett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Molecular Engineering Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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14
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Chung J, Eisha S, Park S, Morris AJ, Martin I. How Three Self-Secreted Biofilm Exopolysaccharides of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Psl, Pel, and Alginate, Can Each Be Exploited for Antibiotic Adjuvant Effects in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108709. [PMID: 37240055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In cystic fibrosis (CF), pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a cause of increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients for whom infection becomes chronic and there is reliance on long-term suppressive therapies. Current antimicrobials, though varied mechanistically and by mode of delivery, are inadequate not only due to their failure to eradicate infection but also because they do not halt the progression of lung function decline over time. One of the reasons for this failure is thought to be the biofilm mode of growth of P. aeruginosa, wherein self-secreted exopolysaccharides (EPSs) provide physical protection against antibiotics and an array of niches with resulting metabolic and phenotypic heterogeneity. The three biofilm-associated EPSs secreted by P. aeruginosa (alginate, Psl, and Pel) are each under investigation and are being exploited in ways that potentiate antibiotics. In this review, we describe the development and structure of P. aeruginosa biofilms before examining each EPS as a potential therapeutic target for combating pulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa in CF, with a particular focus on the current evidence for these emerging therapies and barriers to bringing these therapies into clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Chung
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Shafinaz Eisha
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Subin Park
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Amanda J Morris
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Isaac Martin
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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15
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Complement System: A Review of the Evasion Strategies. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030664. [PMID: 36985237 PMCID: PMC10056308 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing emergence of multidrug resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa causes major problems in hospitals worldwide. This concern is particularly significant in bloodstream infections that progress rapidly, with a high number of deaths within the first hours and without time to select the most appropriate treatment. In fact, despite improvements in antimicrobial therapy and hospital care, P. aeruginosa bacteremia remains fatal in about 30% of cases. The complement system is a main defensive mechanism in blood against this pathogen. This system can mark bacteria for phagocytosis or directly lyse it via the insertion of a membrane attack complex in the bacterial membrane. P. aeruginosa exploits different strategies to resist complement attack. In this review for the special issue on “bacterial pathogens associated with bacteriemia”, we present an overview of the interactions between P. aeruginosa and the complement components and strategies used by this pathogen to prevent recognition and killing by the complement system. A thorough understanding of these interactions will be critical in order to develop drugs to counteract bacterial evasion mechanisms.
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16
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Marzhoseyni Z, Mousavi MJ, Saffari M, Ghotloo S. Immune escape strategies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to establish chronic infection. Cytokine 2023; 163:156135. [PMID: 36724716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156135] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The infection caused by P. aeruginosa still is dangerous throughout the world. This is partly due to its immune escape mechanisms considerably increasing the bacterial survival in the host. By escape from recognition by TLRs, interference with complement system activation, phagocytosis inhibition, production of ROS, inhibition of NET production, interference with the generation of cytokines, inflammasome inhibition, reduced antigen presentation, interference with cellular and humoral immunity, and induction of apoptotic cell death and MDSc, P. aeruginosa breaks down the barriers of the immune system and causes lethal infections in the host. Recognition of other immune escape mechanisms of P. aeruginosa may provide a basis for the future treatment of the infection. This manuscript may provide new insights and information for the development of new strategies to combat P. aeruginosa infection. In the present manuscript, the escape mechanisms of P. aeruginosa against immune response would be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Marzhoseyni
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mousavi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mahmood Saffari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ghotloo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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17
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Balducci E, Papi F, Capialbi DE, Del Bino L. Polysaccharides' Structures and Functions in Biofilm Architecture of Antimicrobial-Resistant (AMR) Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044030. [PMID: 36835442 PMCID: PMC9965654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria and fungi have developed resistance to the existing therapies such as antibiotics and antifungal drugs, and multiple mechanisms are mediating this resistance. Among these, the formation of an extracellular matrix embedding different bacterial cells, called biofilm, is an effective strategy through which bacterial and fungal cells are establishing a relationship in a unique environment. The biofilm provides them the possibility to transfer genes conferring resistance, to prevent them from desiccation and to impede the penetration of antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Biofilms are formed of several constituents including extracellular DNA, proteins and polysaccharides. Depending on the bacteria, different polysaccharides form the biofilm matrix in different microorganisms, some of them involved in the first stage of cells' attachment to surfaces and to each other, and some responsible for giving the biofilm structure resistance and stability. In this review, we describe the structure and the role of different polysaccharides in bacterial and fungal biofilms, we revise the analytical methods to characterize them quantitatively and qualitatively and finally we provide an overview of potential new antimicrobial therapies able to inhibit biofilm formation by targeting exopolysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniela Eloisa Capialbi
- GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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18
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O'Leary MK, Ahmed A, Alabi CA. Development of Host-Cleavable Antibody-Bactericide Conjugates against Extracellular Pathogens. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:322-329. [PMID: 36626184 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00492] [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: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Novel antimicrobial agents with potent bactericidal activity are needed to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) extracellular pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and peptidomimetics are promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics, but their therapeutic use is limited due to the lack of specificity and resulting off-target effects. The incorporation of an antibody into the drug design would alleviate these challenges by localizing the AMP to the target bacterial cells. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have already achieved clinical success as anticancer therapeutics, due to the ability of the antibody to deliver the payload directly to the cancer cells. This strategy involves the selective delivery of highly cytotoxic drugs to the target cells, which enables a broad therapeutic window. This platform can be translated to the treatment of infections, whereby an antibody is used to deliver an antimicrobial agent to the bacterial antigen. Herein, we propose the development of an antibody-bactericide conjugate (ABC) in which the antibacterial oligothioetheramide (oligoTEA), BDT-4G, is coupled to an anti-P. aeruginosa antibody via a cleavable linker. The drug BDT-4G was chosen based on its efficacy against a range of P. aeruginosa isolates and its ability to evade mechanisms conferring resistance to the last-resort agent polymyxin B. We demonstrate that the ABC binds to the bacterial cell surface, and following cleavage of the peptide linker, the oligoTEA payload is released and exhibits antipseudomonal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan K O'Leary
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Asraa Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Christopher A Alabi
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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19
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Genome-wide screen in human plasma identifies multifaceted complement evasion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011023. [PMID: 36696456 PMCID: PMC9901815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen, is a leading cause of bacteremia with a high mortality rate. We recently reported that P. aeruginosa forms a persister-like sub-population of evaders in human plasma. Here, using a gain-of-function transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) screen in plasma, we identified and validated previously unknown factors affecting bacterial persistence in plasma. Among them, we identified a small periplasmic protein, named SrgA, whose expression leads to up to a 100-fold increase in resistance to killing. Additionally, mutants in pur and bio genes displayed higher tolerance and persistence, respectively. Analysis of several steps of the complement cascade and exposure to an outer-membrane-impermeable drug, nisin, suggested that the mutants impede membrane attack complex (MAC) activity per se. Electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed the formation of polyphosphate (polyP) granules upon incubation in plasma of different size in purD and wild-type strains, implying the bacterial response to a stress signal. Indeed, inactivation of ppk genes encoding polyP-generating enzymes lead to significant elimination of persisting bacteria from plasma. Through this study, we shed light on a complex P. aeruginosa response to the plasma conditions and discovered the multifactorial origin of bacterial resilience to MAC-induced killing.
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20
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Guillaume O, Butnarasu C, Visentin S, Reimhult E. Interplay between biofilm microenvironment and pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis lung chronic infection. Biofilm 2022; 4:100089. [PMID: 36324525 PMCID: PMC9618985 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a highly, if not the most, versatile microorganism capable of colonizing diverse environments. One of the niches in which PA is able to thrive is the lung of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Due to a genetic aberration, the lungs of CF-affected patients exhibit impaired functions, rendering them highly susceptible to bacterial colonization. Once PA attaches to the epithelial surface and transitions to a mucoid phenotype, the infection becomes chronic, and antibiotic treatments become inefficient. Due to the high number of affected people and the severity of this infection, CF-chronic infection is a well-documented disease. Still, numerous aspects of PA CF infection remain unclear. The scientific reports published over the last decades have stressed how PA can adapt to CF microenvironmental conditions and how its surrounding matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) plays a key role in its pathogenicity. In this context, it is of paramount interest to present the nature of the EPS together with the local CF-biofilm microenvironment. We review how the PA biofilm microenvironment interacts with drugs to contribute to the pathogenicity of CF-lung infection. Understanding why so many drugs are inefficient in treating CF chronic infection while effectively treating planktonic PA is essential to devising better therapeutic targets and drug formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Guillaume
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien (Technische Universität Wien), Getreidemarkt 9/308, 1060, Vienna, Austria,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria,Corresponding author. 3D Printing and Biofabrication Group, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien (Technische Universität Wien), Getreidemarkt 9/308, 1060, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Cosmin Butnarasu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, University of Turin, Turin, 10135, Italy
| | - Sonja Visentin
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, University of Turin, Turin, 10135, Italy
| | - Erik Reimhult
- Institute of Biologically Inspired Materials, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 11, 1190, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Ciofu O, Moser C, Jensen PØ, Høiby N. Tolerance and resistance of microbial biofilms. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:621-635. [PMID: 35115704 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 151.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infections caused by microbial biofilms represent an important clinical challenge. The recalcitrance of microbial biofilms to antimicrobials and to the immune system is a major cause of persistence and clinical recurrence of these infections. In this Review, we present the extent of the clinical problem, and the mechanisms underlying the tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics and to host responses. We also explore the role of biofilms in the development of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Ciofu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Claus Moser
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Østrup Jensen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Høiby
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Gong X, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Zhou H, Ding S, Zhu K. Mucoid Acinetobacter baumannii enhances anti-phagocytosis through reducing C3b deposition. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:879361. [PMID: 36186828 PMCID: PMC9521736 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.879361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMultidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii causes serious infections in intensive care units and is hard to be eradicated by antibiotics. Many A. baumannii isolates are identified as the mucoid type recently, but the biological characteristics of mucoid A. baumannii and their interactions with host cells remains unclear.MethodsThe mucoid phenotype, antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm-forming ability, acid resistance ability, peroxide tolerance, and in vivo toxicity of clinical ICUs derived A. baumannii isolates were first investigated. Secondly, the phagocytic resistance and invasive capacity of A. baumannii isolates to macrophages (MH-S, RAW264.7) and epithelial cells (A549) were analyzed. Furthermore, the abundance of C3b (complement factor C3 degradation product) deposition on the surface of A. baumannii was investigated. Last, the relationship between C3b deposition and the abundance of capsule in A. baumannii isolates were analyzed.ResultsThese A. baumannii strains showed different mucoid phenotypes including hyper mucoid (HM), medium mucoid (MM), and low mucoid (LM). All tested strains were MDR with high tolerance to either acid or hydrogen peroxide exposure. Notably, these mucoid strains showed the increase of mortality in the Galleria mellonella infection models. Besides, the HM strain exhibited less biofilm abundance, higher molecular weight (MW) of capsule, and greater anti-phagocytic activity to macrophages than the LM strain. Together with the increased abundance of capsule, high expression of tuf gene (associated with the hydrolysis of C3b), the HM strain effectively inhibits C3b deposition on bacterial surface, resulting in the low-opsonization phenotype.ConclusionCapsular characteristics facilitate the anti-phagocytic activity in hyper mucoid A. baumannii through the reduction of C3b deposition. Mucoid A. baumannii exhibits high phagocytosis resistance to both macrophages and epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Gong
- National Center for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- National Center for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- National Center for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Zhou
- Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuangyang Ding
- National Center for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kui Zhu
- National Center for Veterinary Drug Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kui Zhu,
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23
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Abstract
Kingella kingae is a leading cause of bone and joint infections and other invasive diseases in young children. A key K. kingae virulence determinant is a secreted exopolysaccharide that mediates resistance to serum complement and neutrophils and is required for full pathogenicity. The K. kingae exopolysaccharide is a galactofuranose homopolymer called galactan and is encoded by the pamABC genes in the pamABCDE locus. In this study, we sought to define the mechanism by which galactan is tethered on the bacterial surface, a prerequisite for mediating evasion of host immune mechanisms. We found that the pamD and pamE genes encode glycosyltransferases and are required for synthesis of an atypical lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen. The LPS O-antigen in turn is required for anchoring of galactan, a novel mechanism for association of an exopolysaccharide with the bacterial surface.
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Phuengmaung P, Mekjaroen J, Saisorn W, Chatsuwan T, Somparn P, Leelahavanichkul A. Rapid Synergistic Biofilm Production of Pseudomonas and Candida on the Pulmonary Cell Surface and in Mice, a Possible Cause of Chronic Mixed Organismal Lung Lesions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169202. [PMID: 36012475 PMCID: PMC9409386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the possible co-presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans (the most common nosocomial pathogens) in lungs, rapid interkingdom biofilm production is possible. As such, PA+CA produced more dominant biofilms on the pulmonary epithelial surface (NCI-H292) (confocal fluorescent extracellular matrix staining) with dominant psl upregulation, as demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), after 8 h of experiments than PA alone. With a proteomic analysis, rhamnosyltransferase RhlB protein (Psl-associated quorum-sensing protein) was found to be among the high-abundance proteins in PA+CA than in PA biofilms, supporting psl-mediated biofilms in PA+CA on the cell surface. Additionally, PA+CA increased supernatant cytokines (IL-8 and IL-13, but not TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) with a similar upregulation of TLR-4, TLR-5, and TLR-9 (by PCR) compared with PA-stimulated cells. The intratracheal administration of PA+CA induced a greater severity of sepsis (serum creatinine, alanine transaminase, serum cytokines, and histology score) and prominent biofilms (fluorescent staining) with psl upregulation (PCR). In comparison with PA+CA biofilms on glass slides, PA+CA biofilms on biotic surfaces were more prominent (fluorescent staining). In conclusion, PA+CA induced Psl-predominant biofilms on the pulmonary cell surface and in mice with acute pneumonia, and these biofilms were more prominent than those induced by PA alone, highlighting the impact of Candida on rapid interkingdom biofilm production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpimol Phuengmaung
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jiradej Mekjaroen
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Saisorn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tanittha Chatsuwan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Poorichaya Somparn
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-256-4251 (P.S. & A.L.); Fax: +66-2-252-6920 (P.S. & A.L.)
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: (P.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-256-4251 (P.S. & A.L.); Fax: +66-2-252-6920 (P.S. & A.L.)
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Ramakrishnan R, Singh AK, Singh S, Chakravortty D, Das D. Enzymatic Dispersion of Biofilms: An Emerging Biocatalytic Avenue to Combat Biofilm-Mediated Microbial Infections. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102352. [PMID: 35940306 PMCID: PMC9478923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance by pathogenic microbes has emerged as a matter of great concern to mankind. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi employ multiple defense mechanisms against drugs and the host immune system. A major line of microbial defense is the biofilm, which comprises extracellular polymeric substances that are produced by the population of microorganisms. Around 80% of chronic bacterial infections are associated with biofilms. The presence of biofilms can increase the necessity of doses of certain antibiotics up to 1000-fold to combat infection. Thus, there is an urgent need for strategies to eradicate biofilms. Although a few physicochemical methods have been developed to prevent and treat biofilms, these methods have poor efficacy and biocompatibility. In this review, we discuss the existing strategies to combat biofilms and their challenges. Subsequently, we spotlight the potential of enzymes, in particular, polysaccharide degrading enzymes, for biofilm dispersion, which might lead to facile antimicrobial treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Ramakrishnan
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Simran Singh
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Dipshikha Chakravortty
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Debasis Das
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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Singkham-In U, Phuengmaung P, Makjaroen J, Saisorn W, Bhunyakarnjanarat T, Chatsuwan T, Chirathaworn C, Chancharoenthana W, Leelahavanichkul A. Chlorhexidine Promotes Psl Expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa That Enhances Cell Aggregation with Preserved Pathogenicity Demonstrates an Adaptation against Antiseptic. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158308. [PMID: 35955437 PMCID: PMC9368580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently in contact with Chlorhexidine (a regular antiseptic), bacterial adaptations are possible. In comparison with the parent strain, the Chlorhexidine-adapted strain formed smaller colonies with metabolic downregulation (proteomic analysis) with the cross-resistance against colistin (an antibiotic for several antibiotic-resistant bacteria), partly through the modification of L-Ara4N in the lipopolysaccharide at the outer membrane. Chlorhexidine-adapted strain formed dense liquid–solid interface biofilms with enhanced cell aggregation partly due to the Chlorhexidine-induced overexpression of psl (exopolysaccharide-encoded gene) through the LadS/GacSA pathway (c-di-GMP-independence) in 12 h biofilms and maintained the aggregation with SiaD-mediated c-di-GMP dependence in 24 h biofilms as evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The addition of Ca2+ in the Chlorhexidine-adapted strain facilitated several Psl-associated genes, indicating an impact of Ca2+ in Psl production. The activation by Chlorhexidine-treated sessile bacteria demonstrated a lower expression of IL-6 and IL-8 on fibroblasts and macrophages than the activation by the parent strain, indicating the less inflammatory reactions from Chlorhexidine-exposed bacteria. However, the 14-day severity of the wounds in mouse caused by Chlorhexidine-treated bacteria versus the parent strain was similar, as indicated by wound diameters and bacterial burdens. In conclusion, Chlorhexidine induced psl over-expression and colistin cross-resistance that might be clinically important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uthaibhorn Singkham-In
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Pornpimol Phuengmaung
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Jiradej Makjaroen
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Wilasinee Saisorn
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Thansita Bhunyakarnjanarat
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
| | - Tanittha Chatsuwan
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Chintana Chirathaworn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (U.S.-I.); (P.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Wiwat Chancharoenthana
- Tropical Nephrology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-306-9130 (W.C.); +66-2-256-4251 (A.L.); Fax: +66-2-354-9150 (W.C.); +66-2-252-6920 (A.L.)
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (W.S.); (T.B.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (A.L.); Tel.: +66-2-306-9130 (W.C.); +66-2-256-4251 (A.L.); Fax: +66-2-354-9150 (W.C.); +66-2-252-6920 (A.L.)
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27
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Keren-Paz A, Maan H, Karunker I, Olender T, Kapishnikov S, Dersch S, Kartvelishvily E, Wolf SG, Gal A, Graumann PL, Kolodkin-Gal I. The roles of intracellular and extracellular calcium in Bacillus subtilis biofilms. iScience 2022; 25:104308. [PMID: 35663026 PMCID: PMC9160756 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, bacteria reside in biofilms– multicellular differentiated communities held together by an extracellular matrix. This work identified a novel subpopulation—mineral-forming cells—that is essential for biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis biofilms. This subpopulation contains an intracellular calcium-accumulating niche, in which the formation of a calcium carbonate mineral is initiated. As the biofilm colony develops, this mineral grows in a controlled manner, forming a functional macrostructure that serves the entire community. Consistently, biofilm development is prevented by the inhibition of calcium uptake. Our results provide a clear demonstration of the orchestrated production of calcite exoskeleton, critical to morphogenesis in simple prokaryotes. The orchestrated formation of calcite scaffolds supports the morphogenesis of microbial biofilms A novel subpopulation—mineral-forming cells—is essential for biofilm formation This subpopulation contains an intracellular calcium-accumulating niche, supporting the formation of calcium carbonate Intracellular calcium homeostasis and calcium export are associated with a functional biofilm macrostructure
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Affiliation(s)
- Alona Keren-Paz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Harsh Maan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Iris Karunker
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tsviya Olender
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sergey Kapishnikov
- Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Simon Dersch
- Centre for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Sharon G Wolf
- Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Assaf Gal
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Peter L Graumann
- Centre for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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28
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Cohen-Cymberknoh M, Kolodkin-Gal D, Keren-Paz A, Peretz S, Brumfeld V, Kapishnikov S, Suissa R, Shteinberg M, McLeod D, Maan H, Patrauchan M, Zamir G, Kerem E, Kolodkin-Gal I. Calcium carbonate mineralization is essential for biofilm formation and lung colonization. iScience 2022; 25:104234. [PMID: 35521519 PMCID: PMC9062676 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are differentiated microbial communities held together by an extracellular matrix. μCT X-ray revealed structured mineralized areas within biofilms of lung pathogens belonging to two distant phyla - the proteobacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the actinobacteria Mycobacterium abscessus. Furthermore, calcium chelation inhibited the assembly of complex bacterial structures for both organisms with little to no effect on cell growth. The molecular mechanisms promoting calcite scaffold formation were surprisingly conserved between the two pathogens as biofilm development was similarly impaired by genetic and biochemical inhibition of calcium uptake and carbonate accumulation. Moreover, chemical inhibition and mutations targeting mineralization significantly reduced the attachment of P. aeruginosa to the lung, as well as the subsequent damage inflicted by biofilms to lung tissues, and restored their sensitivity to antibiotics. This work offers underexplored druggable targets for antibiotics to combat otherwise untreatable biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Cohen-Cymberknoh
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit and Cystic fibrosis Center, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dror Kolodkin-Gal
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alona Keren-Paz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- National Center for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shani Peretz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vlad Brumfeld
- Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sergey Kapishnikov
- Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ronit Suissa
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Shteinberg
- Pulmonology Institute and CF Center, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel McLeod
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Harsh Maan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Marianna Patrauchan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Gideon Zamir
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eitan Kerem
- Pediatric Pulmonary Unit and Cystic fibrosis Center, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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29
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Liu Y, Gloag ES, Hill PJ, Parsek MR, Wozniak DJ. Interbacterial Antagonism Mediated by a Released Polysaccharide. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0007622. [PMID: 35446119 PMCID: PMC9112932 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00076-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two common pathogens causing chronic infections in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and in wounds, suggesting that these two organisms coexist in vivo. However, P. aeruginosa utilizes various mechanisms to antagonize S. aureus when these organisms are grown together in vitro. Here, we suggest a novel role for Psl in antagonizing S. aureus growth. Psl is an exopolysaccharide that exists in both cell-associated and cell-free forms and is important for biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. When grown in planktonic coculture with a P. aeruginosa psl mutant, S. aureus had increased survival compared to when it was grown with wild-type P. aeruginosa. We found that cell-free Psl was critical for the killing, as purified cell-free Psl was sufficient to kill S. aureus. Transmission electron microscopy of S. aureus treated with Psl revealed disrupted cell envelopes, suggesting that Psl causes S. aureus cell lysis. This was independent of known mechanisms used by P. aeruginosa to antagonize S. aureus. Cell-free Psl could also promote S. aureus killing during growth in in vivo-like conditions. We also found that Psl production in P. aeruginosa CF clinical isolates positively correlated with the ability to kill S. aureus. This could be a result of P. aeruginosa coevolution with S. aureus in CF lungs. In conclusion, this study defines a novel role for P. aeruginosa Psl in killing S. aureus, potentially impacting the coexistence of these two opportunistic pathogens in vivo. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two important opportunistic human pathogens commonly coisolated from clinical samples. However, P. aeruginosa can utilize various mechanisms to antagonize S. aureus in vitro. Here, we investigated the interactions between these two organisms and report a novel role for P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharide Psl in killing S. aureus. We found that cell-free Psl could kill S. aureus in vitro, possibly by inducing cell lysis. This was also observed in conditions reflective of in vivo scenarios. In accord with this, Psl production in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates positively correlated with their ability to kill S. aureus. Together, our data suggest a role for Psl in affecting the coexistence of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Erin S. Gloag
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Preston J. Hill
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew R. Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa Initiates a Rapid and Specific Transcriptional Response during Surface Attachment. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0008622. [PMID: 35467391 PMCID: PMC9112911 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00086-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic biofilm infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of patients. The formation of multicellular bacterial aggregates, called biofilms, is associated with increased resistance to antimicrobials and immune clearance and the persistence of infections. Biofilm formation is dependent on bacterial cell attachment to surfaces, and therefore, attachment plays a key role in chronic infections. We hypothesized that bacteria sense various surfaces and initiate a rapid, specific response to increase adhesion and establish biofilms. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis identified transcriptional changes of adherent cells during initial attachment, identifying the bacterial response to an abiotic surface over a 1-h period. Subsequent screens investigating the most highly regulated genes in surface attachment identified 4 genes, pfpI, phnA, leuD, and moaE, all of which have roles in both metabolism and biofilm formation. In addition, the transcriptional responses to several different medically relevant abiotic surfaces were compared after initial attachment. Surprisingly, there was a specific transcriptional response to each surface, with very few genes being regulated in response to surfaces in general. We identified a set of 20 genes that were differentially expressed across all three surfaces, many of which have metabolic functions, including molybdopterin cofactor biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. This study has advanced the understanding of the kinetics and specificity of bacterial transcriptional responses to surfaces and suggests that metabolic cues are important signals during the transition from a planktonic to a biofilm lifestyle. IMPORTANCE Bacterial biofilms are a significant concern in many aspects of life, including chronic infections of airways, wounds, and indwelling medical devices; biofouling of industrial surfaces relevant for food production and marine surfaces; and nosocomial infections. The effects of understanding surface adhesion could impact many areas of life. This study utilized emerging technology in a novel approach to address a key step in bacterial biofilm development. These findings have elucidated both conserved and surface-specific responses to several disease-relevant abiotic surfaces. Future work will expand on this report to identify mechanisms of biofilm initiation with the aim of identifying bacterial factors that could be targeted to prevent biofilms.
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Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa Can Produce Calcium-Gelled Biofilms Independent of the Matrix Components Psl and CdrA. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0056821. [PMID: 35416688 PMCID: PMC9112934 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00568-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular matrix comprised largely of exopolysaccharides (EPSs), nucleic acids, and proteins. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that is also a model organism for studying biofilms in the laboratory. Here, we define a novel program of biofilm development used by mucoid (alginate-overproducing) P. aeruginosa in the presence of elevated calcium. Calcium cations cross-link negatively charged alginate polymers, resulting in individual cells being suspended in an alginate gel. The formation of this type of structurally distinct biofilm is not reliant on the canonical biofilm EPS components Psl and Pel or the matrix protein CdrA. We also observed that mucoid P. aeruginosa biofilm cells do not have the typical elevated levels of the secondary messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), as expected of biofilm cells, nor does the overproduction of alginate rely on high c-di-GMP. This contrasts with nonmucoid biofilms in which the production of the matrix components Psl, Pel, and CdrA is positively regulated by elevated c-di-GMP. We further demonstrate that calcium-gelled alginate biofilms impede the penetration of the antibiotic tobramycin, thus protecting the biofilm community from antibiotic-mediated killing. Finally, we show that bacterial aggregates with a dispersed cell arrangement like laboratory-grown calcium-alginate biofilm structures are present in explanted cystic fibrosis (CF) lung samples. Our findings illustrate the diverse nature of biofilm formation and structure in P. aeruginosa. IMPORTANCE The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a complex biofilm matrix comprised of exopolysaccharides (EPSs), nucleic acids, and proteins. P. aeruginosa biofilm formation canonically depends on a variable combination of the exopolysaccharides Psl and Pel and the matrix protein CdrA. We demonstrate that mucoid P. aeruginosa, which overproduces the EPS alginate, possesses an entirely alternate and calcium-dependent method of biofilm formation. These mucoid biofilm structures do not require Psl, Pel, or CdrA, and they display a unique organization of individually suspended cells similar to bacterial aggregates observed in cystic fibrosis airways. Furthermore, calcium-gelled mucoid biofilms impede the penetration and killing action of the antibiotic tobramycin, illustrating their potential clinical significance. Our findings highlight the compositional and structural variety of P. aeruginosa biofilm aggregates.
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32
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Fleming D, Niese B, Redman W, Vanderpool E, Gordon V, Rumbaugh KP. Contribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl to Wound Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:835754. [PMID: 35463635 PMCID: PMC9021892 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.835754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are the cause of most chronic bacterial infections. Living within the biofilm matrix, which is made of extracellular substances, including polysaccharides, proteins, eDNA, lipids and other molecules, provides microorganisms protection from antimicrobials and the host immune response. Exopolysaccharides are major structural components of bacterial biofilms and are thought to be vital to numerous aspects of biofilm formation and persistence, including adherence to surfaces, coherence with other biofilm-associated cells, mechanical stability, protection against desiccation, binding of enzymes, and nutrient acquisition and storage, as well as protection against antimicrobials, host immune cells and molecules, and environmental stressors. However, the contribution of specific exopolysaccharide types to the pathogenesis of biofilm infection is not well understood. In this study we examined whether the absence of the two main exopolysaccharides produced by the biofilm former Pseudomonas aeruginosa would affect wound infection in a mouse model. Using P. aeruginosa mutants that do not produce the exopolysaccharides Pel and/or Psl we observed that the severity of wound infections was not grossly affected; both the bacterial load in the wounds and the wound closure rates were unchanged. However, the size and spatial distribution of biofilm aggregates in the wound tissue were significantly different when Pel and Psl were not produced, and the ability of the mutants to survive antibiotic treatment was also impaired. Taken together, our data suggest that while the production of Pel and Psl do not appear to affect P. aeruginosa pathogenesis in mouse wound infections, they may have an important implication for bacterial persistence in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Fleming
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Brandon Niese
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, United States
| | - Whitni Redman
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Emily Vanderpool
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Vernita Gordon
- Department of Physics, Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, United States
- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Programs, LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Kendra P. Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Burn Center for Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences, Lubbock, TX, United States
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Song Y, Ma F, Sun M, Mu G, Tuo Y. The Chemical Structure Properties and Promoting Biofilm Activity of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Shigella flexneri. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:807397. [PMID: 35185832 PMCID: PMC8854994 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.807397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Shigella flexneri is a waterborne and foodborne pathogen that can damage human health. The exopolysaccharides (S-EPS) produced by S. flexneri CMCC51574 were found to promote biofilm formation and virulence. In this research, the crude S-EPS produced by S. flexneri CMCC51574 were separated into three main different fractions, S-EPS 1-1, S-EPS 2-1, and S-EPS 3-1. The structure of the S-ESP 2-1 was identified by FT-IR, ion chromatography analysis, methylation analysis, and NMR analysis. The main chain of S-EPS 2-1 was α-Manp-(1 → 3)-α-Manp-[(1 → 2,6)-α-Manp]15-[(1 → 2)-Manf-(1→]8; there were two branched-chain R1 and R2 with a ratio of 4:1, R1: α-Manp-(1 → 6)- and R2: α-Manp-(1 → 6)- Glc-(1 → 6)- were linked with (1 → 2,6)-α-Manp. It was found that S-EPS 2-1 exhibited the highest promoting effect on biofilm formation of S. flexneri. The S-EPS 2-1 was identified to interact with extracellular DNA (eDNA) of S. flexneri, indicating that the S-EPS 2-1 was the specific polysaccharide in the spatial structure of biofilm formation. Our research found the important role of S-EPS in S. flexneri biofilm formation, which will help us to understand the underlining mechanisms of the biofilm formation and find effective ways to prevent S. flexneri biofilm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglong Song
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Fenglian Ma
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengying Sun
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Guangqing Mu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
- Dalian Probiotics Function Research Key Laboratory, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanfeng Tuo
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Yanfeng Tuo,
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Balmuri SR, Phandanouvong-Lozano V, House SD, Yang JC, Niepa TH. Mucoid Coating Provides a Growth Advantage to Pseudomonas aeruginosa at Oil–Water Interfaces. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:1868-1878. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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35
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Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteremia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1386:325-345. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08491-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
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36
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Thorn CR, Howell PL, Wozniak DJ, Prestidge CA, Thomas N. Enhancing the therapeutic use of biofilm-dispersing enzymes with smart drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:113916. [PMID: 34371086 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm-dispersing enzymes degrade the extracellular polymeric matrix surrounding bacterial biofilms, disperse the microbial community and increase their susceptibility to antibiotics and immune cells. Challenges for the clinical translation of biofilm-dispersing enzymes involve their susceptibility to denaturation, degradation, and clearance upon administration in vivo. Drug delivery systems aim to overcome these limitations through encapsulation, stabilization and protection from the exterior environment, thereby maintaining the enzymatic activity. Smart drug delivery systems offer target specificity, releasing payloads at the site of infection while minimizing unnecessary systemic exposure. This review highlights critical advances of biofilm-dispersing enzymes as a novel therapeutic approach for biofilm-associated infections. We explore how smart, bio-responsive delivery systems overcome the limiting factors of biofilm-dispersing enzymes and summarize the key systems designed. This review will guide future developments, focusing on utilizing selective and specific therapies in a targeted fashion to meet the unmet therapeutic needs of biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Thorn
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Clive A Prestidge
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Nicky Thomas
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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37
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Sindeldecker D, Stoodley P. The many antibiotic resistance and tolerance strategies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm 2021; 3:100056. [PMID: 34471871 PMCID: PMC8387898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2021.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial pathogen associated with a wide range of infections and utilizes several strategies to establish and maintain infection including biofilm production, multidrug resistance, and antibiotic tolerance. Multidrug resistance in P. aeruginosa, as well as in all other bacterial pathogens, is a growing concern. Aminoglycoside resistance, in particular, is a major concern in P. aeruginosa infections and must be better understood in order to maintain effective clinical treatment. In this review, the various antibiotic resistance and tolerance mechanisms of Pseudomonas are explored including: classic mutation driven resistance, adaptive resistance, persister cells, small colony variants, phoenix colonies, and biofilms. It is important to further characterize each of these phenotypes and continue to evaluate antibiotic surviving isolates for novel driving mechanisms, so that we are better prepared to combat the rising number of recurrent and recalcitrant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Sindeldecker
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- National Center for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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38
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Beadell BA, Chieng A, Parducho KR, Dai Z, Ho SO, Fujii G, Wang Y, Porter E. Nano- and Macroscale Imaging of Cholesterol Linoleate and Human Beta Defensin 2-Induced Changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111279. [PMID: 34827217 PMCID: PMC8615053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is central to establishing chronic infection in the airways in cystic fibrosis. Epithelial cells secrete an array of innate immune factors, including antimicrobial proteins and lipids, such as human beta defensin 2 (HBD2) and cholesteryl lineolate (CL), respectively, to combat colonization by pathogens. We have recently shown that HBD2 inhibits biofilm production by PA, possibly linked to interference with the transport of biofilm precursors. Considering that both HBD2 and CL are increased in airway fluids during infection, we hypothesized that CL synergizes with HBD2 in biofilm inhibition. CL was formulated in phospholipid-based liposomes (CL-PL). As measured by atomic force microscopy of single bacteria, CL-PL alone and in combination with HBD2 significantly increased bacterial surface roughness. Additionally, extracellular structures emanated from untreated bacterial cells, but not from cells treated with CL-PL and HBD2 alone and in combination. Crystal violet staining of the biofilm revealed that CL-PL combined with HBD2 effected a significant decrease of biofilm mass and increased the number of larger biofilm particles consistent with altered cohesion of formed biofilms. These data suggest that CL and HBD2 affect PA biofilm formation at the single cell and community-wide level and that the community-wide effects of CL are enhanced by HBD2. This research may inform future novel treatments for recalcitrant infections in the airways of CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A. Beadell
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
| | - Andy Chieng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (A.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Kevin R. Parducho
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
| | - Zhipeng Dai
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Sam On Ho
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Gary Fujii
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (A.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Edith Porter
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-323-343-6353
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39
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Bakhtiari LA, Wells MJ, Gordon VD. High-throughput assays show the timescale for phagocytic success depends on the target toughness. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:031402. [PMID: 34632456 PMCID: PMC8485781 DOI: 10.1063/5.0057071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Phagocytic immune cells can clear pathogens from the body by engulfing them. Bacterial biofilms are communities of bacteria that are bound together in a matrix that gives biofilms viscoelastic mechanical properties that do not exist for free-swimming bacteria. Since a neutrophil is too small to engulf an entire biofilm, it must be able to detach and engulf a few bacteria at a time if it is to use phagocytosis to clear the infection. We recently found a negative correlation between the target elasticity and phagocytic success. That earlier work used time-consuming, manual analysis of micrographs of neutrophils and fluorescent beads. Here, we introduce and validate flow cytometry as a fast and high-throughput technique that increases the number of neutrophils analyzed per experiment by two orders of magnitude, while also reducing the time required to do so from hours to minutes. We also introduce the use of polyacrylamide gels in our assay for engulfment success. The tunability of polyacrylamide gels expands the mechanical parameter space we can study, and we find that high toughness and yield strain, even with low elasticity, also impact the phagocytic success as well as the timescale thereof. For stiff gels with low-yield strain, and consequent low toughness, phagocytic success is nearly four times greater when neutrophils are incubated with gels for 6 h than after only 1 h of incubation. In contrast, for soft gels with high-yield strain and consequent high toughness, successful engulfment is much less time-sensitive, increasing by less than a factor of two from 1 to 6 h incubation.
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40
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Morris AJ, Jackson L, Cw Yau Y, Reichhardt C, Beaudoin T, Uwumarenogie S, Guttman KM, Lynne Howell P, Parsek MR, Hoffman LR, Nguyen D, DiGiandomenico A, Guttman DS, Wozniak DJ, Waters VJ. The role of Psl in the failure to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in children with cystic fibrosis. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:63. [PMID: 34349133 PMCID: PMC8338932 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00234-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The exopolysaccharide Psl contributes to biofilm structure and antibiotic tolerance and may play a role in the failure to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa from cystic fibrosis (CF) airways. The study objective was to determine whether there were any differences in Psl in P. aeruginosa isolates that were successfully eradicated compared to those that persisted, despite inhaled tobramycin treatment, in children with CF. Initial P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from children with CF undergoing eradication treatment, grown as biofilms and labeled with 3 anti-Psl monoclonal antibodies (Cam003/Psl0096, WapR001, WapR016) before confocal microscopy visualization. When grown as biofilms, P. aeruginosa isolates from children who failed antibiotic eradication therapy, had significantly increased Psl0096 binding compared to isolates from those who cleared P. aeruginosa. This was confirmed in P. aeruginosa isolates from the SickKids Eradication Cohort as well as the Early Pseudomonas Infection Control (EPIC) trial. Increased anti-Psl antibody binding was associated with bacterial aggregation and tobramycin tolerance. The biofilm matrix represents a potential therapeutic target to improve P. aeruginosa eradication treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Morris
- Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay Jackson
- Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne Cw Yau
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Trevor Beaudoin
- Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Uwumarenogie
- Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin M Guttman
- Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lucas R Hoffman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dao Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonio DiGiandomenico
- Discovery Microbiome, Microbial Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - David S Guttman
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Valerie J Waters
- Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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41
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Trebino MA, Shingare RD, MacMillan JB, Yildiz FH. Strategies and Approaches for Discovery of Small Molecule Disruptors of Biofilm Physiology. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154582. [PMID: 34361735 PMCID: PMC8348372 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms, the predominant growth mode of microorganisms, pose a significant risk to human health. The protective biofilm matrix, typically composed of exopolysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, combined with biofilm-grown bacteria’s heterogenous physiology, leads to enhanced fitness and tolerance to traditional methods for treatment. There is a need to identify biofilm inhibitors using diverse approaches and targeting different stages of biofilm formation. This review discusses discovery strategies that successfully identified a wide range of inhibitors and the processes used to characterize their inhibition mechanism and further improvement. Additionally, we examine the structure–activity relationship (SAR) for some of these inhibitors to optimize inhibitor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Trebino
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Rahul D. Shingare
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - John B. MacMillan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
- Correspondence: (J.B.M.); (F.H.Y.)
| | - Fitnat H. Yildiz
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
- Correspondence: (J.B.M.); (F.H.Y.)
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42
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Jiang Z, Nero T, Mukherjee S, Olson R, Yan J. Searching for the Secret of Stickiness: How Biofilms Adhere to Surfaces. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:686793. [PMID: 34305846 PMCID: PMC8295476 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.686793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are communities of cells enclosed in an extracellular polymeric matrix in which cells adhere to each other and to foreign surfaces. The development of a biofilm is a dynamic process that involves multiple steps, including cell-surface attachment, matrix production, and population expansion. Increasing evidence indicates that biofilm adhesion is one of the main factors contributing to biofilm-associated infections in clinics and biofouling in industrial settings. This review focuses on describing biofilm adhesion strategies among different bacteria, including Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Techniques used to characterize biofilm adhesion are also reviewed. An understanding of biofilm adhesion strategies can guide the development of novel approaches to inhibit or manipulate biofilm adhesion and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Jiang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Thomas Nero
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sampriti Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rich Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics Program, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, United States
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Quantitative Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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43
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Improving Phage-Biofilm In Vitro Experimentation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061175. [PMID: 34205417 PMCID: PMC8234374 DOI: 10.3390/v13061175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages or phages, the viruses of bacteria, are abundant components of most ecosystems, including those where bacteria predominantly occupy biofilm niches. Understanding the phage impact on bacterial biofilms therefore can be crucial toward understanding both phage and bacterial ecology. Here, we take a critical look at the study of bacteriophage interactions with bacterial biofilms as carried out in vitro, since these studies serve as bases of our ecological and therapeutic understanding of phage impacts on biofilms. We suggest that phage-biofilm in vitro experiments often may be improved in terms of both design and interpretation. Specific issues discussed include (a) not distinguishing control of new biofilm growth from removal of existing biofilm, (b) inadequate descriptions of phage titers, (c) artificially small overlying fluid volumes, (d) limited explorations of treatment dosing and duration, (e) only end-point rather than kinetic analyses, (f) importance of distinguishing phage enzymatic from phage bacteriolytic anti-biofilm activities, (g) limitations of biofilm biomass determinations, (h) free-phage interference with viable-count determinations, and (i) importance of experimental conditions. Toward bettering understanding of the ecology of bacteriophage-biofilm interactions, and of phage-mediated biofilm disruption, we discuss here these various issues as well as provide tips toward improving experiments and their reporting.
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44
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Cendra MDM, Torrents E. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and their partners in crime. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 49:107734. [PMID: 33785375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and the capacity of the bacterium to coexist and interact with a broad range of microorganisms have a substantial clinical impact. This review focuses on the main traits of P. aeruginosa biofilms, such as the structural composition and regulatory networks involved, placing particular emphasis on the clinical challenges they represent in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm infection clearance. Furthermore, the ability of P. aeruginosa to grow together with other microorganisms is a significant pathogenic attribute with clinical relevance; hence, the main microbial interactions of Pseudomonas are especially highlighted and detailed throughout this review. This article also explores the infections caused by single and polymicrobial biofilms of P. aeruginosa and the current models used to recreate them under laboratory conditions. Finally, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm strategies developed against P. aeruginosa mono and multispecies biofilms are detailed at the end of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Mar Cendra
- Bacterial Infections and Antimicrobial therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial Infections and Antimicrobial therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Microbiology Section, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 643 Diagonal Ave., 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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45
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Jurado-Martín I, Sainz-Mejías M, McClean S. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An Audacious Pathogen with an Adaptable Arsenal of Virulence Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3128. [PMID: 33803907 PMCID: PMC8003266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dominant pathogen in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) contributing to morbidity and mortality. Its tremendous ability to adapt greatly facilitates its capacity to cause chronic infections. The adaptability and flexibility of the pathogen are afforded by the extensive number of virulence factors it has at its disposal, providing P. aeruginosa with the facility to tailor its response against the different stressors in the environment. A deep understanding of these virulence mechanisms is crucial for the design of therapeutic strategies and vaccines against this multi-resistant pathogen. Therefore, this review describes the main virulence factors of P. aeruginosa and the adaptations it undergoes to persist in hostile environments such as the CF respiratory tract. The very large P. aeruginosa genome (5 to 7 MB) contributes considerably to its adaptive capacity; consequently, genomic studies have provided significant insights into elucidating P. aeruginosa evolution and its interactions with the host throughout the course of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Siobhán McClean
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4 D04 V1W8, Ireland; (I.J.-M.); (M.S.-M.)
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46
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Moser C, Jensen PØ, Thomsen K, Kolpen M, Rybtke M, Lauland AS, Trøstrup H, Tolker-Nielsen T. Immune Responses to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Infections. Front Immunol 2021; 12:625597. [PMID: 33692800 PMCID: PMC7937708 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a key pathogen of chronic infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and in patients suffering from chronic wounds of diverse etiology. In these infections the bacteria congregate in biofilms and cannot be eradicated by standard antibiotic treatment or host immune responses. The persistent biofilms induce a hyper inflammatory state that results in collateral damage of the adjacent host tissue. The host fails to eradicate the biofilm infection, resulting in hindered remodeling and healing. In the present review we describe our current understanding of innate and adaptive immune responses elicited by P. aeruginosa biofilms in cystic fibrosis lung infections and chronic wounds. This includes the mechanisms that are involved in the activation of the immune responses, as well as the effector functions, the antimicrobial components and the associated tissue destruction. The mechanisms by which the biofilms evade immune responses, and potential treatment targets of the immune response are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Moser
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Østrup Jensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim Thomsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Kolpen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Rybtke
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie Lauland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hannah Trøstrup
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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47
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Hofmann L, Hirsch M, Ruthstein S. Advances in Understanding of the Copper Homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2050. [PMID: 33669570 PMCID: PMC7922089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-five thousand people die as a result of more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections in the United States of America per year. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is classified a serious threat, the second-highest threat category of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Among others, the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages the discovery and development of novel antibiotic classes with new targets and mechanisms of action without cross-resistance to existing classes. To find potential new target sites in pathogenic bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa, it is inevitable to fully understand the molecular mechanism of homeostasis, metabolism, regulation, growth, and resistances thereof. P. aeruginosa maintains a sophisticated copper defense cascade comprising three stages, resembling those of public safety organizations. These stages include copper scavenging, first responder, and second responder. Similar mechanisms are found in numerous pathogens. Here we compare the copper-dependent transcription regulators cueR and copRS of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and P. aeruginosa. Further, phylogenetic analysis and structural modelling of mexPQ-opmE reveal that this efflux pump is unlikely to be involved in the copper export of P. aeruginosa. Altogether, we present current understandings of the copper homeostasis in P. aeruginosa and potential new target sites for antimicrobial agents or a combinatorial drug regimen in the fight against multidrug resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sharon Ruthstein
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials & Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel; (L.H.); (M.H.)
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Roop RM, Barton IS, Hopersberger D, Martin DW. Uncovering the Hidden Credentials of Brucella Virulence. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2021; 85:e00021-19. [PMID: 33568459 PMCID: PMC8549849 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria in the genus Brucella are important human and veterinary pathogens. The abortion and infertility they cause in food animals produce economic hardships in areas where the disease has not been controlled, and human brucellosis is one of the world's most common zoonoses. Brucella strains have also been isolated from wildlife, but we know much less about the pathobiology and epidemiology of these infections than we do about brucellosis in domestic animals. The brucellae maintain predominantly an intracellular lifestyle in their mammalian hosts, and their ability to subvert the host immune response and survive and replicate in macrophages and placental trophoblasts underlies their success as pathogens. We are just beginning to understand how these bacteria evolved from a progenitor alphaproteobacterium with an environmental niche and diverged to become highly host-adapted and host-specific pathogens. Two important virulence determinants played critical roles in this evolution: (i) a type IV secretion system that secretes effector molecules into the host cell cytoplasm that direct the intracellular trafficking of the brucellae and modulate host immune responses and (ii) a lipopolysaccharide moiety which poorly stimulates host inflammatory responses. This review highlights what we presently know about how these and other virulence determinants contribute to Brucella pathogenesis. Gaining a better understanding of how the brucellae produce disease will provide us with information that can be used to design better strategies for preventing brucellosis in animals and for preventing and treating this disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Martin Roop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ian S Barton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dariel Hopersberger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel W Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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49
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Jiao H, Li F, Wang T, Yam JKH, Yang L, Liang H. The Pyocin Regulator PrtR Regulates Virulence Expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Modulation of Gac/Rsm System and c-di-GMP Signaling Pathway. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00602-20. [PMID: 33168590 PMCID: PMC7822137 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00602-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the second messenger cyclic-di-GMP and Gac/Rsm signaling pathways are associated with the transition from acute to chronic infection. Therefore, identification of the molecular mechanisms that govern lifestyle choice in bacteria is very important. Here, we identified a novel cyclic-di-GMP modulator, PrtR, which was shown to repress pyocin production by inhibition of PrtN and activate the type III secretion system (T3SS) through PtrB. Compared to a wild-type strain or a prtN mutant, the prtR prtN double mutant exhibited a wrinkly colony and hyperbiofilm phenotype, as well as an increase in intracellular c-di-GMP levels. Interestingly, a diguanylate cyclase (DGC) gene, siaD, was repressed by PrtR. Further experiments revealed that PrtR directly interacts with SiaD and facilitates the accumulation of c-di-GMP in cells. We also demonstrated that PrtR regulates the activity of the Gac/Rsm system, thus affecting expression of the T3SS and type VI secretion system (T6SS) and the formation of biofilm. Taken together, the present findings indicate that PrtR, as a c-di-GMP modulator, plays key roles in the adaptation to opportunistic infection of P. aeruginosa Additionally, this study revealed a novel mechanism for PrtR-mediated regulation of the lifestyle transition via the Gac/Rsm and c-di-GMP signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, China
| | - Fan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, ShaanXi, China
| | - Tietao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, China
| | - Joey Kuok Hoong Yam
- School of Biological Sciences, Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, ShenZhen, China
| | - Haihua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, China
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50
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Shan W, Zhang H, Kan J, Yin M, Zhang J, Wan L, Chang R, Li M. Acquired mucoid phenotype of Acinetobacter baumannii: Impact for the molecular characteristics and virulence. Microbiol Res 2021; 246:126702. [PMID: 33465557 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Mucoid phenotype is an important adaptive defense response for Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii). The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of mucoid phenotype for the molecular characteristics and virulence of A. baumannii. We observed that the colonies of mucoid A. baumannii were moist, with an elevated surface, and the wire drawing result was positive. Transmission electron microscopy data showed that the outer wall of the mucoid colonies was not smooth, had protruding pseudopodia, and was surrounded by a layer of unknown material. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the mucoid strains were multidrug resistant. Notably, the mucoid phenotype and antibiotic resistance were not correlated with the amount of biofilm produced by A. baumannii. MLST data demonstrated that the mucoid A. baumannii strains belonged to type ST2. Most (82.6 %, 38/46) of the multidrug-resistant nonmucoid strains also belonged to the molecular type ST2 and to other types, including ST129, ST158, ST195, ST80 and ST3. Moreover, mucoid A. baumannii strains were more virulent than nonmucoid isolates in a mouse model. The comparative transcriptomic data indicated that 15 genes, especially IX87_RS16955 (acnA), IX87_RS10800 (XanP), IX87_RS12875 (GlmM), IX87_RS00885 and IX87_RS12395 (bfr), were possibly associated with the phenotype and virulence of mucoid A. baumannii. In conclusions, the study comprehensively describes the molecular characteristics and virulence regulatory mechanism of mucoid A. baumannii, and provides novel insights for the prevention and treatment of infections associated with these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulin Shan
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Huanhuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jinsong Kan
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Meiling Yin
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jiayun Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Lingling Wan
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Renliang Chang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
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