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Zhang G, Li B, Yang Y, Zhang Z, Cheng D, Wang F, Wei Z, Mao N, Wang S, Liu X, Sun Y. Biodegradation of humic acids by Streptomyces rochei to promote the growth and yield of corn. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127826. [PMID: 38964074 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127826] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Humic acids (HAs) are organic macromolecules that play an important role in improving soil properties, plant growth and agronomic parameters. However, the feature of relatively complex aromatic structure makes it difficult to be degraded, which restricts the promotion to the crop growth. Thus, exploring microorganisms capable of degrading HAs may be a potential solution. Here, a HAs-degrading strain, Streptomyces rochei L1, and its potential for biodegradation was studied by genomics, transcriptomics, and targeted metabolomics analytical approaches. The results showed that the high molecular weight HAs were cleaved to low molecular aliphatic and aromatic compounds and their derivatives. This cleavage may be associated with the laccase (KatE). In addition, the polysaccharide deacetylase (PdgA) catalyzes the removal of acetyl groups from specific sites on the HAs molecule, resulting in structural changes. The field experiment showed that the degraded HAs significantly promote the growth of corn seedlings and increase the corn yield by 3.6 %. The HAs-degrading products, including aromatic and low molecular weight aliphatic substances as well as secondary metabolites from S. rochei L1, might be the key components responsible for the corn promotion. Our findings will advance the application of HAs as soil nutrients for the green and sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Baolei Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Dujuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Furong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Ziyi Wei
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Ning Mao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Shiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolic Engineering and Biosynthesis Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, China.
| | - Yanmei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
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Dos Santos Ribeiro P, Carvalho NB, Aburjaile F, Sousa T, Veríssimo G, Gomes T, Neves F, Blanco L, Lima JA, de Oliveira D, Jaiswal AK, Brenig B, Soares S, Ramos R, Matiuzzi M, Góes-Neto A, Figueira CP, Costa F, Ristow P, Azevedo V. Environmental Biofilms from an Urban Community in Salvador, Brazil, Shelter Previously Uncharacterized Saprophytic Leptospira. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2488-2501. [PMID: 37326636 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex microecosystems with valuable ecological roles that can shelter a variety of microorganisms. Spirochetes from the genus Leptospira have been observed to form biofilms in vitro, in rural environments, and in the kidneys of reservoir rats. The genus Leptospira is composed of pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, and the description of new species is ongoing due to the advent of whole genome sequencing. Leptospires have increasingly been isolated from water and soil samples. To investigate the presence of Leptospira in environmental biofilms, we collected three distinct samples of biofilms formed in an urban setting with poor sanitation: Pau da Lima, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. All biofilm samples were negative for the presence of pathogenic leptospires via conventional PCR, but cultures containing saprophytic Leptospira were identified. Whole genomes were generated and analyzed for twenty isolates obtained from these biofilms. For species identification, we used digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis. The obtained isolates were classified into seven presumptive species from the saprophytic S1 clade. ANI and dDDH analysis suggest that three of those seven species were new. Classical phenotypic tests confirmed the novel isolated bacteria as saprophytic Leptospira. The isolates presented typical morphology and ultrastructure according to scanning electron microscopy and formed biofilms under in vitro conditions. Our data indicate that a diversity of saprophytic Leptospira species survive in the Brazilian poorly sanitized urban environment, in a biofilm lifestyle. We believe our results contribute to a better understanding of Leptospira biology and ecology, considering biofilms as natural environmental reservoirs for leptospires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscyla Dos Santos Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natália Barbosa Carvalho
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aburjaile
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Sousa
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Graciete Veríssimo
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Talita Gomes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fábio Neves
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luiza Blanco
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - João Antonio Lima
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Daiana de Oliveira
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Arun Kumar Jaiswal
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Burckhardt Weg, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Siomar Soares
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rommel Ramos
- Center of Genomics and Systems Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Mateus Matiuzzi
- Federal University of Vale Do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Federico Costa
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Paula Ristow
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Health, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Sarma A, Dhandapani G, Phukan H, Bhunia PK, De AK, Bhattacharya D, Jebasingh T, Madanan MG. Leptospiral cell wall hydrolase (LIC_10271) binding peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide, and laminin and the protein show LysM and M23 domains are co-existing in pathogenic species. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104107. [PMID: 37517629 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104107] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a global reemerging zoonosis caused by the spirochete Leptospira, has severe human and veterinary implications. Cell wall hydrolase (LIC_10271) with LytM (peptidase M23) and LysM domains are found to be associated with various pathogenic bacteria. These domains regulate effects on extracellular matrix and biofilm components, which promote cell wall remodeling and pathogen dissemination in the host. In this study, we present the cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of LIC_10271. To determine the localization of LIC_10271 within the inner membrane of Leptospira, Triton X-114 subcellular fractionation and immunoblot studies were performed. Furthermore, r-LIC_10271 binds with peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide, and laminin in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of the signal peptide, M23, and LysM domains revealed conservation primarily within the P1 group of Leptospira, which encompasses the most pathogenic species. Moreover, the presence of native-LIC_10271 in the inner membrane and the distribution of M23 and LysM domains across pathogenic strains indicates their potential involvement in the interaction between the host and Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Sarma
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Gunasekaran Dhandapani
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Homen Phukan
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Prasun Kumar Bhunia
- Department of Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625021, India
| | - Arun Kumar De
- Division of Animal Science, ICAR- Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101, India
| | - Debasis Bhattacharya
- Division of Animal Science, ICAR- Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101, India
| | - T Jebasingh
- Department of Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625021, India
| | - Madathiparambil G Madanan
- Department of Biochemistry, ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
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Vasconcelos L, Aburjaile F, Andrade L, Cancio AF, Seyffert N, Aguiar ERGR, Ristow P. Genomic insights into the c-di-GMP signaling and biofilm development in the saprophytic spirochete Leptospira biflexa. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:180. [PMID: 37031284 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03519-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
C-di-GMP is a bacterial second messenger with central role in biofilm formation. Spirochete bacteria from Leptospira genus present a wide diversity, with species of medical importance and environmental species, named as saprophytic. Leptospira form biofilms in the rat's reservoir kidneys and in the environment. Here, we performed genomic analyses to identify enzymatic and effector c-di-GMP proteins in the saprophytic biofilm-forming species Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc. We identified 40 proteins through local alignments. Amongst them, 16 proteins are potentially functional diguanylate cyclases, phosphodiesterases, or hybrid proteins. We also identified nine effectors, including PilZ proteins. Enrichment analyses suggested that c-di-GMP interacts with cAMP signaling system, CsrA system, and flagella assembly regulation during biofilm development of L. biflexa. Finally, we identified eight proteins in the pathogen Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni that share high similarity with L. biflexa c-di-GMP-related proteins. This work revealed proteins related to c-di-GMP turnover and cellular response in Leptospira and their potential roles during biofilm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Vasconcelos
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aburjaile
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lara Andrade
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Núbia Seyffert
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Biological Science, Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paula Ristow
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Studies in Ecology and Evolution (INCT IN-TREE), Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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5
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Zhao A, Sun J, Liu Y. Understanding bacterial biofilms: From definition to treatment strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1137947. [PMID: 37091673 PMCID: PMC10117668 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1137947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are complex microbial communities encased in extracellular polymeric substances. Their formation is a multi-step process. Biofilms are a significant problem in treating bacterial infections and are one of the main reasons for the persistence of infections. They can exhibit increased resistance to classical antibiotics and cause disease through device-related and non-device (tissue) -associated infections, posing a severe threat to global health issues. Therefore, early detection and search for new and alternative treatments are essential for treating and suppressing biofilm-associated infections. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the formation of bacterial biofilms, associated infections, detection methods, and potential treatment strategies, aiming to provide researchers with the latest progress in the detection and treatment of bacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jiazheng Sun
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China
| | - Yipin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Yipin Liu,
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Michael, Waturangi DE. Antibiofilm activity from endophyte bacteria, Vibrio cholerae strains, and actinomycetes isolates in liquid and solid culture. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:83. [PMID: 36991312 PMCID: PMC10053847 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02829-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Biofilm-associated infections are a global threat to our economy and human health; as such, development of antibiofilm compounds is an urgent need. Our previous study identified eleven environmental isolates of endophyte bacteria, actinomycetes, and two strains of Vibrio cholerae as having strong antibiofilm activity, but only tested crude extracts from liquid culture. Here we grew the same bacteria in solid culture to induce the formation of colony biofilms and the expression of genes that may ultimately produce antibiofilm compounds. This research aimed to compare antibiofilm inhibition and destruction activities between liquid and solid cultures of these eleven environmental isolates against the biofilms of representative pathogenic bacteria.
Results
We measured antibiofilm activity using the static antibiofilm assay and crystal violet staining. The majority of our isolates exhibited higher inhibitory antibiofilm activity in liquid media, including all endophyte bacteria, V. cholerae V15a, and actinomycetes strains (CW01, SW03, CW17). However, for V. cholerae strain B32 and two actinomycetes bacteria (TB12 and SW12), the solid crude extracts showed higher inhibitory activity. Regarding destructive antibiofilm activity, many endophyte isolates and V. cholerae strains showed no significant difference between culture methods; the exceptions were endophyte bacteria isolate JerF4 and V. cholerae B32. The liquid extract of isolate JerF4 showed higher destructive activity relative to the corresponding solid culture extract, while for V. cholerae strain B32 the solid extract showed higher activity against some biofilms of pathogenic bacteria.
Conclusions
Culture conditions, namely solid or liquid culture, can influence the activity of culture extracts against biofilms of pathogenic bacteria. We compared the antibiofilm activity and presented the data that majority of isolates showed a higher antibiofilm activity in liquid culture. Interestingly, solid extracts from three isolates (B32, TB12, and SW12) have a better inhibition or/and destruction antibiofilm activity compared to their liquid culture. Further research is needed to characterize the activities of specific metabolites in solid and liquid culture extracts and to determine the mechanisms of their antibiofilm actions.
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Kavela S, Vyas P, CP J, Kushwaha SK, Majumdar SS, Faisal SM. Use of an Integrated Multi-Omics Approach To Identify Molecular Mechanisms and Critical Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of Leptospira. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0313522. [PMID: 36853003 PMCID: PMC10100824 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03135-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., is prevalent worldwide and has become a serious threat in recent years. Limited understanding of Leptospira pathogenesis and host response has hampered the development of effective vaccine and diagnostics. Although Leptospira is phagocytosed by innate immune cells, it resists its destruction, and the evading mechanism involved is unclear. In the present study, we used an integrative multi-omics approach to identify the critical molecular factors of Leptospira involved in pathogenesis during interaction with human macrophages. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed at 24 h postinfection of human macrophages (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate differentiated THP-1 cells) with the pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae strain RGA (LEPIRGA). Our results identified a total of 1,528 transcripts and 871 proteins that were significantly expressed with an adjusted P value of <0.05. The correlations between the transcriptomic and proteomic data were above average (r = 0.844), suggesting the role of the posttranscriptional processes during host interaction. The conjoint analysis revealed the expression of several virulence-associated proteins such as adhesins, invasins, and secretory and chemotaxis proteins that might be involved in various processes of attachment and invasion and as effectors during pathogenesis in the host. Further, the interaction of bacteria with the host cell (macrophages) was a major factor in the differential expression of these proteins. Finally, eight common differentially expressed RNA-protein pairs, predicted as virulent, outer membrane/extracellular proteins were validated by quantitative PCR. This is the first report using integrated multi-omics approach to identify critical factors involved in Leptospira pathogenesis. Validation of these critical factors may lead to the identification of target antigens for the development of improved diagnostics and vaccines against leptospirosis. IMPORTANCE Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. It is caused by a Gram-negative bacterial spirochete of the genus Leptospira. The current challenge is to detect the infection at early stage for treatment or to develop potent vaccines that can induce cross-protection against various pathogenic serovars. Understanding host-pathogen interactions is important to identify the critical factors involved in pathogenesis and host defense for developing improved vaccines and diagnostics. Utilizing an integrated multi-omics approach, our study provides important insight into the interaction of Leptospira with human macrophages and identifies a few critical factors (such as virulence-associated proteins) involved in pathogenesis. These factors can be exploited for the development of novel tools for the detection, treatment, or prevention of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Kavela
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pallavi Vyas
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Jusail CP
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Sandeep K. Kushwaha
- Bioinformatics Lab, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subeer S. Majumdar
- Gene and Protein Engineering Lab, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Syed M. Faisal
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
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Cheah HL, Ahmed SA, Tang TH. Transcription start site mapping and small RNA profiling of Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:104. [PMID: 36808011 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03540-4] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by bacterial species of the genus Leptospira. However, the regulatory mechanisms and pathways underlying the adaptation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leptospira spp. in different environmental conditions remain elusive. Leptospira biflexa is a non-pathogenic species of Leptospira that lives exclusively in a natural environment. It is an ideal model not only for exploring molecular mechanisms underlying the environmental survival of Leptospira species but also for identifying virulence factors unique to Leptospira's pathogenic species. In this study, we aim to establish the transcription start site (TSS) landscape and the small RNA (sRNA) profile of L. biflexa serovar Patoc grown to exponential and stationary phases via differential RNA-seq (dRNA-seq) and small RNA-seq (sRNA-seq) analyses, respectively. Our dRNA-seq analysis uncovered a total of 2726 TSSs, which are also used to identify other elements, e.g., promoter and untranslated regions (UTRs). Besides, our sRNA-seq analysis revealed a total of 603 sRNA candidates, comprising 16 promoter-associated sRNAs, 184 5'UTR-derived sRNAs, 230 true intergenic sRNAs, 136 5'UTR-antisense sRNAs, and 130 open reading frame (ORF)-antisense sRNAs. In summary, these findings reflect the transcriptional complexity of L. biflexa serovar Patoc under different growth conditions and help to facilitate our understanding of regulatory networks in L. biflexa. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the TSS landscape of L. biflexa. The TSS and sRNA landscapes of L. biflexa can also be compared with its pathogenic counterparts, e.g., L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans, to identify features contributing to their environmental survival and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Leong Cheah
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aminah Ahmed
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Thean-Hock Tang
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
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Meganathan Y, Vishwakarma A, Mohandass R. Biofilm formation and social interaction of Leptospira in natural and artificial environments. Res Microbiol 2022; 173:103981. [PMID: 35926730 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.103981] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
In the recent decades, there has been increased interest in the study on social interactions of pathogenic bacteria and biofilm-forming microbes. Leptospira is a zoonotic pathogen that causes human leptospirosis. Biofilm formation by pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira has been documented in various biotic and abiotic environments. Biofilm supports cell growth and protects them from a variety of environmental stress. Pathogenic bacterial biofilm might increase the virulence and pathogenesis. However, research on the social behaviour and biofilm production by Leptospira is limited. This review discusses the interplay between the different species in the biofilm formation of saprophytic and pathogenic Leptospira and potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesan Meganathan
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalapattu, TN, India
| | - Archana Vishwakarma
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalapattu, TN, India
| | - Ramya Mohandass
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalapattu, TN, India.
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A previously uncharacterized gene, PA2146, contributes to biofilm formation and drug tolerance across the ɣ-Proteobacteria. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:54. [PMID: 35798749 PMCID: PMC9262955 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00314-y] [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: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptomic studies have revealed a large number of uncharacterized genes that are differentially expressed in biofilms, which may be important in regulating biofilm phenotypes such as resistance to antimicrobial agents. To identify biofilm genes of unknown function in P. aeruginosa, we made use of RNA-seq and selected 27 uncharacterized genes that were induced upon biofilm growth. Biofilms by respective mutants were subsequently analyzed for two biofilm characteristics, the biofilm architecture and drug susceptibility. The screen revealed 12 out of 27 genes to contribute to biofilm formation and 13 drug susceptibility, with 8 genes affecting both biofilm phenotypes. Amongst the genes affecting both biofilm phenotypes was PA2146, encoding a small hypothetical protein that exhibited some of the most substantial increases in transcript abundance during biofilm growth by P. aeruginosa PAO1 and clinical isolates. PA2146 is highly conserved in ɣ-proteobacteria. Inactivation of PA2146 affected both biofilm phenotypes in P. aeruginosa PAO1, with inactivation of homologs in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli having similar effects. Heterologous expression of PA2146 homologs complemented the P. aeruginosa ∆PA2146, suggesting that PA2146 homologs substitute for and play a similar role as PA2146 in P. aeruginosa.
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11
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Phoka T, Fule L, Da Fonseca JP, Cokelaer T, Picardeau M, Patarakul K. Investigating the role of the carbon storage regulator A (CsrA) in Leptospira spp. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260981. [PMID: 34898610 PMCID: PMC8668096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon Storage Regulator A (CsrA) is a well-characterized post-transcriptional global regulator that plays a critical role in response to environmental changes in many bacteria. CsrA has been reported to regulate several metabolic pathways, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence-associated genes. The role of csrA in Leptospira spp., which are able to survive in different environmental niches and infect a wide variety of reservoir hosts, has not been characterized. To investigate the role of csrA as a gene regulator in Leptospira, we generated a L. biflexa csrA deletion mutant (ΔcsrA) and csrA overexpressing Leptospira strains. The ΔcsrA L. biflexa displayed poor growth under starvation conditions. RNA sequencing revealed that in rich medium only a few genes, including the gene encoding the flagellar filament protein FlaB3, were differentially expressed in the ΔcsrA mutant. In contrast, 575 transcripts were differentially expressed when csrA was overexpressed in L. biflexa. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed the RNA-seq data in the ΔcsrA mutant, showing direct binding of recombinant CsrA to flaB3 mRNA. In the pathogen L. interrogans, we were not able to generate a csrA mutant. We therefore decided to overexpress csrA in L. interrogans. In contrast to the overexpressing strain of L. biflexa, the overexpressing L. interrogans strain had poor motility on soft agar. The overexpressing strain of L. interrogans also showed significant upregulation of the flagellin flaB1, flaB2, and flaB4. The interaction of L. interrogans rCsrA and flaB4 was confirmed by EMSA. Our results demonstrated that CsrA may function as a global regulator in Leptospira spp. under certain conditions that cause csrA overexpression. Interestingly, the mechanisms of action and gene targets of CsrA may be different between non-pathogenic and pathogenic Leptospira strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerapat Phoka
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary and International Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lenka Fule
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, Paris, France
| | - Juliana Pipoli Da Fonseca
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Cokelaer
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique – Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Spirochetes Unit, French National Reference Centre for Leptospirosis, Paris, France
| | - Kanitha Patarakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: ,
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Santos AAN, Ribeiro PDS, da França GV, Souza FN, Ramos EAG, Figueira CP, Reis MG, Costa F, Ristow P. Leptospira interrogans biofilm formation in Rattus norvegicus (Norway rats) natural reservoirs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009736. [PMID: 34495971 PMCID: PMC8451993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rattus norvegicus (Norway rat) is the main reservoir host of pathogenic Leptospira, the causative agent of leptospirosis, in urban environments. Pathogenic Leptospira forms biofilms in the environment, possibly contributing for bacterial survival and maintenance. Nonetheless, biofilms have not yet been studied in natural animal reservoirs presenting leptospiral renal carriage. Here, we described biofilm formation by pathogenic Leptospira inside the renal tubules of R. norvegicus naturally infected and captured in an urban slum endemic for leptospirosis. From the 65 rats carrying Leptospira in their kidneys, 24 (37%) presented biofilms inside the renal tubules. The intensity of leptospiral colonization in the renal tubules (OR: 1.00; 95% CI 1.05–1.1) and the type of occlusion pattern of the colonized renal tubules (OR: 3.46; 95% CI 1.20–9.98) were independently associated with the presence of Leptospira biofilm. Our data showed that Leptospira interrogans produce biofilms during renal chronic colonization in rat reservoirs, suggesting a possible role for leptospiral biofilms in the pathogenesis of leptospirosis and bacterial carriage in host reservoirs. Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria. The main reservoir hosts of Leptospira are the brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), which are chronically colonized in the kidneys. Leptospires form biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular polysaccharidic matrix. Leptospira pathogenesis in reservoir hosts is poorly understood. We captured 87 brown rats from an impoverished urban community that is endemic for leptospirosis. To investigate the biofilm in the rats’ kidneys, we co-localized leptospires and saccharides of the biofilm extracellular matrix in the renal tubules, using immunohistochemistry anti-Leptospira and carbohydrate staining, respectively. We quantified Leptospira using molecular tools and characterized the biofilm using electron microscopy. We analysed demographic data to identify variables correlated with renal carriage. We found that Leptospira infected 78 rats. From those, 65 were positive for immunohistochemistry in the kidneys and 24 (37%) were biofilm-positive. We found significant positive correlation between the intensity of colonization and the presence of biofilm in the kidneys. The intensity of colonization was also associated with the rats’ gender and age. Biofilm formation by Leptospira in the kidneys of natural reservoir rats fills a gap into the knowledge of leptospirosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fábio Neves Souza
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mitermayer G. Reis
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Federico Costa
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Paula Ristow
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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The zoonotic pathogen Leptospira interrogans mitigates environmental stress through cyclic-di-GMP-controlled biofilm production. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:24. [PMID: 32532998 PMCID: PMC7293261 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-0134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic bacterium Leptospira interrogans is the aetiological agent of leptospirosis, a re-emerging infectious disease that is a growing public health concern. Most human cases of leptospirosis result from environmental infection. Biofilm formation and its contribution to the persistence of virulent leptospires in the environment or in the host have scarcely been addressed. Here, we examined spatial and time-domain changes in biofilm production by L. interrogans. Our observations showed that biofilm formation in L. interrogans is a highly dynamic process and leads to a polarized architecture. We notably found that the biofilm matrix is composed of extracellular DNA, which enhances the biofilm's cohesiveness. By studying L. interrogans mutants with defective diguanylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase genes, we show that biofilm production is regulated by intracellular levels of bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) and underpins the bacterium's ability to withstand a wide variety of simulated environmental stresses. Our present results show how the c-di-GMP pathway regulates biofilm formation by L. interrogans, provide insights into the environmental persistence of L. interrogans and, more generally, highlight leptospirosis as an environment-borne threat to human health.
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Bierque E, Thibeaux R, Girault D, Soupé-Gilbert ME, Goarant C. A systematic review of Leptospira in water and soil environments. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227055. [PMID: 31986154 PMCID: PMC6984726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic Leptospira, is a zoonosis of global distribution. This infectious disease is mainly transmitted by indirect exposure to urine of asymptomatic animals via the environment. As human cases generally occur after heavy rain, an emerging hypothesis suggests that rainfall re-suspend leptospires together with soil particles. Bacteria are then carried to surface water, where humans get exposed. It is currently assumed that pathogenic leptospires can survive in the environment but do not multiply. However, little is known on their capacity to survive in a soil and freshwater environment. Methods We conducted a systematic review on Leptospira and leptospirosis in the environment in order to collect current knowledge on the lifestyle of Leptospira in soil and water. In total, 86 scientific articles retrieved from online databases or institutional libraries were included in this study. Principals findings/significance This work identified evidence of survival of Leptospira in the environment but major gaps remain about the survival of virulent species associated with human and animal diseases. Studies providing quantitative data on Leptospira in soil and water are a very recent trend, but must be interpreted with caution because of the uncertainty in the species identification. Several studies mentioned the presence of Leptospira in soils more frequently than in waters, supporting the hypothesis of the soil habitat and dispersion of Leptospira with re-suspended soil particles during heavy rain. In a near future, the growing use of high throughput sequencing will offer new opportunities to improve our understanding of the habitat of Leptospira in the environment. This better insight into the risk of leptospirosis will allow implementing efficient control measures and prevention for the human and animal populations exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Bierque
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Roman Thibeaux
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Dominique Girault
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Marie-Estelle Soupé-Gilbert
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Cyrille Goarant
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
- * E-mail:
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de Araújo Junior EC, Garcia LE, Araújo MJ, Oliveira-Junior IS, Arnold DR, Lopes FL, Marinho M. Gene expression is associated with virulence in murine macrophages infected with Leptospira spp. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225272. [PMID: 31800570 PMCID: PMC6892507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira genus contains species that affect human health with varying degrees of pathogenicity. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the differences in the modulation of host gene expression by strains of Leptospira varying in virulence. Our data showed a high number of differentially expressed transcripts in murine macrophages following 6h of infection. Leptospira infection modulated a set of genes independently of their degree of virulence. However, pathway analysis indicated that Apoptosis, ATM Signaling, and Cell Cycle: G2/M DNA Damage Checkpoint Regulation were exclusively regulated following infection with the virulent strain. Taken together, results demonstrated that species and virulence play a role during host response to Leptospira spp in murine macrophages, which could contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erivelto Corrêa de Araújo Junior
- Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro Encarnação Garcia
- Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus Janeck Araújo
- Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Itamar Souza Oliveira-Junior
- Department of Surgery, Discipline of Anesthesia, Pain and Intensive Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Robert Arnold
- Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Flavia Lombardi Lopes
- Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Marinho
- Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Mixed Borrelia burgdorferi and Helicobacter pylori Biofilms in Morgellons Disease Dermatological Specimens. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7020070. [PMID: 31108976 PMCID: PMC6627092 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morgellons disease (MD) is a dermopathy that is associated with tick-borne illness. It is characterized by spontaneously developing skin lesions containing embedded or projecting filaments, and patients may also experience symptoms resembling those of Lyme disease (LD) including musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular manifestations. Various species of Borrelia and co-infecting pathogens have been detected in body fluids and tissue specimens from MD patients. We sought to investigate the coexistence of Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in skin specimens from MD subjects, and to characterize their association with mixed amyloid biofilm development. METHODS Testing for Bb and Hp was performed on dermatological specimens from 14 MD patients using tissue culture, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal microscopy. Markers for amyloid and biofilm formation were investigated using histochemical and IHC staining. RESULTS Bb and Hp were detected in dermatological tissue taken from MD lesions. Bb and Hp tended to co-localize in foci within the epithelial tissue. Skin sections exhibiting foci of co-infecting Bb and Hp contained amyloid markers including β-amyloid protein, thioflavin and phosphorylated tau. The biofilm marker alginate was also found in the sections. CONCLUSIONS Mixed Bb and Hp biofilms containing β-amyloid and phosphorylated tau may play a role in the evolution of MD.
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Sadiq FA, Flint S, Sakandar HA, He G. Molecular regulation of adhesion and biofilm formation in high and low biofilm producers of Bacillus licheniformis using RNA-Seq. BIOFOULING 2019; 35:143-158. [PMID: 30884970 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2019.1575960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
RNA sequencing was used to reveal transcriptional changes during the motile-to-sessile switch in high and low biofilm-forming dairy strains of B. licheniformis isolated from Chinese milk powders. A significant part of the whole gene content was affected during this transition in both strains. In terms of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, seven metabolic pathways were significantly downregulated in the planktonic state compared to the biofilm state in both strains. Lipid and sugar metabolism seemed to play an important role in matrix production. Several genes involved in adhesion, matrix production and the matrix coating were either absent or less expressed in the biofilm state of the low biofilm producer compared to the high biofilm producer. Genes related to sporulation and the production of extracellular polymeric substances were concomitantly expressed in the biofilm state of both strains. These comprehensive insights will be helpful for future research into mechanisms and targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Ahmed Sadiq
- a School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi , PR China
- b College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Steve Flint
- c School of Food and Nutrition , Massey University , Private Bag 11 222 , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - Hafiz Arbab Sakandar
- a School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi , PR China
- d Faculty of Biological Sciences , Quaid-i-Azam University , Islamabad , Pakistan
| | - GuoQing He
- b College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China
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cis-Acting Determinant Limiting Expression of Sphingomyelinase Gene sph2 in Leptospira interrogans, Identified with a gfp Reporter Plasmid. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.02068-18. [PMID: 30266732 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02068-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many strains of the spirochete Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona express the osmotically inducible sphingomyelinase gene sph2 at much higher levels than strains from other serovars. We developed a new green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter plasmid to examine sph2 gene expression determinants. The vector enables the fusion of the test promoter to the ribosome-binding site and coding region of gfp We fused the sph2 promoters from the L. interrogans serovar Lai strain 56601 and from the L. interrogans serovar Pomona strain LC82-25 to gfp to examine the molecular determinants of differential sph2 expression between the two strains. Similar to what was observed with the native sph2 genes, the introduction of the plasmids into the Lai 56601 strain resulted in near background levels of gfp expression from the Lai sph2 promoter, while the expression from the Pomona sph2 promoter was high. The expression of both fusions increased at physiologic levels of osmolarity achieved by adding sodium chloride to the culture medium. We examined the role of a 17-bp upstream element found in all L. interrogans strains expressing low basal levels of sph2 and missing from Pomona strains that express sph2 at high levels. When the 17-bp sequence present upstream of the Lai sph2 promoter was deleted or scrambled, the fusion expression increased substantially. Conversely, the insertion of the 17-bp sequence upstream of the Pomona sph2 promoter diminished fusion expression. In contrast, the removal of an insertion sequence-like element that is found only in the Pomona sph2 upstream sequence had no effect on the expression from the Pomona sph2 fusion in the Lai strain. These findings demonstrate the utility of the gfp reporter plasmid in analyzing gene expression in L. interrogans IMPORTANCE Genetic tools are needed to examine gene expression in the pathogen Leptospira interrogans We developed a reporter plasmid that replicates in L. interrogans with green fluorescent protein (GFP) as the readout of promoter activity. We demonstrated an application of the new reporter plasmid by identifying an upstream element responsible for the poor basal expression of the sph2 sphingomyelinase gene in an L. interrogans serovar Lai strain. This new tool is useful for the discovery of the molecular determinants of L. interrogans gene expression.
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Yamaguchi T, Higa N, Okura N, Matsumoto A, Hermawan I, Yamashiro T, Suzuki T, Toma C. Characterizing interactions of Leptospira interrogans with proximal renal tubule epithelial cells. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:64. [PMID: 29973159 PMCID: PMC6030750 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1206-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic, spirochetal bacterium that is responsible for leptospirosis, an emerging worldwide zoonosis. Leptospires colonize the renal proximal tubules and chronically infect the kidney. Live bacteria are excreted into urine, contaminating the environment. While it is well known that leptospires can persist in the kidneys without signs of disease for several months, the interactions of leptospires with the proximal renal epithelial tubule cells that allow the chronic renal colonization have not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we compared the interactions between a virulent, low passage (LP) strain and a cultured-attenuated, high passage (HP) strain with renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) to elucidate the strategies used by Leptospira to colonize the kidney. RESULTS Kinetics analysis of kidney colonization in a mouse model of chronic infection performed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence, showed that the LP strain reached the kidney by 3 days post infection (pi) and attached to the basal membrane side of the renal epithelial cells. At 10 days pi, some leptospires were attached to the luminal side of the tubular epithelia and the number of colonizing leptospires gradually increased. On the other hand, the HP strain was cleared during hematogenous dissemination and did not colonize the kidney. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of LP-infected kidneys at 25 days pi showed aggregated leptospires and membrane vesicles attached to the epithelial brush border. Leptospiral kidney colonization altered the organization of the RPTEC brush border. An in vitro model of infection using TCMK-1 cells, showed that leptospiral infection induced a host stress response, which is delayed in LP-infected cells. CONCLUSIONS After hematogenous dissemination, leptospires create protective and replicative niches in the base membrane and luminal sides of the RPTECs. During the long-term colonization, leptospires attached to the RPTEC brush borders and membrane vesicles might be involved in the formation of a biofilm-like structure in vivo. Our results also suggested that the virulent strain is able to manipulate host cell stress responses to promote renal colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215 Japan
- Present address: Department of Food and Nutrition Science, Junior College, Sagami Women’s University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0383 Japan
| | - Naomi Higa
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215 Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okura
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215 Japan
| | - Arina Matsumoto
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215 Japan
- Present address: Okinawa Industrial Technology Center, Okinawa, 904-2234 Japan
| | - Idam Hermawan
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215 Japan
| | - Tetsu Yamashiro
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215 Japan
| | - Toshihiko Suzuki
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medicine and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510 Japan
| | - Claudia Toma
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215 Japan
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Nascimento Filho EG, Vieira ML, Teixeira AF, Santos JC, Fernandes LGV, Passalia FJ, Daroz BB, Rossini A, Kochi LT, Cavenague MF, Pimenta DC, Nascimento ALTO. Proteomics as a tool to understand Leptospira physiology and virulence: Recent advances, challenges and clinical implications. J Proteomics 2018; 180:80-87. [PMID: 29501847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Edson G Nascimento Filho
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Monica L Vieira
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline F Teixeira
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jademilson C Santos
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luis G V Fernandes
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe J Passalia
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pos-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenda B Daroz
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pos-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Rossini
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pos-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro T Kochi
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pos-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria F Cavenague
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pos-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana L T O Nascimento
- Laboratório Especial de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, 05503-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Ghazaei C. Pathogenic Leptospira: Advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis and virulence. Open Vet J 2018; 8:13-24. [PMID: 29445617 PMCID: PMC5806663 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v8i1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a common zoonotic disease has emerged as a major public health problem, with developing countries bearing disproportionate burdens. Although the diverse range of clinical manifestations of the leptospirosis in humans is widely documented, the mechanisms through which the pathogen causes disease remain undetermined. In addition, leptospirosis is a much-neglected life-threatening disease although it is one of the most important zoonoses occurring in a diverse range of epidemiological distribution. Recent advances in molecular profiling of pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira have improved our understanding of the evolutionary factors that determine virulence and mechanisms that the bacteria employ to survive. However, a major impediment to the formulation of intervention strategies has been the limited understanding of the disease determinants. Consequently, the association of the biological mechanisms to the pathogenesis of Leptospira, as well as the functions of numerous essential virulence factors still remain implicit. This review examines recent advances in genetic screening technologies, the underlying microbiological processes, the virulence factors and associated molecular mechanisms driving pathogenesis of Leptospira species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciamak Ghazaei
- Department of Microbiology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, P.O. Box 179, Ardabil, Iran
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22
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Zhukova A, Fernandes LG, Hugon P, Pappas CJ, Sismeiro O, Coppée JY, Becavin C, Malabat C, Eshghi A, Zhang JJ, Yang FX, Picardeau M. Genome-Wide Transcriptional Start Site Mapping and sRNA Identification in the Pathogen Leptospira interrogans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:10. [PMID: 28154810 PMCID: PMC5243855 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira are emerging zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animals to humans typically through contaminated environmental sources of water and soil. Regulatory pathways of pathogenic Leptospira spp. underlying the adaptive response to different hosts and environmental conditions remains elusive. In this study, we provide the first global Transcriptional Start Site (TSS) map of a Leptospira species. RNA was obtained from the pathogen Leptospira interrogans grown at 30°C (optimal in vitro temperature) and 37°C (host temperature) and selectively enriched for 5′ ends of native transcripts. A total of 2865 and 2866 primary TSS (pTSS) were predicted in the genome of L. interrogans at 30 and 37°C, respectively. The majority of the pTSSs were located between 0 and 10 nucleotides from the translational start site, suggesting that leaderless transcripts are a common feature of the leptospiral translational landscape. Comparative differential RNA-sequencing (dRNA-seq) analysis revealed conservation of most pTSS at 30 and 37°C. Promoter prediction algorithms allow the identification of the binding sites of the alternative sigma factor sigma 54. However, other motifs were not identified indicating that Leptospira consensus promoter sequences are inherently different from the Escherichia coli model. RNA sequencing also identified 277 and 226 putative small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) at 30 and 37°C, respectively, including eight validated sRNAs by Northern blots. These results provide the first global view of TSS and the repertoire of sRNAs in L. interrogans. These data will establish a foundation for future experimental work on gene regulation under various environmental conditions including those in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zhukova
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, C3BI Paris, France
| | | | - Perrine Hugon
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut PasteurParis, France; Mutualized Microbiology Platform, Institut Pasteur, Pasteur International Bioresources NetworkParis, France
| | - Christopher J Pappas
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut PasteurParis, France; Department of Biology, Manhattanville CollegePurchase, NY, USA
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- CITECH, Institut Pasteur, Plate-forme Transcriptome et Epigenome, Pole Biomics - CITECH Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Coppée
- CITECH, Institut Pasteur, Plate-forme Transcriptome et Epigenome, Pole Biomics - CITECH Paris, France
| | - Christophe Becavin
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, C3BI Paris, France
| | - Christophe Malabat
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, C3BI Paris, France
| | - Azad Eshghi
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, Institut Pasteur Paris, France
| | - Jun-Jie Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Frank X Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
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