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Jeong GJ, Khan F, Tabassum N, Kim YM. Motility of Acinetobacter baumannii: regulatory systems and controlling strategies. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:3. [PMID: 38159120 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12975-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic zoonotic pathogenic bacterium that causes nosocomial infections ranging from minor to life-threatening. The clinical importance of this zoonotic pathogen is rapidly increasing due to the development of multiple resistance mechanisms and the synthesis of numerous virulence factors. Although no flagellum-mediated motility exists, it may move through twitching or surface-associated motility. Twitching motility is a coordinated multicellular movement caused by the extension, attachment, and retraction of type IV pili, which are involved in surface adherence and biofilm formation. Surface-associated motility is a kind of movement that does not need appendages and is most likely driven by the release of extra polymeric molecules. This kind of motility is linked to the production of 1,3-diaminopropane, lipooligosaccharide formation, natural competence, and efflux pump proteins. Since A. baumannii's virulence qualities are directly tied to motility, it is possible that its motility may be used as a specialized preventative or therapeutic measure. The current review detailed the signaling mechanism and involvement of various proteins in controlling A. baumannii motility. As a result, we have thoroughly addressed the role of natural and synthetic compounds that impede A. baumannii motility, as well as the underlying action mechanisms. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms behind A. baumannii's motility features will aid in the development of therapeutic drugs to control its infection. KEY POINTS: • Acinetobacter baumannii exhibits multiple resistance mechanisms. • A. baumannii can move owing to twitching and surface-associated motility. • Natural and synthetic compounds can attenuate A. baumannii motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
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Harkova LG, de Dios R, Rubio Valle A, Pérez Pulido AJ, McCarthy RR. Cyclic AMP is a global virulence regulator governing inter and intrabacterial signalling in Acinetobacter baumannii. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012529. [PMID: 39241032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with high morbidity and mortality rates. Current treatment options for this pathogen are limited due to its increasing resistance to last-resort antibiotics. Despite A. baumannii's leading position in the World Health Organisations priority pathogens list, little is known about its virulence regulation. Through a high-throughput screening approach to identify novel biofilm regulators, we identified a previously uncharacterised predicted adenylate cyclase (AC), CavA, as a central regulator of this phenotype. cAMP is a crucial mediator of various aspects of bacterial physiology in other species but information about its role in A. baumannii is limited. We confirm that CavA AC is functional and synthesizes cAMP in A. baumannii. Using dRNA-seq, we verify that CavA is a negative biofilm formation regulator affecting Csu pili and exopolysaccharide production. We demonstrate for the first time that in A. baumannii, cAMP is atop of a hierarchical signalling cascade controlling inter- and intrabacterial signalling by modulating quorum sensing and cyclic di-GMP systems, ultimately governing virulence in vivo and adaptive antibiotic resistance. In contrast to the well-established paradigm in other bacteria where cAMP and cyclic di-GMP levels are inversely regulated, we uncover that the levels of these second messengers are directly proportional in A. baumannii. Overall, this study uncovers the central role of CavA and cAMP in the pathogenic success of A. baumannii and highlights this signalling cascade as a high potential target for novel therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyuboslava G Harkova
- Antimicrobial Innovations Centre, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rubén de Dios
- Antimicrobial Innovations Centre, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Rubio Valle
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD-CSIC-JA), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Antonio J Pérez Pulido
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD-CSIC-JA), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ronan R McCarthy
- Antimicrobial Innovations Centre, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
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Jeong GJ, Khan F, Tabassum N, Kim YM. Alteration of oral microbial biofilms by sweeteners. Biofilm 2024; 7:100171. [PMID: 38197082 PMCID: PMC10772577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in using sweeteners for taste improvement in the food and drink industry. Sweeteners were found to regulate the formation or dispersal of structural components of microbial biofilms. Dietary sugars may enhance biofilm formation and facilitate the development of antimicrobial resistance, which has become a major health issue worldwide. In contrast, bulk and non-nutritive sweeteners are also beneficial for managing microbial infections. This review discusses the clinical significance of oral biofilms formed upon the administration of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners. The underlying mechanism of action of sweeteners in the regulation of mono- or poly-microbial biofilm formation and destruction is comprehensively discussed. Bulk and non-nutritive sweeteners have also been used in conjunction with antimicrobial substances to reduce microbial biofilm formation. Formulations with bulk and non-nutritive sweeteners have been demonstrated to be particularly efficient in this regard. Finally, future perspectives with respect to advancing our understanding of mechanisms underlying biofilm regulation activities of sweeteners are presented as well. Several alternative strategies for the application of bulk sweeteners and non-nutritive sweeteners have been employed to control the biofilm-forming microbial pathogens. Gaining insight into the underlying mechanisms responsible for enhancing or inhibiting biofilm formation and virulence properties by both mono- and poly-microbial species in the presence of the sweetener is crucial for developing a therapeutic agent to manage microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
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Posta E, Fekete I, Gyarmati E, Stündl L, Zold E, Barta Z. The Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Intestinal Nutrient-Sensing Receptors: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Life (Basel) 2023; 14:10. [PMID: 38276259 PMCID: PMC10817473 DOI: 10.3390/life14010010] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The consumption of artificial and low-calorie sweeteners (ASs, LCSs) is an important component of the Western diet. ASs play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and various inflammatory conditions. Intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors act as a crosstalk between dietary components, the gut microbiota, and the regulation of immune, endocrinological, and neurological responses. This narrative review aimed to summarize the possible effects of ASs and LCSs on intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors and their related functions. Based on the findings of various studies, long-term AS consumption has effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors in modulating incretin hormones, antimicrobial peptides, and cytokine secretion. These effects contribute to the regulation of glucose metabolism, ion transport, gut permeability, and inflammation and modulate the gut-brain, and gut-kidney axes. Based on the conflicting findings of several in vitro, in vivo, and randomized and controlled studies, artificial sweeteners may have a role in the pathogenesis of IBDs, functional bowel diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancers via the modulation of nutrient-sensing receptors. Further studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms underlying their effects to decide the risk/benefit ratio of sugar intake reduction via AS and LCS consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edit Posta
- GI Unit, Department of Infectology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Bartok Bela Street 2-26, 4031 Debrecen, Hungary; (E.G.); (Z.B.)
| | - Istvan Fekete
- Institute of Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (I.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Eva Gyarmati
- GI Unit, Department of Infectology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Bartok Bela Street 2-26, 4031 Debrecen, Hungary; (E.G.); (Z.B.)
- Doctoral School of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Blvd. 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Stündl
- Institute of Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (I.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Eva Zold
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Móricz Zsigmond Str. 22, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Zsolt Barta
- GI Unit, Department of Infectology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Bartok Bela Street 2-26, 4031 Debrecen, Hungary; (E.G.); (Z.B.)
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Gadar K, McCarthy RR. Using next generation antimicrobials to target the mechanisms of infection. NPJ ANTIMICROBIALS AND RESISTANCE 2023; 1:11. [PMID: 38686217 PMCID: PMC11057201 DOI: 10.1038/s44259-023-00011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of antibiotics on human health is being eroded at an alarming rate by the emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens. There is a recognised consensus that new strategies to tackle infection are urgently needed to limit the devasting impact of antibiotic resistance on our global healthcare infrastructure. Next generation antimicrobials (NGAs) are compounds that target bacterial virulence factors to disrupt pathogenic potential without impacting bacterial viability. By disabling the key virulence factors required to establish and maintain infection, NGAs make pathogens more vulnerable to clearance by the immune system and can potentially render them more susceptible to traditional antibiotics. In this review, we discuss the developing field of NGAs and how advancements in this area could offer a viable standalone alternative to traditional antibiotics or an effective means to prolong antibiotic efficacy when used in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Gadar
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH United Kingdom
| | - Ronan R. McCarthy
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH United Kingdom
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Gadar K, de Dios R, Kadeřábková N, Prescott TAK, Mavridou DAI, McCarthy RR. Disrupting iron homeostasis can potentiate colistin activity and overcome colistin resistance mechanisms in Gram-Negative Bacteria. Commun Biol 2023; 6:937. [PMID: 37704838 PMCID: PMC10499790 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05302-2] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative priority pathogen that can readily overcome antibiotic treatment through a range of intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. Treatment of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii largely relies on the use of colistin in cases where other treatment options have been exhausted. However, the emergence of resistance against this last-line drug has significantly increased amongst clinical strains. In this study, we identify the phytochemical kaempferol as a potentiator of colistin activity. When administered singularly, kaempferol has no effect on growth but does impact biofilm formation. Nonetheless, co-administration of kaempferol with sub-inhibitory concentrations of colistin exposes bacteria to a metabolic Achilles heel, whereby kaempferol-induced dysregulation of iron homeostasis leads to bacterial killing. We demonstrate that this effect is due to the disruption of Fenton's reaction, and therefore to a lethal build-up of toxic reactive oxygen species in the cell. Furthermore, we show that this vulnerability can be exploited to overcome both intrinsic and acquired colistin resistance in clinical strains of A. baumannii and E. coli in vitro and in the Galleria mellonella model of infection. Overall, our findings provide a proof-of-principle demonstration that targeting iron homeostasis is a promising strategy for enhancing the efficacy of colistin and overcoming colistin-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Gadar
- Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Rubén de Dios
- Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Nikol Kadeřábková
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | | | - Despoina A I Mavridou
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- John Ring LaMontagne Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ronan R McCarthy
- Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
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