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Xu Z, Chen S, Wu W, Wen Y, Cao H. Type I CRISPR-Cas-mediated microbial gene editing and regulation. AIMS Microbiol 2023; 9:780-800. [PMID: 38173969 PMCID: PMC10758571 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2023040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
There are six major types of CRISPR-Cas systems that provide adaptive immunity in bacteria and archaea against invasive genetic elements. The discovery of CRISPR-Cas systems has revolutionized the field of genetics in many organisms. In the past few years, exploitations of the most abundant class 1 type I CRISPR-Cas systems have revealed their great potential and distinct advantages to achieve gene editing and regulation in diverse microorganisms in spite of their complicated structures. The widespread and diversified type I CRISPR-Cas systems are becoming increasingly attractive for the development of new biotechnological tools, especially in genetically recalcitrant microbial strains. In this review article, we comprehensively summarize recent advancements in microbial gene editing and regulation by utilizing type I CRISPR-Cas systems. Importantly, to expand the microbial host range of type I CRISPR-Cas-based applications, these structurally complicated systems have been improved as transferable gene-editing tools with efficient delivery methods for stable expression of CRISPR-Cas elements, as well as convenient gene-regulation tools with the prevention of DNA cleavage by obviating deletion or mutation of the Cas3 nuclease. We envision that type I CRISPR-Cas systems will largely expand the biotechnological toolbox for microbes with medical, environmental and industrial importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeling Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weiyan Wu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongqi Wen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Huiluo Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Wang Y, Xu X, Chen H, Yang F, Xu B, Wang K, Liu Q, Liang G, Zhang R, Jiao X, Zhang Y. Assessment of beneficial effects and identification of host adaptation-associated genes of Ligilactobacillus salivarius isolated from badgers. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:530. [PMID: 37679681 PMCID: PMC10483869 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ligilactobacillus salivarius has been frequently isolated from the gut microbiota of humans and domesticated animals and has been studied as a candidate probiotic. Badger (Meles meles) is known as a "generalist" species that consumes complex foods and exhibits tolerance and resistance to certain pathogens, which can be partly attributed to the beneficial microbes such as L. salivarius in the gut microbiota. However, our understanding of the beneficial traits and genomic features of badger-originated L. salivarius remains elusive. RESULTS In this study, nine L. salivarius strains were isolated from wild badgers' feces, one of which exhibited good probiotic properties. Complete genomes of the nine L. salivarius strains were generated, and comparative genomic analysis was performed with the publicly available complete genomes of L. salivarius obtained from humans and domesticated animals. The strains originating from badgers harbored a larger genome, a higher number of protein-coding sequences, and functionally annotated genes than those originating from humans and chickens. The pan-genome phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the strains originating from badgers formed a separate clade, and totally 412 gene families (12.6% of the total gene families in the pan-genome) were identified as genes gained by the last common ancestor of the badger group. The badger group harbored significantly more gene families responsible for the degradation of complex carbohydrate substrates and production of polysaccharides than strains from other hosts; many of these were acquired by gene gain events. CONCLUSIONS A candidate probiotic and nine L. salivarius complete genomes were obtained from the badgers' gut microbiome, and several beneficial genes were identified to be specifically present in the badger-originated strains that were gained in the evolution. Our study provides novel insights into the adaptation of L. salivarius to the intestinal habitat of wild badgers and provides valuable strain and genome resources for the development of L. salivarius as a probiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Xiaomeng Xu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Qianwen Liu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Guixin Liang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Xin'an Jiao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Yunzeng Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Hegde S, Rauch HE, Hughes GL, Shariat N. Identification and characterization of two CRISPR/Cas systems associated with the mosquito microbiome. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:acmi000599.v4. [PMID: 37691844 PMCID: PMC10484321 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000599.v4] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome profoundly influences many traits in medically relevant vectors such as mosquitoes, and a greater functional understanding of host-microbe interactions may be exploited for novel microbial-based approaches to control mosquito-borne disease. Here, we characterized two novel clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas systems in Serratia sp. Ag1, which was isolated from the gut of an Anopheles gambiae mosquito. Two distinct CRISPR/Cas systems were identified in Serratia Ag1, CRISPR1 and CRISPR2. Based on cas gene composition, CRISPR1 is classified as a type I-E CRISPR/Cas system and has a single array, CRISPR1. CRISPR2 is a type I-F system with two arrays, CRISPR2.1 and CRISPR2.2. RT-PCR analyses show that all cas genes from both systems are expressed during logarithmic growth in culture media. The direct repeat sequences of CRISPRs 2.1 and 2.2 are identical and found in the arrays of other Serratia spp., including S. marcescens and S. fonticola , whereas CRISPR1 is not. We searched for potential spacer targets and revealed an interesting difference between the two systems: only 9 % of CRISPR1 (type I-E) targets are in phage sequences and 91 % are in plasmid sequences. Conversely, ~66 % of CRISPR2 (type I-F) targets are found within phage genomes. Our results highlight the presence of CRISPR loci in gut-associated bacteria of mosquitoes and indicate interplay between symbionts and invasive mobile genetic elements over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanand Hegde
- Department of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool, UK
- Present address: School of Life Sciences, University of Keele, Newcastle, UK
| | - Hallie E. Rauch
- Department of Biology, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA, USA
| | - Grant L. Hughes
- Department of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nikki Shariat
- Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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4
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Wu J, Zhang H, Gan R, Xia Y, Zhang F, Wang D, Fu J, Barraclough TG. CRISPR dynamics during the interaction between bacteria and phage in the first year of life. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001053. [PMID: 37402176 PMCID: PMC10438810 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001053] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiomes in infancy have a profound impact on health in adulthood. CRISPRs play an essential role in the interaction between bacteria and phages. However, the dynamics of CRISPRs in gut microbiomes during early life are poorly understood. In this study, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing data from 82 Swedish infants' gut microbiomes, 1882 candidate CRISPRs were identified, and their dynamics were analysed. We found large-scale turnover of CRISPRs and their spacers during the first year of life. As well as changes in relative abundance of the bacteria containing CRISPR, acquisition, loss and mutation of spacers were observed within the same CRISPR array sampled over time. Accordingly, the inferred interaction network of bacteria and phage was distinct at different times. This research underpins CRISPR dynamics and their potential role in the interaction between bacteria and phage in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqiu Wu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, Netherlands
| | - Hanyun Zhang
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rui Gan
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Yan Xia
- 01Life Institute, Shenzhen 518000, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Daoming Wang
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713AV, Netherlands
| | - Jingyuan Fu
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713AV, Netherlands
| | - Timothy G. Barraclough
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
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5
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Reyes-Castillo PA, González-Vázquez R, Torres-Maravilla E, Bautista-Hernández JI, Zúñiga-León E, Leyte-Lugo M, Mateos-Sánchez L, Mendoza-Pérez F, Gutiérrez-Nava MA, Reyes-Pavón D, Azaola-Espinosa A, Mayorga-Reyes L. Bifidobacterium longum LBUX23 Isolated from Feces of a Newborn; Potential Probiotic Properties and Genomic Characterization. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1648. [PMID: 37512821 PMCID: PMC10385183 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacterium longum is considered a microorganism with probiotic potential, which has been extensively studied, but these probiotic effects are strain dependent. This work aims to characterize the probiotic potential, based on the biochemical and genomic functionality, of B. longum LBUX23, isolated from neonates' feces. B. longum LBUX23 contains one circular genome of 2,287,838 bp with a G+C content of 60.05%, no plasmids, no CRISPR-Cas operon, possesses 56 tRNAs, 9 rRNAs, 1 tmRNA and 1776 coding sequences (CDSs). It has chromosomally encoded resistance genes to ampicillin and dicloxacillin, non-hemolytic activity, and moderate inhibition of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and to some emergent pathogen's clinical strains. B. longum LBUX23 was able to utilize lactose, sucrose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and lactulose. The maximum peak of bacterial growth was observed in sucrose and FOS at 6 h; in lactose and lactulose, it was shown at 8 h. B. longum LBUX23 can survive in gastrointestinal conditions (pH 4 to 7). A decrease in survival (96.5 and 93.8%) was observed at pH 3 and 3.5 during 120 min. argC, argH, and dapA genes could be involved in this tolerance. B. longum LBUX23 can also survive under primary and secondary glyco- or tauro-conjugated bile salts, and a mixture of bile salts due to the high extracellular bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity (67.3 %), in taurocholic acid followed by taurodeoxycholic acid (48.5%), glycocholic acid (47.1%), oxgall (44.3%), and glycodeoxycholic acid (29.7%) probably due to the presence of the cbh and gnlE genes which form an operon (start: 119573 and end: 123812). Low BSH activity was determined intracellularly (<7%), particularly in glycocholic acid; no intracellular activity was shown. B. longum LBUX23 showed antioxidant effects in DPPH radical, mainly in intact cells (27.4%). In the case of hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, cell debris showed the highest reduction (72.5%). In the cell-free extract, superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity was higher (90.5%). The genome of B. longum LBUX23 contains PNPOx, AhpC, Bcp, trxA, and trxB genes, which could be involved in this activity. Regarding adherence, it showed adherence up to 5% to Caco-2 cells. B. longum LBUX23 showed in vitro potential probiotic properties, mainly in BSH activity and antioxidant capacity, which indicates that it could be a good candidate for antioxidant or anti-cholesterol tests using in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Reyes-Castillo
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biologicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
| | - Raquel González-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Sistemas Biologicos, CONAHCYT-Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
| | - Edgar Torres-Maravilla
- Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Mexicali 21000, Mexico
| | - Jessica I Bautista-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Sistemas Biologicos, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Zúñiga-León
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Bioticos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico, Carretera Toluca-Ixtlahuaca Km 14.5, San Cayetano, Toluca 50295, Mexico
| | - Martha Leyte-Lugo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Sistemas Biologicos, CONAHCYT-Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
| | - Leovigildo Mateos-Sánchez
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Neonatos, Unidad Medica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital Gineco Obstetricia No. 4 "Luis Castelazo Ayala", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de Mexico 01090, Mexico
| | - Felipe Mendoza-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Sistemas Biologicos, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
| | - María Angélica Gutiérrez-Nava
- Laboratorio de Ecologia Microbiana, Departamento de Sistemas Biologicos, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
| | - Diana Reyes-Pavón
- Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Mexicali 21000, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Azaola-Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Sistemas Biologicos, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
| | - Lino Mayorga-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia, Departamento de Sistemas Biologicos, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico 04960, Mexico
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Li J, Song X, Xiong Z, Wang G, Xia Y, Yang Y, Ai L. Establishment of CRISPR-Cas9 system in Bifidobacteria animalis AR668. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:112. [PMID: 37308875 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacteria are representative intestinal probiotics that have extremely high application value in the food and medical fields. However, the lack of molecular biology tools limits the research on functional genes and mechanisms of bifidobacteria. The application of an accurate and efficient CRISPR system to genome engineering can fill the gap in efficient genetic tools for bifidobacteria. In this study, CRISPR system of B. animalis AR668 was established, which successfully knocked out gene 0348 and gene 0208. The influence of different homology arms and fragments on the knockout effect of the system was explored. In addition, the inducible plasmid curing system of bifidobacteria was innovatively established. This study contributes to the genetic modification and functional mechanism analysis of bifidobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Song
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangqiang Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Xia
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijin Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianzhong Ai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 200093, Shanghai, China.
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Barchi Y, Philippe C, Chaïb A, Oviedo-Hernandez F, Claisse O, Le Marrec C. Phage Encounters Recorded in CRISPR Arrays in the Genus Oenococcus. Viruses 2022; 15:15. [PMID: 36680056 PMCID: PMC9867325 DOI: 10.3390/v15010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Oenococcus genus comprises four recognized species, and members have been found in different types of beverages, including wine, kefir, cider and kombucha. In this work, we implemented two complementary strategies to assess whether oenococcal hosts of different species and habitats were connected through their bacteriophages. First, we investigated the diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems using a genome-mining approach, and CRISPR-endowed strains were identified in three species. A census of the spacers from the four identified CRISPR-Cas loci showed that each spacer space was mostly dominated by species-specific sequences. Yet, we characterized a limited records of potentially recent and also ancient infections between O. kitaharae and O. sicerae and phages of O. oeni, suggesting that some related phages have interacted in diverse ways with their Oenococcus hosts over evolutionary time. Second, phage-host interaction analyses were performed experimentally with a diversified panel of phages and strains. None of the tested phages could infect strains across the species barrier. Yet, some infections occurred between phages and hosts from distinct beverages in the O. oeni species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Claire Le Marrec
- UMR Oenologie 1366, Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
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8
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Detection and identification of Lactobacillus acidophilus species and its commercial probiotic strains using CRISPR loci-based amplicon analysis. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.114166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Genomic and epigenetic landscapes drive CRISPR-based genome editing in Bifidobacterium. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2205068119. [PMID: 35857876 PMCID: PMC9335239 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205068119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacterium is a commensal bacterial genus ubiquitous in the human gastrointestinal tract, which is associated with a range of health benefits. The advent of CRISPR-based genome editing technologies provides opportunities to investigate the genetics of important bacteria and transcend the lack of genetic tools in bifidobacteria to study the basis for their health-promoting attributes. Here, we repurpose the endogenous type I-G CRISPR-Cas system and adopt an exogenous CRISPR base editor for genome engineering in B. animalis subsp. lactis, demonstrating that both genomic and epigenetic contexts drive editing outcomes across strains. We reprogrammed the endogenous type I-G system to screen for naturally occurring large deletions up to 27 kb and to generate a 500-bp deletion in tetW to abolish tetracycline resistance. A CRISPR-cytosine base editor was optimized to install C•G-to-T•A amber mutations to resensitize multiple B. lactis strains to tetracycline. Remarkably, we uncovered epigenetic patterns that are distributed unevenly among B. lactis strains, despite their genomic homogeneity, that may contribute to editing efficiency variability. Insights were also expanded to Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis to emphasize the broad relevance of these findings. This study highlights the need to develop individualized CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches for distinct bacterial strains and opens avenues for engineering of next generation probiotics.
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Panahi B, Majidi M, Hejazi MA. Genome Mining Approach Reveals the Occurrence and Diversity Pattern of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-Associated Systems in Lactobacillus brevis Strains. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:911706. [PMID: 35722276 PMCID: PMC9204096 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.911706] [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: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) together with their CRISPR-associated (Cas) genes are widely distributed in prokaryotes that provide an adaptive defense mechanism against foreign invasive DNA. There is relatively little knowledge about the CRISPR-Cas diversity and evolution in Lactobacillus brevis strains. Therefore, in this study, a genome-mining approach was employed to investigate the diversity and occurrence of the CRISPR-Cas system in 83 L. brevis strains. Moreover, trans-activating CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA) and protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) as pivotal elements for the successful targeting and inference of phages by the subtype II CRISPR-Cas systems were surveyed. Finally, evolutionary paths of L. brevis strains under selective pressure from foreign invasive DNA such as plasmids and phages of studied strains were surveyed using acquisition and deletion events analysis of spacers. A total of 127 confirmed CRISPRs were identified, which were distributed in 69 strains. Among strains with confirmed CRISPRs, 35 strains only contained one CRISPR locus, 23 strains contained two CRISPR loci, and 12 strains contained three to six CRISPR loci. L. brevis strains frequently harbor more than one CRISPR system. Analysis of confirmed CRISPR arrays showed that 31 out of 127 confirmed CRISPRs included Cas genes which were categorized as one of the II-A, II-C, and I-E subtypes. Analysis of subtype II-A spacers reflected divergent evolution for 18 strains into 16 unique groups. Additional analysis of spacer sequences also confirmed the implication of characterizing CRISPR-Cas systems in targeting of phages and plasmids. The current study highlighted the potential of utilizing CRISPR spacer polymorphism in genotyping lactobacillus strains. Moreover, it provides deep insights into the occurrence, diversity, and functional impacts of the CRISPR-Cas system in L. brevis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Panahi
- Department of Genomics, Branch for Northwest and West Region, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tabriz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Bahman Panahi,
| | - Mohammad Majidi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Hejazi
- Department of Food Biotechnoology, Branch for Northwest and West Region, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tabriz, Iran
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11
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Han X, Zhou X, Pei Z, Stanton C, Ross RP, Zhao J, Zhang H, Yang B, Chen W. Characterization of CRISPR-Cas systems in Bifidobacterium breve. Microb Genom 2022; 8. [PMID: 35451949 PMCID: PMC9453068 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system is an important adaptive immune system for bacteria to resist foreign DNA infection, which has been widely used in genotyping and gene editing. To provide a theoretical basis for the application of the CRISPR-Cas system in Bifidobacterium breve, the occurrence and diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems were analysed in 150 B. breve strains. Specifically, 47 % (71/150) of B. breve genomes possessed the CRISPR-Cas system, and type I-C CRISPR-Cas system was the most widely distributed among those strains. The spacer sequences present in B. breve can be used as a genotyping marker. Additionally, the phage assembly-related proteins were important targets of the type I-C CRISPR-Cas system in B. breve, and the protospacer adjacent motif sequences were further characterized in B. breve type I-C system as 5'-TTC-3'. All these results might provide a molecular basis for the development of endogenous genome editing tools in B. breve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Xingya Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Zhangming Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Catherine Stanton
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Pharmabiotics & Antibiotic Resistance, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Co., Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Pharmabiotics & Antibiotic Resistance, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Pharmabiotics & Antibiotic Resistance, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, PR China
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12
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Rottinghaus AG, Ferreiro A, Fishbein SRS, Dantas G, Moon TS. Genetically stable CRISPR-based kill switches for engineered microbes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:672. [PMID: 35115506 PMCID: PMC8813983 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial biocontainment is an essential goal for engineering safe, next-generation living therapeutics. However, the genetic stability of biocontainment circuits, including kill switches, is a challenge that must be addressed. Kill switches are among the most difficult circuits to maintain due to the strong selection pressure they impart, leading to high potential for evolution of escape mutant populations. Here we engineer two CRISPR-based kill switches in the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, a single-input chemical-responsive switch and a 2-input chemical- and temperature-responsive switch. We employ parallel strategies to address kill switch stability, including functional redundancy within the circuit, modulation of the SOS response, antibiotic-independent plasmid maintenance, and provision of intra-niche competition by a closely related strain. We demonstrate that strains harboring either kill switch can be selectively and efficiently killed inside the murine gut, while strains harboring the 2-input switch are additionally killed upon excretion. Leveraging redundant strategies, we demonstrate robust biocontainment of our kill switch strains and provide a template for future kill switch development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin G Rottinghaus
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aura Ferreiro
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Skye R S Fishbein
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gautam Dantas
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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13
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Cobian N, Garlet A, Hidalgo-Cantabrana C, Barrangou R. Comparative Genomic Analyses and CRISPR-Cas Characterization of Cutibacterium acnes Provide Insights Into Genetic Diversity and Typing Applications. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:758749. [PMID: 34803983 PMCID: PMC8595920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.758749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutibacterium acnes is an important member of the human skin microbiome and plays a critical role in skin health and disease. C. acnes encompasses different phylotypes that have been found to be associated with different skin phenotypes, suggesting a genetic basis for their impact on skin health. Here, we present a comprehensive comparative analysis of 255 C. acnes genomes to provide insights into the species genetic diversity and identify unique features that define various phylotypes. Results revealed a relatively small and open pan genome (6,240 genes) with a large core genome (1,194 genes), and three distinct phylogenetic clades, with multiple robust sub-clades. Furthermore, we identified several unique gene families driving differences between distinct C. acnes clades. Carbohydrate transporters, stress response mechanisms and potential virulence factors, potentially involved in competitive growth and host colonization, were detected in type I strains, which are presumably responsible for acne. Diverse type I-E CRISPR-Cas systems and prophage sequences were detected in select clades, providing insights into strain divergence and adaptive differentiation. Collectively, these results enable to elucidate the fundamental differences among C. acnes phylotypes, characterize genetic elements that potentially contribute to type I-associated dominance and disease, and other key factors that drive the differentiation among clades and sub-clades. These results enable the use of comparative genomics analyses as a robust method to differentiate among the C. acnes genotypes present in the skin microbiome, opening new avenues for the development of biotherapeutics to manipulate the skin microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Cobian
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | | | - Claudio Hidalgo-Cantabrana
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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14
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Lu W, Pei Z, Zang M, Lee YK, Zhao J, Chen W, Wang H, Zhang H. Comparative Genomic Analysis of Bifidobacterium bifidum Strains Isolated from Different Niches. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101504. [PMID: 34680899 PMCID: PMC8535415 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential probiotic benefits of Bifidobacterium bifidum have received increasing attention recently. We used comparative genomic analysis to explore the differences in the genome and the physiological characteristics of B. bifidum isolated from the fecal samples of Chinese adults and infants. The relationships between genotypes and phenotypes were analyzed to assess the effects of isolation sources on the genetic variation of B. bifidum. The phylogenetic tree results indicated that the phylogeny of B. bifidum may be related to the geographical features of its isolation source. B. bifidum was found to have an open pan-genome and a conserved core genome. The genetic diversity of B. bifidum is mainly reflected in carbohydrate metabolism- and immune/competition-related factors, such as the glycoside hydrolase gene family, bacteriocin operons, antibiotic resistance genes, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas. Additionally, the type III A CRISPR-Cas system was discovered in B. bifidum for the first time. B. bifidum strains exhibited niche-specific characteristics, and the results of this study provide an improved understanding of the genetics of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (W.L.); (Z.P.); (M.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhangming Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (W.L.); (Z.P.); (M.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mengning Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (W.L.); (Z.P.); (M.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yuan-kun Lee
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore;
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (W.L.); (Z.P.); (M.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (W.L.); (Z.P.); (M.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hongchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (W.L.); (Z.P.); (M.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (H.Z.); Tel.: +86-510-85-197-239 (H.W. & H.Z.); Fax: +86-510-85-197-239 (H.W. & H.Z.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (W.L.); (Z.P.); (M.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi 214122, China
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (H.Z.); Tel.: +86-510-85-197-239 (H.W. & H.Z.); Fax: +86-510-85-197-239 (H.W. & H.Z.)
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15
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Comparative Genomics Analyses Reveal the Differences between B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum in Carbohydrate Utilisation, CRISPR-Cas Systems and Bacteriocin Operons. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081713. [PMID: 34442792 PMCID: PMC8399906 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081713] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bifidobacterium longum is one of the most widely distributed and abundant Bifidobacterium in the human intestine, and has been proven to have a variety of physiological functions. In this study, 80 strains of B. longum isolated from human subjects were classified into subspecies by ANI and phylogenetic analyses, and the functional genes were compared. The results showed that there were significant differences in carbohydrate metabolism between the two subspecies, which determined their preference for human milk oligosaccharides or plant-derived carbohydrates. The predicted exopolysaccharide (EPS) gene clusters had large variability within species but without difference at the subspecies level. Four subtype CRISPR-Cas systems presented in B. longum, while the subtypes I-U and II-C only existed in B. longum subsp. longum. The bacteriocin operons in B. longum subsp. infantis were more widely distributed compared with B. longum subsp. longum. In conclusion, this study revealed the similarities and differences between B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum, which could provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the probiotic characteristics of B. longum.
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16
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Tarracchini C, Milani C, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Fontana F, Alessandri G, Longhi G, Anzalone R, Viappiani A, Turroni F, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Phylogenomic disentangling of the Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis taxon. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34319225 PMCID: PMC8477406 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000609] [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: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Bifidobacterium longum species have been shown to possess adaptive abilities to allow colonization of different mammalian hosts, including humans, primates and domesticated mammalian species, such as dogs, horses, cattle and pigs. To date, three subspecies have formally been recognized to belong to this bifidobacterial taxon, i.e. B. longum subsp. longum, B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. suis. Although B. longum subsp. longum is widely distributed in the human gut irrespective of host age, B. longum subsp. infantis appears to play a significant role as a prominent member of the gut microbiota of breast-fed infants. Nevertheless, despite the considerable scientific relevance of these taxa and the vast body of genomic data now available, an accurate dissection of the genetic features that comprehensively characterize the B. longum species and its subspecies is still missing. In the current study, we employed 261 publicly available B. longum genome sequences, combined with those of 11 new isolates, to investigate genomic diversity of this taxon through comparative genomic and phylogenomic approaches. These analyses allowed us to highlight a remarkable intra-species genetic and physiological diversity. Notably, characterization of the genome content of members of B. longum subsp. infantis subspecies suggested that this taxon may have acquired genetic features for increased competitiveness in the gut environment of suckling hosts. Furthermore, specific B. longum subsp. infantis genomic features appear to be responsible for enhanced horizontal gene transfer (HGT) occurrences, underpinning an intriguing dedication toward acquisition of foreign DNA by HGT events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,GenProbio Srl, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Longhi
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,GenProbio Srl, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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17
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CRISPR-Cas systems in Proteus mirabilis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 92:104881. [PMID: 33905883 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a bacterial defense mechanism against bacteriophages composed of two different parts: the CRISPR array and the Cas genes. The spacer acquisition is done by the adaptation module consisting of the hallmark Cas1 Cas2 proteins, which inserts new spacers into the CRISPR array. Here we aimed to describe the CRISPR-Cas system in Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) isolates. CRISPR loci was observed in 30 genomic contents of 109 P. mirabilis isolates that each locus was consisted of two CRISPR arrays and each array had a different preserved leader sequences. Only the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system was common in these isolates. The source of the spacers was identified, including phages and prophages. CRISPR spacer origin analysis also identified a conserved PAM sequence of 5'-AAG-3' nucleotide stretch. Through collecting spacers, CRISPR arrays of P. mirabilis isolates were expanded mostly by integration of bacteriophageal source of spacers. This study shows novel findings in the area of the P-mirabilis CRISPR-Cas system. In this regard, among analyzed genome of P. mirabilis isolates, Class I CRISR-Cas systems were dominant, and all belonged to type I-E. In the flanks of the CRISPR, some other elements with regulatory role were also found. A motif of 11 nt size was found to be preserved among the analyzed genome. We believe that it might has a CRISPR-Cas system transcription facilitator by targeting the Rho element.
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18
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Diversity of the type I-U CRISPR-Cas system in Bifidobacterium. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:3235-3243. [PMID: 33837440 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02310-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system is widely distributed in prokaryotes and plays an important role in the adaptive immunity of bacteria and archaea. Bifidobacterium is an important component of the intestinal flora of humans and animals, and some species of this bacterium can be employed as food additives. However, the Bifidobacterium CRISPR-Cas system has not been fully elucidated to date. In this study, the genomes of 110 strains of Bifidobacterium were employed to research the diversity of the type I-U system. The 110 strains were divided into five groups according to the genes adjacent to the CRISPR locus, including group A, B, C, D and E. Strains in the intergroup had unique species classifications and MLST types. An evolutionary tree was constructed based on the conserved cas4/cas1 fusion gene. The results showed that group A had a different evolutionary branch compared with the other groups and had a relatively low spacer number. Notably, group B, C and E had exhibited ABC transporter regulators in the genes adjacent to the CRISPR locus. ABC transporters play important roles in the exocytosis of many antibiotics and are involved in horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism may have promoted the evolution of Bifidobacterium and the horizontal gene transfer of the type I-U system, which may have promoted the generation of system diversity. In summary, our results help to elucidate the role of the type I-U system in the evolution of Bifidobacterium.
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19
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Alessandri G, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. The genus bifidobacterium: From genomics to functionality of an important component of the mammalian gut microbiota running title: Bifidobacterial adaptation to and interaction with the host. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1472-1487. [PMID: 33777340 PMCID: PMC7979991 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Bifidobacterium are dominant and symbiotic inhabitants of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. Being vertically transmitted, bifidobacterial host colonization commences immediately after birth and leads to a phase of host infancy during which bifidobacteria are highly prevalent and abundant to then transit to a reduced, yet stable abundance phase during host adulthood. However, in order to reach and stably colonize their elective niche, i.e. the large intestine, bifidobacteria have to cope with a multitude of oxidative, osmotic and bile salt/acid stress challenges that occur along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Concurrently, bifidobacteria not only have to compete with the myriad of other gut commensals for nutrient acquisition, but they also require protection against bacterial viruses. In this context, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques, allowing large-scale comparative and functional genome analyses have helped to identify the genetic strategies that bifidobacteria have developed in order to colonize, survive and adopt to the highly competitive mammalian gastrointestinal environment. The current review is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview concerning the molecular strategies on which bifidobacteria rely to stably and successfully colonize the mammalian gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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20
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Shami A, Mostafa M, Abd-Elsalam KA. CRISPR applications in plant bacteriology: today and future perspectives. CRISPR AND RNAI SYSTEMS 2021:551-577. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821910-2.00011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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21
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Engineer probiotic bifidobacteria for food and biomedical applications - Current status and future prospective. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 45:107654. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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22
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Kim JA, Jung MY, Kim DH, Kim Y. Genome analysis of Bacteroides sp.CACC 737 isolated from feline for its potential application. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020; 62:952-955. [PMID: 33987575 PMCID: PMC7721585 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2020.62.6.952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bacteroides sp. CACC 737 was isolated from a feline, and its
potential probiotic properties were characterized using functional genome
analysis. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the PacBio RSII and
Illumina HiSeq platforms. The complete genome of strain CACC 737 contained 4.6
Mb, with a guanine (G) + cytosine (C) content of 45.8%, six cryptic plasmids,
and extracellular polysaccharide gene as unique features. The strain was
beneficial to animal health when consumed as feed, for example, for ameliorating
immunological dysfunctions and metabolic disorders. The genome information adds
to the comprehensive understanding of Bacteroides sp. and
suggests potential animal-related industrial applications for this strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ae Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Center for Industrialization of Agricultural and Livestock Microorganisms, Jeongeup 56212, Korea.,Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Min Young Jung
- Department of Research and Development, Center for Industrialization of Agricultural and Livestock Microorganisms, Jeongeup 56212, Korea
| | - Dae-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Center for Industrialization of Agricultural and Livestock Microorganisms, Jeongeup 56212, Korea.,Department of Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Yangseon Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Center for Industrialization of Agricultural and Livestock Microorganisms, Jeongeup 56212, Korea
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23
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Kumar P, Sinha R, Shukla P. Artificial intelligence and synthetic biology approaches for human gut microbiome. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 62:2103-2121. [PMID: 33249867 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1850415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome comprises a variety of microorganisms whose genes encode proteins to carry out crucial metabolic functions that are responsible for the majority of health-related issues in human beings. The advent of the technological revolution in artificial intelligence (AI) assisted synthetic biology (SB) approaches will play a vital role in the modulating the therapeutic and nutritive potential of probiotics. This can turn human gut as a reservoir of beneficial bacterial colonies having an immense role in immunity, digestion, brain function, and other health benefits. Hence, in the present review, we have discussed the role of several gene editing tools and approaches in synthetic biology that have equipped us with novel tools like Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR-Cas) systems to precisely engineer probiotics for diagnostic, therapeutic and nutritive value. A brief discussion over the AI techniques to understand the metagenomic data from the healthy and diseased gut microbiome is also presented. Further, the role of AI in potentially impacting the pace of developments in SB and its current challenges is also discussed. The review also describes the health benefits conferred by engineered microbes through the production of biochemicals, nutraceuticals, drugs or biotherapeutics molecules etc. Finally, the review concludes with the challenges and regulatory concerns in adopting synthetic biology engineered microbes for clinical applications. Thus, the review presents a synergistic approach of AI and SB toward human gut microbiome for better health which will provide interesting clues to researchers working in the area of rapidly evolving food and nutrition science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasoon Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India.,Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, India
| | | | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.,Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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24
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Wang G, Liu Q, Pei Z, Wang L, Tian P, Liu Z, Zhao J, Zhang H, Chen W. The Diversity of the CRISPR-Cas System and Prophages Present in the Genome Reveals the Co-evolution of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Phages. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1088. [PMID: 32528454 PMCID: PMC7264901 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse CRISPR-Cas systems constitute an indispensable part of the bacterial adaptive immune system against viral infections. However, to escape from this immune system, bacteriophages have also evolved corresponding anti-defense measures. We investigated the diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems and the presence of prophages in the genomes of 66 Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum strains. Our findings revealed a high occurrence of complete CRISPR-Cas systems (62%, 41/66) in the B. pseudocatenulatum genomes. Subtypes I-C, I-U and II-A, were found to be widespread in this species. No significant association was found between the number of bacterial CRISPR spacers and its host's age. This study on prophages within B. pseudocatenulatum genomes revealed that prophage genes related to distinct functional modules became degraded at different levels, indicating that these prophages were not likely to enter lytic cycle spontaneously. Further, the evolutionary analysis of prophages in this study revealed that they might be derived from different phage ancestors. Notably, self-targeting phenomenon within B. pseudocatenulatum and Anti-CRISPR (Acr) coding genes in prophages was observed. Overall, our results indicate that the competition between B. pseudocatenulatum and phages is a major driving factor for the genomic diversity of both partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhangming Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Peijun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhenmin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Dairy Biotechnology, Dairy Research Institute, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,(Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Beijing Innovation Centre of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
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25
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Roberts A, Barrangou R. Applications of CRISPR-Cas systems in lactic acid bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:523-537. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
As a phenotypically and phylogenetically diverse group, lactic acid bacteria are found in a variety of natural environments and occupy important roles in medicine, biotechnology, food and agriculture. The widespread use of lactic acid bacteria across these industries fuels the need for new and functionally diverse strains that may be utilized as starter cultures or probiotics. Originally characterized in lactic acid bacteria, CRISPR-Cas systems and derived molecular machines can be used natively or exogenously to engineer new strains with enhanced functional attributes. Research on CRISPR-Cas biology and its applications has exploded over the past decade with studies spanning from the initial characterization of CRISPR-Cas immunity in Streptococcus thermophilus to the use of CRISPR-Cas for clinical gene therapies. Here, we discuss CRISPR-Cas classification, overview CRISPR biology and mechanism of action, and discuss current and future applications in lactic acid bacteria, opening new avenues for their industrial exploitation and manipulation of microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Roberts
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7624, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Genomic Sciences Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7566, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7624, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Genomic Sciences Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7566, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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26
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Comprehensive Mining and Characterization of CRISPR-Cas Systems in Bifidobacterium. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050720. [PMID: 32408568 PMCID: PMC7284854 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas (CRISPR-associated cas) systems constitute the adaptive immune system in prokaryotes, which provides resistance against bacteriophages and invasive genetic elements. The landscape of applications in bacteria and eukaryotes relies on a few Cas effector proteins that have been characterized in detail. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems in beneficial bacteria, such as human gut commensal Bifidobacterium species. In this study, we mined 954 publicly available Bifidobacterium genomes and identified CRIPSR-Cas systems in 57% of these strains. A total of five CRISPR-Cas subtypes were identified as follows: Type I-E, I-C, I-G, II-A, and II-C. Among the subtypes, Type I-C was the most abundant (23%). We further characterized the CRISPR RNA (crRNA), tracrRNA, and PAM sequences to provide a molecular basis for the development of new genome editing tools for a variety of applications. Moreover, we investigated the evolutionary history of certain Bifidobacterium strains through visualization of acquired spacer sequences and demonstrated how these hypervariable CRISPR regions can be used as genotyping markers. This extensive characterization will enable the repurposing of endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems in Bifidobacteria for genome engineering, transcriptional regulation, genotyping, and screening of rare variants.
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27
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Yang L, Li W, Ujiroghene OJ, Yang Y, Lu J, Zhang S, Pang X, Lv J. Occurrence and Diversity of CRISPR Loci in Lactobacillus casei Group. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:624. [PMID: 32322250 PMCID: PMC7156538 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is an adaptive immune system that resists foreign genes through nuclease targeting in bacteria and archaea. In this study, we analyzed 68 strains of Lactobacillus casei group from the NCBI GenBank database, and bioinformatic tools were used to investigate the occurrence and diversity of CRISPR system. The results showed that a total of 30 CRISPR loci were identified from 27 strains. Apart from three strains which contained double loci with distinguishable distributed sites, most strains contained only one CRISPR locus. The analysis of direct repeat (DR) sequences showed that all DR could form stable RNA secondary structures. The CRISPR spacers showed diversity, and their origin and evolution were revealed through the investigation of their spacer sequences. In addition, a large number of CRISPR spacers showed perfect homologies to phage and plasmid sequences. Collectively, our results would contribute to researches of resistance in L. casei group, and also provide a new vision on the diversity and evolution of CRISPR/Cas system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weixun Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Obaroakpo Joy Ujiroghene
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Pang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaping Lv
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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28
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Pan M, Hidalgo-Cantabrana C, Barrangou R. Host and body site-specific adaptation of Lactobacillus crispatus genomes. NAR Genom Bioinform 2020; 2:lqaa001. [PMID: 33575551 PMCID: PMC7671364 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus crispatus is a common inhabitant of both healthy poultry gut and human vaginal tract, and the absence of this species has been associated with a higher risk of developing infectious diseases. In this study, we analyzed 105 L. crispatus genomes isolated from a variety of ecological niches, including the human vaginal tract, human gut, chicken gut and turkey gut, to shed light on the genetic and functional features that drive evolution and adaptation of this important species. We performed in silico analyses to identify the pan and core genomes of L. crispatus, and to reveal the genomic differences and similarities associated with their origins of isolation. Our results demonstrated that, although a significant portion of the genomic content is conserved, human and poultry L. crispatus isolates evolved to encompass different genomic features (e.g. carbohydrate usage, CRISPR-Cas immune systems, prophage occurrence) in order to thrive in different environmental niches. We also observed that chicken and turkey L. crispatus isolates can be differentiated based on their genomic information, suggesting significant differences may exist between these two poultry gut niches. These results provide insights into host and niche-specific adaptation patterns in species of human and animal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Pan
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Claudio Hidalgo-Cantabrana
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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29
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Zhou X, Yang B, Stanton C, Ross RP, Zhao J, Zhang H, Chen W. Comparative analysis of Lactobacillus gasseri from Chinese subjects reveals a new species-level taxa. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:119. [PMID: 32013858 PMCID: PMC6998098 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6527-y] [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: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacillus gasseri as a probiotic has history of safe consumption is prevalent in infants and adults gut microbiota to maintain gut homeostasis. RESULTS In this study, to explore the genomic diversity and mine potential probiotic characteristics of L. gasseri, 92 strains of L. gasseri were isolated from Chinese human feces and identified based on 16 s rDNA sequencing, after draft genomes sequencing, further average nucleotide identity (ANI) value and phylogenetic analysis reclassified them as L. paragasseri (n = 79) and L. gasseri (n = 13), respectively. Their pan/core-genomes were determined, revealing that L. paragasseri had an open pan-genome. Comparative analysis was carried out to identify genetic features, and the results indicated that 39 strains of L. paragasseri harboured Type II-A CRISPR-Cas system while 12 strains of L. gasseri contained Type I-E and II-A CRISPR-Cas systems. Bacteriocin operons and the number of carbohydrate-active enzymes were significantly different between the two species. CONCLUSIONS This is the first time to study pan/core-genome of L. gasseri and L. paragasseri, and compare their genetic diversity, and all the results provided better understating on genetics of the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingya Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China. .,International Joint Research Center for Probiotics & Gut Health, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Catherine Stanton
- International Joint Research Center for Probiotics & Gut Health, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- International Joint Research Center for Probiotics & Gut Health, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China.,International Joint Research Center for Probiotics & Gut Health, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China. .,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. .,Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China.,Beijing Innovation Center of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing, China
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30
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Jia Y, Yang B, Ross P, Stanton C, Zhang H, Zhao J, Chen W. Comparative Genomics Analysis of Lactobacillus mucosae from Different Niches. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010095. [PMID: 31947593 PMCID: PMC7016874 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential probiotic benefits of Lactobacillus mucosae have received increasing attention. To investigate the genetic diversity of L. mucosae, comparative genomic analyses of 93 strains isolated from different niches (human and animal gut, human vagina, etc.) and eight strains of published genomes were conducted. The results showed that the core genome of L. mucosae mainly encoded translation and transcription, amino acid biosynthesis, sugar metabolism, and defense function while the pan-genomic curve tended to be close. The genetic diversity of L. mucosae mainly reflected in carbohydrate metabolism and immune/competitive-related factors, such as exopolysaccharide (EPS), enterolysin A, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas. It was worth noting that this research firstly predicted the complete EPS operon shared among L. mucosae. Additionally, the type IIIA CRISPR-Cas system was discovered in L. mucosae for the first time. This work provided new ideas for the study of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.J.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.J.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- International Joint Research Center for Probiotics & Gut Health, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (P.R.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-510-591-2155
| | - Paul Ross
- International Joint Research Center for Probiotics & Gut Health, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (P.R.); (C.S.)
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Catherine Stanton
- International Joint Research Center for Probiotics & Gut Health, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (P.R.); (C.S.)
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.J.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center and Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.J.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (Y.J.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.); (W.C.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Beijing Innovation Center of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 102488, China
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31
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Characterization and applications of Type I CRISPR-Cas systems. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:15-23. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20190119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas constitutes the adaptive immune system of bacteria and archaea. This RNA-mediated sequence-specific recognition and targeting machinery has been used broadly for diverse applications in a wide range of organisms across the tree of life. The compact class 2 systems, that hinge on a single Cas effector nuclease have been harnessed for genome editing, transcriptional regulation, detection, imaging and other applications, in different research areas. However, most of the CRISPR-Cas systems belong to class 1, and the molecular machinery of the most widespread and diverse Type I systems afford tremendous opportunities for a broad range of applications. These highly abundant systems rely on a multi-protein effector complex, the CRISPR associated complex for antiviral defense (Cascade), which drives DNA targeting and cleavage. The complexity of these systems has somewhat hindered their widespread usage, but the pool of thousands of diverse Type I CRISPR-Cas systems opens new avenues for CRISPR-based applications in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. Here, we describe the features and mechanism of action of Type I CRISPR-Cas systems, illustrate how endogenous systems can be reprogrammed to target the host genome and perform genome editing and transcriptional regulation by co-delivering a minimal CRISPR array together with a repair template. Moreover, we discuss how these systems can also be used in eukaryotes. This review provides a framework for expanding the CRISPR toolbox, and repurposing the most abundant CRISPR-Cas systems for a wide range of applications.
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32
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Hu T, Cui Y, Qu X. Characterization and comparison of CRISPR Loci in Streptococcus thermophilus. Arch Microbiol 2019; 202:695-710. [PMID: 31781808 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-019-01780-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) consists of a series of regular repeat-spacer sequences. It can not only act as a natural immune system in most prokaryotes, but also be utilized as the tool of newly developed genome modification and evolutionary researches. Streptococcus thermophilus is an important model organism for the study and application of CRISPR systems. In present study, the occurrence and diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems in the genomes of S. thermophilus were investigated including 4 new sequenced strains CS5, CS9, CS18, CS20, and other 23 strains downloaded from NCBI website. 66 CRISPR/Cas systems were identified among these 27 strains and could divided into four subsystems according to the arrangement of Cas proteins, notably I-E, II-A, II-C and III-A. Overall, 26 type II-C systems, 18 type II-A systems, 13 type III-A systems, 9 type I-E systems were identified. It was mentioned that CS20 contained two type II-C systems which had not been identified in the other 26 S. thermophilus strains. Overall, 1,080 spacers were analyzed and blasted. Sequence identity searches of spacers implied that most spacers derived from partial sequences of exogenous DNA, including various bacteriophages and plasmids. Of note, a large number of novel spacers were found in this study, indicating the unique phage environment they have undergone, especially CS20 strain. In addition, the analysis of the cas1 and cas9 genes revealed the genetic relationship among CRISPR-Cas system in these strains. Furthermore, the analysis of CRISPR spacers also indicated protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences. Summary of PAM sequences could lay the foundations for the application of S. thermophilus CRISPR-Cas system. Our results suggested CS5 and CS18 can be used as model strains in the research of CRISPR-Cas system, and CS20 might have greater application potential in gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Hu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Cui
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojun Qu
- Institute of Microbiology, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin, 150010, People's Republic of China
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33
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Hidalgo-Cantabrana C, Goh YJ, Pan M, Sanozky-Dawes R, Barrangou R. Genome editing using the endogenous type I CRISPR-Cas system in Lactobacillus crispatus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:15774-15783. [PMID: 31341082 PMCID: PMC6690032 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1905421116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas systems are now widely used for genome editing and transcriptional regulation in diverse organisms. The compact and portable nature of class 2 single effector nucleases, such as Cas9 or Cas12, has facilitated directed genome modifications in plants, animals, and microbes. However, most CRISPR-Cas systems belong to the more prevalent class 1 category, which hinges on multiprotein effector complexes. In the present study, we detail how the native type I-E CRISPR-Cas system, with a 5'-AAA-3' protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and a 61-nucleotide guide CRISPR RNA (crRNA) can be repurposed for efficient chromosomal targeting and genome editing in Lactobacillus crispatus, an important commensal and beneficial microbe in the vaginal and intestinal tracts. Specifically, we generated diverse mutations encompassing a 643-base pair (bp) deletion (100% efficiency), a stop codon insertion (36%), and a single nucleotide substitution (19%) in the exopolysaccharide priming-glycosyl transferase (p-gtf). Additional genetic targets included a 308-bp deletion (20%) in the prophage DNA packaging Nu1 and a 730-bp insertion of the green fluorescent protein gene downstream of enolase (23%). This approach enables flexible alteration of the formerly genetically recalcitrant species L. crispatus, with potential for probiotic enhancement, biotherapeutic engineering, and mucosal vaccine delivery. These results also provide a framework for repurposing endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems for flexible genome targeting and editing, while expanding the toolbox to include one of the most abundant and diverse systems found in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Hidalgo-Cantabrana
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Yong Jun Goh
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Meichen Pan
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Rosemary Sanozky-Dawes
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
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34
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Abstract
Pervasive application of CRISPR-Cas systems in genome editing has prompted an increase in both interest and necessity to further elucidate existing systems as well as discover putative novel systems. The ubiquity and power of current computational platforms have made in silico approaches to CRISPR-Cas identification and characterization accessible to a wider audience and increasingly amenable for processing extensive data sets. Here, we describe in silico methods for predicting and visualizing notable features of CRISPR-Cas systems, including Cas domain determination, CRISPR array visualization, and inference of the protospacer-adjacent motif. The efficiency of these tools enables rapid exploration of CRISPR-Cas diversity across prokaryotic genomes and supports scalable analysis of large genomic data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Nethery
- Genomic Sciences Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Genomic Sciences Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
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35
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Morovic W, Roos P, Zabel B, Hidalgo-Cantabrana C, Kiefer A, Barrangou R. Transcriptional and Functional Analysis of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Exposure to Tetracycline. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:e01999-18. [PMID: 30266728 PMCID: PMC6238047 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01999-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Commercial probiotic bacteria must be tested for acquired antibiotic resistance elements to avoid potential transfer to pathogens. The European Food Safety Authority recommends testing resistance using microdilution culture techniques previously used to establish inhibitory thresholds for the Bifidobacterium genus. Many Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains exhibit increased resistance to tetracycline, historically attributed to the ribosomal protection gene tet(W). However, some strains that harbor genetically identical tet(W) genes show various inhibition levels, suggesting that other genetic elements also contribute to observed differences. Here, we adapted several molecular assays to confirm the inhibition of B. animalis subsp. lactis strains Bl-04 and HN019 and employed RNA sequencing to assess the transcriptional differences related to genomic polymorphisms. We detected specific stress responses to the antibiotic by correlating ATP concentration to number of viable genome copies from droplet digital PCR and found that the bacteria were still metabolically active in high drug concentrations. Transcriptional analyses revealed that several polymorphic regions, particularly a novel multidrug efflux transporter, were differentially expressed between the strains in each experimental condition, likely having phenotypic effects. We also found that the tet(W) gene was upregulated only during subinhibitory tetracycline concentrations, while two novel tetracycline resistance genes were upregulated at high concentrations. Furthermore, many genes involved in amino acid metabolism and transporter function were upregulated, while genes for complex carbohydrate utilization, protein metabolism, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat(s) (CRISPR)-Cas systems were downregulated. These results provide high-throughput means for assessing antibiotic resistances of two highly related probiotic strains and determine the genetic network that contributes to the global tetracycline response.IMPORTANCEBifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is widely used in human food and dietary supplements. Although well documented to be safe, B. animalis subsp. lactis strains must not contain transferable antibiotic resistance elements. Many B. animalis subsp. lactis strains have different resistance measurements despite being genetically similar, and the reasons for this are not well understood. In the current study, we sought to examine how genomic differences between two closely related industrial B. animalis subsp. lactis strains contribute to different resistance levels. This will lead to a better understanding of resistance, identify future targets for analysis of transferability, and expand our understanding of tetracycline resistance in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Morovic
- Genomics & Microbiome Science, DuPont Nutrition & Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Paige Roos
- Genomics Laboratory, DuPont Pioneer, Johnston, Iowa, USA
| | - Bryan Zabel
- Genomics & Microbiome Science, DuPont Nutrition & Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Claudio Hidalgo-Cantabrana
- Department of Food, Processing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony Kiefer
- Probiotic Development, DuPont Nutrition & Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Department of Food, Processing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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36
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Dion MB, Labrie SJ, Shah SA, Moineau S. CRISPRStudio: A User-Friendly Software for Rapid CRISPR Array Visualization. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110602. [PMID: 30388811 PMCID: PMC6267562 DOI: 10.3390/v10110602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system biologically serves as an adaptive defense mechanism against phages. However, there is growing interest in exploiting the hypervariable nature of the CRISPR locus, often of viral origin, for microbial typing and tracking. Moreover, the spacer content of any given strain provides a phage resistance profile. Large-scale CRISPR typing studies require an efficient method for showcasing CRISPR array similarities across multiple isolates. Historically, CRISPR arrays found in microbes have been represented by colored shapes based on nucleotide sequence identity and, while this approach is now routinely used, only scarce computational resources are available to automate the process, making it very time-consuming for large datasets. To alleviate this tedious task, we introduce CRISPRStudio, a command-line tool developed to accelerate CRISPR analysis and standardize the preparation of CRISPR array figures. It first compares nucleotide spacer sequences present in a dataset and then clusters them based on sequence similarity to assign a meaningful representative color. CRISPRStudio offers versatility to suit different biological contexts by including options such as automatic sorting of CRISPR loci and highlighting of shared spacers, while remaining fast and user-friendly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moïra B Dion
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie, et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Simon J Labrie
- SyntBioLab Inc., 4820 rue de la Pascaline, Lévis, QC G6W 0L9, Canada.
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Alle 34, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie, et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Chatterjee P, Jakimo N, Jacobson JM. Minimal PAM specificity of a highly similar SpCas9 ortholog. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaau0766. [PMID: 30397647 PMCID: PMC6200363 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau0766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
RNA-guided DNA endonucleases of the CRISPR-Cas system are widely used for genome engineering and thus have numerous applications in a wide variety of fields. CRISPR endonucleases, however, require a specific protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) flanking the target site, thus constraining their targetable sequence space. In this study, we demonstrate the natural PAM plasticity of a highly similar, yet previously uncharacterized, Cas9 from Streptococcus canis (ScCas9) through rational manipulation of distinguishing motif insertions. To this end, we report affinity to minimal 5'-NNG-3' PAM sequences and demonstrate the accurate editing capabilities of the ortholog in both bacterial and human cells. Last, we build an automated bioinformatics pipeline, the Search for PAMs by ALignment Of Targets (SPAMALOT), which further explores the microbial PAM diversity of otherwise overlooked Streptococcus Cas9 orthologs. Our results establish that ScCas9 can be used both as an alternative genome editing tool and as a functional platform to discover novel Streptococcus PAM specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranam Chatterjee
- Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Noah Jakimo
- Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M. Jacobson
- Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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38
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Hidalgo-Cantabrana C, Sanozky-Dawes R, Barrangou R. Insights into the Human Virome Using CRISPR Spacers from Microbiomes. Viruses 2018; 10:v10090479. [PMID: 30205462 PMCID: PMC6165519 DOI: 10.3390/v10090479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to recent advances in next-generation sequencing over the past decade, our understanding of the human microbiome and its relationship to health and disease has increased dramatically. Yet, our insights into the human virome, and its interplay with important microbes that impact human health, is relatively limited. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses are present throughout the human body, comprising a large and diverse population which influences several niches and impacts our health at various body sites. The presence of prokaryotic viruses like phages, has been documented at many different body sites, with the human gut being the richest ecological niche. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and associated proteins constitute the adaptive immune system of bacteria, which prevents attack by invasive nucleic acid. CRISPR-Cas systems function by uptake and integration of foreign genetic element sequences into the CRISPR array, which constitutes a genomic archive of iterative vaccination events. Consequently, CRISPR spacers can be investigated to reconstruct interplay between viruses and bacteria, and metagenomic sequencing data can be exploited to provide insights into host-phage interactions within a niche. Here, we show how the CRISPR spacer content of commensal and pathogenic bacteria can be used to determine the evidence of their phage exposure. This framework opens new opportunities for investigating host-virus dynamics in metagenomic data, and highlights the need to dedicate more efforts for virome sampling and sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Hidalgo-Cantabrana
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, 400 Dan Allen Drive, Campus BOX 7624, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Rosemary Sanozky-Dawes
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, 400 Dan Allen Drive, Campus BOX 7624, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, 400 Dan Allen Drive, Campus BOX 7624, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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39
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Nethery MA, Barrangou R. CRISPR Visualizer: rapid identification and visualization of CRISPR loci via an automated high-throughput processing pipeline. RNA Biol 2018; 16:577-584. [PMID: 30130453 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2018.1493332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A CRISPR locus, defined by an array of repeat and spacer elements, constitutes a genetic record of the ceaseless battle between bacteria and viruses, showcasing the genomic integration of spacers acquired from invasive DNA. In particular, iterative spacer acquisitions represent unique evolutionary histories and are often useful for high-resolution bacterial genotyping, including comparative analysis of closely related organisms, clonal lineages, and clinical isolates. Current spacer visualization methods are typically tedious and can require manual data manipulation and curation, including spacer extraction at each CRISPR locus from genomes of interest. Here, we constructed a high-throughput extraction pipeline coupled with a local web-based visualization tool which enables CRISPR spacer and repeat extraction, rapid visualization, graphical comparison, and progressive multiple sequence alignment. We present the bioinformatic pipeline and investigate the loci of reference CRISPR-Cas systems and model organisms in 4 well-characterized subtypes. We illustrate how this analysis uncovers the evolutionary tracks and homology shared between various organisms through visual comparison of CRISPR spacers and repeats, driven through progressive alignments. Due to the ability to process unannotated genome files with minimal preparation and curation, this pipeline can be implemented promptly. Overall, this efficient high-throughput solution supports accelerated analysis of genomic data sets and enables and expedites genotyping efforts based on CRISPR loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Nethery
- a Genomic Sciences Graduate Program , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC , USA.,b Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC , USA
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- a Genomic Sciences Graduate Program , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC , USA.,b Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC , USA
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40
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Zhao X, Yu Z, Xu Z. Study the Features of 57 Confirmed CRISPR Loci in 38 Strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1591. [PMID: 30093886 PMCID: PMC6070637 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a foodborne pathogen that causes food contamination and food poisoning, which poses great harm to health, agriculture and other hosts. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are a recently discovered bacterial immune system that resists foreign genes such as phage DNA. This system inhibits the transfer of specific movable genetic elements that match the CRISPR spacer sequences, thereby preventing the spread of drug-resistant genes between pathogens. In this study, 57 CRISPR loci were screened from 38 strains of S. aureus based on the CRISPR database, and bioinformatics tools were used to investigate the structural features and potential functions of S. aureus CRISPR loci. The results showed that most strains contained only one CRISPR locus, a few strains contained multiple loci with sparsely distributed sites. These loci mainly included highly conserved direct repeat sequences and highly variable spacer sequences, as well as polymorphic cas genes. In addition, the analysis of secondary structure of direct repeat RNA showed that all sites can form stable RNA secondary structure. The results of constructing phylogenetic tree based on spacer sequence showed that some strains contained a high degree of phylogenetic relationship, while the differences among other strains in evolutionary processes were quite obvious. Of the 57 CRISPR loci identified, only the cas gene was found near the 4 CRISPR loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihong Zhao
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Hubei Novel Reactor & Green Chemical Technology, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixue Yu
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Hubei Novel Reactor & Green Chemical Technology, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenbo Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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41
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Tarasava K, Oh EJ, Eckert CA, Gill RT. CRISPR-Enabled Tools for Engineering Microbial Genomes and Phenotypes. Biotechnol J 2018; 13:e1700586. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Tarasava
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado; Boulder CO USA
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado; Boulder CO USA
| | - Eun Joong Oh
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado; Boulder CO USA
| | - Carrie A. Eckert
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado; Boulder CO USA
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden CO USA
| | - Ryan T. Gill
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado; Boulder CO USA
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado; Boulder CO USA
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42
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Pratama AA, Chaib De Mares M, van Elsas JD. Evolutionary History of Bacteriophages in the Genus Paraburkholderia. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:835. [PMID: 29867788 PMCID: PMC5968390 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Paraburkholderia encompasses mostly environmental isolates with diverse predicted lifestyles. Genome analyses have shown that bacteriophages form a considerable portion of some Paraburkholderia genomes. Here, we analyzed the evolutionary history of prophages across all Paraburkholderia spp. Specifically, we investigated to what extent the presence of prophages and their distribution affect the diversity/diversification of Paraburkholderia spp., as well as to what extent phages coevolved with their respective hosts. Particular attention was given to the presence of CRISPR-Cas arrays as a reflection of past interactions with phages. We thus analyzed 36 genomes of Paraburkholderia spp., including those of 11 new strains, next to those of three Burkholderia species. Most genomes were found to contain at least one full prophage sequence. The highest number was found in Paraburkholderia sp. strain MF2-27; the nine prophages found amount to up to 4% of its genome. Among all prophages, potential moron genes (e.g., DNA adenine methylase) were found that might be advantageous for host cell fitness. Co-phylogenetic analyses indicated the existence of complex evolutionary scenarios between the different Paraburkholderia hosts and their prophages, including short-term co-speciation, duplication, host-switching and phage loss events. Analysis of the CRISPR-Cas systems showed a record of diverse, potentially recent, phage infections. We conclude that, overall, different phages have interacted in diverse ways with their Paraburkholderia hosts over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Adjie Pratama
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Microbial Ecology—Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Dirk van Elsas
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Microbial Ecology—Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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43
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Mahony J, Lugli GA, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Impact of gut-associated bifidobacteria and their phages on health: two sides of the same coin? Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:2091-2099. [PMID: 29396587 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bifidobacteria are among the first microbial colonisers of the human infant gut post-partum. Their early appearance and dominance in the human infant gut and the reported health-promoting or probiotic status of several bifidobacterial strains has culminated in intensive research efforts that focus on their activities as part of the gut microbiota and the concomitant implications for human health. In this mini-review, we evaluate current knowledge on the genomics of this diverse bacterial genus, and on the genetic and functional adaptations that have underpinned the success of bifidobacteria in colonising the infant gut. The growing interest in functional genomics of bifidobacteria has also created interest in the interactions of bifidobacteria and their (bacterio)phages. While virulent phages of bifidobacteria have yet to be isolated, the incidence of integrated (pro)phages in bifidobacterial genomes are widely reported and this mini-review considers the role of these so-called bifidoprophages in modulating bifidobacterial populations in the human gastrointestinal tract and the implications for existing and future development of probiotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gabriele A Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland. .,APC Microbiome Ireland, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. .,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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