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Chang C, Phan MD, Schembri MA. Modified Tn 7 transposon vectors for controlled chromosomal gene expression. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024:e0155624. [PMID: 39291982 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01556-24] [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: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Complementation remains a foundation for demonstrating molecular Koch's postulates. While this is frequently achieved using plasmids, limitations such as increased gene copy number and the need for antibiotic supplementation to avoid plasmid loss can restrict their use. Chromosomal integration systems using the Tn7 transposon provide an alternative to plasmids for complementation and facilitate the stable insertion of genes at the chromosomal attTn7 site without the need for selection pressure. Here, we enhanced the utility of mini-Tn7 insertion vectors by the addition of inducible (Pcym) and constitutive (PcL and PrpsM) promoters, allowing differential transcriptional control of genes integrated into the chromosome. We validated the utility of these promoters by cloning the gfp gene, encoding green fluorescent protein, downstream of each promoter and integrating a mini-Tn7 construct harboring these elements into the attTn7 site on the chromosome of the Escherichia coli K-12 strain MG1655. The PcL and PrpsM promoters provided equivalent levels of GFP expression and offered flexibility based on the target host strain. Activation of the tightly regulated Pcym promoter with its inducer cumate resulted in tunable expression of GFP in a dose-dependent manner. We further demonstrated the tight control of the Pcym promoter using the toxic impCAB genes, and the expression of which is detrimental to E. coli viability. Together, these modified mini-Tn7 vectors allowing differential control of genes integrated into the chromosome at a conserved site offer an efficient system for complementation where plasmid use is restricted.IMPORTANCEChromosomal integration using mini-Tn7 vectors provides an efficient means to insert genes into the chromosome of many gram-negative bacteria. Insertion occurs at a conserved site and allows for the stable integration of genes in single copy. While this system has multiple benefits for enabling complementation, a cornerstone for fulfilling molecular Koch's postulates, greater flexibility for controlled gene expression would enhance its utility. Here, we have added to the function of mini-Tn7 vectors by the addition of inducible and constitutive promoters and demonstrated their capacity to drive the controlled expression of target genes integrated into the chromosome. In addition to complementation, these modified vectors offer broad application for other approaches including chromosomal tagging, in vivo expression, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chyden Chang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Minh-Duy Phan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark A Schembri
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Asgharzadeh Kangachar S, Logel DY, Trofimova E, Zhu HX, Zaugg J, Schembri MA, Weynberg KD, Jaschke PR. Discovery and characterisation of new phage targeting uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Virology 2024; 597:110148. [PMID: 38941748 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110148] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is an escalating threat with few new therapeutic options in the pipeline. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent bacterial infections globally and are prone to becoming recurrent and antibiotic resistant. We discovered and characterized six novel Autographiviridae and Guernseyvirinae bacterial viruses (phage) against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), a leading cause of UTIs. The phage genomes were between 39,471 bp - 45,233 bp, with 45.0%-51.0% GC%, and 57-84 predicted coding sequences per genome. We show that tail fiber domain structure, predicted host capsule type, and host antiphage repertoire correlate with phage host range. In vitro characterisation of phage cocktails showed synergistic improvement against a mixed UPEC strain population and when sequentially dosed. Together, these phage are a new set extending available treatments for UTI from UPEC, and phage vM_EcoM_SHAK9454 represents a promising candidate for further improvement through engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Asgharzadeh Kangachar
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dominic Y Logel
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ellina Trofimova
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah X Zhu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julian Zaugg
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark A Schembri
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen D Weynberg
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul R Jaschke
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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3
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Ramamoorthy K, Dhanraj R, Vijayakumar N, Ma Y, Al Obaid S, Narayanan M. Vegetable and fruit wastes: Valuable source for organic fertilizer for effective growth of short-term crops: Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annum. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118727. [PMID: 38490629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Agriculture plays a vital role in the food security and economies of Asian countries. Annually, numerous metric tons of vegetable and fruit wastes are disposed of. This research aimed to convert the food wastes encompassing the vegetable and fruit wastes into solid and liquid organic fertilizer and to evaluate their influence on the growth (germination, phytochemicals, and biomolecules) of Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annum. Solanum lycopersicum, known as tomato, and Capsicum annum, known as bell pepper or chili pepper, are globally significant crops valued for their medicinal properties and economic importance. The pot experiment was performed with organic fertilizers (solid and liquid organic fertilizer) and compared with the influence of chemical fertilizer and control soil without fertilizers. Interestingly, the liquid organic fertilizer effectively enhanced the biometric profile and chlorophyll content of S. lycopersicum and C. annum Viz., 1.23 mg g-1 and 0.89 mg g-1, respectively. The results of a 30-days pot experiment with various fertilizer treatments showed significant influence of liquid organic fertilizer on the fresh and dry weight biomass of both S. lycopersicum and C. annum. Subsequently, the solid organic fertilizer showed considerable influence on test crops, and the influence of these organic fertilizers was more significant than the chemical fertilizer on crop growth in 30-days experiment. These results suggest that the sustainable approach can effectively convert vegetables and fruit waste into valuable organic fertilizer enriched with plant growth supporting essential nutritional elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Ramamoorthy
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Salem - 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajesh Dhanraj
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University Centre for Post Graduate and Research Studies, Dharmapuri, 635 205, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natesan Vijayakumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ying Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Sami Al Obaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mathiyazhagan Narayanan
- Department of Research and Innovations, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India.
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4
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Matzembacker B, Fantinel DDS, Rodrigues CM, da Silva SP, Marin MHDB, Rosa DS, da Costa MM, Silveira S, Girardini LK. Antimicrobial efficiency of bromhexine hydrochloride against endometritis-causing Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes in bovines. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:2013-2024. [PMID: 38639845 PMCID: PMC11153440 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01320-2] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, the main agents associated with endometritis in cows in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were identified and the resistance profile and virulence mechanisms of the bacterial isolates were evaluated. Isolates of Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes were tested for their biofilm forming ability and the antimicrobial action of bromhexine hydrochloride in combination with other antimicrobials. A total of 37 uterine lavage samples were collected from cows with endometritis. Of the 55 bacteria isolated, 25.4% were identified as T. pyogenes and 16.3% as E. coli. The bacterial isolates showed greater resistance to sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (58.2%) and tetracycline (56.3%). Among the species, E. coli showed the highest resistance rates, with 100% of isolates showing resistance to amoxicillin, streptomycin, and gentamicin. The results of the minimum inhibitory concentration for the T. pyogenes isolates showed that 91.6% of the isolates were resistant to enrofloxacin and tetracycline, and 75% were resistant to ceftiofur and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim. All E. coli and T. pyogenes isolates showed biofilm forming ability. The plo, fimA, and nanH genes were identified in 100% of T. pyogenes isolates. In parallel, 100% of E. coli isolates had the fimH gene, and 11.1% had the csgD gene. Bromhexine hydrochloride showed antimicrobial activity against 100% of E. coli isolates and 66.6% of T. pyogenes isolates. Furthermore, when associated with antimicrobials, bromhexine hydrochloride has a synergistic and additive effect, proving to be an option in the treatment of endometritis in cows and an alternative for reducing the use of antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Matzembacker
- Laboratório de diagnóstico de Doenças infectocontagiosas, Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Xanxerê, 89820-000, Santa Catarina, Brasil
| | | | | | - Samara Pereira da Silva
- Laboratório de diagnóstico de Doenças infectocontagiosas, Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Xanxerê, 89820-000, Santa Catarina, Brasil
| | - Matheus Henrique Dal Bó Marin
- Laboratório de diagnóstico de Doenças infectocontagiosas, Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Xanxerê, 89820-000, Santa Catarina, Brasil
| | - Danillo Sales Rosa
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, 52171-030, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Mateus Matiuzzi da Costa
- Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina, 56300-000, Pernambuco, Brasil.
| | - Simone Silveira
- Laboratório de diagnóstico de Doenças infectocontagiosas, Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Xanxerê, 89820-000, Santa Catarina, Brasil
| | - Lilian Kolling Girardini
- Laboratório de diagnóstico de Doenças infectocontagiosas, Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Xanxerê, 89820-000, Santa Catarina, Brasil
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Bouhrour N, Nibbering PH, Bendali F. Medical Device-Associated Biofilm Infections and Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Pathogens 2024; 13:393. [PMID: 38787246 PMCID: PMC11124157 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050393] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Medical devices such as venous catheters (VCs) and urinary catheters (UCs) are widely used in the hospital setting. However, the implantation of these devices is often accompanied by complications. About 60 to 70% of nosocomial infections (NIs) are linked to biofilms. The main complication is the ability of microorganisms to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms which protect them and help them to persist in the host. Indeed, by crossing the skin barrier, the insertion of VC inevitably allows skin flora or accidental environmental contaminants to access the underlying tissues and cause fatal complications like bloodstream infections (BSIs). In fact, 80,000 central venous catheters-BSIs (CVC-BSIs)-mainly occur in intensive care units (ICUs) with a death rate of 12 to 25%. Similarly, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) are the most commonlyhospital-acquired infections (HAIs) worldwide.These infections represent up to 40% of NIs.In this review, we present a summary of biofilm formation steps. We provide an overview of two main and important infections in clinical settings linked to medical devices, namely the catheter-asociated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs), and highlight also the most multidrug resistant bacteria implicated in these infections. Furthermore, we draw attention toseveral useful prevention strategies, and advanced antimicrobial and antifouling approaches developed to reduce bacterial colonization on catheter surfaces and the incidence of the catheter-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Bouhrour
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria;
| | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Farida Bendali
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria;
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6
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Phan MD, Schirra HJ, Nhu NTK, Peters KM, Sarkar S, Allsopp LP, Achard MES, Kappler U, Schembri MA. Combined functional genomic and metabolomic approaches identify new genes required for growth in human urine by multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli ST131. mBio 2024; 15:e0338823. [PMID: 38353545 PMCID: PMC10936160 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03388-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, with ~400 million cases across the globe each year. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the major cause of UTI and increasingly associated with antibiotic resistance. This scenario has been worsened by the emergence and spread of pandemic UPEC sequence type 131 (ST131), a multidrug-resistant clone associated with extraordinarily high rates of infection. Here, we employed transposon-directed insertion site sequencing in combination with metabolomic profiling to identify genes and biochemical pathways required for growth and survival of the UPEC ST131 reference strain EC958 in human urine (HU). We identified 24 genes required for growth in HU, which mapped to diverse pathways involving small peptide, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, the stringent response pathway, and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. We also discovered a role for UPEC resistance to fluoride during growth in HU, most likely associated with fluoridation of drinking water. Complementary nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics identified changes in a range of HU metabolites following UPEC growth, the most pronounced being L-lactate, which was utilized as a carbon source via the L-lactate dehydrogenase LldD. Using a mouse UTI model with mixed competitive infection experiments, we demonstrated a role for nucleotide metabolism and the stringent response in UPEC colonization of the mouse bladder. Together, our application of two omics technologies combined with different infection-relevant settings has uncovered new factors required for UPEC growth in HU, thus enhancing our understanding of this pivotal step in the UPEC infection pathway. IMPORTANCE Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause ~80% of all urinary tract infections (UTIs), with increasing rates of antibiotic resistance presenting an urgent threat to effective treatment. To cause infection, UPEC must grow efficiently in human urine (HU), necessitating a need to understand mechanisms that promote its adaptation and survival in this nutrient-limited environment. Here, we used a combination of functional genomic and metabolomic techniques and identified roles for the metabolism of small peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, and L-lactate, as well as the stringent response pathway, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and fluoride resistance, for UPEC growth in HU. We further demonstrated that pathways involving nucleotide metabolism and the stringent response are required for UPEC colonization of the mouse bladder. The UPEC genes and metabolic pathways identified in this study represent targets for the development of innovative therapeutics to prevent UPEC growth during human UTI, an urgent need given the rapidly rising rates of global antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Duy Phan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Horst Joachim Schirra
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nguyen Thi Khanh Nhu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate M. Peters
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sohinee Sarkar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke P. Allsopp
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maud E. S. Achard
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ulrike Kappler
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark A. Schembri
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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7
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Nhu NTK, Rahman MA, Goh KGK, Kim SJ, Phan MD, Peters KM, Alvarez-Fraga L, Hancock SJ, Ravi C, Kidd TJ, Sullivan MJ, Irvine KM, Beatson SA, Sweet MJ, Irwin AD, Vukovic J, Ulett GC, Hasnain SZ, Schembri MA. A convergent evolutionary pathway attenuating cellulose production drives enhanced virulence of some bacteria. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1441. [PMID: 38383596 PMCID: PMC10881479 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria adapt to selective pressure in their immediate environment in multiple ways. One mechanism involves the acquisition of independent mutations that disable or modify a key pathway, providing a signature of adaptation via convergent evolution. Extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) belonging to sequence type 95 (ST95) represent a global clone frequently associated with severe human infections including acute pyelonephritis, sepsis, and neonatal meningitis. Here, we analysed a publicly available dataset of 613 ST95 genomes and identified a series of loss-of-function mutations that disrupt cellulose production or its modification in 55.3% of strains. We show the inability to produce cellulose significantly enhances ST95 invasive infection in a rat model of neonatal meningitis, leading to the disruption of intestinal barrier integrity in newborn pups and enhanced dissemination to the liver, spleen and brain. Consistent with these observations, disruption of cellulose production in ST95 augmented innate immune signalling and tissue neutrophil infiltration in a mouse model of urinary tract infection. Mutations that disrupt cellulose production were also identified in other virulent ExPEC STs, Shigella and Salmonella, suggesting a correlative association with many Enterobacteriaceae that cause severe human infection. Together, our findings provide an explanation for the emergence of hypervirulent Enterobacteriaceae clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Khanh Nhu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - M Arifur Rahman
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Immunopathology Group, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD, Australia
| | - Kelvin G K Goh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Seung Jae Kim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Minh-Duy Phan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate M Peters
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura Alvarez-Fraga
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- INRAE, Univ Montpellier, LBE, 102 Avenue des Etangs, Narbonne, 11100, France
| | - Steven J Hancock
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Chitra Ravi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy J Kidd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sullivan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Immunopathology Group, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Scott A Beatson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sweet
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam D Irwin
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jana Vukovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia.
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia.
| | - Sumaira Z Hasnain
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Immunopathology Group, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Mark A Schembri
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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8
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Yan CH, Chen FH, Yang YL, Zhan YF, Herman RA, Gong LC, Sheng S, Wang J. The Transcription Factor CsgD Contributes to Engineered Escherichia coli Resistance by Regulating Biofilm Formation and Stress Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13681. [PMID: 37761984 PMCID: PMC10530992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The high cell density, immobilization and stability of biofilms are ideal characteristics for bacteria in resisting antibiotic therapy. CsgD is a transcription activating factor that regulates the synthesis of curly fimbriae and cellulose in Escherichia coli, thereby enhancing bacterial adhesion and promoting biofilm formation. To investigate the role of CsgD in biofilm formation and stress resistance in bacteria, the csgD deletion mutant ΔcsgD was successfully constructed from the engineered strain E. coli BL21(DE3) using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system. The results demonstrated that the biofilm of ΔcsgD decreased by 70.07% (p < 0.05). Additionally, the mobility and adhesion of ΔcsgD were inhibited due to the decrease in curly fimbriae and extracellular polymeric substances. Furthermore, ΔcsgD exhibited a significantly decreased resistance to acid, alkali and osmotic stress conditions (p < 0.05). RNA-Seq results revealed 491 differentially expressed genes between the parent strain and ΔcsgD, with enrichment primarily observed in metabolism-related processes as well as cell membrane structure and catalytic activity categories. Moreover, CsgD influenced the expression of biofilm and stress response genes pgaA, motB, fimA, fimC, iraP, ompA, osmC, sufE and elaB, indicating that the CsgD participated in the resistance of E. coli by regulating the expression of biofilm and stress response. In brief, the transcription factor CsgD plays a key role in the stress resistance of E. coli, and is a potential target for treating and controlling biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hai Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Fang-Hui Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Yu-Lu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Yu-Fan Zhan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Richard A. Herman
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Lu-Chan Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Sheng Sheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (C.-H.Y.); (F.-H.C.); (Y.-L.Y.); (Y.-F.Z.); (R.A.H.); (L.-C.G.); (S.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
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9
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Whelan S, Lucey B, Finn K. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: The Molecular Basis for Challenges to Effective Treatment. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2169. [PMID: 37764013 PMCID: PMC10537683 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, especially among women and older adults, leading to a significant global healthcare cost burden. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the most common cause and accounts for the majority of community-acquired UTIs. Infection by UPEC can cause discomfort, polyuria, and fever. More serious clinical consequences can result in urosepsis, kidney damage, and death. UPEC is a highly adaptive pathogen which presents significant treatment challenges rooted in a complex interplay of molecular factors that allow UPEC to evade host defences, persist within the urinary tract, and resist antibiotic therapy. This review discusses these factors, which include the key genes responsible for adhesion, toxin production, and iron acquisition. Additionally, it addresses antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including chromosomal gene mutations, antibiotic deactivating enzymes, drug efflux, and the role of mobile genetic elements in their dissemination. Furthermore, we provide a forward-looking analysis of emerging alternative therapies, such as phage therapy, nano-formulations, and interventions based on nanomaterials, as well as vaccines and strategies for immunomodulation. This review underscores the continued need for research into the molecular basis of pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance in the treatment of UPEC, as well as the need for clinically guided treatment of UTIs, particularly in light of the rapid spread of multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Whelan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Brigid Lucey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Karen Finn
- Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Atlantic Technological University Galway City, Dublin Road, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland
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10
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Li J, Mu G, Tuo Y. Phenotypic Traits and Probiotic Functions of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y42 in Planktonic and Biofilm Forms. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071516. [PMID: 37048337 PMCID: PMC10093976 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071516] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria in planktonic and biofilm forms exhibit different phenotypic properties. In this study, the phenotypic traits and probiotic functions of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y42 in planktonic and biofilm forms were assessed. After 36 h of static culture, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the L. plantarum Y42 bacterial cells contained interconnected adhesive matter on the surface, forming a ~18 μm layer of dense biofilms. The surface properties of L. plantarum Y42 in biofilm form, including autoaggregation ability, hydrophobicity, acid-base charge, and adhesiveness, were all higher than those in the planktonic form. Biofilm L. plantarum Y42 showed a higher tolerance to adverse environmental conditions and a higher survival rate, enzymatic activity, and integrity after vacuum lyophilization. And biofilm L. plantarum Y42 had higher adhesion to human enterocyte HT-29 cell monolayers, inhibited the expressions of proinflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, and promoted the expressions of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and barrier proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin. In addition, L. plantarum Y42 in biofilm form can inhibit the adhesion and invasion of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 to HT-29 cell monolayers and is more effective in relieving the inflammatory reactions and injuries of HT-29 cells caused by L. monocytogenes ATCC 19115. In conclusion, L. plantarum Y42 in biofilm form exhibited better probiotic functions compared to that in planktonic form. This indicated that L. plantarum Y42 can form biofilms to enhance its probiotic functions, which provided a theoretical basis for better development and utilization of L. plantarum Y42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Guangqing Mu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- Dalian Probiotics Function Research Key Laboratory, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Yanfeng Tuo
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
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11
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Pons S, Frapy E, Sereme Y, Gaultier C, Lebreton F, Kropec A, Danilchanka O, Schlemmer L, Schrimpf C, Allain M, Angoulvant F, Lecuyer H, Bonacorsi S, Aschard H, Sokol H, Cywes-Bentley C, Mekalanos JJ, Guillard T, Pier GB, Roux D, Skurnik D. A high-throughput sequencing approach identifies immunotherapeutic targets for bacterial meningitis in neonates. EBioMedicine 2023; 88:104439. [PMID: 36709579 PMCID: PMC9900374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, Escherichia coli is the leading cause of neonatal Gram-negative bacterial meningitis, but full understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease is not yet achieved. Moreover, to date, no vaccine is available against bacterial neonatal meningitis. METHODS Here, we used Transposon Sequencing of saturated banks of mutants (TnSeq) to evaluate E. coli K1 genetic fitness in murine neonatal meningitis. We identified E. coli K1 genes encoding for factors important for systemic dissemination and brain infection, and focused on products with a likely outer-membrane or extra-cellular localization, as these are potential vaccine candidates. We used in vitro and in vivo models to study the efficacy of active and passive immunization. RESULTS We selected for further study the conserved surface polysaccharide Poly-β-(1-6)-N-Acetyl Glucosamine (PNAG), as a strong candidate for vaccine development. We found that PNAG was a virulence factor in our animal model. We showed that both passive and active immunization successfully prevented and/or treated meningitis caused by E. coli K1 in neonatal mice. We found an excellent opsonophagocytic killing activity of the antibodies to PNAG and in vitro these antibodies were also able to decrease binding, invasion and crossing of E. coli K1 through two blood brain barrier cell lines. Finally, to reinforce the potential of PNAG as a vaccine candidate in bacterial neonatal meningitis, we demonstrated that Group B Streptococcus, the main cause of neonatal meningitis in developed countries, also produced PNAG and that antibodies to PNAG could protect in vitro and in vivo against this major neonatal pathogen. INTERPRETATION Altogether, these results indicate the utility of a high-throughput DNA sequencing method to identify potential immunotherapy targets for a pathogen, including in this study a potential broad-spectrum target for prevention of neonatal bacterial infections. FUNDINGS ANR Seq-N-Vaq, Charles Hood Foundation, Hearst Foundation, and Groupe Pasteur Mutualité.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Pons
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Sorbonne University, GRC 29, AP-HP, DMU DREAM, Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Eric Frapy
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, F-75015 Paris, France; Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris City, Paris, France
| | - Youssouf Sereme
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, F-75015 Paris, France; Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris City, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Gaultier
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - François Lebreton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrea Kropec
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Olga Danilchanka
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura Schlemmer
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Schrimpf
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Margaux Allain
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - François Angoulvant
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Pediatric Emergency Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, University of Paris City, Paris, France; INSERM, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Lecuyer
- CNRS, INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, F-75015 Paris, France; Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris City, Paris, France; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire Prématurité (FHU PREMA), Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, University of Paris City, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Bonacorsi
- E IAME, UMR 1137, INSERM, Université de Paris, AP-HP, Paris, France; Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Hugues Aschard
- Centre de Bioinformatique, Biostatistique et Biologie Intégrative (C3BI), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harry Sokol
- Gastroenterology Department, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Saint Antoine Hospital, F-75012 Paris, France; INRA, UMR1319 Micalis & AgroParisTech, Jouy en Josas, France; Paris Centre for Microbiome Medicine FHU, Paris, France
| | - Colette Cywes-Bentley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John J Mekalanos
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas Guillard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-Santé, Inserm UMR-S 1250 P3Cell, Reims, France; Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène Hospitalière-Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Reims, France
| | - Gerald B Pier
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Damien Roux
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Université de Paris, INSERM, UMR 1137 IAME, F-75018 Paris, France; AP-HP, Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Hôpital Louis Mourier, F-92700 Colombes, France
| | - David Skurnik
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; CNRS, INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, F-75015 Paris, France; Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris City, Paris, France; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire Prématurité (FHU PREMA), Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, University of Paris City, Paris, France.
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12
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Dawadi P, Khanal S, Prasai Joshi T, KC S, Tuladhar R, Maharjan BL, Darai A, Joshi DR. Antibiotic Resistance, Biofilm Formation and Sub-Inhibitory Hydrogen Peroxide Stimulation in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Microbiol Insights 2022; 15:11786361221135224. [PMID: 36420183 PMCID: PMC9677168 DOI: 10.1177/11786361221135224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most prevalent cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance could be high among the causative agent. The purpose of this study was to determine antibiotic resistance, biofilm production, and biofilm-associated genes, bcsA and csgD, and sub-inhibitory hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulation in UPEC for biofilm formation. A total of 71 UPEC were collected from a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu and subjected to identify antibiotic susceptibility using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. The biofilm formation was assessed using microtiter culture plate method while pellicle formation was tested by a tube method. In representative 15 isolates based on biofilm-forming ability, bcsA and csgD were screened by conventional polymerase chain reaction, and treated with sub-lethal H2O2. The UPEC were found the most susceptible to meropenem (90.2%), and the least to ampicillin (11.3%) in vitro and 90.1% of them were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Most UPEC harbored biofilm-producing ability (97.2%), and could form pellicle at 37°C. Among representative 15 isolates, csgD was detected only among 10 isolates (66.67%) while bcsA gene was present in 13 isolates (86.67%). This study revealed that level of biofilm production elevated after sub-lethal H2O2 treatment (P = .041). These findings suggested that the pathogens are emerging as MDR. The biofilm production is high and the majority of selected strains contained bcsA and csgD genes. Pellicle formation test was suggestive to be an alternative qualitative method to screen biofilm production in UPEC. The sub-inhibitory concentration of H2O2 may contribute in increasing biofilm formation in UPEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabin Dawadi
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Santosh Khanal
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Tista Prasai Joshi
- Faculty of Science, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Sudeep KC
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Reshma Tuladhar
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bijaya Laxmi Maharjan
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Anjani Darai
- Department of Pathology, Bharosa Hospital, Mid-Baneswor, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dev Raj Joshi
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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13
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Azam MW, Khan AU. CRISPRi -mediated suppression of E. coli Nissle 1917 virulence factors: A strategy for creating an engineered probiotic using csgD gene suppression. Front Nutr 2022; 9:938989. [PMID: 35978963 PMCID: PMC9376613 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.938989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biofilm formation is a complex phenomenon, and it is the causative agent of several human infections. Bacterial amyloids are involved in biofilm formation leading to infection persistence. Due to antibiotic resistance, their treatment is a great challenge for physicians. Probiotics, especially E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), are used to treat human intestinal disorders and ulcerative colitis. It also expresses virulence factors associated with biofilm and amyloid formation. EcN produces biofilm equivalent to the pathogenic UPEC strains. Methods CRISPRi was used to create the knockdown mutants of the csgD gene (csgD-KD). The qRT-PCR was performed to assess the expression of the csgD gene in csgD-KD cells. The csgD-KD cells were also evaluated for the expression of csgA, csgB, fimA, fimH, ompR, luxS, and bolA genes. The gene expression data obtained was further confirmed by spectroscopic, microscopic, and other assays to validate our study. Results CRISPRi-mediated knockdown of csgD gene shows reduction in curli amyloid formation, biofilm formation, and suppression of genes (csgA, csgB, fimA, fimH, ompR, bolA, and luxS) involved in virulence factors production. Conclusion Curli amyloid fibers and fimbriae fibers play a critical role in biofilm formation leading to pathogenicity. CsgD protein is the master regulator of curli synthesis in E. coli. Hence, curli amyloid inhibition through the csgD gene may be used to improve the EcN and different probiotic strains by suppressing virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd W Azam
- Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Asad U Khan
- Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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14
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Identification of novel biofilm genes in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli by Tn5 transposon mutant library. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:130. [PMID: 35688968 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03314-4] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the main pathogens that inflict the poultry industry. Biofilm as the pathogenic factors of APEC, which can enhance the anti-host immune system of APEC and improve its survival in the environment. In order to screen for new genes related to APEC biofilm. The APEC strain APEC81 was used to construct a mutant library by Tn5 insertion mutagenesis. Moreover the 28 mutant strains with severely weakened biofilm were successfully screened from 1500 mutant strains by crystal violet staining, in which 17 genes were obtained by high-efficiency thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR. The reported genes include 3 flagella genes (fliS, fliD, and fliR), 4 curli fimbriae genes (csgD, csgA, csgF, and csgG) and 3 type 1 fimbriae genes (fimA, fimD, and fimC). The novel genes include 3 coenzyme genes (gltA, bglX, and mltF) and 4 putative protein genes (yehE, 07045, 11735, 11255). To investigate whether these 17 genes co-regulate the biofilm, the 17 identified genes were deleted from APEC strain APEC81. The results showed that except for the 11735 and 11255 genes, the deletion of 15 genes significantly reduced the biofilm formation ability of APEC81 (P < 0.05). The result of rdar (red, dry and rough) colony morphology showed that curli fimbriae genes (csgD, csgA, csgF, and csgG) and other functional genes (fimC, glxK, yehE, 07045, and 11255) affected the colony morphology. In particular, the hypothetical protein YehE had the greatest influence on the biofilm. It was predicted to have the same structure as the type 1 fimbria protein. When yehE was deleted, the fimE transcription was up-regulated, and the fimA and fimB transcription were down-regulated, resulting in a decrease in type 1 fimbriae. Hence, the yehE mutant significantly reduced the biofilm and the adhesion and invasion ability to cells (P < 0.05). This study identified 5 novel genes (gltA, bglX, mltF, yehE, and 07045) related to biofilm formation and confirmed that yehE affects biofilm formation by type 1 fimbriae, which will benefit further study of the mechanism of biofilm regulation in APEC.
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15
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Silencing of Curlin Protein via M13 Phagemid-Mediated Synthetic sRNA Expression Reduces Virulence in the Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:105. [PMID: 35157141 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02791-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Curli fimbriae, a virulent factor of the Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is responsible for adhesion, biofilm formation, and colonization of pathogen. Major curli fimbriae protein is encoded by csgA gene. APEC is one of the leading causes of colibacillosis in poultry flocks and due to excessive use of antibiotics and vaccines in poultry, the emergence of various multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strainsare is frequently reported. The growing concern of MDR bacterial strains necessitate novel antibacterial approaches to combat colibacillosis in poultry. RNA-based gene silencing is a very specific and robust strategy to target specific bacterial factors involved in pathogenicity and virulence. In this study, a phagemid-mediated sRNA expression system to target a vital gene, csgA, is employed. This comprises an M13 phagemid harboring a sRNA expression cassette and a pre-designed GUIDE sequences for the csgA target gene. To target the csgA gene at the mRNA level, a GUIDE sequence was computationally designed for pre-designed sRNA expression cassette. Online web tools were used to predict the binding energy, secondary structure, and off-target binding potential of the sRNA to optimize its expression. Results showed that the designed sRNA has a binding energy of - 29.60 kcal/mol with zero off-targets. After expression of the sRNA in the APEC cells, ̴ 45% reduction in the csgA level was observed via RT-PCR in the CS-APEC-O1 strains compared to the wt-APEC-O1. Similarly, the biofilm forming ability decreased by 40% in the CS-APEC-O1 strains. The swarming motility and hemagglutination efficiency were not affected by the sRNA expression. Future studies investigating the in vivo efficiency of M13 phagemid delivery are required to evaluate its candidacy in phage therapy.
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16
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Wang TY, Guo R, Hu LL, Liu JJ, Lu HT. Mass Spectrometry-Based Targeted Metabolomics Revealed the Regulatory Roles of Magnesium on Biofilm Formation in Escherichia coli by Targeting Functional Metabolites. JOURNAL OF ANALYSIS AND TESTING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s41664-021-00208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Zhao XL, Chen ZG, Yang TC, Jiang M, Wang J, Cheng ZX, Yang MJ, Zhu JX, Zhang TT, Li H, Peng B, Peng XX. Glutamine promotes antibiotic uptake to kill multidrug-resistant uropathogenic bacteria. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabj0716. [PMID: 34936385 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj0716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Liang Zhao
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology and Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuang-Gui Chen
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Ci Yang
- Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Xue Cheng
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Man-Jun Yang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xin Zhu
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Tuo Zhang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology and Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Peng
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology and Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan-Xian Peng
- Third Affiliated Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Control and School of Life Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology and Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
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18
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Loss of an Intimin-Like Protein Encoded on a Uropathogenic E. coli Pathogenicity Island Reduces Inflammation and Affects Interactions with the Urothelium. Infect Immun 2021; 90:e0027521. [PMID: 34871042 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00275-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) causes the majority of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI), which affect nearly half of women worldwide. Many UPEC strains encode an annotated intimin-like adhesin (ila) locus in their genome related to a well-characterized virulence factor in diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes. Its role in UPEC uropathogenesis, however, remains unknown. In prototype UPEC strain CFT073, there is an ila locus that encodes three predicted intimin-like genes sinH, sinI, and ratA. We used in silico approaches to determine the phylogeny and genomic distribution of this locus among uropathogens. We found that the currently annotated intimin-encoding proteins in CFT073 are more closely related to invasin proteins found in Salmonella. Deletion of the individual sinH, sinI, and ratA genes did not result in measurable effects on growth, biofilm formation, or motility in vitro. On average, sinH was more highly expressed in clinical strains during active human UTI than in human urine ex vivo. Unexpectedly, we found that strains lacking this ila locus had increased adherence to bladder cells in vitro, coupled with a decrease in bladder cell invasion and death. The sinH mutant displayed a significant fitness defect in the murine model of ascending UTI including reduced inflammation in the bladder. These data confirmed an inhibitory role in bladder cell adherence to facilitate invasion and inflammation; therefore, the ila locus should be termed invasin-like, rather than intimin-like. Collectively, our data suggest that loss of this locus mediates measurable interactions with bladder cells in vitro and contributes to fitness during UTI.
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Holden ER, Yasir M, Turner AK, Wain J, Charles IG, Webber MA. Massively parallel transposon mutagenesis identifies temporally essential genes for biofilm formation in Escherichia coli. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34783647 PMCID: PMC8743551 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms complete a life cycle where cells aggregate, grow and produce a structured community before dispersing to colonize new environments. Progression through this life cycle requires temporally controlled gene expression to maximize fitness at each stage. Previous studies have largely focused on identifying genes essential for the formation of a mature biofilm; here, we present an insight into the genes involved at different stages of biofilm formation. We used TraDIS-Xpress, a massively parallel transposon mutagenesis approach using transposon-located promoters to assay the impact of disruption or altered expression of all genes in the genome on biofilm formation. We identified 48 genes that affected the fitness of cells growing in a biofilm, including genes with known roles and those not previously implicated in biofilm formation. Regulation of type 1 fimbriae and motility were important at all time points, adhesion and motility were important for the early biofilm, whereas matrix production and purine biosynthesis were only important as the biofilm matured. We found strong temporal contributions to biofilm fitness for some genes, including some where expression changed between being beneficial or detrimental depending on the stage at which they are expressed, including dksA and dsbA. Novel genes implicated in biofilm formation included zapE and truA involved in cell division, maoP in chromosome organization, and yigZ and ykgJ of unknown function. This work provides new insights into the requirements for successful biofilm formation through the biofilm life cycle and demonstrates the importance of understanding expression and fitness through time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Holden
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Muhammad Yasir
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - A Keith Turner
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - John Wain
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ, UK.,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Ian G Charles
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ, UK.,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Mark A Webber
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ, UK.,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
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Gheorghe DC, Ilie A, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. Preventing Biofilm Formation and Development on Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Devices. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1025. [PMID: 34440229 PMCID: PMC8394763 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Otorhinolaryngology is a vast domain that requires the aid of many resources for optimal performance. The medical devices utilized in this branch share common problems, such as the formation of biofilms. These structured communities of microbes encased in a 3D matrix can develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus making it a problem with challenging solutions. Therefore, it is of concern the introduction in the medical practice involving biomaterials for ear, nose and throat (ENT) devices, such as implants for the trachea (stents), ear (cochlear implants), and voice recovery (voice prosthetics). The surface of these materials must be biocompatible and limit the development of biofilm while still promoting regeneration. In this respect, several surface modification techniques and functionalization procedures can be utilized to facilitate the success of the implants and ensure a long time of use. On this note, this review provides information on the intricate underlying mechanisms of biofilm formation, the large specter of implants and prosthetics that are susceptible to microbial colonization and subsequently related infections. Specifically, the discussion is particularized on biofilm development on ENT devices, ways to reduce it, and recent approaches that have emerged in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cristian Gheorghe
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- “M.S. Curie” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 077120 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Ilie
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.); (A.-G.N.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.); (A.-G.N.)
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
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21
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Ngiam L, Schembri MA, Weynberg K, Guo J. Bacteriophage isolated from non-target bacteria demonstrates broad host range infectivity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:5569-5586. [PMID: 34390602 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance represents a global health challenge. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria such as uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) has attracted significant attention due to increased MDR properties, even against the last line of antibiotics. Bacteriophage, or simply phage, represents an alternative treatment to antibiotics. However, phage applications still face some challenges, such as host range specificity and development of phage resistant mutants. In this study, using both UPEC and non-UPEC hosts, five different phages were isolated from wastewater. We found that the inclusion of commensal Escherichia coli as target hosts during screening improved the capacity to select phage with desirable characteristics for phage therapy. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that four out of five phages adopt strictly lytic lifestyles and are taxonomically related to different phage families belonging to the Myoviridae and Podoviridae. In comparison to single phage treatment, the application of phage cocktails targeting different cell surface receptors significantly enhanced the suppression of UPEC hosts. The emergence of phage-resistant mutants after single phage treatment was attributed to mutational changes in outer membrane protein components, suggesting the potential receptors recognized by these phages. The findings highlight the use of commensal E. coli as target hosts to isolate broad host range phage with infectivity against MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyman Ngiam
- Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Mark A Schembri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Karen Weynberg
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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22
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Phan MD, Bottomley AL, Peters KM, Harry EJ, Schembri MA. Uncovering novel susceptibility targets to enhance the efficacy of third-generation cephalosporins against ESBL-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:1415-1423. [PMID: 32073605 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are a major cause of urinary tract infection (UTI), one of the most common infectious diseases in humans. UPEC are increasingly associated with resistance to multiple antibiotics. This includes resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, a common class of antibiotics frequently used to treat UTI. METHODS We employed a high-throughput genome-wide screen using saturated transposon mutagenesis and transposon directed insertion-site sequencing (TraDIS) together with phenotypic resistance assessment to identify key genes required for survival of the MDR UPEC ST131 strain EC958 in the presence of the third-generation cephalosporin cefotaxime. RESULTS We showed that blaCMY-23 is the major ESBL gene in EC958 responsible for mediating resistance to cefotaxime. Our screen also revealed that mutation of genes involved in cell division and the twin-arginine translocation pathway sensitized EC958 to cefotaxime. The role of these cell-division and protein-secretion genes in cefotaxime resistance was confirmed through the construction of mutants and phenotypic testing. Mutation of these genes also sensitized EC958 to other cephalosporins. CONCLUSIONS This work provides an exemplar for the application of TraDIS to define molecular mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics. The identification of mutants that sensitize UPEC to cefotaxime, despite the presence of a cephalosporinase, provides a framework for the development of new approaches to treat infections caused by MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Duy Phan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy L Bottomley
- The ithree institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Kate M Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Harry
- The ithree institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Mark A Schembri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Ridyard KE, Overhage J. The Potential of Human Peptide LL-37 as an Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Agent. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060650. [PMID: 34072318 PMCID: PMC8227053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in antimicrobial resistant bacteria threatens the current methods utilized to treat bacterial infections. The development of novel therapeutic agents is crucial in avoiding a post-antibiotic era and the associated deaths from antibiotic resistant pathogens. The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been considered as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics as it displays broad spectrum antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities as well as immunomodulatory functions. While LL-37 has shown promising results, it has yet to receive regulatory approval as a peptide antibiotic. Despite the strong antimicrobial properties, LL-37 has several limitations including high cost, lower activity in physiological environments, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, and high toxicity to human cells. This review will discuss the challenges associated with making LL-37 into a viable antibiotic treatment option, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and cross-resistance as well as adaptive responses to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the peptide. The possible methods to overcome these challenges, including immobilization techniques, LL-37 delivery systems, the development of LL-37 derivatives, and synergistic combinations will also be considered. Herein, we describe how combination therapy and structural modifications to the sequence, helicity, hydrophobicity, charge, and configuration of LL-37 could optimize the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of LL-37 for future clinical use.
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Khambhati K, Patel J, Saxena V, A P, Jain N. Gene Regulation of Biofilm-Associated Functional Amyloids. Pathogens 2021; 10:490. [PMID: 33921583 PMCID: PMC8072697 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are bacterial communities encased in a rigid yet dynamic extracellular matrix. The sociobiology of bacterial communities within a biofilm is astonishing, with environmental factors playing a crucial role in determining the switch from planktonic to a sessile form of life. The mechanism of biofilm biogenesis is an intriguingly complex phenomenon governed by the tight regulation of expression of various biofilm-matrix components. One of the major constituents of the biofilm matrix is proteinaceous polymers called amyloids. Since the discovery, the significance of biofilm-associated amyloids in adhesion, aggregation, protection, and infection development has been much appreciated. The amyloid expression and assembly is regulated spatio-temporarily within the bacterial cells to perform a diverse function. This review provides a comprehensive account of the genetic regulation associated with the expression of amyloids in bacteria. The stringent control ensures optimal utilization of amyloid scaffold during biofilm biogenesis. We conclude the review by summarizing environmental factors influencing the expression and regulation of amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushal Khambhati
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur NH 65, Nagaur Road, Karwar, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Jaykumar Patel
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur NH 65, Nagaur Road, Karwar, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Vijaylaxmi Saxena
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur NH 65, Nagaur Road, Karwar, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Parvathy A
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur NH 65, Nagaur Road, Karwar, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Neha Jain
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur NH 65, Nagaur Road, Karwar, Rajasthan 342037, India
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Cepas V, Ballén V, Gabasa Y, Ramírez M, López Y, Soto SM. Transposon Insertion in the purL Gene Induces Biofilm Depletion in Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090774. [PMID: 32971800 PMCID: PMC7558270 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current Escherichia coli antibiofilm treatments comprise a combination of antibiotics commonly used against planktonic cells, leading to treatment failure. A better understanding of the genes involved in biofilm formation could facilitate the development of efficient and specific new antibiofilm treatments. A total of 2578 E. coli mutants were generated by transposon insertion, of which 536 were analysed in this study. After sequencing, Tn263 mutant, classified as low biofilm-former (LF) compared to the wild-type (wt) strain (ATCC 25922), showed an interruption in the purL gene, involved in the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway. To elucidate the role of purL in biofilm formation, a knockout was generated showing reduced production of curli fibres, leading to an impaired biofilm formation. These conditions were restored by complementation of the strain or addition of exogenous inosine. Proteomic and transcriptional analyses were performed to characterise the differences caused by purL alterations. Thirteen proteins were altered compared to wt. The corresponding genes were analysed by qRT-PCR not only in the Tn263 and wt, but also in clinical strains with different biofilm activity. Overall, this study suggests that purL is essential for biofilm formation in E. coli and can be considered as a potential antibiofilm target.
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26
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Azam MW, Zuberi A, Khan AU. bolA gene involved in curli amyloids and fimbriae production in E. coli: exploring pathways to inhibit biofilm and amyloid formation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:10. [PMID: 32566535 PMCID: PMC7301969 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-020-00120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Biofilm formation is a complex phenomenon of bacterial cells, involved in several human infections. Its formation is regulated and controlled by several protein factors. The BolA-like proteins (bolA gene) are conserved in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The BolA protein is a transcription factor involved in bacterial cell motility and biofilm formation. This study was initiated to elucidate the role of the bolA gene in the curli biogenesis and amyloid production as well as to observe changes in the expression of fimH, a fimbriae gene. Methods Knockdown mutants of Escherichia coli MG1655 bolA gene (bolA-KD) were generated using CRISPR interference. The results obtained, were validated through gene expression using RT-PCR, microscopic analysis and different biofilm and amyloid assays. Results The bolA knockdown mutants showed a decrement in curli amyloid fibers, in fimbriae production and biofilm formation. We have also observed a reduction in EPS formation, eDNA production and extracellular protein content. Gene expression data showed that bolA downregulation caused the suppression of csgA and csgD of curli that led to the reduction in curli fiber and the amyloid formation and also the suppression of fimH, leading to the loss of fimbriae. Conclusions Curli fibers and fimbriae are found to be involved in biofilm formation leading to the pathogenicity of the bacterial cell. BolA is a conserved protein and is found to play a significant role in curli and fimbriae formation in E. coli. This study further proved that CRISPRi mediated suppression of the bolA gene leads to inhibition of biofilm formation through curli and fimbriae inhibition. Hence, it may be proposed as a possible target for intervention of biofilm mediated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd W Azam
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 India
| | - Azna Zuberi
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 India
| | - Asad U Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 India.,Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002 India
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Evaluation of Phosphoethanolamine Cellulose Production among Bacterial Communities Using Congo Red Fluorescence. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00030-20. [PMID: 32312746 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00030-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are surface-associated communities of bacterial cells enmeshed in an extracellular matrix (ECM). The biofilm lifestyle results in physiological heterogeneity across the community, promotes persistence, and protects cells from external insults such as antibiotic treatment. Escherichia coli was recently discovered to produce a chemically modified form of cellulose, phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) cellulose, which contributes to the formation of its extracellular matrix and elaboration of its hallmark wrinkled macrocolony architectures. Both pEtN cellulose and unmodified cellulose bind dyes such as calcofluor white and Congo red (CR). Here, we present the use of CR fluorescence to distinguish between pEtN cellulose and unmodified cellulose producers. We demonstrate the utility of this tool in the evaluation of a uropathogenic E. coli clinical isolate that appeared to produce curli and a cellulosic component but did not exhibit macrocolony wrinkling. We determined that lack of macrocolony wrinkling was attributed to a single-nucleotide mutation and introduction of a stop codon in bcsG, abrogating production of BcsG, the pEtN transferase. Thus, this work underscores the important contribution of the pEtN cellulose modification to the E. coli agar-based macrocolony wrinkling phenotype and introduces a facile approach to distinguish between modified and unmodified cellulose.IMPORTANCE E. coli bacteria produce amyloid fibers, termed curli, and a cellulosic component to assemble biofilm communities. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, and we recently discovered that the cellulosic component in E. coli biofilms was not standard cellulose, but a newly identified cellulosic polymer, phosphoethanolamine cellulose. Studies involving the biological and functional impact of this cellulose modification among E. coli and other organisms are just beginning. Convenient methods for distinguishing pEtN cellulose from unmodified cellulose in E. coli and for estimating production are needed to facilitate further research. Dissecting the balance of pEtN cellulose and curli production by E. coli commensal strains and clinical isolates will improve our understanding of the host microbiome and of factors contributing to bacterial pathogenesis.
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Urinary tract infections: microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions and new treatment strategies. Nat Rev Microbiol 2020; 18:211-226. [PMID: 32071440 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-020-0324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, recurrent infections that can be mild to life-threatening. The continued emergence of antibiotic resistance, together with our increasing understanding of the detrimental effects conferred by broad-spectrum antibiotic use on the health of the beneficial microbiota of the host, has underscored the weaknesses in our current treatment paradigm for UTIs. In this Review, we discuss how recent microbiological, structural, genetic and immunological studies have expanded our understanding of host-pathogen interactions during UTI pathogenesis. These basic scientific findings have the potential to shift the strategy for UTI treatment away from broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting conserved aspects of bacterial replication towards pathogen-specific antibiotic-sparing therapeutics that target core determinants of bacterial virulence at the host-pathogen interface.
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Nimnoi P, Pongsilp N. Distribution and expression of virulence genes in potentially pathogenic bacteria isolated from seafood in Thailand. CYTA - JOURNAL OF FOOD 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2020.1842502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pongrawee Nimnoi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Neelawan Pongsilp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Abstract
Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is the major cause of urinary tract infections and a frequent cause of sepsis. Nearly half of all UPEC strains produce the potent cytotoxin hemolysin, and its expression is associated with enhanced virulence. In this study, we explored hemolysin variation within the globally dominant UPEC ST131 clone, finding that strains from the ST131 sublineage with the greatest multidrug resistance also possess the strongest hemolytic activity. We also employed an innovative forward genetic screen to define the set of genes required for hemolysin production. Using this approach, and subsequent targeted mutagenesis and complementation, we identified new hemolysin-controlling elements involved in LPS inner core biosynthesis and cytoplasmic chaperone activity, and we show that mechanistically they are required for hemolysin secretion. These original discoveries substantially enhance our understanding of hemolysin regulation, secretion and function. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the major cause of urinary tract infections. Nearly half of all UPEC strains secrete hemolysin, a cytotoxic pore-forming toxin. Here, we show that the prevalence of the hemolysin toxin gene (hlyA) is highly variable among the most common 83 E. coli sequence types (STs) represented on the EnteroBase genome database. To explore this diversity in the context of a defined monophyletic lineage, we contextualized sequence variation of the hlyCABD operon within the genealogy of the globally disseminated multidrug-resistant ST131 clone. We show that sequence changes in hlyCABD and its newly defined 1.616-kb-long leader sequence correspond to phylogenetic designation, and that ST131 strains with the strongest hemolytic activity belong to the most extensive multidrug-resistant sublineage (clade C2). To define the set of genes involved in hemolysin production, the clade C2 strain S65EC was completely sequenced and subjected to a genome-wide screen by combining saturated transposon mutagenesis and transposon-directed insertion site sequencing with the capacity to lyse red blood cells. Using this approach, and subsequent targeted mutagenesis and complementation, 13 genes were confirmed to be specifically required for production of active hemolysin. New hemolysin-controlling elements included discrete sets of genes involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inner core biosynthesis (waaC, waaF, waaG, and rfaE) and cytoplasmic chaperone activity (dnaK and dnaJ), and we show these are required for hemolysin secretion. Overall, this work provides a unique description of hemolysin sequence diversity in a single clonal lineage and describes a complex multilevel system of regulatory control for this important toxin.
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Luna-Pineda VM, Moreno-Fierros L, Cázares-Domínguez V, Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado D, Ochoa SA, Cruz-Córdova A, Valencia-Mayoral P, Rodríguez-Leviz A, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J. Curli of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Enhance Urinary Tract Colonization as a Fitness Factor. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2063. [PMID: 31551993 PMCID: PMC6733918 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Curli, a type of fimbriae widely distributed in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), are involved in adhesion to human bladder cell surfaces and biofilm development. The role of UPEC curli was evaluated in a murine model of urinary tract infection. The aim of this study was to establish the role of curli in C57BL/6 mice transurethrally infected with curli-producing and non-curli-producing UPEC strains. We confirmed that curli enhanced UPEC colonization in the urinary tract, resulting in damage to both the bladder and kidney. Intranasal immunization with recombinant CsgA protein protected against colonization by curli-producing UPEC in the urinary tract. Quantification of cytokines from urinary tract organs showed increases in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release in the kidneys 48 h postinfection with curli-producing UPEC. By contrast, mice infected with non-curli-producing UPEC showed the highest release of interleukin-6, -10, and -17A and TNF. Curli may obscure other fimbriae and LPS, preventing interactions with Toll-like receptors. When intranasal immunization with recombinant FimH and PapG proteins and subsequent infection with this strain were performed, cytokine quantification showed a decrease in the stimulation and release by the uroepithelium. Thus, curli are amyloid-like fimbriae that enhances colonization in the urinary tract and a possible fitness factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor M Luna-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Moreno-Fierros
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Vicenta Cázares-Domínguez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Damaris Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Sara A Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ariadnna Cruz-Córdova
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pedro Valencia-Mayoral
- Departamento de Patología, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Bacteriología Intestinal, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City, Mexico
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Jeffries J, Fuller GG, Cegelski L. Unraveling Escherichia coli's Cloak: Identification of Phosphoethanolamine Cellulose, Its Functions, and Applications. Microbiol Insights 2019; 12:1178636119865234. [PMID: 31431800 PMCID: PMC6685106 DOI: 10.1177/1178636119865234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are complex, multicellular communities made up of bacteria enmeshed in a self-produced extracellular matrix (ECM) that protects against environmental stress. The ECM often comprises insoluble components, which complicates the study of biofilm composition, structure, and function. Wrinkled, agar-grown Escherichia coli biofilms require 2 insoluble macromolecules: curli amyloid fibers and cellulosic polymers. We quantified these components with solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and determined that curli contributed 85% of the isolated uropathogenic E coli ECM dry mass. The remaining 15% was cellulosic, but, surprisingly, was not ordinary cellulose. We tracked the identity of the unanticipated peak in the 13C NMR spectrum of the cellulosic component and discovered that E coli secrete phosphoethanolamine (pEtN)-modified cellulose. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on the planet, and this marked the first identification of a naturally, chemically modified cellulose. To investigate potential roles of pEtN cellulose, we customized a newly designed live-cell monolayer rheometer and demonstrated that pEtN cellulose facilitated E coli attachment to bladder epithelial cells and acted as a glue, keeping curli cell associated. The discovery of pEtN cellulose opens questions regarding its biological function(s) and provides opportunities in materials science to explore this newly discovered biopolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Jeffries
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gerald G Fuller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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