Discovery and characterization of a Gram-positive Pel polysaccharide biosynthetic gene cluster

ComFB, a new widespread family of c-di-NMP receptor proteins

Cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) is a widespread bacterial second messenger that controls a variety of cellular functions, including protein and polysaccharide secretion, motility, cell division, cell development, and biofilm formation, and contributes to the virulence of some important bacterial pathogens. While the genes for diguanylate cyclases and c-di-GMP hydrolases (active or mutated) can be easily identified in microbial genomes, the list of c-di-GMP receptor domains is quite limited, and only two of them, PliZ and MshEN, are found across multiple bacterial phyla. Recently, a new c-di-GMP receptor protein, named CdgR or ComFB, has been identified in cyanobacteria and shown to regulate their cell size and, more recently, natural competence. Sequence and structural analysis indicated that CdgR is part of a widespread ComFB protein family, named after the "late competence development protein ComFB" from Bacillus subtilis. This prompted the suggestion that ComFB and ComFB-like proteins could also be c-di-GMP receptors. Indeed, we revealed that ComFB proteins from Gram-positive B. subtilis and Thermoanaerobacter brockii were able to bind c-di-GMP with high-affinity. The ability to bind c-di-GMP was also demonstrated for the ComFB proteins from clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio cholerae and Treponema denticola. These observations indicate that the ComFB family serves as yet another widespread family of bacterial c-di-GMP receptors. Incidentally, some ComFB proteins were also capable of c-di-AMP binding, identifying them as a unique family of c-di-NMP receptor proteins. The overexpression of comFB in B. subtilis, combined with an elevated concentration of c-di-GMP, suppressed motility, attesting to the biological relevance of ComFB as a c-di-GMP binding protein.

Challenges and opportunities in elucidating the structures of biofilm exopolysaccharides: A case study of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exopolysaccharide called Pel

Biofilm formation protects bacteria from antibiotic treatment and host immune responses, making biofilm infections difficult to treat. Within biofilms, bacterial cells are entangled in a self-produced extracellular matrix that typically includes exopolysaccharides. Molecular-level descriptions of biofilm matrix components, especially exopolysaccharides, have been challenging to attain due to their complex nature and lack of solubility and crystallinity. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has emerged as a key tool to determine the structure of biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides without degradative sample preparation. In this review, we discuss challenges of studying biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides and opportunities to develop solid-state NMR approaches to study these generally intractable materials. We specifically highlight investigations of the exopolysaccharide called Pel made by the opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We provide a roadmap for determining exopolysaccharide structure and discuss future opportunities to study such systems using solid-state NMR. The strategies discussed for elucidating biofilm exopolysaccharide structure should be broadly applicable to studying the structures of other glycans.

Transcriptional landscape of the pMP7017 megaplasmid and its impact on the Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 transcriptome

The 190 kb megaplasmid pMP7017 of Bifidobacterium breve JCM7017 represents the first conjugative and largest plasmid characterised within this genus to date. In the current study, we adopted an integrated approach combining transcriptomics, whole genome comparative analysis and metagenomic data mining to understand the biology of pMP7017 and related megaplasmids, and to assess the impact of plasmid-carriage on the host strain. The data generated revealed variations within basic features of promoter elements which correlate with a high level of transcription on the plasmid and highlight the transcriptional activity of genes encoding both offensive and defensive adaptations, including a Type IIL restriction-modification system, an anti-restriction system and four Type II toxin-antitoxin systems. Furthermore, a highly transcribed tmRNA, which likely provides translational support to the host strain, was identified, making pMP7017 the first plasmid of the Bifidobacterium genus and the smallest plasmid known to express a tmRNA. Analyses of synteny and variability among pMP7017 and related plasmids indicate substantial diversity in gene organisation and accessory gene cargo highlighting diverse (co-)evolution and potential host-specific rearrangements and adaptations. Systematic analysis of the codon usage profile of transcriptionally active pMP7017-encoded genes suggests that pMP7017 originated from (sub)species of Bifidobacterium longum. Furthermore, mining of metagenomic data suggests the presence of pMP7017-homologues in ~10% of microbiome samples, mostly infants and/or mothers from various geographical locations. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the B. breve UCC2003 chromosome in the presence or absence of pMP7017 revealed differential expression of genes representing 8% of the total gene pool. Genes involved in genetic information processing were exclusively upregulated, while altered expression of genes involved in biofilm production and polysaccharide biosynthesis was also observed.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm exopolysaccharides: assembly, function, and degradation

The biofilm matrix is a fortress; sheltering bacteria in a protective and nourishing barrier that allows for growth and adaptation to various surroundings. A variety of different components are found within the matrix including water, lipids, proteins, extracellular DNA, RNA, membrane vesicles, phages, and exopolysaccharides. As part of its biofilm matrix, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is genetically capable of producing three chemically distinct exopolysaccharides - alginate, Pel, and Psl - each of which has a distinct role in biofilm formation and immune evasion during infection. The polymers are produced by highly conserved mechanisms of secretion, involving many proteins that span both the inner and outer bacterial membranes. Experimentally determined structures, predictive modelling of proteins whose structures are yet to be solved, and structural homology comparisons give us insight into the molecular mechanisms of these secretion systems, from polymer synthesis to modification and export. Here, we review recent advances that enhance our understanding of P. aeruginosa multiprotein exopolysaccharide biosynthetic complexes, and how the glycoside hydrolases/lyases within these systems have been commandeered for antimicrobial applications.

Strategy to combat biofilms: a focus on biofilm dispersal enzymes

Bacterial biofilms, which consist of three-dimensional extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), not only function as signaling networks, provide nutritional support, and facilitate surface adhesion, but also serve as a protective shield for the residing bacterial inhabitants against external stress, such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, and host immune responses. Biofilm-associated infections account for 65-80% of all human microbial infections that lead to serious mortality and morbidity. Tremendous effort has been spent to address the problem by developing biofilm-dispersing agents to discharge colonized microbial cells to a more vulnerable planktonic state. Here, we discuss the recent progress of enzymatic eradicating strategies against medical biofilms, with a focus on dispersal mechanisms. Particularly, we review three enzyme classes that have been extensively investigated, namely glycoside hydrolases, proteases, and deoxyribonucleases.

Small Molecule Inhibition of an Exopolysaccharide Modification Enzyme is a Viable Strategy To Block Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pel Biofilm Formation

Biosynthesis of the Pel exopolysaccharide in Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires all seven genes of the pelABCDEFG operon. The periplasmic modification enzyme PelA contains a C-terminal deacetylase domain that is necessary for Pel-dependent biofilm formation. Herein, we show that extracellular Pel is not produced by a P. aeruginosa PelA deacetylase mutant. This positions PelA deacetylase activity as an attractive target to prevent Pel-dependent biofilm formation. Using a high-throughput screen (n = 69,360), we identified 56 compounds that potentially inhibit PelA esterase activity, the first enzymatic step in the deacetylase reaction. A secondary biofilm inhibition assay identified methyl 2-(2-pyridinylmethylene) hydrazinecarbodithioate (SK-017154-O) as a specific Pel-dependent biofilm inhibitor. Structure-activity relationship studies identified the thiocarbazate as a necessary functional group and that the pyridyl ring could be replaced with a phenyl substituent (compound 1). Both SK-017154-O and compound 1 inhibit Pel-dependent biofilm formation in Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987, which has a predicted extracellular PelA deacetylase in its pel operon. Michaelis-Menten kinetics determined SK-017154-O to be a noncompetitive inhibitor of PelA, while compound 1 did not directly inhibit PelA esterase activity. Cytotoxicity assays using human lung fibroblast cells showed that compound 1 is less cytotoxic than SK-017154-O. This work provides proof of concept that biofilm exopolysaccharide modification enzymes are important for biofilm formation and can serve as useful antibiofilm targets. IMPORTANCE Present in more than 500 diverse Gram-negative and 900 Gram-positive organisms, the Pel polysaccharide is one of the most phylogenetically widespread biofilm matrix determinants found to date. Partial de-N-acetylation of this α-1,4 linked N-acetylgalactosamine polymer by the carbohydrate modification enzyme PelA is required for Pel-dependent biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Given this and our observation that extracellular Pel is not produced by a P. aeruginosa PelA deactylase mutant, we developed an enzyme-based high-throughput screen and identified methyl 2-(2-pyridinylmethylene) hydrazinecarbodithioate (SK-017154-O) and its phenyl derivative as specific Pel-dependent biofilm inhibitors. Michaelis-Menten kinetics revealed SK-017154-O is a noncompetitive inhibitor and that its noncytotoxic, phenyl derivative does not directly inhibit P. aeruginosa PelA esterase activity. We provide proof of concept that exopolysaccharide modification enzymes can be targeted with small molecule inhibitors to block Pel-dependent biofilm development in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Diverse mechanisms of polysaccharide biosynthesis, assembly and secretion across kingdoms

Polysaccharides are essential biopolymers produced in all kingdoms of life. On the cell surface, they represent versatile architectural components, forming protective capsules and coats, cell walls, or adhesives. Extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis mechanisms differ based on the cellular localization of polymer assembly. Some polysaccharides are first synthesized in the cytosol and then extruded by ATP powered transporters [1]. In other cases, the polymers are assembled outside the cell [2], synthesized and secreted in a single step [3], or deposited on the cell surface via vesicular trafficking [4]. This review focuses on recent insights into the biosynthesis, secretion, and assembly of EPS in microbes, plants and vertebrates. We focus on comparing the sites of biosynthesis, secretion mechanisms, and higher-order EPS assemblies.

Genomic Insights and Functional Analysis Reveal Plant Growth Promotion Traits of Paenibacillus mucilaginosus G78

Paenibacillus mucilaginosus has widely been reported as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, the important genomic insights into plant growth promotion in this species remain undescribed. In this study, the genome of P. mucilaginosus G78 was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq PE150. It contains 8,576,872 bp with a GC content of 58.5%, and was taxonomically characterized. Additionally, a total of 7337 genes with 143 tRNAs, 41 rRNAs, and 5 ncRNAs were identified. This strain can prohibit the growth of the plant pathogen, but also has the capability to form biofilm, solubilize phosphate, and produce IAA. Twenty-six gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites were identified, and the genotypic characterization indirectly proved its resistant ability to ampicillin, bacitracin, polymyxin and chloramphenicol. The putative exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and biofilm formation gene clusters were explored. According to the genetic features, the potential monosaccharides of its exopolysaccharides for P. mucilaginosus G78 may include glucose, mannose, galactose, fucose, that can probably be acetylated and pyruvated. Conservation of the pelADEFG compared with other 40 Paenibacillus species suggests that Pel may be specific biofilm matrix component in P. mucilaginosus. Several genes relevant to plant growth-promoting traits, i.e., IAA production and phosphate solubilization are well conserved compared with other 40 other Paenibacillus strains. The current study can benefit for understanding the plant growth-promoting traits of P. mucilaginosus as well as its potential application in agriculture as PGPR.

Glycoside hydrolase processing of the Pel polysaccharide alters biofilm biomechanics and Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence

Pel exopolysaccharide biosynthetic loci are phylogenetically widespread biofilm matrix determinants in bacteria. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pel is crucial for cell-to-cell interactions and reducing susceptibility to antibiotic and mucolytic treatments. While genes encoding glycoside hydrolases have long been linked to biofilm exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, their physiological role in biofilm development is unclear. Here we demonstrate that the glycoside hydrolase activity of P. aeruginosa PelA decreases adherent biofilm biomass and is responsible for generating the low molecular weight secreted form of the Pel exopolysaccharide. We show that the generation of secreted Pel contributes to the biomechanical properties of the biofilm and decreases the virulence of P. aeruginosa in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Our results reveal that glycoside hydrolases found in exopolysaccharide biosynthetic systems can help shape the soft matter attributes of a biofilm and propose that secreted matrix components be referred to as matrix associated to better reflect their influence.

Bacillus cereus sensu lato biofilm formation and its ecological importance

Biofilm formation is a ubiquitous process of bacterial communities that enables them to survive and persist in various environmental niches. The Bacillus cereus group includes phenotypically diversified species that are widely distributed in the environment. Often, B. cereus is considered a soil inhabitant, but it is also commonly isolated from plant roots, nematodes, and food products. Biofilms differ in their architecture and developmental processes, reflecting adaptations to specific niches. Importantly, some B. cereus strains are foodborne pathogens responsible for two types of gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea and emesis, caused by distinct toxins. Thus, the persistency of biofilms is of particular concern for the food industry, and understanding the underlying mechanisms of biofilm formation contributes to cleaning procedures. This review focuses on the genetic background underpinning the regulation of biofilm development, as well as the matrix components associated with biofilms. We also reflect on the correlation between biofilm formation and the development of highly resistant spores. Finally, advances in our understanding of the ecological importance and evolution of biofilm formation in the B. cereus group are discussed.

The TPR domain of PgaA is a multifunctional scaffold that binds PNAG and modulates PgaB-dependent polymer processing

The synthesis of exopolysaccharides as biofilm matrix components by pathogens is a crucial factor for chronic infections and antibiotic resistance. Many periplasmic proteins involved in polymer processing and secretion in Gram-negative synthase dependent exopolysaccharide biosynthetic systems have been individually characterized. The operons responsible for the production of PNAG, alginate, cellulose and the Pel polysaccharide each contain a gene that encodes an outer membrane associated tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain containing protein. While the TPR domain has been shown to bind other periplasmic proteins, the functional consequences of these interactions for the polymer remain poorly understood. Herein, we show that the C-terminal TPR region of PgaA interacts with the de-N-acetylase domain of PgaB, and increases its deacetylase activity. Additionally, we found that when the two proteins form a complex, the glycoside hydrolase activity of PgaB is also increased. To better understand structure-function relationships we determined the crystal structure of a stable TPR module, which has a conserved groove formed by three repeat motifs. Tryptophan quenching, mass spectrometry analysis and molecular dynamics simulation studies suggest that the crystallized TPR module can bind PNAG/dPNAG via its electronegative groove on the concave surface, and potentially guide the polymer through the periplasm towards the porin for export. Our results suggest a scaffolding role for the TPR domain that combines PNAG/dPNAG translocation with the modulation of its chemical structure by PgaB.

Exopolysaccharides are an important component of the extracellular matrix of bacterial and fungal biofilms and provide protection against the host immune response and antibiotics. In Gram-negative bacteria, these polymers are synthesized in the inner membrane and translocated across the periplasm before being secreted across the outer membrane. The periplasm presents both a challenge as an additional environment to cross and an opportunity to chemically alter the polymer prior to secretion to render it more effective. This study focuses on a periplasmic alpha-helical repeat domain whose wide-spread homologues are involved in the export of many chemically distinct exopolysaccharides. We found that in E. coli this superhelical TPR domain acts as a scaffold that can bind the polymer PNAG and alter the enzymatic activity of PgaB, thus providing a means to affect the deacetylation level and chain length of the secreted polymer. Scaffold proteins are known as binding hubs within cellular pathways that often have a central regulatory function and facilitate evolution due to their repetitive modular building blocks. Our study sheds light on the principles of polysaccharide modification and export, which we hope will promote the development of applications against bacterial infections.

The Pel polysaccharide is predominantly composed of a dimeric repeat of α-1,4 linked galactosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine

The genetic capacity to synthesize the biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide Pel is widespread among Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. However, its exact chemical structure has been challenging to determine. Using a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain engineered to overproduce Pel, improvements to the isolation procedure, and selective hydrolysis with the glycoside hydrolase PelA_h, we demonstrate that Pel is a partially de-N-acetylated linear polymer of α-1,4-N-acetylgalactosamine comprised predominantly of dimeric repeats of galactosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine.

The structure of the Pel exopolysaccharide from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is fully characterized.

Nonmotile Subpopulations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Repress Flagellar Motility in Motile Cells through a Type IV Pilus- and Pel-Dependent Mechanism

The downregulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa flagellar motility is a key event in biofilm formation, host colonization, and the formation of microbial communities, but the external factors that repress motility are not well understood. Here, we report that on soft agar, swarming motility can be repressed by cells that are nonmotile due to the absence of a flagellum or flagellar rotation. Mutants that lack either flagellum biosynthesis or rotation, when present at as little as 5% of the total population, suppressed swarming of wild-type cells. Non-swarming cells required functional type IV pili and the ability to produce Pel exopolysaccharide to suppress swarming by the flagellated wild type. Flagellated cells required only type IV pili, but not Pel production, for their swarming to be repressed by non-flagellated cells. We hypothesize that interactions between motile and nonmotile cells may enhance the formation of sessile communities, including those involving multiple genotypes, phenotypically diverse cells, and perhaps other species. IMPORTANCE Our study shows that, under the conditions tested, a small population of non-swarming cells can impact the motility behavior of a larger population. The interactions that lead to the suppression of swarming motility require type IV pili and a secreted polysaccharide, two factors with known roles in biofilm formation. These data suggest that interactions between motile and nonmotile cells may enhance the transition to sessile growth in populations and promote interactions between cells with different genotypes.

Phylogeny, distribution and potential metabolism of candidate bacterial phylum KSB1

Candidate phylum KSB1 is composed of uncultured bacteria and has been reported across various environments. However, the phylogeny and metabolic potential of KSB1 have not been studied comprehensively. In this study, phylogenomic analysis of KSB1 genomes from public databases and eleven metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from marine and hydrothermal sediments revealed that those genomes were clustered into four clades. Isolation source and relative abundance of KSB1 genomes showed that clade I was particularly abundant in bioreactor sludge. Genes related to dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to ammonia (DNRA), the last step of denitrification converting nitrous oxide to nitrogen and assimilatory sulfur reduction were observed in the expanded genomes of clade I, which may due to horizontal gene transfer that frequently occurred in bioreactor. Annotation and metabolic reconstruction of clades II and IV showed flagellum assembly and chemotaxis genes in the genomes, which may indicate that exploration and sensing for nutrients and chemical gradients are critical for the two clades in deep-sea and hydrothermal sediment. Metabolic potentials of fatty acids and short-chain hydrocarbons utilization were predicted in clades I and IV of KSB1. Collectively, phylogenomic and metabolic analyses of KSB1 clades provide insight into their anaerobic heterotrophic lifestyle and differentiation in potential ecological roles.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile and Whole-Genome Analysis of a Strong Biofilm-Forming Bacillus Sp. B87 Strain Isolated from Food

Members of the Bacillus cereus group are considered to be foodborne pathogens commonly associated with diarrheal and emetic gastrointestinal syndromes. Biofilm formation is a major virulence determinant of various pathogenic bacteria, including the B. cereus strains, since it can protect the bacteria against antimicrobial agents and the host immune response. Moreover, a biofilm allows the exchange of genetic material, such as antimicrobial resistance genes, among the different bacterial strains inside the matrix. The aim of the current study was to genotypically and phenotypically characterize Bacillus sp. B87, a strain that was isolated from food and which exhibited strong biofilm-forming capacity. Based on the analysis of the phylogenetic relationship, the isolate was phylogenetically mapped close to Bacillus pacificus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the isolate was resistant to tetracycline and β-lactam antimicrobial agents, which corresponded with the genotypic characterization using the whole-genome analysis. The genome of Bacillus sp. B87 carried the three-component non-hemolytic enterotoxin (NHE), which is a type of enterotoxin that causes diarrheal symptoms. In addition, the genome also contained several genes that participate in biofilm formation, including the pelDEA_DAFG operon. These findings expand our understanding of antimicrobial resistance and virulence in Bacillus species based on the link between genotypic and phenotypic characterization.

Evolutionary flexibility in routes to mat formation by Pseudomonas

Many bacteria form mats at the air-liquid interface of static microcosms. These structures typically involve the secretion of exopolysaccharides, the production of which is often controlled by the secondary messenger c-di-GMP. Mechanisms of mat formation have been particularly well characterized in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25; stimuli or mutations that increase c-di-GMP production by diguanylate cyclases (WspR, AwsR, and MwsR) result in the secretion of cellulose and mat formation. Here, we characterize and compare mat formation in two close relatives of SBW25: Pseudomonas simiae PICF7 and P. fluorescens A506. We find that PICF7-the strain more closely related to SBW25-can form mats through mutations affecting the activity of the same three diguanylate cyclases as SBW25. However, instead of cellulose, these mutations activate production of the exopolysaccharide Pel. We also provide evidence for at least two further-as yet uncharacterized-routes to mat formation by PICF7. P. fluorescens A506, while retaining the same mutational routes to mat formation as SBW25 and PICF7, preferentially forms mats by a semi-heritable mechanism that culminates in Psl and Pga over-production. Our results demonstrate a high level of evolutionary flexibility in the molecular and structural routes to mat formation, even among close relatives.

Enhancing the therapeutic use of biofilm-dispersing enzymes with smart drug delivery systems

Biofilm-dispersing enzymes degrade the extracellular polymeric matrix surrounding bacterial biofilms, disperse the microbial community and increase their susceptibility to antibiotics and immune cells. Challenges for the clinical translation of biofilm-dispersing enzymes involve their susceptibility to denaturation, degradation, and clearance upon administration in vivo. Drug delivery systems aim to overcome these limitations through encapsulation, stabilization and protection from the exterior environment, thereby maintaining the enzymatic activity. Smart drug delivery systems offer target specificity, releasing payloads at the site of infection while minimizing unnecessary systemic exposure. This review highlights critical advances of biofilm-dispersing enzymes as a novel therapeutic approach for biofilm-associated infections. We explore how smart, bio-responsive delivery systems overcome the limiting factors of biofilm-dispersing enzymes and summarize the key systems designed. This review will guide future developments, focusing on utilizing selective and specific therapies in a targeted fashion to meet the unmet therapeutic needs of biofilm infections.

A Mechanistic Basis for Phosphoethanolamine Modification of the Cellulose Biofilm Matrix in Escherichia coli

Biofilms are communities of self-enmeshed bacteria in a matrix of exopolysaccharides. The widely distributed human pathogen and commensal Escherichia coli produces a biofilm matrix composed of phosphoethanolamine (pEtN)-modified cellulose and amyloid protein fibers, termed curli. The addition of pEtN to the cellulose exopolysaccharide is accomplished by the action of the pEtN transferase, BcsG, and is essential for the overall integrity of the biofilm. Here, using the synthetic co-substrates p-nitrophenyl phosphoethanolamine and β-d-cellopentaose, we demonstrate using an in vitro pEtN transferase assay that full activity of the pEtN transferase domain of BcsG from E. coli (EcBcsG^ΔN) requires Zn²⁺ binding, a catalytic nucleophile/acid-base arrangement (Ser²⁷⁸/Cys²⁴³/His³⁹⁶), disulfide bond formation, and other newly uncovered essential residues. We further confirm that EcBcsG^ΔN catalysis proceeds by a ping-pong bisubstrate-biproduct reaction mechanism and displays inefficient kinetic behavior (k_cat/K_M = 1.81 × 10^-4 ± 2.81 × 10^-5 M^-1 s^-1), which is typical of exopolysaccharide-modifying enzymes in bacteria. Thus, the results presented, especially with respect to donor binding (as reflected by K_M), have importantly broadened our understanding of the substrate profile and catalytic mechanism of this class of enzymes, which may aid in the development of inhibitors targeting BcsG or other characterized members of the pEtN transferase family, including the intrinsic and mobile colistin resistance factors.

Regulation of Biofilm Exopolysaccharide Production by Cyclic Di-Guanosine Monophosphate

Many bacterial species in nature possess the ability to transition into a sessile lifestyle and aggregate into cohesive colonies, known as biofilms. Within a biofilm, bacterial cells are encapsulated within an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) comprised of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other small molecules. The transition from planktonic growth to the biofilm lifecycle provides numerous benefits to bacteria, such as facilitating adherence to abiotic surfaces, evasion of a host immune system, and resistance to common antibiotics. As a result, biofilm-forming bacteria contribute to 65% of infections in humans, and substantially increase the energy and time required for treatment and recovery. Several biofilm specific exopolysaccharides, including cellulose, alginate, Pel polysaccharide, and poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), have been shown to play an important role in bacterial biofilm formation and their production is strongly correlated with pathogenicity and virulence. In many bacteria the biosynthetic machineries required for assembly of these exopolysaccharides are regulated by common signaling molecules, with the second messenger cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) playing an especially important role in the post-translational activation of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Research on treatments of antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria through direct targeting of c-di-GMP signaling has shown promise, including peptide-based treatments that sequester intracellular c-di-GMP. In this review, we will examine the direct role c-di-GMP plays in the biosynthesis and export of biofilm exopolysaccharides with a focus on the mechanism of post-translational activation of these pathways, as well as describe novel approaches to inhibit biofilm formation through direct targeting of c-di-GMP.

Spore-Associated Proteins Involved in c-di-GMP Synthesis and Degradation of Bacillus anthracis

Bis-(3'-5')-cyclic-dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) is an important bacterial regulatory signaling molecule affecting biofilm formation, toxin production, motility, and virulence. The genome of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is predicted to encode ten putative GGDEF/EAL/HD-GYP-domain containing proteins. Heterologous expression in Bacillus subtilis hosts indicated that there are five active GGDEF domain-containing proteins and four active EAL or HD-GYP domain-containing proteins. Using an mCherry gene fusion-Western blotting approach, the expression of the c-di-GMP-associated proteins was observed throughout the in vitro life cycle. Of the six c-di-GMP-associated proteins found to be present in sporulating cells, four (CdgA, CdgB, CdgD, and CdgG) contain active GGDEF domains. The six proteins expressed in sporulating cells are retained in spores in a CotE-independent manner and thus are not likely to be localized to the exosporium layer of the spores. Individual deletion mutations involving the nine GGDEF/EAL protein-encoding genes and one HD-GYP protein-encoding gene did not affect sporulation efficiency, the attachment of the exosporium glycoprotein BclA, or biofilm production. Notably, expression of anthrax toxin was not affected by deletion of any of the cdg determinants. Three determinants encoding proteins with active GGDEF domains were found to affect germination kinetics. This study reveals a spore association of cyclic-di-GMP regulatory proteins and a likely role for these proteins in the biology of the B. anthracis spore. IMPORTANCE The genus Bacillus is composed of Gram-positive, rod shaped, soil-dwelling bacteria. As a mechanism for survival in the harsh conditions in soil, the organisms undergo sporulation, and the resulting spores permit the organisms to survive harsh environmental conditions. Although most species are saprophytes, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis are human pathogens and Bacillus thuringiensis is an insect pathogen. The bacterial c-di-GMP regulatory system is an important control system affecting motility, biofilm formation, and toxin production. The role of c-di-GMP has been studied in the spore-forming bacilli Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis. However, this regulatory system has not heretofore been examined in the high-consequence zoonotic pathogen of this genus, B. anthracis.

Strain variation in Bacillus cereus biofilms and their susceptibility to extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes

Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen and can form biofilms on food contact surfaces, which causes food hygiene problems. While it is necessary to understand strain-dependent variation to effectively control these biofilms, strain-to-strain variation in the structure of B. cereus biofilms is poorly understood. In this study, B. cereus strains from tatsoi (BC4, BC10, and BC72) and the ATCC 10987 reference strain were incubated at 30°C to form biofilms in the presence of the extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes DNase I, proteinase K, dispase II, cellulase, amyloglucosidase, and α-amylase to assess the susceptibility to these enzymes. The four strains exhibited four different patterns in terms of biofilm susceptibility to the enzymes as well as morphology of surface-attached biofilms or suspended cell aggregates. DNase I inhibited the biofilm formation of strains ATCC 10987 and BC4 but not of strains BC10 and BC72. This result suggests that some strains may not have extracellular DNA, or their extracellular DNA may be protected in their biofilms. In addition, the strains exhibited different patterns of susceptibility to protein- and carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. While other strains were resistant, strains ATCC 10987 and BC4 were susceptible to cellulase, suggesting that cellulose or its similar polysaccharides may exist and play an essential role in their biofilm formation. Our compositional and imaging analyses of strains ATCC 10987 and BC4 suggested that the physicochemical properties of their biofilms are distinct, as calculated by the carbohydrate to protein ratio. Taken together, our study suggests that the extracellular matrix of B. cereus biofilms may be highly diverse and provides insight into the diverse mechanisms of biofilm formation among B. cereus strains.

(+)-Terpinen-4-ol Inhibits Bacillus cereus Biofilm Formation by Upregulating the Interspecies Quorum Sensing Signals Diketopiperazines and Diffusing Signaling Factors

Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive endospore-forming foodborne pathogen that causes lethal food poisoning and significant economic losses, usually through biofilm- and endospore-induced recurrent cross- and postprocessing contamination. Due to the lack of critical inhibitory targets and control strategies, B. cereus biofilm contamination is a problem that urgently needs a solution. In this study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of several natural potential bacterial quorum sensing (QS) interferers, a group of spice-originated monoterpenoids, were screened, and terpinen-4-ol effectively inhibited B. cereus growth and biofilm and spore germination with minimum growth inhibition and 50% biofilm inhibitory concentrations of 8 and 2 μmol/mL, respectively. FESEM/CLSM and phenotypic research illustrated that in addition to a decrease in the number of attached B. cereus cells, (+)-terpinen-4-ol also obviously reduced extracellular matrix synthesis, especially exopolysaccharides, and inhibited the swarming motility and protease activity of B. cereus. (+)-Terpinen-4-ol did not exert a significant effect on AI-2 signals in B. cereus. Accordingly, the B. cereus-produced interspecies QS signals diffusing signal factors (DSFs, C8-C15) and diketopiperazines (DKPs) were detected and identified here, which suppressed B. cereus biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. (+)-Terpinen-4-ol significantly increased the levels of specific DSF and DKP signals in B. cereus and down-regulated the gene expression of some rpfB homologues in transcription level. Moreover, both DKPs and DSFs inhibited swarming motility and protease activity in B. cereus, while just the DSF signals 2-dodecenoic acid and 11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid inhibited exopolysaccharide synthesis like (+)-terpinen-4-ol. In summary, B. cereus strains were found to produce nine DSF- and six DKP-type QS signaling molecules, which repressed B. cereus biofilm formation. (+)-Terpinen-4-ol was confirmed to be a promising antibacterial and antibiofilm agent against B. cereus upregulating DSFs and DKPs levels, and it could target the critical genes rpfB for DSFs turnover.

The Matrix Revisited: Opening Night for the Pel Polysaccharide Across Eubacterial Kingdoms

Bacteria synthesize and export adhesive macromolecules to enable biofilm formation. These macromolecules, collectively called the biofilm matrix, are structurally varied and often unique to specific bacterial species or subspecies. This heterogeneity in matrix utilization makes it difficult to facilitate direct comparison between biofilm formation mechanisms of different bacterial species. Despite this, some matrix components, in particular the polysaccharides poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-glucosamine (PNAG) and bacterial cellulose, are utilized by many Gram-negative species for biofilm formation. However, there is a very narrow distribution of these components across Gram-positive organisms, whose biofilm matrix determinants remain largely undiscovered. We found that a genetic locus required for the production of a biofilm matrix component of P. aeruginosa, the Pel polysaccharide, is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and that there is a variant form of this cluster present in many Gram-positive bacterial species. We demonstrated that this locus is required for biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987, produces a polysaccharide that is similar to Pel, and is post-translationally regulated by cyclic-3′,5′-dimeric-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) in a manner identical to P. aeruginosa. However, while the proposed mechanism for Pel production appears remarkably similar between B. cereus and P. aeruginosa, we identified several key differences between Gram-negative and Gram-positive Pel biosynthetic components in other monoderms. In particular, 4 different architectural subtypes of the c-di-GMP-binding component PelD were identified, including 1 found only in Streptococci that has entirely lost the c-di-GMP recognition domain. These observations highlight how existing multi-component bacterial machines can be subtly tweaked to adapt to the unique physiology and regulatory mechanisms of Gram-positive organisms. Collectively, our analyses suggest that the Pel biosynthetic locus is one of the most phylogenetically widespread biofilm matrix determinants in bacteria, and that its mechanism of production and regulation is extraordinarily conserved across the majority of organisms that possess it.

Identification of the Clostridial cellulose synthase and characterization of the cognate glycosyl hydrolase, CcsZ

Biofilms are community structures of bacteria enmeshed in a self-produced matrix of exopolysaccharides. The biofilm matrix serves numerous roles, including resilience and persistence, making biofilms a subject of research interest among persistent clinical pathogens of global health importance. Our current understanding of the underlying biochemical pathways responsible for biosynthesis of these exopolysaccharides is largely limited to Gram-negative bacteria. Clostridia are a class of Gram-positive, anaerobic and spore-forming bacteria and include the important human pathogens Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum and Clostridioides difficile, among numerous others. Several species of Clostridia have been reported to produce a biofilm matrix that contains an acetylated glucan linked to a series of hypothetical genes. Here, we propose a model for the function of these hypothetical genes, which, using homology modelling, we show plausibly encode a synthase complex responsible for polymerization, modification and export of an O-acetylated cellulose exopolysaccharide. Specifically, the cellulose synthase is homologous to that of the known exopolysaccharide synthases in Gram-negative bacteria. The remaining proteins represent a mosaic of evolutionary lineages that differ from the described Gram-negative cellulose exopolysaccharide synthases, but their predicted functions satisfy all criteria required for a functional cellulose synthase operon. Accordingly, we named these hypothetical genes ccsZABHI, for the Clostridial cellulose synthase (Ccs), in keeping with naming conventions for exopolysaccharide synthase subunits and to distinguish it from the Gram-negative Bcs locus with which it shares only a single one-to-one ortholog. To test our model and assess the identity of the exopolysaccharide, we subcloned the putative glycoside hydrolase encoded by ccsZ and solved the X-ray crystal structure of both apo- and product-bound CcsZ, which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH-5). Although not homologous to the Gram-negative cellulose synthase, which instead encodes the structurally distinct BcsZ belonging to GH-8, we show CcsZ displays specificity for cellulosic materials. This specificity of the synthase-associated glycosyl hydrolase validates our proposal that these hypothetical genes are responsible for biosynthesis of a cellulose exopolysaccharide. The data we present here allowed us to propose a model for Clostridial cellulose synthesis and serves as an entry point to an understanding of cellulose biofilm formation among class Clostridia.

Structural and biochemical characterization of the exopolysaccharide deacetylase Agd3 required for Aspergillus fumigatus biofilm formation

The exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) is an important virulence factor of the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Deletion of a gene encoding a putative deacetylase, Agd3, leads to defects in GAG deacetylation, biofilm formation, and virulence. Here, we show that Agd3 deacetylates GAG in a metal-dependent manner, and is the founding member of carbohydrate esterase family CE18. The active site is formed by four catalytic motifs that are essential for activity. The structure of Agd3 includes an elongated substrate-binding cleft formed by a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) that is the founding member of CBM family 87. Agd3 homologues are encoded in previously unidentified putative bacterial exopolysaccharide biosynthetic operons and in other fungal genomes.