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Liu Y, Yao Z, Mao Z, Tang M, Chen H, Qian C, Zeng W, Zhou T, Wu Q. Quorum sensing gene lasR promotes phage vB_Pae_PLY infection in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:207. [PMID: 38858621 PMCID: PMC11163716 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell density-based intercellular communication system that controls virulence gene expression and biofilm formation. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), the LasR system sits at the top of the QS hierarchy and coordinates the expression of a series of important traits. However, the role of lasR in phage infection remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role of lasR QS in phage infection. METHODS The P. aeruginosa phage was isolated from sewage, and its biological characteristics and whole genome were analyzed. The adsorption receptor was identified via a phage adsorption assay. Following lasR gene knockout, the adsorption rate and bactericidal activity of phage were analyzed. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to explore how lasR promoting phage infection. RESULTS The lytic phage vB_Pae_PLY was isolated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was identified as its adsorption receptor. The adsorption rate and bactericidal activity of vB_Pae_PLY were reduced after lasR knockout. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of galU, a key gene involved in LPS synthesis, was down-regulated, and several genes related to type IV pili (T4P) were also down-regulated in the lasR mutant PaΔlasR. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that QS lasR may promote phage vB_Pae_PLY infection by involving in the synthesis of LPS and T4P. This study provides an example of QS in promoting phage infection and deepens the understanding of phage-bacteria interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhuocheng Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhenzhi Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Miran Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Huanchang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Changrui Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Weiliang Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Tieli Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Qing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Zhang J, Ma Q, Wang C, Meng N. Unraveling the signaling roles of indole in an opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain Jade-X. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141482. [PMID: 38387666 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can produce several toxins and form biofilm, is listed among the priority pathogens. Indole is a ubiquitous aromatic pollutant and signaling molecule produced by tryptophanase in bacteria. Herein, the impacts of indole on a newly isolated P. aeruginosa strain Jade-X were systematically investigated. Indole (0.5-2.0 mM) enhanced the biofilm production by 1.33-2.31-fold after 24 h incubation at 30 °C. However, the effects indole on biofilm formation were intricate and closely intertwined with factors such as incubation temperature, bacterial growth stage, and indole concentration. The twitching motility was enhanced by 1.15-1.99-fold by indole, potentially facilitating surface exploration and biofilm development. Indole reduced the production of virulence factors (pyocyanin and pyoverdine) as well as altered the surface properties (zeta potential and hydrophobicity). Transcriptional analysis revealed that indole (1.0 mM) significantly downregulated mexGHI-opmD efflux genes (4.73-6.91-fold) and virulence-related genes (pqs, pch, and pvd clusters, and flagella-related genes), while upregulating pili-related genes in strain Jade-X. The quorum sensing related signal regulators, including RhlR, LasR, and MvfR (PqsR), were not altered by indole, while other six transcriptional regulators (AmrZ, BfmR, PchR, QscR, SoxR, and SphR) were significantly affected, implying that indole effects might be regulated in a complex and delicate manner. This study should provide new insights into our understanding of indole signaling roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China
| | - Qiao Ma
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China.
| | - Caihong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China
| | - Nan Meng
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China
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Su Q, Lu D, Kong J, Lin H, Xuan G, Wang J. PqsA mutation-mediated enhancement of phage-mediated combat against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1296777. [PMID: 38469347 PMCID: PMC10925624 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1296777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a potential approach in the biocontrol of foodborne pathogens. However, the emergence of phage resistance and the narrow host range of most phage isolates continue to limit the antimicrobial efficacy of phages. Here, we investigated the potential of the pqsA gene, encoding the anthranilate-CoA ligase enzyme, as an adjuvant for phage therapy. The knockout of the pqsA gene significantly enhanced the bactericidal effect of phages vB_Pae_QDWS and vB_Pae_S1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Under phage infection pressure, the growth of the PaΔpqsA was significantly inhibited within 8 h compared to the wild-type PAO1. Furthermore, we found that altering phage adsorption is not how PaΔpqsA responds to phage infection. Although pqsA represents a promising target for enhancing phage killing, it may not be applicable to all phages, such as types vB_Pae_W3 and vB_Pae_TR. Our findings provide new material reserves for the future design of novel phage-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guanhua Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Fujiki J, Schnabl B. Phage therapy: Targeting intestinal bacterial microbiota for the treatment of liver diseases. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100909. [PMID: 37965159 PMCID: PMC10641246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy has been overshadowed by antibiotics for decades. However, it is being revisited as a powerful approach against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. As bacterial microbiota have been mechanistically linked to gastrointestinal and liver diseases, precise editing of the gut microbiota via the selective bactericidal action of phages has prompted renewed interest in phage therapy. In this review, we summarise the basic virological properties of phages and the latest findings on the composition of the intestinal phageome and the changes associated with liver diseases. We also review preclinical and clinical studies assessing phage therapy for the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, as well as future prospects and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Fujiki
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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Fujiki J, Nakamura K, Nakamura T, Iwano H. Fitness Trade-Offs between Phage and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Phage-Resistant Variants: Molecular Action and Insights into Clinical Applications for Phage Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15628. [PMID: 37958612 PMCID: PMC10650657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, phage therapy has been overshadowed by the widespread use of antibiotics in Western countries. However, it has been revitalized as a powerful approach due to the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Although bacterial resistance to phages has been reported in clinical cases, recent studies on the fitness trade-offs between phage and antibiotic resistance have revealed new avenues in the field of phage therapy. This strategy aims to restore the antibiotic susceptibility of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, even if phage-resistant variants develop. Here, we summarize the basic virological properties of phages and their applications within the context of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, we review the occurrence of phage resistance in clinical cases, and examine fitness trade-offs between phage and antibiotic sensitivity, exploring the potential of an evolutionary fitness cost as a countermeasure against phage resistance in therapy. Finally, we discuss future strategies and directions for phage-based therapy from the aspect of fitness trade-offs. This approach is expected to provide robust options when combined with antibiotics in this era of phage 're'-discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Fujiki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Keisuke Nakamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
- Phage Therapy Institute, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Iwano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan
- Phage Therapy Institute, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
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Abedon ST. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Hindering Phage Therapy: The Phage Tolerance vs. Phage Resistance of Bacterial Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:245. [PMID: 36830158 PMCID: PMC9952518 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As with antibiotics, we can differentiate various acquired mechanisms of bacteria-mediated inhibition of the action of bacterial viruses (phages or bacteriophages) into ones of tolerance vs. resistance. These also, respectively, may be distinguished as physiological insensitivities (or protections) vs. resistance mutations, phenotypic resistance vs. genotypic resistance, temporary vs. more permanent mechanisms, and ecologically vs. also near-term evolutionarily motivated functions. These phenomena can result from multiple distinct molecular mechanisms, many of which for bacterial tolerance of phages are associated with bacterial biofilms (as is also the case for the bacterial tolerance of antibiotics). The resulting inhibitions are relevant from an applied perspective because of their potential to thwart phage-based treatments of bacterial infections, i.e., phage therapies, as well as their potential to interfere more generally with approaches to the phage-based biological control of bacterial biofilms. In other words, given the generally low toxicity of properly chosen therapeutic phages, it is a combination of phage tolerance and phage resistance, as displayed by targeted bacteria, that seems to represent the greatest impediments to phage therapy's success. Here I explore general concepts of bacterial tolerance of vs. bacterial resistance to phages, particularly as they may be considered in association with bacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Mansfield, OH 44906, USA
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