1
|
Gado WS, Al-Gamal AG, Badawy MSEM, Labena A, Zakaria K, Kabel KI. Detectable quorum signaling molecule via PANI-metal oxides nanocomposites sensors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10041. [PMID: 38693218 PMCID: PMC11063039 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60093-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The detection of N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), a crucial signal in Gram-negative bacterial communication, is essential for addressing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in oil and gas industries. Metal oxides (MOx) intercalated into conducting polymers (CPs) offer a promising sensing approach due to their effective detection of biological molecules such as C6-HSL. In this study, we synthesized and characterized two MOx/polyaniline-dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PANI-DBSA) nanocomposites, namely ZnO/PANI-DBSA and Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA. These nanocomposites were applied with 1% by-weight carbon paste over a carbon working electrode (WE) for qualitative and quantitative detection of C6-HSL through electrochemical analysis. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed the composites' capability to monitor C6-HSL produced by SRB-biofilm, with detection limits of 624 ppm for ZnO/PANI-DBSA and 441 ppm for Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA. Furthermore, calorimetric measurements validated the presence of SRB-biofilm, supporting the EIS analysis. The utilization of these MOx/CP nanocomposites offers a practical approach for detecting C6-HSL and monitoring SRB-biofilm formation, aiding in MIC management in oil and gas wells. The ZnO/PANI-DBSA-based sensor exhibited higher sensitivity towards C6-HSL compared to Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA, indicating its potential for enhanced detection capabilities in this context. Stability tests revealed ZnO/PANI-DBSA's superior stability over Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA, with both sensors retaining approximately 85-90% of their initial current after 1 month, demonstrating remarkable reproducibility and durability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walaa S Gado
- Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), 11727, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | - Mona Shaban E M Badawy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A Labena
- Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), 11727, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Zakaria
- Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), 11727, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khalid I Kabel
- Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), 11727, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cai Y, Zhang X. The atypical organization of the luxI/R family genes in AHL-driven quorum-sensing circuits. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0043023. [PMID: 38240569 PMCID: PMC10882985 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00430-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is an elaborate regulatory mechanism associated with virulence and bacterial adaptation to the changing environment. QS is widespread in Proteobacteria and acts primarily through N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) signals. At the core of the AHL-driven QS systems are the AHL synthase gene (luxI family) and its cognate transcriptional regulator gene (luxR family). Several QS systems display one or more genes intervening between the luxI and luxR, in which gene arrangements are notably different due to the relative position and the transcriptional orientation between the essential luxI/R and the genes of location correlation. These adjacent genes may exert a regulatory impact on the primary QS genes or contribute toward an extension of QS regulatory control. In this review, we describe the organization of AHL-driven QS genes based on previous research and specific genome databases and provide new insights into these atypical QS gene arrangements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyuan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Experimental Teaching Center for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu S, Zhu X, Yan Z, Liu H, Zhang L, Chen W, Chen S. The Isolate Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a Quenches the Quorum Sensing Signal and Suppresses Plant Soft Rot Disease. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3037. [PMID: 37687284 PMCID: PMC10490365 DOI: 10.3390/plants12173037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication mechanism used among microorganisms that regulate the population density and behavior by sensing the concentration of signaling molecules. Quorum quenching (QQ), a novel, eco-friendly, and efficient method for disease control, interferes with QS by disturbing the production and enzymatic degradation of signaling molecules, blocking communication among microorganisms, and thus has deep potential for use in plant disease control. Pectobacterium carotovorum can cause bacterial soft rot, resulting in yield reduction in a variety of crops worldwide, and can be mediated and regulated by the N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are typical signaling molecules. In this study, a novel quenching strain of Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a was isolated and characterized, and it showed excellent degradation ability against AHLs, degrading 98.20% of N-(-3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (OHHL) within 48 h. Based on the results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis, a possible pathway was proposed to decompose OHHL into fatty acids and homoserine lactone, in which AHL acylase was involved. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme are promising biocontrol agents that can considerably reduce the severity of the soft rot disease brought on by P. carotovorum, consequently preventing the maceration of a variety of host plant tissues. All of these results suggest promising applications of the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme in the control of various plant diseases mediated by AHLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xixian Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenchen Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hui Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lianhui Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wenjuan Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
New temperature-switchable acyl homoserine lactone-regulated expression vector. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:807-818. [PMID: 36580089 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12341-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial expression systems play an indispensable role in the biosynthesis of recombinant proteins. Different proteins and the tasks associated with them may require different systems. The purpose of this work is to make an expression vector that allows switching on and off the expression of the target gene during cell incubation. Several expression vectors for use in Escherichia coli cells were developed using elements of the luxR/luxI type quorum sensing system of psychrophilic bacterium Aliivibrio logei. These vectors contain A. logei luxR2 and (optionally) luxI genes and LuxR2-regulated promoter, under the control of which a target gene is intended to be inserted. The synthesis of the target protein depends directly on the temperature: gene expression starts when the temperature drops to 22 °C and stops when it rises to 37 °C, which makes it possible to fix the desired amount of the target protein in the cell. At the same time, the expression of the target gene at a low temperature depends on the concentration of the autoinducer (L-homoserine N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-lactone, AI) in the culture medium in a wide range from 1 nM to 10 μM, which makes it possible to smoothly regulate the rate of target protein synthesis. Presence of luxI in the vector provides the possibility of autoinduction. Constructed expression vectors were tested with gfp, ardA, and ardB genes. At maximum, we obtained the target protein in an amount of up to 33% of the total cellular protein. KEY POINTS: • A. logei quorum sensing system elements were applied in new expression vectors • Expression of target gene is inducible at 22 °C and it is switched off at 37 °C • Target gene expression at 22 °C is tunable by use different AI concentrations.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bazhenov SV, Scheglova ES, Fomin VV, Zavilgelsky GB, Manukhov IV. Two-Stage Activation of lux Regulon of Psychrophilic Marine Luminescent Bacteria Aliivibrio logei. RUSS J GENET+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
6
|
Maharajan AD, Hjerde E, Hansen H, Willassen NP. Quorum Sensing Controls the CRISPR and Type VI Secretion Systems in Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:799414. [PMID: 35211539 PMCID: PMC8861277 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.799414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
For bacteria to thrive in an environment with competitors, phages and environmental cues, they use different strategies, including Type VI Secretion Systems (T6SSs) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) to compete for space. Bacteria often use quorum sensing (QS), to coordinate their behavior as the cell density increases. Like other aliivibrios, Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139 harbors two QS systems, the main LuxS/LuxPQ system and an N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated AinS/AinR system and a master QS regulator, LitR. To explore the QS and survival strategies, we performed genome analysis and gene expression profiling on A. wodanis and two QS mutants (ΔainS and ΔlitR) at two cell densities (OD600 2.0 and 6.0) and temperatures (6 and 12°C). Genome analysis of A. wodanis revealed two CRISPR systems, one without a cas loci (CRISPR system 1) and a type I-F CRISPR system (CRISPR system 2). Our analysis also identified three main T6SS clusters (T6SS1, T6SS2, and T6SS3) and four auxiliary clusters, as well about 80 potential Type VI secretion effectors (T6SEs). When comparing the wildtype transcriptome data at different cell densities and temperatures, 13–18% of the genes were differentially expressed. The CRISPR system 2 was cell density and temperature-independent, whereas the CRISPR system 1 was temperature-dependent and cell density-independent. The primary and auxiliary clusters of T6SSs were both cell density and temperature-dependent. In the ΔlitR and ΔainS mutants, several CRISPR and T6SS related genes were differentially expressed. Deletion of litR resulted in decreased expression of CRISPR system 1 and increased expression of CRISPR system 2. The T6SS1 and T6SS2 gene clusters were less expressed while the T6SS3 cluster was highly expressed in ΔlitR. Moreover, in ΔlitR, the hcp1 gene was strongly activated at 6°C compared to 12°C. AinS positively affected the csy genes in the CRISPR system 2 but did not affect the CRISPR arrays. Although AinS did not significantly affect the expression of T6SSs, the hallmark genes of T6SS (hcp and vgrG) were AinS-dependent. The work demonstrates that T6SSs and CRISPR systems in A. wodanis are QS dependent and may play an essential role in survival in its natural environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amudha Deepalakshmi Maharajan
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- *Correspondence: Amudha Deepalakshmi Maharajan
| | - Erik Hjerde
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hilde Hansen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nils Peder Willassen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Nils Peder Willassen
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Karimov IF, Fedorova TO, Zherebyateva OO, Borisov SD, Mikhailova EA. Evaluation of Homoserine Lactone Production by Pseudomonas spp. Isolates. Microbiology (Reading) 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261721060072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
8
|
Ruiz P, Sepulveda D, Vidal JM, Romero R, Contreras D, Barros J, Carrasco C, Ruiz-Tagle N, Romero A, Urrutia H, Oliver C. Piscirickettsia salmonis Produces a N-Acetyl-L-Homoserine Lactone as a Bacterial Quorum Sensing System-Related Molecule. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:755496. [PMID: 34760722 PMCID: PMC8573184 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.755496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Piscirickettsia salmonis is the etiological agent of piscirickettsiosis, the most prevalent disease in salmonid species in Chilean salmonids farms. Many bacteria produce N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) as a quorum-sensing signal molecule to regulate gene expression in a cell density-dependent manner, and thus modulate physiological characteristics and several bacterial mechanisms. In this study, a fluorescent biosensor system method and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were combined to detect AHLs produced by P. salmonis. These analyses revealed an emitted fluorescence signal when the biosensor P. putida EL106 (RPL4cep) was co-cultured with both, P. salmonis LF-89 type strain and an EM-90-like strain Ps007, respectively. Furthermore, the production of an AHL-type molecule was confirmed by GC/MS by both P. salmonis strains, which identified the presence of a N-acetyl-L-homoserine Lactone in the supernatant extract. However, It is suggested that an alternate pathway could synthesizes AHLs, which should be address in future experiments in order to elucidate this important bacterial process. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first to describe the type of AHLs produced by P. salmonis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biopelículas y Microbiología Ambiental, Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Talcahuano, Chile
| | - Daniela Sepulveda
- Laboratorio de Biopelículas y Microbiología Ambiental, Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - José Miguel Vidal
- Laboratorio de Biopelículas y Microbiología Ambiental, Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo, Ecombio limitada, Concepción, Chile
| | - Romina Romero
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Medioambientales de Zonas Áridas (LIMZA), Depto. Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
| | - David Contreras
- Departamento de Química Analítica e Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Javier Barros
- Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo, Micbiotech Spa, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos Carrasco
- Laboratorio de Biopelículas y Microbiología Ambiental, Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nathaly Ruiz-Tagle
- Laboratorio de Biopelículas y Microbiología Ambiental, Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alex Romero
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Estrés de Organismos Acuáticos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Patología Animal, Valdivia, Chile.,Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Concepción, Chile
| | - Homero Urrutia
- Laboratorio de Biopelículas y Microbiología Ambiental, Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Cristian Oliver
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Estrés de Organismos Acuáticos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Patología Animal, Valdivia, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bazhenov S, Melkina O, Fomin V, Scheglova E, Krasnik P, Khrulnova S, Zavilgelsky G, Manukhov I. LitR directly upregulates autoinducer synthesis and luminescence in Aliivibrio logei. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12030. [PMID: 34616599 PMCID: PMC8462370 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
LitR is a master-regulator of transcription in the ainS/R and luxS/PQ quorum sensing (QS) systems of bacteria from Vibrio and Aliivibrio genera. Here, we for the first time directly investigated the influence of LitR on gene expression in the luxI/R QS system of psychrophilic bacteria Aliivibrio logei. Investigated promoters were fused with Photorhabdus luminescens luxCDABE reporter genes cassette in a heterological system of Escherichia coli cells, litR A. logei was introduced into the cells under control of Plac promoter. LitR has been shown to upregulate genes of autoinducer synthase (luxI), luciferase and reductase (luxCDABE), and this effect doesn’t depend on presence of luxR gene. To a much lesser degree, LitR induces luxR1, but not the luxR2 — the main luxI/R regulator. Enhanced litR expression leads to an increase in a LuxI-autoinducer synthesis and a subsequent LuxR-mediated activation of the luxI/R QS system. Effect of LitR on luxI transcription depends on lux-box sequence in luxI promoter even in absence of luxR (lux-box is binding site of LuxR). The last finding indicates a direct interaction of LitR with the promoter in the lux-box region. Investigation of the effect of LitR A. logei on luxI/R QS systems of mesophilic Aliivibrio fischeri and psychrophilic Aliivibrio salmonicida showed direct luxR-independent upregulation of luxI and luxCDABE genes. To a lesser degree, it induces luxR A. fischeri and luxR1 A. salmonicida. Therefore, we assume that the main role of LitR in cross-interaction of these three QS systems is stimulating the expression of luxI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Bazhenov
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia.,Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Melkina
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia.,State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Kurchatov Genomic Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vadim Fomin
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Scheglova
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Pavel Krasnik
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Svetlana Khrulnova
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia.,National Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennadii Zavilgelsky
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Manukhov
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia.,Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.,State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Maharajan AD, Hansen H, Khider M, Willassen NP. Quorum sensing in Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139 and its role in controlling various phenotypic traits. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11980. [PMID: 34513327 PMCID: PMC8395575 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quorum Sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system that bacteria utilize to adapt to the external environment by synthesizing and responding to signalling molecules called autoinducers. The psychrotrophic bacterium Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139, originally isolated from a winter ulcer of a reared Atlantic salmon, produces the autoinducer N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-homoserine-lactone (3OHC10-HSL) and encodes the QS systems AinS/R and LuxS/PQ, and the master regulator LitR. However, the role of QS in this bacterium has not been investigated yet. Results In the present work we show that 3OHC10-HSL production is cell density and temperature-dependent in A. wodanis 06/09/139 with the highest production occurring at a low temperature (6 °C). Gene inactivation demonstrates that AinS is responsible for 3OHC10-HSL production and positively regulated by LitR. Inactivation of ainS and litR further show that QS is involved in the regulation of growth, motility, hemolysis, protease activity and siderophore production. Of these QS regulated activities, only the protease activity was found to be independent of LitR. Lastly, supernatants harvested from the wild type and the ΔainS and ΔlitR mutants at high cell densities show that inactivation of QS leads to a decreased cytopathogenic effect (CPE) in a cell culture assay, and strongest attenuation of the CPE was observed with supernatants harvested from the ΔlitR mutant. Conclusion A. wodanis 06/09/139 use QS to regulate a number of activities that may prove important for host colonization or interactions. The temperature of 6 °C that is in the temperature range at which winter ulcer occurs, plays a role in AHL production and development of CPE on a Chinook Salmon Embryo (CHSE) cell line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amudha Deepalakshmi Maharajan
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hilde Hansen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Miriam Khider
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nils Peder Willassen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Blue light directly modulates the quorum network in the human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13375. [PMID: 34183737 PMCID: PMC8239052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92845-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing modulates bacterial collective behaviors including biofilm formation, motility and virulence in the important human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Disruption of quorum sensing has emerged as a promising strategy with important therapeutic potential. In this work, we show that light modulates the production of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), which were produced in higher levels in the dark than under blue light at environmental temperatures, a response that depends on the AHL synthase, AbaI, and on the photoreceptor BlsA. BlsA interacts with the transcriptional regulator AbaR in the dark at environmental temperatures, inducing abaI expression. Under blue light, BlsA does not interact with AbaR, but induces expression of the lactonase aidA and quorum quenching, consistently with lack of motility at this condition. At temperatures found in warm-blooded hosts, the production of AHLs, quorum quenching as well as abaI and aidA expression were also modulated by light, though in this case higher levels of AHLs were detected under blue light than in the dark, in a BlsA-independent manner. Finally, AbaI reduces A. baumannii's ability to kill C. albicans only in the dark both at environmental as well as at temperatures found in warm-blooded hosts. The overall data indicate that light directly modulates quorum network in A. baumannii.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bazhenov S, Novoyatlova U, Scheglova E, Fomin V, Khrulnova S, Melkina O, Chistyakov V, Manukhov I. Influence of the luxR Regulatory Gene Dosage and Expression Level on the Sensitivity of the Whole-Cell Biosensor to Acyl-Homoserine Lactone. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11060166. [PMID: 34071046 PMCID: PMC8224577 DOI: 10.3390/bios11060166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aliivibrio fischeri LuxR and Aliivibrio logei LuxR1 and LuxR2 regulatory proteins are quorum sensing transcriptional (QS) activators, inducing promoters of luxICDABEG genes in the presence of an autoinducer (3-oxo-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone). In the Aliivibrio cells, luxR genes are regulated by HNS, CRP, LitR, etc. Here we investigated the role of the luxR expression level in LuxI/R QS system functionality and improved the whole-cell biosensor for autoinducer detection. Escherichia coli-based bacterial lux-biosensors were used, in which Photorhabdus luminescensluxCDABE genes were controlled by LuxR-dependent promoters and luxR, luxR1, or luxR2 regulatory genes. We varied either the dosage of the regulatory gene in the cells using additional plasmids, or the level of the regulatory gene expression using the lactose operon promoter. It was shown that an increase in expression level, as well as dosage of the regulatory gene in biosensor cells, leads to an increase in sensitivity (the threshold concentration of AI is reduced by one order of magnitude) and to a two to threefold reduction in response time. The best parameters were obtained for a biosensor with an increased dosage of luxRA. fischeri (sensitivity to 3-oxo-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone reached 30–100 pM).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Bazhenov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (U.N.); (E.S.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (I.M.)
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344022 Rostov-on-Don, Russia;
- Faculty of Physics, HSE University, 109028 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Uliana Novoyatlova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (U.N.); (E.S.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (I.M.)
| | - Ekaterina Scheglova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (U.N.); (E.S.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (I.M.)
| | - Vadim Fomin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (U.N.); (E.S.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (I.M.)
| | - Svetlana Khrulnova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (U.N.); (E.S.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (I.M.)
- National Research Center for Hematology, 125167 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Melkina
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, 117545 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Vladimir Chistyakov
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344022 Rostov-on-Don, Russia;
| | - Ilya Manukhov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia; (U.N.); (E.S.); (V.F.); (S.K.); (I.M.)
- Faculty of Physics, HSE University, 109028 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research Center of Biological Systems and Agro-technologies of RAS, 460000 Orenburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jiang W, He X, Luo Y, Mu Y, Gu F, Liang Q, Qi Q. Two Completely Orthogonal Quorum Sensing Systems with Self-Produced Autoinducers Enable Automatic Delayed Cascade Control. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2588-2599. [PMID: 32786361 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The existence of crosstalk between quorum sensing systems limits their application in a complex environment. In this study, two completely orthogonal quorum sensing systems with self-produced autoinducers were built in one cell to enable the systems to be signal orthogonal and promoter orthogonal to each other. The systems were designed on the basis of the las system from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the tra system from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Both were optimized with respect to the orthogonality of signals and promoters by using a series of synthetic biology strategies and high-throughput screening. The systems were applied intracellularly, and an automatic delayed cascade circuit was successfully demonstrated, which can realize sequential gene expression without exogenous inducer. This circuit provides a new tool for biotechnological applications, such as metabolic regulation, that require sequential gene control. This cascade model expands the toolkit of synthetic biology research and indicates a high application potential of quorum sensing systems that are orthogonal to each other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Xinyuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Yunlan Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 266237 Qingdao, China
- CAS Key Lab of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101 Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fei C, Ochsenkühn MA, Shibl AA, Isaac A, Wang C, Amin SA. Quorum sensing regulates 'swim-or-stick' lifestyle in the phycosphere. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:4761-4778. [PMID: 32896070 PMCID: PMC7693213 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between phytoplankton and bacteria play major roles in global biogeochemical cycles and oceanic nutrient fluxes. These interactions occur in the microenvironment surrounding phytoplankton cells, known as the phycosphere. Bacteria in the phycosphere use either chemotaxis or attachment to benefit from algal excretions. Both processes are regulated by quorum sensing (QS), a cell–cell signalling mechanism that uses small infochemicals to coordinate bacterial gene expression. However, the role of QS in regulating bacterial attachment in the phycosphere is not clear. Here, we isolated a Sulfitobacter pseudonitzschiae F5 and a Phaeobacter sp. F10 belonging to the marine Roseobacter group and an Alteromonas macleodii F12 belonging to Alteromonadaceae, from the microbial community of the ubiquitous diatom Asterionellopsis glacialis. We show that only the Roseobacter group isolates (diatom symbionts) can attach to diatom transparent exopolymeric particles. Despite all three bacteria possessing genes involved in motility, chemotaxis, and attachment, only S. pseudonitzschiae F5 and Phaeobacter sp. F10 possessed complete QS systems and could synthesize QS signals. Using UHPLC–MS/MS, we identified three QS molecules produced by both bacteria of which only 3‐oxo‐C16:1‐HSL strongly inhibited bacterial motility and stimulated attachment in the phycosphere. These findings suggest that QS signals enable colonization of the phycosphere by algal symbionts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fei
- Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Michael A Ochsenkühn
- Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed A Shibl
- Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashley Isaac
- Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,International Max Planck Research School of Marine Microbiology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Changhai Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shady A Amin
- Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Charlesworth J, Kimyon O, Manefield M, Beloe CJ, Burns BP. Archaea join the conversation: detection of AHL-like activity across a range of archaeal isolates. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2020; 367:5874252. [PMID: 32691824 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnaa123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a mechanism of genetic control allowing single cell organisms to coordinate phenotypic response(s) across a local population and is often critical for ecosystem function. Although quorum sensing has been extensively studied in bacteria comparatively less is known about this mechanism in Archaea. Given the growing significance of Archaea in both natural and anthropogenic settings, it is important to delineate how widespread this phenomenon of signaling is in this domain. Employing a plasmid-based AHL biosensor in conjunction with thin-layer chromatography (TLC), the present study screened a broad range of euryarchaeota isolates for potential signaling activity. Data indicated the presence of 11 new Archaeal isolates with AHL-like activity against the LuxR-based AHL biosensor, including for the first time putative AHL activity in a thermophile. The presence of multiple signals and distinct changes between growth phases were also shown via TLC. Multiple signal molecules were detected using TLC in Haloferax mucosum, Halorubrum kocurii, Natronococcus occultus and Halobacterium salinarium. The finding of multiple novel signal producers suggests the potential for quorum sensing to play an important role not only in the regulation of complex phenotypes within Archaea but the potential for cross-talk with bacterial systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Charlesworth
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Onder Kimyon
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.,School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia
| | - Michael Manefield
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.,School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia.,School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Charlotte J Beloe
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Brendan P Burns
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales Sydney, 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Söderberg JJ, Grgic M, Hjerde E, Haugen P. Aliivibrio wodanis as a production host: development of genetic tools for expression of cold-active enzymes. Microb Cell Fact 2019; 18:197. [PMID: 31711487 PMCID: PMC6844050 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-019-1247-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heterologous production of cold-adapted proteins currently represents one of the greatest bottlenecks in the ongoing bioprospecting efforts to find new enzymes from low-temperature environments, such as, the polar oceans that represent essentially untapped resources in this respect. In mesophilic expression hosts such as Escherichia coli, cold-adapted enzymes often form inactive aggregates. Therefore it is necessary to develop new low-temperature expression systems, including identification of new host organisms and complementary genetic tools. Psychrophilic bacteria, including Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis, Shewanella and Rhodococcus erythropolis have all been explored as candidates for such applications. However to date none of these have found widespread use as efficient expression systems, or are commercially available. In the present work we explored the use of the sub-Arctic bacterium Aliivibrio wodanis as a potential host for heterologous expression of cold-active enzymes. Results We tested 12 bacterial strains, as well as available vectors, promoters and reporter systems. We used RNA-sequencing to determine the most highly expressed genes and their intrinsic promoters in A. wodanis. In addition we examined a novel 5′-fusion to stimulate protein production and solubility. Finally we tested production of a set of “difficult-to-produce” enzymes originating from various bacteria and one Archaea. Our results show that cold-adapted enzymes can be produced in soluble and active form, even in cases when protein production failed in E. coli due to the formation of inclusion bodies. Moreover, we identified a 60-bp/20-aa fragment from the 5′-end of the AW0309160_00174 gene that stimulates expression of Green Fluorescent Protein and improves production of cold-active enzymes when used as a 5′-fusion. A 25-aa peptide from the same protein enhanced secretion of a 25-aa-sfGFP fusion. Conclusions Our results indicate the use of A. wodanis and associated genetic tools for low-temperature protein production and indicate that A. wodanis represents an interesting platform for further development of a protein production system that can promote further cold-enzyme discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Johansson Söderberg
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Bioinformatics (SfB) and The Norwegian Structural Biology Centre (NorStruct), Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Miriam Grgic
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Bioinformatics (SfB) and The Norwegian Structural Biology Centre (NorStruct), Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erik Hjerde
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Bioinformatics (SfB) and The Norwegian Structural Biology Centre (NorStruct), Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Peik Haugen
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Bioinformatics (SfB) and The Norwegian Structural Biology Centre (NorStruct), Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Comparative analysis of Aliivibrio logei luxR1 and luxR2 genes regulation in Escherichia coli cells. Arch Microbiol 2019; 201:1415-1425. [PMID: 31392374 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-019-01691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of Aliivibrio logei luxR1 and luxR2 genes was evaluated in Escherichia coli cells with use of transcriptional fusions of luxR1 and luxR2 promoter/operator regions with the Photorhabdus luminescens luxCDABE reporter gene cassette. Expression of the luxR1 and luxR2 genes was shown to largely depend on the CRP as activator. The hns::kan mutation increases the expression of luxR2 gene by two to three orders of magnitude and luxR1 gene by two to threefold. The LuxR1 and LuxR2 proteins in the presence of autoinducer (N-acyl homoserine lactone, AI) separately as well as together considerably enhanced the transcription of the luxR2 gene. In contrast, the transcription of luxR1 gene decreases depending on AI concentration in the presence of the luxR1 and luxR2 genes combination. It was identified that the promoter region of luxR2 gene consists of two promoters: Pcrp is located downstream of the crp box and Plux-box is located between the crp box and the lux box.
Collapse
|
18
|
Khider M, Hansen H, Hjerde E, Johansen JA, Willassen NP. Exploring the transcriptome of luxI- and ΔainS mutants and the impact of N-3-oxo-hexanoyl-L- and N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-L-homoserine lactones on biofilm formation in Aliivibrio salmonicida. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6845. [PMID: 31106062 PMCID: PMC6499059 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial communication through quorum sensing (QS) systems has been reported to be important in coordinating several traits such as biofilm formation. In Aliivibrio salmonicida two QS systems the LuxI/R and AinS/R, have been shown to be responsible for the production of eight acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) in a cell density dependent manner. We have previously demonstrated that inactivation of LitR, the master regulator of the QS system resulted in biofilm formation, similar to the biofilm formed by the AHL deficient mutant ΔainSluxI−. In this study, we aimed to investigate the global gene expression patterns of luxI and ainS autoinducer synthases mutants using transcriptomic profiling. In addition, we examined the influence of the different AHLs on biofilm formation. Results The transcriptome profiling of ΔainS and luxI− mutants allowed us to identify genes and gene clusters regulated by QS in A. salmonicida. Relative to the wild type, the ΔainS and luxI− mutants revealed 29 and 500 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. The functional analysis demonstrated that the most pronounced DEGs were involved in bacterial motility and chemotaxis, exopolysaccharide production, and surface structures related to adhesion. Inactivation of luxI, but not ainS genes resulted in wrinkled colony morphology. While inactivation of both genes (ΔainSluxI−) resulted in strains able to form wrinkled colonies and mushroom structured biofilm. Moreover, when the ΔainSluxI− mutant was supplemented with N-3-oxo-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3OC6-HSL) or N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3OHC10-HSL), the biofilm did not develop. We also show that LuxI is needed for motility and for repression of EPS production, where repression of EPS is likely operated through the RpoQ-sigma factor. Conclusion These findings imply that the LuxI and AinS autoinducer synthases play a critical role in the regulation of biofilm formation, EPS production, and motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Khider
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hilde Hansen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erik Hjerde
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jostein A Johansen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nils Peder Willassen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Khider M, Hjerde E, Hansen H, Willassen NP. Differential expression profiling of ΔlitR and ΔrpoQ mutants reveals insight into QS regulation of motility, adhesion and biofilm formation in Aliivibrio salmonicida. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:220. [PMID: 30876404 PMCID: PMC6420764 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5594-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coordination of group behaviors in bacteria is achieved by a cell-cell signaling process called quorum sensing (QS). QS is an intercellular communication system, which synchronously controls expression of a vast range of genes in response to changes in cell density and is mediated by autoinducers that act as extracellular signals. Aliivibrio salmonicida, the causative agent of cold-water vibrosis in marine aquacultures, uses QS to regulate several activities such as motility, biofilm formation, adhesion and rugose colony morphology. However, little is known about either genes or detailed mechanisms involved in the regulation of these phenotypes. RESULTS Differential expression profiling allowed us to define the genes involved in controlling phenotypes related to QS in A. salmonicida LFI1238. RNA sequencing data revealed that the number of expressed genes in A. salmonicida, ΔlitR and ΔrpoQ mutants were significantly altered due to changes in cell density. These included genes that were distributed among the 21 functional groups, mainly presented in cell envelope, cell processes, extrachromosomal/foreign DNA and transport-binding proteins functional groups. The comparative transcriptome of A. salmonicida wild-type at high cell density relative to low cell density revealed 1013 genes to be either up- or downregulated. Thirty-six downregulated genes were gene clusters encoding biosynthesis of the flagellar and chemotaxis genes. Additionally we identified significant expression for genes involved in acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) synthesis, adhesion and early colonization. The transcriptome profile of ΔrpoQ compared to the wild-type revealed 384 differensially expressed genes (DEGs) that allowed us to assign genes involved in regulating motility, adhesion and colony rugosity. Indicating the importance of RpoQ in controlling several QS related activities. Furthermore, the comparison of the transcriptome profiles of ΔlitR and ΔrpoQ mutants, exposed numerous overlapping DEGs that were essential for motility, exopolysaccharide production via syp operon and genes associated with tad operon. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate previously unexplained functional roles for LitR and RpoQ in regulation of different phenotypes related to QS. Our transcriptome data provide a better understanding of the regulation cascade of motility, wrinkling colony morphology and biofilm formation and will offer a major source for further research and analysis on this important field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Khider
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Erik Hjerde
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hilde Hansen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nils Peder Willassen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Centre, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway. .,Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
The alternative sigma factor RpoQ regulates colony morphology, biofilm formation and motility in the fish pathogen Aliivibrio salmonicida. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:116. [PMID: 30208852 PMCID: PMC6134601 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to cell communication system that bacteria use to synchronize activities as a group. LitR, the master regulator of QS in Aliivibrio salmonicida, was recently shown to regulate activities such as motility, rugosity and biofilm formation in a temperature dependent manner. LitR was also found to be a positive regulator of rpoQ. RpoQ is an alternative sigma factor belonging to the sigma −70 family. Alternative sigma factors direct gene transcription in response to environmental signals. In this work we have studied the role of RpoQ in biofilm formation, colony morphology and motility of A. salmonicida LFI1238. Results The rpoQ gene in A. salmonicida LFI1238 was deleted using allelic exchange. We found that RpoQ is a strong repressor of rugose colony morphology and biofilm formation, and that it controls motility of the bacteria. We also show that overexpression of rpoQ in a ΔlitR mutant of A. salmonicida disrupts the biofilm produced by the ΔlitR mutant and decreases its motility, whereas rpoQ overexpression in the wild-type completely eliminates the motility. Conclusion The present work demonstrates that the RpoQ sigma factor is a novel regulatory component involved in modulating motility, colony morphology and biofilm formation in the fish pathogen A. salmonicida. The findings also confirm that RpoQ functions downstream of the QS master regulator LitR. However further studies are needed to elucidate how LitR and RpoQ work together in controlling phenotypes related to QS in A. salmonicida. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1258-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
21
|
Impact of curcumin liposomes with anti-quorum sensing properties against foodborne pathogens Aeromonas hydrophila and Serratia grimesii. Microb Pathog 2018; 122:137-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
|
22
|
A combination of luxR1 and luxR2 genes activates Pr-promoters of psychrophilic Aliivibrio logei lux-operon independently of chaperonin GroEL/ES and protease Lon at high concentrations of autoinducer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 473:1158-1162. [PMID: 27067048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Lux-operon of psychrophilic bacteria Aliivibrio logei contains two copies of luxR and is regulated by Type I quorum sensing (QS). Activation of lux-operon of psychrophilic bacteria A. logei by LuxR1 requires about 100 times higher concentrations of autoinducer (AI) than the activation by LuxR2. On the other hand, LuxR1 does not require GroEL/ES chaperonin for its folding and cannot be degraded by protease Lon, while LuxR2 sensitive to Lon and requires GroEL/ES. Here we show that at 10(-5) - 10(-4)М concentrations of AI a combination of luxR1 and luxR2 products is capable of activating the Pr-promoters of A. logei lux-operon in Escherichia coli independently of GroEL/ES and protease Lon. The presence of LuxR1 assists LuxR2 in gro(-) cells when AI was added at high concentration, while at low concentration of AI in a cell LuxR1 decreases the LuxR2 activity. These observations may be explained by the formation of LuxR1/LuxR2 heterodimers that act in complex with AI independently from GroEL/ES and protease Lon. IMPORTANCE This study expands current understanding of QS regulation in A. logei as it implies cooperative regulation of lux-operon by LuxR1 and LuxR2 proteins.
Collapse
|
23
|
Guijarro JA, Cascales D, García-Torrico AI, García-Domínguez M, Méndez J. Temperature-dependent expression of virulence genes in fish-pathogenic bacteria. Front Microbiol 2015. [PMID: 26217329 PMCID: PMC4496569 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Virulence gene expression in pathogenic bacteria is modulated by environmental parameters. A key factor in this expression is temperature. Its effect on virulence gene expression in bacteria infecting warm-blooded hosts is well documented. Transcription of virulence genes in these bacteria is induced upon a shift from low environmental to a higher host temperature (37°C). Interestingly, host temperatures usually correspond to the optimum for growth of these pathogenic bacteria. On the contrary, in ectothermic hosts such as fish, molluscs, and amphibians, infection processes generally occur at a temperature lower than that for the optimal growth of the bacteria. Therefore, regulation of virulence gene expression in response to temperature shift has to be modulated in a different way to that which is found in bacteria infecting warm-blooded hosts. The current understanding of virulence gene expression and its regulation in response to temperature in fish-pathogenic bacteria is limited, but constant extension of our knowledge base is essential to enable a rational approach to the problem of the bacterial fish diseases affecting the aquaculture industry. This is an interesting issue and progress needs to be made in order to diminish the economic losses caused by these diseases. The intention of this review is, for the first time, to compile the scattered results existing in the field in order to lay the groundwork for future research. This article is an overview of those relevant virulence genes that are expressed at temperatures lower than that for optimal bacterial growth in different fish-pathogenic bacteria as well as the principal mechanisms that could be involved in their regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A. Guijarro
- *Correspondence: José A. Guijarro, Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Funcional, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biotecnología de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, C/Julían Clavería 6, 33006 Oviedo, Spain,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|