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Szymczak K, Woźniak-Pawlikowska A, Burzyńska N, Król M, Zhang L, Nakonieczna J, Grinholc M. Decrease of ESKAPE virulence with a cationic heme-mimetic gallium porphyrin photosensitizer: The Trojan horse strategy that could help address antimicrobial resistance. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2024; 256:112928. [PMID: 38723545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens has forced an urgent need for alternative non-antibiotic strategies development that could combat drug resistant-associated infections. Suppression of virulence of ESKAPE pathogens' by targeting multiple virulence traits provides a promising approach. OBJECTIVES Here we propose an iron-blocking antibacterial therapy based on a cationic heme-mimetic gallium porphyrin (GaCHP), which antibacterial efficacy could be further enhanced by photodynamic inactivation. METHODS We used gallium heme mimetic porphyrin (GaCHP) excited with light to significantly reduce microbial viability and suppress both the expression and biological activity of several virulence traits of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative ESKAPE representatives, i.e., S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Moreover, further improvement of the proposed strategy by combining it with routinely used antimicrobials to resensitize the microbes to antibiotics and provide enhanced bactericidal efficacy was investigated. RESULTS The proposed strategy led to substantial inactivation of critical priority pathogens and has been evidenced to suppress the expression and biological activity of multiple virulence factors in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Finally, the combination of GaCHP phototreatment and antibiotics resulted in promising strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance of the studied microbes and to enhance disinfection of drug resistant pathogens. CONCLUSION Lastly, considering high safety aspects of the proposed treatment toward host cells, i.e., lack of mutagenicity, no dark toxicity and mild phototoxicity, we describe an efficient alternative that simultaneously suppresses the functionality of multiple virulence factors in ESKAPE pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Szymczak
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agata Woźniak-Pawlikowska
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Natalia Burzyńska
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Król
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Joanna Nakonieczna
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Grinholc
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland.
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Marey MA, Abozahra R, El-Nikhely NA, Kamal MF, Abdelhamid SM, El-Kholy MA. Transforming microbial pigment into therapeutic revelation: extraction and characterization of pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its therapeutic potential as an antibacterial and anticancer agent. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:174. [PMID: 38867319 PMCID: PMC11170807 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02438-6] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of the current study were to extract pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates, characterize its chemical nature, and assess its biological activity against different bacteria and cancer cells. Due to its diverse bioactive properties, pyocyanin, being one of the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, holds a promising, safe, and available therapeutic potential. METHODS 30 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from different sources of infections and identified by routine methods, the VITEK 2 compact system, and 16 S rRNA. The phenazine-modifying genes (phzM, phzS) were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pyocyanin chemical characterization included UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The biological activity of pyocyanin was explored by determining the MIC values against different clinical bacterial strains and assessing its anticancer activity against A549, MDA-MB-231, and Caco-2 cancer cell lines using cytotoxicity, wound healing and colony forming assays. RESULTS All identified isolates harboured at least one of the phzM or phzS genes. The co-presence of both genes was demonstrated in 13 isolates. The UV-VIS absorbance peaks were maxima at 215, 265, 385, and 520 nm. FTIR could identify the characteristic pyocyanin functional groups, whereas both GC-MS and LC-MS elucidated the chemical formula C11H18N2O2, with a molecular weight 210. The quadri-technical analytical approaches confirmed the chemical nature of the extracted pyocyanin. The extract showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, with the greatest activity against Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus species (MICs 31.25-125 µg/mL), followed by E. coli isolates (MICs 250-1000 µg/mL). Regarding the anticancer activity, the pyocyanin extract showed IC50 values against A549, MDA-MB-231, and Caco-2 cancer cell lines of 130, 105, and 187.9 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, pyocyanin has markedly suppressed colony formation and migratory abilities in these cells. CONCLUSIONS The extracted pyocyanin has demonstrated to be a potentially effective candidate against various bacterial infections and cancers. Hence, the current findings could contribute to producing this natural compound easily through an affordable method. Nonetheless, future studies are required to investigate pyocyanin's effects in vivo and analyse the results of combining it with other traditional antibiotics or anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa A Marey
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Division of Clinical and Biological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Abu Kir Campus, P.O. Box 1029, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rania Abozahra
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Nefertiti A El-Nikhely
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Miranda F Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Beheira, Egypt
| | - Sarah M Abdelhamid
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A El-Kholy
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Division of Clinical and Biological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Abu Kir Campus, P.O. Box 1029, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Mudaliar SB, Bharath Prasad AS. A biomedical perspective of pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: its applications and challenges. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:90. [PMID: 38341389 PMCID: PMC10858844 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03889-0] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Pyocyanin is a bioactive pigment produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is an important virulence factor that plays a critical role in P. aeruginosa infections as a redox-active secondary metabolite and a quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecule. Pyocyanin production from chorismic acid requires the involvement of two homologous operons, phz1 and phz2, which are activated by QS regulatory proteins. Pyocyanin inhibits the proliferation of bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cells by inducing oxidative stress due to which it acts as a potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer agent. Its potential role as a neuroprotectant needs further exploration. However, pyocyanin exacerbates the damaging effects of nosocomial infections caused by P. aeruginosa in immunocompromised individuals. Further, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are highly susceptible to persistent P. aeruginosa infections in the respiratory system. The bacterial cells form colonies and three interconnected QS networks-pqs, las, and rhl-get activated, thus stimulating the cells to produce pyocyanin which exacerbates pulmonary complications. As an opportunistic pathogen, P. aeruginosa produces pyocyanin to impede the recovery of injuries like burn wounds through its anti-proliferative activity. Moreover, pyocyanin plays a vital role in compounding P. aeruginosa infections by promoting biofilm formation. This review begins with a brief description of the characteristics of pyocyanin, its activity, and the different aspects of its production including its biosynthesis, the role of QS, and the effect of environmental factors. It then goes on to explore the potential applications of pyocyanin as a biotherapeutic molecule while also highlighting the biomedical challenges and limitations that it presents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samriti Balaji Mudaliar
- Department of Public Health & Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Alevoor Srinivas Bharath Prasad
- Department of Public Health & Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Giurini EF, Godla A, Gupta KH. Redefining bioactive small molecules from microbial metabolites as revolutionary anticancer agents. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:187-206. [PMID: 38200347 PMCID: PMC10874892 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00715-x] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer treatment remains a significant challenge due to issues such as acquired resistance to conventional therapies and the occurrence of adverse treatment-related toxicities. In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to the microbial world in search of novel and effective drugs to combat this devastating disease. Microbial derived secondary metabolites have proven to be a valuable source of biologically active compounds, which exhibit diverse functions and have demonstrated potential as treatments for various human diseases. The exploration of these compounds has provided valuable insights into their mechanisms of action against cancer cells. In-depth studies have been conducted on clinically established microbial metabolites, unraveling their anticancer properties, and shedding light on their therapeutic potential. This review aims to comprehensively examine the anticancer mechanisms of these established microbial metabolites. Additionally, it highlights the emerging therapies derived from these metabolites, offering a glimpse into the immense potential they hold for anticancer drug discovery. Furthermore, this review delves into approved treatments and major drug candidates currently undergoing clinical trials, focusing on specific molecular targets. It also addresses the challenges and issues encountered in the field of anticancer drug research and development. It also presents a comprehensive exposition of the contemporary panorama concerning microbial metabolites serving as a reservoir for anticancer agents, thereby illuminating their auspicious prospects and the prospect of forthcoming strides in the domain of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileena F Giurini
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Aishvarya Godla
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kajal H Gupta
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Abdelaziz AA, Kamer AMA, Al-Monofy KB, Al-Madboly LA. Pseudomonas aeruginosa's greenish-blue pigment pyocyanin: its production and biological activities. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:110. [PMID: 37291560 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A subject of great interest is the bioprospecting of microorganisms and their bioactive byproducts, such as pigments. Microbial pigments have various benefits, including being safe to use due to their natural makeup, having therapeutic effects, and being produced all year round, regardless of the weather or location. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces phenazine pigments that are crucial for interactions between Pseudomonas species and other living things. Pyocyanin pigment, which is synthesized by 90-95% of P. aeruginosa, has potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Herein, we will concentrate on the production and extraction of pyocyanin pigment and its biological use in different areas of biotechnology, engineering, and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amal M Abo Kamer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Khaled B Al-Monofy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Lamiaa A Al-Madboly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Kamer AMA, Abdelaziz AA, Al-Monofy KB, Al-Madboly LA. Antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities of pyocyanin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: in vitro and in vivo study. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:116. [PMID: 37095436 PMCID: PMC10124065 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02861-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are considered a major public health problem, as the treatment options are restricted. Biofilm formation and the quorum sensing (QS) system play a pivotal role in S. aureus pathogenicity. Hence, this study was performed to explore the antibacterial effect of pyocyanin (PCN) on MRSA as well as its effect on MRSA biofilm and QS. RESULTS Data revealed that PCN exhibited strong antibacterial activity against all test MRSA isolates (n = 30) with a MIC value equal to 8 µg/ml. About 88% of MRSA biofilms were eradicated by PCN treatment using the crystal violet assay. The disruption of MRSA biofilm was confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, which showed a reduction in bacterial viability (approximately equal to 82%) and biofilm thickness (approximately equal to 60%). Additionally, the disruption of the formation of microcolonies and the disturbance of the connection between bacterial cells in the MRSA biofilm after PCN treatment were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The 1/2 and 1/4 MICs of PCN exerted promising anti-QS activity without affecting bacterial viability; Agr QS-dependent virulence factors (hemolysin, protease, and motility), and the expression of agrA gene, decreased after PCN treatment. The in silico analysis confirmed the binding of PCN to the AgrA protein active site, which blocked its action. The in vivo study using the rat wound infection model confirmed the ability of PCN to modulate the biofilm and QS of MRSA isolates. CONCLUSION The extracted PCN seems to be a good candidate for treating MRSA infection through biofilm eradication and Agr QS inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal M Abo Kamer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Khaled B Al-Monofy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Lamiaa A Al-Madboly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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The two faces of pyocyanin - why and how to steer its production? World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:103. [PMID: 36864230 PMCID: PMC9981528 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03548-w] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The ambiguous nature of pyocyanin was noted quite early after its discovery. This substance is a recognized Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor that causes problems in cystic fibrosis, wound healing, and microbiologically induced corrosion. However, it can also be a potent chemical with potential use in a wide variety of technologies and applications, e.g. green energy production in microbial fuel cells, biocontrol in agriculture, therapy in medicine, or environmental protection. In this mini-review, we shortly describe the properties of pyocyanin, its role in the physiology of Pseudomonas and show the ever-growing interest in it. We also summarize the possible ways of modulating pyocyanin production. We underline different approaches of the researchers that aim either at lowering or increasing pyocyanin production by using different culturing methods, chemical additives, physical factors (e.g. electromagnetic field), or genetic engineering techniques. The review aims to present the ambiguous character of pyocyanin, underline its potential, and signalize the possible further research directions.
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