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Li L, Ma J, Cheng P, Li M, Yu Z, Song X, Yu Z, Sun H, Zhang W, Wang Z. Roles of two-component regulatory systems in Klebsiella pneumoniae: Regulation of virulence, antibiotic resistance, and stress responses. Microbiol Res 2023; 272:127374. [PMID: 37031567 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, which is the leading cause of nosocomial infections. The emergence of hypervirulent and multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae is a serious health threat. In the process of infection, K. pneumoniae needs to adapt to different environmental conditions, and the two-component regulatory system (TCS) composed of a sensor histidine kinase and response regulator is an important bacterial regulatory system in response to external stimuli. Understanding how K. pneumoniae perceives and responds to complex environmental stimuli provides insights into TCS regulation mechanisms and new targets for drug design. In this review, we analyzed the TCS composition and summarized the regulation mechanisms of TCSs, focusing on the regulation of genes involved in virulence, antibiotic resistance, and stress response. Collectively, these studies demonstrated that several TCSs play important roles in the regulation of virulence, antibiotic resistance and stress responses of K. pneumoniae. A single two-component regulatory system can participate in the regulation of several stress responses, and one stress response process may include several TCSs, forming a complex regulatory network. However, the function and regulation mechanism of some TCSs require further study. Hence, future research endeavors are required to enhance the understanding of TCS regulatory mechanisms and networks in K. pneumoniae, which is essential for the design of novel drugs targeting TCSs.
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Kuo CH, Lin WF, Liu CJ, Wang ZC, Liu TY, Peng HL. Role of the stress-responsive two-component system CpxAR in regulating fimbriae expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae CG43. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023:S1684-1182(23)00040-3. [PMID: 36898943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CpxAR is a two-component system that allows bacteria to reorganize envelope structures in response to extracellular stimuli. CpxAR negatively affects type 1 fimbriae expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae CG43, a hypervirulent strain. The involvement of CpxAR in the regulation of type 3 fimbriae expression was investigated. METHODS cpxAR, cpxA, and cpxR gene-specific deletion mutants were generated. The deletion effects on the expression of type 1 and type 3 fimbriae were analyzed via measuring the promoter activity, mannose sensitive yeast agglutination activity, biofilm formation, and the production of the major pilins FimA and MrkA respectively. RNA sequencing analysis of CG43S3, ΔcpxAR, ΔcpxR and Δfur was employed to study the regulatory mechanism influencing the expression of type 3 fimbriae. RESULTS Deletion of cpxAR increased type 1 and type 3 fimbrial expression. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of oxidative stress-responsive enzymes, type 1 and type 3 fimbriae, and iron acquisition and homeostasis control systems were differentially affected by cpxAR or cpxR deletion. Subsequent analysis revealed that the small RNA RyhB negatively affects the expression of type 3 fimbriae, while CpxAR positively controls ryhB expression. Finally, the site-directed mutation of the predicted interacting sequences of RyhB with the mRNA of MrkA attenuated the RyhB repression of type 3 fimbriae. CONCLUSION CpxAR negatively regulates the expression of type 3 fimbriae by modulating cellular iron levels thereafter activating the expression of RyhB. The activated RyhB represses the expression of type 3 fimbriae by base-pairing binding to the 5'region of mrkA mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Feng Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Liu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Zhe-Chong Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yi Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hwei-Ling Peng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan.
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Lin WF, Hu RY, Chang HY, Lin FY, Kuo CH, Su LH, Peng HL. The role of urease in the acid stress response and fimbriae expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae CG43. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2022; 55:620-633. [PMID: 35367140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2022.02.002] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Two urease operons were identified in Klebsiella pneumoniae CG43, ure-1 and ure-2. This study investigates whether a differential regulation of the expression of ure-1 and ure-2 exists and how urease activity influences the acid stress response and expression of type 1 and type 3 fimbriae. METHODS The ureA1 and ureA2 gene specific deletion mutants were constructed. Promoter activity was assessed using a LacZ reporter system. The sensitivity to acid stress was determined by assessing the survival after pH 2.5 treatment. The influence on type 1 and type 3 fimbriae expression was assessed using western blotting and mannose-sensitive yeast agglutination and biofilm formation assay, respectively. RESULTS Bacterial growth analysis in mM9-U or modified Stuart broth revealed that ure-1 was the principal urease system, and ure-2 had a negative effect on ure-1 activity. Deletion of the fur or nac gene had no apparent effect on the activity of Pure1, Pure2-1, and Pure2-2. The Pure2-2 activity was enhanced by deletion of the hns gene. ureA1 deletion increased acid stress sensitivity, whereas the deleting effect of ureA2 was notable without hns. Deletion of ureA1 or ureA2 significantly induced the expression of type 1 fimbriae but decreased MrkA production and biofilm formation. CONCLUSION ure-1 is the primary expression system in K. pneumoniae CG43, while ure-2 is active in the absence of hns. Impairment of urease activity increases the sensitivity to acid stress, and the accumulation of urea induces the expression of type 1 fimbriae but represses type 3 fimbriae expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Feng Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Yu Hu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hwan-You Chang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yu Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hao Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hwei-Ling Peng
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan.
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Kamal SM, Simpson DJ, Wang Z, Gänzle M, Römling U. Horizontal Transmission of Stress Resistance Genes Shape the Ecology of Beta- and Gamma-Proteobacteria. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:696522. [PMID: 34295324 PMCID: PMC8290217 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.696522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The transmissible locus of stress tolerance (tLST) is found mainly in beta- and gamma-Proteobacteria and confers tolerance to elevated temperature, pressure, and chlorine. This genomic island, previously referred to as transmissible locus of protein quality control or locus of heat resistance likely originates from an environmental bacterium thriving in extreme habitats, but has been widely transmitted by lateral gene transfer. Although highly conserved, the gene content on the island is subject to evolution and gene products such as small heat shock proteins are present in several functionally distinct sequence variants. A number of these genes are xenologs of core genome genes with the gene products to widen the substrate spectrum and to be highly (complementary) expressed thus their functionality to become dominant over core genome genes. In this review, we will present current knowledge of the function of core tLST genes and discuss current knowledge on selection and counter-selection processes that favor maintenance of the tLST island, with frequent acquisition of gene products involved in cyclic di-GMP signaling, in different habitats from the environment to animals and plants, processed animal and plant products, man-made environments, and subsequently humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shady Mansour Kamal
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - David J Simpson
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zhiying Wang
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Gänzle
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ute Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Sheikh SW, Ali A, Ahsan A, Shakoor S, Shang F, Xue T. Insights into Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Acid-Adapted Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10050522. [PMID: 34063307 PMCID: PMC8147483 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens presents a global challenge for treating and preventing disease spread through zoonotic transmission. The water and foodborne Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are capable of causing intestinal and systemic diseases. The root cause of the emergence of these strains is their metabolic adaptation to environmental stressors, especially acidic pH. Acid treatment is desired to kill pathogens, but the protective mechanisms employed by EHECs cross-protect against antimicrobial peptides and thus facilitate opportunities for survival and pathogenesis. In this review, we have discussed the correlation between acid tolerance and antibiotic resistance, highlighting the identification of novel targets for potential production of antimicrobial therapeutics. We have also summarized the molecular mechanisms used by acid-adapted EHECs, such as the two-component response systems mediating structural modifications, competitive inhibition, and efflux activation that facilitate cross-protection against antimicrobial compounds. Moving beyond the descriptive studies, this review highlights low pH stress as an emerging player in the development of cross-protection against antimicrobial agents. We have also described potential gene targets for innovative therapeutic approaches to overcome the risk of multidrug-resistant diseases in healthcare and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Waheed Sheikh
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China;
| | - Ahmad Ali
- School of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China;
| | - Asma Ahsan
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan;
| | - Sidra Shakoor
- Station de Neucfchateau, CIRAD, 97130 Sainte-Marie, Capesterre Belle Eau, Guadeloupe, France;
| | - Fei Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China;
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (T.X.); Tel.: +86-551-657-87380 (F.S.); +86-551-657-80690 (T.X.)
| | - Ting Xue
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China;
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (T.X.); Tel.: +86-551-657-87380 (F.S.); +86-551-657-80690 (T.X.)
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Zhu T, Wang Z, McMullen LM, Raivio T, Simpson DJ, Gänzle MG. Contribution of the Locus of Heat Resistance to Growth and Survival of Escherichia coli at Alkaline pH and at Alkaline pH in the Presence of Chlorine. Microorganisms 2021; 9:701. [PMID: 33800639 PMCID: PMC8067161 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The locus of heat resistance (LHR) confers resistance to extreme heat, chlorine and oxidative stress in Escherichia coli. This study aimed to determine the function of the LHR in maintaining bacterial cell envelope homeostasis, the regulation of the genes comprising the LHR and the contribution of the LHR to alkaline pH response. The presence of the LHR did not affect the activity of the Cpx two-component regulatory system in E. coli, which was measured to quantify cell envelope stress. The LHR did not alter E. coli MG1655 growth rate in the range of pH 6.9 to 9.2. However, RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression of the LHR was elevated at pH 8.0 when CpxR was absent. The LHR did not improve survival of E. coli MG1655 at extreme alkaline pH (pH = 11.0 to 11.2) but improved survival at pH 11.0 in the presence of chlorine. Therefore, we conclude that the LHR confers resistance to extreme alkaline pH in the presence of oxidizing agents. Resistance to alkaline pH is regulated by an endogenous mechanism, including the Cpx envelope stress response, whereas the LHR confers resistance to extreme alkaline pH only in the presence of additional stress such as chlorine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongbo Zhu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (T.Z.); (Z.W.); (L.M.M.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Zhiying Wang
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (T.Z.); (Z.W.); (L.M.M.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Lynn M. McMullen
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (T.Z.); (Z.W.); (L.M.M.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Tracy Raivio
- Department of Biological Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada;
| | - David J. Simpson
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (T.Z.); (Z.W.); (L.M.M.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Michael G. Gänzle
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (T.Z.); (Z.W.); (L.M.M.); (D.J.S.)
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Regulator RcsB Controls Prodigiosin Synthesis and Various Cellular Processes in Serratia marcescens JNB5-1. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02052-20. [PMID: 33158890 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02052-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prodigiosin (PG), a red linear tripyrrole pigment normally secreted by Serratia marcescens, has received attention for its reported immunosuppressive, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Although several genes have been shown to be important for prodigiosin synthesis, information on the regulatory mechanisms behind this cellular process remains limited. In this work, we identified that the transcriptional regulator RcsB encoding gene BVG90_13250 (rcsB) negatively controlled prodigiosin biosynthesis in S. marcescens Disruption of rcsB conferred a remarkably increased production of prodigiosin. This phenotype corresponded to negative control of transcription of the prodigiosin-associated pig operon by RcsB, probably by binding to the promoter region of the prodigiosin synthesis positive regulator FlhDC. Moreover, using transcriptomics and further experiments, we revealed that RcsB also controlled some other important cellular processes, including swimming and swarming motilities, capsular polysaccharide production, biofilm formation, and acid resistance (AR), in S. marcescens Collectively, this work proposes that RcsB is a prodigiosin synthesis repressor in S. marcescens and provides insight into the regulatory mechanism of RcsB in cell motility, capsular polysaccharide production, and acid resistance in S. marcescens IMPORTANCE RcsB is a two-component response regulator in the Rcs phosphorelay system, and it plays versatile regulatory functions in Enterobacteriaceae However, information on the function of the RcsB protein in bacteria, especially in S. marcescens, remains limited. In this work, we illustrated experimentally that the RcsB protein was involved in diverse cellular processes in S. marcescens, including prodigiosin synthesis, cell motility, capsular polysaccharide production, biofilm formation, and acid resistance. Additionally, the regulatory mechanism of the RcsB protein in these cellular processes was investigated. In conclusion, this work indicated that RcsB could be a regulator for prodigiosin synthesis and provides insight into the function of the RcsB protein in S. marcescens.
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