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Martins FH, Rosay T, Rajan A, Carter HE, Turocy T, Mejia A, Crawford JM, Maresso AW, Sperandio V. Enterococcus faecalis-derived adenine enhances enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli Type 3 Secretion System-dependent virulence. Nat Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41564-024-01747-1. [PMID: 38965331 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01747-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between microbiota and enteric pathogens can promote colonization resistance or enhance pathogenesis. The pathobiont Enterococcus faecalis increases enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) virulence by upregulating Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) expression, effector translocation, and attaching and effacing (AE) lesion formation on enterocytes, but the mechanisms underlying this remain unknown. Using co-infection of organoids, metabolomics, supplementation experiments and bacterial genetics, here we show that co-culture of EHEC with E. faecalis increases the xanthine-hypoxanthine pathway activity and adenine biosynthesis. Adenine or E. faecalis promoted T3SS gene expression, while transcriptomics showed upregulation of adeP expression, which encodes an adenine importer. Mechanistically, adenine relieved High hemolysin activity (Hha)-dependent repression of T3SS gene expression in EHEC and promoted AE lesion formation in an AdeP-dependent manner. Microbiota-derived purines, such as adenine, support multiple beneficial host responses; however, our data show that this metabolite also increases EHEC virulence, highlighting the complexity of pathogen-microbiota-host interactions in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando H Martins
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thibaut Rosay
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anubama Rajan
- TAILOR Labs, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hannah E Carter
- TAILOR Labs, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tayah Turocy
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andres Mejia
- Research Animal Resources and Compliance, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jason M Crawford
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anthony W Maresso
- TAILOR Labs, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vanessa Sperandio
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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2
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Xu W, Yuan G, Fang Y, Liu X, Ma X, Zhu K. Coumarin Glycosides Reverse Enterococci-Facilitated Enteric Infections. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0374. [PMID: 38756989 PMCID: PMC11096794 DOI: 10.34133/research.0374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Commensal enterococci with pathogenic potential often facilitate the growth of diverse pathogens, thereby exacerbating infections. However, there are few effective therapeutic strategies to prevent and intervene in enterococci-mediated polymicrobial infections. Here, we find that enterococci at high density drive the expansion and pathogenicity of enteric Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. Tm). Subsequently, we show that the driving role of enterococci in such infections is counteracted by dietary coumarin glycosides in vivo. Enterococci, which are tolerant of iron-deficient environments, produce β-glucosidases to hydrolyze coumarin glycosides into bioactive aglycones, inhibiting S. Tm growth and ameliorating the severity of S. Tm-induced symptoms by inducing iron limitation. Overall, we demonstrate that coumarin glycosides as a common diet effectively reverse enterococci-facilitated enteric infections, providing an alternative intervention to combat polymicrobial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guixin Yuan
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory for Crop Pest Monitoring and Green Control,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuwen Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaojia Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaowei Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine,
China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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3
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Xu W, Fang Y, Zhu K. Enterococci facilitate polymicrobial infections. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:162-177. [PMID: 37550091 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Enterococci are ubiquitous members of the gut microbiota in human beings and animals and are among the most important nosocomial organisms. Due to their opportunistic pathogenicity, enterococci are referred to as pathobionts and play decisive roles in a diverse array of polymicrobial infections. Enterococci can promote the colonization, pathogenesis, and persistence of various pathogens, compromise the efficacy of drugs, and pose a severe threat to public health. Most current treatments tend to focus on the sole pathogenic bacteria, with insufficient attention to the driving role of enterococci. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of enterococci in infections, the factors facilitating their outgrowth, as well as the sites and types of enterococci-associated polymicrobial infections. We present an overview of the underlying mechanisms of enterococci-mediated pathogenesis in polymicrobial infections. Furthermore, we discuss alternative strategies and potential intervention approaches to restrict such infections, shedding light on the discovery and development of new therapies against polymicrobial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuwen Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Engineering Research Center of Animal Innovative Drugs and Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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4
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Richie TG, Heeren L, Kamke A, Monk K, Pogranichniy S, Summers T, Wiechman H, Ran Q, Sarkar S, Plattner BL, Lee STM. Limitation of amino acid availability by bacterial populations during enhanced colitis in IBD mouse model. mSystems 2023; 8:e0070323. [PMID: 37909786 PMCID: PMC10746178 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00703-23] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increase in Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus species; however, the specific mechanisms are unclear. Previous research has reported the associations between microbiota and inflammation, here we investigate potential pathways that specific bacteria populations use to drive gut inflammation. Richie et al. show that these bacterial populations utilize an alternate sulfur metabolism and are tolerant of host-derived immune-response products. These metabolic pathways drive host gut inflammation and fuel over colonization of these pathobionts in the dysbiotic colon. Cultured isolates from dysbiotic mice indicated faster growth supplemented with L-cysteine, showing these microbes can utilize essential host nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner G. Richie
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Leah Heeren
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Abigail Kamke
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Kourtney Monk
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Trey Summers
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Hallie Wiechman
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Qinghong Ran
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Soumyadev Sarkar
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Brandon L. Plattner
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Sonny T. M. Lee
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Boopathi S, Priya PS, Kesavan D, Meenatchi R, Murugan R, Sudhakaran G, Almutairi BO, Arokiyaraj S, Arockiaraj J. Unveiling nanotubes-mediated communication: Enterococcus faecalis countering Salmonella ser. Typhi - In vitro and In vivo insights. Microb Pathog 2023; 184:106387. [PMID: 37821050 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106387] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria communicate with each other through contact-dependent and contact-independent mechanisms. While certain contact-dependent mechanisms, such as Type IV and Type VI, have received considerable attention, nanotubes-mediated communication among gut bacteria remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the presence of nanotube production in both gut commensal and gut pathogenic bacteria. And also aims to show how Enterococcus faecalis utilizes nanotubes to combat Salmonella ser. Typhi (S. Typhi), a pathogen in the gut. The research findings suggest that the formation of nanotubes is an inherent trait observed in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Interestingly, bacteria generate nanotubes in dynamic environments, biofilms, and even within the gut of zebrafish. These nanotubes develops over time in accordance with the duration of incubation. Furthermore, E. faecalis effectively combats S. Typhi through mechanisms that depend on physical contact rather than indirect methods. Notably, E. faecalis protects zebrafish larvae from S. Typhi infections by reducing reactive oxygen species and cell death, and concurrently boosting the production of antioxidant enzymes. It is hypothesized that E. faecalis might eliminate S. Typhi by transferring toxic metabolites into the pathogen via nanotubes. Gene expression analysis highlights that proinflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are elevated in Salmonella-infected larvae. However, co-treatment with E. faecalis counters this effect. Findings of this study underscores the significance of nanotubes as a vital machinery for bacterial communication and distribution of virulence factors. Exploring nanotubes-mediated communication at a molecular level could pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seenivasan Boopathi
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Snega Priya
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Kesavan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raghul Murugan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gokul Sudhakaran
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bader O Almutairi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Selvaraj Arokiyaraj
- Department of Food Science & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, South Korea
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Karlsson PA, Pärssinen J, Danielsson EA, Fatsis-Kavalopoulos N, Frithiof R, Hultström M, Lipcsey M, Järhult JD, Wang H. Antibiotic use during coronavirus disease 2019 intensive care unit shape multidrug resistance bacteriuria: A Swedish longitudinal prospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1087446. [PMID: 36824610 PMCID: PMC9941185 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1087446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives High frequency of antimicrobial prescription and the nature of prolonged illness in COVID-19 increases risk for complicated bacteriuria and antibiotic resistance. We investigated risk factors for bacteriuria in the ICU and the correlation between antibiotic treatment and persistent bacteria. Methods We conducted a prospective longitudinal study with urine from indwelling catheters of 101 ICU patients from Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. Samples were screened and isolates confirmed with MALDI-TOF and whole genome sequencing. Isolates were analyzed for AMR using broth microdilution. Clinical data were assessed for correlation with bacteriuria. Results Length of stay linearly correlated with bacteriuria (R2 = 0.99, p ≤ 0.0001). 90% of patients received antibiotics, primarily the beta-lactams (76%) cefotaxime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and meropenem. We found high prevalence of Enterococcus (42%) being associated with increased cefotaxime prescription. Antibiotic-susceptible E. coli were found to cause bacteriuria despite concurrent antibiotic treatment when found in co-culture with Enterococcus. Conclusion Longer stays in ICUs increase the risk for bacteriuria in a predictable manner. Likely, high use of cefotaxime drives Enterococcus prevalence, which in turn permit co-colonizing Gram-negative bacteria. Our results suggest biofilms in urinary catheters as a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria with the potential to develop and disseminate AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. Karlsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julia Pärssinen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik A. Danielsson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Robert Frithiof
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael Hultström
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,Department of Medical Cell Biology, Integrative Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Miklos Lipcsey
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,Hedenstierna Laboratory, CIRRUS, Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josef D. Järhult
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,*Correspondence: Josef D. Järhult,
| | - Helen Wang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,Helen Wang,
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7
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Vogt SL, Serapio-Palacios A, Woodward SE, Santos AS, de Vries SP, Daigneault MC, Brandmeier LV, Grant AJ, Maskell DJ, Allen-Vercoe E, Finlay BB. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli responds to gut microbiota metabolites by altering metabolism and activating stress responses. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2190303. [PMID: 36951510 PMCID: PMC10038027 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2190303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a major cause of severe bloody diarrhea, with potentially lethal complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome. In humans, EHEC colonizes the colon, which is also home to a diverse community of trillions of microbes known as the gut microbiota. Although these microbes and the metabolites that they produce represent an important component of EHEC's ecological niche, little is known about how EHEC senses and responds to the presence of gut microbiota metabolites. In this study, we used a combined RNA-Seq and Tn-Seq approach to characterize EHEC's response to metabolites from an in vitro culture of 33 human gut microbiota isolates (MET-1), previously demonstrated to effectively resolve recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in human patients. Collectively, the results revealed that EHEC adjusts to growth in the presence of microbiota metabolites in two major ways: by altering its metabolism and by activating stress responses. Metabolic adaptations to the presence of microbiota metabolites included increased expression of systems for maintaining redox balance and decreased expression of biotin biosynthesis genes, reflecting the high levels of biotin released by the microbiota into the culture medium. In addition, numerous genes related to envelope and oxidative stress responses (including cpxP, spy, soxS, yhcN, and bhsA) were upregulated during EHEC growth in a medium containing microbiota metabolites. Together, these results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which pathogens adapt to the presence of competing microbes in the host environment, which ultimately may enable the development of therapies to enhance colonization resistance and prevent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie L. Vogt
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Sarah E. Woodward
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew S. Santos
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stefan P.W. de Vries
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle C. Daigneault
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa V. Brandmeier
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Grant
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Duncan J. Maskell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Allen-Vercoe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - B. Brett Finlay
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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8
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Interactions between Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Gut Commensals at the Interface of Human Colonoids. mBio 2022; 13:e0132122. [PMID: 35638758 PMCID: PMC9239246 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01321-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions between the gut microbiota and pathogens are complex and can determine the outcome of an infection. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a major human enteric pathogen that colonizes the colon through attaching and effacing (AE) lesions and uses microbiota-derived molecules as cues to control its virulence. Different gut commensals can modulate EHEC virulence. However, the lack of an animal model that recapitulates the human pathophysiology of EHEC infection makes it challenging to investigate how variations in microbiota composition could affect host susceptibility to this pathogen. Here, we addressed these interactions building from simple to more complex in vitro systems, culminating with the use of the physiological relevant human colonoids as a model to study the interactions between EHEC and different gut commensals. We demonstrated that Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Enterococcus faecalis enhance virulence expression and AE lesion formation in cultured epithelial cells, as well as on the colonic epithelium, while commensal E. coli did not affect these phenotypes. Importantly, in the presence of these three commensals together, virulence and AE lesion are enhanced. Moreover, we identified specific changes in the metabolic landscape promoted by different members of the gut microbiota and showed that soluble factors released by E. faecalis can increase EHEC virulence gene expression. Our study highlights the importance of interspecies bacterial interactions and chemical exchange in the modulation of EHEC virulence.
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9
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The Phosphatase Bph and Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase PrsA Are Required for Gelatinase Expression and Activity in Enterococcus faecalis. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0012922. [PMID: 35657705 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00129-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a common commensal bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract as well as a frequent nosocomial pathogen. The secreted metalloprotease gelatinase (GelE) is an important E. faecalis virulence factor that contributes to numerous cellular activities, such as autolysis, biofilm formation, and biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance. Expression of gelE has been extensively studied and is regulated by the Fsr quorum sensing system. Here, we identify two additional factors regulating gelatinase expression and activity in E. faecalis OG1RF. The Bph phosphatase is required for expression of gelE in an Fsr-dependent manner. Additionally, the membrane-anchored protein foldase PrsA is required for GelE activity, but not fsr or gelE gene expression. Disrupting prsA also leads to increased antibiotic sensitivity in biofilms independent of the loss of GelE activity. Together, our results expand the model for gelatinase production in E. faecalis, which has important implications for fundamental studies of GelE function in Enterococcus and also E. faecalis pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE In Enterococcus faecalis, gelatinase (GelE) is a virulence factor that is also important for biofilm formation and interactions with other microbes as well as the host immune system. The long-standing model for GelE production is that the Fsr quorum sensing system positively regulates expression of gelE. Here, we update that model by identifying two additional factors that contribute to gelatinase production. The biofilm-associated Bph phosphatase regulates the expression of gelE through Fsr, and the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PrsA is required for production of active GelE through an Fsr-independent mechanism. This provides important insight into how regulatory networks outside of the fsr locus coordinate expression of gelatinase.
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10
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McGrath CJ, Laveckis E, Bell A, Crost E, Juge N, Schüller S. Development of a novel human intestinal model to elucidate the effect of anaerobic commensals on Escherichia coli infection. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275170. [PMID: 35302159 PMCID: PMC9066490 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in protecting against enteric infection. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown owing to a lack of suitable experimental models. Although most gut commensals are anaerobic, intestinal epithelial cells require oxygen for survival. In addition, most intestinal cell lines do not produce mucus, which provides a habitat for the microbiota. Here, we have developed a microaerobic, mucus-producing vertical diffusion chamber (VDC) model and determined the influence of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Ruminococcus gnavus on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection. Optimization of the culture medium enabled bacterial growth in the presence of mucus-producing T84/LS174T cells. Whereas L. reuteri diminished EPEC growth and adhesion to T84/LS174T and mucus-deficient T84 epithelia, R. gnavus only demonstrated a protective effect in the presence of LS174T cells. Reduced EPEC adherence was not associated with altered type III secretion pore formation. In addition, co-culture with L. reuteri and R. gnavus dampened EPEC-induced interleukin 8 secretion. The microaerobic mucin-producing VDC system will facilitate investigations into the mechanisms underpinning colonization resistance and aid the development of microbiota-based anti-infection strategies. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor J. McGrath
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Edgaras Laveckis
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Andrew Bell
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Emmanuelle Crost
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Nathalie Juge
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Stephanie Schüller
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK,Author for correspondence ()
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11
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Peng Z, Wei B, Huang T, Liu Z, Guan Q, Xie M, Li H, Xiong T. Screening, Safety Evaluation, and Mechanism of Two Lactobacillus fermentum Strains in Reducing the Translocation of Staphylococcus aureus in the Caco-2 Monolayer Model. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:566473. [PMID: 33042071 PMCID: PMC7524899 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.566473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a common commensal of humans, and its translocation from gastrointestine to peripheral organs and tissues could cause severe diseases and complications. This study focuses on the screening and characterization of Lactobacillus strains with significant inhibitory effect on the translocation of S. aureus through Caco-2 monolayers. First, strains with strong affinity for mucin and Caco-2 cells were obtained, via microtiter plate assay and adhesion assay, respectively. Obtained bacteria were further tested for their inhibitory effects on the growth of S. aureus by well diffusion assay. Subsequently, two strains preincubated with Caco-2 monolayers were found to inhibit the translocation of S. aureus CMCC26003 by 80.95 and 43.96%, respectively, via the transcellular translocation assay. These two strains were then identified to be Lactobacillus fermentum NCU3087 and L. fermentum NCU3088. Second, the mechanism of inhibition was investigated by analyzing the relative concentration of tight junction proteins and proinflammatory cytokines of Caco-2 cells, by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results showed that both NCU3087 and NCU3088 significantly attenuated the degradation of occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1, and JAM-1 and suppressed the secretion of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α induced by S. aureus, to different extent. Moreover, two Lactobacillus strains could barely translocate the Caco-2 monolayers, had no hemolytic activity, displayed strong resistance to gastrointestinal fluids, and were sensitive or moderate sensitive to nine clinically relevant antibiotics. Collectively, this study identified two Lactobacillus strains with significant inhibitory effect on the translocation of S. aureus, and their safeness for application was evaluated, thereby providing potential solutions for prevention of S. aureus and prophylaxis of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Peng
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Benliang Wei
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhanggen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qianqian Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mingyong Xie
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Haijuan Li
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Xiong
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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