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Casters Y, Bäcker LE, Broux K, Aertsen A. Phage transmission strategies: are phages farming their host? Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102481. [PMID: 38677076 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102481] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Extensive coevolution has led to utterly intricate interactions between phages and their bacterial hosts. While both the (short-term) intracellular molecular host-subversion mechanisms during a phage infection cycle and the (long-term) mutational arms race between phages and host cells have traditionally received a lot of attention, there has been an underestimating neglect of (mid-term) transmission strategies by which phages manage to cautiously spread throughout their host population. However, recent findings underscore that phages encode mechanisms to avoid host cell scarcity and promote coexistence with the host, giving the impression that some phages manage to 'farm' their host population to ensure access to host cells for lytic consumption. Given the tremendous impact of phages on bacterial ecology, charting and understanding the complexity of such transmission strategies is of key importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorben Casters
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium
| | - Leonard E Bäcker
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium
| | - Kevin Broux
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium
| | - Abram Aertsen
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium.
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2
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Chen Q, Cai P, Chang THW, Burgener E, Kratochvil MJ, Gupta A, Hargill A, Secor PR, Nielsen JE, Barron AE, Milla C, Heilshorn SC, Spakowitz A, Bollyky PL. Pf bacteriophages hinder sputum antibiotic diffusion via electrostatic binding. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl5576. [PMID: 38820163 PMCID: PMC11141622 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl5576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite great progress in the field, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections remain a major cause of mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), necessitating treatment with antibiotics. Pf is a filamentous bacteriophage produced by Pa and acts as a structural element in Pa biofilms. Pf presence has been associated with antibiotic resistance and poor outcomes in pwCF, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We have investigated how Pf and sputum biopolymers impede antibiotic diffusion using pwCF sputum and fluorescent recovery after photobleaching. We demonstrate that tobramycin interacts with Pf and sputum polymers through electrostatic interactions. We also developed a set of mathematical models to analyze the complex observations. Our analysis suggests that Pf in sputum reduces the diffusion of charged antibiotics due to a greater binding constant associated with organized liquid crystalline structures formed between Pf and sputum polymers. This study provides insights into antibiotic tolerance mechanisms in chronic Pa infections and may offer potential strategies for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Pam Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tony Hong Wei Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elizabeth Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Michael J. Kratochvil
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aviv Hargill
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Patrick R. Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Carlos Milla
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andy Spakowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Narancic J, Gavric D, Kostanjsek R, Knezevic P. First Characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii-Specific Filamentous Phages. Viruses 2024; 16:857. [PMID: 38932150 PMCID: PMC11209303 DOI: 10.3390/v16060857] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Filamentous bacteriophages belonging to the order Tubulavirales, family Inoviridae, significantly affect the properties of Gram-negative bacteria, but filamentous phages of many important pathogens have not been described so far. The aim of this study was to examine A. baumannii filamentous phages for the first time and to determine their effect on bacterial virulence. The filamentous phages were detected in 15.3% of A. baumannii strains as individual prophages in the genome or as tandem repeats, and a slightly higher percentage was detected in the culture collection (23.8%). The phylogenetic analyses revealed 12 new genera within the Inoviridae family. Bacteriophages that were selected and isolated showed structural and genomic characteristics of the family and were unable to form plaques. Upon host infection, these phages did not significantly affect bacterial twitching motility and capsule production but significantly affected growth kinetics, reduced biofilm formation, and increased antibiotic sensitivity. One of the possible mechanisms of reduced resistance to antibiotics is the observed decreased expression of efflux pumps after infection with filamentous phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Narancic
- PK Lab., Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (J.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Damir Gavric
- PK Lab., Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (J.N.); (D.G.)
| | - Rok Kostanjsek
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jaminkarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Petar Knezevic
- PK Lab., Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (J.N.); (D.G.)
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4
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Schmid N, Brandt D, Walasek C, Rolland C, Wittmann J, Fischer D, Müsken M, Kalinowski J, Thormann K. An autonomous plasmid as an inovirus phage satellite. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0024624. [PMID: 38597658 PMCID: PMC11107163 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00246-24] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial viruses (phages) are potent agents of lateral gene transfer and thus are important drivers of evolution. A group of mobile genetic elements, referred to as phage satellites, exploits phages to disseminate their own genetic material. Here, we isolated a novel member of the family Inoviridae, Shewanella phage Dolos, along with an autonomously replicating plasmid, pDolos. Dolos causes a chronic infection in its host Shewanella oneidensis by phage production with only minor effects on the host cell proliferation. When present, plasmid pDolos hijacks Dolos functions to be predominantly packaged into phage virions and released into the environment and, thus, acts as a phage satellite. pDolos can disseminate further genetic material encoding, e.g., resistances or fluorophores to host cells sensitive to Dolos infection. Given the rather simple requirements of a plasmid for takeover of an inovirus and the wide distribution of phages of this group, we speculate that similar phage-satellite systems are common among bacteria.IMPORTANCEPhage satellites are mobile genetic elements, which hijack phages to be transferred to other host cells. The vast majority of these phage satellites integrate within the host's chromosome, and they all carry remaining phage genes. Here, we identified a novel phage satellite, pDolos, which uses an inovirus for dissemination. pDolos (i) remains as an autonomously replicating plasmid within its host, (ii) does not carry recognizable phage genes, and (iii) is smaller than any other phage satellites identified so far. Thus, pDolos is the first member of a new class of phage satellites, which resemble natural versions of phagemids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schmid
- Institute for Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - David Brandt
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Claudia Walasek
- Institute for Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Clara Rolland
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dorian Fischer
- Institute for Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Mathias Müsken
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kai Thormann
- Institute for Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
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5
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Goehlich H, Roth O, Sieber M, Chibani CM, Poehlein A, Rajkov J, Liesegang H, Wendling CC. Suboptimal environmental conditions prolong phage epidemics in bacterial populations. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17050. [PMID: 37337348 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17050] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Infections by filamentous phages, which are usually nonlethal to the bacterial cells, influence bacterial fitness in various ways. While phage-encoded accessory genes, for example virulence genes, can be highly beneficial, the production of viral particles is energetically costly and often reduces bacterial growth. Consequently, if costs outweigh benefits, bacteria evolve resistance, which can shorten phage epidemics. Abiotic conditions are known to influence the net-fitness effect for infected bacteria. Their impact on the dynamics and trajectories of host resistance evolution, however, remains yet unknown. To address this, we experimentally evolved the bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus in the presence of a filamentous phage at three different salinity levels, that is (1) ambient, (2) 50% reduction and (3) fluctuations between reduced and ambient. In all three salinities, bacteria rapidly acquired resistance through super infection exclusion (SIE), whereby phage-infected cells acquired immunity at the cost of reduced growth. Over time, SIE was gradually replaced by evolutionary fitter surface receptor mutants (SRM). This replacement was significantly faster at ambient and fluctuating conditions compared with the low saline environment. Our experimentally parameterized mathematical model explains that suboptimal environmental conditions, in which bacterial growth is slower, slow down phage resistance evolution ultimately prolonging phage epidemics. Our results may explain the high prevalence of filamentous phages in natural environments where bacteria are frequently exposed to suboptimal conditions and constantly shifting selections regimes. Thus, our future ocean may favour the emergence of phage-born pathogenic bacteria and impose a greater risk for disease outbreaks, impacting not only marine animals but also humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Goehlich
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Olivia Roth
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Kiel, Germany
- Marine Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Sieber
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Cynthia M Chibani
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anja Poehlein
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jelena Rajkov
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Heiko Liesegang
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carolin C Wendling
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Kiel, Germany
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Integrative Biology, Zürich, Switzerland
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6
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Quinones-Olvera N, Owen SV, McCully LM, Marin MG, Rand EA, Fan AC, Martins Dosumu OJ, Paul K, Sanchez Castaño CE, Petherbridge R, Paull JS, Baym M. Diverse and abundant phages exploit conjugative plasmids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3197. [PMID: 38609370 PMCID: PMC11015023 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47416-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Phages exert profound evolutionary pressure on bacteria by interacting with receptors on the cell surface to initiate infection. While the majority of phages use chromosomally encoded cell surface structures as receptors, plasmid-dependent phages exploit plasmid-encoded conjugation proteins, making their host range dependent on horizontal transfer of the plasmid. Despite their unique biology and biotechnological significance, only a small number of plasmid-dependent phages have been characterized. Here we systematically search for new plasmid-dependent phages targeting IncP and IncF plasmids using a targeted discovery platform, and find that they are common and abundant in wastewater, and largely unexplored in terms of their genetic diversity. Plasmid-dependent phages are enriched in non-canonical types of phages, and all but one of the 65 phages we isolated were non-tailed, and members of the lipid-containing tectiviruses, ssDNA filamentous phages or ssRNA phages. We show that plasmid-dependent tectiviruses exhibit profound differences in their host range which is associated with variation in the phage holin protein. Despite their relatively high abundance in wastewater, plasmid-dependent tectiviruses are missed by metaviromic analyses, underscoring the continued importance of culture-based phage discovery. Finally, we identify a tailed phage dependent on the IncF plasmid, and find related structural genes in phages that use the orthogonal type 4 pilus as a receptor, highlighting the evolutionarily promiscuous use of these distinct contractile structures by multiple groups of phages. Taken together, these results indicate plasmid-dependent phages play an under-appreciated evolutionary role in constraining horizontal gene transfer via conjugative plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Quinones-Olvera
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Siân V Owen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Lucy M McCully
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Maximillian G Marin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Eleanor A Rand
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alice C Fan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Oluremi J Martins Dosumu
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Roxbury Community College, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
| | - Kay Paul
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Roxbury Community College, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
| | - Cleotilde E Sanchez Castaño
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Roxbury Community College, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
| | - Rachel Petherbridge
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jillian S Paull
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Michael Baym
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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7
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Popgeorgiev N, Krupovic M, Hiblot J, Fancello L, Monteil-Bouchard S, Desnues C. A New Inovirus from the Human Blood Encodes Proteins with Nuclear Subcellular Localization. Viruses 2024; 16:475. [PMID: 38543840 PMCID: PMC10975378 DOI: 10.3390/v16030475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses infecting bacteria (bacteriophages) represent the most abundant viral particles in the human body. They participate in the control of the human-associated bacterial communities and play an important role in the dissemination of virulence genes. Here, we present the identification of a new filamentous single-stranded DNA phage of the family Inoviridae, named Ralstonia Inoviridae Phage 1 (RIP1), in the human blood. Metagenomics and PCR analyses detected the RIP1 genome in blood serum, in the absence of concomitant bacterial infection or contamination, suggesting inovirus persistence in the human blood. Finally, we have experimentally demonstrated that the RIP1-encoded rolling circle replication initiation protein and serine integrase have functional nuclear localization signals and upon expression in eukaryotic cells both proteins were translocated into the nucleus. This observation adds to the growing body of data suggesting that phages could have an overlooked impact on the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Popgeorgiev
- Université de Lyon, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, U1052 INSERM, UMR CNRS 5286, Université Lyon I, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 rue Laennec, 69008 Lyon, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75013 Paris, France
| | - Mart Krupovic
- Archaeal Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Julien Hiblot
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Laura Fancello
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, IRIG-Biosanté, University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, UMR 1292, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Sonia Monteil-Bouchard
- Microbiologie Environnementale Biotechnologie, Institut Méditerranéen d’Océanologie, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.M.-B.); (C.D.)
| | - Christelle Desnues
- Microbiologie Environnementale Biotechnologie, Institut Méditerranéen d’Océanologie, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.M.-B.); (C.D.)
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8
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Chen Q, Cai P, Chang THW, Burgener E, Kratochvil MJ, Gupta A, Hargil A, Secor PR, Nielsen JE, Barron AE, Milla C, Heilshorn SC, Spakowitz A, Bollyky PL. Pf bacteriophages hinder sputum antibiotic diffusion via electrostatic binding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.10.584330. [PMID: 38496625 PMCID: PMC10942440 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.10.584330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Despite great progress in the field, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis, necessitating treatment with inhaled antibiotics. Pf phage is a filamentous bacteriophage produced by Pa that has been reported to act as a structural element in Pa biofilms. Pf presence has been associated with resistance to antibiotics and poor outcomes in cystic fibrosis, though the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we have investigated how Pf phages and sputum biopolymers impede antibiotic diffusion using human sputum samples and fluorescent recovery after photobleaching. We demonstrate that tobramycin interacts with Pf phages and sputum polymers through electrostatic interactions. We also developed a set of mathematical models to analyze the complex observations. Our analysis suggests that Pf phages in sputum reduce the diffusion of charged antibiotics due to a greater binding constant associated with organized liquid crystalline structures formed between Pf phages and sputum polymers. This study provides insights into antibiotic tolerance mechanisms in chronic Pa infections and may offer potential strategies for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Pam Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Tony Hong Wei Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Elizabeth Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027
| | - Michael J. Kratochvil
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Aviv Hargil
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Patrick R. Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, United States
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Carlos Milla
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Andy Spakowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
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9
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Böhning J, Tarafder AK, Bharat TA. The role of filamentous matrix molecules in shaping the architecture and emergent properties of bacterial biofilms. Biochem J 2024; 481:245-263. [PMID: 38358118 PMCID: PMC10903470 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210301] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Numerous bacteria naturally occur within spatially organised, multicellular communities called biofilms. Moreover, most bacterial infections proceed with biofilm formation, posing major challenges to human health. Within biofilms, bacterial cells are embedded in a primarily self-produced extracellular matrix, which is a defining feature of all biofilms. The biofilm matrix is a complex, viscous mixture primarily composed of polymeric substances such as polysaccharides, filamentous protein fibres, and extracellular DNA. The structured arrangement of the matrix bestows bacteria with beneficial emergent properties that are not displayed by planktonic cells, conferring protection against physical and chemical stresses, including antibiotic treatment. However, a lack of multi-scale information at the molecular level has prevented a better understanding of this matrix and its properties. Here, we review recent progress on the molecular characterisation of filamentous biofilm matrix components and their three-dimensional spatial organisation within biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Böhning
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Abul K. Tarafder
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Tanmay A.M. Bharat
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
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10
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Javorčík PN, Harms A. Isolation and sequencing of a novel inovirus, "Copypasta," from Rhine River water. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0118023. [PMID: 38265206 PMCID: PMC10868210 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01180-23] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a new inovirus named Copypasta isolated from the Rhine River that infects Escherichia coli and shows the expected filamentous morphology. Copypasta has a circular single-stranded DNA genome that is 6,408 nt long and harbors 12 protein-coding genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Nathael Javorčík
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, D-HEST, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Harms
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, D-HEST, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Narayanan KB, Bhaskar R, Choi SM, Han SS. Development of carrageenan-immobilized lytic coliphage vB_Eco2571-YU1 hydrogel for topical delivery of bacteriophages in wound dressing applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129349. [PMID: 38219934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129349] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are employed as cost-effective and efficient antibacterial agents to counter the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other host bacteria in phage therapy. The increasing incidence of skin wounds is a significant concern in clinical practice, especially considering the limitations of antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, the lack of an effective delivery system that preserves the stability of bacteriophages hampers their clinical implementation. In recent years, there has been a growing amount of research on bacteriophage applications in veterinary and biomedical sciences. In our study, lytic coliphage vB_Eco2571-YU1 was isolated against pathogenic Escherichia coli host bacteria, and hydrogel wound dressing materials were fabricated with marine polysaccharide carrageenan (carr-vB_Eco2571-YU1) for their antibacterial activity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) morphology identified it as a Myoviridae coliphage with an icosahedral head length and width of approximately 60 and 56.8 nm, respectively, and a tail length of 119.7 nm. The one-step growth curve of coliphage revealed a latent period of 10 min, a rise period of 15 min, and a burst size of 120 virions per cell. The bacteriolytic activity of unimmobilized coliphages was observed within 2 h; however, strain-specific phage resistance was acquired after 9 h. In contrast, carr-vB_Eco2571-YU1 showed a sharp decline in the growth of bacteria in the log phase after 2 h and did not allow for the acquisition of phage resistance by the E. coli strain. The stability of coliphage under different pH, temperature, osmolarity, detergents, and organic solvents was evaluated. We also studied the long-term storage of carr-vB_Eco2571-YU1 hydrogels at 4 °C and found that the titer value decreased during a time-dependent period of 28 days. These hydrogels were also found to be hemocompatible using a hemolysis assay. The addition of plasticizer (0.6 % (w/v)) to the carrageenan (2 % (w/v)) to prepare carr-vB_Eco2571-YU1 hydrogels showed a decrease in compressive strength with enhanced elasticity. This phage therapy using polymeric immobilization of bacteriophages is a promising next-generation wound dressing biomaterial alternative to conventional wound and skin care management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Badri Narayanan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea.
| | - Rakesh Bhaskar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea
| | - Soon Mo Choi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, South Korea.
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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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13
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Li Y, Yang KD, Kong DC, Li XM, Duan HY, Ye JF. Harnessing filamentous phages for enhanced stroke recovery. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1343788. [PMID: 38299142 PMCID: PMC10829096 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1343788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke poses a critical global health challenge, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Existing treatments often miss vital timeframes and encounter limitations due to adverse effects, prompting the pursuit of innovative approaches to restore compromised brain function. This review explores the potential of filamentous phages in enhancing stroke recovery. Initially antimicrobial-centric, bacteriophage therapy has evolved into a regenerative solution. We explore the diverse role of filamentous phages in post-stroke neurological restoration, emphasizing their ability to integrate peptides into phage coat proteins, thereby facilitating recovery. Experimental evidence supports their efficacy in alleviating post-stroke complications, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. However, rigorous clinical validation is essential to address challenges like dosing and administration routes. Additionally, genetic modification enhances their potential as injectable biomaterials for complex brain tissue issues. This review emphasizes innovative strategies and the capacity of filamentous phages to contribute to enhanced stroke recovery, as opposed to serving as standalone treatment, particularly in addressing stroke-induced brain tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kai-di Yang
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - De-cai Kong
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiao-meng Li
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hao-yu Duan
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jun-feng Ye
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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14
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Pei TT, Luo H, Wang Y, Li H, Wang XY, Zhang YQ, An Y, Wu LL, Ma J, Liang X, Yan A, Yang L, Chen C, Dong T. Filamentous prophage Pf4 promotes genetic exchange in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad025. [PMID: 38365255 PMCID: PMC10837833 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Filamentous prophages are widespread among bacteria and play crucial functions in virulence, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm structures. The filamentous Pf4 particles, extruded by an important pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can protect producing cells from adverse conditions. Contrary to the conventional belief that the Pf4-encoding cells resist reinfection, we herein report that the Pf4 prophage is reciprocally and commonly exchanged within P. aeruginosa colonies, which can repair defective Pf4 within the community. By labeling the Pf4 locus with antibiotic resistance and fluorescence markers, we demonstrate that the Pf4 locus is frequently exchanged within colony biofilms, in artificial sputum media, and in infected mouse lungs. We further show that Pf4 trafficking is a rapid process and capable of rescuing Pf4-defective mutants. The Pf4 phage is highly adaptable and can package additional DNA doubling its genome size. We also report that two clinical P. aeruginosa isolates are susceptible to the Pf4-mediated exchange, and the Pf5 prophage can be exchanged between cells as well. These findings suggest that the genetic exchanging interactions by filamentous prophages may facilitate defect rescue and the sharing of prophage-dependent benefits and costs within the P. aeruginosa community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Tong Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Han Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xing-Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi-Qiu Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying An
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Li-Li Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Junhua Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoye Liang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Aixin Yan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 999077, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Changbin Chen
- Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Nanjing Advanced Academy of Life and Health, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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15
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Yang Y, Chen IA. Visualization of Engineered M13 Phages Bound to Bacterial Targets by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2793:175-183. [PMID: 38526731 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3798-2_12] [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] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The filamentous phage M13 is one of the most well-studied and characterized phages, particularly since it was introduced as a scaffold for phage display, a technique to express and evolve fusion proteins on the M13 phage's coat to study protein or peptide binding interactions. Since phages can be engineered or evolved to specifically bind to a variety of targets, engineered M13 phages have been explored for applications such as drug delivery, biosensing, and cancer therapy, among others. Specifically, with the rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria, chimeric M13 phages have been explored both as detection and therapeutic agents due to the flexibility in tuning target specificity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful tool enabling researchers to directly visualize and characterize binding of phages to bacterial surfaces. However, the filamentous phage structure poses a challenge for this technique, as the phages have similar morphology to bacterial structures such as pili. In order to differentiate between bacterial structures and the filamentous phages, here we describe a protocol to prepare TEM samples of engineered M13 phages bound to bacterial cells, in which the phage virions have been specifically labeled by decoration of the major capsid proteins with gold nanoparticles. This protocol enables clear visualization and unambiguous identification of attached filamentous phages within the context of bacterial cells expressing numerous pili.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxi Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Irene A Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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16
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Böhning J, Graham M, Letham SC, Davis LK, Schulze U, Stansfeld PJ, Corey RA, Pearce P, Tarafder AK, Bharat TAM. Biophysical basis of filamentous phage tactoid-mediated antibiotic tolerance in P. aeruginosa. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8429. [PMID: 38114502 PMCID: PMC10730611 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44160-8] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Inoviruses are filamentous phages infecting numerous prokaryotic phyla. Inoviruses can self-assemble into mesoscale structures with liquid-crystalline order, termed tactoids, which protect bacterial cells in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms from antibiotics. Here, we investigate the structural, biophysical, and protective properties of tactoids formed by the P. aeruginosa phage Pf4 and Escherichia coli phage fd. A cryo-EM structure of the capsid from fd revealed distinct biochemical properties compared to Pf4. Fd and Pf4 formed tactoids with different morphologies that arise from differing phage geometries and packing densities, which in turn gave rise to different tactoid emergent properties. Finally, we showed that tactoids formed by either phage protect rod-shaped bacteria from antibiotic treatment, and that direct association with a tactoid is required for protection, demonstrating the formation of a diffusion barrier by the tactoid. This study provides insights into how filamentous molecules protect bacteria from extraneous substances in biofilms and in host-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Böhning
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Miles Graham
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Suzanne C Letham
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Luke K Davis
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, WC1H 0AY, UK
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ulrike Schulze
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Phillip J Stansfeld
- School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Robin A Corey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Philip Pearce
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, WC1H 0AY, UK
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Abul K Tarafder
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Tanmay A M Bharat
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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17
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Yang CC, Wang ZY, Cheng CM. Insights into Superinfection Immunity Regulation of Xanthomonas axonopodis Filamentous Bacteriophage cf. Curr Microbiol 2023; 81:42. [PMID: 38112972 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03539-y] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous bacteriophage cf infects Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, a serious plant pathogen which causes citrus canker. To understand the immunity regulation of bacteria infected with bacteriophage cf, we applied DNA shuffling to mutate the cf intergenic region. One of the immunity mutants, cf-m3 (NCBI Taxonomy ID: 3050368) expressed a 106-109 fold greater superinfection ability compared with wild type cf. Nine mutations were identified on the cf-m3 phage, four of which were located within the coding region of an open reading frame (ORF165) for a hypothetical repressor, PT, and five located upstream of the PT coding region. A set of phages with mutations to the predicted PT protein or the upstream coding region were generated. All showed similarly low superinfection efficiency to wild type cf and no superinfection ability on cf lysogens. The results indicate that rather than superinfection inhibition, the PT protein and the un-transcribed cis element function individually as positive regulators of cf superinfection immunity. Greater superinfection ability depends on the simultaneous presence of both elements. This work yields further insight into the possible control of citrus canker disease through phages that overcome host superinfection immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chin Yang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zih-Yun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tzu-Chi University, 701 Chung Yang Road Section 3, Hualien, 970, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ming Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tzu-Chi University, 701 Chung Yang Road Section 3, Hualien, 970, Taiwan.
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18
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Burckhardt JC, Tropini C. Inoviruses. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R1272-R1274. [PMID: 38113833 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Tropini and Burckhardt introduce inoviruses and discuss how they are unique amongst bacteriophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Burckhardt
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, Room 3557, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Carolina Tropini
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, Room 3557, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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19
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Pavia G, Marascio N, Matera G, Quirino A. Does the Human Gut Virome Contribute to Host Health or Disease? Viruses 2023; 15:2271. [PMID: 38005947 PMCID: PMC10674713 DOI: 10.3390/v15112271] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors eukaryotic and prokaryotic viruses and their genomes, metabolites, and proteins, collectively known as the "gut virome". This complex community of viruses colonizing the enteric mucosa is pivotal in regulating host immunity. The mechanisms involved in cross communication between mucosal immunity and the gut virome, as well as their relationship in health and disease, remain largely unknown. Herein, we review the literature on the human gut virome's composition and evolution and the interplay between the gut virome and enteric mucosal immunity and their molecular mechanisms. Our review suggests that future research efforts should focus on unraveling the mechanisms of gut viruses in human homeostasis and pathophysiology and on developing virus-prompted precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University Hospital of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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20
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Islam MS, Fan J, Pan F. The power of phages: revolutionizing cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1290296. [PMID: 38033486 PMCID: PMC10684691 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1290296] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease with a high global mortality rate and is projected to increase further in the coming years. Current treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have limitations including side effects, variable effectiveness, high costs, and limited availability. There is a growing need for alternative treatments that can target cancer cells specifically with fewer side effects. Phages, that infect bacteria but not eukaryotic cells, have emerged as promising cancer therapeutics due to their unique properties, including specificity and ease of genetic modification. Engineered phages can transform cancer treatment by targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. Phages exhibit versatility as nanocarriers, capable of delivering therapeutic agents like gene therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccines. Phages are extensively used in vaccine development, with filamentous, tailed, and icosahedral phages explored for different antigen expression possibilities. Engineered filamentous phages bring benefits such as built in adjuvant properties, cost-effectiveness, versatility in multivalent formulations, feasibility of oral administration, and stability. Phage-based vaccines stimulate the innate immune system by engaging pattern recognition receptors on antigen-presenting cells, enhancing phage peptide antigen presentation to B-cells and T-cells. This review presents recent phage therapy advances and challenges in cancer therapy, exploring its versatile tools and vaccine potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Sharifull Islam
- Center for Cancer Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Center for Cancer Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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21
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Evseev P, Bocharova J, Shagin D, Chebotar I. Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis Revealed Novel Groups of Filamentous Bacteriophages. Viruses 2023; 15:2215. [PMID: 38005892 PMCID: PMC10675462 DOI: 10.3390/v15112215] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in humans, especially in hospital patients with compromised host defence mechanisms, including patients with cystic fibrosis. Filamentous bacteriophages represent a group of single-stranded DNA viruses infecting different bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and other human and animal pathogens; many of them can replicate when integrated into the bacterial chromosome. Filamentous bacteriophages can contribute to the virulence of P. aeruginosa and influence the course of the disease. There are just a few isolated and officially classified filamentous bacteriophages infecting P. aeruginosa, but genomic studies indicated the frequent occurrence of integrated prophages in many P. aeruginosa genomes. An analysis of sequenced genomes of P. aeruginosa isolated from upper respiratory tract (throat and nasal swabs) and sputum specimens collected from Russian patients with cystic fibrosis indicated a higher diversity of filamentous bacteriophages than first thought. A detailed analysis of predicted bacterial proteins revealed prophage regions representing the filamentous phages known to be quite distantly related to known phages. Genomic comparisons and phylogenetic studies enabled the proposal of several new taxonomic groups of filamentous bacteriophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Evseev
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (J.B.); (D.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Bioengineering, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Julia Bocharova
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (J.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Dmitriy Shagin
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (J.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Igor Chebotar
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (J.B.); (D.S.)
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22
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Adamczyk-Popławska M, Golec P, Piekarowicz A, Kwiatek A. The potential for bacteriophages and prophage elements in fighting and preventing the gonorrhea. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37897236 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2274849] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most numerous entities on earth and are found everywhere their bacterial hosts live. As natural bacteria killers, phages are extensively investigated as a potential cure for bacterial infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the gonococcus) is the etiologic agent of a sexually transmitted disease: gonorrhea. The rapid increase of resistance of N. gonorrhoeae to antibiotics urges scientists to look for alternative treatments to combat gonococcal infections. Phage therapy has not been tested as an anti-gonococcal therapy so far. To date, no lytic phage has been discovered against N. gonorrhoeae. Nevertheless, gonococcal genomes contain both dsDNA and ssDNA prophages, and viral particle induction has been documented. In this review, we consider literature data about the attempts of hunting for a bacteriophage specific for gonococci - the gonophage. We also discuss the potential application of prophage elements in the fight against N. gonorrhoeae. Temperate phages may be useful in preventing and treating gonorrhea as a scaffold for anti-gonococcal vaccine development and as a source of lytic enzymes with anti-gonococcal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Adamczyk-Popławska
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Golec
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Piekarowicz
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kwiatek
- Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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23
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Pennetzdorfer N, Popescu MC, Haddock NL, Dupuy F, Kaber G, Hargil A, Johansson PK, Enejder A, Bollyky PL. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles bound to bacteriophages modulate neutrophil responses to bacterial infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1250339. [PMID: 37965262 PMCID: PMC10641230 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1250339] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major human pathogen, particularly effective at colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis. Bacteriophages are highly abundant at infection sites, but their impact on mammalian immunity remains unclear. We previously showed that Pf4, a temperate filamentous bacteriophage produced by P. aeruginosa, modifies the innate immune response to P. aeruginosa infections via TLR3 signaling, but the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. Notably, Pf4 is a single-stranded DNA and lysogenic phage, and its production does not typically result in lysis of its bacterial host. We identified previously that internalization of Pf4 by human or murine immune cells triggers maladaptive viral pattern recognition receptors and resulted in bacterial persistence based on the presence of phage RNA. We report now that Pf4 phage dampens inflammatory responses to bacterial endotoxin and that this is mediated in part via bacterial vesicles attached to phage particles. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced by Gram-negative bacteria and play a key role in host pathogen interaction. Recently, evidence has emerged that OMVs differentially package small RNAs. In this study, we show that Pf4 are decorated with OMVs that remain affixed to Pf4 despite of purification steps. These phages are endocytosed by human cells and delivered to endosomal vesicles. We demonstrate that short RNAs within the OMVs form hairpin structures that trigger TLR3-dependent type I interferon production and antagonize production of antibacterial cytokines and chemokines. In particular, Pf4 phages inhibit CXCL5, preventing efficient neutrophil chemotaxis in response to endotoxin. Moreover, blocking IFNAR or TLR3 signaling abrogates the effect of Pf4 bound to OMVs on macrophage activation. In a murine acute pneumonia model, mice treated with Pf4 associated with OMVs show significantly less neutrophil infiltration in BAL fluid than mice treated with purified Pf4. These changes in macrophage phenotype are functionally relevant: conditioned media from cells exposed to Pf4 decorated with OMVs are significantly less effective at inducing neutrophil migration in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that Pf4 phages alter innate immunity to bacterial endotoxin and OMVs, potentially dampening inflammation at sites of bacterial colonization or infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Pennetzdorfer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Medeea C. Popescu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Naomi L. Haddock
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Fannie Dupuy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University, Paris, France
| | - Gernot Kaber
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Aviv Hargil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Patrik K. Johansson
- Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Annika Enejder
- Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Immunology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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24
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Kan L, Barr JJ. A Mammalian Cell's Guide on How to Process a Bacteriophage. Annu Rev Virol 2023; 10:183-198. [PMID: 37774129 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-111821-111322] [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] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are enigmatic entities that defy definition. Classically, they are specialist viruses that exclusively parasitize bacterial hosts. Yet this definition becomes limiting when we consider their ubiquity in the body coupled with their vast capacity to directly interact with the mammalian host. While phages certainly do not infect nor replicate within mammalian cells, they do interact with and gain unfettered access to the eukaryotic cell structure. With the growing appreciation for the human virome, coupled with our increased application of phages to patients within clinical settings, the potential impact of phage-mammalian interactions is progressively recognized. In this review, we provide a detailed mechanistic overview of how phages interact with the mammalian cell surface, the processes through which said phages are internalized by the cell, and the intracellular processing and fate of the phages. We then summarize the current state-of-the-field with respect to phage-mammalian interactions and their associations with health and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Kan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia;
| | - Jeremy J Barr
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia;
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25
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Magdy Wasfy R, Mbaye B, Borentain P, Tidjani Alou M, Murillo Ruiz ML, Caputo A, Andrieu C, Armstrong N, Million M, Gerolami R. Ethanol-Producing Enterocloster bolteae Is Enriched in Chronic Hepatitis B-Associated Gut Dysbiosis: A Case-Control Culturomics Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2437. [PMID: 37894093 PMCID: PMC10608849 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health epidemic that causes fatal complications, leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The link between HBV-related dysbiosis and specific bacterial taxa is still under investigation. Enterocloster is emerging as a new genus (formerly Clostridium), including Enterocloster bolteae, a gut pathogen previously associated with dysbiosis and human diseases such as autism, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Its role in liver diseases, especially HBV infection, is not reported. METHODS The fecal samples of eight patients with chronic HBV infection and ten healthy individuals were analyzed using the high-throughput culturomics approach and compared to 16S rRNA sequencing. Quantification of ethanol, known for its damaging effect on the liver, produced from bacterial strains enriched in chronic HBV was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Using culturomics, 29,120 isolated colonies were analyzed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF); 340 species were identified (240 species in chronic HBV samples, 254 species in control samples) belonging to 169 genera and 6 phyla. In the chronic HBV group, 65 species were already known in the literature; 48 were associated with humans but had not been previously found in the gut, and 17 had never been associated with humans previously. Six species were newly isolated in our study. By comparing bacterial species frequency, three bacterial genera were serendipitously found with significantly enriched bacterial diversity in patients with chronic HBV: Enterocloster, Clostridium, and Streptococcus (p = 0.0016, p = 0.041, p = 0.053, respectively). However, metagenomics could not identify this enrichment, possibly concerning its insufficient taxonomical resolution (equivocal assignment of operational taxonomic units). At the species level, the significantly enriched species in the chronic HBV group almost all belonged to class Clostridia, such as Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium sporogenes, Enterocloster aldenensis, Enterocloster bolteae, Enterocloster clostridioformis, and Clostridium innocuum. Two E. bolteae strains, isolated from two patients with chronic HBV infection, showed high ethanol production (27 and 200 mM). CONCLUSIONS Culturomics allowed us to identify Enterocloster species, specifically, E. bolteae, enriched in the gut microbiota of patients with chronic HBV. These species had never been isolated in chronic HBV infection before. Moreover, ethanol production by E. bolteae strains isolated from the chronic HBV group could contribute to liver disease progression. Additionally, culturomics might be critical for better elucidating the relationship between dysbiosis and chronic HBV infection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Magdy Wasfy
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- MEPHI, IRD, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Babacar Mbaye
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- MEPHI, IRD, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Borentain
- Unité Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Timone, APHM, 13005 Marseille, France;
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Maryam Tidjani Alou
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- MEPHI, IRD, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Maria Leticia Murillo Ruiz
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- MEPHI, IRD, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Aurelia Caputo
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Claudia Andrieu
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nicholas Armstrong
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Million
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- MEPHI, IRD, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Rene Gerolami
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France (M.T.A.); (C.A.)
- MEPHI, IRD, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
- Unité Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Timone, APHM, 13005 Marseille, France;
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), 13005 Marseille, France
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Hille F, Gieschler S, Brinks E, Franz CMAP. Characterisation of the Novel Filamentous Phage PMBT54 Infecting the Milk Spoilage Bacteria Pseudomonas carnis and Pseudomonas lactis. Viruses 2023; 15:1781. [PMID: 37766190 PMCID: PMC10534721 DOI: 10.3390/v15091781] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous bacteriophages are lysogenic and pseudo-lysogenic viruses that do not lyse their host but are often continuously secreted from the infected cell. They belong to the order Tubulavirales, which encompasses three families, with the Inoviridae being the largest. While the number of identified inoviral sequences has greatly increased in recent years due to metagenomic studies, morphological and physiological characterisation is still restricted to only a few members of the filamentous phages. Here, we describe the novel filamentous phage PMBT54, which infects the spoilage-relevant Pseudomonas species P. carnis and P. lactis. Its genome is 7320 bp in size, has a mol% GC content of 48.37, and codes for 13 open-reading frames, two of which are located on the (-) strand. The virion exhibits a typical filamentous morphology and is secreted from the host cell at various lengths. The phage was shown to promote biofilm formation in both host strains and, therefore, has potential implications for milk spoilage, as biofilms are a major concern in the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hille
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Str. 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany; (S.G.); (E.B.); (C.M.A.P.F.)
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27
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Pellegri C, Moreau A, Duché D, Houot L. Direct interaction between fd phage pilot protein pIII and the TolQ-TolR proton-dependent motor provides new insights into the import of filamentous phages. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105048. [PMID: 37451481 PMCID: PMC10424213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105048] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous phages are one of the simplest examples of viruses with a protein capsid that protects a circular single-stranded DNA genome. The infection is very specific, nonlytic, and can strongly affect the physiology or provide new pathogenic factors to its bacterial host. The infection process is proposed to rely on a pore-forming mechanism similar to that of certain nonenveloped eukaryotic viruses. The Ff coliphages (including M13, fd, and f1) have been intensively studied and were used to establish the sequence of events taking place for efficient crossing of the host envelope structure. However, the mechanism involved in the penetration of the cell inner membrane is not well understood. Here, we identify new host players involved in the phage translocation mechanism. Interaction studies by a combination of in vivo biochemical methods demonstrate that the adhesion protein pIII located at the tip of the phage binds to TolQ and TolR, two proteins that form a conserved proton-dependent molecular motor in the inner membrane of the host cell. Moreover, in vivo cysteine cross-linking studies reveal that the interactions between the pIII and TolQ or TolR occur between their transmembrane helix domains and may be responding to the proton motive force status of the cell. These results allow us to propose a model for the late stage of filamentous phage translocation mediated by multiple interactions with each individual component of the host TolQRA complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callypso Pellegri
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Ambre Moreau
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Denis Duché
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France
| | - Laetitia Houot
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, UMR7255, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, Aix-Marseille Univ - CNRS, Marseille Cedex, France.
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28
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Silpe JE, Duddy OP, Johnson GE, Beggs GA, Hussain FA, Forsberg KJ, Bassler BL. Small protein modules dictate prophage fates during polylysogeny. Nature 2023; 620:625-633. [PMID: 37495698 PMCID: PMC10432266 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06376-y] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Most bacteria in the biosphere are predicted to be polylysogens harbouring multiple prophages1-5. In studied systems, prophage induction from lysogeny to lysis is near-universally driven by DNA-damaging agents6. Thus, how co-residing prophages compete for cell resources if they respond to an identical trigger is unknown. Here we discover regulatory modules that control prophage induction independently of the DNA-damage cue. The modules bear little resemblance at the sequence level but share a regulatory logic by having a transcription factor that activates the expression of a neighbouring gene that encodes a small protein. The small protein inactivates the master repressor of lysis, which leads to induction. Polylysogens that harbour two prophages exposed to DNA damage release mixed populations of phages. Single-cell analyses reveal that this blend is a consequence of discrete subsets of cells producing one, the other or both phages. By contrast, induction through the DNA-damage-independent module results in cells producing only the phage sensitive to that specific cue. Thus, in the polylysogens tested, the stimulus used to induce lysis determines phage productivity. Considering the lack of potent DNA-damaging agents in natural habitats, additional phage-encoded sensory pathways to lysis likely have fundamental roles in phage-host biology and inter-prophage competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Silpe
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Olivia P Duddy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Grace E Johnson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Grace A Beggs
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Fatima A Hussain
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kevin J Forsberg
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bonnie L Bassler
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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Bonczarowska JH, Susat J, Krause-Kyora B, Dangvard Pedersen D, Boldsen J, Larsen LA, Seeberg L, Nebel A, Unterweger D. Ancient Yersinia pestis genomes lack the virulence-associated Ypf Φ prophage present in modern pandemic strains. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230622. [PMID: 37464758 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0622] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of at least three major plague pandemics (Justinianic, Medieval and Modern). Previous studies on ancient Y. pestis genomes revealed that several genomic alterations had occurred approximately 5000-3000 years ago and contributed to the remarkable virulence of this pathogen. How a subset of strains evolved to cause the Modern pandemic is less well-understood. Here, we examined the virulence-associated prophage (YpfΦ), which had been postulated to be exclusively present in the genomes of strains associated with the Modern pandemic. The analysis of two new Y. pestis genomes from medieval/early modern Denmark confirmed that the phage is absent from the genome of strains dating to this time period. An extended comparative genome analysis of over 300 strains spanning more than 5000 years showed that the prophage is found in the genomes of modern strains only and suggests an integration into the genome during recent Y. pestis evolution. The phage-encoded Zot protein showed structural homology to a virulence factor of Vibrio cholerae. Similar to modern Y. pestis, we observed phages with a common origin to YpfΦ in individual strains of other bacterial species. Our findings present an updated view on the prevalence of YpfΦ, which might contribute to our understanding of the host spectrum, geographical spread and virulence of Y. pestis responsible for the Modern pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna H Bonczarowska
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Julian Susat
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Ben Krause-Kyora
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Dorthe Dangvard Pedersen
- Unit of Anthropology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, 5230, Denmark
| | - Jesper Boldsen
- Unit of Anthropology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, 5230, Denmark
| | | | - Lone Seeberg
- Museum Horsens Arkæologisk Afdeling, Fussingsvej 8, Horsens 8700, Denmark
| | - Almut Nebel
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Michaelisstraße 5, Kiel 24105, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Straße 2, Plön 24306, Germany
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30
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Li X, Wang X, Li R, Zhang W, Wang L, Yan B, Zhu T, Xu Y, Tan D. Characterization of a Filamentous Phage, Vaf1, from Vibrio alginolyticus AP-1. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0052023. [PMID: 37255423 PMCID: PMC10304664 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00520-23] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous phages are ubiquitously distributed in the global oceans. However, little is known about their biological contribution to their host's genetic and phenotypic diversity. In this study, a filamentous phage, Vaf1, was isolated and characterized from the emerging marine pathogen strain Vibrio alginolyticus AP-1. We explored the effects of the resident phage Vaf1 on the host physiology under diverse conditions by precisely deleting the entire phage Vaf1. Our results demonstrate that the presence of phage Vaf1 significantly increased biofilm formation, swarming motility, and contact-dependent competition. Furthermore, the gene expression profile suggests that several phage genes were upregulated in response to low-nutrient conditions. Unexpectedly, an in vivo study of zebrafish shows that fish infected with strain ΔVaf1 survived longer than those infected with wild-type strain AP-1, indicating that Vaf1 contributes to the virulence of V. alginolyticus. Together, our results provide direct evidence for the effect of Vaf1 phage-mediated phenotypic changes in marine bacteria V. alginolyticus. This further emphasizes the impressive complexity and diversity that filamentous phage-host interactions pose and the challenges associated with bacterial disease control in marine aquaculture. IMPORTANCE Non-lytic filamentous phages can replicate without killing their host, establishing long-term persistence within the bacterial host. In contrast to the well-studied CTXφ phage of the human-pathogenic Vibrio cholerae, little is known about the filamentous phage Vaf1 and its biological role in host fitness. In this study, we constructed a filamentous phage-deleted strain, ΔVaf1, and provided direct evidence on how an intact phage, φVaf1, belonging to the family Inoviridae, helps the bacterial host AP-1 to overcome adverse environmental conditions. Our results likely open new avenues for fundamental studies on how filamentous phage-host interactions regulate different aspects of Vibrio cell behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Wan Zhang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lili Wang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Bo Yan
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongyu Zhu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Xu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Demeng Tan
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Chang C, Guo W, Yu X, Guo C, Zhou N, Guo X, Huang RL, Li Q, Zhu Y. Engineered M13 phage as a novel therapeutic bionanomaterial for clinical applications: From tissue regeneration to cancer therapy. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100612. [PMID: 37063776 PMCID: PMC10102448 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are nanostructured viruses with highly selective antibacterial properties that have gained attention beyond eliminating bacteria. Specifically, M13 phages are filamentous phages that have recently been studied in various aspects of nanomedicine due to their biological advantages and more compliant engineering capabilities over other phages. Having nanofiber-like morphology, M13 phages can reach varied target sites and self-assemble into multidimensional scaffolds in a relatively safe and stable way. In addition, genetic modification of the coat proteins enables specific display of peptides and antibodies on the phages, allowing for precise and individualized medicine. M13 phages have also been subjected to novel engineering approaches, including phage-based bionanomaterial engineering and phage-directed nanomaterial combinations that enhance the bionanomaterial properties of M13 phages. In view of these features, researchers have been able to utilize M13 phages for therapeutic applications such as drug delivery, biodetection, tissue regeneration, and targeted cancer therapy. In particular, M13 phages have been utilized as a novel bionanomaterial for precisely mimicking natural tissue environment in order to overcome the shortage in tissue and organ donors. Hence, in this review, we address the recent studies and advances of using M13 phages in the field of nanomedicine as therapeutic agents based upon their characteristics as novel bionanomaterial with biomolecules displayed. This paper also emphasizes the novel engineering approach that enhances M13 phage's bionanomaterial capabilities. Current limitations and future approaches are also discussed to provide insight in further progress for M13 phage-based clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Centre for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wennan Guo
- School of Global Health, Chinese Centre for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xinbo Yu
- Second Dental Center, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Chaoyi Guo
- School of Global Health, Chinese Centre for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- School of Global Health, Chinese Centre for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaokui Guo
- School of Global Health, Chinese Centre for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ru-Lin Huang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Qingtian Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Yongzhang Zhu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Centre for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-The University of Edinburgh, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Corresponding author.
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Raeisi H, Noori M, Azimirad M, Mohebbi SR, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Yadegar A, Zali MR. Emerging applications of phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation for treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection: challenges and perspectives. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:21. [PMID: 37161478 PMCID: PMC10169144 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00550-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, which causes life-threatening diarrheal disease, is considered an urgent threat to healthcare setting worldwide. The current standards of care solely rely on conventional antibiotic treatment, however, there is a risk of promoting recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Globally, the alarming spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of C. difficile has resulted in a quest for alternative therapeutics. The use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which involves direct infusion of fecal suspension from a healthy donor into a diseased recipient, has been approved as a highly efficient therapeutic option for patients with rCDI. Bacteriophages or phages are a group of viruses that can infect and destroy bacterial hosts, and are recognized as the dominant viral component of the human gut microbiome. Accumulating data has demonstrated that phages play a vital role in microbial balance of the human gut microbiome. Recently, phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation (FVT) have been introduced as promising alternatives for the treatment of C. difficile -related infections, in particular drug-resistant CDI. Herein, we review the latest updates on C. difficile- specific phages, and phage-mediated treatments, and highlight the current and future prospects of phage therapy in the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Raeisi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Noori
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ragothaman M, Yoo SY. Engineered Phage-Based Cancer Vaccines: Current Advances and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050919. [PMID: 37243023 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050919] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have emerged as versatile tools in the field of bioengineering, with enormous potential in tissue engineering, vaccine development, and immunotherapy. The genetic makeup of phages can be harnessed for the development of novel DNA vaccines and antigen display systems, as they can provide a highly organized and repetitive presentation of antigens to immune cells. Bacteriophages have opened new possibilities for the targeting of specific molecular determinants of cancer cells. Phages can be used as anticancer agents and carriers of imaging molecules and therapeutics. In this review, we explored the role of bacteriophages and bacteriophage engineering in targeted cancer therapy. The question of how the engineered bacteriophages can interact with the biological and immunological systems is emphasized to comprehend the underlying mechanism of phage use in cancer immunotherapy. The effectiveness of phage display technology in identifying high-affinity ligands for substrates, such as cancer cells and tumor-associated molecules, and the emerging field of phage engineering and its potential in the development of effective cancer treatments are discussed. We also highlight phage usage in clinical trials as well as the related patents. This review provides a new insight into engineered phage-based cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Ragothaman
- BIO-IT Foundry Technology Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Yoo
- BIO-IT Foundry Technology Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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Burckhardt JC, Chong DHY, Pett N, Tropini C. Gut commensal Enterocloster species host inoviruses that are secreted in vitro and in vivo. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:65. [PMID: 36991500 PMCID: PMC10061712 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01496-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteriophages in the family Inoviridae, or inoviruses, are under-characterized phages previously implicated in bacterial pathogenesis by contributing to biofilm formation, immune evasion, and toxin secretion. Unlike most bacteriophages, inoviruses do not lyse their host cells to release new progeny virions; rather, they encode a secretion system that actively pumps them out of the bacterial cell. To date, no inovirus associated with the human gut microbiome has been isolated or characterized. RESULTS In this study, we utilized in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to detect inoviruses in bacterial members of the gut microbiota. By screening a representative genome library of gut commensals, we detected inovirus prophages in Enterocloster spp. (formerly Clostridium spp.). We confirmed the secretion of inovirus particles in in vitro cultures of these organisms using imaging and qPCR. To assess how the gut abiotic environment, bacterial physiology, and inovirus secretion may be linked, we deployed a tripartite in vitro assay that progressively evaluated bacterial growth dynamics, biofilm formation, and inovirus secretion in the presence of changing osmotic environments. Counter to other inovirus-producing bacteria, inovirus production was not correlated with biofilm formation in Enterocloster spp. Instead, the Enterocloster strains had heterogeneous responses to changing osmolality levels relevant to gut physiology. Notably, increasing osmolality induced inovirus secretion in a strain-dependent manner. We confirmed inovirus secretion in a gnotobiotic mouse model inoculated with individual Enterocloster strains in vivo in unperturbed conditions. Furthermore, consistent with our in vitro observations, inovirus secretion was regulated by a changed osmotic environment in the gut due to osmotic laxatives. CONCLUSION In this study, we report on the detection and characterization of novel inoviruses from gut commensals in the Enterocloster genus. Together, our results demonstrate that human gut-associated bacteria can secrete inoviruses and begin to elucidate the environmental niche filled by inoviruses in commensal bacteria. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Burckhardt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Derrick H Y Chong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nicola Pett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Carolina Tropini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Canada.
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35
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Graham EH, Tom WA, Neujahr AC, Adamowicz MS, Clarke JL, Herr JR, Fernando SC. The persistence and stabilization of auxiliary genes in the human skin virome. Virol J 2023; 20:49. [PMID: 36949545 PMCID: PMC10031188 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02012-3] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human skin contains a diverse microbiome that provides protective functions against environmental pathogens. Studies have demonstrated that bacteriophages modulate bacterial community composition and facilitate the transfer of host-specific genes, potentially influencing host cellular functions. However, little is known about the human skin virome and its role in human health. Especially, how viral-host relationships influence skin microbiome structure and function is poorly understood. RESULTS Population dynamics and genetic diversity of bacteriophage communities in viral metagenomic data collected from three anatomical skin locations from 60 subjects at five different time points revealed that cutaneous bacteriophage populations are mainly composed of tailed Caudovirales phages that carry auxiliary genes to help improve metabolic remodeling to increase bacterial host fitness through antimicrobial resistance. Sequence variation in the MRSA associated antimicrobial resistance gene, erm(C) was evaluated using targeted sequencing to further confirm the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in the human virome and to demonstrate how functionality of such genes may influence persistence and in turn stabilization of bacterial host and their functions. CONCLUSIONS This large temporal study of human skin associated viruses indicates that the human skin virome is associated with auxiliary metabolic genes and antimicrobial resistance genes to help increase bacterial host fitness.
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Grants
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2018-67015-27496 and 2018-68003-27545 National Institute of Food and Agriculture
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema H Graham
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Wesley A Tom
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Alison C Neujahr
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Michael S Adamowicz
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Jennifer L Clarke
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Food Science and Technology Department, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Joshua R Herr
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68503, USA
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68503, USA
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Samodha C Fernando
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
- Food Science and Technology Department, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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36
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The Burden of Survivors: How Can Phage Infection Impact Non-Infected Bacteria? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032733. [PMID: 36769055 PMCID: PMC9917116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The contemporary understanding of complex interactions in natural microbial communities and the numerous mechanisms of bacterial communication challenge the classical concept of bacteria as unicellular organisms. Microbial populations, especially those in densely populated habitats, appear to behave cooperatively, coordinating their reactions in response to different stimuli and behaving as a quasi-tissue. The reaction of such systems to viral infection is likely to go beyond each cell or species tackling the phage attack independently. Bacteriophage infection of a fraction of the microbial community may also exert an influence on the physiological state and/or phenotypic features of those cells that have not yet had direct contact with the virus or are even intrinsically unable to become infected by the particular virus. These effects may be mediated by sensing the chemical signals released by lysing or by infected cells as well as by more indirect mechanisms.
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Billaud M, Petit MA, Lossouarn J. The Clostridium-infecting filamentous phage CAK1 genome analysis allows to define a new potential clade of Tubulavirales. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2023; 370:fnad099. [PMID: 37791400 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnad099] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
What we know about Tubulavirales, i.e. filamentous phages, essentially comes from Gram-negative-infecting Inoviridae. However, metagenomics recently suggests filamentous phages are much more widespread and diverse. Here, we report the complete sequence and functional annotation of CAK1, a 6.6 kb filamentous phage that was shown to chronically infect Clostridium beijerinckii 30 years ago and only represents the second filamentous phage cultivated on a Gram-positive bacterium. CAK1 has a typical filamentous phage modular genome with no homologs in databases and we were interested to compare it with a pig gut filamentous phage metagenomics dataset that we previously assembled and for which many filamentous phages were predicted to infect Clostridium species by bioinformatics means. CAK1 is distantly related to nine of these sequences, two of which have been predicted as Clostridium-associated. In itself, this small cluster of CAK1-connected sequences sheds light on the diversity of filamentous phages that putatively infect Clostridium species, and probably many other Gram-positive genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Billaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marie-Agnès Petit
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Julien Lossouarn
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Klonowska A, Ardley J, Moulin L, Zandberg J, Patrel D, Gollagher M, Marinova D, Reddy TBK, Varghese N, Huntemann M, Woyke T, Seshadri R, Ivanova N, Kyrpides N, Reeve W. Discovery of a novel filamentous prophage in the genome of the Mimosa pudica microsymbiont Cupriavidus taiwanensis STM 6018. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1082107. [PMID: 36925474 PMCID: PMC10011098 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1082107] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrated virus genomes (prophages) are commonly found in sequenced bacterial genomes but have rarely been described in detail for rhizobial genomes. Cupriavidus taiwanensis STM 6018 is a rhizobial Betaproteobacteria strain that was isolated in 2006 from a root nodule of a Mimosa pudica host in French Guiana, South America. Here we describe features of the genome of STM 6018, focusing on the characterization of two different types of prophages that have been identified in its genome. The draft genome of STM 6018 is 6,553,639 bp, and consists of 80 scaffolds, containing 5,864 protein-coding genes and 61 RNA genes. STM 6018 contains all the nodulation and nitrogen fixation gene clusters common to symbiotic Cupriavidus species; sharing >99.97% bp identity homology to the nod/nif/noeM gene clusters from C. taiwanensis LMG19424T and "Cupriavidus neocalidonicus" STM 6070. The STM 6018 genome contains the genomes of two prophages: one complete Mu-like capsular phage and one filamentous phage, which integrates into a putative dif site. This is the first characterization of a filamentous phage found within the genome of a rhizobial strain. Further examination of sequenced rhizobial genomes identified filamentous prophage sequences in several Beta-rhizobial strains but not in any Alphaproteobacterial rhizobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Klonowska
- Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut AgroPHIM Plant Health Institute, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Ardley
- Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Food Futures Institute, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Lionel Moulin
- Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut AgroPHIM Plant Health Institute, Montpellier, France
| | - Jaco Zandberg
- Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Food Futures Institute, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Delphine Patrel
- Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut AgroPHIM Plant Health Institute, Montpellier, France
| | - Margaret Gollagher
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Dora Marinova
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - T B K Reddy
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Neha Varghese
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Marcel Huntemann
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Tanja Woyke
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Rekha Seshadri
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Natalia Ivanova
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Nikos Kyrpides
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Wayne Reeve
- Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Food Futures Institute, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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Ch'ng ACW, Konthur Z, Lim TS. Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Semi-automated Panning for High-Throughput Antibody Selection. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2702:291-313. [PMID: 37679626 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3381-6_15] [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] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Bio-panning is a common process involved in recombinant antibody selection against defined targets. The biopanning process aims to isolate specific antibodies against an antigen via affinity selection from a phage display library. In general, antigens are immobilized on solid surfaces such as polystyrene plastic, magnetic beads, and nitrocellulose. For high-throughput selection, semi-automated panning selection allows simultaneous panning against multiple target antigens adapting automated particle processing systems such as the KingFisher Flex. The system setup allows for minimal human intervention for pre- and post-panning steps such as antigen immobilization, phage rescue, and amplification. In addition, the platform is also adaptable to perform polyclonal and monoclonal ELISA for the evaluation process. This chapter will detail the protocols involved from the selection stage until the monoclonal ELISA evaluation with important notes attached at the end of this chapter for optimization and troubleshooting purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chiew Wen Ch'ng
- Institute for Reseach in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Zoltán Konthur
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Reference Materials, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Theam Soon Lim
- Institute for Reseach in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.
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40
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Jia K, Peng Y, Chen X, Jian H, Jin M, Yi Z, Su M, Dong X, Yi M. A Novel Inovirus Reprograms Metabolism and Motility of Marine Alteromonas. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0338822. [PMID: 36301121 PMCID: PMC9769780 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03388-22] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Members from the Inoviridae family with striking features are widespread, highly diverse, and ecologically pervasive across multiple hosts and environments. However, a small number of inoviruses have been isolated and studied. Here, a filamentous phage infecting Alteromonas abrolhosensis, designated ϕAFP1, was isolated from the South China Sea and represented a novel genus of Inoviridae. ϕAFP1 consisted of a single-stranded DNA genome (5986 bp), encoding eight putative ORFs. Comparative analyses revealed ϕAFP1 could be regarded as genetic mosaics having homologous sequences with Ralstonia and Stenotrophomonas phages. The temporal transcriptome analysis of A. abrolhosensis to ϕAFP1 infection revealed that 7.78% of the host genes were differentially expressed. The genes involved in translation processes, ribosome pathways, and degradation of multiple amino acid pathways at the plateau period were upregulated, while host material catabolic and bacterial motility-related genes were downregulated, indicating that ϕAFP1 might hijack the energy of the host for the synthesis of phage proteins. ϕAFP1 exerted step-by-step control on host genes through the appropriate level of utilizing host resources. Our study provided novel information for a better understanding of filamentous phage characteristics and phage-host interactions. IMPORTANCE Alteromonas is widely distributed and plays a vital role in biogeochemical in marine environments. However, little information about Alteromonas phages is available. Here, we isolated and characterized the biological characteristics and genome sequence of a novel inovirus infecting Alteromonas abrolhosensis, designated ϕAFP1, representing a novel viral genus of Inoviridae. We then presented a comprehensive view of the ϕAFP1 phage-Alteromonas abrolhosensis interactions, elucidating reprogramed host metabolism and motility. Our study provided novel information for better comprehension of filamentous phage characteristics and phage-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntong Jia
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongyi Peng
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueji Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Huahua Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Development Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Jin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiwei Yi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ming Su
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiyang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Meisheng Yi
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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41
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Shamir Y, Goldbourt A. Atomic-Resolution Structure of the Protein Encoded by Gene V of fd Bacteriophage in Complex with Viral ssDNA Determined by Magic-Angle Spinning Solid-State NMR. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 145:300-310. [PMID: 36542094 PMCID: PMC9837838 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c09957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
F-specific filamentous phages, elongated particles with circular single-stranded DNA encased in a symmetric protein capsid, undergo an intermediate step, where thousands of homodimers of a non-structural protein, gVp, bind to newly synthesized strands of DNA, preventing further DNA replication and preparing the circular genome in an elongated conformation for assembly of a new virion structure at the membrane. While the structure of the free homodimer is known, the ssDNA-bound conformation has yet to be determined. We report an atomic-resolution structure of the gVp monomer bound to ssDNA of fd phage in the nucleoprotein complex elucidated via magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR. The model presents significant conformational changes with respect to the free form. These modifications facilitate the binding mechanism and possibly promote cooperative binding in the assembly of the gVp-ssDNA complex.
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42
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When bacteria are phage playgrounds: interactions between viruses, cells, and mobile genetic elements. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 70:102230. [PMID: 36335712 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Studies of viral adaptation have focused on the selective pressures imposed by hosts. However, there is increasing evidence that interactions between viruses, cells, and other mobile genetic elements are determinant to the success of infections. These interactions are often associated with antagonism and competition, but sometimes involve cooperation or parasitism. We describe two key types of interactions - defense systems and genetic regulation - that allow the partners of the interaction to destroy or control the others. These interactions evolve rapidly by genetic exchanges, including among competing partners. They are sometimes followed by functional diversification. Gene exchanges also facilitate the emergence of cross-talk between elements in the same bacterium. In the end, these processes produce multilayered networks of interactions that shape the outcome of viral infections.
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43
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Bacteriophage-Mediated Cancer Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214245. [PMID: 36430720 PMCID: PMC9697857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have long been considered only as infectious agents that affect bacterial hosts. However, recent studies provide compelling evidence that these viruses are able to successfully interact with eukaryotic cells at the levels of the binding, entry and expression of their own genes. Currently, bacteriophages are widely used in various areas of biotechnology and medicine, but the most intriguing of them is cancer therapy. There are increasing studies confirming the efficacy and safety of using phage-based vectors as a systemic delivery vehicle of therapeutic genes and drugs in cancer therapy. Engineered bacteriophages, as well as eukaryotic viruses, demonstrate a much greater efficiency of transgene delivery and expression in cancer cells compared to non-viral gene transfer methods. At the same time, phage-based vectors, in contrast to eukaryotic viruses-based vectors, have no natural tropism to mammalian cells and, as a result, provide more selective delivery of therapeutic cargos to target cells. Moreover, numerous data indicate the presence of more complex molecular mechanisms of interaction between bacteriophages and eukaryotic cells, the further study of which is necessary both for the development of gene therapy methods and for understanding the cancer nature. In this review, we summarize the key results of research into aspects of phage-eukaryotic cell interaction and, in particular, the use of phage-based vectors for highly selective and effective systemic cancer gene therapy.
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de Oliveira HL, Dias GM, Neves BC. Genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1-Petro—A role model of environmental adaptation and a potential biotechnological tool. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11566. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Tang X, Fan C, Zeng G, Zhong L, Li C, Ren X, Song B, Liu X. Phage-host interactions: The neglected part of biological wastewater treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119183. [PMID: 36244146 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), the stable operation of biological wastewater treatment is strongly dependent on the stability of associated microbiota. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that specifically infect bacteria and archaea, are highly abundant and diverse in WWTPs. Although phages do not have known metabolic functions for themselves, they can shape functional microbiota via various phage-host interactions to impact biological wastewater treatment. However, the developments of phage-host interaction in WWTPs and their impact on biological wastewater treatment are overlooked. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the phage-host interactions in biological wastewater treatment, mainly focusing on the characteristics of different phage populations, the phage-driven changes in functional microbiota, and the potential driving factors of phage-host interactions. We also discuss the efforts required further to understand and manipulate the phage-host interactions in biological wastewater treatment. Overall, this review advocates more attention to the phage dynamics in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Changzheng Fan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China.
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Linrui Zhong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Chao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China; Nova Skantek (Hunan) Environ Energy Co., Ltd., Changsha 410100, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoya Ren
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Xigui Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
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Wendling CC, Lange J, Liesegang H, Sieber M, Pöhlein A, Bunk B, Rajkov J, Goehlich H, Roth O, Brockhurst MA. Higher phage virulence accelerates the evolution of host resistance. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221070. [PMID: 36196537 PMCID: PMC9532999 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1070] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens vary strikingly in their virulence and the selection they impose on their hosts. While the evolution of different virulence levels is well studied, the evolution of host resistance in response to different virulence levels is less understood and, at present, mainly based on observations and theoretical predictions with few experimental tests. Increased virulence can increase selection for host resistance evolution if the benefits of avoiding infection outweigh resistance costs. To test this, we experimentally evolved the bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus in the presence of two variants of a filamentous phage that differ in their virulence. The bacterial host exhibited two alternative defence strategies: (1) super infection exclusion (SIE), whereby phage-infected cells were immune to subsequent infection at the cost of reduced growth, and (2) surface receptor mutations (SRM), providing resistance to infection by preventing phage attachment. While SIE emerged rapidly against both phages, SRM evolved faster against the high- than the low-virulence phage. Using a mathematical model of our system, we show that increasing virulence strengthens selection for SRM owing to the higher costs of infection suffered by SIE immune hosts. Thus, by accelerating the evolution of host resistance, more virulent phages caused shorter epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin C Wendling
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany.,ETH Zürich, Institute of Integrative Biology, Universitätstrasse 16, CHN D 33, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Janina Lange
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Heiko Liesegang
- Department of genomic and applied microbiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Grisebachstr 8, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Sieber
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Str. 2, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Anja Pöhlein
- Department of genomic and applied microbiology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Grisebachstr 8, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Department Bioinformatics and Databases, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstr. 7B, 38114 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jelena Rajkov
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany.,Marine Evolutionary Biology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Henry Goehlich
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Olivia Roth
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Marine Evolutionary Ecology, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany.,Marine Evolutionary Biology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael A Brockhurst
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Greenrod STE, Stoycheva M, Elphinstone J, Friman VP. Global diversity and distribution of prophages are lineage-specific within the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:689. [PMID: 36199029 PMCID: PMC9535894 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) strains are destructive plant pathogenic bacteria and the causative agents of bacterial wilt disease, infecting over 200 plant species worldwide. In addition to chromosomal genes, their virulence is mediated by mobile genetic elements including integrated DNA of bacteriophages, i.e., prophages, which may carry fitness-associated auxiliary genes or modulate host gene expression. Although experimental studies have characterised several prophages that shape RSSC virulence, the global diversity, distribution, and wider functional gene content of RSSC prophages are unknown. In this study, prophages were identified in a diverse collection of 192 RSSC draft genome assemblies originating from six continents. Results Prophages were identified bioinformatically and their diversity investigated using genetic distance measures, gene content, GC, and total length. Prophage distributions were characterised using metadata on RSSC strain geographic origin and lineage classification (phylotypes), and their functional gene content was assessed by identifying putative prophage-encoded auxiliary genes. In total, 313 intact prophages were identified, forming ten genetically distinct clusters. These included six prophage clusters with similarity to the Inoviridae, Myoviridae, and Siphoviridae phage families, and four uncharacterised clusters, possibly representing novel, previously undescribed phages. The prophages had broad geographical distributions, being present across multiple continents. However, they were generally host phylogenetic lineage-specific, and overall, prophage diversity was proportional to the genetic diversity of their hosts. The prophages contained many auxiliary genes involved in metabolism and virulence of both phage and bacteria. Conclusions Our results show that while RSSC prophages are highly diverse globally, they make lineage-specific contributions to the RSSC accessory genome, which could have resulted from shared coevolutionary history. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08909-7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Elphinstone
- Fera Science Ltd, National Agri-Food Innovation Campus, Sand Hutton, York, UK
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Wdowiak M, Paczesny J, Raza S. Enhancing the Stability of Bacteriophages Using Physical, Chemical, and Nano-Based Approaches: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091936. [PMID: 36145682 PMCID: PMC9502844 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Phages are efficient in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various diseases, and as sensing elements in biosensors. Phage display alone has gained attention over the past decade, especially in pharmaceuticals. Bacteriophages have also found importance in research aiming to fight viruses and in the consequent formulation of antiviral agents and vaccines. All these applications require control over the stability of virions. Phages are considered resistant to various harsh conditions. However, stability-determining parameters are usually the only additional factors in phage-related applications. Phages face instability and activity loss when preserved for extended periods. Sudden environmental changes, including exposure to UV light, temperature, pH, and salt concentration, also lead to a phage titer fall. This review describes various formulations that impart stability to phage stocks, mainly focusing on polymer-based stabilization, encapsulation, lyophilization, and nano-assisted solutions.
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Zhan S, Fang H, Chen Q, Xiong S, Guo Y, Huang T, Li X, Leng Y, Huang X, Xiong Y. M13 bacteriophage as biometric component for orderly assembly of dynamic light scattering immunosensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 217:114693. [PMID: 36108584 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ordered assembly of nanostructure is an effective strategy used to manipulate the hydrodynamic diameter (DH) of nanoparticles. Herein, a versatile dynamic light scattering (DLS) immunosensing platform is presented to sensitively detect small molecules and biomacromolecules by using the M13 phage as the building module to order the assembly of gold nanoflowers and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles, respectively. After the directional assembly of M13 phage, the DH of the probes was significantly increased due to its larger filamentous structure, thus improving the detection sensitivity of the DLS immunosensor. The designed M13 assembled DLS immunosensor with competitive and sandwich formats showed high sensitivities for ochratoxin A and alpha-fetoprotein in real corn and undiluted serum samples, with the detection limits of 1.37 and 57 pg/mL, respectively. These values are approximately 15.8 and 164.9 times lower than those of traditional phage-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Collectively, this work provides a promising strategy to manipulate the DH of nanoparticles by highly evolved biomaterials such as engineered M13 phages and opens upon a new direction for developing DLS immunosensors to detect various targets by the fusion expression of special peptide or nanobody on the pIII or pVIII protein of M13 phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China; College of Food and Pharmaceutical Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315800, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Hao Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China
| | - Sicheng Xiong
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States
| | - Yuqian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315800, PR China
| | - Xiangmin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China; Jiangxi-OAI Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Yuankui Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China; Jiangxi-OAI Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China; Jiangxi-OAI Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China.
| | - Yonghua Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China; School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China; Jiangxi-OAI Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China.
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Inglis LK, Edwards RA. How Metagenomics Has Transformed Our Understanding of Bacteriophages in Microbiome Research. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081671. [PMID: 36014086 PMCID: PMC9415785 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is an essential part of most ecosystems. It was originally studied mostly through culturing but relatively few microbes can be cultured, so much of the microbiome was left unexplored. The emergence of metagenomic sequencing techniques changed that and allowed the study of microbiomes from all sorts of habitats. Metagenomic sequencing also allowed for a more thorough exploration of prophages, viruses that integrate into bacterial genomes, and how they benefit their hosts. One issue with using open-access metagenomic data is that sequences added to databases often have little to no metadata to work with, so finding enough sequences can be difficult. Many metagenomes have been manually curated but this is a time-consuming process and relies heavily on the uploader to be accurate and thorough when filling in metadata fields and the curators to be working with the same ontologies. Using algorithms to automatically sort metagenomes based on either the taxonomic profile or the functional profile may be a viable solution to the issues with manually curated metagenomes, but it requires that the algorithm is trained on carefully curated datasets and using the most informative profile possible in order to minimize errors.
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