1
|
Gambino M, Kushwaha SK, Wu Y, van Haastrecht P, Klein-Sousa V, Lutz VT, Bejaoui S, Jensen CMC, Bojer MS, Song W, Xiao M, Taylor NMI, Nobrega FL, Brøndsted L. Diversity and phage sensitivity to phages of porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024:e0080724. [PMID: 38940562 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00807-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a diverse and poorly characterized E. coli pathotype that causes diarrhea in humans and animals. Phages have been proposed for the veterinary biocontrol of ETEC, but effective solutions require understanding of porcine ETEC diversity that affects phage infection. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes of the PHAGEBio ETEC collection, gathering 79 diverse ETEC strains isolated from European pigs with post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). We identified the virulence factors characterizing the pathotype and several antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids, while phage resistance genes and other virulence factors were mostly chromosome encoded. We experienced that ETEC strains were highly resistant to Enterobacteriaceae phage infection. It was only by enrichment of numerous diverse samples with different media and conditions, using the 41 ETEC strains of our collection as hosts, that we could isolate two lytic phages that could infect a large part of our diverse ETEC collection: vB_EcoP_ETEP21B and vB_EcoS_ETEP102. Based on genome and host range analyses, we discussed the infection strategies of the two phages and identified components of lipopolysaccharides ( LPS) as receptors for the two phages. Our detailed computational structural analysis highlights several loops and pockets in the tail fibers that may allow recognition and binding of ETEC strains, also in the presence of O-antigens. Despite the importance of receptor recognition, the diversity of the ETEC strains remains a significant challenge for isolating ETEC phages and developing sustainable phage-based products to address ETEC-induced PWD.IMPORTANCEEnterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced post-weaning diarrhea is a severe disease in piglets that leads to weight loss and potentially death, with high economic and animal welfare costs worldwide. Phage-based approaches have been proposed, but available data are insufficient to ensure efficacy. Genome analysis of an extensive collection of ETEC strains revealed that phage defense mechanisms were mostly chromosome encoded, suggesting a lower chance of spread and selection by phage exposure. The difficulty in isolating lytic phages and the molecular and structural analyses of two ETEC phages point toward a multifactorial resistance of ETEC to phage infection and the importance of extensive phage screenings specifically against clinically relevant strains. The PHAGEBio ETEC collection and these two phages are valuable tools for the scientific community to expand our knowledge on the most studied, but still enigmatic, bacterial species-E. coli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Gambino
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Institute of Conservation, The Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simran Krishnakant Kushwaha
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pauline van Haastrecht
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Klein-Sousa
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Veronika T Lutz
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Semeh Bejaoui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Martin S Bojer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Nicholas M I Taylor
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franklin L Nobrega
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thöneböhn S, Fischer D, Kreiling V, Kemmler A, Oberheim I, Hager F, Schmid NE, Thormann KM. Identifying components of the Shewanella phage LambdaSo lysis system. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0002224. [PMID: 38771038 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00022-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage-induced lysis of Gram-negative bacterial hosts usually requires a set of phage lysis proteins, a holin, an endopeptidase, and a spanin system, to disrupt each of the three cell envelope layers. Genome annotations and previous studies identified a gene region in the Shewanella oneidensis prophage LambdaSo, which comprises potential holin- and endolysin-encoding genes but lacks an obvious spanin system. By a combination of candidate approaches, mutant screening, characterization, and microscopy, we found that LambdaSo uses a pinholin/signal-anchor-release (SAR) endolysin system to induce proton leakage and degradation of the cell wall. Between the corresponding genes, we found that two extensively nested open-reading frames encode a two-component spanin module Rz/Rz1. Unexpectedly, we identified another factor strictly required for LambdaSo-induced cell lysis, the phage protein Lcc6. Lcc6 is a transmembrane protein of 65 amino acid residues with hitherto unknown function, which acts at the level of holin in the cytoplasmic membrane to allow endolysin release. Thus, LambdaSo-mediated cell lysis requires at least four protein factors (pinholin, SAR endolysin, spanin, and Lcc6). The findings further extend the known repertoire of phage proteins involved in host lysis and phage egress. IMPORTANCE Lysis of bacteria can have multiple consequences, such as the release of host DNA to foster robust biofilm. Phage-induced lysis of Gram-negative cells requires the disruption of three layers, the outer and inner membranes and the cell wall. In most cases, the lysis systems of phages infecting Gram-negative cells comprise holins to disrupt or depolarize the membrane, thereby releasing or activating endolysins, which then degrade the cell wall. This, in turn, allows the spanins to become active and fuse outer and inner membranes, completing cell envelope disruption and allowing phage egress. Here, we show that the presence of these three components may not be sufficient to allow cell lysis, implicating that also in known phages, further factors may be required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Thöneböhn
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Dorian Fischer
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Kreiling
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Alina Kemmler
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Isabella Oberheim
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Fabian Hager
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Nicole E Schmid
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Kai M Thormann
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jhandai P, Mittal D, Gupta R, Kumar M, Khurana R. Therapeutics and prophylactic efficacy of novel lytic Escherichia phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 against multidrug-resistant avian pathogenic E. coli using in vivo study. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:673-687. [PMID: 37632591 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the causative agent of avian colibacillosis, which causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry. The growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a major global public health concern. However, there is limited data on the efficacy of phage therapy in effectively controlling and treating APEC infections. In this study, a novel lytic Escherichia phage, vB_EcoS_PJ16, was isolated from poultry farm wastewater and characterized in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of an icosahedral head and a long non-contractile tail, classifying the phage under the Caudoviricetes class. Host range determination showed that Escherichia phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 exhibited lytic activity against multiple strains of pathogenic E. coli, while no significant signs of lysis for Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. Biophysical characterization revealed that the isolated phage was sturdy, as it remained viable for up to 300 days at temperatures of 30 °C, 37 °C, and 42 °C and for up to 24 h at pH 5 to 11, with only minor changes in titer. Kinetic analysis at multiplicity of infection (MOI) 0.1 showed a latency period of about 20 min and a burst size of 26.5 phage particles per infected cell for phage vB_EcoS_PJ16. Whole genome sequencing unveiled that the phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 genome consists of a double-stranded linear DNA molecule with 57,756 bp and a GC content of 43.58%. The Escherichia phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 genome consisted of 98 predicted putative ORFs, with no transfer RNA identified in the genome. Among these 98 genes, 34 genes were predicted to have known functions. A significant reduction in APEC viability was observed at MOI 100 during in vitro bacterial challenge tests conducted at different MOIs (0.01, 1, and 100). In vivo oral evaluation of the isolated phage to limit E. coli infections in day-old chicks indicated a decrease in mortality within both the therapeutic (20%) and prophylactic (30%) groups, when compared to the control group. The findings of this study contribute to our current knowledge of Escherichia phages and suggest a potentially effective role of phages in the therapeutic and prophylactic control of antibiotic-resistant APEC strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Punit Jhandai
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, 125004, India
| | - Dinesh Mittal
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, 125004, India.
| | - Renu Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, 125004, India
| | - Manesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, 125004, India
| | - Rajesh Khurana
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, 125004, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang T, Cheng B, Jiao R, Zhang X, Zhang D, Cheng X, Ling N, Ye Y. Characterization of a novel high-efficiency cracking Burkholderia gladiolus phage vB_BglM_WTB and its application in black fungus. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 414:110615. [PMID: 38325260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Burkholderia gladiolus (B. gladiolus) is foodborne pathogenic bacteria producing bongkrekic acid (BA), which causes food poisoning and has a mortality rate of up to 40 % or more. However, no drugs have been reported in the literature for the prevention and treatment of this infection. In this study, a phage was identified to control B. gladiolus. The novel phage vB_BglM_WTB (WTB), which lyse B. gladiolus with high efficiency, was isolated from sewage of Huaihe Road Throttle Well Sewage Treatment Plant in Hefei. Transmission electron microscopy showed that WTB had an icosahedral head (69 ± 2 nm) and a long retractable tail (108 ± 2 nm). Its optimal temperature and pH ranges to control B. gladiolus were 25 °C -65 °C and 3-11 respectively. The phage WTB was identified as a linear double-stranded DNA phage of 68, 541 bp with 60.04 % G + C content, with a long latent period of 60 min. Phylogenetic analysis and comparative genetic analysis indicated that phage WTB has low identity (<50 %) with other phages, with the highest similarity to Burkholderia phage Maja (25.7 %), which showed that it does not belong to any previous genera recognized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) and was a candidate for a new genus within the Caudoviricetes. We have submitted a new proposal to ICTV to create a new genus, Bglawtbvirus. No transfer RNA (tRNA), virulence associated and antibiotic resistance genes were detected in phage WTB. Experimental results indicated that WTB at 4 °C and 25 °C had excellent inhibition activity against B. gladiolus in the black fungus, with an inhibition efficiency of over 99 %. The amount of B. gladiolus in the black fungus was reduced to a minimum of 89 CFU/mL when treated by WTB at 25 °C for 2 h. The inhibition rate remained at 99.97 % even after 12 h. The findings showed that the phage WTB could be applied as a food-cleaning agent for enhancing food safety and contributed to our understanding of phage biology and diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Rui Jiao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Xiyan Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Diwei Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Xiangyu Cheng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Na Ling
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Yingwang Ye
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yamashita W, Ojima S, Tamura A, Azam AH, Kondo K, Yuancheng Z, Cui L, Shintani M, Suzuki M, Takahashi Y, Watashi K, Tsuneda S, Kiga K. Harnessing a T1 Phage-Derived Spanin for Developing Phage-Based Antimicrobial Development. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2024; 6:0028. [PMID: 38516182 PMCID: PMC10954549 DOI: 10.34133/bdr.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The global increase in the prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria has necessitated the development of alternative treatments that do not rely on conventional antimicrobial agents. Using bacteriophage-derived lytic enzymes in antibacterial therapy shows promise; however, a thorough comparison and evaluation of their bactericidal efficacy are lacking. This study aimed to compare and investigate the bactericidal activity and spectrum of such lytic enzymes, with the goal of harnessing them for antibacterial therapy. First, we examined the bactericidal activity of spanins, endolysins, and holins derived from 2 Escherichia coli model phages, T1 and T7. Among these, T1-spanin exhibited the highest bactericidal activity against E. coli. Subsequently, we expressed T1-spanin within bacterial cells and assessed its bactericidal activity. T1-spanin showed potent bactericidal activity against all clinical isolates tested, including bacterial strains of 111 E. coli, 2 Acinetobacter spp., 3 Klebsiella spp., and 3 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In contrast, T1 phage-derived endolysin showed bactericidal activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, yet its efficacy against other bacteria was inferior to that of T1-spanin. Finally, we developed a phage-based technology to introduce the T1-spanin gene into target bacteria. The synthesized non-proliferative phage exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the targeted bacteria. The potent bactericidal activity exhibited by spanins, combined with the novel phage synthetic technology, holds promise for the development of innovative antimicrobial agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wakana Yamashita
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience,
Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Ojima
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Azumi Tamura
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science,
The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Aa Haeruman Azam
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Kohei Kondo
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhang Yuancheng
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine,
Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine,
Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masaki Shintani
- Department of Engineering,
Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 3-5-1 Johoku, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 432-8561, Japan
| | - Masato Suzuki
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Takahashi
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience,
Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsuneda
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience,
Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
- Phage Therapy Institute,
Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kiga
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine,
Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
- Phage Therapy Institute,
Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tarakanov RI, Evseev PV, Vo HTN, Troshin KS, Gutnik DI, Ignatov AN, Toshchakov SV, Miroshnikov KA, Jafarov IH, Dzhalilov FSU. Xanthomonas Phage PBR31: Classifying the Unclassifiable. Viruses 2024; 16:406. [PMID: 38543771 PMCID: PMC10975493 DOI: 10.3390/v16030406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of bacteriophages to destroy bacteria has made them the subject of extensive research. Interest in bacteriophages has recently increased due to the spread of drug-resistant bacteria, although genomic research has not kept pace with the growth of genomic data. Genomic analysis and, especially, the taxonomic description of bacteriophages are often difficult due to the peculiarities of the evolution of bacteriophages, which often includes the horizontal transfer of genes and genomic modules. The latter is particularly pronounced for temperate bacteriophages, which are capable of integration into the bacterial chromosome. Xanthomonas phage PBR31 is a temperate bacteriophage, which has been neither described nor classified previously, that infects the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Genomic analysis, including phylogenetic studies, indicated the separation of phage PBR31 from known classified bacteriophages, as well as its distant relationship with other temperate bacteriophages, including the Lederbervirus group. Bioinformatic analysis of proteins revealed distinctive features of PBR31, including the presence of a protein similar to the small subunit of D-family DNA polymerase and advanced lysis machinery. Taxonomic analysis showed the possibility of assigning phage PBR31 to a new taxon, although the complete taxonomic description of Xanthomonas phage PBR31 and other related bacteriophages is complicated by the complex evolutionary history of the formation of its genome. The general biological features of the PBR31 phage were analysed for the first time. Due to its presumably temperate lifestyle, there is doubt as to whether the PBR31 phage is appropriate for phage control purposes. Bioinformatics analysis, however, revealed the presence of cell wall-degrading enzymes that can be utilised for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rashit I. Tarakanov
- Department of Plant Protection, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Timiryazevskaya Str. 49, 127434 Moscow, Russia; (R.I.T.); (K.S.T.)
| | - Peter V. Evseev
- Department of Plant Protection, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Timiryazevskaya Str. 49, 127434 Moscow, Russia; (R.I.T.); (K.S.T.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ha T. N. Vo
- Faculty of Agronomy, Nong Lam University, Quarter 6, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City 721400, Vietnam
| | - Konstantin S. Troshin
- Department of Plant Protection, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Timiryazevskaya Str. 49, 127434 Moscow, Russia; (R.I.T.); (K.S.T.)
| | - Daria I. Gutnik
- Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia;
| | - Aleksandr N. Ignatov
- Agrobiotechnology Department, Agrarian and Technological Institute, RUDN University, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Stepan V. Toshchakov
- Center for Genome Research, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq., 1, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin A. Miroshnikov
- Department of Plant Protection, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Timiryazevskaya Str. 49, 127434 Moscow, Russia; (R.I.T.); (K.S.T.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ibrahim H. Jafarov
- Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute for Plant Protection and Industrial Crops, AZ 4200 Ganja, Azerbaijan
| | - Fevzi S.-U. Dzhalilov
- Department of Plant Protection, Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Timiryazevskaya Str. 49, 127434 Moscow, Russia; (R.I.T.); (K.S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dong Z, Wu R, Liu L, Ai S, Yang J, Li Q, Fu K, Zhou Y, Fu H, Zhou Z, Liu H, Zhong Z, Qiu X, Peng G. Phage P2-71 against multi-drug resistant Proteus mirabilis: isolation, characterization, and non-antibiotic antimicrobial potential. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1347173. [PMID: 38500503 PMCID: PMC10945010 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1347173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis, a prevalent urinary tract pathogen and formidable biofilm producer, especially in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, has seen a worrying rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. This upsurge calls for innovative approaches in infection control, beyond traditional antibiotics. Our research introduces bacteriophage (phage) therapy as a novel non-antibiotic strategy to combat these drug-resistant infections. We isolated P2-71, a lytic phage derived from canine feces, demonstrating potent activity against MDR P. mirabilis strains. P2-71 showcases a notably brief 10-minute latent period and a significant burst size of 228 particles per infected bacterium, ensuring rapid bacterial clearance. The phage maintains stability over a broad temperature range of 30-50°C and within a pH spectrum of 4-11, highlighting its resilience in various environmental conditions. Our host range assessment solidifies its potential against diverse MDR P. mirabilis strains. Through killing curve analysis, P2-71's effectiveness was validated at various MOI levels against P. mirabilis 37, highlighting its versatility. We extended our research to examine P2-71's stability and bactericidal kinetics in artificial urine, affirming its potential for clinical application. A detailed genomic analysis reveals P2-71's complex genetic makeup, including genes essential for morphogenesis, lysis, and DNA modification, which are crucial for its therapeutic action. This study not only furthers the understanding of phage therapy as a promising non-antibiotic antimicrobial but also underscores its critical role in combating emerging MDR infections in both veterinary and public health contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyou Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruihu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengquan Ai
- New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinpeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianlan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Keyi Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hualin Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ziyao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianmeng Qiu
- New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Singh D, Pal S, Subramanian S, Manickam N. Characterization and complete genome analysis of Klebsiella phage Kp109 with lytic activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Virus Genes 2024:10.1007/s11262-024-02053-y. [PMID: 38279974 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-024-02053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumonia is a serious pathogen involved in a range of infections. The increasing frequency of infection associated with K. pneumoniae and accelerated development of antimicrobial resistance has limited the available options of antibiotics for the treatment of infection. Bacteriophages are an attractive substitute to alleviate the problem of antibiotic resistance. In this study, isolation, microbiological and genomic characterization of bacteriophage Kp109 having the ability to infect K. pneumoniae has been shown. Phage Kp109 showed good killing efficiency and tolerance to a broad range of temperatures (4-60 °C) and pH (3-9). Transmission electron microscopy and genomic analysis indicated that phage Kp109 belongs to the genus Webervirus and family Drexlerviridae. Genomic analysis showed that the Kp109 has a 51,630 bp long double-stranded DNA genome with a GC content of 51.64%. The absence of known lysogenic, virulence, and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in its genome makes phage Kp109 safer to be used as a biocontrol agent for different purposes including phage therapy. The computational analysis of the putative endolysin gene revealed a binding energy of - 6.23 kcal/mol between LysKp109 and ligand NAM-NAG showing its potential to be used as an enzybiotic. However, future research is required for experimental validation of the in silico work to further corroborate the results obtained in the present study. Overall, phenotypic, genomic, and computational characterization performed in the present study showed that phages Kp109 and LysKp109 are promising candidates for future in vivo studies and could potentially be used for controlling K. pneumoniae infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Singh
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Toxicology Group, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Shilpee Pal
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | - Srikrishna Subramanian
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Natesan Manickam
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Toxicology Group, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Samir S. Molecular Machinery of the Triad Holin, Endolysin, and Spanin: Key Players Orchestrating Bacteriophage-Induced Cell Lysis and their Therapeutic Applications. Protein Pept Lett 2024; 31:85-96. [PMID: 38258777 DOI: 10.2174/0109298665181166231212051621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Phage therapy, a promising alternative to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, harnesses the lytic cycle of bacteriophages to target and eliminate bacteria. Key players in this process are the phage lysis proteins, including holin, endolysin, and spanin, which work synergistically to disrupt the bacterial cell wall and induce lysis. Understanding the structure and function of these proteins is crucial for the development of effective therapies. Recombinant versions of these proteins have been engineered to enhance their stability and efficacy. Recent progress in the field has led to the approval of bacteriophage-based therapeutics as drugs, paving the way for their clinical use. These proteins can be combined in phage cocktails or combined with antibiotics to enhance their activity against bacterial biofilms, a common cause of treatment failure. Animal studies and clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phage therapy in humans. Overall, phage therapy holds great potential as a valuable tool in the fight against multidrug- resistant bacteria, offering hope for the future of infectious disease treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safia Samir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang G, Liu Y, Wang J, Li N, Han P, Chen Y, Xu W, Liu C. Characterization and genomic analysis of a novel bacteriophage BUCT_49532 lysing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Virus Genes 2023; 59:852-867. [PMID: 37857999 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-023-02033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are a type of virus widely distributed in nature that demonstrates a remarkable aptitude for selectively recognizing and infecting bacteria. In particular, Klebsiella pneumoniae is acknowledged as a clinical pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections and frequently develops multidrug resistance. Considering the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, bacteriophages have emerged as a compelling alternative therapeutic approach. In this study, a novel phage named BUCT_49532 was isolated from sewage using K. pneumoniae K1119 as the host. Electron microscopy revealed that BUCT_49532 belongs to the Caudoviricetes class. Further analysis through whole genome sequencing demonstrated that BUCT_49532 is a Jedunavirus comprised of linear double-stranded DNA with a length of 49,532 bp. Comparative genomics analysis based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) values revealed that BUCT_49532 should be identified as a novel species. Characterized by a good safety profile, high environmental stability, and strong lytic performance, phage BUCT_49532 presents an interesting case for consideration. Although its host range is relatively narrow, its application potential can be expanded by utilizing phage cocktails, making it a promising candidate for biocontrol approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangye Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yucong Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jinhong Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Nan Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Pengjun Han
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Weijian Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Changxia Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Han M, Niu X, Xiong G, Ruan C, Chen G, Wu H, Liu Y, Zhu K, Wang G. Isolation, characterization and genomic analysis of the novel Arthrobacter sp. phage SWEP2. Arch Virol 2023; 168:276. [PMID: 37864004 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05898-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
A new virulent phage, SWEP2, infecting the Arthrobacter sp. 5B strain, was isolated from black soil samples in northeastern China. SWEP2 has a latent period of 80 min and a burst size of 45 PFU (evaluated at an MOI of 0.1). Genomic analysis revealed that the 43,398-bp dsDNA genome of phage SWEP2 contains 64 open reading frames (ORFs) and one tRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between SWEP2 and Arthrobacter phage Liebe, with 82.98% identity and a query coverage of 48%. Based on its distinct phenotypic and genetic characteristics, SWEP2 is identified as a novel Arthrobacter phage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Han
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xinyao Niu
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guangzhou Xiong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chujin Ruan
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Guowei Chen
- School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Hanqing Wu
- The Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kun Zhu
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Gang Wang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- National Black Soil and Agriculture Research, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ge F, Guo R, Liang Y, Chen Y, Shao H, Sung YY, Mok WJ, Wong LL, McMinn A, Wang M. Characterization and genomic analysis of Stutzerimonas stutzeri phage vB_PstS_ZQG1, representing a novel viral genus. Virus Res 2023; 336:199226. [PMID: 37739268 PMCID: PMC10520572 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Stutzerimonas stutzeri is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium belonging to the Gammaproteobacteria, exhibiting wide distribution in the environment and playing significant ecological roles such as nitrogen fixation or pollutant degradation. Despite its ecological importance, only two S. stutzeri phages have been isolated to date. Here, a novel S. stutzeri phage, vB_PstS_ZQG1, was isolated from the surface seawater of Qingdao, China. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates that vB_PstS_ZQG1 has a morphology characterized by a long non-contractile tail. The genomic sequence of vB_PstS_ZQG1 contains a linear, double-strand 61,790-bp with the G+C content of 53.24% and encodes 90 putative open reading frames. Two auxiliary metabolic genes encoding TolA protein and nucleotide pyrophosphohydrolase were identified, which are likely involved in host adaptation and phage reproduction. Phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses demonstrated that vB_PstS_ZQG1 exhibits low similarity with previously isolated phages or uncultured viruses (average nucleotide identity values range from 21.7 to 29.4), suggesting that it represents a novel viral genus by itself, here named as Fuevirus. Biogeographic analysis showed that vB_PstS_ZQG1 was only detected in epipelagic and mesopelagic zone with low abundance. In summary, our findings of the phage vB_PstS_ZQG1 will provide helpful insights for further research on the interactions between S. stutzeri phages and their hosts, and contribute to discovering unknown viral sequences in the metagenomic database.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuyue Ge
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruizhe Guo
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yantao Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China.
| | - Ying Chen
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongbing Shao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China
| | - Yeong Yik Sung
- UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China; Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Wen Jye Mok
- UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China; Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Li Lian Wong
- UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China; Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Andrew McMinn
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Min Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, MoE Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Center for Ocean Carbon Neutrality, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; UMT-OUC Joint Centre for Marine Studies, Qingdao, China; Haide College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Heiman CM, Vacheron J, Keel C. Evolutionary and ecological role of extracellular contractile injection systems: from threat to weapon. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1264877. [PMID: 37886057 PMCID: PMC10598620 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1264877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Contractile injection systems (CISs) are phage tail-related structures that are encoded in many bacterial genomes. These devices encompass the cell-based type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) as well as extracellular CISs (eCISs). The eCISs comprise the R-tailocins produced by various bacterial species as well as related phage tail-like structures such as the antifeeding prophages (Afps) of Serratia entomophila, the Photorhabdus virulence cassettes (PVCs), and the metamorphosis-associated contractile structures (MACs) of Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea. These contractile structures are released into the extracellular environment upon suicidal lysis of the producer cell and play important roles in bacterial ecology and evolution. In this review, we specifically portray the eCISs with a focus on the R-tailocins, sketch the history of their discovery and provide insights into their evolution within the bacterial host, their structures and how they are assembled and released. We then highlight ecological and evolutionary roles of eCISs and conceptualize how they can influence and shape bacterial communities. Finally, we point to their potential for biotechnological applications in medicine and agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Margot Heiman
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dong Y, Huang Y, Fan H, Song L, An X, Xu S, Li M, Tong Y. Characterization, complete genome sequencing, and CRISPR/Cas9 system-based decontamination of a novel Escherichia coli phage TR1 from fermentation substrates. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1230775. [PMID: 37637117 PMCID: PMC10450929 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1230775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage contamination has become a major concern for industrial bacteria, such as Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), used in fermentation processes. Herein, we report a CRISPR/Cas9 defense system-based strategy to precisely prey and degrade phage DNA to decontaminate target phages. First, we isolated a novel phage from fermentation substrates with BL21(DE3) as the host, named TR1. It showed a typical podovirus morphology with a head diameter of 51.46 ± 2.04 nm and a tail length of 9.31 ± 2.77 nm. The burst size of phage TR1 was 151 PFU/cell, suggesting its strong fecundity in the fermentation system. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing revealed that phage TR1 has a DNA genome of 44,099 bp in length with a 43.8% GC content, encoding a total of 68 open reading frames. Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis designated this phage to be a new species of the genus Christensenvirus. To counteract phage TR1, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system-based strategy and constructed two phage-resistant E. coli strains, BL21-C and BL21-T, based on conserved genes. Both EOP assays and growth curves indicated strong phage resistance of the recombinant strains, without affecting cell growth. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a resilient strategy to respond to ever-changing phages and ongoing phage-host arm race in industrial fermentation environments by the personalized design of spacers in the recombinant CRISPR/Cas system-containing plasmid. More importantly, our research sparks the use of phage defense mechanism to prevent phage contamination in extensive biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfei Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping An
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mengzhe Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Qinhuangdao Bohai Biological Research Institute, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Elek CKA, Brown TL, Le Viet T, Evans R, Baker DJ, Telatin A, Tiwari SK, Al-Khanaq H, Thilliez G, Kingsley RA, Hall LJ, Webber MA, Adriaenssens EM. A hybrid and poly-polish workflow for the complete and accurate assembly of phage genomes: a case study of ten przondoviruses. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001065. [PMID: 37463032 PMCID: PMC10438801 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) within the genus Przondovirus are T7-like podoviruses belonging to the subfamily Studiervirinae, within the family Autographiviridae, and have a highly conserved genome organisation. The genomes of these phages range from 37 to 42 kb in size, encode 50-60 genes and are characterised by the presence of direct terminal repeats (DTRs) flanking the linear chromosome. These DTRs are often deleted during short-read-only and hybrid assemblies. Moreover, long-read-only assemblies are often littered with sequencing and/or assembly errors and require additional curation. Here, we present the isolation and characterisation of ten novel przondoviruses targeting Klebsiella spp. We describe HYPPA, a HYbrid and Poly-polish Phage Assembly workflow, which utilises long-read assemblies in combination with short-read sequencing to resolve phage DTRs and correcting errors, negating the need for laborious primer walking and Sanger sequencing validation. Our assembly workflow utilised Oxford Nanopore Technologies for long-read sequencing for its accessibility, making it the more relevant long-read sequencing technology at this time, and Illumina DNA Prep for short-read sequencing, representing the most commonly used technologies globally. Our data demonstrate the importance of careful curation of phage assemblies before publication, and prior to using them for comparative genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire K. A. Elek
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Teagan L. Brown
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Thanh Le Viet
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Rhiannon Evans
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - David J. Baker
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Andrea Telatin
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Sumeet K. Tiwari
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Haider Al-Khanaq
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Gaëtan Thilliez
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Robert A. Kingsley
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Lindsay J. Hall
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, ZIEL—Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Mark A. Webber
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stanton CR, Batinovic S, Petrovski S. Burkholderia contaminans Bacteriophage CSP3 Requires O-Antigen Polysaccharides for Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0533222. [PMID: 37199610 PMCID: PMC10269572 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05332-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of opportunistic pathogens that cause both severe acute and chronic respiratory infections. Due to their large genomes containing multiple intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, treatment is often difficult and prolonged. One alternative to traditional antibiotics for treatment of bacterial infections is bacteriophages. Therefore, the characterization of bacteriophages infective for the Burkholderia cepacia complex is critical to determine their suitability for any future use. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of novel phage, CSP3, infective against a clinical isolate of Burkholderia contaminans. CSP3 is a new member of the Lessievirus genus that targets various Burkholderia cepacia complex organisms. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of CSP3-resistant B. contaminans showed that mutations to the O-antigen ligase gene, waaL, consequently inhibited CSP3 infection. This mutant phenotype is predicted to result in the loss of cell surface O-antigen, contrary to a related phage that requires the inner core of the lipopolysaccharide for infection. Additionally, liquid infection assays showed that CSP3 provides suppression of B. contaminans growth for up to 14 h. Despite the inclusion of genes that are typical of the phage lysogenic life cycle, we saw no evidence of CSP3's ability to lysogenize. Continuation of phage isolation and characterization is crucial in developing large and diverse phage banks for global usage in cases of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. IMPORTANCE Amid the global antibiotic resistance crisis, novel antimicrobials are needed to treat problematic bacterial infections, including those from the Burkholderia cepacia complex. One such alternative is the use of bacteriophages; however, a lot is still unknown about their biology. Bacteriophage characterization studies are of high importance for building phage banks, as future work in developing treatments such as phage cocktails should require well-characterized phages. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel Burkholderia contaminans phage that requires the O-antigen for infection, a distinct phenotype seen among other related phages. Our findings presented in this article expand on the ever-evolving phage biology field, uncovering unique phage-host relationships and mechanisms of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra R. Stanton
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Steven Batinovic
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Division of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Steve Petrovski
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wójcicki M, Świder O, Średnicka P, Shymialevich D, Ilczuk T, Koperski Ł, Cieślak H, Sokołowska B, Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Newly Isolated Virulent Salmophages for Biocontrol of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella in Ready-to-Eat Plant-Based Food. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10134. [PMCID: PMC10299301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to irrational antibiotic stewardship, an increase in the incidence of multidrug resistance of bacteria has been observed recently. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic methods for pathogen infection treatment seems to be necessary. One of the possibilities is the utilization of bacteriophages (phages)—the natural enemies of bacteria. Thus, this study is aimed at the genomic and functional characterization of two newly isolated phages targeting MDR Salmonella enterica strains and their efficacy in salmonellosis biocontrol in raw carrot–apple juice. The Salmonella phage vB_Sen-IAFB3829 (Salmonella phage strain KKP 3829) and Salmonella phage vB_Sen-IAFB3830 (Salmonella phage strain KKP 3830) were isolated against S. I (6,8:l,-:1,7) strain KKP 1762 and S. Typhimurium strain KKP 3080 host strains, respectively. Based on the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses, the viruses were identified as members of tailed bacteriophages from the Caudoviricetes class. Genome sequencing revealed that these phages have linear double-stranded DNA and sizes of 58,992 bp (vB_Sen-IAFB3829) and 50,514 bp (vB_Sen-IAFB3830). Phages retained their activity in a wide range of temperatures (from −20 °C to 60 °C) and active acidity values (pH from 3 to 11). The exposure of phages to UV radiation significantly decreased their activity in proportion to the exposure time. The application of phages to the food matrices significantly reduced the level of Salmonella contamination compared to the control. Genome analysis showed that both phages do not encode virulence or toxin genes and can be classified as virulent bacteriophages. Virulent characteristics and no possible pathogen factors make examined phages feasible to be potential candidates for food biocontrol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Wójcicki
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Ś.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Olga Świder
- Department of Food Safety and Chemical Analysis, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paulina Średnicka
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Ś.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Dziyana Shymialevich
- Culture Collection of Industrial Microorganisms—Microbiological Resources Center, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (D.S.); (H.C.)
| | - Tomasz Ilczuk
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Warsaw, Pawińskiego 7 Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (T.I.); (Ł.K.)
| | - Łukasz Koperski
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Warsaw, Pawińskiego 7 Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (T.I.); (Ł.K.)
| | - Hanna Cieślak
- Culture Collection of Industrial Microorganisms—Microbiological Resources Center, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (D.S.); (H.C.)
| | - Barbara Sokołowska
- Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Ś.); (E.J.-K.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Laskowska E. New Strategies to Kill Metabolically-Dormant Cells Directly Bypassing the Need for Active Cellular Processes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1044. [PMID: 37370363 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic therapy failure is often caused by the presence of persister cells, which are metabolically-dormant bacteria capable of surviving exposure to antimicrobials. Under favorable conditions, persisters can resume growth leading to recurrent infections. Moreover, several studies have indicated that persisters may promote the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and facilitate the selection of specific resistant mutants; therefore, in light of the increasing numbers of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide, developing efficient strategies against dormant cells is of paramount importance. In this review, we present and discuss the efficacy of various agents whose antimicrobial activity is independent of the metabolic status of the bacteria as they target cell envelope structures. Since the biofilm-environment is favorable for the formation of dormant subpopulations, anti-persister strategies should also include agents that destroy the biofilm matrix or inhibit biofilm development. This article reviews examples of selected cell wall hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases and antimicrobial peptides. Their combination with standard antibiotics seems to be the most promising approach in combating persistent infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stojowska-Swędrzyńska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dorota Kuczyńska-Wiśnik
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wu J, Liu Q, Li M, Xu J, Wang C, Zhang J, Xiao M, Bin Y, Xia J. PhaGAA: an integrated web server platform for phage genome annotation and analysis. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:7070502. [PMID: 36882183 PMCID: PMC10013646 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Phage genome annotation plays a key role in the design of phage therapy. To date, there have been various genome annotation tools for phages, but most of these tools focus on mono-functional annotation and have complex operational processes. Accordingly, comprehensive and user-friendly platforms for phage genome annotation are needed. RESULTS Here, we propose PhaGAA, an online integrated platform for phage genome annotation and analysis. By incorporating several annotation tools, PhaGAA is constructed to annotate the prophage genome at DNA and protein levels and provide the analytical results. Furthermore, PhaGAA could mine and annotate phage genomes from bacterial genome or metagenome. In summary, PhaGAA will be a useful resource for experimental biologists and help advance the phage synthetic biology in basic and application research. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION PhaGAA is freely available at http://phage.xialab.info/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education and Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, and Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Qingrui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education and Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, and Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Min Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Jiliang Xu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education and Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, and Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Junyin Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Minfeng Xiao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Yannan Bin
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education and Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, and Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Junfeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education and Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, and Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim Y, Lee SM, Nong LK, Kim J, Kim SB, Kim D. Characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteriophages, KP1 and KP12, with deep learning-based structure prediction. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:990910. [PMID: 36762092 PMCID: PMC9902359 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.990910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerns over Klebsiella pneumoniae resistance to the last-line antibiotic treatment have prompted a reconsideration of bacteriophage therapy in public health. Biotechnological application of phages and their gene products as an alternative to antibiotics necessitates the understanding of their genomic context. This study sequenced, annotated, characterized, and compared two Klebsiella phages, KP1 and KP12. Physiological validations identified KP1 and KP12 as members of Myoviridae family. Both phages showed that their activities were stable in a wide range of pH and temperature. They exhibit a host specificity toward K. pneumoniae with a broad intraspecies host range. General features of genome size, coding density, percentage GC content, and phylogenetic analyses revealed that these bacteriophages are distantly related. Phage lytic proteins (endolysin, anti-/holin, spanin) identified by the local alignment against different databases, were subjected to further bioinformatic analyses including three-dimensional (3D) structure prediction by AlphaFold. AlphaFold models of phage lysis proteins were consistent with the published X-ray crystal structures, suggesting the presence of T4-like and P1/P2-like bacteriophage lysis proteins in KP1 and KP12, respectively. By providing the primary sequence information, this study contributes novel bacteriophages for research and development pipelines of phage therapy that ultimately, cater to the unmet clinical and industrial needs against K. pneumoniae pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youngju Kim
- Optipharm Inc., Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mok Lee
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Linh Khanh Nong
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyung Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Bum Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyuk Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea,*Correspondence: Donghyuk Kim,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Feiss M, Young R, Ramsey J, Adhya S, Georgopoulos C, Hendrix RW, Hatfull GF, Gilcrease EB, Casjens SR. Hybrid Vigor: Importance of Hybrid λ Phages in Early Insights in Molecular Biology. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0012421. [PMID: 36165780 PMCID: PMC9799177 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00124-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory-generated hybrids between phage λ and related phages played a seminal role in establishment of the λ model system, which, in turn, served to develop many of the foundational concepts of molecular biology, including gene structure and control. Important λ hybrids with phages 21 and 434 were the earliest of such phages. To understand the biology of these hybrids in full detail, we determined the complete genome sequences of phages 21 and 434. Although both genomes are canonical members of the λ-like phage family, they both carry unsuspected bacterial virulence gene types not previously described in this group of phages. In addition, we determined the sequences of the hybrid phages λ imm21, λ imm434, and λ h434 imm21. These sequences show that the replacements of λ DNA by nonhomologous segments of 21 or 434 DNA occurred through homologous recombination in adjacent sequences that are nearly identical in the parental phages. These five genome sequences correct a number of errors in published sequence fragments of the 21 and 434 genomes, and they point out nine nucleotide differences from Sanger's original λ sequence that are likely present in most extant λ strains in laboratory use today. We discuss the historical importance of these hybrid phages in the development of fundamental tenets of molecular biology and in some of the earliest gene cloning vectors. The 434 and 21 genomes reinforce the conclusion that the genomes of essentially all natural λ-like phages are mosaics of sequence modules from a pool of exchangeable segments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Feiss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ryland Young
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jolene Ramsey
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sankar Adhya
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, The National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Costa Georgopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Roger W. Hendrix
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pittsburgh Bacteriophage Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Graham F. Hatfull
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pittsburgh Bacteriophage Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eddie B. Gilcrease
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sherwood R. Casjens
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abeysekera GS, Love MJ, Manners SH, Billington C, Dobson RCJ. Bacteriophage-encoded lethal membrane disruptors: Advances in understanding and potential applications. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1044143. [PMID: 36345304 PMCID: PMC9636201 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1044143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Holins and spanins are bacteriophage-encoded membrane proteins that control bacterial cell lysis in the final stage of the bacteriophage reproductive cycle. Due to their efficient mechanisms for lethal membrane disruption, these proteins are gaining interest in many fields, including the medical, food, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical fields. However, investigating these lethal proteins is challenging due to their toxicity in bacterial expression systems and the resultant low protein yields have hindered their analysis compared to other cell lytic proteins. Therefore, the structural and dynamic properties of holins and spanins in their native environment are not well-understood. In this article we describe recent advances in the classification, purification, and analysis of holin and spanin proteins, which are beginning to overcome the technical barriers to understanding these lethal membrane disrupting proteins, and through this, unlock many potential biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayan S. Abeysekera
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Michael J. Love
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Health and Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sarah H. Manners
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Craig Billington
- Health and Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Renwick C. J. Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Brüser T, Mehner-Breitfeld D. Occurrence and potential mechanism of holin-mediated non-lytic protein translocation in bacteria. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2022; 9:159-173. [PMID: 36262927 PMCID: PMC9527704 DOI: 10.15698/mic2022.10.785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Holins are generally believed to generate large membrane lesions that permit the passage of endolysins across the cytoplasmic membrane of prokaryotes, ultimately resulting in cell wall degradation and cell lysis. However, there are more and more examples known for non-lytic holin-dependent secretion of proteins by bacteria, indicating that holins somehow can transport proteins without causing large membrane lesions. Phage-derived holins can be used for a non-lytic endolysin translocation to permeabilize the cell wall for the passage of secreted proteins. In addition, clostridia, which do not possess the Tat pathway for transport of folded proteins, most likely employ non-lytic holin-mediated transport also for secretion of toxins and bacteriocins that are incompatible with the general Sec pathway. The mechanism for non-lytic holin-mediated transport is unknown, but the recent finding that the small holin TpeE mediates a non-lytic toxin secretion in Clostridium perfringens opened new perspectives. TpeE contains only one short transmembrane helix that is followed by an amphipathic helix, which is reminiscent of TatA, the membrane-permeabilizing component of the Tat translocon for folded proteins. Here we review the known cases of non-lytic holin-mediated transport and then focus on the structural and functional comparison of TatA and TpeE, resulting in a mechanistic model for holin-mediated transport. This model is strongly supported by a so far not recognized naturally occurring holin-endolysin fusion protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brüser
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Genetic Mining of Newly Isolated Salmophages for Phage Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168917. [PMID: 36012174 PMCID: PMC9409062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica, a Gram-negative zoonotic bacterium, is mainly a food-borne pathogen and the main cause of diarrhea in humans worldwide. The main reservoirs are found in poultry farms, but they are also found in wild birds. The development of antibiotic resistance in S. enterica species raises concerns about the future of efficient therapies against this pathogen and revives the interest in bacteriophages as a useful therapy against bacterial infections. Here, we aimed to decipher and functionally annotate 10 new Salmonella phage genomes isolated in Spain in the light of phage therapy. We designed a bioinformatic pipeline using available building blocks to de novo assemble genomes and perform syntaxic annotation. We then used genome-wide analyses for taxonomic annotation enabled by vContact2 and VICTOR. We were also particularly interested in improving functional annotation using remote homologies detection and comparisons with the recently published phage-specific PHROG protein database. Finally, we searched for useful functions for phage therapy, such as systems encoded by the phage to circumvent cellular defenses with a particular focus on anti-CRISPR proteins. We, thus, were able to genetically characterize nine virulent phages and one temperate phage and identify putative functions relevant to the formulation of phage cocktails for Salmonella biocontrol.
Collapse
|
25
|
Comparative genomics of Acinetobacter baumannii and therapeutic bacteriophages from a patient undergoing phage therapy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3776. [PMID: 35773283 PMCID: PMC9247103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31455-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, a 68-year-old patient with a disseminated multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection was successfully treated using lytic bacteriophages. Here we report the genomes of the nine phages used for treatment and three strains of A. baumannii isolated prior to and during treatment. The phages used in the initial treatment are related, T4-like myophages. Analysis of 19 A. baumannii isolates collected before and during phage treatment shows that resistance to the T4-like phages appeared two days following the start of treatment. We generate complete genomic sequences for three A. baumannii strains (TP1, TP2 and TP3) collected before and during treatment, supporting a clonal relationship. Furthermore, we use strain TP1 to select for increased resistance to five of the phages in vitro, and identify mutations that are also found in phage-insensitive isolates TP2 and TP3 (which evolved in vivo during phage treatment). These results support that in vitro investigations can produce results that are relevant to the in vivo environment.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Bacteriophage Mu is a paradigm coliphage studied mainly because of its use of transposition for genome replication. However, in extensive nonsense mutant screens, only one lysis gene has been identified, the endolysin gp22. This is surprising because in Gram-negative hosts, lysis by Caudovirales phages has been shown to require proteins which disrupt all three layers of the cell envelope. Usually this involves a holin, an endolysin, and a spanin targeting the cytoplasmic membrane, peptidoglycan (PG), and outer membrane (OM), respectively, with the holin determining the timing of lysis initiation. Here, we demonstrate that gp22 is a signal-anchor-release (SAR) endolysin and identify gp23 and gp23.1 as two-component spanin subunits. However, we find that Mu lacks a holin and instead encodes a membrane-tethered cytoplasmic protein, gp25, which is required for the release of the SAR endolysin. Mutational analysis showed that this dependence on gp25 is conferred by lysine residues at positions 6 and 7 of the short cytoplasmic domain of gp22. gp25, which we designate as a releasin, also facilitates the release of SAR endolysins from other phages. Moreover, the entire length of gp25, including its N-terminal transmembrane domain, belongs to a protein family, DUF2730, found in many Mu-like phages, including those with cytoplasmic endolysins. These results are discussed in terms of models for the evolution and mechanism of releasin function and a rationale for Mu lysis without holin control. IMPORTANCE Host cell lysis is the terminal event of the bacteriophage infection cycle. In Gram-negative hosts, lysis requires proteins that disrupt each of the three cell envelope components, only one of which has been identified in Mu: the endolysin gp22. We show that gp22 can be characterized as a SAR endolysin, a muralytic enzyme that activates upon release from the membrane to degrade the cell wall. Furthermore, we identify genes 23 and 23.1 as spanin subunits used for outer membrane disruption. Significantly, we demonstrate that Mu is the first known Caudovirales phage to lack a holin, a protein that disrupts the inner membrane and is traditionally known to release endolysins. In its stead, we report the discovery of a lysis protein, termed the releasin, which Mu uses for SAR endolysin release. This is an example of a system where the dynamic membrane localization of one protein is controlled by a secondary protein.
Collapse
|
27
|
Phothichaisri W, Chankhamhaengdecha S, Janvilisri T, Nuadthaisong J, Phetruen T, Fagan RP, Chanarat S. Potential Role of the Host-Derived Cell-Wall Binding Domain of Endolysin CD16/50L as a Molecular Anchor in Preservation of Uninfected Clostridioides difficile for New Rounds of Phage Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0236121. [PMID: 35377223 PMCID: PMC9045149 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02361-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endolysin is a phage-encoded cell-wall hydrolase which degrades the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. The enzyme is often expressed at the late stage of the phage lytic cycle and is required for progeny escape. Endolysins of bacteriophage that infect Gram-positive bacteria often comprises two domains: a peptidoglycan hydrolase and a cell-wall binding domain (CBD). Although the catalytic domain of endolysin is relatively well-studied, the precise role of CBD is ambiguous and remains controversial. Here, we focus on the function of endolysin CBD from a recently isolated Clostridioides difficile phage. We found that the CBD is not required for lytic activity, which is strongly prevented by the surface layer of C. difficile. Intriguingly, hidden Markov model analysis suggested that the endolysin CBD is likely derived from the CWB2 motif of C. difficile cell-wall proteins but possesses a higher binding affinity to bacterial cell-wall polysaccharides. Moreover, the CBD forms a homodimer, formation of which is necessary for interaction with the surface saccharides. Importantly, endolysin diffusion and sequential cytolytic assays showed that CBD of endolysin is required for the enzyme to be anchored to post-lytic cell-wall remnants, suggesting its physiological roles in limiting diffusion of the enzyme, preserving neighboring host cells, and thereby enabling the phage progeny to initiate new rounds of infection. Taken together, this study provides an insight into regulation of endolysin through CBD and can potentially be applied for endolysin treatment against C. difficile infection. IMPORTANCE Endolysin is a peptidoglycan hydrolase encoded in a phage genome. The enzyme is attractive due to its potential use as antibacterial treatment. To utilize endolysin for the therapeutic propose, understanding of the fundamental role of endolysin becomes important. Here, we investigate the function of cell-wall binding domain (CBD) of an endolysin from a C. difficile phage. The domain is homologous to a cell-wall associating module of bacterial cell-wall proteins, likely acquired during phage-host coevolution. The interaction of CBD to bacterial cell walls reduces enzyme diffusion and thereby limits cell lysis of the neighboring bacteria. Our findings indicate that the endolysin is trapped to the cell-wall residuals through CBD and might serve as an advantage for phage replication. Thus, employing a CBD-less endolysin might be a feasible strategy for using endolysin for the treatment of C. difficile infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wichuda Phothichaisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jirayu Nuadthaisong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanaporn Phetruen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Robert P. Fagan
- School of Biosciences, Florey Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sittinan Chanarat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Functional Dissection of P1 Bacteriophage Holin-like Proteins Reveals the Biological Sense of P1 Lytic System Complexity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084231. [PMID: 35457047 PMCID: PMC9025707 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
P1 is a model temperate myovirus. It infects different Enterobacteriaceae and can develop lytically or form lysogens. Only some P1 adaptation strategies to propagate in different hosts are known. An atypical feature of P1 is the number and organization of cell lysis-associated genes. In addition to SAR-endolysin Lyz, holin LydA, and antiholin LydB, P1 encodes other predicted holins, LydC and LydD. LydD is encoded by the same operon as Lyz, LydA and LydB are encoded by an unlinked operon, and LydC is encoded by an operon preceding the lydA gene. By analyzing the phenotypes of P1 mutants in known or predicted holin genes, we show that all the products of these genes cooperate with the P1 SAR-endolysin in cell lysis and that LydD is a pinholin. The contributions of holins/pinholins to cell lysis by P1 appear to vary depending on the host of P1 and the bacterial growth conditions. The pattern of morphological transitions characteristic of SAR-endolysin–pinholin action dominates during lysis by wild-type P1, but in the case of lydC lydD mutant it changes to that characteristic of classical endolysin-pinholin action. We postulate that the complex lytic system facilitates P1 adaptation to various hosts and their growth conditions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Nazir A, Qi C, Shi N, Gao X, Feng Q, Qing H, Li F, Tong Y. Characterization and Genomic Analysis of a Novel Drexlervirial Bacteriophage IME268 with Lytic Activity Against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:1533-1546. [PMID: 35414748 PMCID: PMC8994998 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s347110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Klebsiella pneumoniae, a multidrug resistant bacterium, that causes nosocomial infections including septicemia, pneumonia etc. Bacteriophages are potential antimicrobial agents for the treatment of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Methods and Results In this study, a novel bacteriophage IME268 was isolated from hospital sewage against clinical multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Transmission electron microscopy and genomic characterization of this phage exhibited it belongs to the Webervirus genus, Drexlerviridae family. Phage IME268 possessed a double-stranded DNA genome composed of 49,552bp with a GC content of 50.5%. The phage genome encodes 77 open reading frames, out of 44 are hypothetical proteins while 33 had assigned putative functions. No tRNA, virulence related or antibiotic resistance genes were found in phage genome. Comparative genomic analysis showed that phage IME268 has 95% identity with 87% query cover with other phages in NCBI database. Multiplicity of infection, one step growth curve and host range of phage were also measured. Conclusion According to findings, Phage IME268 is a promising biological agent that infects Klebsiella pneumoniae and can be used in future phage therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amina Nazir
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunling Qi
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Shi
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Gao
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Feng
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Fei Li; Yigang Tong, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kitti T, Kongfak S, Leungtongkam U, Thummeepak R, Tasanapak K, Thanwisai A, Sitthisak S. Comparative genome analysis of Escherichia coli bacteriophages isolated from sewage and chicken meat. Virus Res 2022; 315:198784. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
31
|
Cernooka E, Rumnieks J, Zrelovs N, Tars K, Kazaks A. Diversity of the lysozyme fold: structure of the catalytic domain from an unusual endolysin encoded by phage Enc34. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5005. [PMID: 35322067 PMCID: PMC8943055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Endolysins are bacteriophage-encoded peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes with potential applications for treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Hafnia phage Enc34 encodes an unusual endolysin with an N-terminal enzymatically active domain and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. The catalytic domain of the endolysin belongs to the conserved protein family PHA02564 which has no recognizable sequence similarity to other known endolysin types. Turbidity reduction assays indicate that the Enc34 enzyme is active against peptidoglycan from a variety of Gram-negative bacteria including the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. The crystal structure of the catalytic domain of the Enc34 endolysin shows a distinctive all-helical architecture that distantly resembles the α-lobe of the lysozyme fold. Conserved catalytically important residues suggest a shared evolutionary history between the Enc34 endolysin and GH73 and GH23 family glycoside hydrolases and propose a molecular signature for substrate cleavage for a large group of peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Cernooka
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
| | - Janis Rumnieks
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
| | - Nikita Zrelovs
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
| | - Kaspars Tars
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga, 1067, Latvia.,Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
| | - Andris Kazaks
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga, 1067, Latvia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Oliveira H, Domingues R, Evans B, Sutton JM, Adriaenssens EM, Turner D. Genomic Diversity of Bacteriophages Infecting the Genus Acinetobacter. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020181. [PMID: 35215775 PMCID: PMC8878043 DOI: 10.3390/v14020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of sequenced Acinetobacter phage genomes in the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration has increased significantly in recent years, from 37 in 2017 to a total of 139 as of January 2021 with genome sizes ranging from 31 to 378 kb. Here, we explored the genetic diversity of the Acinetobacter phages using comparative genomics approaches that included assessment of nucleotide similarity, shared gene content, single gene phylogeny, and the network-based classification tool vConTACT2. Phages infecting Acinetobacter sp. are genetically diverse and can be grouped into 8 clusters (subfamilies) and 46 sub-clusters (genera), of which 8 represent genomic singletons (additional genera). We propose the creation of five new subfamilies and suggest a reorganisation of the genus Obolenskvirus. These results provide an updated view of the viruses infecting Acinetobacter species, providing insights into their diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Oliveira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar Braga, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (H.O.); (R.D.)
| | - Rita Domingues
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar Braga, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (H.O.); (R.D.)
| | - Benjamin Evans
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK;
| | - J. Mark Sutton
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Research and Evaluation, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 OJG, UK;
| | | | - Dann Turner
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sjahriani T, Wasito EB, Tyasningsih W. The Analysis of OmpA and Rz/Rz1 of Lytic Bacteriophage from Surabaya, Indonesia. SCIENTIFICA 2021; 2021:7494144. [PMID: 35096434 PMCID: PMC8794686 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7494144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A good strategy to conquer the Escherichia coli-cause food-borne disease could be bacteriophages. Porins are a type of β-barrel proteins with diffuse channels and OmpA, which has a role in hydrophilic transport, is the most frequent porin in E. coli; it was also chosen as the potential receptor of the phage. And the Rz/Rz1 was engaged in the breakup of the host bacterial external membrane. This study aimed to analyze the amino acid of OmpA and Rz/Rz1 of lytic bacteriophage from Surabaya, Indonesia. This study employed a sample of 8 bacteriophages from the previous study. The OmpA analysis method was mass spectrometry. Rz/Rz1 was analyzed using PCR, DNA sequencing, Expasy Translation, and Expasy ProtParam. The result obtained 10% to 29% sequence coverage of OmpA, carrying the ligand-binding site. The Rz/Rz1 gene shares a high percentage of 97.04% to 98.89% identities with the Siphoviridae isolate ctTwQ4, partial genome, and Myoviridae isolate cthRA4, partial genome. The Mann-Whitney statistical tests indicate the significant differences between Alanine, Aspartate, Glycine, Proline, Serine (p=0.011), Asparagine, Cysteine (p=0.009), Isoleucine (p=0.043), Lysine (p=0.034), Methionine (p=0.001), Threonine (p=0.018), and Tryptophan (p=0.007) of OmpA and Rz/Rz1. The conclusion obtained from this study is the fact that OmpA acts as Phage 1, Phage 2, Phage 3, Phage 5, and Phage 6 receptors for its peptide composition comprising the ligand binding site, and Rz/Rz1 participates in host bacteria lysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Sjahriani
- Doctoral Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Moestopo Road No. 47, Surabaya 60285, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Malahayati, Pramuka Road No. 27, Bandar Lampung 35158, Indonesia
| | - Eddy Bagus Wasito
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Moestopo Road No. 47, Surabaya 60285, Indonesia
| | - Wiwiek Tyasningsih
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, C Campus, Mulyorejo Road, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Danis-Wlodarczyk KM, Wozniak DJ, Abedon ST. Treating Bacterial Infections with Bacteriophage-Based Enzybiotics: In Vitro, In Vivo and Clinical Application. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1497. [PMID: 34943709 PMCID: PMC8698926 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, we have witnessed a surge around the world in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This global health threat arose mainly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics as well as a relative lack of new drug classes in development pipelines. Innovative antibacterial therapeutics and strategies are, therefore, in grave need. For the last twenty years, antimicrobial enzymes encoded by bacteriophages, viruses that can lyse and kill bacteria, have gained tremendous interest. There are two classes of these phage-derived enzymes, referred to also as enzybiotics: peptidoglycan hydrolases (lysins), which degrade the bacterial peptidoglycan layer, and polysaccharide depolymerases, which target extracellular or surface polysaccharides, i.e., bacterial capsules, slime layers, biofilm matrix, or lipopolysaccharides. Their features include distinctive modes of action, high efficiency, pathogen specificity, diversity in structure and activity, low possibility of bacterial resistance development, and no observed cross-resistance with currently used antibiotics. Additionally, and unlike antibiotics, enzybiotics can target metabolically inactive persister cells. These phage-derived enzymes have been tested in various animal models to combat both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and in recent years peptidoglycan hydrolases have entered clinical trials. Here, we review the testing and clinical use of these enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Stephen T. Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Turner D, Adriaenssens EM, Tolstoy I, Kropinski AM. Phage Annotation Guide: Guidelines for Assembly and High-Quality Annotation. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2021; 2:170-182. [PMID: 35083439 PMCID: PMC8785237 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2021.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
All sequencing projects of bacteriophages (phages) should seek to report an accurate and comprehensive annotation of their genomes. This article defines 14 questions for those new to phage genomics that should be addressed before submitting a genome sequence to the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration or writing a publication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dann Turner
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Igor Tolstoy
- Viral Resources, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew M Kropinski
- Department of Food Science, and University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Maffei E, Shaidullina A, Burkolter M, Heyer Y, Estermann F, Druelle V, Sauer P, Willi L, Michaelis S, Hilbi H, Thaler DS, Harms A. Systematic exploration of Escherichia coli phage-host interactions with the BASEL phage collection. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001424. [PMID: 34784345 PMCID: PMC8594841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, the viruses infecting bacteria, hold great potential for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and other applications due to their unparalleled diversity and recent breakthroughs in their genetic engineering. However, fundamental knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying phage-host interactions is mostly confined to a few traditional model systems and did not keep pace with the recent massive expansion of the field. The true potential of molecular biology encoded by these viruses has therefore remained largely untapped, and phages for therapy or other applications are often still selected empirically. We therefore sought to promote a systematic exploration of phage-host interactions by composing a well-assorted library of 68 newly isolated phages infecting the model organism Escherichia coli that we share with the community as the BASEL (BActeriophage SElection for your Laboratory) collection. This collection is largely representative of natural E. coli phage diversity and was intensively characterized phenotypically and genomically alongside 10 well-studied traditional model phages. We experimentally determined essential host receptors of all phages, quantified their sensitivity to 11 defense systems across different layers of bacterial immunity, and matched these results to the phages' host range across a panel of pathogenic enterobacterial strains. Clear patterns in the distribution of phage phenotypes and genomic features highlighted systematic differences in the potency of different immunity systems and suggested the molecular basis of receptor specificity in several phage groups. Our results also indicate strong trade-offs between fitness traits like broad host recognition and resistance to bacterial immunity that might drive the divergent adaptation of different phage groups to specific ecological niches. We envision that the BASEL collection will inspire future work exploring the biology of bacteriophages and their hosts by facilitating the discovery of underlying molecular mechanisms as the basis for an effective translation into biotechnology or therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enea Maffei
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Yannik Heyer
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Luc Willi
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Michaelis
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Hilbi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David S. Thaler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Program for the Human Environment, Rockefeller University, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Engineering a lysin with intrinsic antibacterial activity (LysMK34) with cecropin A enhances its antibacterial properties against Acinetobacter baumannii. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 88:e0151521. [PMID: 34669452 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01515-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage-encoded lysins are increasingly reported as alternatives to combat Acinetobacter baumannii infections for which limited therapeutic options are available. Some lysins such as LysMK34 have a C-terminal amphipathic helix allowing them to penetrate the otherwise impermeable outer membrane barrier. Another approach to kill Gram-negative pathogens with lysins relies on fusion of a peptide with outer membrane permeabilizing properties to the lysin. In this work, we aimed to leverage the intrinsic antibacterial activity of LysMK34 by fusing the peptide cecropin A to its N-terminus via a linker of three Ala-Gly repeats, resulting in eLysMK34. The engineered lysin has an improved antibacterial activity compared to the parental lysin LysMK34 in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (0.45 - 1.2 μM), killing rate and killing extent. eLysMK34 has an at least two-fold increased activity against stationary-phase cells and the bactericidal effect becomes less dependent on the intracellular osmotic pressure. Particularly colistin-resistant strains become highly susceptible to eLysMK34 and enhanced antibacterial activity is observed in complement-deactivated human serum. These observations demonstrate that fusion of a lysin with intrinsic antibacterial activity with a selected outer membrane permeabilizing peptide is a useful strategy to further improve the in vitro antibacterial properties of such lysins. Importance Phage lysins are a new class of enzyme-based antibiotics that increasingly gain interest. Lysins kill cells through rapid degradation of the peptidoglycan layer, resulting in sudden osmotic lysis. Whereas Gram-positive bacteria are readily susceptible to the action of lysins, Gram-negative bacteria are naturally resistant as the outer membrane protects their peptidoglycan layer. This work reveals that fusing an outer membrane permeabilizing peptide to a lysin with intrinsic antibacterial activity results in a superior lysin that shows improved robustness in its antibacterial activity, including against the most worrisome colistin-resistant strains A. baumannii.
Collapse
|
38
|
Zaworski J, McClung C, Ruse C, Weigele PR, Hendrix RW, Ko CC, Edgar R, Hatfull GF, Casjens SR, Raleigh EA. Genome analysis of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium bacteriophage L, indicator for StySA (StyLT2III) restriction-modification system action. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6044188. [PMID: 33561243 PMCID: PMC8022706 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophage L, a P22-like phage of Salmonella enterica sv Typhimurium LT2, was important for definition of mosaic organization of the lambdoid phage family and for characterization of restriction-modification systems of Salmonella. We report the complete genome sequences of bacteriophage L cI–40 13–am43 and L cII–101; the deduced sequence of wildtype L is 40,633 bp long with a 47.5% GC content. We compare this sequence with those of P22 and ST64T, and predict 72 Coding Sequences, 2 tRNA genes and 14 intergenic rho-independent transcription terminators. The overall genome organization of L agrees with earlier genetic and physical evidence; for example, no secondary immunity region (immI: ant, arc) or known genes for superinfection exclusion (sieA and sieB) are present. Proteomic analysis confirmed identification of virion proteins, along with low levels of assembly intermediates and host cell envelope proteins. The genome of L is 99.9% identical at the nucleotide level to that reported for phage ST64T, despite isolation on different continents ∼35 years apart. DNA modification by the epigenetic regulator Dam is generally incomplete. Dam modification is also selectively missing in one location, corresponding to the P22 phase-variation-sensitive promoter region of the serotype-converting gtrABC operon. The number of sites for SenLTIII (StySA) action may account for stronger restriction of L (13 sites) than of P22 (3 sites).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Zaworski
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA 01938-2723, USA
| | - Colleen McClung
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA 01938-2723, USA
| | - Cristian Ruse
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA 01938-2723, USA
| | - Peter R Weigele
- Research Department, New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA 01938-2723, USA
| | - Roger W Hendrix
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ching-Chung Ko
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Robert Edgar
- Bioengineering Department, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Graham F Hatfull
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Sherwood R Casjens
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,School of Biological Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Barron-Montenegro R, García R, Dueñas F, Rivera D, Opazo-Capurro A, Erickson S, Moreno-Switt AI. Comparative Analysis of Felixounavirus Genomes Including Two New Members of the Genus That Infect Salmonella Infantis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:806. [PMID: 34356727 PMCID: PMC8300805 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. is one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide; therefore, its control is highly relevant for the food industry. Phages of the Felixounavirus genus have the characteristic that one phage can infect a large number of different Salmonella serovars and, thus, are proposed as an alternative to antimicrobials in food production. Here, we describe two new members of the Felixounavirus genus named vB_Si_35FD and vB_Si_DR94, which can infect Salmonella Infantis. These new members were isolated and sequenced, and a subsequent comparative genomic analysis was conducted including 23 publicly available genomes of Felixounaviruses that infect Salmonella. The genomes of vB_Si_35FD and vB_Si_DR94 are 85,818 and 85,730 bp large and contain 129 and 125 coding sequences, respectively. The genomes did not show genes associated with virulence or antimicrobial resistance, which could be useful for candidates to use as biocontrol agents. Comparative genomics revealed that closely related Felixounavirus are found in distinct geographical locations and that this genus has a conserved genomic structure despite its worldwide distribution. Our study revealed a highly conserved structure of the phage genomes, and the two newly described phages could represent promising biocontrol candidates against Salmonella spp. from a genomic viewpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Barron-Montenegro
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antimicrobianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (R.B.-M.); (A.O.-C.)
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7550000, Chile
- Millennium Initiative for Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Lo Barnechea, Santiago 7690000, Chile;
| | - Rodrigo García
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile;
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Fernando Dueñas
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Dácil Rivera
- Millennium Initiative for Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Lo Barnechea, Santiago 7690000, Chile;
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Andrés Opazo-Capurro
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antimicrobianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (R.B.-M.); (A.O.-C.)
- Millennium Initiative for Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Lo Barnechea, Santiago 7690000, Chile;
| | - Stephen Erickson
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, New Brighton, MN 55112, USA;
| | - Andrea I Moreno-Switt
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7550000, Chile
- Millennium Initiative for Collaborative Research on Bacterial Resistance (MICROB-R), Lo Barnechea, Santiago 7690000, Chile;
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sequence-Function Relationships in Phage-Encoded Bacterial Cell Wall Lytic Enzymes and Their Implications for Phage-Derived Product Design. J Virol 2021; 95:e0032121. [PMID: 33883227 PMCID: PMC8223927 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00321-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage (endo)lysins are thought to be a viable alternative to usual antibiotic chemotherapy to fight resistant bacterial infections. However, a comprehensive view of lysins' structure and properties regarding their function, with an applied focus, is somewhat lacking. Current literature suggests that specific features typical of lysins from phages infecting Gram-negative bacteria (G-) (higher net charge and amphipathic helices) are responsible for improved interaction with the G- envelope. Such antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-like elements are also of interest for antimicrobial molecule design. Thus, this study aims to provide an updated view on the primary structural landscape of phage lysins to clarify the evolutionary importance of several sequence-predicted properties, particularly for the interaction with the G- surface. A database of 2,182 lysin sequences was compiled, containing relevant information such as domain architectures, data on the phages' host bacteria, and sequence-predicted physicochemical properties. Based on such classifiers, an investigation of the differential appearance of certain features was conducted. This analysis revealed different lysin architectural variants that are preferably found in phages infecting certain bacterial hosts. In particular, some physicochemical properties (higher net charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophobic moment, and aliphatic index) were associated with G- phage lysins, appearing specifically at their C-terminal end. Information on the remarkable genetic specialization of lysins regarding the features of the bacterial hosts is provided, specifically supporting the nowadays-common hypothesis that lysins from G- usually contain AMP-like regions. IMPORTANCE Phage-encoded lytic enzymes, also called lysins, are one of the most promising alternatives to common antibiotics. The potential of lysins as novel antimicrobials to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria not only arises from features such as a lower chance to provoke resistance but also from their versatility as synthetic biology parts. Functional modules derived from lysins are currently being used for the design of novel antimicrobials with desired properties. This study provides a view of the lysin diversity landscape by examining a set of phage lysin genes. We have uncovered the fundamental differences between the lysins from phages that infect bacteria with different superficial architectures and, thus, the reach of their specialization regarding cell wall structures. These results provide clarity and evidence to sustain some of the common hypotheses in current literature, as well as making available an updated and characterized database of lysins sequences for further developments.
Collapse
|
41
|
Arsın H, Jasilionis A, Dahle H, Sandaa RA, Stokke R, Nordberg Karlsson E, Steen IH. Exploring Codon Adjustment Strategies towards Escherichia coli-Based Production of Viral Proteins Encoded by HTH1, a Novel Prophage of the Marine Bacterium Hypnocyclicus thermotrophus. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071215. [PMID: 34201869 PMCID: PMC8310279 DOI: 10.3390/v13071215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine viral sequence space is immense and presents a promising resource for the discovery of new enzymes interesting for research and biotechnology. However, bottlenecks in the functional annotation of viral genes and soluble heterologous production of proteins hinder access to downstream characterization, subsequently impeding the discovery process. While commonly utilized for the heterologous expression of prokaryotic genes, codon adjustment approaches have not been fully explored for viral genes. Herein, the sequence-based identification of a putative prophage is reported from within the genome of Hypnocyclicus thermotrophus, a Gram-negative, moderately thermophilic bacterium isolated from the Seven Sisters hydrothermal vent field. A prophage-associated gene cluster, consisting of 46 protein coding genes, was identified and given the proposed name Hypnocyclicus thermotrophus phage H1 (HTH1). HTH1 was taxonomically assigned to the viral family Siphoviridae, by lowest common ancestor analysis of its genome and phylogeny analyses based on proteins predicted as holin and DNA polymerase. The gene neighbourhood around the HTH1 lytic cassette was found most similar to viruses infecting Gram-positive bacteria. In the HTH1 lytic cassette, an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase (Amidase_2) with a peptidoglycan binding motif (LysM) was identified. A total of nine genes coding for enzymes putatively related to lysis, nucleic acid modification and of unknown function were subjected to heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. Codon optimization and codon harmonization approaches were applied in parallel to compare their effects on produced proteins. Comparison of protein yields and thermostability demonstrated that codon optimization yielded higher levels of soluble protein, but codon harmonization led to proteins with higher thermostability, implying a higher folding quality. Altogether, our study suggests that both codon optimization and codon harmonization are valuable approaches for successful heterologous expression of viral genes in E. coli, but codon harmonization may be preferable in obtaining recombinant viral proteins of higher folding quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Arsın
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; (R.-A.S.); (R.S.)
- Centre for Deep Sea Research, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (I.H.S.); Tel.: +47-555-88-375 (I.H.S.)
| | - Andrius Jasilionis
- Division of Biotechnology, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; (A.J.); (E.N.K.)
| | - Håkon Dahle
- Centre for Deep Sea Research, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway;
- Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruth-Anne Sandaa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; (R.-A.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Runar Stokke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; (R.-A.S.); (R.S.)
- Centre for Deep Sea Research, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Eva Nordberg Karlsson
- Division of Biotechnology, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; (A.J.); (E.N.K.)
| | - Ida Helene Steen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; (R.-A.S.); (R.S.)
- Centre for Deep Sea Research, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (I.H.S.); Tel.: +47-555-88-375 (I.H.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Campbell DE, Ly LK, Ridlon JM, Hsiao A, Whitaker RJ, Degnan PH. Infection with Bacteroides Phage BV01 Alters the Host Transcriptome and Bile Acid Metabolism in a Common Human Gut Microbe. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108142. [PMID: 32937127 PMCID: PMC8354205 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut-associated phages are hypothesized to alter the abundance and activity of their bacterial hosts, contributing to human health and disease. Although temperate phages constitute a significant fraction of the gut virome, the effects of lysogenic infection are underexplored. We report that the temperate phage, Bacteroides phage BV01, broadly alters its host's transcriptome, the prominent human gut symbiont Bacteroides vulgatus. This alteration occurs through phage-induced repression of a tryptophan-rich sensory protein (TspO) and represses bile acid deconjugation. Because microbially modified bile acids are important signals for the mammalian host, this is a mechanism by which a phage may influence mammalian phenotypes. Furthermore, BV01 and its relatives in the proposed phage family Salyersviridae are ubiquitous in human gut metagenomes, infecting a broad range of Bacteroides hosts. These results demonstrate the complexity of phage-bacteria-mammal relationships and emphasize a need to better understand the role of temperate phages in the gut microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey K Ly
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jason M Ridlon
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rachel J Whitaker
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Patrick H Degnan
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Decoding the molecular properties of mycobacteriophage D29 Holin provides insights into Holin engineering. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02173-20. [PMID: 33627396 PMCID: PMC8139666 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02173-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Holins are bacteriophage-encoded small transmembrane proteins that determine the phage infection cycle duration by forming non-specific holes in the host cell membrane at a specific time post-infection. Thus, Holins are also termed as "Protein clocks". Holins have one or more transmembrane domains, and a charged C-terminal region, which, although conserved among Holins, has not yet been examined in detail. Here, we characterize the molecular properties of mycobacteriophage D29 Holin C-terminal region, and investigate the significance of the charged residues and coiled coil (CC) domain present therein. We show that the CC domain is indispensable for Holin-mediated efficient bacterial cell lysis. We further demonstrate that out of the positively- and negatively-charged residues present in the C-terminal region, substituting the former, and not the latter, with serine, renders Holin non-toxic. Moreover, the basic residues present between the 59th and the 79th amino acids are the most crucial for Holin-mediated toxicity. We also constructed an engineered Holin, HolHC, by duplicating the C-terminal region. The HolHC protein shows higher toxicity in both Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis, and causes rapid killing of both bacteria upon expression, as compared to the wild-type. A similar oligomerization property of HolHC as the wild-type Holin allows us to propose that the C-terminal region of D29 Holin determines the timing, and not the extent, of oligomerization and, thereby, hole formation. Such knowledge-based engineering of mycobacteriophage Holin will help in developing novel phage-based therapeutics to kill pathogenic mycobacteria, including M. tuberculosis ImportanceHolins are bacteriophage-encoded small membrane perforators that play an important role in determining the timing of host cell lysis towards the end of the phage infection cycle. Holin's ability to precisely time the hole formation in the cell membrane ensuing cell lysis is both interesting and intriguing. Here, we examined the molecular properties of the mycobacteriophage D29 Holin C-terminal region that harbours several polar charged residues and a coiled-coil domain. Our data allowed us to engineer Holin with an ability to rapidly kill bacteria and show higher toxicity than the wild-type protein. Due to their ability to kill host bacteria by membrane disruption, it becomes important to explore the molecular properties of Holins that allow them to function in a timely and efficient manner. Understanding these details can help us modulate Holin activity and engineer bacteriophages with superior lytic properties to kill pathogenic bacteria, curtail infections, and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
|
44
|
Žukauskienė E, Šimoliūnienė M, Truncaitė L, Skapas M, Kaupinis A, Valius M, Meškys R, Šimoliūnas E. Pantoea Bacteriophage vB_PagS_AAS23: A Singleton of the Genus Sauletekiovirus. Microorganisms 2021; 9:668. [PMID: 33807116 PMCID: PMC8004638 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A cold-adapted siphovirus, vB_PagS_AAS23 (AAS23) was isolated in Lithuania using the Pantoea agglomerans strain AUR for the phage propagation. The double-stranded DNA genome of AAS23 (51,170 bp) contains 92 probable protein encoding genes, and no genes for tRNA. A comparative sequence analysis revealed that 25 of all AAS23 open reading frames (ORFs) code for unique proteins that have no reliable identity to database entries. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, AAS23 has no close relationship to other viruses publicly available to date and represents a single species of the genus Sauletekiovirus within the family Drexlerviridae. The phage is able to form plaques in bacterial lawns even at 4 °C and demonstrates a depolymerase activity. Thus, the data presented in this study not only provides the information on Pantoea-infecting bacteriophages, but also offers novel insights into the diversity of cold-adapted viruses and their potential to be used as biocontrol agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilija Žukauskienė
- Life Sciences Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.Ž.); (M.Š.); (R.M.)
| | - Monika Šimoliūnienė
- Life Sciences Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.Ž.); (M.Š.); (R.M.)
| | - Lidija Truncaitė
- Life Sciences Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.Ž.); (M.Š.); (R.M.)
| | - Martynas Skapas
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Algirdas Kaupinis
- Proteomics Centre, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.K.); (M.V.)
| | - Mindaugas Valius
- Proteomics Centre, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.K.); (M.V.)
| | - Rolandas Meškys
- Life Sciences Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.Ž.); (M.Š.); (R.M.)
| | - Eugenijus Šimoliūnas
- Life Sciences Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.Ž.); (M.Š.); (R.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Grabowski Ł, Łepek K, Stasiłojć M, Kosznik-Kwaśnicka K, Zdrojewska K, Maciąg-Dorszyńska M, Węgrzyn G, Węgrzyn A. Bacteriophage-encoded enzymes destroying bacterial cell membranes and walls, and their potential use as antimicrobial agents. Microbiol Res 2021; 248:126746. [PMID: 33773329 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Appearance of pathogenic bacteria resistant to most, if not all, known antibiotics is currently one of the most significant medical problems. Therefore, development of novel antibacterial therapies is crucial for efficient treatment of bacterial infections in the near future. One possible option is to employ enzymes, encoded by bacteriophages, which cause destruction of bacterial cell membranes and walls. Bacteriophages use such enzymes to destroy bacterial host cells at the final stage of their lytic development, in order to ensure effective liberation of progeny virions. Nevertheless, to use such bacteriophage-encoded proteins in medicine and/or biotechnology, it is crucial to understand details of their biological functions and biochemical properties. Therefore, in this review article, we will present and discuss our current knowledge on the processes of bacteriophage-mediated bacterial cell lysis, with special emphasis on enzymes involved in them. Regulation of timing of the lysis is also discussed. Finally, possibilities of the practical use of these enzymes as antibacterial agents will be underlined and perspectives of this aspect will be presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grabowski
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Łepek
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Stasiłojć
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Kosznik-Kwaśnicka
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Karolina Zdrojewska
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Monika Maciąg-Dorszyńska
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Alicja Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Analysis of a Novel Bacteriophage vB_AchrS_AchV4 Highlights the Diversity of Achromobacter Viruses. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030374. [PMID: 33673419 PMCID: PMC7996906 DOI: 10.3390/v13030374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Achromobacter spp. are ubiquitous in nature and are increasingly being recognized as emerging nosocomial pathogens. Nevertheless, to date, only 30 complete genome sequences of Achromobacter phages are available in GenBank, and nearly all of those phages were isolated on Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of bacteriophage vB_AchrS_AchV4. To the best of our knowledge, vB_AchrS_AchV4 is the first virus isolated from Achromobacter spanius. Both vB_AchrS_AchV4 and its host, Achromobacter spanius RL_4, were isolated in Lithuania. VB_AchrS_AchV4 is a siphovirus, since it has an isometric head (64 ± 3.2 nm in diameter) and a non-contractile flexible tail (232 ± 5.4). The genome of vB_AchrS_AchV4 is a linear dsDNA molecule of 59,489 bp with a G+C content of 62.8%. It contains no tRNA genes, yet it includes 82 protein-coding genes, of which 27 have no homologues in phages. Using bioinformatics approaches, 36 vB_AchrS_AchV4 genes were given a putative function. A further four were annotated based on the results of LC-MS/MS. Comparative analyses revealed that vB_AchrS_AchV4 is a singleton siphovirus with no close relatives among known tailed phages. In summary, this work not only describes a novel and unique phage, but also advances our knowledge of genetic diversity and evolution of Achromobacter bacteriophages.
Collapse
|
47
|
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptomyces Siphophage Sitrop. Microbiol Resour Announc 2021; 10:10/1/e01337-20. [PMID: 33414323 PMCID: PMC8407746 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01337-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptomyces sp. strain Mg1 is a Gram-positive soil bacterium capable of causing cell lysis and degradation of Bacillus subtilis colonies. Here, we report the 48,481-bp genome of Streptomyces sp. Mg1 siphophage Sitrop. With 77 predicted protein-coding genes and one tRNA, Sitrop shares 77% nucleotide sequence identity with the Streptomyces virus Verse. Streptomyces sp. strain Mg1 is a Gram-positive soil bacterium capable of causing cell lysis and degradation of Bacillus subtilis colonies. Here, we report the 48,481-bp genome of Streptomyces sp. Mg1 siphophage Sitrop. With 77 predicted protein-coding genes and one tRNA, Sitrop shares 77% nucleotide sequence identity with the Streptomyces phage Verse.
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Most phages of Gram-negative hosts encode spanins for disruption of the outer membrane, the last step in host lysis. However, bioinformatic analysis indicates that ∼15% of these phages lack a spanin gene, suggesting they have an alternate way of disrupting the OM. Here, we show that the T7-like coliphage phiKT causes the explosive cell lysis associated with spanin activity despite not encoding spanins. A putative lysis cassette cloned from the phiKT late gene region includes the hypothetical novel gene 28 located between the holin and endolysin genes and supports inducible lysis in E. coli K-12. Moreover, induction of an isogenic construct lacking gene 28 resulted in divalent cation-stabilized spherical cells rather than lysis, implicating gp28 in OM disruption. Additionally, gp28 was shown to complement the lysis defect of a spanin-null λ lysogen. Gene 28 encodes a 56-amino acid cationic protein with predicted amphipathic helical structure and is membrane-associated after lysis. Urea and KCl washes did not release gp28 from the particulate, suggesting a strong hydrophobic membrane interaction. Fluorescence microscopy supports membrane localization of the gp28 protein prior to lysis. Gp28 is similar in size, charge, predicted fold, and membrane association to the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37. Synthesized gp28 behaved similar to LL-37 in standard assays mixing peptide and cells to measure bactericidal and inhibitory effects. Taken together, these results indicate that phiKT gp28 is a phage-encoded cationic antimicrobial peptide that disrupts bacterial outer membranes during host lysis and thus establishes a new class of phage lysis proteins, the disruptins. Significance We provide evidence that phiKT produces an antimicrobial peptide for outer membrane disruption during lysis. This protein, designated as a disruptin, is a new paradigm for phage lysis and has no similarities to other known lysis genes. Although many mechanisms have been proposed for the function of antimicrobial peptides, there is no consensus on the molecular basis of membrane disruption. Additionally, there is no established genetic system to support such studies. Therefore, the phiKT disruptin may represent the first genetically tractable antimicrobial peptide, facilitating mechanistic analyses.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kim SG, Lee SB, Giri SS, Kim HJ, Kim SW, Kwon J, Park J, Roh E, Park SC. Characterization of Novel Erwinia amylovora Jumbo Bacteriophages from Eneladusvirus Genus. Viruses 2020; 12:E1373. [PMID: 33266226 PMCID: PMC7760394 DOI: 10.3390/v12121373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Jumbo phages, which have a genome size of more than 200 kb, have recently been reported for the first time. However, limited information is available regarding their characteristics because few jumbo phages have been isolated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to isolate and characterize other jumbo phages. We performed comparative genomic analysis of three Erwinia phages (pEa_SNUABM_12, pEa_SNUABM_47, and pEa_SNUABM_50), each of which had a genome size of approximately 360 kb (32.5% GC content). These phages were predicted to harbor 546, 540, and 540 open reading frames with 32, 34, and 35 tRNAs, respectively. Almost all of the genes in these phages could not be functionally annotated but showed high sequence similarity with genes encoded in Serratia phage BF, a member of Eneladusvirus. The detailed comparative and phylogenetic analyses presented in this study contribute to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of Erwinia phage and the genus Eneladusvirus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Guen Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.G.K.); (S.B.L.); (S.S.G.); (H.J.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Sung Bin Lee
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.G.K.); (S.B.L.); (S.S.G.); (H.J.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Sib Sankar Giri
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.G.K.); (S.B.L.); (S.S.G.); (H.J.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Hyoun Joong Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.G.K.); (S.B.L.); (S.S.G.); (H.J.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Sang Wha Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.G.K.); (S.B.L.); (S.S.G.); (H.J.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Jun Kwon
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.G.K.); (S.B.L.); (S.S.G.); (H.J.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Jungkum Park
- Crop Protection Division, National Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea; (J.P.); (E.R.)
| | - Eunjung Roh
- Crop Protection Division, National Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea; (J.P.); (E.R.)
| | - Se Chang Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (S.G.K.); (S.B.L.); (S.S.G.); (H.J.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ramsey J, Rasche H, Maughmer C, Criscione A, Mijalis E, Liu M, Hu JC, Young R, Gill JJ. Galaxy and Apollo as a biologist-friendly interface for high-quality cooperative phage genome annotation. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1008214. [PMID: 33137082 PMCID: PMC7660901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the modern genomic era, scientists without extensive bioinformatic training need to apply high-power computational analyses to critical tasks like phage genome annotation. At the Center for Phage Technology (CPT), we developed a suite of phage-oriented tools housed in open, user-friendly web-based interfaces. A Galaxy platform conducts computationally intensive analyses and Apollo, a collaborative genome annotation editor, visualizes the results of these analyses. The collection includes open source applications such as the BLAST+ suite, InterProScan, and several gene callers, as well as unique tools developed at the CPT that allow maximum user flexibility. We describe in detail programs for finding Shine-Dalgarno sequences, resources used for confident identification of lysis genes such as spanins, and methods used for identifying interrupted genes that contain frameshifts or introns. At the CPT, genome annotation is separated into two robust segments that are facilitated through the automated execution of many tools chained together in an operation called a workflow. First, the structural annotation workflow results in gene and other feature calls. This is followed by a functional annotation workflow that combines sequence comparisons and conserved domain searching, which is contextualized to allow integrated evidence assessment in functional prediction. Finally, we describe a workflow used for comparative genomics. Using this multi-purpose platform enables researchers to easily and accurately annotate an entire phage genome. The portal can be accessed at https://cpt.tamu.edu/galaxy-pub with accompanying user training material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolene Ramsey
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Helena Rasche
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Cory Maughmer
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anthony Criscione
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eleni Mijalis
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mei Liu
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - James C. Hu
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ry Young
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jason J. Gill
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|