1
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Chandrashekarappa DG, Van Allen ME, Bina XR, Bina JE. Shedding light on Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence: Engineering of broad host range bioluminescence reporter vectors for transcriptional analysis in drug resistant pathogens. Plasmid 2024; 131-132:102734. [PMID: 39481464 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2024.102734] [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: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we report the construction of four bacterial luciferase-based promoter probe vectors with an expanded set of selectable markers, designed to facilitate their use in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These vectors contain the low-copy-number, broad-host-range pBBR origin of replication and an origin of transfer, allowing efficient conjugative transformation into various bacterial genera. The broad host range origin also enables their use in bacterial strains that harbor other plasmids, as the pBBR origin is compatible with a wide variety of other plasmid replication systems. The utility of these vectors was demonstrated by quantifying capsule gene expression in both classical and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains lacking tolC, which encodes the outer membrane pore protein for tripartite transport systems. Our results revealed that the tolC mutation reduced capsule gene expression, highlighting a critical role for tolC in K. pneumoniae pathobiology and the utility of bioluminescence for studying gene expression in real time. These new vectors provide a flexible platform for circumventing antibiotic resistance phenotypes and studying gene expression across diverse bacterial species, including strains containing additional plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakshayini G Chandrashekarappa
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States of America
| | - Mia E Van Allen
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States of America
| | - X Renee Bina
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States of America
| | - James E Bina
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States of America.
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2
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Modesto JL, Pearce VH, Townsend GE. Harnessing gut microbes for glycan detection and quantification. Nat Commun 2023; 14:275. [PMID: 36650134 PMCID: PMC9845299 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35626-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycans facilitate critical biological functions and control the mammalian gut microbiota composition by supplying differentially accessible nutrients to distinct microbial subsets. Therefore, identifying unique glycan substrates that support defined microbial populations could inform therapeutic avenues to treat diseases via modulation of the gut microbiota composition and metabolism. However, examining heterogeneous glycan mixtures for individual microbial substrates is hindered by glycan structural complexity and diversity, which presents substantial challenges to glycomics approaches. Fortuitously, gut microbes encode specialized sensor proteins that recognize unique glycan structures and in-turn activate predictable, specific, and dynamic transcriptional responses. Here, we harness this microbial machinery to indicate the presence and abundance of compositionally similar, yet structurally distinct glycans, using a transcriptional reporter we develop. We implement these tools to examine glycan mixtures, isolate target molecules for downstream characterization, and quantify the recovered products. We assert that this toolkit could dramatically enhance our understanding of the mammalian intestinal environment and identify host-microbial interactions critical for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Modesto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.,Penn State Microbiome Center, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA.,Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Victoria H Pearce
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.,Penn State Microbiome Center, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA.,Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Guy E Townsend
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA. .,Penn State Microbiome Center, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA. .,Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
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3
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Zhao X, Zhao C, Yang L, Jiang L, Zhang J, Yu X, Chen G, Zhu H, Tang W, Li Y, Wei M, Zhang X, Jia H. Spatial and Temporal Persistence of Fluorescent Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RS-09 in Intestinal Tract. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:843650. [PMID: 35432246 PMCID: PMC9006167 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.843650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) are based on its adherence and colonization ability in the gut. However, little is known about the migration and long-term gut colonization of the strain. This study evaluated the gut colonization modes of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RS-09 to identify the strain with long-term gut colonization potential. We established CFDA/SE-labeled RS-09 to study the temporal and spatial distribution of RS-09 in the intestine as well as to analyze its persistence in different parts of the intestine by flow cytometry. This study has shown that the RS-09 strain maintains strong adhesion abilities under acid (pH 2.5) and base (pH 8.5) conditions. In addition, CFDA/SE can be used as an indicator for the labeling of L. plantarum RS-09 in the intestinal tract in vivo. We established a growth kinetics model of RS-09 to elucidate its persistence in the intestine. In vivo persistence experiments showed that the persistence rate of RS-09 was the highest in the cecum (69.5%) and the lowest in the duodenum (12.8%) at 96 h. After 20 days, RS-09 was predominantly localized in the cecum and colon steadily. These studies provide new insights into the long-term persistence of L. plantarum in the gastrointestinal tract. The CFDA/SE label system may be used to study the in vivo colonization dynamics of other probiotic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Chenpei Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Leining Yang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Yantai Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China.,Shandong Aquaculture Environmental Control Engineering Laboratory, Yantai, China
| | - Jianlong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China.,Shandong Aquaculture Environmental Control Engineering Laboratory, Yantai, China
| | - Xin Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China.,Shandong Aquaculture Environmental Control Engineering Laboratory, Yantai, China
| | - Guozhong Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China.,Shandong Aquaculture Environmental Control Engineering Laboratory, Yantai, China
| | - Hongwei Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China.,Shandong Aquaculture Environmental Control Engineering Laboratory, Yantai, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Safety Monitoring and Risk Assessment for Animal Products, Institute of Veterinary Drug Quality Inspection of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Youzhi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Safety Monitoring and Risk Assessment for Animal Products, Institute of Veterinary Drug Quality Inspection of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Maolian Wei
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Safety Monitoring and Risk Assessment for Animal Products, Institute of Veterinary Drug Quality Inspection of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Xingxiao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, China.,Shandong Aquaculture Environmental Control Engineering Laboratory, Yantai, China
| | - Hong Jia
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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4
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Qiao N, Du G, Zhong X, Sun X. Recombinant lactic acid bacteria as promising vectors for mucosal vaccination. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2021; 1:20210026. [PMID: 37323212 PMCID: PMC10191043 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), a diverse family of gram-positive bacteria, has been proven effective in delivering varieties of therapeutic and prophylactic molecules such as antigens and cytokines. Featuring the properties of acid-resistant, high uptake into Peyer's patches, and superior capacity for inducing secretory IgA antibodies, LAB have good potential to be used as vaccine vectors for mucosal vaccination. Mucosal immunization enables both mucosal and systemic immune responses, which are critical for resisting pathogens that invade the host through the mucosal surfaces. With the development of genetic engineering, LAB strains, primarily Lactococcus and Lactobacillus have been exploited to express a range of heterologous antigens. Numerous studies have demonstrated that LAB mucosal vaccines can stimulate all arms of the immune system to provide adequate protection against pathogen infections. Additionally, several LAB-based human papillomavirus vaccines have entered the clinical trial studies, which suggest the great promise of LAB vaccines for new interventions in mucosal transport diseases. Herein, we will discuss the factors that influence the immunogenicity of LAB vaccines, including LAB strains, the location of antigens, and administration routes, and focus on the current strategies that have been reported for optimizing LAB vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug‐Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant‐Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial TechnologyWest China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Guangsheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug‐Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant‐Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial TechnologyWest China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaofang Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Drug‐Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant‐Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial TechnologyWest China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug‐Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant‐Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial TechnologyWest China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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5
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Cui S, Chen C, Gu J, Mao B, Zhang H, Zhao J, Chen W. Tracing Lactobacillus plantarum within the intestinal tract of mice: green fluorescent protein-based fluorescent tagging. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2021; 101:1758-1766. [PMID: 32892354 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacillus plantarum is an important probiotic with a variety of physiologic functions. Studies have focused on the effects of L. plantarum on host physiology and microbiota, but studies of the fate of strains after they enter the intestine are lacking. In this study, L. plantarum ST-III was genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP). Mice were administered ST-III-GFP, and fluorescence imaging was used to study the distribution, location and quantity of strains within 8 h after entry into the intestine. RESULTS The results indicated that genetic modification did not affect the growth of ST-III, tolerance to simulated gastric juice and intestinal fluid or tolerance to antibiotics (with the exception of chloramphenicol). Fluorescence imaging and colony counting indicated that ST-III-GFP can be detected in the small intestine 5 min after oral gavage. After 30 min, nearly all ST-III-GFP was located in the small intestine. After 1.5 h, ST-III-GFP was detected in both the cecum and large intestine. After 4 and 8 h, ST-III-GFP was mainly concentrated in the cecum and large intestine. Compared to the initial amount ingested, the survival rate of ST-III-GFP within the intestine of mice was 10% after 8 h. In addition, a strong linear relationship was found between the fluorescence intensity and the viable count of ST-III-GFP. CONCLUSIONS The obtained data indicate that the amount of ST-III-GFP can be estimated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of this novel strain within the intestinal tract. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co. Ltd, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Cailing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Jiayu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Bingyong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co. Ltd, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
- Beijing Innovation Center of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing, PR China
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6
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A Resource for Cloning and Expression Vectors Designed for Bifidobacteria: Overview of Available Tools and Biotechnological Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33649956 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1274-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2023]
Abstract
Bifidobacteria represent an important group of (mostly) commensal microorganisms, which have enjoyed increasing scientific and industrial attention due to their purported health-promoting attributes. For the latter reason, several species have been granted "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) and "qualified presumption of safety" (QPS) status by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) organizations. Increasing scientific evidence supports their potential as oral delivery vectors to produce bioactive and therapeutic molecules at intestinal level. In order to achieve an efficient utilization of bifidobacterial strains as health-promoting (food) ingredients, it is necessary to provide evidence on the molecular mechanisms behind their purported beneficial and probiotic traits, and precise mechanisms of interaction with their human (or other mammalian) host. In this context, developing appropriate molecular tools to generate and investigate recombinant strains is necessary. While bifidobacteria have long remained recalcitrant to genetic manipulation, a wide array of Bifidobacterium-specific replicating vectors and genetic modification procedures have been described in literature. The current chapter intends to provide an updated overview on the vectors used to genetically modify and manipulate bifidobacteria, including their general characteristics, reviewing examples of their use to successfully generate recombinant bifidobacterial strains for specific purposes, and providing a general workflow and cautions to design and conduct heterologous expression in bifidobacteria. Knowledge gaps and fields of research that may help to widen the molecular toolbox to improve the functional and technological potential of bifidobacteria are also discussed.
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7
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Kozakai T, Shimofusa Y, Nomura I, Suzuki T. Construction of a reporter system for bifidobacteria using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and its application for evaluation of promoters and terminators. BIOSCIENCE OF MICROBIOTA FOOD AND HEALTH 2021; 40:115-122. [PMID: 33996368 PMCID: PMC8099631 DOI: 10.12938/bmfh.2020-070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A reporter assay system is an essential tool for investigating gene expression
mechanisms. In the case of bifidobacteria, several convenient and sensitive reporter
systems have been developed. Here, we developed a new reporter system for bifidobacteria
using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene (cat) from
Staphylococcus aureus. This enzyme stoichiometrically produced free
CoA-SH, which was analyzed quantitatively with Ellman’s test using 2-nitrobenzoic acid
(DTNB). The 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoate (TNB2-) produced showed a strong yellowish
color with maximum absorbance at 412 nm. We also constructed a new pBCMAT plasmid series
for CAT assays in bifidobacteria to evaluate promoters and terminators. Analyses using
promoters from Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705 indicated that the CAT
assay using these promoters is quantitative, has a wide measurement range, and is stable.
In addition, this assay was useful for several bifidobacterial species, including
B. longum, Bifidobacterium breve, and
Bifidobacterium adolescentis. Compared with evoglow-Bs2, a fluorescent
protein used under anaerobic conditions, the CAT assay showed about 0.25% background
activity. In analyses using this CAT assay, we identified 11 promoters and 12 terminators
of B. longum NCC2705. The genes encoding ribosomal proteins, elongation
factors, and transfer RNAs possessed strong promoters, and terminators that include strong
stem-loops and poly-U tails structures tended to show high activities. Although the
abovementioned promoters made stronger contributions to expression activities than the
terminators, the maximum fold difference in the activities among the tested terminators
was approximately 17-fold. Modification of the -10 box and 5’-UTR in the
promoters and the structure around the stem-loop in the terminators affected expression
levels. These results suggest that the CAT assay is useful for various analyses of
bifidobacterial gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kozakai
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yoko Shimofusa
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Izumi Nomura
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Tohru Suzuki
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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8
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Syed AJ, Anderson JC. Applications of bioluminescence in biotechnology and beyond. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5668-5705. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01492c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent probes have hugely benefited from the input of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering. Here we review the latest applications of these probes in biotechnology and beyond, with an eye on current limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha J. Syed
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London
- London
- UK
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9
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Engineer probiotic bifidobacteria for food and biomedical applications - Current status and future prospective. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 45:107654. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Kiu R, Treveil A, Harnisch LC, Caim S, Leclaire C, van Sinderen D, Korcsmaros T, Hall LJ. Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 Induces a Distinct Global Transcriptomic Program in Neonatal Murine Intestinal Epithelial Cells. iScience 2020; 23:101336. [PMID: 32683312 PMCID: PMC7371750 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying health-driving mechanisms of Bifidobacterium during early life are not well understood, particularly how this microbiota member may modulate the intestinal barrier via programming of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). We investigated the impact of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 on the transcriptome of neonatal murine IECs. Small IECs from two-week-old neonatal mice administered B. breve UCC2003 or PBS (control) were subjected to global RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes, pathways, and affected cell types were determined. We observed extensive regulation of the IEC transcriptome with ∼4,000 genes significantly up-regulated, including key genes linked with epithelial barrier function. Enrichment of cell differentiation pathways was observed, along with an overrepresentation of stem cell marker genes, indicating an increase in the regenerative potential of the epithelial layer. In conclusion, B. breve UCC2003 plays a central role in driving intestinal epithelium homeostatic development during early life and suggests future avenues for next-stage clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Kiu
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Agatha Treveil
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Lukas C Harnisch
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Shabhonam Caim
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Charlotte Leclaire
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Tamas Korcsmaros
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany.
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11
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Kotlobay AA, Kaskova ZM, Yampolsky IV. Palette of Luciferases: Natural Biotools for New Applications in Biomedicine. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:15-27. [PMID: 32742724 PMCID: PMC7385095 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.10967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Optoanalytical methods based on using genetically encoded bioluminescent enzymes, luciferases, allow one to obtain highly sensitive signals, are non-invasive, and require no external irradiation. Bioluminescence is based on the chemical reaction of oxidation of a low-molecular-weight substrate (luciferin) by atmospheric oxygen, which is catalyzed by an enzyme (luciferase). Relaxation of the luciferin oxidation product from its excited state is accompanied by a release of a quantum of light, which can be detected as an analytical signal. The ability to express luciferase genes in various heterological systems and high quantum yields of luminescence reactions have made these tools rather popular in biology and medicine. Among several naturally available luciferases, a few have been found to be useful for practical application. Luciferase size, the wavelength of its luminescence maximum, enzyme thermostability, optimal pH of the reaction, and the need for cofactors are parameters that may differ for luciferases from different groups of organisms, and this fact directly affects the choice of the application area for each enzyme. It is quite important to overview the whole range of currently available luciferases based on their biochemical properties before choosing one bioluminescent probe suitable for a specific application.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Kotlobay
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - Z. M. Kaskova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - I. V. Yampolsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997 Russia
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12
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Inda ME, Broset E, Lu TK, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Emerging Frontiers in Microbiome Engineering. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:952-973. [PMID: 31601521 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome has a significant impact on health and disease and can actively contribute to obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. We do not yet have the necessary tools to fine-tune the microbial communities that constitute the microbiome, though such tools could unlock extensive benefits to human health. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of technological tools that may be used for microbiome engineering. These tools can enable investigators to define the parameters of a healthy microbiome and to determine how gut bacteria may contribute to the etiology of a variety of diseases. These tools may also allow us to explore the exciting prospect of developing targeted therapies and personalized treatments for microbiome-linked diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Inda
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Esther Broset
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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13
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Van Zyl WF, Deane SM, Dicks LMT. In vivo bioluminescence imaging of the spatial and temporal colonization of lactobacillus plantarum 423 and enterococcus mundtii ST4SA in the intestinal tract of mice. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:171. [PMID: 30376820 PMCID: PMC6208077 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are major inhabitants and part of the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of humans and animals. Despite substantial evidence supporting the beneficial properties of LAB, only a few studies have addressed the migration and colonization of probiotic bacteria in the GIT. The reason for this is mostly due to the limitations, or lack of, efficient reporter systems. Here we describe the development and application of a non-invasive in vivo bioluminescence reporter system to study, in real-time, the spatial and temporal persistence of Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA in the intestinal tract of mice. Results This study reports on the application of the firefly luciferase gene (ffluc) from Photinus pyralis to develop luciferase-expressing L. plantarum 423 and E. mundtii ST4SA, using a Lactococcus lactis NICE system on a high copy number plasmid (pNZ8048) and strong constitutive lactate dehydrogenase gene promoters (Pldh and STldh). The reporter system was used for in vivo and ex vivo monitoring of both probiotic LAB strains in the GIT of mice after single and multiple oral administrations. Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA reached the large intestine 45 min after gavage, while L. plantarum 423 reached the cecum/colon after 90 min. Both strains predominantly colonized the cecum and colon after five consecutive daily administrations. Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA persisted in faeces at higher numbers and for more days compared to L. plantarum 423. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the efficiency of a high-copy number vector, constitutive promoters and bioluminescence imaging to study the colonization and persistence of L. plantarum 423 and E. mundtii ST4SA in the murine GIT. The system allowed us to differentiate between intestinal transit times of the two strains in the digestive tract. This is the first report of bioluminescence imaging of a luciferase-expressing E. mundtii strain to study colonization dynamics in the murine model. The bioluminescence system developed in this study may be used to study the in vivo colonization dynamics of other probiotic LAB. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1315-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winschau F Van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Shelly M Deane
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, 7 Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Leon M T Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, 7 Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
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14
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Egan M, Bottacini F, O'Connell Motherway M, Casey PG, Morrissey R, Melgar S, Faurie JM, Chervaux C, Smokvina T, van Sinderen D. Staying alive: growth and survival of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:10645-10663. [PMID: 30306201 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Bifidobacterium genus are widely used as probiotics in fermented milk products. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis CNCM I-4602 grows and survives poorly in reconstituted skimmed milk (RSM). Availing of genome and transcriptome information, this poor growth and survival phenotype in milk was substantially improved by the addition of certain compounds, such as yeast extract, uric acid, glutathione, cysteine, ferrous sulfate, and a combination of magnesium sulfate and manganese sulfate. Carbohydrate utilization of CNCM I-4602 was also investigated, allowing the identification of several carbohydrate utilization gene clusters, and highlighting this strain's inability to utilize lactose, unlike the type strain of this subspecies, B. animalis subsp. animalis ATCC25527 and the B. animalis subsp. lactis subspecies. In addition, the ability of B. animalis subsp. animalis CNCM I-4602 to colonize a murine model was investigated, which showed that this strain persists in the murine gut for a period of at least 4 weeks. Associated in vivo transcriptome analysis revealed that, among other genes, a gene cluster encoding a predicted type IVb tight adherence (Tad) pilus was upregulated, indicating that this extracellular structure plays a role in the colonization/adaptation of the murine gastrointestinal tract by this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muireann Egan
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Francesca Bottacini
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mary O'Connell Motherway
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patrick G Casey
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ruth Morrissey
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Silvia Melgar
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | - Tamara Smokvina
- Danone Nutricia Research, Avenue de la Vauve, 91767, Palaiseau, France
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.
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15
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O 2-requiring molecular reporters of gene expression for anaerobic microorganisms. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 123:1-6. [PMID: 30269005 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many genetic reporter systems require molecular oxygen; therefore, the use of reporter genes to study molecular mechanisms in anaerobic microorganisms has been hampered by the lack of convenient reporting systems. We describe reporter gene whole cell-based biosensor systems based on luciferase genes and the associated oxygen-requiring enzymes. By using two different oxygen-dependent reporters, insect and bacterial luciferases, and two bacterial hosts, Gram (+) Bifidobacterium longum and Gram (-) Escherichia coli, we show that the enzymes can be used in gene expression studies of anaerobic bacteria. E. coli, a facultative anaerobe, was grown both in aerobic and anaerobic conditions with an arabinose-inducible expression system. We show that a short treatment time of few minutes in ambient atmosphere is sufficient to detect light emission from living cells that is directly proportional to the number of cells and to the inducer concentration. The induction levels were the same in both the aerobically and anaerobically cultured cells. Similar results were obtained in the case of B. longum cultured in anaerobic conditions.
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16
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Moon GS, Narbad A. Construction of a Bioluminescent Labelling Plasmid Vector for Bifidobacteria. Korean J Food Sci Anim Resour 2018; 38:816-822. [PMID: 30206440 PMCID: PMC6131385 DOI: 10.5851/kosfa.2018.e17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacterium is recognized as one of the most beneficial
microorganisms in our gut. Many researches on bifidobacteria have been done to
understand their roles in the gut. The objective of the present study was to
develop a bioluminescent labelling plasmid vector for bifidobacteria to
facilitate their visualization in vitro, in
situ, and in vivo. A plasmid replicon (2.0 kb) of
plasmid pFI2576 previously identified from B. longum FI10564
was amplified by PCR and cloned into pUC19 plasmid vector (2.68 kb). The cloned
replicon was subcloned into pTG262 (luc+)
recombinant plasmid vector (7.4 kb) where a luciferase gene
(luc+) from pLuc2 (8.5 kb), an
Escherichia coli and lactobacilli shuttle vector, was
inserted into pTG262 plasmid vector. The final recombinant DNA, pTG262::pFI2576
rep (luc+), was transferred into a B.
catenulatum strain. This recombinant strain showed 3,024 relative
luminescence units at OD600 value of 0.352. Thus, this recombinant
plasmid construct can be broadly used for labelling bifidobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi-Seong Moon
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong 27909, Korea
| | - Arjan Narbad
- Translational Microbiome (Narbad Group), Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK
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17
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Landete JM, Arqués JL. Fluorescent Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria as Vehicles of DNA Microbial Biosensors. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081728. [PMID: 32962311 PMCID: PMC5578118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Control and quantification of effector molecules such as heavy metals, toxins or other target molecules is of great biotechnological, social and economic interest. Microorganisms have regulatory proteins that recognize and modify the gene expression in the presence or absence of these compounds (effector molecules) by means of binding to gene sequences. The association of these recognizing gene sequences to reporter genes will allow the detection of effector molecules of interest with high sensitivity. Once investigators have these two elements-recognizing gene sequences and reporter genes that emit signals-we need a suitable vehicle to introduce both elements. Here, we suggest lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria as promising carrier microorganisms for these molecular biosensors. The use of fluorescent proteins as well as food-grade vectors and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are indispensable tools for introducing biosensors into these microorganisms. The use of these LAB and bifidobacteria would be of special interest for studying the intestinal environment or other complex ecosystems. The great variety of species adapted to many environments, as well as the possibility of applying several protocols for their transformation with recognizing gene sequences and reporter genes are considerable advantages. Finally, an effort must be made to find recognizable gene sequences.
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18
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Castro-Bravo N, Hidalgo-Cantabrana C, Rodriguez-Carvajal MA, Ruas-Madiedo P, Margolles A. Gene Replacement and Fluorescent Labeling to Study the Functional Role of Exopolysaccharides in Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1405. [PMID: 28790996 PMCID: PMC5524739 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An extracellular layer of exopolysaccharides (EPS) covers the surface of some Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains, which could be of relevance for its probiotic performance. In order to understand the functional characteristics of B. animalis subsp. lactis, two isogenic strains that differ in their EPS-producing phenotype, due to a single mutation in the gene Balat_1410, were studied. By means of a double crossover recombination strategy, successfully used for the first time in bifidobacteria, Balat_1410 in the type strain B. animalis subsp. lactis DSM10140 was replaced by a mutated gene containing a non-synonymous mutation previously associated with the appearance of a mucoid-ropy phenotype. Nuclear magnetic resonance and SEC-MALS analyses showed that the novel strain harboring the mutation acquired a ropy phenotype, due to the production of a high molecular weight (HMW)-EPS that is not produced in the wild-type strain. Fluorescence labeling of both strains with two fluorescent proteins, m-Cherry and Green Fluorescent Protein, was achieved by expressing the corresponding genes under the control of a native selected promoter (the elongation factor Tu promoter). Remarkably, qualitative and quantitative fluorescence analyses demonstrated that the ropy strain displays a lower capability to adhere to human intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, the presence of the HMW-EPS reduced the capability of the producing strain to form biofilms upon three different abiotic surfaces. This work also highlights the fact that different EPS confer variable functional characteristics to the bifidobacterial surface, which may be relevant for the performance of B. animalis subsp. lactis as a probiotic. The construction of molecular tools allowing the functional characterization of surface structures in next generation probiotics is still a challenging issue that deserves further attention, given the relevant role that such molecules must play in the interaction with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Castro-Bravo
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasVillaviciosa, Spain
| | - Claudio Hidalgo-Cantabrana
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasVillaviciosa, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Ruas-Madiedo
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasVillaviciosa, Spain
| | - Abelardo Margolles
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasVillaviciosa, Spain
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19
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Moon GS, Narbad A. Monitoring of Bioluminescent Lactobacillus plantarum in a Complex Food Matrix. Korean J Food Sci Anim Resour 2017; 37:147-152. [PMID: 28316482 PMCID: PMC5355579 DOI: 10.5851/kosfa.2017.37.1.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A bioluminescent Lactobacillus plantarum (pLuc2) strain was constructed. The luminescent signal started to increase during the early exponential phase and reached its maximum in the mid-exponential phase in a batch culture of the strain. The signal detection sensitivity of the strain was the highest in PBS (phosphate buffered saline), followed by milk and MRS broth, indicating that the sensitivity was influenced by the matrix effect. The strain was used in millet seed fermentation which has a complex matrix and native lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The luminescent signal was gradually increased until 9 h during fermentation and abolished at 24 h, indicating that the strain could be specifically tracked in the complex matrix and microflora. Therefore, the bioluminescent labeling system can be used for monitoring LAB in food and dairy sciences and industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi-Seong Moon
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong 27909, Korea
| | - Arjan Narbad
- Gut Health and Food Safety Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK
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20
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Sola-Oladokun B, Culligan EP, Sleator RD. Engineered Probiotics: Applications and Biological Containment. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol 2017; 8:353-370. [PMID: 28125354 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-food-030216-030256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineered probiotics represent the next generation of whole cell-mediated biotherapeutics. Advances in synthetic biology, genome engineering, and DNA sequencing and synthesis have enabled scientists to design and develop probiotics with increased stress tolerance and the ability to target specific pathogens and their associated toxins, as well as to mediate targeted delivery of vaccines, drugs, and immunomodulators directly to host cells. Herein, we review the most significant advances in the development of this field. We discuss the critical issue of biological containment and consider the role of synthetic biology in the design and construction of the probiotics of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babasola Sola-Oladokun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland; , ,
| | - Eamonn P Culligan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland; , ,
| | - Roy D Sleator
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland; , , .,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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21
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Landete JM, Medina M, Arqués JL. Fluorescent reporter systems for tracking probiotic lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 32:119. [PMID: 27263014 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-016-2077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence supporting the role of the intestinal microbiota in health and disease, as well as the use of probiotics to modulate its activity and composition. Probiotic bacteria selected for commercial use in foods, mostly lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, must survive in sufficient numbers during the manufacturing process, storage, and passage through the gastro-intestinal tract. They have several modes of action and it is crucial to unravel the mechanisms underlying their postulated beneficial effects. To track their survival and persistence, and to analyse their interaction with the gastro-intestinal epithelia it is essential to discriminate probiotic strains from endogenous microbiota. Fluorescent reporter proteins are relevant tools that can be exploited as a non-invasive marker system for in vivo real-time imaging in complex ecosystems as well as in vitro fluorescence labelling. Oxygen is required for many of these reporter proteins to fluoresce, which is a major drawback in anoxic environments. However, some new fluorescent proteins are able to overcome the potential problems caused by oxygen limitations. The current available approaches and the benefits/disadvantages of using reporter vectors containing fluorescent proteins for labelling of bacterial probiotic species commonly used in food are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Landete
- Dpto. de Tecnología de Alimentos, INIA, Carretera de La Coruña Km 7, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Medina
- Dpto. de Tecnología de Alimentos, INIA, Carretera de La Coruña Km 7, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan L Arqués
- Dpto. de Tecnología de Alimentos, INIA, Carretera de La Coruña Km 7, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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22
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Abstract
This chapter describes the use of whole-body bioluminescent imaging (BLI) for the study of bacterial trafficking in live mice, with an emphasis on the use of bacteria in therapy of cancer. Bacteria present an attractive class of vector for cancer therapy, possessing a natural ability to grow preferentially within tumors following systemic administration. Bacteria engineered to express the lux gene cassette permit BLI detection of the bacteria and tumor sites concurrently. The location and levels of bacteria within tumors over time can be readily examined, visualized in two or three dimensions. The method is applicable to a wide range of bacterial species and tumor xenograft types. This article describes the protocol for analysis of bioluminescent bacteria within subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice. This powerful, and inexpensive, real-time imaging strategy represents an ideal method for the study of bacteria in vivo in the context of cancer research. This protocol outlines the procedure for studying lux-tagged Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium breve in mice, demonstrating the spatial and temporal readout from 2D and 3D BLI achievable with whole-body in vivo luminescence imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cronin
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ali R Akin
- Preclinical Imaging, PerkinElmer, Alameda, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark Tangney
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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23
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van Zyl WF, Deane SM, Dicks LMT. Reporter systems for in vivo tracking of lactic acid bacteria in animal model studies. Gut Microbes 2015; 6:291-9. [PMID: 26516656 PMCID: PMC4826117 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2015.1086058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence (BLI) and fluorescence imaging (FI) allow for non-invasive detection of viable microorganisms from within living tissue and are thus ideally suited for in vivo probiotic studies. Highly sensitive optical imaging techniques detect signals from the excitation of fluorescent proteins, or luciferase-catalyzed oxidation reactions. The excellent relation between microbial numbers and photon emission allow for quantification of tagged bacteria in vivo with extreme accuracy. More information is gained over a shorter period compared to traditional pre-clinical animal studies. The review summarizes the latest advances in in vivo bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging and points out the advantages and limitations of different techniques. The practical application of BLI and FI in the tracking of lactic acid bacteria in animal models is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winschau F van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology; Stellenbosch University; Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Shelly M Deane
- Department of Microbiology; Stellenbosch University; Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Leon M T Dicks
- Department of Microbiology; Stellenbosch University; Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa,Correspondence to: Leon M T Dicks;
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24
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Abstract
The review centers on the human gastrointestinal tract; focusing first on the bacterial stress responses needed to overcome the physiochemical defenses of the host, specifically how these stress survival strategies can be used as targets for alternative infection control strategies. The concluding section focuses on recent developments in molecular diagnostics; centring on the shifting paradigm from culture to molecular based diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy D Sleator
- a Department of Biological Sciences ; Cork Institute of Technology ; Bishopstown , Cork , Ireland
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25
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van Zyl WF, Deane SM, Dicks LMT. Use of the mCherry Fluorescent Protein To Study Intestinal Colonization by Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA and Lactobacillus plantarum 423 in Mice. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:5993-6002. [PMID: 26116681 PMCID: PMC4551250 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01247-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of humans and animals, and some LAB species receive considerable attention due to their health benefits. Although many papers have been published on probiotic LAB, only a few reports have been published on the migration and colonization of the cells in the GIT. This is due mostly to the lack of efficient reporter systems. In this study, we report on the application of the fluorescent mCherry protein in the in vivo tagging of the probiotic strains Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA and Lactobacillus plantarum 423. The mCherry gene, encoding a red fluorescent protein (RFP), was integrated into a nonfunctional region on the genome of L. plantarum 423 by homologous recombination. In the case of E. mundtii ST4SA, the mCherry gene was cloned into the pGKV223D LAB/Escherichia coli expression vector. Expression of the mCherry gene did not alter the growth rate of the two strains and had no effect on bacteriocin production. Both strains colonized the cecum and colon of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winschau F van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Shelly M Deane
- Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Leon M T Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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26
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Use of anaerobic green fluorescent protein versus green fluorescent protein as reporter in lactic acid bacteria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:6865-77. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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27
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Eom JE, Ahn WG, Her S, Moon GS. Construction of bioluminescent Lactobacillus casei CJNU 0588 for murine whole body imaging. Food Sci Biotechnol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10068-015-0077-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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28
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Russo P, Iturria I, Mohedano ML, Caggianiello G, Rainieri S, Fiocco D, Angel Pardo M, López P, Spano G. Zebrafish gut colonization by mCherry-labelled lactic acid bacteria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:3479-90. [PMID: 25586576 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6351-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A critical feature of probiotic microorganisms is their ability to colonize the intestine of the host. Although the microbial potential to adhere to the human gut lumen has been investigated in in vitro models, there is still much to discover about their in vivo behaviour. Zebrafish is a vertebrate model that is being widely used to investigate various biological processes shared with humans. In this work, we report on the use of the zebrafish model to investigate the in vivo colonization ability of previously characterized probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacillus plantarum Lp90, L. plantarum B2 and Lactobacillus fermentum PBCC11.5 were fluorescently tagged by transfer of the pRCR12 plasmid, which encodes the mCherry protein and which was constructed in this work. The recombinant bacteria were used to infect germ-free zebrafish larvae. After removal of bacteria, the colonization ability of the strains was monitored until 3 days post-infection by using a fluorescence stereomicroscope. The results indicated differential adhesion capabilities among the strains. Interestingly, a displacement of bacteria from the medium to the posterior intestinal tract was observed as a function of time that suggested a transient colonization by probiotics. Based on fluorescence observation, L. plantarum strains exhibited a more robust adhesion capability. In conclusion, the use of pRCR12 plasmid for labelling Lactobacillus strains provides a powerful and very efficient tool to monitor the in vivo colonization in zebrafish larvae and to investigate the adhesion ability of probiotic microorganisms.
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29
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Montenegro-Rodríguez C, Peirotén A, Sanchez-Jimenez A, Arqués JL, Landete JM. Analysis of gene expression of bifidobacteria using as the reporter an anaerobic fluorescent protein. Biotechnol Lett 2015; 37:1405-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-015-1802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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30
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Bruckbauer ST, Kvitko BH, Karkhoff-Schweizer RR, Schweizer HP. Tn5/7-lux: a versatile tool for the identification and capture of promoters in gram-negative bacteria. BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:17. [PMID: 25648327 PMCID: PMC4328036 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of imaging technologies and luciferase-based bioluminescent bacterial reporter strains provide a sensitive and simple non-invasive detection method (photonic bioimaging) for the study of diverse biological processes, as well as efficacy of therapeutic interventions, in live animal models of disease. The engineering of bioluminescent bacteria required for photonic bioimaging is frequently hampered by lack of promoters suitable for strong, yet stable luciferase gene expression. RESULTS We devised a novel method for identification of constitutive native promoters in Gram-negative bacteria. The method is based on a Tn5/7 transposon that exploits the unique features of Tn5 (random transposition) and Tn7 (site-specific transposition). The transposons are designed such that Tn5 transposition will allow insertion of a promoter-less bacterial luxCDABE operon downstream of a bacterial gene promoter. Cloning of DNA fragments from luminescent isolates results in a plasmid that replicates in pir (+) hosts. Sequencing of the lux-chromosomal DNA junctions on the plasmid reveals transposon insertion sites within genes or operons. The plasmid is also a mini-Tn7-lux delivery vector that can be used to introduce the promoter-lux operon fusion into other derivatives of the bacterium of interest in an isogenic fashion. Alternatively, promoter-containing sequences can be PCR-amplified from plasmid or chromosomal DNA and cloned into a series of accompanying mini-Tn7-lux vectors. The mini-Tn5/7-lux and mini-Tn7-lux vectors are equipped with diverse selection markers and thus applicable in numerous Gram-negative bacteria. Various mini-Tn5/7-lux vectors were successfully tested for transposition and promoter identification by imaging in Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Burkholderia pseudomallei. Strong promoters were captured for lux expression in E. coli and A. baumannii. Some mini-Tn7-lux vectors are also equipped with attB sites for swapping of the lux operon with other reporter genes using Gateway technology. CONCLUSIONS Although mini-Tn5-lux and mini-Tn7-lux elements have previously been developed and used for bacterial promoter identification and chromosomal insertion of promoter-lux gene fusions, respectively, the newly developed mini-Tn5/7-lux and accompanying accessory plasmids streamline and accelerate the promoter discovery and bioluminescent strain engineering processes. Availability of vectors with diverse selection markers greatly extend the host-range of promoter probe and lux gene fusion vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Bruckbauer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, and Rocky Mountain Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA. .,Present Address: Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53706, WI, USA.
| | - Brian H Kvitko
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, and Rocky Mountain Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA. .,Present Address: MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 48824, MI, USA.
| | - RoxAnn R Karkhoff-Schweizer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, and Rocky Mountain Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA.
| | - Herbert P Schweizer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, and Rocky Mountain Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA. .,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Emerging Pathogens Institute, PO Box 100266, Gainesville, 32610-0266, FL, USA.
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Functional analysis of bifidobacterial promoters in Bifidobacterium longum and Escherichia coli using the α-galactosidase gene as a reporter. J Biosci Bioeng 2014; 118:489-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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32
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Landete JM, Peirotén Á, Rodríguez E, Margolles A, Medina M, Arqués JL. Anaerobic green fluorescent protein as a marker of Bifidobacterium strains. Int J Food Microbiol 2014; 175:6-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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33
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Expression of fluorescent proteins in bifidobacteria for analysis of host-microbe interactions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:2842-50. [PMID: 24584243 DOI: 10.1128/aem.04261-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacteria are an important component of the human gastrointestinal microbiota and are frequently used as probiotics. The genetic inaccessibility and lack of molecular tools commonly used in other bacteria have hampered a detailed analysis of the genetic determinants of bifidobacteria involved in their adaptation to, colonization of, and interaction with the host. In the present study, a range of molecular tools were developed that will allow the closing of some of the gaps in functional analysis of bifidobacteria. A number of promoters were tested for transcriptional activity in Bifidobacterium bifidum S17 using pMDY23, a previously published promoter probe vector. The promoter of the gap gene (Pgap) of B. bifidum S17 yielded the highest promoter activity among the promoters tested. Thus, this promoter and the pMDY23 backbone were used to construct a range of vectors for expression of different fluorescent proteins (FPs). Successful expression of cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), green fluorescent protein (GFP), yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), and mCherry could be shown for three strains representing three different Bifidobacterium spp. The red fluorescent B. bifidum S17/pVG-mCherry was further used to demonstrate application of fluorescent bifidobacteria for adhesion assays and detection in primary human macrophages cultured in vitro. Furthermore, pMGC-mCherry was cloned by combining a chloramphenicol resistance marker and expression of the FP mCherry under the control of Pgap. The chloramphenicol resistance marker of pMGC-mCherry was successfully used to determine gastrointestinal transit time of B. bifidum S17. Moreover, B. bifidum S17/pMGC-mCherry could be detected in fecal samples of mice after oral administration.
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Abstract
In 1813, Vautier published his observation of tumor regression in patients who had suffered from gas gangrene. Since then, many publications have described the use of bacteria as antitumor therapy. For example, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium have been shown to selectively colonize tumors and to reduce tumor size. In addition, recent studies have focused on the use of genetic engineering to induce the expression of pro-drug converting enzymes, cytokines, specific antibodies, or suicide genes in tumor-colonizing bacteria. Moreover, some animal experiments have reported the treatment of tumors with engineered bacteria, and few side effects were observed. Therefore, based on these advances in tumor targeting therapy, bacteria may represent the next generation of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zu
- Department of Oncosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , China
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35
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Shining light on food microbiology; applications of Lux-tagged microorganisms in the food industry. Trends Food Sci Technol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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36
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Singh N, Arioli S, Wang A, Villa CR, Jahani R, Song YS, Mora D, Guglielmetti S, Comelli EM. Impact of Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 on mouse intestinal microorganisms. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 85:369-75. [PMID: 23551062 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 is a recently identified probiotic. However, its distribution along the intestine and impact on resident microbiota is unknown. Herein, we established a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the B. bifidum-specific BopA region for the quantification of B. bifidum in feces and used this assay to investigate transit of B. bifidum MIMBb75 through the murine intestine. We also analyzed the consequential impact on resident microbial cohorts. C57BL/6J mice were daily gavaged with 0.2 mL of either sterile PBS or PBS containing 10(8) colony-forming units of B. bifidum MIMBb75 for 2 weeks, after which intestinal contents and fecal samples were analyzed for microbial compositional changes. Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 was able to transiently colonize the murine intestine, with the predominant niche being the ceco-proximal colonic region. Region-specific effects on host microbiota were observed including decreased levels of Clostridium coccoides in the cecum, increased levels of bifidobacteria in the proximal and distal colon, total bacteria and Clostridium leptum in the proximal colon, and of C. coccoides in the feces. These findings suggest that probiotic properties of B. bifidum MIMBb75 may partially depend on its ability to at least transiently colonize the intestine and impact on the resident microbial communities at various intestinal loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Singh
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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37
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Fanning S, Hall LJ, van Sinderen D. Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 surface exopolysaccharide production is a beneficial trait mediating commensal-host interaction through immune modulation and pathogen protection. Gut Microbes 2013; 3:420-5. [PMID: 22713271 DOI: 10.4161/gmic.20630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacteria constitute a substantial proportion of the human gut microbiota. There are currently many bifidobacterial strains with claimed probiotic attributes. The mechanism through which these strains reside within their host and exert benefits to the host is far from fully understood. We have shown in the case of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 that a cell surface exopolysaccharide (EPS) plays a role in in vivo persistence. Biosynthesis of two possible EPSs is controlled by a bidirectional gene cluster which guides alternate EPS synthesis by means of a reorienting promoter. The presence of EPS impacts on host immune response: the wild type, EPS-positive B. breve UCC2003 efficiently evades the adaptive B-cell host response, while its isogenic, EPS-deficient equivalent elicits a strong adaptive immune response. Functionally, EPS positive strains were more resilient to presence of acid and bile and were responsible for reduced colonization levels of Citrobacter rodentium, a gut pathogen. In conclusion, we have found that EPS is important in host interactions and pathogen protection, the latter indicative of a probiotic ability for the EPS of B. breve UCC2003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranna Fanning
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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38
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Alvarez-Martín P, Zycka-Krzesińska J, Bardowski J, Mayo B. Sequence analysis of plasmid pSP02 from Bifidobacterium longum M62 and construction of pSP02-derived cloning vectors. Plasmid 2012; 69:119-26. [PMID: 23228478 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Replicons from bifidobacteria species are required for the construction of general- and special-purpose vectors that would allow the undertaking of molecular studies of these bacteria. In this work, pSP02, a cryptic plasmid from Bifidobacterium longum M62, was cloned, sequenced and characterized. pSP02 was found to consist of 4896bp with four ORFs coding for proteins over 50 amino acids long. Among the deduced protein sequences only a replicase (RepA) and a mobilization-like protein (MobA) showed known functional domains. Similar to previously described bifidobacterial plasmids, the organization of the putative ori region of pSP02 resembles that of the theta-replicating plasmids of Gram-positives. In spite of this, hybridization experiments detected single stranded (ss)-DNA as an intermediate product in the pSP02 replication, demonstrating it follows the rolling-circle (RC) replication mode. The ori region of pSP02 was used to construct a series of first generation cloning vectors able to replicate in many bifidobacterial species. Real time quantitative PCR established the copy number of pSP02 and its derived vectors to be around 12 copies per chromosome equivalent. pSP02-derivatives showed full segregational and structural stability even in the absence of antibiotic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Alvarez-Martín
- Departamento de Microbiología y Bioquímica de Productos Lácteos, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias-IPLA-CSIC, Paseo Río Linares, s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
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Gálvez N, Kedracka EJ, Carmona F, Céspedes-Guirao FJ, Font-Sanchis E, Fernández-Lázaro F, Sastre-Santos Á, Domínguez-Vera JM. Water soluble fluorescent-magnetic perylenediimide-containing maghemite-nanoparticles for bimodal MRI/OI imaging. J Inorg Biochem 2012; 117:205-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Natividad Gálvez
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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40
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Bioluminescence imaging study of spatial and temporal persistence of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus lactis in living mice. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012. [PMID: 23204409 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03221-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria, especially lactobacilli, are common inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, for which they have received considerable attention due to their putative health-promoting properties. In this study, we describe the development and application of luciferase-expressing Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus lactis strains for noninvasive in vivo monitoring in the digestive tract of mice. We report for the first time the functional in vitro expression in Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB8826 and in Lactococcus lactis MG1363 of the click beetle luciferase (CBluc), as well as Gaussia and bacterial luciferases, using a combination of vectors, promoters, and codon-optimized genes. We demonstrate that a CBluc construction is the best-performing luciferase system for the noninvasive in vivo detection of lactic acid bacteria after oral administration. The persistence and viability of both strains was studied by bioluminescence imaging in anesthetized mice and in mouse feces. In vivo bioluminescence imaging confirmed that after a single or multiple oral administrations, L. lactis has shorter survival times in the mouse gastrointestinal tract than L. plantarum, and it also revealed the precise gut compartments where both strains persisted. The application of luciferase-labeled bacteria has significant potential to allow the in vivo and ex vivo study of the interactions of lactic acid bacteria with their mammalian host.
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41
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Ninomiya K, Yamada R, Matsumoto M, Fukiya S, Katayama T, Ogino C, Shimizu N. Image analyzing method to evaluate in situ bioluminescence from an obligate anaerobe cultivated under various dissolved oxygen concentrations. J Biosci Bioeng 2012; 115:196-9. [PMID: 23040354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
An image analyzing method was developed to evaluate in situ bioluminescence expression, without exposing the culture sample to the ambient oxygen atmosphere. Using this method, we investigated the effect of dissolved oxygen concentration on bioluminescence from an obligate anaerobe Bifidobacterium longum expressing bacterial luciferase which catalyzes an oxygen-requiring bioluminescent reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Ninomiya
- Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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42
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Lee MS, Moon GS. In vivo imaging of Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis in murine intestines using a reporter luciferase gene. Food Sci Biotechnol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10068-012-0120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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43
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Accessing the inaccessible: molecular tools for bifidobacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:5035-42. [PMID: 22582076 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00551-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacteria are an important group of the human intestinal microbiota that have been shown to exert a number of beneficial probiotic effects on the health status of their host. Due to these effects, bifidobacteria have attracted strong interest in health care and food industries for probiotic applications and several species are listed as so-called "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) microorganisms. Moreover, recent studies have pointed out their potential as an alternative or supplementary strategy in tumor therapy or as live vaccines. In order to study the mechanisms by which these organisms exert their beneficial effects and to generate recombinant strains that can be used as drug delivery vectors or live vaccines, appropriate molecular tools are indispensable. This review provides an overview of the currently available methods and tools to generate recombinant strains of bifidobacteria. The currently used protocols for transformation of bifidobacteria, as well as replicons, selection markers, and determinants of expression, will be summarized. We will further discuss promoters, terminators, and localization signals that have been used for successful generation of expression vectors.
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44
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Cronin M, Akin AR, Collins SA, Meganck J, Kim JB, Baban CK, Joyce SA, van Dam GM, Zhang N, van Sinderen D, O'Sullivan GC, Kasahara N, Gahan CG, Francis KP, Tangney M. High resolution in vivo bioluminescent imaging for the study of bacterial tumour targeting. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30940. [PMID: 22295120 PMCID: PMC3266281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to track microbes in real time in vivo is of enormous value for preclinical investigations in infectious disease or gene therapy research. Bacteria present an attractive class of vector for cancer therapy, possessing a natural ability to grow preferentially within tumours following systemic administration. Bioluminescent Imaging (BLI) represents a powerful tool for use with bacteria engineered to express reporter genes such as lux. BLI is traditionally used as a 2D modality resulting in images that are limited in their ability to anatomically locate cell populations. Use of 3D diffuse optical tomography can localize the signals but still need to be combined with an anatomical imaging modality like micro-Computed Tomography (μCT) for interpretation. In this study, the non-pathogenic commensal bacteria E.coli K-12 MG1655 and Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003, or Salmonella Typhimurium SL7207 each expressing the luxABCDE operon were intravenously (IV) administered to mice bearing subcutaneous (s.c) FLuc-expressing xenograft tumours. Bacterial lux signal was detected specifically in tumours of mice post IV-administration and bioluminescence correlated with the numbers of bacteria recovered from tissue. Through whole body imaging for both lux and FLuc, bacteria and tumour cells were co-localised. 3D BLI and μCT image analysis revealed a pattern of multiple clusters of bacteria within tumours. Investigation of spatial resolution of 3D optical imaging was supported by ex vivo histological analyses. In vivo imaging of orally-administered commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was also achieved using 3D BLI. This study demonstrates for the first time the potential to simultaneously image multiple BLI reporter genes three dimensionally in vivo using approaches that provide unique information on spatial locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cronin
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital and Leslie C. Quick Jr. Laboratory, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ali R. Akin
- Caliper – a PerkinElmer Company, Alameda, California, United States of America
| | - Sara A. Collins
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital and Leslie C. Quick Jr. Laboratory, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United State of America
| | - Jeff Meganck
- Caliper – a PerkinElmer Company, Alameda, California, United States of America
| | - Jae-Beom Kim
- Caliper – a PerkinElmer Company, Alameda, California, United States of America
| | - Chwanrow K. Baban
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital and Leslie C. Quick Jr. Laboratory, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Susan A. Joyce
- Department of Microbiology and Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gooitzen M. van Dam
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, BioOptical Imaging Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ning Zhang
- Caliper – a PerkinElmer Company, Alameda, California, United States of America
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- Department of Microbiology and Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerald C. O'Sullivan
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital and Leslie C. Quick Jr. Laboratory, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Noriyuki Kasahara
- School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United State of America
| | - Cormac G. Gahan
- Department of Microbiology and Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kevin P. Francis
- Caliper – a PerkinElmer Company, Alameda, California, United States of America
| | - Mark Tangney
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital and Leslie C. Quick Jr. Laboratory, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United State of America
- * E-mail:
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Baban CK, Cronin M, O'Hanlon D, O'Sullivan GC, Tangney M. Bacteria as vectors for gene therapy of cancer. Bioeng Bugs 2011; 1:385-94. [PMID: 21468205 DOI: 10.4161/bbug.1.6.13146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 07/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer therapy faces major challenges, particularly in terms of specificity of treatment. The ideal therapy would eradicate tumor cells selectively with minimum side effects on normal tissue. Gene or cell therapies have emerged as realistic prospects for the treatment of cancer, and involve the delivery of genetic information to a tumor to facilitate the production of therapeutic proteins. However, there is still much to be done before an efficient and safe gene medicine is achieved, primarily developing the means of targeting genes to tumors safely and efficiently. An emerging family of vectors involves bacteria of various genera. It has been shown that bacteria are naturally capable of homing to tumors when systemically administered resulting in high levels of replication locally. Furthermore, invasive species can deliver heterologous genes intra-cellularly for tumor cell expression. Here, we review the use of bacteria as vehicles for gene therapy of cancer, detailing the mechanisms of action and successes at preclinical and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chwanrow K Baban
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital and Leslie C. Quick Jr. Laboratory, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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46
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Gut microbiota and the role of probiotics in therapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2011; 11:593-603. [PMID: 21996283 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2011.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to rapid progress in the development and application of molecular techniques to the assessment of the human gut microbiome, the true nature, diversity and metabolic potential of this 'hidden organ' are being revealed. Simultaneously, the complex physiological, immunological and metabolic interactions between host and microbiome are being untangled. By contrast, the probiotic concept has been with us for decades and, while supported more by fad and folklore in the past, is now gaining support, not only from experimental work in animal models, but also by well-designed studies in human diseases, most notably infectious diarrheas, inflammatory bowel disease and the irritable bowel syndrome.
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47
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Recombinant lactic acid bacteria as mucosal biotherapeutic agents. Trends Biotechnol 2011; 29:499-508. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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48
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O'Connell Motherway M, Zomer A, Leahy SC, Reunanen J, Bottacini F, Claesson MJ, O'Brien F, Flynn K, Casey PG, Moreno Munoz JA, Kearney B, Houston AM, O'Mahony C, Higgins DG, Shanahan F, Palva A, de Vos WM, Fitzgerald GF, Ventura M, O'Toole PW, van Sinderen D. Functional genome analysis of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 reveals type IVb tight adherence (Tad) pili as an essential and conserved host-colonization factor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:11217-22. [PMID: 21690406 PMCID: PMC3131351 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1105380108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of the human gut microbiota commences at birth, with bifidobacteria being among the first colonizers of the sterile newborn gastrointestinal tract. To date, the genetic basis of Bifidobacterium colonization and persistence remains poorly understood. Transcriptome analysis of the Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 2.42-Mb genome in a murine colonization model revealed differential expression of a type IVb tight adherence (Tad) pilus-encoding gene cluster designated "tad(2003)." Mutational analysis demonstrated that the tad(2003) gene cluster is essential for efficient in vivo murine gut colonization, and immunogold transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of Tad pili at the poles of B. breve UCC2003 cells. Conservation of the Tad pilus-encoding locus among other B. breve strains and among sequenced Bifidobacterium genomes supports the notion of a ubiquitous pili-mediated host colonization and persistence mechanism for bifidobacteria.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Bacterial Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Proteins/physiology
- Base Sequence
- Bifidobacterium/genetics
- Bifidobacterium/growth & development
- Bifidobacterium/physiology
- Bifidobacterium/ultrastructure
- Comparative Genomic Hybridization
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- Female
- Fimbriae, Bacterial/genetics
- Fimbriae, Bacterial/physiology
- Fimbriae, Bacterial/ultrastructure
- Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
- Genome, Bacterial
- Germ-Free Life
- Humans
- Male
- Metagenome
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Microscopy, Immunoelectron
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Multigene Family
- Mutation
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aldert Zomer
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Departments of
| | - Sinead C. Leahy
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Departments of
- Microbiology
| | - Justus Reunanen
- Division of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Francesca Bottacini
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Departments of
- Microbiology
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Genetics, Biology of Microorganisms, Anthropology, and Evolution, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Kiera Flynn
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Departments of
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Des G. Higgins
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; and
| | - Fergus Shanahan
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Departments of
- Medicine, and
| | - Airi Palva
- Division of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Willem M. de Vos
- Division of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, 6703 HB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerald F. Fitzgerald
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Departments of
- Microbiology
- Food and Nutritional Sciences, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Genetics, Biology of Microorganisms, Anthropology, and Evolution, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Paul W. O'Toole
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and Departments of
- Microbiology
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49
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Sitaras C, Beyde A, Malekazari P, Herrington MB. Light producing reporter plasmids for Escherichia coli K-12 that can be integrated into the chromosome. Plasmid 2011; 65:232-8. [PMID: 21376749 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2011.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid vectors using the Photorhabdus luminescenslux operon can be used for real time measurements of promoter activity. We have generated a series of lux vectors that have a conditional origin of replication, different selectable markers and the attP sequence from λ. Single copies of these plasmids can be integrated into the λ attachment site in the Escherichia coli chromosome. We constructed reporter derivatives and compared light production when the plasmids were present in multiple copies and in single copies. We also demonstrated that expression could be induced under the appropriate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Sitaras
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B1R6, Canada
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50
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Quigley EMM. Therapies aimed at the gut microbiota and inflammation: antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, anti-inflammatory therapies. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2011; 40:207-22. [PMID: 21333908 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several recent observations have raised the possibility that disturbances in the gut microbiota and/or a low-grade inflammatory state may contribute to symptomatology and the etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Consequent on these hypotheses, several therapeutic categories have found their way into the armamentarium of those who care for IBS sufferers. These agents include probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn M M Quigley
- Department of Medicine, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Clinical Sciences Building, Cork, Ireland.
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