1
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Raman SK, Siva Reddy DV, Jain V, Bajpai U, Misra A, Singh AK. Mycobacteriophages: therapeutic approach for mycobacterial infections. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104049. [PMID: 38830505 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104049] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health threat, and cases of infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) causing lung disease (NTM-LD) are rising. Bacteriophages and their gene products have garnered interest as potential therapeutic options for bacterial infections. Here, we have compiled information on bacteriophages and their products that can kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis or NTM. We summarize the mechanisms whereby viable phages can access macrophage-resident bacteria and not elicit immune responses, review methodologies of pharmaceutical product development containing mycobacteriophages and their gene products, mainly lysins, in the context of drug regulatory requirements and we discuss industrially relevant methods for producing pharmaceutical products comprising mycobacteriophages, emphasizing delivery of mycobacteriophages to the lungs. We conclude with an outline of some recent case studies on mycobacteriophage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Raman
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - D V Siva Reddy
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Vikas Jain
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Urmi Bajpai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Govindpuri, Kalkaji , New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Amit Misra
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Experimental Animal Facility, ICMR-National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases, M. Miyazaki Marg, Tajganj, Agra 282004, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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2
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Alcaraz M, Lyonnais S, Ghosh C, Aguilera-Correa JJ, Richeter S, Ulrich S, Kremer L. Evaluation and activity of new porphyrin-peptide cage-type conjugates for the photoinactivation of Mycobacterium abscessus. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0000624. [PMID: 38619253 PMCID: PMC11064497 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00006-24] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus is increasingly recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen causing severe lung diseases and cutaneous infections. However, treatment of M. abscessus infections remains particularly challenging, largely due to intrinsic resistance to a wide panel of antimicrobial agents. New therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Herein, we show that, upon limited irradiation with a blue-light source, newly developed porphyrin-peptide cage-type photosensitizers exert a strong bactericidal activity against smooth and rough variants of M. abscessus in planktonic cultures and in biofilms, at low concentrations. Atomic force microscopy unraveled important morphological alterations that include a wrinkled and irregular bacterial surface. The potential of these compounds for a photo-therapeutic use to treat M. abscessus skin infections requires further evaluations.IMPORTANCEMycobacterium abscessus causes persistent infections and is extremely difficult to eradicate. Despite intensive chemotherapy, treatment success rates remain very low. Thus, given the unsatisfactory performances of the current regimens, more effective therapeutic alternatives are needed. In this study, we evaluated the activity of newly described porphyrin-peptide cage-type conjugates in the context of photodynamic therapy. We show that upon light irradiation, these compounds were highly bactericidal against M. abscessus in vitro, thus qualifying these compounds for future studies dedicated to photo-therapeutic applications against M. abscessus skin infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthéo Alcaraz
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 9004, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Chandramouli Ghosh
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Université of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - John Jairo Aguilera-Correa
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 9004, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Richeter
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier (ICGM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Ulrich
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Université of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Kremer
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 9004, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- INSERM, IRIM, Montpellier, France
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3
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Zhang J, Wu Y, Li W, Xie H, Li J, Miao Y, Yang Z, Zhou Y, Wang X. Effects of a novel Bacillus subtilis GXYX crude lipopeptide against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28219. [PMID: 38524560 PMCID: PMC10958701 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28219] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The increased rate of antibiotic resistance strongly limits the resolution of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection. Therefore, new strategies to control bacterial infections are urgently needed. Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and its metabolites are desirable antibacterial agents. Here, we aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the novel B. subtilis strain GXYX (No: PRJNA940956) crude lipopeptide against S. Typhimurium. In vitro, GXYX crude lipopeptides affected S. Typhimurium biofilm formation and swimming and attenuated the adhesion and invasion abilities of S. Typhimurium toward BHK-21 cells; in addition, it inhibited the mRNA expression of the filA, filC, csgA, and csgB genes, which are related to the adhesion and invasion ability of S. Typhimurium. In vivo, pretreatment with GXYX crude lipopeptide via intragastric administration improved the survival rate by 30%, which was related to reductions in organ bacterial loads and clinical signs in mice. Intragastric administration of GXYX crude lipopeptide significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12 and IL-6 in response to S. Typhimurium-induced inflammation compared with intraperitoneal injection. Moreover, it significantly improved the intestinal barrier-related gene (ZO-1, claudin-1, occludin-1) mRNA levels in intestinal tissue damaged by S. Typhimurium infection. In conclusion, GXYX crude lipopeptides were effective at reducing S. Typhimurium colonization, laying a foundation for the further development of novel antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingya Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Honglin Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingyan Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongqiang Miao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zengqi Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yefei Zhou
- Department of Life Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinglong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
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4
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Moukendza Koundi L, Ekomi Moure UA, Boni FG, Hamdi I, Fan L, Xie J. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2617c is involved in stress response and phage infection resistance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27400. [PMID: 38495141 PMCID: PMC10943396 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27400] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is the pathogen of human tuberculosis (TB). Resistance to numerous in vivo stresses, including oxidative stress, is determinant for M. tuberculosis intracellular survival, and understanding associated mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies. M. tuberculosis Rv2617c has been associated with oxidative stress response when interacting with other proteins in M. tuberculosis; however, its functional promiscuity and underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the phenotypic changes of Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis) expressing Rv2617c (Ms_Rv2617c) and its behavior in the presence of various in vitro stresses and phage infections. We found that Rv2617c conferred resistance to SDS and diamide while sensitizing M. smegmatis to oxidative stress (H2O2) and altered mycobacterial phenotypic properties (single-cell clone and motility), suggestive of reprogrammed mycobacterial cell wall lipid contents exemplified by increased cell wall permeability. Interestingly, we also found that Rv2617c promoted M. smegmatis resistance to infection by phages (SWU1, SWU2, D29, and TM4) and kept phage TM4 from destroying mycobacterial biofilms. Our findings provide new insights into the role of Rv2617c in resistance to oxide and acid stresses and report for the first time on its role in phage resistance in Mycobacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liadrine Moukendza Koundi
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ulrich Aymard Ekomi Moure
- The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Funmilayo Grâce Boni
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Insaf Hamdi
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Fan
- Shanghai Clinic and Research Center of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Xie
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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5
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Oschmann-Kadenbach AM, Schaudinn C, Borst L, Schwarz C, Konrat K, Arvand M, Lewin A. Impact of Mycobacteroides abscessus colony morphology on biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. Int J Med Microbiol 2024; 314:151603. [PMID: 38246090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2024.151603] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycobacteroides abscessus is one of the most resistant bacteria so far known and causes severe and hard to treat lung infections in predisposed patients such as those with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Further, it causes nosocomial infections by forming biofilms on medical devices or water reservoirs. An eye-catching feature of M. abscessus is the growth in two colony morphotypes. Depending on the presence or absence of glycopeptidolipids on the cell surface, it forms smooth or rough colonies. In this study, a porous glass bead biofilm model was used to compare biofilm formation, biofilm organization and biofilm matrix composition in addition to the antimicrobial susceptibility of M. abscessus biofilms versus suspensions of isogenic (smooth and rough) patient isolates. Both morphotypes reached the same cell densities in biofilms. The biofilm architecture, however, was dramatically different with evenly distributed oligo-layered biofilms in smooth isolates, compared to tightly packed, voluminous biofilm clusters in rough morphotypes. Biofilms of both morphotypes contained more total biomass of the matrix components protein, lipid plus DNA than was seen in corresponding suspensions. The biofilm mode of growth of M. abscessus substantially increased resistance to the antibiotics amikacin and tigecycline. Tolerance to the disinfectant peracetic acid of both morphotypes was increased when grown as biofilm, while tolerance to glutaraldehyde was significantly increased in biofilm of smooth isolates only. Overall, smooth colony morphotypes had more pronounced antimicrobial resistance benefit when growing as biofilm than M. abscessus showing rough colony morphotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Oschmann-Kadenbach
- Unit 14 Hospital Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Control, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, Berlin, Germany; Unit 16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Schaudinn
- Unit ZBS4 Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonard Borst
- Unit 16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- CF Center Westbrandenburg, Division Cystic Fibrosis, Health and Medical University Potsdam and Clinic Westbrandenburg, Hebbelstraße 1, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Katharina Konrat
- Unit 14 Hospital Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Control, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mardjan Arvand
- Unit 14 Hospital Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Control, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, Berlin, Germany
| | - Astrid Lewin
- Unit 16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, Berlin, Germany.
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6
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Ling X, Liu X, Wang K, Guo M, Ou Y, Li D, Xiang Y, Zheng J, Hu L, Zhang H, Li W. Lsr2 acts as a cyclic di-GMP receptor that promotes keto-mycolic acid synthesis and biofilm formation in mycobacteria. Nat Commun 2024; 15:695. [PMID: 38267428 PMCID: PMC10808224 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44774-6] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is a second messenger that promotes biofilm formation in several bacterial species, but the mechanisms are often unclear. Here, we report that c-di-GMP promotes biofilm formation in mycobacteria in a manner dependent on the nucleoid-associated protein Lsr2. We show that c-di-GMP specifically binds to Lsr2 at a ratio of 1:1. Lsr2 upregulates the expression of HadD, a (3R)-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase, thus promoting the synthesis of keto-mycolic acid and biofilm formation. Thus, Lsr2 acts as a c-di-GMP receptor that links the second messenger's function to lipid synthesis and biofilm formation in mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Ling
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Kun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Minhao Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yanzhe Ou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Danting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yulin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Jiachen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Lihua Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Hongyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Weihui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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7
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Lei Y, Rahman K, Cao X, Yang B, Zhou W, Reheman A, Cai L, Wang Y, Tyagi R, Wang Z, Chen X, Cao G. Epinephrine Stimulates Mycobacterium tuberculosis Growth and Biofilm Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17370. [PMID: 38139199 PMCID: PMC10743465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417370] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The human stress hormones catecholamines play a critical role in communication between human microbiota and their hosts and influence the outcomes of bacterial infections. However, it is unclear how M. tuberculosis senses and responds to certain types of human stress hormones. In this study, we screened several human catecholamine stress hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) for their effects on Mycobacterium growth. Our results showed that epinephrine significantly stimulated the growth of M. tuberculosis in the serum-based medium as well as macrophages. In silico analysis and molecular docking suggested that the extra-cytoplasmic domain of the MprB might be the putative adrenergic sensor. Furthermore, we showed that epinephrine significantly enhances M. tuberculosis biofilm formation, which has distinct texture composition, antibiotic resistance, and stress tolerance. Together, our data revealed the effect and mechanism of epinephrine on the growth and biofilm formation of M. tuberculosis, which contributes to the understanding of the environmental perception and antibiotic resistance of M. tuberculosis and provides important clues for the understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and the development of novel antibacterial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Lei
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Khaista Rahman
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Xiaojian Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Bing Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Wei Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Aikebaier Reheman
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Luxia Cai
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Yifan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Rohit Tyagi
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Zhe Wang
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds/School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xi Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Gang Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Y.L.); (K.R.); (X.C.); (B.Y.); (W.Z.); (A.R.)
- Bio-Medical Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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8
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McManus WR, Schorey JS. Comparison of Ultrastructure, Extracellular Matrix, and Drug Susceptibility in M. avium subs. hominissuis Biofilms. Pathogens 2023; 12:1427. [PMID: 38133310 PMCID: PMC10747021 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121427] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections with Mycobacterium avium occur in susceptible individuals following exposure to the bacterium in the environment, where it often persists in biofilms. Many methods have been used to generate biofilms of M. avium, and it is unknown whether different approaches generate similar structures and cell phenotypes. To make a parallel comparison of in vitro biofilm ultrastructure, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, and the drug susceptibility of biofilm resident bacteria, we used two published methods to generate M. avium biofilms: four-week incubation in M63 medium or 24 h exposure to dithiothreitol (DTT). Scanning electron microscopy revealed differences in the biofilm ultrastructure between the two methods, including variation in the appearance of ECM materials and morphology of resident cells, while light microscopy and staining with calcofluor white indicated that both biofilms contained polysaccharides characteristic of cellulose. Measuring the susceptibility of biofilms to degradation by enzymes suggested differences in structurally important ECM molecules, with DTT biofilms having important protein and, to a lesser extent, cellulose components, and M63 biofilms having moderate protein, cellulose, and DNA components. Both biofilms conferred resistance to the bactericidal effects of amikacin and clarithromycin, with resident cells being killed at greater than 10-fold lower rates than planktonic cells at almost all concentrations. These comparisons indicate differences in biofilm responses by M. avium under differing conditions, but also suggest common features of biofilm formation, including cellulose production and antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey S. Schorey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Galvin Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
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9
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Nisbett LM, Previti ML, Seeliger JC. A Loss of Function in LprG-Rv1410c Homologues Attenuates Growth during Biofilm Formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Pathogens 2023; 12:1375. [PMID: 38133260 PMCID: PMC10745849 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121375] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
MmpL (mycobacterial membrane protein large) proteins are integral membrane proteins that have been implicated in the biosynthesis and/or transport of mycobacterial cell wall lipids. Given the cellular location of these proteins, however, it is unclear how cell wall lipids are transported beyond the inner membrane. Moreover, given that mycobacteria grow at the poles, we also do not understand how new cell wall is added in a highly localized and presumably coordinated manner. Here, we examine the relationship between two lipid transport pathways associated with the proteins MmpL11 and LprG-Rv1410c. The lipoprotein LprG has been shown to interact with proteins involved in cell wall processes including MmpL11, which is required in biofilms for the surface localization of certain lipids. Here we report that deletion of mmpL11 (MSMEG_0241) or the lprG-rv1410c operon homologues MSMEG_3070-3069 in Mycobacterium smegmatis produced similar biofilm defects that were distinct from that of the previously reported mmpL11 transposon insertion mutant. Analysis of pellicle biofilms, bacterial growth, lipid profiles, and gene expression revealed that the biofilm phenotypes could not be directly explained by changes in the synthesis or localization of biofilm-related lipids or the expression of biofilm-related genes. Instead, the shared biofilm phenotype between ΔMSMEG_3070-3069 and ΔmmpL11 may be related to their modest growth defect, while the origins of the distinct mmpL11::Tn biofilm defect remain unclear. Our findings suggest that the mechanisms that drive pellicle biofilm formation in M. smegmatis are not connected to crosstalk between the LprG-Rv1410c and MmpL11 pathways and that any functional interaction between these proteins does not relate directly to their lipid transport function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Nisbett
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Jessica C. Seeliger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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10
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Brčić J, Tong A, Wender PA, Cegelski L. Conjugation of Vancomycin with a Single Arginine Improves Efficacy against Mycobacteria by More Effective Peptidoglycan Targeting. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10226-10237. [PMID: 37477249 PMCID: PMC10783851 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00565] [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] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistant bacterial infections have emerged as one of the greatest threats to public health. The discovery and development of new antimicrobials and anti-infective strategies are urgently needed to address this challenge. Vancomycin is one of the most important antibiotics for the treatment of Gram-positive infections. Here, we introduce the vancomycin-arginine conjugate (V-R) as a highly effective antimicrobial against actively growing mycobacteria and difficult-to-treat mycobacterial biofilm populations. Further improvement in efficacy through combination treatment of V-R to inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis and ethambutol to inhibit arabinogalactan synthesis underscores the ability to identify compound synergies to more effectively target the Achilles heel of the cell-wall assembly. Moreover, we introduce mechanistic activity data and a molecular model derived from a d-Ala-d-Ala-bound vancomycin structure that we hypothesize underlies the molecular basis for the antibacterial improvement attributed to the arginine modification that is specific to peptidoglycan chemistry employed by mycobacteria and distinct from Gram-positive pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Brčić
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paul A. Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lynette Cegelski
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Chauhan A, Singh N, Kumar R, Kushwaha NK, Prajapati VM, Singh SK. GlfT1 down-regulation affects Mycobacterium tuberculosis biofilm formation and its in-vitro and in-vivo survival. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 141:102352. [PMID: 37267752 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102352] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterial galactan biosynthesis is critical for cell viability and growth, therefore an effort was made to study galactofuranosyl transferase 1, encoded by MRA_3822 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (Mtb-Ra). Galactofuranosyl transferases are involved in the biosynthesis of mycobacterial cell wall galactan chain and have been shown to be essential for in-vitro growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Mtb-Ra and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (Mtb-Rv), two galactofuranosyl transferases are present, GlfT1 acts as initiator of galactan biosynthesis and GlfT2 continues with the subsequent polymerization events. GlfT2 has been well studied however GlfT1 inhibition/down-regulation and its effect on mycobacterial survival fitness has not been evaluated. To study the Mtb-Ra survival after GlfT1 silencing, Mtb-Ra knockdown and complemented strains were developed. In this study we show that GlfT1 down-regulation leads to increased susceptibility to ethambutol. Expression of glfT1 was up-regulated in the presence of ethambutol, and also in the presence of oxidative and nitrosative stress and upon exposure to low pH. Also, reduced biofilm formation, increased accumulation of ethidium bromide, and reduced tolerance to peroxide, nitric oxide and acid stress, were observed. The present study also demonstrates that GlfT1 down-regulation leads to reduced survival of Mtb-Ra in macrophages and in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Chauhan
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Nirbhay Singh
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Ram Kumar
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Neeti Kumari Kushwaha
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - V M Prajapati
- Toxicology and Experimental Medicine Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sudheer Kumar Singh
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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12
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Wang YC, Lv YH, Wang C, Jiang GY, Han MF, Deng JG, Hsi HC. Microbial community evolution and functional trade-offs of biofilm in odor treatment biofilters. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 235:119917. [PMID: 37003115 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Biofilters inoculated with activated sludge are widely used for odor control in WWTP. In this process, biofilm community evolution plays an important role in the function of reactor and is closely related to reactor performance. However, the trade-offs in biofilm community and bioreactor function during the operation are still unclear. Herein, an artificially constructed biofilter for odorous gas treatment was operated for 105 days to study the trade-offs in the biofilm community and function. Biofilm colonization was found to drive community evolution during the start-up phase (phase 1, days 0-25). Although the removal efficiency of the biofilter was unsatisfactory at this phase, the microbial genera related to quorum sensing and extracellular polymeric substance secretion led to the rapid accumulation of the biofilm (2.3 kg biomass/m3 filter bed /day). During the stable operation phase (phase 2, days 26-80), genera related to target-pollutant degradation showed increases in relative abundance, which accompanied a high removal efficiency and a stable accumulation of biofilm (1.1 kg biomass/m3 filter bed/day). At the clogging phase (phase 3, days 81-105), a sharp decline in the biofilm accumulation rate (0.5 kg biomass/m3 filter bed /day) and fluctuating removal efficiency were observed. The quorum quenching-related genera and quenching genes of signal molecules increased, and competition for resources among species drove the evolution of the community in this phase. The results of this study highlight the trade-offs in biofilm community and functions during the operation of bioreactors, which could help improve bioreactor performance from a biofilm community perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ya-Hui Lv
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Can Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Guan-Yu Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Meng-Fei Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ji-Guang Deng
- College of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan
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Mavi PS, Singh S, Kumar A. Media component bovine serum albumin facilitates the formation of mycobacterial biofilms in response to reductive stress. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:111. [PMID: 37081437 PMCID: PMC10116703 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02853-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) forms physiologically relevant biofilms harboring drug-tolerant bacteria. This observation has brought the study of mycobacterial biofilms to the forefront of tuberculosis research. We established earlier that dithiothreitol (DTT) mediated reductive stress induces cellulose-rich biofilm formation in Mtb cultures. The molecular events associated with the DTT-induced biofilm formation are not known. Furthermore, there are only limited tools for monitoring the presence of cellulose in biofilms. RESULTS To decipher the molecular events associated with DTT-induced biofilm formation, we used Mtb and non-pathogenic, fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm). We observed that DTT induces biofilm formation in Msm cultures. We explored whether media components facilitate biofilm formation in mycobacteria upon exposure to DTT. We observed that media component bovine serum albumin promotes mycobacterial biofilm formation in response to DTT. Furthermore, we analyzed the composition of extracellular polymeric substances of Msm biofilms. We found that, like Mtb biofilms, Msm biofilms are also rich in polysaccharides and proteins. We also developed a novel protein-based molecular probe for imaging cellulose by utilizing the cellulose-binding domain of cellulase CenA from Cellulomonas fimi and fusing it to fluorescent reporter mCherry. Characterization of this new probe revealed that it has a high affinity for cellulose and could be used for visualizing cellulose biosynthesis during the development of Agrobacterium biofilms. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that biological macromolecule cellulose is present in the extracellular polymeric substances of Msm biofilms using this novel probe. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that DTT-mediated reduction of media component BSA leads to the formation of nucleating foci. These nucleating foci are critical for subsequent attachment of bacterial cells and induction of EPS production. Furthermore, this new tool, IMT-CBD-mC, could be used for monitoring cellulose incorporation in plant cells, understanding cellulose biosynthesis dynamics during biofilm formation, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder Singh Mavi
- Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Room No 508, Sector 39 A, Chandigarh, India, 160036
| | - Shweta Singh
- Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Room No 508, Sector 39 A, Chandigarh, India, 160036
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Room No 508, Sector 39 A, Chandigarh, India, 160036.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, 201002.
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Pereira MMR, de Oliveira FM, da Costa AC, Junqueira-Kipnis AP, Kipnis A. Ferritin from Mycobacterium abscessus is involved in resistance to antibiotics and oxidative stress. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:2577-2595. [PMID: 36862179 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12420-8] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense (Mycma) is a rapidly growing Mycobacterium belonging to the M. abscessus complex that is often associated with lung and soft tissue infection outbreaks. Mycma is resistant to many antimicrobials, including those used for treating tuberculosis. Therefore, Mycma infections are difficult to treat and may lead to high infectious complication rates. Iron is essential for bacterial growth and establishment of infection. During infection, the host reduces iron concentrations as a defense mechanism. To counteract the host-induced iron deficiency, Mycma produces siderophores to capture iron. Mycma has two ferritins (encoded by mycma_0076 and mycma_0077) modulated by different iron concentrations, which allow the survival of this pathogen during iron scarcity. In this study, we constructed knockout (Mycma 0076KO) and complemented (Mycma 0076KOc) gene strains for mycma_0076 to understand the function of 0076 ferritin. Deletion of mycma_0076 in Mycma led to the transition in colony morphology from smooth to rough, alteration of the glycopeptidolipids spectra, increased permeability of the envelope, reduction in biofilm formation, increased susceptibility to antimicrobials and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, and decreased internalization by macrophages. This study shows that Mycma_0076 ferritin in Mycma is involved in resistance to oxidative stress and antimicrobials, and alteration of cell envelope architecture. KEY POINTS: • Deletion of the mycma_0076 gene altered colony morphology to rough; • Mycma 0076KO changed GPL profile; • Absence of Mycma_0076 ferritin results in increased susceptibility to antimicrobials and oxidative stress in Mycma. Legend: a In wild-type M. abscessus subsp. massiliense strain, iron is captured from the environment by carboxymycobactins and mycobactins (1). Iron-dependent regulator (IdeR) proteins bind to ferrous iron (Fe+2) in the bacterial cytoplasm leading to the activation of the IdeR-Fe+2 complex (2). The activated complex binds to the promoter regions of iron-dependent genes, called iron box, which in turn help in the recruitment of RNA polymerase to promote transcription of genes such as mycma_0076 and mycma_0077 ferritin genes (3). Mycma_0076 and Mycma_0077 ferritins bind to excess iron in the medium and promote Fe2+ oxidation into ferric iron (Fe3+) and store iron molecules to be released under iron scarcity conditions. (4) Genes related to biosynthesis and transport of glycopeptidolipids (GPL) are expressed normally and the cell envelope is composed of different GPL species (colored squares represented on the cell surface (GPLs). Consequently, WT Mycma present smooth colony phenotype (5). b In Mycma 0076KO strain, the lack of ferritin 0076 causes overexpression of mycma_0077 (6), but does not restore wild-type iron homeostasis and thus may result in free intracellular iron, even in the presence of miniferritins (MaDps). The excess iron potentiates oxidative stress (7) by generating hydroxyl radicals through Fenton Reaction. During this process, through an unknown mechanism, that could involve Lsr2 (8), the expression of GPL synthesis locus is regulated positively and/or negatively, resulting in alteration of GPL composition in the membrane (as represented by different colors of squares on the cell surface), resulting in a rough colony phenotype (9). The changes of GPL can increase cell wall permeability, contributing to antimicrobial susceptibility (10).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Micaella Rodrigues Pereira
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine and Public Health Graduate Program at Federal, University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Fábio Muniz de Oliveira
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine and Public Health Graduate Program at Federal, University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - André Kipnis
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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Muñoz-Egea MC, Akir A, Esteban J. Mycobacterium biofilms. Biofilm 2023; 5:100107. [PMID: 36798742 PMCID: PMC9925856 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Mycobacterium includes some of the deadliest pathogens of History (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae), but most of the species within the genus are environmental microorganisms. Because some of these nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species can be human pathogens, the study of these mycobacterial biofilms has increased during the last decades, and the interest in this issue increased as well as the growing number of patients with diseases caused by NTM. Different molecular mechanisms have been described, being especially well known the importance of glycopeptidolipids. Moreover, the knowledge of the extracellular matrix has shown important differences with other microorganisms, especially because of the presence of lipidic molecules as a key component of this structure. The clinical importance of mycobacterial biofilms has been described for many chronic diseases, especially lung diseases and implant-related ones, both in vitro and in vivo, and even in patients. Moreover, the biofilm-producing capacity has been proven also in M. tuberculosis, while its importance is not well understood. Biofilm studies have also shown the increasing resistance of mycobacteria in sessile form, and the importance of this resistance in the management of the patients is beyond doubt, being surgery necessary in some cases to cure the patients. Diagnosis of mycobacterial diseases is still based on culture-based techniques designed for the detection of M. tuberculosis. Molecular biology-based methods are also broadly used but again designed for tuberculosis diagnosis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is also well developed for tuberculosis, but only some species of NTM have standardized techniques for this purpose. New tools or approaches are necessary to treat these patients, whose importance is increasing, as the number of potential hosts is also increasing throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Carmen Muñoz-Egea
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM, Av. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain,CIBERINFEC - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arij Akir
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM, Av. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Esteban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, UAM, Av. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain,CIBERINFEC - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain,Corresponding author. Dept. of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, UAM. Av. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Kondo M, Aoki M, Hirai K, Sagami T, Ito R, Tsuzuki M, Sato N. slr2103, a homolog of type-2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes, for plastoquinone-related neutral lipid synthesis and NaCl-stress acclimatization in a cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1181180. [PMID: 37180399 PMCID: PMC10171310 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1181180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, contains a lipid with triacylglycerol-like TLC mobility but its identity and physiological roles remain unknown. Here, on ESI-positive LC-MS2 analysis, it is shown that the triacylglycerol-like lipid (lipid X) is related to plastoquinone and can be grouped into two subclasses, Xa and Xb, the latter of which is esterified by 16:0 and 18:0. This study further shows that a Synechocystis homolog of type-2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes, slr2103, is essential for lipid X synthesis: lipid X disappears in a Synechocystis slr2103-disruptant whereas it appears in an slr2103-overexpressing transformant (OE) of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 that intrinsically lacks lipid X. The slr2103 disruption causes Synechocystis cells to accumulate plastoquinone-C at an abnormally high level whereas slr2103 overexpression in Synechococcus causes the cells to almost completely lose it. It is thus deduced that slr2103 encodes a novel acyltransferase that esterifies 16:0 or 18:0 with plastoquinone-C for the synthesis of lipid Xb. Characterization of the slr2103-disruptant in Synechocystis shows that slr2103 contributes to sedimented-cell growth in a static culture, and to bloom-like structure formation and its expansion by promoting cell aggregation and floatation upon imposition of saline stress (0.3-0.6 M NaCl). These observations provide a basis for elucidation of the molecular mechanism of a novel cyanobacterial strategy to acclimatize to saline stress, and one for development of a system of seawater-utilization and economical harvesting of cyanobacterial cells with high-value added compounds, or blooming control of toxic cyanobacteria.
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17
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Nishimura N, Tomiyasu N, Torigoe S, Mizuno S, Fukano H, Ishikawa E, Katano H, Hoshino Y, Matsuo K, Takahashi M, Izumi Y, Bamba T, Akashi K, Yamasaki S. Mycobacterial mycolic acids trigger inhibitory receptor Clec12A to suppress host immune responses. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 138:102294. [PMID: 36542980 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2022.102294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacteria often cause chronic infection. To establish persistence in the host, mycobacteria need to evade host immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the evasion strategy are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that mycobacterial cell wall lipids trigger an inhibitory receptor to suppress host immune responses. Mycolic acids are major cell wall components and are essential for survival of mycobacteria. By screening inhibitory receptors that react with mycobacterial lipids, we found that mycolic acids from various mycobacterial species bind to mouse Clec12A, and more potently to human Clec12A. Clec12A is a conserved inhibitory C-type lectin receptor containing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM). Innate immune responses, such as MCP-1 production, and PPD-specific recall T cell responses were augmented in Clec12A-deficient mice after infection. In contrast, human Clec12A transgenic mice were susceptible to infection with M. tuberculosis. These results suggest that mycobacteria dampen host immune responses by hijacking an inhibitory host receptor through their specific and essential lipids, mycolic acids. The blockade of this interaction might provide a therapeutic option for the treatment or prevention of mycobacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Nishimura
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Tomiyasu
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shota Torigoe
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 189-0002, Japan; Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Satoru Mizuno
- Research and Development Department, Japan BCG Laboratory, Tokyo, 204-0022, Japan
| | - Hanako Fukano
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 189-0002, Japan
| | - Eri Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Harutaka Katano
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Disease, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Hoshino
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, 189-0002, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Matsuo
- Research and Development Department, Japan BCG Laboratory, Tokyo, 204-0022, Japan
| | - Masatomo Takahashi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan; Division of Metabolomics, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Izumi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan; Division of Metabolomics, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Bamba
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan; Division of Metabolomics, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koichi Akashi
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Sho Yamasaki
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University (CiDER), Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Division of Molecular Immunology, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8673, Japan; Division of Molecular Design, Research Center for Systems Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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18
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Updated Review on the Mechanisms of Pathogenicity in Mycobacterium abscessus, a Rapidly Growing Emerging Pathogen. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010090. [PMID: 36677382 PMCID: PMC9866562 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010090] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Mycobacterium abscessus has appeared as an emerging pathogen, with an increasing number of disease cases reported worldwide that mainly occur among patients with chronic lung diseases or impaired immune systems. The treatment of this pathogen represents a challenge due to the multi-drug-resistant nature of this species and its ability to evade most therapeutic approaches. However, although predisposing host factors for disease are well known, intrinsic pathogenicity mechanisms of this mycobacterium are still not elucidated. Like other mycobacteria, intracellular invasiveness and survival inside different cell lines are pathogenic factors related to the ability of M. abscessus to establish infection. Some of the molecular factors involved in this process are well-known and are present in the mycobacterial cell wall, such as trehalose-dimycolate and glycopeptidolipids. The ability to form biofilms is another pathogenic factor that is essential for the development of chronic disease and for promoting mycobacterial survival against the host immune system or different antibacterial treatments. This capability also seems to be related to glycopeptidolipids and other lipid molecules, and some studies have shown an intrinsic relationship between both pathogenic mechanisms. Antimicrobial resistance is also considered a mechanism of pathogenicity because it allows the mycobacterium to resist antimicrobial therapies and represents an advantage in polymicrobial biofilms. The recent description of hyperpathogenic strains with the potential interhuman transmission makes it necessary to increase our knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms of this species to design better therapeutic approaches to the management of these infections.
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19
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Arrigoni R, Ballini A, Topi S, Bottalico L, Jirillo E, Santacroce L. Antibiotic Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Potential Use of Natural and Biological Products as Alternative Anti-Mycobacterial Agents. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101431. [PMID: 36290089 PMCID: PMC9598247 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). TB treatment is based on the administration of three major antibiotics: isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide. However, multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mtb strains are increasing around the world, thus, allowing TB to spread around the world. The stringent response is demonstrated by Mtb strains in order to survive under hostile circumstances, even including exposure to antibiotics. The stringent response is mediated by alarmones, which regulate bacterial replication, transcription and translation. Moreover, the Mtb cell wall contributes to the mechanism of antibiotic resistance along with efflux pump activation and biofilm formation. Immunity over the course of TB is managed by M1-macrophages and M2-macrophages, which regulate the immune response against Mtb infection, with the former exerting inflammatory reactions and the latter promoting an anti-inflammatory profile. T helper 1 cells via secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma, play a protective role in the course of TB, while T regulatory cells secreting interleukin 10, are anti-inflammatory. Alternative therapeutic options against TB require further discussion. In view of the increasing number of MDR Mtb strains, attempts to replace antibiotics with natural and biological products have been object of intensive investigation. Therefore, in this review the anti-Mtb effects exerted by probiotics, polyphenols, antimicrobial peptides and IFN-gamma will be discussed. All the above cited compounds are endowed either with direct antibacterial activity or with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Arrigoni
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Skender Topi
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, “A. Xhuvani”, 3001 Elbasan, Albania
| | - Lucrezia Bottalico
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, “A. Xhuvani”, 3001 Elbasan, Albania
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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20
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Liebenberg D, Gordhan BG, Kana BD. Drug resistant tuberculosis: Implications for transmission, diagnosis, and disease management. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:943545. [PMID: 36211964 PMCID: PMC9538507 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.943545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistant tuberculosis contributes significantly to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, often consuming a large proportion of the healthcare budget and associated resources in many endemic countries. The rapid emergence of resistance to newer tuberculosis therapies signals the need to ensure appropriate antibiotic stewardship, together with a concerted drive to develop new regimens that are active against currently circulating drug resistant strains. Herein, we highlight that the current burden of drug resistant tuberculosis is driven by a combination of ongoing transmission and the intra-patient evolution of resistance through several mechanisms. Global control of tuberculosis will require interventions that effectively address these and related aspects. Interrupting tuberculosis transmission is dependent on the availability of novel rapid diagnostics which provide accurate results, as near-patient as is possible, together with appropriate linkage to care. Contact tracing, longitudinal follow-up for symptoms and active mapping of social contacts are essential elements to curb further community-wide spread of drug resistant strains. Appropriate prophylaxis for contacts of drug resistant index cases is imperative to limit disease progression and subsequent transmission. Preventing the evolution of drug resistant strains will require the development of shorter regimens that rapidly eliminate all populations of mycobacteria, whilst concurrently limiting bacterial metabolic processes that drive drug tolerance, mutagenesis and the ultimate emergence of resistance. Drug discovery programs that specifically target bacterial genetic determinants associated with these processes will be paramount to tuberculosis eradication. In addition, the development of appropriate clinical endpoints that quantify drug tolerant organisms in sputum, such as differentially culturable/detectable tubercle bacteria is necessary to accurately assess the potential of new therapies to effectively shorten treatment duration. When combined, this holistic approach to addressing the critical problems associated with drug resistance will support delivery of quality care to patients suffering from tuberculosis and bolster efforts to eradicate this disease.
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21
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Boopathi S, Ramasamy S, Haridevamuthu B, Murugan R, Veerabadhran M, Jia AQ, Arockiaraj J. Intercellular communication and social behaviors in mycobacteria. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:943278. [PMID: 36177463 PMCID: PMC9514802 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.943278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is a fundamental process of bacteria to exert communal behaviors. Sputum samples of patients with cystic fibrosis have often been observed with extensive mycobacterial genetic diversity. The emergence of heterogenic mycobacterial populations is observed due to subtle changes in their morphology, gene expression level, and distributive conjugal transfer (DCT). Since each subgroup of mycobacteria has different hetero-resistance, they are refractory against several antibiotics. Such genetically diverse mycobacteria have to communicate with each other to subvert the host immune system. However, it is still a mystery how such heterogeneous strains exhibit synchronous behaviors for the production of quorum sensing (QS) traits, such as biofilms, siderophores, and virulence proteins. Mycobacteria are characterized by division of labor, where distinct sub-clonal populations contribute to the production of QS traits while exchanging complimentary products at the community level. Thus, active mycobacterial cells ensure the persistence of other heterogenic clonal populations through cooperative behaviors. Additionally, mycobacteria are likely to establish communication with neighboring cells in a contact-independent manner through QS signals. Hence, this review is intended to discuss our current knowledge of mycobacterial communication. Understanding mycobacterial communication could provide a promising opportunity to develop drugs to target key pathways of mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seenivasan Boopathi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Subbiah Ramasamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiac Metabolic Disease Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - B. Haridevamuthu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raghul Murugan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Maruthanayagam Veerabadhran
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ai-Qun Jia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Ai-Qun Jia
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Jesu Arockiaraj ;
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22
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Miretti M, Juri L, Peralta A, Cosiansi MC, Baumgartner MT, Tempesti TC. Photoinactivation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria using Zn-phthalocyanine loaded into liposomes. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2022; 136:102247. [PMID: 35977438 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2022.102247] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are a heterogeneous group of environmental bacteria and other than the well-known Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. They could cause localized or disseminated infections. Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium fortuitum are among the most clinically relevant non-tuberculous mycobacteria species. The infections treatment is complex since they are resistant to antituberculosis drugs and the biofilm formation makes them impermeable to several antibiotics. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) constitutes an alternative to eliminate pathogens, principally those antimicrobials resistant. Among explored photosensitizers, phthalocyanines are considered excellent, but with a disadvantage: a lack solubility in aqueous media. Consequently, several nanocarriers have been studied in the last years. In this work, a Zn-phthalocyanine into liposomes was evaluated to photoinactivate M. fortuitum and M. chelonae. The results show a higher photodynamic activity of ZnPc into liposomes respect to solution. Furthermore, M. fortuitum was more sensible to aPDT than M. chelonae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Miretti
- INFIQC (CONICET), Dpto. de Química Orgánica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Córdoba, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Leticia Juri
- Laboratorio Regional de Tuberculosis, Hospital Transito Cáceres de Allende, Córdoba, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Peralta
- Laboratorio Regional de Tuberculosis, Hospital Transito Cáceres de Allende, Córdoba, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María C Cosiansi
- Laboratorio Regional de Tuberculosis, Hospital Transito Cáceres de Allende, Córdoba, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María T Baumgartner
- INFIQC (CONICET), Dpto. de Química Orgánica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Córdoba, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Tomas C Tempesti
- INFIQC (CONICET), Dpto. de Química Orgánica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Córdoba, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina.
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23
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Mitigation of nontuberculous mycobacteria in hospital water: challenges for infection prevention. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:330-338. [PMID: 35849523 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize recent literature on nontuberculous mycobacteria in water of healthcare systems. Despite improvement in identification techniques and emergence of infection prevention and control programs, nontuberculous mycobacteria remain present in hospital water systems, causing outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks in healthcare settings. RECENT FINDINGS Waterborne outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacteria continue to affect hospitals. Improvements in methods of identification and investigation, including MALDI-TOF and whole genome sequencing with evaluation of single nucleotide polymorphisms, have been used successfully in outbreak and pseudo-outbreak investigations. Recent studies have shown control of outbreaks in immunocompromised patients through the use of sterile water for consumption, as well as control of pseudo-outbreaks by using sterile water for procedures. Construction activities have been implicated in outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacteria. Water management programs are now required by the Joint Commission, which will likely improve water risk mitigation. SUMMARY Improvement in detection and identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria has led to increasing recognition of waterborne outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. Water management programs are of vital importance in infection prevention.
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24
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Evaluation of early innate and adaptive immune responses to the TB vaccine Mycobacterium bovis BCG and vaccine candidate BCGΔBCG1419c. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12377. [PMID: 35858977 PMCID: PMC9300728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14935-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccine Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) elicits an immune response that is protective against certain forms of tuberculosis (TB); however, because BCG efficacy is limited it is important to identify alternative TB vaccine candidates. Recently, the BCG deletion mutant and vaccine candidate BCGΔBCG1419c was demonstrated to survive longer in intravenously infected BALB/c mice due to enhanced biofilm formation, and better protected both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice against TB-induced lung pathology during chronic stages of infection, relative to BCG controls. BCGΔBCG1419c-elicited protection also associated with lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e. IL6, TNFα) at the site of infection in C57BL/6 mice. Given the distinct immune profiles of BCG- and BCGΔBCG1419c-immunized mice during chronic TB, we set out to determine if there are early immunological events which distinguish these two groups, using multi-dimensional flow cytometric analysis of the lungs and other tissues soon after immunization. Our results demonstrate a number of innate and adaptive response differences between BCG- and BCGΔBCG1419c-immunized mice which are consistent with the latter being longer lasting and potentially less inflammatory, including lower frequencies of exhausted CD4+ T helper (TH) cells and higher frequencies of IL10-producing T cells, respectively. These studies suggest the use of BCGΔBCG1419c may be advantageous as an alternative TB vaccine candidate.
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25
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A Review on Mycobacteriophages: From Classification to Applications. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070777. [PMID: 35890022 PMCID: PMC9317374 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterial infections are a group of life-threatening conditions triggered by fast- or slow-growing mycobacteria. Some mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, promote the deaths of millions of lives throughout the world annually. The control of mycobacterial infections is influenced by the challenges faced in the diagnosis of these bacteria and the capability of these pathogens to develop resistance against common antibiotics. Detection of mycobacterial infections is always demanding due to the intracellular nature of these pathogens that, along with the lipid-enriched structure of the cell wall, complicates the access to the internal contents of mycobacterial cells. Moreover, recent studies depicted that more than 20% of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) infections are multi-drug resistant (MDR), and only 50% of positive MDR-Mtb cases are responsive to standard treatments. Similarly, the susceptibility of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) to first-line tuberculosis antibiotics has also declined in recent years. Exploiting mycobacteriophages as viruses that infect mycobacteria has significantly accelerated the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infections. This is because mycobacteriophages, regardless of their cycle type (temperate/lytic), can tackle barriers in the mycobacterial cell wall and make the infected bacteria replicate phage DNA along with their DNA. Although the infectivity of the majority of discovered mycobacteriophages has been evaluated in non-pathogenic M. smegmatis, more research is still ongoing to find mycobacteriophages specific to pathogenic mycobacteria, such as phage DS6A, which has been shown to be able to infect members of the M. tuberculosis complex. Accordingly, this review aimed to introduce some potential mycobacteriophages in the research, specifically those that are infective to the three troublesome mycobacteria, M. tuberculosis, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), and M. abscessus, highlighting their theranostic applications in medicine.
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26
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Sharma A, Vashistt J, Shrivastava R. Mycobacterium fortuitum fabG4 knockdown studies: Implication as pellicle and biofilm specific drug target. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:1504-1513. [PMID: 35736669 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202200230] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The fatty acid biosynthesis pathway is crucial for the formation of the mycobacterial cell envelope. The fatty acid synthase type-II (FAS-II) components are attractive targets for designing anti-biofilm inhibitors. Literature review, bioinformatics analysis, cloning, and sequencing led to the identification of a novel Mycobacterium fortuitum FAS-II gene MFfabG4 which interacts with mycobacterial proteins involved in biofilm formation. A manually curated M. fortuitum fatty acid biosynthesis pathway has been proposed exploiting functional studies from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Mycobrowser databases for MFFabG4. M. fortuitum MFfabG4 knockdown strain (FA) was constructed and validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The FA strain displayed unstructured smooth colony architecture, correlating with decreased pathogenicity and virulence. MFfabG4 knockdown resulted in diminished pellicle and attenuated biofilm formation, along with impaired sliding motility, and reduced cell sedimentation. The FA strain showed lowered cell surface hydrophobicity, indicating attenuation in M. fortuitum intracellular infection-causing ability. Stress survival studies showed the requirement of MFfabG4 for survival in a nutrient-starved environment. The results indicate that MFfabG4 maintains the physiology of the cell envelope and is required for the formation of M. fortuitum pellicle and biofilm. The study corroborates the role of MFfabG4 as a pellicle- and biofilm-specific drug target and a potential diagnostic marker for M. fortuitum and related pathogenic mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Jitendraa Vashistt
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Shrivastava
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
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27
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Kumar R, Singh N, Chauhan A, Kumar M, Bhatta RS, Singh SK. Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival and biofilm formation studies: effect of D-amino acids, D-cycloserine and its components. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2022; 75:472-479. [PMID: 35650279 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-022-00534-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
D-amino acids play an important role in cell wall peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis D-amino acid oxidase deletion led to reduced biofilm-forming ability. Other recent studies also suggest that the accumulation of D-amino acids blocks biofilm formation and could also disperse pre-formed biofilm. Biofilms are communities of bacterial cells protected by extracellular matrix and harbor drug-tolerant as well as persistent bacteria. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, biofilm formation or its inhibition by D-amino acids is yet to be tested. In the present study, we used selected D-amino acids to study their role in the prevention of biofilm formation and also if D-cycloserine's activity was due to presence of D-Serine as a metabolite. It was observed that D-serine limits biofilm formation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (Mtb-Ra), but it shows no effect on pre-formed biofilm. Also, D-cycloserine and its metabolic product, hydroxylamine, individually and in combination, with D-Serine, limit biofilm formation in Mtb-Ra and also disrupts existing biofilm. In summary, we demonstrated that D-alanine, D-valine, D-phenylalanine, D-serine, and D-threonine had no disruptive effect on pre-formed biofilm of Mtb-Ra, either individually or in combination, and D-cycloserine and its metabolite hydroxylamine have potent anti-biofilm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Kumar
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India.,Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, JNU Ring Rd, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Nirbhay Singh
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India.,Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, JNU Ring Rd, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Anu Chauhan
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, JNU Ring Rd, New Delhi, 110067, India.,Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Rabi Sankar Bhatta
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sudheer Kumar Singh
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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28
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Nick JA, Dedrick RM, Gray AL, Vladar EK, Smith BE, Freeman KG, Malcolm KC, Epperson LE, Hasan NA, Hendrix J, Callahan K, Walton K, Vestal B, Wheeler E, Rysavy NM, Poch K, Caceres S, Lovell VK, Hisert KB, de Moura VC, Chatterjee D, De P, Weakly N, Martiniano SL, Lynch DA, Daley CL, Strong M, Jia F, Hatfull GF, Davidson RM. Host and pathogen response to bacteriophage engineered against Mycobacterium abscessus lung infection. Cell 2022; 185:1860-1874.e12. [PMID: 35568033 PMCID: PMC9840467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Two mycobacteriophages were administered intravenously to a male with treatment-refractory Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection and severe cystic fibrosis lung disease. The phages were engineered to enhance their capacity to lyse M. abscessus and were selected specifically as the most effective against the subject's bacterial isolate. In the setting of compassionate use, the evidence of phage-induced lysis was observed using molecular and metabolic assays combined with clinical assessments. M. abscessus isolates pre and post-phage treatment demonstrated genetic stability, with a general decline in diversity and no increased resistance to phage or antibiotics. The anti-phage neutralizing antibody titers to one phage increased with time but did not prevent clinical improvement throughout the course of treatment. The subject received lung transplantation on day 379, and systematic culturing of the explanted lung did not detect M. abscessus. This study describes the course and associated markers of a successful phage treatment of M. abscessus in advanced lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry A Nick
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Rebekah M Dedrick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Alice L Gray
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eszter K Vladar
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Bailey E Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Krista G Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Kenneth C Malcolm
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - L Elaine Epperson
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Nabeeh A Hasan
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Jo Hendrix
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Computational Bioscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kimberly Callahan
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Kendra Walton
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Brian Vestal
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Emily Wheeler
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Noel M Rysavy
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Katie Poch
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Silvia Caceres
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Valerie K Lovell
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Katherine B Hisert
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | - Delphi Chatterjee
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1682 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Prithwiraj De
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1682 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Natalia Weakly
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Stacey L Martiniano
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David A Lynch
- Department of Radiology, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Charles L Daley
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael Strong
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Fan Jia
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Graham F Hatfull
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Rebecca M Davidson
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
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29
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Gupta S, Mishra DK, Khan MZ, Saini V, Mehta D, Kumar S, Yadav A, Mitra M, Rani P, Singh M, Nandi CK, Das P, Ahuja V, Nandicoori VK, Bajaj A. Development of a Highly Specific, Selective, and Sensitive Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Mycobacteria in Human Tissues. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102640. [PMID: 35038229 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), including extrapulmonary TB, is responsible for more than one million deaths in a year worldwide. Existing methods of mycobacteria detection have poor sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity, especially in human tissues. Herein, the synthesis of a cholic acid-derived fluorescent probe (P4) that can specifically stain the mycobacterium species is presented. It is shown that P4 probe specifically binds with mycobacterial lipids, trehalose monomycolate, and phosphatidylinositol mannoside 6. P4 probe can detect mycobacteria in polymicrobial planktonic cultures and biofilms with high specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity. Moreover, it can detect a single mycobacterium in the presence of 10 000 other bacilli. Unlike the probes that depend on active mycobacterial enzymes, the membrane-specific P4 probe can detect mycobacteria even in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded mice and human tissue sections. Therefore, the ability of the P4 probe to detect mycobacteria in different biological milieu makes it a potential candidate for diagnostic and prognostic applications in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhi Gupta
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
| | - Deepak Kumar Mishra
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
| | - Mehak Zahoor Khan
- National Institute of Immunology Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi 110067 India
| | - Varsha Saini
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
| | - Devashish Mehta
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
| | - Aditya Yadav
- School of Basic Sciences Indian Institute of Technology Mandi Mandi HP 175005 India
| | - Madhurima Mitra
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
| | - Parul Rani
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
| | - Mukesh Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi 110029 India
| | - Chayan Kanti Nandi
- School of Basic Sciences Indian Institute of Technology Mandi Mandi HP 175005 India
| | - Prasenjit Das
- Department of Pathology All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi 110029 India
| | - Vineet Ahuja
- Department of Gastroenterology All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi 110029 India
| | | | - Avinash Bajaj
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology Regional Centre for Biotechnology NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad‐Gurgaon Expressway Faridabad Haryana 121001 India
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30
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In Silico Drug Discovery Strategies Identified ADMET Properties of Decoquinate RMB041 and Its Potential Drug Targets against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0231521. [PMID: 35352998 PMCID: PMC9045315 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02315-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly adaptive cellular response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to various antibiotics and the high costs for clinical trials, hampers the development of novel antimicrobial agents with improved efficacy and safety. Subsequently, in silico drug screening methods are more commonly being used for the discovery and development of drugs, and have been proven useful for predicting the pharmacokinetics, toxicities, and targets, of prospective new antimicrobial agents. In this investigation we used a reversed target fishing approach to determine potential hit targets and their possible interactions between M. tuberculosis and decoquinate RMB041, a propitious new antituberculosis compound. Two of the 13 identified targets, Cyp130 and BlaI, were strongly proposed as optimal drug-targets for dormant M. tuberculosis, of which the first showed the highest comparative binding affinity to decoquinate RMB041. The metabolic pathways associated with the selected target proteins were compared to previously published molecular mechanisms of decoquinate RMB041 against M. tuberculosis, whereby we confirmed disrupted metabolism of proteins, cell wall components, and DNA. We also described the steps within these pathways that are inhibited and elaborated on decoquinate RMB041’s activity against dormant M. tuberculosis. This compound has previously showed promising in vitro safety and good oral bioavailability, which were both supported by this in silico study. The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of this compound were predicted and investigated using the online tools pkCSM and SwissADME, and Discovery Studio software, which furthermore supports previous safety and bioavailability characteristics of decoquinate RMB041 for use as an antimycobacterial medication. IMPORTANCE This article elaborates on the mechanism of action of a novel antibiotic compound against both, active and dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and describes its pharmacokinetics (including oral bioavailability and toxicity). Information provided in this article serves useful during the search for drugs that shorten the treatment regimen for Tuberculosis and cause minimal adverse effects.
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Mechmechani S, Khelissa S, Gharsallaoui A, Omari KE, Hamze M, Chihib NE. Hurdle technology using encapsulated enzymes and essential oils to fight bacterial biofilms. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:2311-2335. [PMID: 35312826 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11875-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces has become a major public health concern because of the serious problems they can cause in various fields. Biofilm cells are extremely resistant to stressful conditions, because of their complex structure impedes antimicrobial penetration to deep-seated cells. The increased resistance of biofilm to currently applied control strategies underscores the urgent need for new alternative and/or supplemental eradication approaches. The combination of two or more methods, known as Hurdle technology, offers an excellent option for the highly effective control of biofilms. In this perspective, the use of functional enzymes combined with biosourced antimicrobial such as essential oil (EO) is a promising alternative anti-biofilm approach. However, these natural antibiofilm agents can be damaged by severe environmental conditions and lose their activity. The microencapsulation of enzymes and EOs is a promising new technology for enhancing their stability and improving their biological activity. This review article highlights the problems related to biofilm in various fields, and the use of encapsulated enzymes with essential oils as antibiofilm agents. KEY POINTS: • Problems associated with biofilms in the food and medical sectors and their subsequent risks on health and food quality. • Hurdle technology using enzymes and essential oils is a promising strategy for an efficient biofilms control. • The microencapsulation of enzymes and essential oils ensures their stability and improves their biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Mechmechani
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Unité Matériaux Et Transformations, Lille, France.,Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Simon Khelissa
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Unité Matériaux Et Transformations, Lille, France
| | - Adem Gharsallaoui
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, LAGEPP UMR 5007, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Khaled El Omari
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Nour-Eddine Chihib
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Unité Matériaux Et Transformations, Lille, France.
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Mycobacterial Adhesion: From Hydrophobic to Receptor-Ligand Interactions. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020454. [PMID: 35208908 PMCID: PMC8875947 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesion is crucial for the infective lifestyles of bacterial pathogens. Adhesion to non-living surfaces, other microbial cells, and components of the biofilm extracellular matrix are crucial for biofilm formation and integrity, plus adherence to host factors constitutes a first step leading to an infection. Adhesion is, therefore, at the core of pathogens’ ability to contaminate, transmit, establish residency within a host, and cause an infection. Several mycobacterial species cause diseases in humans and animals with diverse clinical manifestations. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which enters through the respiratory tract, first adheres to alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells leading up to transmigration across the alveolar epithelium and containment within granulomas. Later, when dissemination occurs, the bacilli need to adhere to extracellular matrix components to infect extrapulmonary sites. Mycobacteria causing zoonotic infections and emerging nontuberculous mycobacterial pathogens follow divergent routes of infection that probably require adapted adhesion mechanisms. New evidence also points to the occurrence of mycobacterial biofilms during infection, emphasizing a need to better understand the adhesive factors required for their formation. Herein, we review the literature on tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial adhesion to living and non-living surfaces, to themselves, to host cells, and to components of the extracellular matrix.
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Sharifan T, Idemudia N, Sharma R, Heidari A, Ragland A, Chao T, Fong I. From a Machine Saw to a Case of Mycobacterium Fortuitum Pyomyositis. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2022; 10:23247096211069766. [PMID: 35073772 PMCID: PMC8793372 DOI: 10.1177/23247096211069766] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyomyositis is a bacterial infection occurring mainly in skeletal muscles. It is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus with initial symptoms including muscle pain, swelling, and site tenderness. When available, the most accurate technique to determine the extent and the specific location of disease is the magnetic resonance imaging. Successful management includes early recognition, timely surgical debridement or drainage, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. This case report describes a case of Mycobacterium fortuitum pyomyositis in an elderly male associated with challenges of successful diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejave Sharifan
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Arash Heidari
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alan Ragland
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tom Chao
- Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
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Giri GR, Saxena P. Mycobacterial MMAR_2193 catalyzes O-methylation of diverse polyketide cores. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262241. [PMID: 34986163 PMCID: PMC8730385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
O-methylation of small molecules is a common modification widely present in most organisms. Type III polyketides undergo O-methylation at hydroxyl end to play a wide spectrum of roles in bacteria, plants, algae, and fungi. Mycobacterium marinum harbours a distinctive genomic cluster with a type III pks gene and genes for several polyketide modifiers including a methyltransferase gene, mmar_2193. This study reports functional analyses of MMAR_2193 and reveals multi-methylating potential of the protein. Comparative sequence analyses revealed conservation of catalytically important motifs in MMAR_2193 protein. Homology-based structure-function and molecular docking studies suggested type III polyketide cores as possible substrates for MMAR_2193 catalysis. In vitro enzymatic characterization revealed the capability of MMAR_2193 protein to utilize diverse polyphenolic substrates to methylate several hydroxyl positions on a single substrate molecule. High-resolution mass spectrometric analyses identified multi-methylations of type III polyketides in cell-free reconstitution assays. Notably, our metabolomics analyses identified some of these methylated molecules in biofilms of wild type Mycobacterium marinum. This study characterizes a novel mycobacterial O-methyltransferase protein with multi-methylating enzymatic ability that could be exploited to generate a palette of structurally distinct bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorkha Raj Giri
- Chemical Biology Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Priti Saxena
- Chemical Biology Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
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Gorzynski M, Week T, Jaramillo T, Dzalamidze E, Danelishvili L. Mycobacterium abscessus Genetic Determinants Associated with the Intrinsic Resistance to Antibiotics. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122527. [PMID: 34946129 PMCID: PMC8707978 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus
subsp. abscessus (MAB) is a fast-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium causing pulmonary infections in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. The treatment of MAB infections in clinics is extremely challenging, as this organism is naturally resistant to most available antibiotics. There is limited knowledge on the mechanisms of MAB intrinsic resistance and on the genes that are involved in the tolerance to antimicrobials. To identify the MAB genetic factors, including the components of the cell surface transport systems related to the efflux pumps, major known elements contributing to antibiotic resistance, we screened the MAB transposon library of 2000 gene knockout mutants. The library was exposed at either minimal inhibitory (MIC) or bactericidal concentrations (BC) of amikacin, clarithromycin, or cefoxitin, and MAB susceptibility was determined through the optical density. The 98 susceptible and 36 resistant mutants that exhibited sensitivity below the MIC and resistance to BC, respectively, to all three drugs were sequenced, and 16 mutants were found to belong to surface transport systems, such as the efflux pumps, porins, and carrier membrane enzymes associated with different types of molecule transport. To establish the relevance of the identified transport systems to antibiotic tolerance, the gene expression levels of the export related genes were evaluated in nine MAB clinical isolates in the presence or absence of antibiotics. The selected mutants were also evaluated for their ability to form biofilms and for their intracellular survival in human macrophages. In this study, we identified numerous MAB genes that play an important role in the intrinsic mechanisms to antimicrobials and further demonstrated that, by targeting components of the drug efflux system, we can significantly increase the efficacy of the current antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylene Gorzynski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (M.G.); (T.W.); (T.J.); (E.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Tiana Week
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (M.G.); (T.W.); (T.J.); (E.D.)
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Tiana Jaramillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (M.G.); (T.W.); (T.J.); (E.D.)
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Elizaveta Dzalamidze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (M.G.); (T.W.); (T.J.); (E.D.)
- BioHealth Sciences, Department of Microbiology, College of Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Lia Danelishvili
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (M.G.); (T.W.); (T.J.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Dokic A, Peterson E, Arrieta-Ortiz ML, Pan M, Di Maio A, Baliga N, Bhatt A. Mycobacterium abscessus biofilms produce an extracellular matrix and have a distinct mycolic acid profile. Cell Surf 2021; 7:100051. [PMID: 33912773 PMCID: PMC8066798 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2021.100051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A non-tuberculous mycobacterium, Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with difficult to treat pulmonary infections, particularly in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. It is capable of forming biofilms in vitro that result in an increase of already high levels of antibiotic resistance in this bacterium. Evidence that M. abscessus forms biofilm-like microcolonies in patient lungs and on medical devices further implicated the need to investigate this biofilm in detail. Therefore, in this study we characterized the M. abscessus pellicular biofilm, formed on a liquid-air interface, by studying its molecular composition, and its transcriptional profile in comparison to planktonic cells. Using scanning electron micrographs and fluorescence microscopy, we showed that M. abscessus biofilms produce an extracellular matrix composed of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and extracellular DNA. Transcriptomic analysis of biofilms revealed an upregulation of pathways involved in the glyoxylate shunt, redox metabolism and mycolic acid biosynthesis. Genes involved in elongation and desaturation of mycolic acids were highly upregulated in biofilms and, mirroring those findings, biochemical analysis of mycolates revealed molecular changes and an increase in mycolic acid chain length. Together these results give us an insight into the complex structure of M. abscessus biofilms, the understanding of which may be adapted for clinical use in treatment of biofilm infections, including strategies for dispersing the extracellular matrix, allowing antibiotics to gain access to bacteria within the biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Dokic
- School of Biosciences and Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Min Pan
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109 USA
| | - Alessandro Di Maio
- School of Biosciences and Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Nitin Baliga
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109 USA
| | - Apoorva Bhatt
- School of Biosciences and Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Belardinelli JM, Li W, Avanzi C, Angala SK, Lian E, Wiersma CJ, Palčeková Z, Martin KH, Angala B, de Moura VCN, Kerns C, Jones V, Gonzalez-Juarrero M, Davidson RM, Nick JA, Borlee BR, Jackson M. Unique Features of Mycobacterium abscessus Biofilms Formed in Synthetic Cystic Fibrosis Medium. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:743126. [PMID: 34777289 PMCID: PMC8586431 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.743126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC) biofilms under host-relevant conditions is essential to the design of informed therapeutic strategies targeted to this persistent, drug-tolerant, population of extracellular bacilli. Using synthetic cystic fibrosis medium (SCFM) which we previously reported to closely mimic the conditions encountered by MABSC in actual cystic fibrosis (CF) sputum and a new model of biofilm formation, we show that MABSC biofilms formed under these conditions are substantially different from previously reported biofilms grown in standard laboratory media in terms of their composition, gene expression profile and stress response. Extracellular DNA (eDNA), mannose-and glucose-containing glycans and phospholipids, rather than proteins and mycolic acids, were revealed as key extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents holding clusters of bacilli together. None of the environmental cues previously reported to impact biofilm development had any significant effect on SCFM-grown biofilms, most likely reflecting the fact that SCFM is a nutrient-rich environment in which MABSC finds a variety of ways of coping with stresses. Finally, molecular determinants were identified that may represent attractive new targets for the development of adjunct therapeutics targeting MABSC biofilms in persons with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Belardinelli
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Charlotte Avanzi
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Shiva K Angala
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Elena Lian
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Crystal J Wiersma
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Zuzana Palčeková
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kevin H Martin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Bhanupriya Angala
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Vinicius C N de Moura
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Callan Kerns
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Victoria Jones
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Mercedes Gonzalez-Juarrero
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca M Davidson
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Jerry A Nick
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Bradley R Borlee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Mary Jackson
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Gupta KR, Arora G, Mattoo A, Sajid A. Stringent Response in Mycobacteria: From Biology to Therapeutic Potential. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111417. [PMID: 34832573 PMCID: PMC8622095 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a human pathogen that can thrive inside the host immune cells for several years and cause tuberculosis. This is due to the propensity of M. tuberculosis to synthesize a sturdy cell wall, shift metabolism and growth, secrete virulence factors to manipulate host immunity, and exhibit stringent response. These attributes help M. tuberculosis to manage the host response, and successfully establish and maintain an infection even under nutrient-deprived stress conditions for years. In this review, we will discuss the importance of mycobacterial stringent response under different stress conditions. The stringent response is mediated through small signaling molecules called alarmones “(pp)pGpp”. The synthesis and degradation of these alarmones in mycobacteria are mediated by Rel protein, which is both (p)ppGpp synthetase and hydrolase. Rel is important for all central dogma processes—DNA replication, transcription, and translation—in addition to regulating virulence, drug resistance, and biofilm formation. Rel also plays an important role in the latent infection of M. tuberculosis. Here, we have discussed the literature on alarmones and Rel proteins in mycobacteria and highlight that (p)ppGpp-analogs and Rel inhibitors could be designed and used as antimycobacterial compounds against M. tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Abid Mattoo
- Pharmaceutical Development, Ultragenyx Gene Therapy, Woburn, MA 01801, USA;
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Correspondence: or
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Chalmers JD, van Ingen J, van der Laan R, Herrmann JL. Liposomal drug delivery to manage nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease and other chronic lung infections. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/161/210010. [PMID: 34289985 PMCID: PMC9488898 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0010-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease is a chronic respiratory infection associated with declining lung function, radiological deterioration and significantly increased morbidity and mortality. Patients often have underlying lung conditions, particularly bronchiectasis and COPD. NTM pulmonary disease is difficult to treat because mycobacteria can evade host defences and antimicrobial therapy through extracellular persistence in biofilms and sequestration into macrophages. Management of NTM pulmonary disease remains challenging and outcomes are often poor, partly due to limited penetration of antibiotics into intracellular spaces and biofilms. Efficient drug delivery to the site of infection is therefore a key objective of treatment, but there is high variability in lung penetration by antibiotics. Inhalation is the most direct route of delivery and has demonstrated increased efficacy of antibiotics like amikacin compared with systemic administration. Liposomes are small, artificial, enclosed spherical vesicles, in which drug molecules can be encapsulated to provide controlled release, with potentially improved pharmacokinetics and reduced toxicity. They are especially useful for drugs where penetration of cell membranes is essential. Inhaled delivery of liposomal drug solutions can therefore facilitate direct access to macrophages in the lung where the infecting NTM may reside. A range of liposomal drugs are currently being evaluated in respiratory diseases. Liposome-encapsulated antibiotics can optimise respiratory disease treatment. Amikacin liposomal inhalation suspension is effective in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease that has failed to convert following oral guideline-based therapy.https://bit.ly/3f3ixIu
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Chalmers
- Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Jakko van Ingen
- Dept of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jean-Louis Herrmann
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, Infection and Inflammation, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.,APHP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France
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Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is one of the most common nontuberculous mycobacterial pathogens responsible for chronic lung disease in humans. It is widely distributed in biofilms in natural and living environments. It is considered to be transmitted from the environment. Despite its importance in public health, the ultrastructure of the MAH biofilm remains largely unknown. The ultrastructure of a MAH-containing multispecies biofilm that formed naturally in a bathtub inlet was herein reported along with those of monoculture biofilms developed from microcolonies and pellicles formed in the laboratory. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an essentially multilayered bathtub biofilm that was packed with cocci and short and long rods connected by an extracellular matrix (ECM). Scattered mycobacterium-like rod-shaped cells were observed around biofilm chunks. The MAH monoculture biofilms that developed from microcolonies in vitro exhibited an assembly of flat layers covered with thin film-like ECM membranes. Numerous small bacterial cells (0.76±0.19 μm in length) were observed, but not embedded in ECM. A glycopeptidolipid-deficient strain did not develop the layered ECM membrane architecture, suggesting its essential role in the development of biofilms. The pellicle biofilm also consisted of flat layered cells covered with an ECM membrane and small cells. MAH alone generated a flat layered biofilm covered with an ECM membrane. This unique structure may be suitable for resistance to water flow and disinfectants and the exclusion of fast-growing competitors, and small cells in biofilms may contribute to the formation and transmission of bioaerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Nishiuchi
- Toneyama Institute for Tuberculosis Research, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine
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Surface-Shaving Proteomics of Mycobacterium marinum Identifies Biofilm Subtype-Specific Changes Affecting Virulence, Tolerance, and Persistence. mSystems 2021; 6:e0050021. [PMID: 34156290 PMCID: PMC8269238 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00500-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex cell wall and biofilm matrix (ECM) act as key barriers to antibiotics in mycobacteria. Here, the ECM and envelope proteins of Mycobacterium marinum ATCC 927, a nontuberculous mycobacterial model, were monitored over 3 months by label-free proteomics and compared with cell surface proteins on planktonic cells to uncover pathways leading to virulence, tolerance, and persistence. We show that ATCC 927 forms pellicle-type and submerged-type biofilms (PBFs and SBFs, respectively) after 2 weeks and 2 days of growth, respectively, and that the increased CelA1 synthesis in this strain prevents biofilm formation and leads to reduced rifampicin tolerance. The proteomic data suggest that specific changes in mycolic acid synthesis (cord factor), Esx1 secretion, and cell wall adhesins explain the appearance of PBFs as ribbon-like cords and SBFs as lichen-like structures. A subpopulation of cells resisting 64× MIC rifampicin (persisters) was detected in both biofilm subtypes and already in 1-week-old SBFs. The key forces boosting their development could include subtype-dependent changes in asymmetric cell division, cell wall biogenesis, tricarboxylic acid/glyoxylate cycle activities, and energy/redox/iron metabolisms. The effect of various ambient oxygen tensions on each cell type and nonclassical protein secretion are likely factors explaining the majority of the subtype-specific changes. The proteomic findings also imply that Esx1-type protein secretion is more efficient in planktonic (PL) and PBF cells, while SBF may prefer both the Esx5 and nonclassical pathways to control virulence and prolonged viability/persistence. In conclusion, this study reports the first proteomic insight into aging mycobacterial biofilm ECMs and indicates biofilm subtype-dependent mechanisms conferring increased adaptive potential and virulence of nontuberculous mycobacteria. IMPORTANCE Mycobacteria are naturally resilient, and mycobacterial infections are notoriously difficult to treat with antibiotics, with biofilm formation being the main factor complicating the successful treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The present study shows that nontuberculous Mycobacterium marinum ATCC 927 forms submerged- and pellicle-type biofilms with lichen- and ribbon-like structures, respectively, as well as persister cells under the same conditions. We show that both biofilm subtypes differ in terms of virulence-, tolerance-, and persistence-conferring activities, highlighting the fact that both subtypes should be targeted to maximize the power of antimycobacterial treatment therapies.
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Abstract
Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) causing infections by biofilm formation. Semi-quantitative method of biofilm formation was adapted for macrotechnics. Sulphonamides complexed with metals is a promising anti-adhesion agent. Sulphonamides complexed with metal is a possible inhibitor of signaling of biofilm formation.
Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are found in non-sterile water and often associated with severe post-surgical infections and affect immunocompromised patients. In addition, RGM can prevent the host's immune response and have the ability to adhere to and form biofilms on biological and synthetic substrates, making pharmacological treatment difficult because conventional antimicrobials are ineffective against biofilms. Thus, there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial compounds that can overcome these problems. In this context, sulfonamides complexed with Au, Cd, Ag, Cu, and Hg have shown excellent activity against various microorganisms. Considering the importance of combating RGM-associated infections, this study aimed to evaluate the activity of sulfonamide metal complexes against RGM biofilm. The sulfonamides were tested individually for their ability to inhibit mycobacterial formation and destroy the preformed biofilm of standard RGM strains, such as Mycobacterium abscessus, M. fortuitum, and M. massiliense. All sulfonamides complexed with metals could reduce, at subinhibitory concentrations, the adhesion and biofilm formation of three RGM species in polystyrene tubes. It is plausible that the anti-biofilm capacity of the compounds is due to the inhibition of c-di-GMP synthesis, which is an important signal for RGM biofilm formation. Hence, the impacts and scientific contribution of this study are based on the discovery of a potential new therapeutic option against RGM-associated biofilm infections. Sulfonamides complexed with metals have proven to be a useful and promising tool to reduce microbial adhesion on inert surfaces, stimulating the improvement of methodologies to insert compounds as new antibacterial and coating agents for medical and hospital materials.
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Biofilm formation in the lung contributes to virulence and drug tolerance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1606. [PMID: 33707445 PMCID: PMC7952908 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a chronic disease that displays several features commonly associated with biofilm-associated infections: immune system evasion, antibiotic treatment failures, and recurrence of infection. However, although Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) can form cellulose-containing biofilms in vitro, it remains unclear whether biofilms are formed during infection in vivo. Here, we demonstrate the formation of Mtb biofilms in animal models of infection and in patients, and that biofilm formation can contribute to drug tolerance. First, we show that cellulose is also a structural component of the extracellular matrix of in vitro biofilms of fast and slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria. Then, we use cellulose as a biomarker to detect Mtb biofilms in the lungs of experimentally infected mice and non-human primates, as well as in lung tissue sections obtained from patients with tuberculosis. Mtb strains defective in biofilm formation are attenuated for survival in mice, suggesting that biofilms protect bacilli from the host immune system. Furthermore, the administration of nebulized cellulase enhances the antimycobacterial activity of isoniazid and rifampicin in infected mice, supporting a role for biofilms in phenotypic drug tolerance. Our findings thus indicate that Mtb biofilms are relevant to human tuberculosis.
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Egorova A, Jackson M, Gavrilyuk V, Makarov V. Pipeline of anti-Mycobacterium abscessus small molecules: Repurposable drugs and promising novel chemical entities. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2350-2387. [PMID: 33645845 DOI: 10.1002/med.21798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a group of emerging pathogens that are difficult to treat. There are no effective drugs for successful M. abscessus pulmonary infection therapy, and existing drug regimens recommended by the British or the American Thoracic Societies are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, novel antibacterial drugs are urgently needed to contain this global threat. The current anti-M. abscessus small-molecule drug development process can be enhanced by two parallel strategies-discovery of compounds from new chemical classes and commercial drug repurposing. This review focuses on recent advances in the finding of novel small-molecule agents, and more particularly focuses on the activity, mode of action and structure-activity relationship of promising inhibitors from five different chemical classes-benzimidazoles, indole-2-carboxamides, benzothiazoles, 4-piperidinoles, and oxazolidionones. We further discuss some other interesting small molecules, such as thiacetazone derivatives and benzoboroxoles, that are in the early stages of drug development, and summarize current knowledge about the efficacy of repurposable drugs, such as rifabutin, tedizolid, bedaquiline, and others. We finally review targets of therapeutic interest in M. abscessus that may be worthy of future drug and adjunct therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Egorova
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mary Jackson
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Colorado, Fort Collins, USA
| | | | - Vadim Makarov
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, Moscow, Russia
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de Sá MCA, da Silva WM, Rodrigues CCS, Rezende CP, Marchioro SB, Rocha Filho JTR, Sousa TDJ, de Oliveira HP, da Costa MM, Figueiredo HCP, Portela RD, Castro TLDP, Azevedo V, Seyffert N, Meyer R. Comparative Proteomic Analyses Between Biofilm-Forming and Non-biofilm-Forming Strains of Co rynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Isolated From Goats. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:614011. [PMID: 33665217 PMCID: PMC7921313 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.614011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic disease that affects small ruminants and causes economic losses in the associated breeding system. The causative agent of CLA is Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, a Gram-positive bacterium that exhibits tropism for external and internal lymph nodes and induces abscess formation in the host. Bacterial communities often produce a biofilm matrix that serves various functions, including protection against hostile environmental conditions, antibiotics, and the host immune response. Although biofilm formation has been reported for C. pseudotuberculosis, not all strains demonstrate this property in culture. In this work, we report the first comparative proteomic analysis of one biofilm-forming (CAPJ4) and one biofilm-non-forming strain (CAP3W) of C. pseudotuberculosis isolated from goats. Bacterial whole cell protein extracts were obtained for mass spectrometry analyses. Using LC-MS/MS, our studies reveal three and four proteins exclusively found in the CAPJ4 and CAP3W proteome, respectively. In addition, label-free quantitative analysis identified 40 proteins showing at-least 2-fold higher values in CAPJ4 compared CAP3W proteome Notably, CAPJ4 differentially synthesized the penicillin-binding protein, which participates in the formation of peptidoglycans. CAPJ4 also exhibited upregulation of N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase and galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, which are involved in biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Here, we demonstrate that biofilm formation in C. pseudotuberculosis is likely associated with specific proteins, some of which were previously shown to be associated with virulence and biofilm formation in other organisms. Our findings may drive studies related to the bacterial mechanisms involved in the biofilm formation, in addition to providing targets for the treatment of CLA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wanderson Marques da Silva
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biologia Molecular Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuária/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IABIMO-INTA/CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Thiago de Jesus Sousa
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vasco Azevedo
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nubia Seyffert
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Roberto Meyer
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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46
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Senhaji-Kacha A, Esteban J, Garcia-Quintanilla M. Considerations for Phage Therapy Against Mycobacterium abscessus. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:609017. [PMID: 33537013 PMCID: PMC7847891 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.609017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a global increasing number of Mycobacterium abscessus infections, especially pulmonary infections. Reduced therapeutic options exist against this opportunistic pathogen due to its high intrinsic and acquired levels of antibiotic resistance. Phage therapy is a promising afresh therapy, which uses viruses to lyse bacteria responsible for the infection. Bacteriophages have been recently administered under compassionate use to a 15-year-old patient infected with M. abscessus in combination with antibiotics with excellent results. This mini review highlights different recommendations for future phage administrations such as where to look for new phages, the use of cocktail of mycobacteriophages to broaden phage specificity and to tackle resistance and phage insensitivity due to temperate phages present in bacterial genomes, the combined use of phages and antibiotics to obtain a synergistic effect, the liposomal administration to reach a prolonged effect, intracellular delivery and protection against neutralizing antibodies, and the convenience of using this strategy in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) since phages are believed to promote immunomodulatory actions and eliminate biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Senhaji-Kacha
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Esteban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
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Siddam AD, Zaslow SJ, Wang Y, Phillips KS, Silverman MD, Regan PM, Amarasinghe JJ. Characterization of Biofilm Formation by Mycobacterium chimaera on Medical Device Materials. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:586657. [PMID: 33505365 PMCID: PMC7829485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.586657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widespread in the environment and are a public health concern due to their resistance to antimicrobial agents. The colonization of surgical heater-cooler devices (HCDs) by the slow-growing NTM species Mycobacterium chimaera has recently been linked to multiple invasive infections in patients worldwide. The resistance of M. chimaera to antimicrobials may be aided by a protective biofilm matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This study explored the hypothesis that M. chimaera can form biofilms on medically relevant materials. Several M. chimaera strains, including two HCD isolates, were used to inoculate a panel of medical device materials. M. chimaera colonization of the surfaces was monitored for 6 weeks. M. chimaera formed a robust biofilm at the air-liquid interface of borosilicate glass tubes, which increased in mass over time. M. chimaera was observed by 3D Laser Scanning Microscopy to have motility during colonization, and form biofilms on stainless steel, titanium, silicone and polystyrene surfaces during the first week of inoculation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of M. chimaera biofilms after 4 weeks of inoculation showed that M. chimaera cells were enclosed entirely in extracellular material, while cryo-preserved SEM samples further revealed that an ultrastructural component of the EPS matrix was a tangled mesh of 3D fiber-like projections connecting cells. Considering that slow-growing M. chimaera typically has culture times on the order of weeks, the microscopically observed ability to rapidly colonize stainless steel and titanium surfaces in as little as 24 h after inoculation is uncharacteristic. The insights that this study provides into M. chimaera colonization and biofilm formation of medical device materials are a significant advance in our fundamental understanding of M. chimaera surface interactions and have important implications for research into novel antimicrobial materials, designs and other approaches to help reduce the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana D Siddam
- Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Winchester, MA, United States
| | - Shari J Zaslow
- Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Winchester, MA, United States
| | - Yi Wang
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - K Scott Phillips
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Matthew D Silverman
- Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Winchester, MA, United States
| | - Patrick M Regan
- Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Winchester, MA, United States
| | - Jayaleka J Amarasinghe
- Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Winchester, MA, United States
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48
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Vega-Dominguez P, Peterson E, Pan M, Di Maio A, Singh S, Umapathy S, Saini DK, Baliga N, Bhatt A. Biofilms of the non-tuberculous Mycobacterium chelonae form an extracellular matrix and display distinct expression patterns. Cell Surf 2020; 6:100043. [PMID: 32803022 PMCID: PMC7421604 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2020.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium chelonae is an environmental, non-tuberculous mycobacterial species, capable of causing infections in humans. Biofilm formation is a key strategy used by M. chelonae in colonising niches in the environment and in the host. We studied a water-air interface (pellicle) biofilm of M. chelonae using a wide array of approaches to outline the molecular structure and composition of the biofilm. Scanning electron micrographs showed that M. chelonae biofilms produced an extracellular matrix. Using a combination of biochemical analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy, we showed the matrix to consist of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and eDNA. Glucose was the predominant sugar present in the biofilm matrix, and its relative abundance decreased in late (established) biofilms. RNA-seq analysis of the biofilms showed upregulation of genes involved in redox metabolism. Additionally, genes involved in mycolic acid, other lipid and glyoxylate metabolism were also upregulated in the early biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Vega-Dominguez
- School of Biosciences and Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Min Pan
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alessandro Di Maio
- School of Biosciences and Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Saumya Singh
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Siva Umapathy
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Deepak K. Saini
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Nitin Baliga
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Apoorva Bhatt
- School of Biosciences and Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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49
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Xu H, Su Z, Li W, Deng Y, He ZG. MmbR, a master transcription regulator that controls fatty acid β-oxidation genes in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:1096-1114. [PMID: 32985741 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An unusually high lipid content and a complex lipid profile are the most distinctive features of the mycobacterial cell envelope. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying mycobacterial lipid metabolism is limited, and the major regulators responsible for lipid homeostasis remain to be characterized. Here, we identified MmbR as a novel master regulator that is essential for maintaining lipid homeostasis in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis. We found that MmbR controls fatty acid β-oxidation and modulates biofilm formation in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis. Although MmbR possesses the properties of nucleoid-associated proteins, it acts as a TetR-like transcription factor, directly regulating and intensively repressing the expression of a group of core genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation. Furthermore, both long-chain acyl-Coenzyme A and fatty acids appear to regulate the signal molecules modulated by MmbR. The deletion of mmbR led to a significant reduction in intracellular fatty acid content and a decrease in the relative lipid composition of the biofilm. The lack of mmbR led to morphological changes in the mycobacterial colony, defects in biofilm formation and enhanced sensitivity to anti-tuberculosis drugs. Our study is the first to establish a link between the transcriptional regulation of fatty acid β-oxidation genes and lipid homeostasis in mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Su
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yimin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng-Guo He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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50
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Pereira AC, Ramos B, Reis AC, Cunha MV. Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Molecular and Physiological Bases of Virulence and Adaptation to Ecological Niches. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091380. [PMID: 32916931 PMCID: PMC7563442 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are paradigmatic colonizers of the total environment, circulating at the interfaces of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere. Their striking adaptive ecology on the interconnection of multiple spheres results from the combination of several biological features related to their exclusive hydrophobic and lipid-rich impermeable cell wall, transcriptional regulation signatures, biofilm phenotype, and symbiosis with protozoa. This unique blend of traits is reviewed in this work, with highlights to the prodigious plasticity and persistence hallmarks of NTM in a wide diversity of environments, from extreme natural milieus to microniches in the human body. Knowledge on the taxonomy, evolution, and functional diversity of NTM is updated, as well as the molecular and physiological bases for environmental adaptation, tolerance to xenobiotics, and infection biology in the human and non-human host. The complex interplay between individual, species-specific and ecological niche traits contributing to NTM resilience across ecosystems are also explored. This work hinges current understandings of NTM, approaching their biology and heterogeneity from several angles and reinforcing the complexity of these microorganisms often associated with a multiplicity of diseases, including pulmonary, soft-tissue, or milliary. In addition to emphasizing the cornerstones of knowledge involving these bacteria, we identify research gaps that need to be addressed, stressing out the need for decision-makers to recognize NTM infection as a public health issue that has to be tackled, especially when considering an increasingly susceptible elderly and immunocompromised population in developed countries, as well as in low- or middle-income countries, where NTM infections are still highly misdiagnosed and neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- André C. Pereira
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Ramos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Reis
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica V. Cunha
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217-500-000 (ext. 22461)
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