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Nagraj AK, Shukla M, Kulkarni M, Patil P, Borgave M, Banerjee SK. Reversal of carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by camelid single domain antibody fragment (VHH) against the C4-dicarboxylate transporter. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2024; 77:612-626. [PMID: 38886486 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-024-00748-w] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is emerging as the new healthcare crisis necessitating the development of newer classes of drugs using non-traditional approaches. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most common pathogens involved in nosocomial infections, is extremely difficult to treat even with the last resort frontline drug, the carbapenems. As the pathogen has the ability to acquire resistance to new small-molecule antibiotics, being deployed, a novel biological approach has been tried using antibody fragments in combination with carbapenems and β-lactams as adjunct therapy for an enduring solution to the problem. In this study, we developed a camelid antibody fragment (VHH) library against P. aeruginosa and isolated a highly potent hit, PsC23. Mass spectrometry identified the target to be a component of the C4-dicarboxylate transporter that feeds metabolites to the glyoxylate shunt particularly under conditions of oxidative stress. PsC23 is bacteriostatic at a concentration of 1.66 µM (25 µg ml-1) and shows a synergistic effect with both the classes of drugs at an effective concentration of 100-200 nM (1.5-3.0 µg ml-1) when co administered with them. In combination with meropenem the VHH completely cleared the infection from a neutropenic mouse with a carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa systemic infection. Blocking the glyoxylate shunt by PsC23 resulted in disruption of energy transduction due to a respiratory shift to the oxygen-depleted TCA cycle causing inhibition of efflux and increased free radical generation from carbapenems and β-lactams exerting a strong bactericidal effect that reversed the resistance to multiple unrelated drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pratik Patil
- AbGenics Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Pune, 411045, India
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2
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Biswas T, Ahmed M, Mondal S. Mixed species biofilm: Structure, challenge and its intricate involvement in hospital associated infections. Microb Pathog 2024; 195:106866. [PMID: 39159773 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106866] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Hospital associated infections or healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a major threat to healthcare and medical management, mostly because of their recalcitrant nature. The primary cause of these HAIs is bacterial associations, especially the interspecies interactions. In interspecies interactions, more than one species co-exists in a common platform of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), establishing a strong interspecies crosstalk and thereby lead to the formation of mixed species biofilms. In this process, the internal microenvironment and the surrounding EPS matrix of the biofilms ensure the protection of the microorganisms and allow them to survive under antagonistic conditions. The communications between the biofilm members as well as the interactions between the bacterial cells and the matrix polymers, also aid in the rigidity of the biofilm structure and allow the microorganisms to evade both the host immune response and a wide range of anti-microbials. Therefore, to design a treatment protocol for HAIs is difficult and it has become a growing point of concern. This review therefore first aims to discuss the role of microenvironment, molecular structure, cell-cell communication, and metabolism of mixed species biofilms in manifestation of HAIs. In addition, we discuss the electrochemical properties of mixed-species biofilms and their mechanism in developing drug resistance. Then we focus on the most dreaded bacterial HAI including oral and gut multi-species infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Further, we highlight the challenges to eradication of the mixed species biofilms and the current and prospective future strategies for the treatment of mixed species-associated HAI. Together, the review presents a comprehensive understanding of mixed species biofilm-mediated infections in clinical scenario, and summarizes the current challenge and prospect of therapeutic strategies against HAI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehnaz Ahmed
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Susmita Mondal
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India.
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3
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Harvey BJ, McElvaney NG. Sex differences in airway disease: estrogen and airway surface liquid dynamics. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:56. [PMID: 39026347 PMCID: PMC11264786 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological sex differences exist for many airway diseases in which females have either worse or better health outcomes. Inflammatory airway diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and asthma display a clear male advantage in post-puberty while a female benefit is observed in asthma during the pre-puberty years. The influence of menstrual cycle stage and pregnancy on the frequency and severity of pulmonary exacerbations in CF and asthma point to a role for sex steroid hormones, particularly estrogen, in underpinning biological sex differences in these diseases. There are many ways by which estrogen may aggravate asthma and CF involving disturbances in airway surface liquid (ASL) dynamics, inappropriate hyper-immune and allergenic responses, as well as exacerbation of pathogen virulence. The deleterious effect of estrogen on pulmonary function in CF and asthma contrasts with the female advantage observed in airway diseases characterised by pulmonary edema such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and COVID-19. Airway surface liquid hypersecretion and alveolar flooding are hallmarks of ARDS and COVID-19, and contribute to the morbidity and mortality of severe forms of these diseases. ASL dynamics encompasses the intrinsic features of the thin lining of fluid covering the airway epithelium which regulate mucociliary clearance (ciliary beat, ASL height, volume, pH, viscosity, mucins, and channel activating proteases) in addition to innate defence mechanisms (pathogen virulence, cytokines, defensins, specialised pro-resolution lipid mediators, and metabolism). Estrogen regulation of ASL dynamics contributing to biological sex differences in CF, asthma and COVID-19 is a major focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Harvey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 126 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Department of Medicine, RCSI ERC, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Noel G McElvaney
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 126 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
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4
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Ayilam Ramachandran R, Lemoff A, Robertson DM. Extracellular vesicles released by host epithelial cells during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection function as homing beacons for neutrophils. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:341. [PMID: 38907250 PMCID: PMC11191230 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01609-7] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause sight threatening infections in the eye and fatal infections in the cystic fibrosis airway. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by host cells during infection and by the bacteria themselves; however, there are no studies on the composition and functional role of host-derived EVs during PA infection of the eye or lung. Here we investigated the composition and capacity of EVs released by PA infected epithelial cells to modulate innate immune responses in host cells. METHODS Human telomerase immortalized corneal epithelial cells (hTCEpi) cells and human telomerase immortalized bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were treated with a standard invasive test strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PAO1, for 6 h. Host derived EVs were isolated by qEV size exclusion chromatography. EV proteomic profiles during infection were compared using mass spectrometry and functional studies were carried out using hTCEpi cells, HBECs, differentiated neutrophil-like HL-60 cells, and primary human neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood. RESULTS EVs released from PA infected corneal epithelial cells increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production in naïve corneal epithelial cells and induced neutrophil chemotaxis independent of cytokine production. The EVs released from PA infected bronchial epithelial cells were also chemotactic although they failed to induce cytokine secretion from naïve HBECs. At the proteomic level, EVs derived from PA infected corneal epithelial cells exhibited lower complexity compared to bronchial epithelial cells, with the latter having reduced protein expression compared to the non-infected control. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to comprehensively profile EVs released by corneal and bronchial epithelial cells during Pseudomonas infection. Together, these findings show that EVs released by PA infected corneal and bronchial epithelial cells function as potent mediators of neutrophil migration, contributing to the exuberant neutrophil response that occurs during infection in these tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Lemoff
- The Departments of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Danielle M Robertson
- The Departments of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- The Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, 75390-9057, Dallas, TX, USA.
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5
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Bernabéu-Gimeno M, Pardo-Freire M, Chan BK, Turner PE, Gil-Brusola A, Pérez-Tarazona S, Carrasco-Hernández L, Quintana-Gallego E, Domingo-Calap P. Neutralizing antibodies after nebulized phage therapy in cystic fibrosis patients. MED 2024:S2666-6340(24)00221-6. [PMID: 38917792 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.05.017] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are prone to recurrent multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial lung infections. Under this scenario, phage therapy has been proposed as a promising tool. However, the limited number of reported cases hampers the understanding of clinical outcomes. Anti-phage immune responses have often been overlooked and only described following invasive routes of administration. METHODS Three monophage treatments against Staphylococcus aureus and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections were conducted in cystic fibrosis patients. In-house phage preparations were nebulized over 10 days with standard-of-care antibiotics. Clinical indicators, bacterial counts, phage and antibiotic susceptibility, phage detection, and immune responses were monitored. FINDINGS Bacterial load was reduced by 3-6 log in two of the treatments. No adverse events were described. Phages remained in sputum up to 33 days after completion of the treatment. In all cases, phage-neutralizing antibodies were detected in serum from 10 to 42 days post treatment, with this being the first report of anti-phage antibodies after nebulized therapy. CONCLUSIONS Nebulized phage therapy reduced bacterial load, improving quality of life even without bacterial eradication. The emergence of antibodies emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring to better understand clinical outcomes. These findings encourage the use of personalized monophage therapies in contrast to ready-to-use cocktails, which might induce undesirable antibody generation. FUNDING This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; Generalitat Valenciana; and a crowdfunding in collaboration with the Spanish Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Bernabéu-Gimeno
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Marco Pardo-Freire
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Benjamin K Chan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Paul E Turner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Program in Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ana Gil-Brusola
- Microbiology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain; Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Santiago Pérez-Tarazona
- Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Carrasco-Hernández
- Medical-Surgical Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; CIBER Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Quintana-Gallego
- Medical-Surgical Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; CIBER Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Domingo-Calap
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain.
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6
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Chourashi R, Oglesby AG. Iron starvation increases the production of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa RsmY and RsmZ sRNAs in static conditions. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0027823. [PMID: 38624234 PMCID: PMC11112995 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00278-23] [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] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that induces virulence gene expression in response to host-mediated iron starvation. Recently, our laboratory showed that some virulence factors are responsive to iron limitation in static but not shaking growth conditions. One of these is the HSI-2-type six secretion system (T6SS), which is also induced during chronic infection. Iron regulation of T6SS was partially impacted by the iron-responsive PrrF sRNA and completely dependent upon the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) biosynthetic gene pqsA. Here, we analyzed the impact of iron on the expression of two small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), RsmY and RsmZ, that activate the expression of T6SS by sequestering the RsmA translation inhibitor. Our results demonstrate that iron starvation induces the expression of RsmY and RsmZ in static but not shaking cultures. We further show that this induction occurs through the rsmY and rsmZ promoters and is dependent upon PqsA. Disruption of either the pqsR gene also eliminated iron-dependent regulation of rsmY and rsmZ promoter activity. Taken together, our results show novel targets of iron regulation that are specific to static growth, highlighting the importance of studying regulatory mechanisms in static communities that may be more representative of growth during chronic infection.IMPORTANCEIron is a central component of various bacterial metabolic pathways making it an important host-acquired nutrient for pathogens to establish infection. Previous iron regulatory studies primarily relied on shaking bacterial cultures; while these ensure cultural homogeneity, they do not reflect growth conditions during infection. We recently showed that static growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa promotes iron-dependent regulation of a type six secretion system (T6SS), a virulence factor that is induced during chronic infections. In the current study, we found that static growth also promotes iron-dependent regulation of the RsmY and RsmZ sRNAs, which are global regulators that affect T6SS during chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection. Hence, our work demonstrates the Rsm sRNAs as potential effectors of iron regulation during static growth that may also be relevant in chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhishita Chourashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda G Oglesby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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7
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Jiang B, Qiu H, Lu C, Lu M, Li Y, Dai W. Uncovering the GacS-mediated role in evolutionary progression through trajectory reconstruction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3856-3869. [PMID: 38477346 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae187] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetic diversities of subpopulations drive the evolution of pathogens and affect their ability to infect hosts and cause diseases. However, most studies to date have focused on the identification and characterization of adaptive mutations in single colonies, which do not accurately reflect the phenotypes of an entire population. Here, to identify the composition of variant subpopulations within a pathogen population, we developed a streamlined approach that combines high-throughput sequencing of the entire population cells with genotyping of single colonies. Using this method, we reconstructed a detailed quorum-sensing (QS) evolutionary trajectory in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results revealed a new adaptive mutation in the gacS gene, which codes for a histidine kinase sensor of a two-component system (TCS), during QS evolution. This mutation reduced QS activity, allowing the variant to sweep throughout the whole population, while still being vulnerable to invasion by the emerging QS master regulator LasR-null mutants. By tracking the evolutionary trajectory, we found that mutations in gacS facilitated QS-rewiring in the LasR-null mutant. This rapid QS revertant caused by inactive GacS was found to be associated with the promotion of ribosome biogenesis and accompanied by a trade-off of reduced bacterial virulence on host cells. In conclusion, our findings highlight the crucial role of the global regulator GacS in modulating the progression of QS evolution and the virulence of the pathogen population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Huifang Qiu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chenghui Lu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Mingqi Lu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuanhao Li
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weijun Dai
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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8
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Seixas AMM, Silva C, Marques JMM, Mateus P, Rodríguez-Ortega MJ, Feliciano JR, Leitão JH, Sousa SA. Surface-Exposed Protein Moieties of Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 in Microaerophilic and Aerobic Conditions. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:398. [PMID: 38675780 PMCID: PMC11054960 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040398] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia cepacia complex infections remain life-threatening to cystic fibrosis patients, and due to the limited eradication efficiency of current treatments, novel antimicrobial therapies are urgently needed. Surface proteins are among the best targets to develop new therapeutic strategies since they are exposed to the host's immune system. A surface-shaving approach was performed using Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 to quantitatively compare the relative abundance of surface-exposed proteins (SEPs) expressed by the bacterium when grown under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions. After trypsin incubation of live bacteria and identification of resulting peptides by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, a total of 461 proteins with ≥2 unique peptides were identified. Bioinformatics analyses revealed a total of 53 proteins predicted as localized at the outer membrane (OM) or extracellularly (E). Additionally, 37 proteins were predicted as moonlight proteins with OM or E secondary localization. B-cell linear epitope bioinformatics analysis of the proteins predicted to be OM and E-localized revealed 71 SEP moieties with predicted immunogenic epitopes. The protegenicity higher scores of proteins BCAM2761, BCAS0104, BCAL0151, and BCAL0849 point out these proteins as the best antigens for vaccine development. Additionally, 10 of the OM proteins also presented a high probability of playing important roles in adhesion to host cells, making them potential targets for passive immunotherapeutic approaches. The immunoreactivity of three of the OM proteins identified was experimentally demonstrated using serum samples from cystic fibrosis patients, validating our strategy for identifying immunoreactive moieties from surface-exposed proteins of potential interest for future immunotherapies development.
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Affiliation(s)
- António M. M. Seixas
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.M.S.); (J.M.M.M.); (P.M.); (J.R.F.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carolina Silva
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.M.S.); (J.M.M.M.); (P.M.); (J.R.F.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana M. M. Marques
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.M.S.); (J.M.M.M.); (P.M.); (J.R.F.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mateus
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.M.S.); (J.M.M.M.); (P.M.); (J.R.F.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuel J. Rodríguez-Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional CeiA3, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Joana R. Feliciano
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.M.S.); (J.M.M.M.); (P.M.); (J.R.F.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge H. Leitão
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.M.S.); (J.M.M.M.); (P.M.); (J.R.F.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia A. Sousa
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.M.S.); (J.M.M.M.); (P.M.); (J.R.F.)
- Associate Laboratory, i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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9
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Reyne N, Cmielewski P, McCarron A, Smith R, Schneider-Futschik E, Eikelis N, Pirakalathanan P, Parsons D, Donnelley M. Effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on nasal potential difference and lung function in Phe508del rats. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1362325. [PMID: 38545546 PMCID: PMC10965794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1362325] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Phe508del is the most common cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variant that results in the recessive genetic disorder cystic fibrosis (CF). The recent development of highly effective CFTR modulator therapies has led to significant health improvements in individuals with this mutation. While numerous animal models of CF exist, few have a CFTR mutation that is amenable to the triple combination therapy elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI). Methods: To determine the responsiveness of Phe508del rats to ETI, a baseline nasal potential difference was measured. Subsequently, they received ETI daily for 14 days, after which post-treatment nasal potential difference, lung mechanics (via flexiVent) and lung ventilation (via X-ray Velocimetry) were assessed. Results: Chloride ion transport in nasal airways was restored in Phe508del rats treated with ETI, but neither lung mechanics nor ventilation were significantly altered. Discussion: These findings validate the usefulness of this rat model for future investigations of modulator therapy in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Reyne
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Patricia Cmielewski
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alexandra McCarron
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ronan Smith
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Elena Schneider-Futschik
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - David Parsons
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Martin Donnelley
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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10
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Xu Q, Kang D, Meyer MD, Pennington CL, Gopal C, Schertzer JW, Kirienko NV. Cytotoxic rhamnolipid micelles drive acute virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0040723. [PMID: 38391248 PMCID: PMC10929412 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00407-23] [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] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that has developed multi- or even pan-drug resistance toward most frontline and last resort antibiotics, leading to increasing frequency of infections and deaths among hospitalized patients, especially those with compromised immune systems. Further complicating treatment, P. aeruginosa produces numerous virulence factors that contribute to host tissue damage and immune evasion, promoting bacterial colonization and pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of rhamnolipid production in host-pathogen interactions. Secreted rhamnolipids form micelles that exhibited highly acute toxicity toward murine macrophages, rupturing the plasma membrane and causing organellar membrane damage within minutes of exposure. While rhamnolipid micelles (RMs) were particularly toxic to macrophages, they also caused membrane damage in human lung epithelial cells, red blood cells, Gram-positive bacteria, and even noncellular models like giant plasma membrane vesicles. Most importantly, rhamnolipid production strongly correlated with P. aeruginosa virulence against murine macrophages in various panels of clinical isolates. Altogether, our findings suggest that rhamnolipid micelles are highly cytotoxic virulence factors that drive acute cellular damage and immune evasion during P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Donghoon Kang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew D. Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Citrupa Gopal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Schertzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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11
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Kang D, Xu Q, Kirienko NV. In vitro lung epithelial cell model reveals novel roles for Pseudomonas aeruginosa siderophores. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0369323. [PMID: 38311809 PMCID: PMC10913452 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03693-23] [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] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The multidrug-resistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common nosocomial respiratory pathogen that continues to threaten the lives of patients with mechanical ventilation in intensive care units and those with underlying comorbidities such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For over 20 years, studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the major siderophore pyoverdine is an important virulence factor for P. aeruginosa in invertebrate and mammalian hosts in vivo. Despite its physiological significance, an in vitro, mammalian cell culture model that can be used to characterize the impact and molecular mechanisms of pyoverdine-mediated virulence has only been developed very recently. In this study, we adapt a previously-established, murine macrophage-based model to use human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. We demonstrate that conditioned medium from P. aeruginosa induced rapid 16HBE cell death through the pyoverdine-dependent secretion of cytotoxic rhamnolipids. Genetic or chemical disruption of pyoverdine biosynthesis decreased rhamnolipid production and mitigated cell death. Consistent with these observations, chemical depletion of lipids or genetic disruption of rhamnolipid biosynthesis abrogated the toxicity of the conditioned medium. Furthermore, we also examine the effects of exposure to purified pyoverdine on 16HBE cells. While pyoverdine accumulated within cells, it was largely sequestered within early endosomes, resulting in minimal cytotoxicity. More membrane-permeable iron chelators, such as the siderophore pyochelin, decreased epithelial cell viability and upregulated several pro-inflammatory genes. However, pyoverdine potentiated these iron chelators in activating pro-inflammatory pathways. Altogether, these findings suggest that the siderophores pyoverdine and pyochelin play distinct roles in virulence during acute P. aeruginosa lung infection. IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile bacterium that frequently causes lung infections. This pathogen is life-threatening to mechanically-ventilated patients in intensive care units and is a debilitating burden for individuals with cystic fibrosis. However, the role of P. aeruginosa virulence factors and their regulation during infection are not fully understood. Previous murine lung infection studies have demonstrated that the production of siderophores (e.g., pyoverdine and pyochelin) is necessary for full P. aeruginosa virulence. In this report, we provide further mechanistic insight into this phenomenon. We characterize distinct and novel ways these siderophores contribute to virulence using an in vitro human lung epithelial cell culture model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghoon Kang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Chen YT, Lohia GK, Chen S, Riquelme SA. Immunometabolic Regulation of Bacterial Infection, Biofilms, and Antibiotic Susceptibility. J Innate Immun 2024; 16:143-158. [PMID: 38310854 PMCID: PMC10914382 DOI: 10.1159/000536649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upon infection, mucosal tissues activate a brisk inflammatory response to clear the pathogen, i.e., resistance to disease. Resistance to disease is orchestrated by tissue-resident macrophages, which undergo profound metabolic reprogramming after sensing the pathogen. These metabolically activated macrophages release many inflammatory factors, which promote their bactericidal function. However, in immunocompetent individuals, pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella evade this type of immunity, generating communities that thrive for the long term. SUMMARY These organisms develop features that render them less susceptible to eradication, such as biofilms and increased tolerance to antibiotics. Furthermore, after antibiotic therapy withdrawal, "persister" cells rapidly upsurge, triggering inflammatory relapses that worsen host health. How these pathogens persisted in inflamed tissues replete with activated macrophages remains poorly understood. KEY MESSAGES In this review, we discuss recent findings indicating that the ability of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Salmonella to evolve biofilms and antibiotic tolerance is promoted by the similar metabolic routes that regulate macrophage metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Tsun Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gaurav Kumar Lohia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Samantha Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sebastián A Riquelme
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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13
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Espaillat A, Colque CA, Rago D, La Rosa R, Molin S, Johansen HK. Adaptive Evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Human Airways Shows Phenotypic Convergence Despite Diverse Patterns of Genomic Changes. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae022. [PMID: 38366124 PMCID: PMC10883414 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae022] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Selective forces in the environment drive bacterial adaptation to novel niches, choosing the fitter variants in the population. However, in dynamic and changing environments, the evolutionary processes controlling bacterial adaptation are difficult to monitor. Here, we follow 9 people with cystic fibrosis chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as a proxy for bacterial adaptation. We identify and describe the bacterial changes and evolution occurring between 15 and 35 yr of within-host evolution. We combine whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and metabolomics and compare the evolutionary trajectories directed by the adaptation of 4 different P. aeruginosa lineages to the lung. Our data suggest divergent evolution at the genomic level for most of the genes, with signs of convergent evolution with respect to the acquisition of mutations in regulatory genes, which drive the transcriptional and metabolomic program at late time of evolution. Metabolomics further confirmed convergent adaptive phenotypic evolution as documented by the reduction of the quorum-sensing molecules acyl-homoserine lactone, phenazines, and rhamnolipids (except for quinolones). The modulation of the quorum-sensing repertoire suggests that similar selective forces characterize at late times of evolution independent of the patient. Collectively, our data suggest that similar environments and similar P. aeruginosa populations in the patients at prolonged time of infection are associated with an overall reduction of virulence-associated features and phenotypic convergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Espaillat
- Department of Clinical Microbiology 9301, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | | | - Daniela Rago
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Ruggero La Rosa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology 9301, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Søren Molin
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Helle Krogh Johansen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology 9301, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
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14
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Mongkolpathumrat P, Pikwong F, Phutiyothin C, Srisopar O, Chouyratchakarn W, Unnajak S, Nernpermpisooth N, Kumphune S. The secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in pathophysiology of non-communicable diseases: Evidence from experimental studies to clinical applications. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24550. [PMID: 38312697 PMCID: PMC10835312 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24550] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a worldwide health issue because of their prevalence, negative impacts on human welfare, and economic costs. Protease enzymes play important roles in viral and NCD diseases. Slowing disease progression by inhibiting proteases using small-molecule inhibitors or endogenous inhibitory peptides appears to be crucial. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), an inflammatory serine protease inhibitor, maintains protease/antiprotease balance. SLPI is produced by host defense effector cells during inflammation to prevent proteolytic enzyme-induced tissue damage. The etiology of noncommunicable illnesses is linked to SLPI's immunomodulatory and tissue regeneration roles. Disease phases are associated with SLPI levels and activity changes in regional tissue and circulation. SLPI has been extensively evaluated in inflammation, but rarely in NCDs. Unfortunately, the thorough evaluation of SLPI's pathophysiological functions in NCDs in multiple research models has not been published elsewhere. In this review, data from PubMed from 2014 to 2023 was collected, analysed, and categorized into in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. According to the review, serine protease inhibitor (SLPI) activity control is linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other illnesses. Overexpression of the SLPI gene and protein may be a viable diagnostic and therapeutic target for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). SLPI is also cytoprotective, making it a unique treatment. These findings suggest that future research should focus on these pathways using advanced methods, reliable biomarkers, and therapy approaches to assess susceptibility and illness progression. Implications from this review will help pave the way for a new therapeutic target and diagnosis marker for non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Podsawee Mongkolpathumrat
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Technology Program, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine (CICM), Thammasat University (Rangsit Center), Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Faprathan Pikwong
- Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Chayanisa Phutiyothin
- Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Onnicha Srisopar
- Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Wannapat Chouyratchakarn
- Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Sasimanas Unnajak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand
| | - Nitirut Nernpermpisooth
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000 Thailand
| | - Sarawut Kumphune
- Biomedical Engineering and Innovation Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
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15
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Soukarieh F, Mashabi A, Richardson W, Oton EV, Romero M, Dubern JF, Robertson SN, Lucanto S, Markham-Lee Z, Sou T, Kukavica-Ibrulj I, Levesque RC, Bergstrom CAS, Halliday N, Kellam B, Emsley J, Heeb S, Williams P, Stocks MJ, Cámara M. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of New 1 H-Benzo[ d]imidazole Based PqsR Inhibitors as Adjuvant Therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1008-1023. [PMID: 38170170 PMCID: PMC10823468 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00973] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the top priority pathogens that requires immediate attention according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Due to the alarming shortage of novel antimicrobials, targeting quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial cell to cell signaling system controlling virulence, has emerged as a promising approach as an antibiotic adjuvant therapy. Interference with the pqs system, one of three QS systems in P. aeruginosa, results in reduction of bacterial virulence gene expression and biofilm maturation. Herein, we report a hit to lead process to fine-tune the potency of our previously reported inhibitor 1 (IC50 3.2 μM in P. aeruginosa PAO1-L), which led to the discovery of 2-(4-(3-((6-chloro-1-isopropyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)amino)-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl)acetonitrile (6f) as a potent PqsR antagonist. Compound 6f inhibited the PqsR-controlled PpqsA-lux transcriptional reporter fusion in P. aeruginosa at low submicromolar concentrations. Moreover, 6f showed improved efficacy against P. aeruginosa CF isolates with significant inhibition of pyocyanin, 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Soukarieh
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Alaa Mashabi
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - William Richardson
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Eduard Vico Oton
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Manuel Romero
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Jean-Frédéric Dubern
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Shaun N. Robertson
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Simone Lucanto
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Zoe Markham-Lee
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Tomás Sou
- Department
of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 23, Sweden
| | - Irena Kukavica-Ibrulj
- Institut
de Biologie Intégrative et des SystèmesUniversité Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Roger C. Levesque
- Institut
de Biologie Intégrative et des SystèmesUniversité Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Nigel Halliday
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Barrie Kellam
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Jonas Emsley
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Stephan Heeb
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Paul Williams
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Michael J. Stocks
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Miguel Cámara
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- The
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery
Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
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16
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He S, Deber CM. Interaction of designed cationic antimicrobial peptides with the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1894. [PMID: 38253659 PMCID: PMC10803810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51716-1] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) is a hallmark feature of gram-negative bacteria that provides the species with heightened resistance against antibiotic threats while cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) are natural antibiotics broadly recognized for their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes. It has been well-established that lipopolysaccharides present on the OM are among major targets of CAP activity against gram-negative species. Here we investigate how the relative distribution of charged residues along the primary peptide sequence, in conjunction with its overall hydrophobicity, affects such peptide-OM interactions in the natural CAP Ponericin W1. Using a designed peptide library derived from Ponericin W1, we determined that the consecutive placement of Lys residues at the peptide N- or C-terminus (ex. "PonN": KKKKKKWLGSALIGALLPSVVGLFQ) enhances peptide binding affinity to OM lipopolysaccharides compared to constructs where Lys residues are interspersed throughout the primary sequence (ex. "PonAmp": WLKKALKIGAKLLPSVVKLFKGSGQ). Antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was similarly found to be highest among Lys-clustered sequences. Our findings suggest that while native Ponericin W1 exerts its initial activity at the OM, Lys-clustering may be a promising means to enhance potency towards this interface, thereby augmenting peptide entry and activity at the IM, with apparent advantage against multidrug-resistant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley He
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Charles M Deber
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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17
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Popescu MC, Haddock NL, Burgener EB, Rojas-Hernandez LS, Kaber G, Hargil A, Bollyky PL, Milla CE. The Inovirus Pf4 Triggers Antiviral Responses and Disrupts the Proliferation of Airway Basal Epithelial Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:165. [PMID: 38275975 PMCID: PMC10818373 DOI: 10.3390/v16010165] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inovirus Pf4 is a lysogenic bacteriophage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). People with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF) experience chronic airway infection with Pa and a significant proportion have high numbers of Pf4 in their airway secretions. Given the known severe damage in the airways of Pa-infected pwCF, we hypothesized a high Pf4 burden can affect airway healing and inflammatory responses. In the airway, basal epithelial cells (BCs) are a multipotent stem cell population critical to epithelium homeostasis and repair. We sought to investigate the transcriptional responses of BCs under conditions that emulate infection with Pa and exposure to high Pf4 burden. METHODS Primary BCs isolated from pwCF and wild-type (WT) donors were cultured in vitro and exposed to Pf4 or bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by transcriptomic and functional assays. RESULTS We found that BCs internalized Pf4 and this elicits a strong antiviral response as well as neutrophil chemokine production. Further, we found that BCs that take up Pf4 demonstrate defective migration and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are highly suggestive of Pf4 playing a role in the pathogenicity of Pa in the airways. These findings provide additional evidence for the ability of inoviruses to interact with mammalian cells and disrupt cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medeea C. Popescu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (P.L.B.)
- Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Naomi L. Haddock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (P.L.B.)
- Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elizabeth B. Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Laura S. Rojas-Hernandez
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gernot Kaber
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (P.L.B.)
| | - Aviv Hargil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (P.L.B.)
| | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA (P.L.B.)
| | - Carlos E. Milla
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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18
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Gutiérrez-Santana JC, Coria-Jiménez VR. Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies Based on Nucleic Acid Aptamers Selected against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: The Challenge of Cystic Fibrosis. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300544. [PMID: 38016927 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly spreading global health problem, and approximately five million deaths associated with AMR pathogens were identified prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has developed increasing AMR, and in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) colonized by this bacterium, rare phenotypes have emerged that complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the hosts, in addition to multiple associated "epidemic strains" with high morbidities and mortalities. The conjugation of aptamers with fluorochromes or nanostructures has allowed the design of new identification strategies for Pseudomonas aeruginosa with detection limits of up to 1 cell ⋅ mL-1 , and the synergy of aptamers with antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides and nanostructures has exhibited promising therapeutic qualities. Some selected aptamers against this bacterium have shown intrinsic antimicrobial activity. However, these aptamers have been poorly evaluated in clinical isolates and have shown decreased interactions for CF isolates, demonstrating, in these cases, uncommon phenotypes resulting from the selective qualities of this disease as well as the great adaptive capacity of the pathogen. Therefore, finding an aptamer or set of aptamers that have the ability to recognize strange phenotypes of this bacillus is crucial in the battle against AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Gutiérrez-Santana
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes sur 3700-C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco Coyoacán, 04530, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Victor Rafael Coria-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes sur 3700-C, Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco Coyoacán, 04530, Ciudad de México, México
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19
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Burch-Konda J, Kayastha BB, Kubo A, Achour M, Hull M, Braga R, Winton L, Rogers RR, McCoy J, Lutter EI, Patrauchan MA. EF-Hand Calcium Sensor, EfhP, Controls Transcriptional Regulation of Iron Uptake by Calcium in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.09.574892. [PMID: 38260268 PMCID: PMC10802428 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.574892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a major risk for a range of severe infections, particularly lung infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). As previously reported, the virulent behavior of this pathogen is enhanced by elevated levels of Ca 2+ that are commonly present in CF nasal and lung fluids. In addition, a Ca 2+ -binding EF-hand protein, EfhP (PA4107), was partially characterized and shown to be critical for the Ca 2+ -regulated virulence in P. aeruginosa . Here we describe the rapid (10 min, 60 min), and adaptive (12 h) transcriptional responses of PAO1 to elevated Ca 2+ detected by genome-wide RNA sequencing and show that efhP deletion significantly hindered both rapid and adaptive Ca 2+ regulation. The most differentially regulated genes included multiple Fe sequestering mechanisms, a large number of extracytoplasmic function sigma factors (ECFσ) and several virulence factors, such as production of pyocins. The Ca 2+ regulation of Fe uptake was also observed in CF clinical isolates and appeared to involve the global regulator Fur. In addition, we showed that the efhP transcription is controlled by Ca 2+ and Fe, and this regulation required Ca 2+ -dependent two-component regulatory system CarSR. Furthermore, the efhP expression is significantly increased in CF clinical isolates and upon pathogen internalization into epithelial cells. Overall, the results established for the first time that Ca 2+ controls Fe sequestering mechanisms in P. aeruginosa and that EfhP plays a key role in the regulatory interconnectedness between Ca 2+ and Fe signaling pathways, the two distinct and important signaling pathways that guide the pathogen's adaptation to host. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( Pa ) poses a major risk for severe infections, particularly in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). For the first time, kinetic RNA sequencing analysis identified Pa rapid and adaptive transcriptional responses to Ca 2+ levels consistent with those present in CF respiratory fluids. The most highly upregulated processes include iron sequestering, iron starvation sigma factors, and self-lysis factors pyocins. An EF-hand Ca 2+ sensor, EfhP, is required for at least 1/3 of the Ca 2+ response, including all the iron uptake mechanisms and production of pyocins. Transcription of efhP itself is regulated by Ca 2+ , Fe, and increases during interactions with host epithelial cells, suggesting the protein's important role in Pa infections. The findings establish the regulatory interconnectedness between Ca 2+ and iron signaling pathways that shape Pa transcriptional responses. Therefore, understanding Pa's transcriptional response to Ca 2+ and associated regulatory mechanisms will serve the development of future therapeutics targeting Pa dangerous infections.
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20
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Bottery MJ, Johansen HK, Pitchford JW, Friman VP. Co-occurring microflora and mucin drive Pseudomonas aeruginosa diversification and pathoadaptation. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae043. [PMID: 38707844 PMCID: PMC11067959 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
While several environmental factors contribute to the evolutionary diversification of the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa during cystic fibrosis lung infections, relatively little is known about the impact of the surrounding microbiota. By using in vitro experimental evolution, we show that the presence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Staphylococcus aureus, or them both, prevent the evolution of loss of virulence, which repeatedly occurs in the absence of these species due to mutations in regulators of the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal quorum sensing system, vqsM and pqsR. Moreover, the strength of the effect of co-occurring species is attenuated through changes in the physical environment by the addition of mucin, resulting in selection for phenotypes resembling those evolved in the absence of the co-occurring species. Together, our findings show that variation in mucosal environment and the surrounding polymicrobial environment can determine the evolutionary trajectory of P. aeruginosa, partly explaining its diversification and pathoadaptation from acute to chronic phenotype during cystic fibrosis lung infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bottery
- Division of Evolution Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Helle Krogh Johansen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen 9301, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Jon W Pitchford
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Ville-Petri Friman
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
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21
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Mei M, Pheng P, Kurzeja-Edwards D, Diggle SP. High prevalence of lipopolysaccharide mutants and R2-pyocin susceptible variants in Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations sourced from cystic fibrosis lung infections. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0177323. [PMID: 37877708 PMCID: PMC10714928 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01773-23] [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] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients often experience chronic, debilitating lung infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The genetic and phenotypic diversity of P. aeruginosa populations in CF lungs raises questions about their susceptibility to non-traditional antimicrobials, like bacteriocins. In this study, we focused on R-pyocins, a type of bacteriocin with high potency and a narrow killing spectrum. Our findings indicate that a large number of infectious CF variants are susceptible to R2-pyocins, even within diverse bacterial populations, supporting their potential use as therapeutic agents. The absence of a clear correlation between lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phenotypes and R-pyocin susceptibility suggests that LPS packing density may play a significant role in R-pyocin susceptibility among CF variants. Understanding the relationship between LPS phenotypes and R-pyocin susceptibility is crucial for developing effective treatments for these chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Mei
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory+Children’s Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airway Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Preston Pheng
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Detriana Kurzeja-Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen P. Diggle
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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22
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Simanek KA, Schumacher ML, Mallery CP, Shen S, Li L, Paczkowski JE. Quorum-sensing synthase mutations re-calibrate autoinducer concentrations in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to enhance pathogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7986. [PMID: 38042853 PMCID: PMC10693556 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43702-4] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial communication that controls virulence gene expression. Pseudomonas aeruginosa regulates virulence via two synthase/transcription factor receptor pairs: LasI/R and RhlI/R. LasR is considered the master transcriptional regulator of quorum sensing, as it upregulates rhlI/R. However, clinical isolates often have inactivating mutations in lasR, while maintaining Rhl-dependent signaling. We sought to understand how quorum sensing progresses in isolates with lasR mutations, specifically via activation of RhlR. We find that clinical isolates with lasR inactivating mutations often harbor concurrent mutations in rhlI. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, we discover that strains lacking lasR overproduce the RhlI-synthesized autoinducer and that RhlI variants re-calibrate autoinducer concentrations to wild-type levels, restoring virulent phenotypes. These findings provide a mechanism for the plasticity of quorum sensing progression in an acute infection niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla A Simanek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, 12201, USA
| | - Megan L Schumacher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, 12201, USA
| | - Caleb P Mallery
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, 12201, USA
| | - Stella Shen
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208, USA
| | - Lingyun Li
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208, USA
| | - Jon E Paczkowski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, 12201, USA.
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208, USA.
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23
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Khani Nozari F, Modaresi M, Allahverdi B, Shirzadi R, Fattahi M. Association between sputum culture results and pulmonary changes in children with cystic fibrosis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 15:759-764. [PMID: 38156305 PMCID: PMC10751615 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v15i6.14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Despite the significant improvement in the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), it is still regarded as the most common life-shortening genetic disease in Caucasian populations. This disease is the most important cause of chronic lung disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in infancy and childhood. The aim of our study was to assess the potential association between bacterial colonization detected by sputum cultures and pulmonary structural and functional changes in Iranian children with CF. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 76 CF children ≥6 years old registered in the CF Foundation of Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran, Iran, who underwent high resolution CT scan (HRCT), pulmonary function test, and sputum cultures within a month of each other during the study period were included. For each patient, demographic characteristics (age and sex), results of sputum cultures, forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), and chest HRCT findings based on the Bhalla scoring system were recorded in a check list. Results Sixty seven percent of the patients had positive sputum cultures, with the most commonly isolated microorganism being Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mucoid strain). Based on categorization of Bhalla scores, none of the patients had severe pulmonary involvement. FEV1 was mainly >70%. There was a statistically significant correlation between colonization with mucoid P. aeruginosa and lower Bhalla scores in children aged 14-16 years (P=0.001). Colonization with mucoid P. aeruginosa was also significantly associated with patient's age (P=0.020) and FEV-1 (P=0.001). Conclusion Severity of lung involvement in CF children is clearly dependent to mucoid P. aeruginosa colonization in airways and this notorious bacterium is the most prevalent one in Iranian CF children. Prompt identification and eradication by proper nebulized and systemic antibiotics can have valueless effects on patients' quality of life and prevent lifelong destructive complications such as bronchiectasis. Timely lung CT scan wisely advised by expert CF treatment team can meticulously detect injuries and it seems to act more efficacious than -still helpful-clinical scores and pulmonary function tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khani Nozari
- Pediatric Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Modaresi
- Pediatric Respiratory Disease and Sleep Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahar Allahverdi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Children’s Medical Center, The Pediatric Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roohollah Shirzadi
- Pediatric Respiratory Disease and Sleep Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Fattahi
- Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Children’s Medical Center, Pediatric Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Moazami Goudarzi S, Shahpouri Arani Y, Abdi Ali A, Mohammadi P, Ghorbanmehr N, Modaresi M, Ghorban Movahed M, Ghazanfari T. Comparison of culture and PCR-DGGE methods to evaluate the airways of cystic fibrosis patients and determination of their antibiotic resistance profile. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 15:750-758. [PMID: 38156302 PMCID: PMC10751606 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v15i6.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Respiratory infections are the most serious condition in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients; therefore, a thorough comprehension of the diversity and dominant microbial species in CF airways has a crucial role in treatment. Our objective was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of CF airways microbiota and compare culture methods and PCR-DGGE to evaluate bacterial diversity. Materials and Methods Pharyngeal swabs from 121 CF patients were collected. The samples were then cultured, identified and antibiotic resistance testing was performed. Thirty samples were subjected to further molecular surveys. DNA contents of these samples were extracted and amplified using nested-PCR technique and their bacterial diversity was assessed by DGGE. The DGGE patterns were visualized and certain bands were excised and purified. Next, the DNA was amplified by another round of PCR and sent out for sequencing. Results Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most prevalent species isolated using culture methods. S. aureus was the most common bacteria among 6 years and younger patients; while, P. aeruginosa had more prevalence among older ones. The PCR-DGGE results showed more diversity than culture methods, particularly in younger patients who exhibited more bacterial diversity than the older groups. Sequencing results unveiled the presence of certain bacterial species including Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia which were completely missed in culture. Conclusion Even though culture-dependent methods are cost-effective, PCR-DGGE appeared to be more efficient to determine bacterial diversity. PCR-DGGE detects less abundant species, though their viability could not be determined using this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Moazami Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Iran CF Foundation (ICFF), Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasamin Shahpouri Arani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahya Abdi Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Mohammadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nassim Ghorbanmehr
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Modaresi
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Iran CF Foundation (ICFF), Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Pulmonary Disease and Sleep Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Ghorban Movahed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tooba Ghazanfari
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Skłodowski K, Suprewicz Ł, Chmielewska-Deptuła SJ, Kaliniak S, Okła S, Zakrzewska M, Minarowski Ł, Mróz R, Daniluk T, Savage PB, Fiedoruk K, Bucki R. Ceragenins exhibit bactericidal properties that are independent of the ionic strength in the environment mimicking cystic fibrosis sputum. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1290952. [PMID: 38045035 PMCID: PMC10693459 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1290952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the work was to investigate the impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the antimicrobial efficacy of ceragenins (CSAs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against bacterial and fungal pathogens associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections. CF-associated bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ochrobactrum spp., and Staphylococcus aureus), and fungal pathogens (Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis) were used as target organisms for ceragenins (CSA-13 and CSA-131) and AMPs (LL-37 and omiganan). Susceptibility to the tested compounds was assessed using minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), as well as by colony counting assays in CF sputum samples supplemented with various concentrations of NaCl. Our results demonstrated that ceragenins exhibit potent antimicrobial activity in CF sputum regardless of the NaCl concentration when compared to LL-37 and omiganan. Given the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of ceragenins in the microenvironments mimicking the airways of CF patients, ceragenins might be promising agents in managing CF disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Skłodowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Łukasz Suprewicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | | | | | - Sławomir Okła
- Holy Cross Cancer Center, Kielce, Poland
- Institute of Health Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zakrzewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Łukasz Minarowski
- 2nd Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert Mróz
- 2nd Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Paul B. Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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26
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Bayat M, Nahand JS, Farsad-Akhatr N, Memar MY. Bile effects on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis in cystic fibrosis patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22111. [PMID: 38034726 PMCID: PMC10685303 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22111] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs in most cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and is the primary source of bile aspiration in the airway tract of CF individuals. Aspirated bile is associated with the severity of lung diseases and chronic inflammation caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most common pathogen of CF respiratory tract infections. P. aeruginosa is equipped with several mechanisms to facilitate the infection process, including but not limited to the expression of virulence factors, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance, all of which are under the strong regulation of quorum sensing (QS) mechanism. By increasing the expression of lasI, rhlI, and pqsA-E, bile exposure directly impacts the QS network. An increase in psl expression and pyocyanin production can promote biofilm formation. Along with the loss of flagella and reduced swarming motility, GER-derived bile can repress the expression of genes involved in creating an acute infection, such as expression of Type Three Secretion (T3SS), hydrogen cyanide (hcnABC), amidase (amiR), and phenazine (phzA-E). Inversely, to cause persistent infection, bile exposure can increase the Type Six Secretion System (T6SS) and efflux pump expression, which can trigger resistance to antibiotics such as colistin, polymyxin B, and erythromycin. This review will discuss the influence of aspirated bile on the pathogenesis, resistance, and persistence of P. aeruginosa in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobina Bayat
- Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javid Sadri Nahand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nader Farsad-Akhatr
- Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yousef Memar
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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27
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Ali ASBE, Ozler B, Baddal B. Characterization of Virulence Genes Associated with Type III Secretion System and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:389. [PMID: 37880467 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03498-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen with an increasing multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. Its virulence determinants include many factors such as antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and type III secretion system (T3SS) which correlate with disease severity. There are no reports regarding the virulence features of P. aeruginosa in Cyprus. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and distribution of selected virulence-encoding genes and evaluate the biofilm formation potential as well as antibiotic resistance rates of isolates in the region. One hundred clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from clinical specimens and were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the VITEK-2 system and biofilm quantification was performed by the microtiter plate assay with crystal violet staining. The presence of algD, exoU, exoT, and exoS was evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among all isolates, 35% were strong biofilm former, 28% were moderate biofilm former, 19% were weak biofilm former, and 18% were non-biofilm former. The rates of MDR and extensive drug resistance (XDR) were 26% and 1%. PCR analysis indicated that 93% of the isolates were algD positive. T3SS genes exoT, exoS, and exoU were detected in 91%, 63%, and 32% of the isolates, respectively. There was a high frequency of exoT + /exoS + genotype (61%), whereas exoT + /exoU + (32%) and exoS + /exoU + (2%) genotypes were relatively uncommon. This study reports the first dataset on the molecular profile of P. aeruginosa in Cyprus. Our results demonstrated that most strains have the biofilm-forming capacity with an algD-positive genotype and the majority carry exoT and exoS with a high frequency of exoT + /exoS + genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afnan S B E Ali
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Batur Ozler
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Buket Baddal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Microbial Pathogenesis Research Group, DESAM Research Institute, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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28
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Walker AC, Bhargava R, Bucher M, Brust AS, Czy DM. Identification of proteotoxic and proteoprotective bacteria that non-specifically affect proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.24.563685. [PMID: 37961318 PMCID: PMC10634778 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative protein conformational diseases (PCDs), such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and have no known cures or effective treatments. Emerging evidence suggests a role for the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative PCDs; however, the influence of specific bacteria on the culprit proteins associated with each of these diseases remains elusive, primarily due to the complexity of the microbiota. In the present study, we employed a single-strain screening approach to identify human bacterial isolates that enhance or suppress the aggregation of culprit proteins and the associated toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans expressing Aβ1-42, α-synuclein, and polyglutamine tracts. Here, we reveal the first comprehensive analysis of the human microbiome for its effect on proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Our results suggest that bacteria affect the aggregation of metastable proteins by modulating host proteostasis rather than selectively targeting specific disease-associated proteins. These results reveal bacteria that potentially influence the pathogenesis of PCDs and open new promising prevention and treatment opportunities by altering the abundance of beneficial and detrimental microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Rohan Bhargava
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Michael Bucher
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Amanda S Brust
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Daniel M Czy
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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29
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Carbone A, Vitullo P, Di Gioia S, Conese M. Lung Inflammatory Genes in Cystic Fibrosis and Their Relevance to Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulator Therapies. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1966. [PMID: 37895314 PMCID: PMC10606852 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic syndrome determined by over 2000 mutations in the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene harbored on chromosome 7. In people with CF (PWCF), lung disease is the major determinant of morbidity and mortality and is characterized by a clinical phenotype which differs in the presence of equal mutational assets, indicating that genetic and environmental modifiers play an important role in this variability. Airway inflammation determines the pathophysiology of CF lung disease (CFLD) both at its onset and progression. In this narrative review, we aim to depict the inflammatory process in CF lung, with a particular emphasis on those genetic polymorphisms that could modify the clinical outcome of the respiratory disease in PWCF. The natural history of CF has been changed since the introduction of CFTR modulator therapies in the clinical arena. However, also in this case, there is a patient-to-patient variable response. We provide an overview on inflammatory/immunity gene variants that affect CFLD severity and an appraisal of the effects of CFTR modulator therapies on the inflammatory process in lung disease and how this knowledge may advance the optimization of the management of PWCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalucia Carbone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.C.); (S.D.G.)
| | - Pamela Vitullo
- Cystic Fibrosis Support Center, Ospedale “G. Tatarella”, 71042 Cerignola, Italy;
| | - Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.C.); (S.D.G.)
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.C.); (S.D.G.)
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30
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Kang D, Xu Q, Kirienko NV. In vitro Lung Epithelial Cell Model Reveals Novel Roles for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Siderophores. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525796. [PMID: 36747656 PMCID: PMC9901015 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common nosocomial respiratory pathogen that continues to threaten the lives of patients with mechanical ventilation in intensive care units and those with underlying comorbidities such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For over 20 years, studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the major siderophore pyoverdine is an important virulence factor for P. aeruginosa in invertebrate and mammalian hosts in vivo. Despite its physiological significance, an in vitro, mammalian cell culture model to characterize the impact and molecular mechanism of pyoverdine-mediated virulence has only been developed very recently. In this study, we adapt a previously-established, murine macrophage-based model for human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE). We demonstrate that conditioned medium from P. aeruginosa induced rapid 16HBE cell death through the pyoverdine-dependent secretion of cytotoxic rhamnolipids. Genetic or chemical disruption of pyoverdine biosynthesis decreased rhamnolipid production and mitigated cell death. Consistent with these observations, chemical depletion of lipid factors or genetic disruption of rhamnolipid biosynthesis was sufficient to abrogate conditioned medium toxicity. Furthermore, we also examine the effects of purified pyoverdine exposure on 16HBE cells. While pyoverdine accumulated within cells, the siderophore was largely sequestered within early endosomes, showing minimal cytotoxicity. More membrane-permeable iron chelators, such as the siderophore pyochelin, decreased epithelial cell viability and upregulated several proinflammatory genes. However, pyoverdine potentiated these iron chelators in activating proinflammatory pathways. Altogether, these findings suggest that the siderophores pyoverdine and pyochelin play distinct roles in virulence during acute P. aeruginosa lung infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghoon Kang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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31
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Xu Q, Kang D, Meyer MD, Pennington CL, Gopal C, Schertzer JW, Kirienko NV. Cytotoxic rhamnolipid micelles drive acute virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.13.562257. [PMID: 37873290 PMCID: PMC10592815 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.13.562257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that has developed multi- or even pan-drug resistance towards most frontline and last resort antibiotics, leading to increasing infections and deaths among hospitalized patients, especially those with compromised immune systems. Further complicating treatment, P. aeruginosa produces numerous virulence factors that contribute to host tissue damage and immune evasion, promoting bacterial colonization and pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of rhamnolipid production in host-pathogen interactions. Secreted rhamnolipids form micelles that exhibited highly acute toxicity towards murine macrophages, rupturing the plasma membrane and causing organellar membrane damage within minutes of exposure. While rhamnolipid micelles (RMs) were particularly toxic to macrophages, they also caused membrane damage in human lung epithelial cells, red blood cells, Gram-positive bacteria, and even non-cellular models like giant plasma membrane vesicles. Most importantly, rhamnolipid production strongly correlated to P. aeruginosa virulence against murine macrophages in various panels of clinical isolates. Altogether, our findings suggest that rhamnolipid micelles are highly cytotoxic virulence factors that drive acute cellular damage and immune evasion during P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Donghoon Kang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew D. Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Citrupa Gopal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Schertzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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Tomlinson KL, Chen YT, Junker A, Urso A, Wong Fok Lung T, Ahn D, Hofstaedter CE, Baskota SU, Ernst RK, Prince A, Riquelme SA. Ketogenesis promotes tolerance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1767-1781.e6. [PMID: 37793346 PMCID: PMC10558090 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of pulmonary infection. As a Gram-negative pathogen, it can initiate a brisk and highly destructive inflammatory response; however, most hosts become tolerant to the bacterial burden, developing chronic infection. Using a murine model of pneumonia, we demonstrate that this shift from inflammation to disease tolerance is promoted by ketogenesis. In response to pulmonary infection, ketone bodies are generated in the liver and circulate to the lungs where they impose selection for P. aeruginosa strains unable to display surface lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Such keto-adapted LPS strains fail to activate glycolysis and tissue-damaging cytokines and, instead, facilitate mitochondrial catabolism of fats and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which maintains airway homeostasis. Within the lung, P. aeruginosa exploits the host immunometabolite itaconate to further stimulate ketogenesis. This environment enables host-P. aeruginosa coexistence, supporting both pathoadaptive changes in the bacteria and the maintenance of respiratory integrity via OXPHOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira L Tomlinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ying-Tsun Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alex Junker
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - AndreaCarola Urso
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Danielle Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Casey E Hofstaedter
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Swikrity U Baskota
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robert K Ernst
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Alice Prince
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Mei M, Pheng P, Kurzeja-Edwards D, Diggle SP. High prevalence of lipopolysaccharide mutants and R2-Pyocin susceptible variants in Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations sourced from cystic fibrosis lung infections. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.26.538445. [PMID: 37163048 PMCID: PMC10168318 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.26.538445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Chronic, highly antibiotic-resistant infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) lungs contribute to increasing morbidity and mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common CF pathogen, exhibits resistance to multiple antibiotics, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These bacterial populations display genetic and phenotypic diversity, but it is unclear how this diversity affects susceptibility to bacteriocins. R-pyocins, i.e. bacteriocins produced by P. aeruginosa, are phage tail-like antimicrobials. R-pyocins have potential as antimicrobials, however recent research suggests the diversity of P. aeruginosa variants within CF lung infections leads to varying susceptibility to R-pyocins. This variation may be linked to changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS), acting as the R-pyocin receptor. Currently, it is unknown how frequently R-pyocin-susceptible strains are in chronic CF lung infection, particularly when considering the heterogeneity within these strains. In this study, we tested R2-pyocin susceptibility of 139 P. aeruginosa variants from 17 sputum samples of seven CF patients and analyzed LPS phenotypes. We found that 83% of sputum samples did not have R2-pyocin-resistant variants, while nearly all samples contained susceptible variants. there was no correlation between LPS phenotype and R2-pyocin susceptibility, though we estimate that about 76% of sputum-derived variants lack an O-specific antigen, 40% lack a common antigen, and 24% have altered LPS cores. The absence of a correlation between LPS phenotype and R-pyocin susceptibility suggests LPS packing density may play a significant role in R-pyocin susceptibility among CF variants. Our research supports the potential of R-pyocins as therapeutic agents, as many infectious CF variants are susceptible to R2-pyocins, even within diverse bacterial populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Mei
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory+Children’s Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airway Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Preston Pheng
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Detriana Kurzeja-Edwards
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen P. Diggle
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Sathe N, Beech P, Croft L, Suphioglu C, Kapat A, Athan E. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Infections and novel approaches to treatment "Knowing the enemy" the threat of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and exploring novel approaches to treatment. INFECTIOUS MEDICINE 2023; 2:178-194. [PMID: 38073886 PMCID: PMC10699684 DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an aerobic Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium with a comparatively large genome and an impressive genetic capability allowing it to grow in a variety of environments and tolerate a wide range of physical conditions. This biological flexibility enables the P. aeruginosa to cause a broad range of infections in patients with serious underlying medical conditions, and to be a principal cause of health care associated infection worldwide. The clinical manifestations of P. aeruginosa include mostly health care associated infections and community-acquired infections. P. aeruginosa possesses an array of virulence factors that counteract host defence mechanisms. It can directly damage host tissue while utilizing high levels of intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance mechanisms to counter most classes of antibiotics. P. aeruginosa co-regulates multiple resistance mechanisms by perpetually moving targets poses a significant therapeutic challenge. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel approaches in the development of anti-Pseudomonas agents. Here we review the principal infections caused by P. aeruginosa and we discuss novel therapeutic options to tackle antibiotic resistance and treatment of P. aeruginosa infections that may be further developed for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sathe
- Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Thane Belapur Road, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400701, India
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Peter Beech
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Larry Croft
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Arnab Kapat
- Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Thane Belapur Road, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400701, India
| | - Eugene Athan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, PO Box 281 Geelong 3220, Australia
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Graña-Miraglia L, Morales-Lizcano N, Wang PW, Hwang DM, Yau YCW, Waters VJ, Guttman DS. Predictive modeling of antibiotic eradication therapy success for new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infections in children with cystic fibrosis. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011424. [PMID: 37672526 PMCID: PMC10506723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011424] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) lung infections are the leading cause of mortality among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients; therefore, the eradication of new-onset Pa lung infections is an important therapeutic goal that can have long-term health benefits. The use of early antibiotic eradication therapy (AET) has been shown to clear the majority of new-onset Pa infections, and it is hoped that identifying the underlying basis for AET failure will further improve treatment outcomes. Here we generated machine learning models to predict AET outcomes based on pathogen genomic data. We used a nested cross validation design, population structure control, and recursive feature selection to improve model performance and showed that incorporating population structure control was crucial for improving model interpretation and generalizability. Our best model, controlling for population structure and using only 30 recursively selected features, had an area under the curve of 0.87 for a holdout test dataset. The top-ranked features were generally associated with motility, adhesion, and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Graña-Miraglia
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadia Morales-Lizcano
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pauline W. Wang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David M. Hwang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yvonne C. W. Yau
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie J. Waters
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David S. Guttman
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rodgers AM, Lindsay J, Monahan A, Dubois AV, Faniyi AA, Plant BJ, Mall MA, Ekkelenkamp MB, Elborn S, Ingram RJ. Biologically Relevant Murine Models of Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Respiratory Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:1053. [PMID: 37624013 PMCID: PMC10458525 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081053] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic pathogen and the leading cause of infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The ability of P. aeruginosa to evade host responses and develop into chronic infection causes significant morbidity and mortality. Several mouse models have been developed to study chronic respiratory infections induced by P. aeruginosa, with the bead agar model being the most widely used. However, this model has several limitations, including the requirement for surgical procedures and high mortality rates. Herein, we describe novel and adapted biologically relevant models of chronic lung infection caused by P. aeruginosa. Three methods are described: a clinical isolate infection model, utilising isolates obtained from patients with CF; an incomplete antibiotic clearance model, leading to bacterial bounce-back; and the establishment of chronic infection; and an adapted water bottle chronic infection model. These models circumvent the requirement for a surgical procedure and, importantly, can be induced with clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and in wild-type mice. We also demonstrate successful induction of chronic infection in the transgenic βENaC murine model of CF. We envisage that the models described will facilitate the investigations of host and microbial factors, and the efficacy of novel antimicrobials, during chronic P. aeruginosa respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife M. Rodgers
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK (S.E.)
| | - Jaime Lindsay
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK (S.E.)
| | - Avril Monahan
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK (S.E.)
| | - Alice V. Dubois
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK (S.E.)
| | - Aduragbemi A. Faniyi
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK (S.E.)
| | - Barry J. Plant
- Cork Centre for Cystic Fibrosis (3CF), Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, T12 E8YV Cork, Ireland
- The HRB Funded Clinical Research Facility, University College Cork, T12 E8YV Cork, Ireland
| | - Marcus A. Mall
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité—University of Medicine Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—University of Medicine Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Miquel B. Ekkelenkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stuart Elborn
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK (S.E.)
| | - Rebecca J. Ingram
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK (S.E.)
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Anne F, Gwenaëlle G, Isabelle S, Pierre F. Improved engineering of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to study the adaptation of pyoverdine production under intra- or inter- specific bacterial competition. J Microbiol Methods 2023; 210:106753. [PMID: 37271375 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106753] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a common cause of chronic infections, particularly feared by cystic fibrosis patients. PA colonizes the lung where it adapts to the local environment, and/or to treatments by drugs. This genotypic and phenotypic adaptation, in turns, influences its interaction with its environment, like bacteria from the microbiota. As an example, to access iron, PA produces and secretes two siderophores, pyoverdine and pyochelin that are iron chelators scavenging iron from the environment and bringing it back into the bacterial cells. Siderophores production depends on the level of iron starvation, on the presence of other bacteria, etc. this latter component being less well investigated. Even if studies on bacterial interactions, and their evolution, have been increasing since several years, we are still facing a lack of tools, for example, to specifically follow the growth of PA isolates in such competitive environments. We thus improved a cloning method to gain time in the cloning steps, to lower the polar effects, and to accurately follow the interactions of any PA isolate with other bacteria. For that, a fluorescent reporter gene was inserted between two genes, the glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase (glmS) and PA5548. This reporter was efficiently produced either from an inducible or a house-keeping promoter, and its expression did not lead to polar effects. We used this strain to study intra and inter-specific bacterial competitions for iron between different lung pathogens. We thus grew wild-type PA together either with an isogenic PA ΔpvdS variant, that does not produce the most efficient siderophore pyoverdine, or with Klebsiella pneumoniae or Acinetobacter baumanii, two other lung pathogens. We finally monitored the effect of the loss of pvdS on the competition between PA and the other bacterial species. These studies enabled us to differentiate intra from inter specific competitions, both arising in the lung environment, and pinpoint the importance of the bacterial specie for the adaptation of pyoverdine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forster Anne
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67413 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France; CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67412 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Graulier Gwenaëlle
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67413 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France; CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67412 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Schalk Isabelle
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67413 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France; CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67412 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fechter Pierre
- Université de Strasbourg, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67413 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France; CNRS, UMR7242, ESBS, Bld Sébastien Brant, F-67412 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France.
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38
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Craddock VD, Steere EL, Harman H, Britt NS. Activity of Delafloxacin and Comparator Fluoroquinolones against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an In Vitro Cystic Fibrosis Sputum Model. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1078. [PMID: 37370396 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061078] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Delafloxacin (DLX) is a recently approved fluoroquinolone with broad activity against common cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-Psa). Delafloxacin has been previously shown to have excellent lung and biofilm penetration and enhanced activity at lower pH environments, such as those that would be observed in the CF lung. We analyzed six Psa strains isolated from CF sputum and compared DLX to ciprofloxacin (CPX) and levofloxacin (LVX). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for DLX using standard culture media (pH 7.3) and artificial sputum media (ASM), a physiologic media recapitulating the CF lung microenvironment (pH 6.9). Delafloxacin activity was further compared to CPX and LVX in an in vitro CF sputum time-kill model at physiologically relevant drug concentrations (Cmax, Cmed, Cmin). Delafloxacin exhibited 2- to 4-fold MIC reductions in ASM, which corresponded with significant improvements in bacterial killing in the CF sputum time-kill model between DLX and LVX at Cmed (p = 0.033) and Cmin (p = 0.004). Compared to CPX, DLX demonstrated significantly greater killing at Cmin (p = 0.024). Overall, DLX demonstrated favorable in vitro activity compared to alternative fluoroquinolones against MDR-Psa. Delafloxacin may be considered as an option against MDR-Psa pulmonary infections in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaughn D Craddock
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Evan L Steere
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Hannah Harman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Nicholas S Britt
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Stoner SN, Baty JJ, Novak L, Scoffield JA. Commensal colonization reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa burden and subsequent airway damage. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1144157. [PMID: 37305417 PMCID: PMC10248150 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1144157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa dominates the complex polymicrobial cystic fibrosis (CF) airway and is a leading cause of death in persons with CF. Interestingly, oral streptococcal colonization has been associated with stable CF lung function. The most abundant streptococcal species found in stable patients, Streptococcus salivarius, has been shown to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines in multiple colonization models. However, no studies have demonstrated how S. salivarius potentially improves lung function. Our lab previously demonstrated that the P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharide Psl promotes S. salivarius biofilm formation in vitro, suggesting a possible mechanism by which S. salivarius is incorporated into the CF airway microbial community. In this study, we demonstrate that co-infection of rats leads to enhanced S. salivarius colonization and reduced P. aeruginosa colonization. Histological scores for tissue inflammation and damage are lower in dual-infected rats compared to P. aeruginosa infected rats. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL2, and TNF-α are downregulated during co-infection compared to P. aeruginosa single-infection. Lastly, RNA sequencing of cultures grown in synthetic CF sputum revealed that P. aeruginosa glucose metabolism genes are downregulated in the presence of S. salivarius, suggesting a potential alteration in P. aeruginosa fitness during co-culture. Overall, our data support a model in which S. salivarius colonization is promoted during co-infection with P. aeruginosa, whereas P. aeruginosa airway bacterial burden is reduced, leading to an attenuated host inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jessica A. Scoffield
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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40
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Horspool AM, Sen-Kilic E, Malkowski AC, Breslow SL, Mateu-Borras M, Hudson MS, Nunley MA, Elliott S, Ray K, Snyder GA, Miller SJ, Kang J, Blackwood CB, Weaver KL, Witt WT, Huckaby AB, Pyles GM, Clark T, Al Qatarneh S, Lewis GK, Damron FH, Barbier M. Development of an anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa therapeutic monoclonal antibody WVDC-5244. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1117844. [PMID: 37124031 PMCID: PMC10140502 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1117844] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections is a crucial health concern in the 21st century. In particular, antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes difficult-to-treat infections associated with high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the number of effective therapeutic interventions against antimicrobial-resistant P. aeruginosa infections continues to decline. Therefore, discovery and development of alternative treatments are necessary. Here, we present pre-clinical efficacy studies on an anti-P. aeruginosa therapeutic monoclonal antibody. Using hybridoma technology, we generated a monoclonal antibody and characterized its binding to P. aeruginosa in vitro using ELISA and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. We also characterized its function in vitro and in vivo against P. aeruginosa. The anti-P. aeruginosa antibody (WVDC-5244) bound P. aeruginosa clinical strains of various serotypes in vitro, even in the presence of alginate exopolysaccharide. In addition, WVDC-5244 induced opsonophagocytic killing of P. aeruginosa in vitro in J774.1 murine macrophage, and complement-mediated killing. In a mouse model of acute pneumonia, prophylactic administration of WVDC-5244 resulted in an improvement of clinical disease manifestations and reduction of P. aeruginosa burden in the respiratory tract compared to the control groups. This study provides promising pre-clinical efficacy data on a new monoclonal antibody with therapeutic potential for P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M. Horspool
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Emel Sen-Kilic
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Aaron C. Malkowski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Scott L. Breslow
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Margalida Mateu-Borras
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Matthew S. Hudson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Mason A. Nunley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Sean Elliott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Krishanu Ray
- University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine, Division of Vaccine Research, Institute of Human Virology, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Greg A. Snyder
- University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine, Division of Vaccine Research, Institute of Human Virology, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah Jo Miller
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Jason Kang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Catherine B. Blackwood
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kelly L. Weaver
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - William T. Witt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Annalisa B. Huckaby
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Gage M. Pyles
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Tammy Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cystic Fibrosis, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Saif Al Qatarneh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cystic Fibrosis, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - George K. Lewis
- University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine, Division of Vaccine Research, Institute of Human Virology, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - F. Heath Damron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Mariette Barbier
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Vaccine Development Center, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
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Galiniak S, Podgórski R, Rachel M, Mazur A. Serum Appetite-Regulating Hormone Levels in Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Influence of the Disease Severity and the Type of Bacterial Infection-A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081851. [PMID: 37111072 PMCID: PMC10140826 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081851] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) belongs to the most common inherited diseases. The severity of the disease and chronic bacterial infections are associated with a lower body index, undernutrition, higher number of pulmonary exacerbations, more hospital admissions, and increased mortality. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of the severity of the disease and the type of bacterial infection in 38 CF patients on the serum level of appetite-regulating hormones including leptin, ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, agouti-signaling protein, proopiomelanocortin, kisspeptin, putative protein Y, and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The patients were divided according to the severity of the disease according to spirometry and the type of chronic bacterial infection. We found that leptin level was significantly higher in patients with severe CF than in patients with mild disease (20.02 ± 8.09 vs. 12.38 ± 6.03 ng/mL, p = 0.028). Furthermore, leptin level was elevated in patients with chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to uninfected participants (15.74 ± 7.02 vs. 9.28 ± 1.72 ng/mL, p = 0.043). The severity of the disease and the type of bacterial infection did not affect the levels of other appetite-regulating hormones. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and leptin level (p = 0.0426, R = 0.333). Taken together, our results indicate that both the severity of the disease and the type of bacterial infection are associated with elevated leptin levels in CF patients. Future CF treatment strategies should consider possible disturbances in the hormones that regulate appetite and the factors that influence their levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Galiniak
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Rzeszow University, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Rafał Podgórski
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Rzeszow University, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Marta Rachel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Rzeszow University, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
- State Hospital 2 in Rzeszów, Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Artur Mazur
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College, Rzeszow University, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
- State Hospital 2 in Rzeszów, Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszów, Poland
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Peykov S, Strateva T. Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Resistome Analysis of Nosocomial Multidrug-Resistant Non-Fermenting Gram-Negative Pathogens from the Balkans. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030651. [PMID: 36985224 PMCID: PMC10051916 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB), such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, are among the major opportunistic pathogens involved in the global antibiotic resistance epidemic. They are designated as urgent/serious threats by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are part of the World Health Organization’s list of critical priority pathogens. Also, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is increasingly recognized as an emerging cause for healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units, life-threatening diseases in immunocompromised patients, and severe pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis and COVID-19 individuals. The last annual report of the ECDC showed drastic differences in the proportions of NFGNB with resistance towards key antibiotics in different European Union/European Economic Area countries. The data for the Balkans are of particular concern, indicating more than 80% and 30% of invasive Acinetobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively, to be carbapenem-resistant. Moreover, multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant S. maltophilia from the region have been recently reported. The current situation in the Balkans includes a migrant crisis and reshaping of the Schengen Area border. This results in collision of diverse human populations subjected to different protocols for antimicrobial stewardship and infection control. The present review article summarizes the findings of whole-genome sequencing-based resistome analyses of nosocomial multidrug-resistant NFGNBs in the Balkan countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavil Peykov
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8, Dragan Tzankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, 2, Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
- BioInfoTech Laboratory, Sofia Tech Park, 111, Tsarigradsko Shosse Blvd., 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (T.S.); Tel.: +359-87-6454492 (S.P.); +359-2-9172750 (T.S.)
| | - Tanya Strateva
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, 2, Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (T.S.); Tel.: +359-87-6454492 (S.P.); +359-2-9172750 (T.S.)
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Reyne N, McCarron A, Cmielewski P, Parsons D, Donnelley M. To bead or not to bead: A review of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection models for cystic fibrosis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1104856. [PMID: 36824474 PMCID: PMC9942929 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1104856] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by recurring bacterial infections resulting in inflammation, lung damage and ultimately respiratory failure. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered one of the most important lung pathogens in those with cystic fibrosis. While multiple cystic fibrosis animal models have been developed, many fail to mirror the cystic fibrosis lung disease of humans, including the colonisation by opportunistic environmental pathogens. Delivering bacteria to the lungs of animals in different forms is a way to model cystic fibrosis bacterial lung infections and disease. This review presents an overview of previous models, and factors to consider when generating a new P. aeruginosa lung infection model. The future development and application of lung infection models that more accurately reflect human cystic fibrosis lung disease has the potential to assist in understanding the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis lung disease and for developing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Reyne
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia,*Correspondence: Nicole Reyne,
| | - Alexandra McCarron
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Patricia Cmielewski
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David Parsons
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Martin Donnelley
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Myer H, Chupita S, Jnah A. Cystic Fibrosis: Back to the Basics. Neonatal Netw 2023; 42:23-30. [PMID: 36631257 DOI: 10.1891/nn-2022-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disorder in Caucasian individuals, with an incidence of 1/2,500-3,500 live births. When CF was first described in 1938, most children died in infancy. Currently, the average lifespan is 28-47.7 years. Although new breakthroughs have occurred, CF is still incurable. Both early diagnosis and treatment by multidisciplinary teams are essential to optimize short- and long-term outcomes. It is imperative for neonatal clinicians to keep up to date on the most current research, treatment, and management of CF to provide the best outcomes. This article offers clinicians an updated review of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of CF, as well as current evidence-based diagnostics and treatment regimens.
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Saati-Santamaría Z, Baroncelli R, Rivas R, García-Fraile P. Comparative Genomics of the Genus Pseudomonas Reveals Host- and Environment-Specific Evolution. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0237022. [PMID: 36354324 PMCID: PMC9769992 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02370-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Each Earth ecosystem has unique microbial communities. Pseudomonas bacteria have evolved to occupy a plethora of different ecological niches, including living hosts, such as animals and plants. Many genes necessary for the Pseudomonas-niche interaction and their encoded functions remain unknown. Here, we describe a comparative genomic study of 3,274 genomes with 19,056,667 protein-coding sequences from Pseudomonas strains isolated from diverse environments. We detected functional divergence of Pseudomonas that depends on the niche. Each group of strains from a certain environment harbored a distinctive set of metabolic pathways or functions. The horizontal transfer of genes, which mainly proceeded between closely related taxa, was dependent on the isolation source. Finally, we detected thousands of undescribed proteins and functions associated with each Pseudomonas lifestyle. This research represents an effort to reveal the mechanisms underlying the ecology, pathogenicity, and evolution of Pseudomonas, and it will enable clinical, ecological, and biotechnological advances. IMPORTANCE Microbes play important roles in the health of living beings and in the environment. The knowledge of these functions may be useful for the development of new clinical and biotechnological applications and the restoration and preservation of natural ecosystems. However, most mechanisms implicated in the interaction of microbes with the environment remain poorly understood; thus, this field of research is very important. Here, we try to understand the mechanisms that facilitate the differential adaptation of Pseudomonas-a large and ubiquitous bacterial genus-to the environment. We analyzed more than 3,000 Pseudomonas genomes and searched for genetic patterns that can be related with their coevolution with different hosts (animals, plants, or fungi) and environments. Our results revealed that thousands of genes and genetic features are associated with each niche. Our data may be useful to develop new technical and theoretical advances in the fields of ecology, health, and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaki Saati-Santamaría
- Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), Villamayor, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Riccardo Baroncelli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raúl Rivas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), Villamayor, Salamanca, Spain
- Associated Research Unit of Plant-Microorganism Interaction, USAL-CSIC (IRNASA), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paula García-Fraile
- Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), Villamayor, Salamanca, Spain
- Associated Research Unit of Plant-Microorganism Interaction, USAL-CSIC (IRNASA), Salamanca, Spain
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46
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Inflammation and Infection in Cystic Fibrosis: Update for the Clinician. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121898. [PMID: 36553341 PMCID: PMC9777099 DOI: 10.3390/children9121898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and infection play an important role in the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis, and they are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in CF. The presence of thick mucus in the CF airways predisposes to local hypoxia and promotes infection and inflammation. A vicious cycle of airway obstruction, inflammation, and infection is of critical importance for the progression of the disease, and new data elucidate the different factors that influence it. Recent research has been focused on improving infection and inflammation in addition to correcting the basic gene defect. This review aims to summarize important advances in infection and inflammation as well as the effect of new treatments modulating the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein. New approaches to target infection and inflammation are being studied, including gallium, nitric oxide, and phage therapy for infection, along with retinoids and neutrophil elastase inhibitors for inflammation.
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Aiyer A, Das T, Whiteley GS, Glasbey T, Kriel FH, Farrell J, Manos J. The Efficacy of an N-Acetylcysteine-Antibiotic Combination Therapy on Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a Cystic Fibrosis Sputum/Lung Cell Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2886. [PMID: 36359406 PMCID: PMC9687303 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disorder causing dysfunctional ion transport resulting in the accumulation of viscous mucus. This environment fosters a chronic bacterial biofilm-associated infection in the airways. Achromobacter xylosoxidans, a gram-negative aerobic bacillus, has been increasingly associated with antibiotic resistance and chronic colonisation in CF. In this study, we aimed to create a reproducible model of CF infection using an artificial sputum medium (ASMDM-1) with bronchial (BEAS-2B) and macrophage (THP-1) cells to test A. xylosoxidans infection and treatment toxicity. This study was conducted in three distinct stages. First, the tolerance of BEAS-2B cell lines and two A. xylosoxidans strains against ASMDM-1 was optimised. Secondly, the cytotoxicity of combined therapy (CT) comprising N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the antibiotics colistin or ciprofloxacin was tested on cells alone in the sputum model in both BEAS-2B and THP-1 cells. Third, the efficacy of CT was assessed in the context of a bacterial infection within the live cell/sputum model. We found that a model using 20% ASMDM-1 in both cell populations tolerated a colistin-NAC-based CT and could significantly reduce bacterial loads in vitro (~2 log10 CFU/mL compared to untreated controls). This pilot study provides the foundation to study other bacterial opportunists that infect the CF lung to observe infection and CT kinetics. This model also acts as a springboard for more complex co-culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Aiyer
- Charles Perkins Centre, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Theerthankar Das
- Charles Perkins Centre, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gregory S. Whiteley
- Charles Perkins Centre, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Whiteley Corporation, Level 5, 12 Mount Street North Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2566, Australia
| | - Trevor Glasbey
- Whiteley Corporation, 19-23 Laverick Avenue, Tomago, NSW 2322, Australia
| | - Frederik H. Kriel
- Whiteley Corporation, 19-23 Laverick Avenue, Tomago, NSW 2322, Australia
| | - Jessica Farrell
- Charles Perkins Centre, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Whiteley Corporation, Level 5, 12 Mount Street North Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
| | - Jim Manos
- Charles Perkins Centre, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Kannon M, Nebane NM, Ruiz P, McKellip S, Vinson PN, Mitra A. A Novel Approach To Identify Inhibitors of Iron Acquisition Systems of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0243722. [PMID: 36098531 PMCID: PMC9604216 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02437-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that has been declared by the World Health Organization as a "priority 1 critical pathogen" needing immediate new strategies for chemotherapy. During infection, P. aeruginosa uses redundant mechanisms to acquire ferric, heme (Hm), or ferrous iron from the host to survive and colonize. Significant efforts have been undertaken to develop siderophore blockers to inhibit ferric iron acquisition by P. aeruginosa, but there is a lack of inhibitors that can block Hm or ferrous iron acquisition by P. aeruginosa. We developed and employed a targeted high-throughput screen (HTS) and identified a molecule(s) that can specifically inhibit the Hm and ferrous iron acquisition systems of P. aeruginosa. Our targeted approach relies on screening a small-molecule library against P. aeruginosa under three growth conditions, where the only variable was the iron source (ferric, Hm, or ferrous iron). Each condition served as a counterscreen for the other, and we identified molecules that inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa in the presence of only Hm or ferrous iron. Our data indicate that econazole, bithionate, and raloxifene inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa in the presence of Hm and that oxyquinoline inhibits the growth of P. aeruginosa in the presence of ferrous iron. These iron-specific inhibitors do not interfere with the activity of meropenem, a commercial antipseudomonal, and can also increase meropenem activity. In conclusion, we present a proof of concept of a successful targeted conditional screening method by which we can identify specific iron acquisition inhibitors. This approach is highly adaptable and can easily be extended to any other pathogen. IMPORTANCE Since acquiring iron is paramount to P. aeruginosa's survival and colonization in the human host, developing novel strategies to block the access of P. aeruginosa to host iron will allow us to starve it of an essential nutrient. P. aeruginosa uses siderophore, heme, or ferrous iron uptake systems to acquire iron in the human host. We have developed a novel approach through which we can directly identify molecules that can prevent P. aeruginosa from utilizing heme or ferrous iron. This approach overcomes the need for the in silico design of molecules and identifies structurally diverse biologically active inhibitor molecules. This screening approach is adaptable and can be extended to any pathogen. Since Gram-negative pathogens share many similarities in iron acquisition at both the mechanistic and molecular levels, our screening approach presents a significant opportunity to develop novel broad-spectrum iron acquisition inhibitors of Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamie Kannon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - N. Miranda Nebane
- High Throughput Screening Center, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Pedro Ruiz
- High Throughput Screening Center, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sara McKellip
- High Throughput Screening Center, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Paige N. Vinson
- High Throughput Screening Center, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Avishek Mitra
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Ishchenko O, Koshevaya I, Zhernosekova I, Garets V, Stepanskyi D. The Levels of the Human-β-Defensin-2 and LL-37 in the Sputum of Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Case–control Study and Literature Review. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.10835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder with an autosomal-recessive type of inheritance. Based on their host-defending and pro-inflammatory functions, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) likely have one of the central roles in the pathogenesis of lung disease in CF.
AIM: The purpose of the study was to measure the concentration of AMPs in the sputum of children with CF and evaluate any correlation with a bacterial profile of the lungs.
METHODS: Lung colonization was evaluated using a culture-dependent method, sputum was utilized. A sandwich-ELISA was used to measure hBD-2 and hCAP-18/LL-37 in the sputum.
RESULTS: There were 27 children enrolled in the study group, median age of inclusion was 11.4 (8.5; 14.8) years old. The control group consisted of 14 children, 11.6 (8.6; 12.6) years old. The concentration of AMPs was not correlating with participants` age (rs = −0.286, p = 0.148 – defensin hDB-2; rs = −0.084, p = 0.676 – cathelicidin hCAP-18/LL-37). The concentration of hBD-2 was from 64.01 to 813.61 pg/mL. The concentration of hCAP-18/LL-37 was from 3.24 to 35.98 ng/mL. There were significant differences in the content of AMPs on respiratory samples between study and control group (U = 976.5, p = 0.001 – for hBD-2; U = 1080.5, p < 0.001). The correlation between current infection Pseudomonas aeruginosa and concentration of hBD-2 (rs = 0.167; p = 0.406) was not found. However, the presence of P. aeruginosa correlated with density of neutrophilic infiltration (rs = 0.622; p = 0.001). The concentration of hBD-2 showed direct medium correlation with total cells count (rs = 0.881, p < 0.001). Correlation between current infection P. aeruginosa and concentration of hCAP-18/LL-37 (rs = 0.788; p < 0.001) was observed. With increases in total cell count and relative neutrophils count, the concentration of hCAP-18/LL-37 was increased and the power of the association was medium (rs = 0.453; p = 0,018; rs = 0,592; p = 0,001). The correlation between concentrations of hBD-2 and hCAP-18/LL-37 (rs = 0.316, p > 0.1) was not found.
CONCLUSIONS: Measured AMPs correlated with cellular inflammatory markers and, probably, their overexpression is dedicated to stimulating a cellular component of innate immune response; there was no correlation between bacterial colonization of lungs and levels of hBD-2, so our findings sustain that P. aeruginosa is a leading but non-single contributor to persistent local inflammation in polymicrobial lungs.
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Lyon R, Jones RA, Shropshire H, Aberdeen I, Scanlan DJ, Millard A, Chen Y. Membrane lipid renovation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa - implications for phage therapy? Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:4533-4546. [PMID: 35837865 PMCID: PMC9804370 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important Gram-negative pathogen with intrinsic resistance to many clinically used antibiotics. It is particularly troublesome in nosocomial infections, immunocompromised patients, and individuals with cystic fibrosis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a huge threat to global health, with a predicted 10 million people dying from resistant infections by 2050. A promising therapy for combatting AMR infections is phage therapy. However, more research is required to investigate mechanisms that may influence the efficacy of phage therapy. An important overlooked aspect is the impact of membrane lipid remodelling on phage binding ability. P. aeruginosa undergoes changes in membrane lipids when it encounters phosphorus stress, an environmental perturbation that is likely to occur during infection. Lipid changes include the substitution of glycerophospholipids with surrogate glycolipids and the over-production of ornithine-containing aminolipids. Given that membrane lipids are known to influence the structure and function of membrane proteins, we propose that changes in the composition of membrane lipids during infection may alter phage binding and subsequent phage infection dynamics. Consideration of such effects needs to be urgently prioritised in order to develop the most effective phage therapy strategies for P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon Lyon
- BBSRC Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training PartnershipUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK,School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
| | - Rebekah A. Jones
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK,MRC Doctoral Training PartnershipUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
| | - Holly Shropshire
- BBSRC Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training PartnershipUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK,School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
| | - Isabel Aberdeen
- BBSRC Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training PartnershipUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK,School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
| | | | - Andrew Millard
- Department of Genetics and Genome BiologyUniversity of LeicesterUK
| | - Yin Chen
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
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