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Lucidi M, Visaggio D, Migliaccio A, Capecchi G, Visca P, Imperi F, Zarrilli R. Pathogenicity and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii: Factors contributing to the fitness in healthcare settings and the infected host. Virulence 2024; 15:2289769. [PMID: 38054753 PMCID: PMC10732645 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2289769] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and hospital outbreaks, particularly in intensive care units. Much of the success of A. baumannii relies on its genomic plasticity, which allows rapid adaptation to adversity and stress. The capacity to acquire novel antibiotic resistance determinants and the tolerance to stresses encountered in the hospital environment promote A. baumannii spread among patients and long-term contamination of the healthcare setting. This review explores virulence factors and physiological traits contributing to A. baumannii infection and adaptation to the hospital environment. Several cell-associated and secreted virulence factors involved in A. baumannii biofilm formation, cell adhesion, invasion, and persistence in the host, as well as resistance to xeric stress imposed by the healthcare settings, are illustrated to give reasons for the success of A. baumannii as a hospital pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Lucidi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Visaggio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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2
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Shi J, Feng Z, Song Q, Wang F, Zhang Z, Liu J, Li F, Wen A, Liu T, Ye Z, Zhang C, Das K, Wang S, Feng Y, Lin W. Structural and functional insights into transcription activation of the essential LysR-type transcriptional regulators. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5012. [PMID: 38723180 PMCID: PMC11081524 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5012] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The enormous LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs), which are diversely distributed amongst prokaryotes, play crucial roles in transcription regulation of genes involved in basic metabolic pathways, virulence and stress resistance. However, the precise transcription activation mechanism of these genes by LTTRs remains to be explored. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structure of a LTTR-dependent transcription activation complex comprising of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP), an essential LTTR protein GcvA and its cognate promoter DNA. Structural analysis shows two N-terminal DNA binding domains of GcvA (GcvA_DBD) dimerize and engage the GcvA activation binding sites, presenting the -35 element for specific recognition with the conserved σ70R4. In particular, the versatile C-terminal domain of α subunit of RNAP directly interconnects with GcvA_DBD, σ70R4 and promoter DNA, providing more interfaces for stabilizing the complex. Moreover, molecular docking supports glycine as one potential inducer of GcvA, and single molecule photobleaching experiments kinetically visualize the occurrence of tetrameric GcvA-engaged transcription activation complex as suggested for the other LTTR homologs. Thus, a general model for tetrameric LTTR-dependent transcription activation is proposed. These findings will provide new structural and functional insights into transcription activation of the essential LTTRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shi
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Infectious Disease of Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Zhenzhen Feng
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Qian Song
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Fulin Wang
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Zhipeng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science and Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Laser Life ScienceCollege of Biophotonics, South China Normal UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Songshan Lake Materials LaboratoryDongguanGuangdongChina
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Aijia Wen
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Infectious Disease of Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Zonghang Ye
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Kalyan Das
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of MicrobiologyImmunology and Transplantation, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Shuang Wang
- Songshan Lake Materials LaboratoryDongguanGuangdongChina
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter PhysicsInstitute of Physics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Infectious Disease of Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
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3
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Mushtaq F, Nadeem A, Yabrag A, Bala A, Karah N, Zlatkov N, Nyunt Wai S, Uhlin BE, Ahmad I. Colony phase variation switch modulates antimicrobial tolerance and biofilm formation in Acinetobacter baumannii. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0295623. [PMID: 38205963 PMCID: PMC10845969 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02956-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causes one of the most difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections. Polycationic drugs like polymyxin B or colistin and tetracycline drugs such as doxycycline or minocycline are commonly used to treat infections caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. Here, we show that a subpopulation of cells associated with the opaque/translucent colony phase variation by A. baumannii AB5075 displays differential tolerance to subinhibitory concentrations of colistin and tetracycline. Using a variety of microscopic techniques, we demonstrate that extracellular polysaccharide moieties mediate colistin tolerance to opaque A. baumannii at single-cell level and that mushroom-shaped biofilm structures protect opaque bacteria at the community level. The colony switch phenotype is found to alter several traits of A. baumannii, including long-term survival under desiccation, tolerance to ethanol, competition with Escherichia coli, and intracellular survival in the environmental model host Acanthamoeba castellanii. Additionally, our findings suggest that extracellular DNA associated with membrane vesicles can promote colony switching in a DNA recombinase-dependent manner.IMPORTANCEAs a WHO top-priority drug-resistant microbe, Acinetobacter baumannii significantly contributes to hospital-associated infections worldwide. One particularly intriguing aspect is its ability to reversibly switch its colony morphotype on agar plates, which has been remarkably underexplored. In this study, we employed various microscopic techniques and phenotypic assays to investigate the colony phase variation switch under different clinically and environmentally relevant conditions. Our findings reveal that the presence of a poly N-acetylglucosamine-positive extracellular matrix layer contributes to the protection of bacteria from the bactericidal effects of colistin. Furthermore, we provide intriguing insights into the multicellular lifestyle of A. baumannii, specifically in the context of colony switch variation within its predatory host, Acanthamoeba castellanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fizza Mushtaq
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Nadeem
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Abdelbasset Yabrag
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anju Bala
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nabil Karah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nikola Zlatkov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sun Nyunt Wai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bernt Eric Uhlin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Molecular Biology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Shapira N, Zusman T, Segal G. The LysR-type transcriptional regulator LelA co-regulates various effectors in different Legionella species. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:243-259. [PMID: 38153189 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15214] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila translocates more than 300 effector proteins into its host cells. The expression levels of the genes encoding these effectors are orchestrated by an intricate regulatory network. Here, we introduce LelA, the first L. pneumophila LysR-type transcriptional regulator of effectors. Through bioinformatic and experimental analyses, we identified the LelA target regulatory element and demonstrated that it directly activates the expression of three L. pneumophila effectors (legL7, legL6, and legU1). We further found that the gene encoding LelA is positively regulated by the RpoS sigma factor, thus linking it to the known effector regulatory network. Examination of other species throughout the Legionella genus revealed that this regulatory element is found upstream of 34 genes encoding validated effectors, putative effectors, and hypothetical proteins. Moreover, ten of these genes were examined and found to be activated by the L. pneumophila LelA as well as by their orthologs in the corresponding species. LelA represents a novel type of Legionella effector regulator, which coordinates the expression of both adjacently and distantly located effector-encoding genes, thus forming small groups of co-regulated effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Shapira
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Zusman
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Segal
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Baugh AC, Momany C, Neidle EL. Versatility and Complexity: Common and Uncommon Facets of LysR-Type Transcriptional Regulators. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:317-339. [PMID: 37285554 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-050323-040543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) form one of the largest families of bacterial regulators. They are widely distributed and contribute to all aspects of metabolism and physiology. Most are homotetramers, with each subunit composed of an N-terminal DNA-binding domain followed by a long helix connecting to an effector-binding domain. LTTRs typically bind DNA in the presence or absence of a small-molecule ligand (effector). In response to cellular signals, conformational changes alter DNA interactions, contact with RNA polymerase, and sometimes contact with other proteins. Many are dual-function repressor-activators, although different modes of regulation may occur at multiple promoters. This review presents an update on the molecular basis of regulation, the complexity of regulatory schemes, and applications in biotechnology and medicine. The abundance of LTTRs reflects their versatility and importance. While a single regulatory model cannot describe all family members, a comparison of similarities and differences provides a framework for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Baugh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA;
| | - Cory Momany
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ellen L Neidle
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA;
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Sykes EME, Mateo-Estrada V, Zhanel G, Dettman J, Chapados J, Gerdis S, Akineden Ö, Khan IIU, Castillo-Ramírez S, Kumar A. Emergence of ADC-5 Cephalosporinase in environmental Acinetobacter baumannii from a German tank milk with a novel Sequence Type. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:acmi000485.v3. [PMID: 37424542 PMCID: PMC10323797 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000485.v3] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria resistant to antibiotics arguably pose the greatest threat to human health in the twenty-first century. One such bacterium that typifies antibiotic resistance is Acinetobacter baumannii . Frequently, hospital strains of A. baumannii display multidrug resistant (MDR) or extensively drug resistant (XDR) phenotypes, often requiring the use of last resort antibiotics for treatment. In addition to hospital settings, A. baumannii has been isolated from many highly divergent sources including wastewater treatment plant effluent, soil, and agricultural run-off with global distribution. However, such isolates remain poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized a strain of A. baumannii, AB341-IK15, isolated from bulk tank milk in Germany that demonstrated resistance to ceftazidime and intermediate resistance to ceftriaxone and piperacillin/tazobactam. Further genetic characterization identified an ADC-5 cephalosporinase, first incidence in an environmental isolate; and an OXA-408 oxacillinase that may contribute to this phenotype. Interestingly, AB341-IK15 is of a novel sequence type. This research underscores the importance of studying isolates of A. baumannii of non-clinical origin to understand the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of environmental isolates of A. baumannii as well to understand the diversity of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. E. Sykes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Valeria Mateo-Estrada
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Génomicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - George Zhanel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jeremy Dettman
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Julie Chapados
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Suzanne Gerdis
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ömer Akineden
- Institute of Veterinary Food Science, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Izhar I. U. Khan
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre (ORDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Santiago Castillo-Ramírez
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Génomicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ayush Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
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7
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Cavallo I, Oliva A, Pages R, Sivori F, Truglio M, Fabrizio G, Pasqua M, Pimpinelli F, Di Domenico EG. Acinetobacter baumannii in the critically ill: complex infections get complicated. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1196774. [PMID: 37425994 PMCID: PMC10325864 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1196774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is increasingly associated with various epidemics, representing a serious concern due to the broad level of antimicrobial resistance and clinical manifestations. During the last decades, A. baumannii has emerged as a major pathogen in vulnerable and critically ill patients. Bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract, and skin and soft tissue infections are the most common presentations of A. baumannii, with attributable mortality rates approaching 35%. Carbapenems have been considered the first choice to treat A. baumannii infections. However, due to the widespread prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB), colistin represents the main therapeutic option, while the role of the new siderophore cephalosporin cefiderocol still needs to be ascertained. Furthermore, high clinical failure rates have been reported for colistin monotherapy when used to treat CRAB infections. Thus, the most effective antibiotic combination remains disputed. In addition to its ability to develop antibiotic resistance, A. baumannii is also known to form biofilm on medical devices, including central venous catheters or endotracheal tubes. Thus, the worrisome spread of biofilm-producing strains in multidrug-resistant populations of A. baumannii poses a significant treatment challenge. This review provides an updated account of antimicrobial resistance patterns and biofilm-mediated tolerance in A. baumannii infections with a special focus on fragile and critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cavallo
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca Pages
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sivori
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Truglio
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Fabrizio
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Pasqua
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin" Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvia Pimpinelli
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enea Gino Di Domenico
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin" Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Bai J, Raustad N, Denoncourt J, van Opijnen T, Geisinger E. Genome-wide phage susceptibility analysis in Acinetobacter baumannii reveals capsule modulation strategies that determine phage infectivity. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1010928. [PMID: 37289824 PMCID: PMC10249906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage have gained renewed interest as an adjunctive treatment for life-threatening infections with the resistant nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Our understanding of how A. baumannii defends against phage remains limited, although this information could lead to improved antimicrobial therapies. To address this problem, we identified genome-wide determinants of phage susceptibility in A. baumannii using Tn-seq. These studies focused on the lytic phage Loki, which targets Acinetobacter by unknown mechanisms. We identified 41 candidate loci that increase susceptibility to Loki when disrupted, and 10 that decrease susceptibility. Combined with spontaneous resistance mapping, our results support the model that Loki uses the K3 capsule as an essential receptor, and that capsule modulation provides A. baumannii with strategies to control vulnerability to phage. A key center of this control is transcriptional regulation of capsule synthesis and phage virulence by the global regulator BfmRS. Mutations hyperactivating BfmRS simultaneously increase capsule levels, Loki adsorption, Loki replication, and host killing, while BfmRS-inactivating mutations have the opposite effect, reducing capsule and blocking Loki infection. We identified novel BfmRS-activating mutations, including knockouts of a T2 RNase protein and the disulfide formation enzyme DsbA, that hypersensitize bacteria to phage challenge. We further found that mutation of a glycosyltransferase known to alter capsule structure and bacterial virulence can also cause complete phage resistance. Finally, additional factors including lipooligosaccharide and Lon protease act independently of capsule modulation to interfere with Loki infection. This work demonstrates that regulatory and structural modulation of capsule, known to alter A. baumannii virulence, is also a major determinant of susceptibility to phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinna Bai
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nicole Raustad
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jason Denoncourt
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tim van Opijnen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, CISID, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Edward Geisinger
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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