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Livne N, Koler M, Vaknin A. Collective condensation and auto-aggregation of Escherichia coli in uniform acidic environments. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1028. [PMID: 39169072 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06698-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotaxis-the movement of cells along chemical gradients-leads to collective behaviors when cells coordinate their movements. Here, using Escherichia coli as a model, we demonstrate a distinct type of bacterial collective response in acidic environments containing organic acids. Bacterial populations immersed in such environments collectively condensed into millimeter-sized focal points. Furthermore, this bacterial condensation fostered the formation of small, tightly packed cell aggregates, resembling non-surface-attached biofilms. These cell aggregates were physically displaced by the free-swimming condensing cells, leading to the segregation of the two cell populations. Bacterial condensation relied on feedback between the tendency of these bacteria to neutralize the pH and their chemotactic repulsion from low pH. Sustained cell condensation occurred when the bacteria occupied only part of the acidic environment, either dynamically or due to physical constraints. Such condensed bacterial populations can mitigate acid stress more efficiently, a principle that may be applicable to other stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Livne
- The Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moriah Koler
- The Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ady Vaknin
- The Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
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2
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Peoples LM, Isanta-Navarro J, Bras B, Hand BK, Rosenzweig F, Elser JJ, Church MJ. Physiology, fast and slow: bacterial response to variable resource stoichiometry and dilution rate. mSystems 2024; 9:e0077024. [PMID: 38980051 PMCID: PMC11334502 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00770-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms grow despite imbalances in the availability of nutrients and energy. The biochemical and elemental adjustments that bacteria employ to sustain growth when these resources are suboptimal are not well understood. We assessed how Pseudomonas putida KT2440 adjusts its physiology at differing dilution rates (to approximate growth rates) in response to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stress using chemostats. Cellular elemental and biomolecular pools were variable in response to different limiting resources at a slow dilution rate of 0.12 h-1, but these pools were more similar across treatments at a faster rate of 0.48 h-1. At slow dilution rates, limitation by P and C appeared to alter cell growth efficiencies as reflected by changes in cellular C quotas and rates of oxygen consumption, both of which were highest under P- and lowest under C- stress. Underlying these phenotypic changes was differential gene expression of terminal oxidases used for ATP generation that allows for increased energy generation efficiency. In all treatments under fast dilution rates, KT2440 formed aggregates and biofilms, a physiological response that hindered an accurate assessment of growth rate, but which could serve as a mechanism that allows cells to remain in conditions where growth is favorable. Our findings highlight the ways that microorganisms dynamically adjust their physiology under different resource supply conditions, with distinct mechanisms depending on the limiting resource at slow growth and convergence toward an aggregative phenotype with similar compositions under conditions that attempt to force fast growth. IMPORTANCE All organisms experience suboptimal growth conditions due to low nutrient and energy availability. Their ability to survive and reproduce under such conditions determines their evolutionary fitness. By imposing suboptimal resource ratios under different dilution rates on the model organism Pseudomonas putida KT2440, we show that this bacterium dynamically adjusts its elemental composition, morphology, pools of biomolecules, and levels of gene expression. By examining the ability of bacteria to respond to C:N:P imbalance, we can begin to understand how stoichiometric flexibility manifests at the cellular level and impacts the flow of energy and elements through ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan M. Peoples
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana, USA
| | - Jana Isanta-Navarro
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedicta Bras
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana, USA
| | - Brian K. Hand
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana, USA
| | - Frank Rosenzweig
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James J. Elser
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana, USA
| | - Matthew J. Church
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana, USA
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Robertson JM, Garza EA, Stubbusch AKM, Dupont CL, Hwa T, Held NA. Marine bacteria Alteromonas spp. require UDP-glucose-4-epimerase for aggregation and production of sticky exopolymer. mBio 2024; 15:e0003824. [PMID: 38958440 PMCID: PMC11325263 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00038-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The physiology and ecology of particle-associated marine bacteria are of growing interest, but our knowledge of their aggregation behavior and mechanisms controlling their association with particles remains limited. We have found that a particle-associated isolate, Alteromonas sp. ALT199 strain 4B03, and the related type-strain A. macleodii 27126 both form large (>500 μm) aggregates while growing in rich medium. A non-clumping variant (NCV) of 4B03 spontaneously arose in the lab, and whole-genome sequencing revealed a partial deletion in the gene encoding UDP-glucose-4-epimerase (galEΔ308-324). In 27126, a knock-out of galE (ΔgalE::kmr) resulted in a loss of aggregation, mimicking the NCV. Microscopic analysis shows that both 4B03 and 27126 rapidly form large aggregates, whereas their respective galE mutants remain primarily as single planktonic cells or clusters of a few cells. Strains 4B03 and 27126 also form aggregates with chitin particles, but their galE mutants do not. Alcian Blue staining shows that 4B03 and 27126 produce large transparent exopolymer particles (TEP), but their galE mutants are deficient in this regard. This study demonstrates the capabilities of cell-cell aggregation, aggregation of chitin particles, and production of TEP in strains of Alteromonas, a widespread particle-associated genus of heterotrophic marine bacteria. A genetic requirement for galE is evident for each of the above capabilities, expanding the known breadth of requirement for this gene in biofilm-related processes. IMPORTANCE Heterotrophic marine bacteria have a central role in the global carbon cycle. Well-known for releasing CO2 by decomposition and respiration, they may also contribute to particulate organic matter (POM) aggregation, which can promote CO2 sequestration via the formation of marine snow. We find that two members of the prevalent particle-associated genus Alteromonas can form aggregates comprising cells alone or cells and chitin particles, indicating their ability to drive POM aggregation. In line with their multivalent aggregation capability, both strains produce TEP, an excreted polysaccharide central to POM aggregation in the ocean. We demonstrate a genetic requirement for galE in aggregation and large TEP formation, building our mechanistic understanding of these aggregative capabilities. These findings point toward a role for heterotrophic bacteria in POM aggregation in the ocean and support broader efforts to understand bacterial controls on the global carbon cycle based on microbial activities, community structure, and meta-omic profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Robertson
- Division of Biological Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Erin A Garza
- Microbial and Environmental Genomics, J Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Astrid K M Stubbusch
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Earth Sciences, Geological Institute, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christopher L Dupont
- Microbial and Environmental Genomics, J Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Terence Hwa
- Division of Biological Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Physics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Noelle A Held
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marine and Environmental Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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4
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Doloman A, Sousa DZ. Mechanisms of microbial co-aggregation in mixed anaerobic cultures. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:407. [PMID: 38963458 PMCID: PMC11224092 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Co-aggregation of anaerobic microorganisms into suspended microbial biofilms (aggregates) serves ecological and biotechnological functions. Tightly packed aggregates of metabolically interdependent bacteria and archaea play key roles in cycling of carbon and nitrogen. Additionally, in biotechnological applications, such as wastewater treatment, microbial aggregates provide a complete metabolic network to convert complex organic material. Currently, experimental data explaining the mechanisms behind microbial co-aggregation in anoxic environments is scarce and scattered across the literature. To what extent does this process resemble co-aggregation in aerobic environments? Does the limited availability of terminal electron acceptors drive mutualistic microbial relationships, contrary to the commensal relationships observed in oxygen-rich environments? And do co-aggregating bacteria and archaea, which depend on each other to harvest the bare minimum Gibbs energy from energy-poor substrates, use similar cellular mechanisms as those used by pathogenic bacteria that form biofilms? Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of why and how mixed anaerobic microbial communities co-aggregate and discuss potential future scientific advancements that could improve the study of anaerobic suspended aggregates. KEY POINTS: • Metabolic dependency promotes aggregation of anaerobic bacteria and archaea • Flagella, pili, and adhesins play a role in the formation of anaerobic aggregates • Cyclic di-GMP/AMP signaling may trigger the polysaccharides production in anaerobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Doloman
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Diana Z Sousa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, Princetonlaan 6, 3584 CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lange E, Kranert L, Krüger J, Benndorf D, Heyer R. Microbiome modeling: a beginner's guide. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1368377. [PMID: 38962127 PMCID: PMC11220171 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1368377] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiomes, comprised of diverse microbial species and viruses, play pivotal roles in human health, environmental processes, and biotechnological applications and interact with each other, their environment, and hosts via ecological interactions. Our understanding of microbiomes is still limited and hampered by their complexity. A concept improving this understanding is systems biology, which focuses on the holistic description of biological systems utilizing experimental and computational methods. An important set of such experimental methods are metaomics methods which analyze microbiomes and output lists of molecular features. These lists of data are integrated, interpreted, and compiled into computational microbiome models, to predict, optimize, and control microbiome behavior. There exists a gap in understanding between microbiologists and modelers/bioinformaticians, stemming from a lack of interdisciplinary knowledge. This knowledge gap hinders the establishment of computational models in microbiome analysis. This review aims to bridge this gap and is tailored for microbiologists, researchers new to microbiome modeling, and bioinformaticians. To achieve this goal, it provides an interdisciplinary overview of microbiome modeling, starting with fundamental knowledge of microbiomes, metaomics methods, common modeling formalisms, and how models facilitate microbiome control. It concludes with guidelines and repositories for modeling. Each section provides entry-level information, example applications, and important references, serving as a valuable resource for comprehending and navigating the complex landscape of microbiome research and modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Lange
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analysis, Department for Bioanalytics, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
- Graduate School Digital Infrastructure for the Life Sciences, Bielefeld Institute for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (BIBI), Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lena Kranert
- Institute for Automation Engineering, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jacob Krüger
- Engineering of Software-Intensive Systems, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Benndorf
- Applied Biosciences and Bioprocess Engineering, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Köthen, Germany
| | - Robert Heyer
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analysis, Department for Bioanalytics, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany
- Graduate School Digital Infrastructure for the Life Sciences, Bielefeld Institute for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (BIBI), Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Multidimensional Omics Data Analysis, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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6
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Philipp LA, Bühler K, Ulber R, Gescher J. Beneficial applications of biofilms. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:276-290. [PMID: 37957398 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Many microorganisms live in the form of a biofilm. Although they are feared in the medical sector, biofilms that are composed of non-pathogenic organisms can be highly beneficial in many applications, including the production of bulk and fine chemicals. Biofilm systems are natural retentostats in which the biocatalysts can adapt and optimize their metabolism to different conditions over time. The adherent nature of biofilms allows them to be used in continuous systems in which the hydraulic retention time is much shorter than the doubling time of the biocatalysts. Moreover, the resilience of organisms growing in biofilms, together with the potential of uncoupling growth from catalytic activity, offers a wide range of opportunities. The ability to work with continuous systems using a potentially self-advancing whole-cell biocatalyst is attracting interest from a range of disciplines, from applied microbiology to materials science and from bioengineering to process engineering. The field of beneficial biofilms is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of applications being explored, and the surge in demand for sustainable and biobased solutions and processes is accelerating advances in the field. This Review provides an overview of the research topics, challenges, applications and future directions in beneficial and applied biofilm research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Alina Philipp
- Hamburg University of Technology, Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katja Bühler
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roland Ulber
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Hamburg University of Technology, Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany.
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Sharma DK, Rajpurohit YS. Multitasking functions of bacterial extracellular DNA in biofilms. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0000624. [PMID: 38445859 PMCID: PMC11025335 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00006-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are intricate ecosystems of microbial communities that adhere to various surfaces and are enveloped by an extracellular matrix composed of polymeric substances. Within the context of bacterial biofilms, extracellular DNA (eDNA) originates from cell lysis or is actively secreted, where it exerts a significant influence on the formation, stability, and resistance of biofilms to environmental stressors. The exploration of eDNA within bacterial biofilms holds paramount importance in research, with far-reaching implications for both human health and the environment. An enhanced understanding of the functions of eDNA in biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance could inspire the development of strategies to combat biofilm-related infections and improve the management of antibiotic resistance. This comprehensive review encapsulates the latest discoveries concerning eDNA, encompassing its origins, functions within bacterial biofilms, and significance in bacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhirendra Kumar Sharma
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Schools of Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE—Deemed University), Mumbai, India
| | - Yogendra Singh Rajpurohit
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Schools of Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE—Deemed University), Mumbai, India
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8
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Retuerto-Guerrero M, López-Medrano R, de Freitas-González E, Rivero-Lezcano OM. Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Mucociliary Clearance, and Bronchiectasis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:665. [PMID: 38674609 PMCID: PMC11052484 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040665] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental and ubiquitous, but only a few species are associated with disease, often presented as nodular/bronchiectatic or cavitary pulmonary forms. Bronchiectasis, airways dilatations characterized by chronic productive cough, is the main presentation of NTM pulmonary disease. The current Cole's vicious circle model for bronchiectasis proposes that it progresses from a damaging insult, such as pneumonia, that affects the respiratory epithelium and compromises mucociliary clearance mechanisms, allowing microorganisms to colonize the airways. An important bronchiectasis risk factor is primary ciliary dyskinesia, but other ciliopathies, such as those associated with connective tissue diseases, also seem to facilitate bronchiectasis, as may occur in Lady Windermere syndrome, caused by M. avium infection. Inhaled NTM may become part of the lung microbiome. If the dose is too large, they may grow excessively as a biofilm and lead to disease. The incidence of NTM pulmonary disease has increased in the last two decades, which may have influenced the parallel increase in bronchiectasis incidence. We propose that ciliary dyskinesia is the main promoter of bronchiectasis, and that the bacteria most frequently involved are NTM. Restoration of ciliary function and impairment of mycobacterial biofilm formation may provide effective therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Retuerto-Guerrero
- Servicio de Reumatología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Gerencia Regional de Salud de Castilla y León (SACYL), Altos de Nava, s/n, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Ramiro López-Medrano
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Gerencia Regional de Salud de Castilla y León (SACYL), Altos de Nava, s/n, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Elizabeth de Freitas-González
- Servicio de Neumología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Gerencia Regional de Salud de Castilla y León (SACYL), Altos de Nava, s/n, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Octavio Miguel Rivero-Lezcano
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Gerencia Regional de Salud de Castilla y León (SACYL), Altos de Nava, s/n, 24071 León, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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9
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Dsouza FP, Dinesh S, Sharma S. Understanding the intricacies of microbial biofilm formation and its endurance in chronic infections: a key to advancing biofilm-targeted therapeutic strategies. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:85. [PMID: 38300317 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms can adhere to various surfaces in the environment with human beings being no exception. Enclosed in a self-secreted matrix which contains extracellular polymeric substances, biofilms are intricate communities of bacteria that play a significant role across various sectors and raise concerns for public health, medicine and industries. These complex structures allow free-floating planktonic cells to adopt multicellular mode of growth which leads to persistent infections. This is of great concern as biofilms can withstand external attacks which include antibiotics and immune responses. A more comprehensive and innovative approach to therapy is needed in view of the increasing issue of bacterial resistance brought on by the overuse of conventional antimicrobial medications. Thus, to oppose the challenges posed by biofilm-related infections, innovative therapeutic strategies are being explored which include targeting extracellular polymeric substances, quorum sensing, and persister cells. Biofilm-responsive nanoparticles show promising results by improving drug delivery and reducing the side effects. This review comprehensively examines the factors influencing biofilm formation, host immune defence mechanisms, infections caused by biofilms, diagnostic approaches, and biofilm-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susha Dinesh
- Department of Bioinformatics, BioNome, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560043, India.
| | - Sameer Sharma
- Department of Bioinformatics, BioNome, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560043, India
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Drago L, Fidanza A, Giannetti A, Ciuffoletti A, Logroscino G, Romanò CL. Bacteria Living in Biofilms in Fluids: Could Chemical Antibiofilm Pretreatment of Culture Represent a Paradigm Shift in Diagnostics? Microorganisms 2024; 12:259. [PMID: 38399663 PMCID: PMC10892178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are multicellular aggregates of bacteria immersed in an extracellular matrix that forms on various surfaces, including biological tissues and artificial surfaces. However, more and more reports point out the fact that even biological fluids and semifluid, such as synovial liquid, blood, urine, or mucus and feces, harbor "non-attached" biofilm aggregates of bacteria, which represent a significant phenomenon with critical clinical implications that remain to be fully investigated. In particular, biofilm aggregates in biological fluid samples have been shown to play a relevant role in bacterial count and in the overall accuracy of microbiological diagnosis. In line with these observations, the introduction in the clinical setting of fluid sample pretreatment with an antibiofilm chemical compound called dithiothreitol (DTT), which is able to dislodge microorganisms from their intercellular matrix without killing them, would effectively improve the microbiological yield and increase the sensitivity of cultural examination, compared to the current microbiological techniques. While other ongoing research continues to unveil the complexity of biofilm formation in biological fluids and its impact on infection pathogenesis and diagnosis, we here hypothesize that the routine use of a chemical antibiofilm pretreatment of fluid and semi-solid samples may lead to a paradigm shift in the microbiological approach to the diagnosis of biofilm-related infections and should be further investigated and eventually implemented in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Drago
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- UOC Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, MultiLab Department, IRCCS Multimedica, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Fidanza
- Mininvasive Orthopaedic Surgery—Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.F.); (G.L.)
- Unit of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “SS Filippo e Nicola” Hospital, 67051 Avezzano, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannetti
- Unit of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “G. Mazzini” Hospital, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessio Ciuffoletti
- Unit of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “G. Mazzini” Hospital, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Giandomenico Logroscino
- Mininvasive Orthopaedic Surgery—Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Carlo Luca Romanò
- Romano Institute, Rruga Deshmoret e 4 Shkurtit, 1001 Tirana, Albania;
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11
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Cleaver L, Garnett JA. How to study biofilms: technological advancements in clinical biofilm research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1335389. [PMID: 38156318 PMCID: PMC10753778 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1335389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an important survival strategy commonly used by bacteria and fungi, which are embedded in a protective extracellular matrix of organic polymers. They are ubiquitous in nature, including humans and other animals, and they can be surface- and non-surface-associated, making them capable of growing in and on many different parts of the body. Biofilms are also complex, forming polymicrobial communities that are difficult to eradicate due to their unique growth dynamics, and clinical infections associated with biofilms are a huge burden in the healthcare setting, as they are often difficult to diagnose and to treat. Our understanding of biofilm formation and development is a fast-paced and important research focus. This review aims to describe the advancements in clinical biofilm research, including both in vitro and in vivo biofilm models, imaging techniques and techniques to analyse the biological functions of the biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Cleaver
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Garnett
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Nikolic N, Anagnostidis V, Tiwari A, Chait R, Gielen F. Droplet-based methodology for investigating bacterial population dynamics in response to phage exposure. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1260196. [PMID: 38075890 PMCID: PMC10703435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1260196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
An alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance worldwide has spurred efforts into the search for alternatives to antibiotic treatments. The use of bacteriophages, bacterial viruses harmless to humans, represents a promising approach with potential to treat bacterial infections (phage therapy). Recent advances in microscopy-based single-cell techniques have allowed researchers to develop new quantitative methodologies for assessing the interactions between bacteria and phages, especially the ability of phages to eradicate bacterial pathogen populations and to modulate growth of both commensal and pathogen populations. Here we combine droplet microfluidics with fluorescence time-lapse microscopy to characterize the growth and lysis dynamics of the bacterium Escherichia coli confined in droplets when challenged with phage. We investigated phages that promote lysis of infected E. coli cells, specifically, a phage species with DNA genome, T7 (Escherichia virus T7) and two phage species with RNA genomes, MS2 (Emesvirus zinderi) and Qβ (Qubevirus durum). Our microfluidic trapping device generated and immobilized picoliter-sized droplets, enabling stable imaging of bacterial growth and lysis in a temperature-controlled setup. Temporal information on bacterial population size was recorded for up to 25 h, allowing us to determine growth rates of bacterial populations and helping us uncover the extent and speed of phage infection. In the long-term, the development of novel microfluidic single-cell and population-level approaches will expedite research towards fundamental understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of rapid phage-induced lysis and eco-evolutionary aspects of bacteria-phage dynamics, and ultimately help identify key factors influencing the success of phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nela Nikolic
- Living Systems Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Translational Research Exchange @ Exeter, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Vasileios Anagnostidis
- Living Systems Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anuj Tiwari
- Living Systems Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Remy Chait
- Living Systems Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrice Gielen
- Living Systems Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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13
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Kragh KN, Tolker-Nielsen T, Lichtenberg M. The non-attached biofilm aggregate. Commun Biol 2023; 6:898. [PMID: 37658117 PMCID: PMC10474055 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms have conventionally been perceived as dense bacterial masses on surfaces, following the five-step model of development. Initial biofilm research focused on surface-attached formations, but detached aggregates have received increasing attention in the past decade due to their pivotal role in chronic infections. Understanding their nature sparked fervent discussions in biofilm conferences and scientific literature. This review consolidates current insights on non-attached aggregates, offering examples of their occurrence in nature and diseases. We discuss their formation and dispersion mechanisms, resilience to antibiotics and immune-responses, drawing parallels to surface-attached biofilms. Moreover, we outline available in vitro models for studying non-attached aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper N Kragh
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Lichtenberg
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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14
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Ali A, Zahra A, Kamthan M, Husain FM, Albalawi T, Zubair M, Alatawy R, Abid M, Noorani MS. Microbial Biofilms: Applications, Clinical Consequences, and Alternative Therapies. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1934. [PMID: 37630494 PMCID: PMC10459820 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that grow on surfaces and are embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. These are prevalent in various natural and man-made environments, ranging from industrial settings to medical devices, where they can have both positive and negative impacts. This review explores the diverse applications of microbial biofilms, their clinical consequences, and alternative therapies targeting these resilient structures. We have discussed beneficial applications of microbial biofilms, including their role in wastewater treatment, bioremediation, food industries, agriculture, and biotechnology. Additionally, we have highlighted the mechanisms of biofilm formation and clinical consequences of biofilms in the context of human health. We have also focused on the association of biofilms with antibiotic resistance, chronic infections, and medical device-related infections. To overcome these challenges, alternative therapeutic strategies are explored. The review examines the potential of various antimicrobial agents, such as antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, phytoextracts, and nanoparticles, in targeting biofilms. Furthermore, we highlight the future directions for research in this area and the potential of phytotherapy for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-related infections in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Ali
- Clinical Biochemistry Lab, D/O Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
| | - Andaleeb Zahra
- Department of Botany, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
| | - Mohan Kamthan
- Clinical Biochemistry Lab, D/O Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
| | - Fohad Mabood Husain
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Thamer Albalawi
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Zubair
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (R.A.)
| | - Roba Alatawy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (R.A.)
| | - Mohammad Abid
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India;
| | - Md Salik Noorani
- Department of Botany, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
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15
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Melaugh G, Martinez VA, Baker P, Hill PJ, Howell PL, Wozniak DJ, Allen RJ. Distinct types of multicellular aggregates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa liquid cultures. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:52. [PMID: 37507436 PMCID: PMC10382557 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms suspended multicellular aggregates when cultured in liquid media. These aggregates may be important in disease, and/or as a pathway to biofilm formation. The polysaccharide Psl and extracellular DNA (eDNA) have both been implicated in aggregation, but previous results depend strongly on the experimental conditions. Here we develop a quantitative microscopy-based method for assessing changes in the size distribution of suspended aggregates over time in growing cultures. For exponentially growing cultures of P. aeruginosa PAO1, we find that aggregation is mediated by cell-associated Psl, rather than by either eDNA or secreted Psl. These aggregates arise de novo within the culture via a growth process that involves both collisions and clonal growth, and Psl non-producing cells do not aggregate with producers. In contrast, we find that stationary phase (overnight) cultures contain a different type of multicellular aggregate, in which both eDNA and Psl mediate cohesion. Our findings suggest that the physical and biological properties of multicellular aggregates may be very different in early-stage vs late-stage bacterial cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Melaugh
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK.
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL, UK.
| | - Vincent A Martinez
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
| | - Perrin Baker
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
| | - Preston J Hill
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, M5G 0A4, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Rosalind J Allen
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
- Theoretical Microbial Ecology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, 07745, Germany
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16
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Furuta S, Ikegaya H, Fujibayashi M, Hashimoto H, Suzuki S, Okano K, Ichise S, Miyata N. Effects of Algal Extracellular Polysaccharides on the Formation of Filamentous Manganese Oxide Particles in the Near-Bottom Layer of Lake Biwa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1814. [PMID: 37512986 PMCID: PMC10386369 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous manganese (Mn) oxide particles, which occur in the suboxic zone of stratified waterbodies, are important drivers of diverse elemental cycles. These particles are considered to be bacteriogenic; despite the importance of biogeochemical implications, however, the environmental factor responsible for their formation has not been identified. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the involvement of algal extracellular polysaccharides in Mn oxide particle formation. Based on this study of laboratory cultures of a model Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium, the supply of algal extracellular mucilage was shown to stimulate Mn(II) oxidation and thus the production of filamentous Mn oxide particles. This observation was consistent with the results obtained for naturally occurring particles collected from a near-bottom layer (depth of approximately 90 m) in the northern basin of Lake Biwa, Japan, that is, most Mn particles resembling δ-MnO2 were associated with an extracellular mucilage-like gelatinous matrix, which contained dead algal cells and was lectin-stainable. In the lake water column, polysaccharides produced by algal photosynthesis sank to the bottom layer. The analysis of the quality of water samples, which have been collected from the study site for 18 years, reveals that the annual average total phytoplankton biovolume in the surface layer correlates with the density of filamentous Mn particles in the near-bottom layer. Among different phytoplankton species, green algae appeared to be the key species. The results of this study suggest that algal extracellular polysaccharides serve as an important inducer for the formation of filamentous Mn oxide particles in the near-bottom layer of the northern basin of Lake Biwa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiko Furuta
- Lake Biwa Environmental Research Institute, Ohtsu 520-0022, Japan
- Department of Biological Environment, Akita Prefectural University, Akita 010-0195, Japan
| | - Hisato Ikegaya
- Department of Biology, Kobe University, Kobe 657-0013, Japan
| | | | - Hideki Hashimoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kogakuin University, Tokyo 192-0015, Japan
| | - Shiro Suzuki
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Okano
- Department of Biological Environment, Akita Prefectural University, Akita 010-0195, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ichise
- Lake Biwa Environmental Research Institute, Ohtsu 520-0022, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Miyata
- Department of Biological Environment, Akita Prefectural University, Akita 010-0195, Japan
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17
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Meneses L, Brandão AC, Coenye T, Braga AC, Pires DP, Azeredo J. A systematic review of the use of bacteriophages for in vitro biofilm control. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023:10.1007/s10096-023-04638-1. [PMID: 37407800 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04638-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are very promising biological agents for the prevention and control of bacterial biofilms. However, little is known about the parameters that can influence the efficacy of phages on biofilms. This systematic review provides a summary and analysis of the published data about the use of phages to control pre-formed biofilms in vitro, suggesting recommendations for future experiments in this area. A total of 68 articles, containing data on 605 experiments addressing the efficacy of phages to control biofilms in vitro were included, after a search conducted in Web of Science, Embase, and Medline (PubMed). The data collected from each experiment included information about biofilm growth conditions, phage characteristics, treatment conditions and biofilm reduction. In most cases, biofilms were formed in the surface of microtiter plates (82.5%); the median time for biofilm formation was 24 h, as is the median treatment duration. Quantification of biofilm biomass (52.6%), viable cells (25.5%) and metabolic activity (17.9%) were the most common biofilm assessment methods. Correlation analysis revealed that some phage parameters can influence the treatment outcome: higher phage concentrations were strongly associated with improved biofilm control, leading to higher levels of biofilm reduction, and phages with higher burst sizes and shorter latent periods seem to be the best candidates to control biofilms in vitro. However, the great variability of the methodologies used prompts the need for the development of standardized in vitro methodologies to characterize phage/biofilm interactions and to assess the efficacy of phages to control biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Meneses
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Catarina Brandão
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Diana Priscila Pires
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland.
- LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), Basel, Switzerland.
- LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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18
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Mhade S, Kaushik KS. Tools of the Trade: Image Analysis Programs for Confocal Laser-Scanning Microscopy Studies of Biofilms and Considerations for Their Use by Experimental Researchers. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20163-20177. [PMID: 37332792 PMCID: PMC10268615 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) is the bedrock of the microscopic visualization of biofilms. Previous applications of CLSM in biofilm studies have largely focused on observations of bacterial or fungal elements of biofilms, often seen as aggregates or mats of cells. However, the field of biofilm research is moving beyond qualitative observations alone, toward the quantitative analysis of the structural and functional features of biofilms, across clinical, environmental, and laboratory conditions. In recent times, several image analysis programs have been developed to extract and quantify biofilm properties from confocal micrographs. These tools not only vary in their scope and relevance to the specific biofilm features under study but also with respect to the user interface, compatibility with operating systems, and raw image requirements. Understanding these considerations is important when selecting tools for quantitative biofilm analysis, including at the initial experimental stages of image acquisition. In this review, we provide an overview of image analysis programs for confocal micrographs of biofilms, with a focus on tool selection and image acquisition parameters that are relevant for experimental researchers to ensure reliability and compatibility with downstream image processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreeya Mhade
- Department
of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune
University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Karishma S Kaushik
- Department
of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune
University, Pune 411007, India
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19
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Van Alin A, Corbett MK, Fathollahzadeh H, Tjiam MC, Putnis A, Eksteen J, Kaksonen AH, Watkin E. Klebsiella aerogenes Adhesion Behaviour during Biofilm Formation on Monazite. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1331. [PMID: 37317305 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The adsorption behaviour of micro-organisms during the initial attachment stage of biofilm formation affects subsequent stages. The available area for attachment and the chemophysical properties of a surface affect microbial attachment performance. This study focused on the initial attachment behaviour of Klebsiella aerogenes on monazite by measuring the ratio of planktonic against sessile subpopulations (P:S ratio), and the potential role of extracellular DNA (eDNA). eDNA production, effects of physicochemical properties of the surface, particle size, total available area for attachment, and the initial inoculation size on the attachment behaviour were tested. K. aerogenes attached to monazite immediately after exposure to the ore; however, the P:S ratio significantly (p = 0.05) changed in response to the particle size, available area, and inoculation size. Attachment occurred preferentially on larger-sized (~50 µm) particles, and either decreasing the inoculation size or increasing the available area further promoted attachment. Nevertheless, a portion of the inoculated cells always remained in a planktonic state. K. aerogenes produced lower eDNA in response to the changed surface chemical properties when monazite was replaced by xenotime. Using pure eDNA to cover the monazite surface significantly (p ≤ 0.05) hindered bacterial attachment due to the repulsive interaction between the eDNA layer and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Van Alin
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Melissa K Corbett
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Homayoun Fathollahzadeh
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - M Christian Tjiam
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Andrew Putnis
- The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- Institut für Mineralogie, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jacques Eksteen
- WA School of Mines, Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Waterford, WA 6152, Australia
| | - Anna H Kaksonen
- WA School of Mines, Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Waterford, WA 6152, Australia
- CSIRO Environment, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Watkin
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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20
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Ovcharova MA, Schelkunov MI, Geras’kina OV, Makarova NE, Sukhacheva MV, Martyanov SV, Nevolina ED, Zhurina MV, Feofanov AV, Botchkova EA, Plakunov VK, Gannesen AV. C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Acts as a Microorganism-Activated Regulator of the Skin Commensals Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes in Dual-Species Biofilms. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:436. [PMID: 36979128 PMCID: PMC10045295 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The effect of C-type natriuretic peptide in a concentration closer to the normal level in human blood plasma was studied on the mono-species and dual-species biofilms of the skin commensal bacteria Cutibacterium acnes HL043PA2 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC14990. Despite the marginal effect of the hormone on cutibacteria in mono-species biofilms, the presence of staphylococci in the community resulted in a global shift of the CNP effect, which appeared to increase the competitive properties of C. acnes, its proliferation and the metabolic activity of the community. S. epidermidis was mostly inhibited in the presence of CNP. Both bacteria had a significant impact on the gene expression levels revealed by RNA-seq. CNP did not affect the gene expression levels in mono-species cutibacterial biofilms; however, in the presence of staphylococci, five genes were differentially expressed in the presence of the hormone, including two ribosomal proteins and metal ABC transporter permease. In staphylococci, the Na-translocating system protein MpsB NADH-quinone oxidoreductase subunit L was downregulated in the dual-species biofilms in the presence of CNP, while in mono-species biofilms, two proteins of unknown function were downregulated. Hypothetically, at least one of the CNP mechanisms of action is via the competition for zinc, at least on cutibacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Ovcharova
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Mikhail I. Schelkunov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Olga V. Geras’kina
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119192, Russia
| | | | - Marina V. Sukhacheva
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Martyanov
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Ekaterina D. Nevolina
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Marina V. Zhurina
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Feofanov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119192, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Botchkova
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Vladimir K. Plakunov
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Andrei V. Gannesen
- Federal Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
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21
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Scarinci G, Sourjik V. Impact of direct physical association and motility on fitness of a synthetic interkingdom microbial community. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:371-381. [PMID: 36566339 PMCID: PMC9938286 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01352-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mutualistic exchange of metabolites can play an important role in microbial communities. Under natural environmental conditions, such exchange may be compromised by the dispersal of metabolites and by the presence of non-cooperating microorganisms. Spatial proximity between members during sessile growth on solid surfaces has been shown to promote stabilization of cross-feeding communities against these challenges. Nonetheless, many natural cross-feeding communities are not sessile but rather pelagic and exist in turbulent aquatic environments, where partner proximity is often achieved via direct cell-cell adhesion, and cooperation occurs between physically associated cells. Partner association in aquatic environments could be further enhanced by motility of individual planktonic microorganisms. In this work, we establish a model bipartite cross-feeding community between bacteria and yeast auxotrophs to investigate the impact of direct adhesion between prokaryotic and eukaryotic partners and of bacterial motility in a stirred mutualistic co-culture. We demonstrate that adhesion can provide fitness benefit to the bacterial partner, likely by enabling local metabolite exchange within co-aggregates, and that it counteracts invasion of the community by a non-cooperating cheater strain. In a turbulent environment and at low cell densities, fitness of the bacterial partner and its competitiveness against a non-cooperating strain are further increased by motility that likely facilitates partner encounters and adhesion. These results suggest that, despite their potential fitness costs, direct adhesion between partners and its enhancement by motility may play key roles as stabilization factors for metabolic communities in turbulent aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Scarinci
- grid.419554.80000 0004 0491 8361Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Marburg, Germany
| | - Victor Sourjik
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Marburg, Germany.
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22
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Barton TE, Frost F, Fothergill JL, Neill DR. Challenges and opportunities in the development of novel antimicrobial therapeutics for cystic fibrosis. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 36748497 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic respiratory infection is the primary driver of mortality in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Existing drug screening models utilised in preclinical antimicrobial development are unable to mimic the complex CF respiratory environment. Consequently, antimicrobials showing promising activity in preclinical models often fail to translate through to clinical efficacy in people with CF. Model systems used in CF anti-infective drug discovery and development range from antimicrobial susceptibility testing in nutrient broth, through to 2D and 3D in vitro tissue culture systems and in vivo models. No single model fully recapitulates every key aspect of the CF lung. To improve the outcomes of people with CF (PwCF) it is necessary to develop a set of preclinical models that collectively recapitulate the CF respiratory environment to a high degree of accuracy. Models must be validated for their ability to mimic aspects of the CF lung and associated lung infection, through evaluation of biomarkers that can also be assessed following treatment in the clinic. This will give preclinical models greater predictive power for identification of antimicrobials with clinical efficacy. The landscape of CF is changing, with the advent of modulator therapies that correct the function of the CFTR protein, while antivirulence drugs and phage therapy are emerging alternative treatments to chronic infection. This review discusses the challenges faced in current antimicrobial development pipelines, including the advantages and disadvantages of current preclinical models and the impact of emerging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Barton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Ronald Ross Building, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Frederick Frost
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanne L Fothergill
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Ronald Ross Building, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Daniel R Neill
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Ronald Ross Building, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
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23
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Calla B. Stronger together: How unicellular algae respond to stress by socialization. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1554-1555. [PMID: 36005928 PMCID: PMC9614493 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
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24
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Dhekane R, Mhade S, Kaushik KS. Adding a new dimension: Multi-level structure and organization of mixed-species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in a 4-D wound microenvironment. Biofilm 2022; 4:100087. [PMID: 36324526 PMCID: PMC9618786 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms in wounds typically consist of aggregates of bacteria, most often Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, in close association with each other and the host microenvironment. Given this, the interplay across host and microbial elements, including the biochemical and nutrient profile of the microenvironment, likely influences the structure and organization of wound biofilms. While clinical studies, in vivo and ex vivo model systems have provided insights into the distribution of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in wounds, they are limited in their ability to provide a detailed characterization of biofilm structure and organization across the host-microbial interface. On the other hand, biomimetic in vitro systems, such as host cell surfaces and simulant media conditions, albeit reductionist, have been shown to support the co-existence of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms, with species-dependent localization patterns and interspecies interactions. Therefore, composite in vitro models that bring together key features of the wound microenvironment could provide unprecedented insights into the structure and organization of mixed-species biofilms. We have built a four-dimensional (4-D) wound microenvironment consisting of a 3-D host cell scaffold of co-cultured human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, and an in vitro wound milieu (IVWM); the IVWM provides the fourth dimension that represents the biochemical and nutrient profile of the wound infection state. We leveraged this 4-D wound microenvironment, in comparison with biofilms in IVWM alone and standard laboratory media, to probe the structure of mixed-species P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms across multiple levels of organization such as aggregate dimensions and biomass thickness, species co-localization and spatial organization within the biomass, overall biomass composition and interspecies interactions. In doing so, the 4-D wound microenvironment platform provides multi-level insights into the structure of mixed-species biofilms, which we incorporate into the current understanding of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus organization in the wound bed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Dhekane
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Shreeya Mhade
- Department of Bioinformatics, Guru Nanak Khalsa College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Mumbai, India
| | - Karishma S. Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India,Corresponding author.
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Jacques M, Malouin F. One Health-One Biofilm. Vet Res 2022; 53:51. [PMID: 35799278 PMCID: PMC9264708 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are structured clusters of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymer matrix that are attached to a biotic or abiotic surface. This structure protects bacteria from hostile environmental conditions. There are also accumulating reports about bacterial aggregates associated but not directly adherent to surfaces. Interestingly, these bacterial aggregates exhibit many of the same phenotypes as surface-attached biofilms. Surface-attached biofilms as well as non-attached aggregates are ubiquitous and found in a wide variety of natural and clinical settings. This strongly suggests that biofilm/aggregate formation is important at some steps in the bacterial lifecycle. Biofilm/aggregate formation might therefore be important for some bacterial species for persistence within their host or their environment, while for other bacterial species it might be more important for persistence in the environment between infection of different individuals or even between infection of different hosts (humans or animals). This is strikingly similar to the One Health concept which recognizes that the health and well-being of humans, animals and the environment are intricately linked. We would like to propose that within this One Health concept, the One Biofilm concept also exists, where biofilm/aggregate formation in humans, animals and the environment are also intricately linked. Biofilm/aggregates could represent the unifying factor underneath the One Health concept. The One Biofilm concept would support that biofilm/aggregate formation might be important for persistence during infection but might as well be even more important for persistence in the environment and for transmission between different individuals/different hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Jacques
- Regroupement de Recherche pour un Lait de Qualité Optimale (Op+lait), Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada. .,Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Groupe de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses en Production Animale (GREMIP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada.
| | - François Malouin
- Regroupement de Recherche pour un Lait de Qualité Optimale (Op+lait), Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada.,Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
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The c-di-GMP Phosphodiesterase PipA (PA0285) Regulates Autoaggregation and Pf4 Bacteriophage Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0003922. [PMID: 35638845 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00039-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, 41 genes encode proteins predicted to be involved in the production or degradation of c-di-GMP, a ubiquitous secondary messenger that regulates a variety of physiological behaviors closely related to biofilm and aggregate formation. Despite extensive effort, the entire picture of this important signaling network is still unclear, with one-third of these proteins remaining uncharacterized. Here, we show that the deletion of pipA, which produces a protein containing two PAS domains upstream of a GGDEF-EAL tandem, significantly increased the intracellular c-di-GMP level and promoted the formation of aggregates both on surfaces and in planktonic cultures. However, this regulatory effect was not contributed by either of the two classic pathways modulating biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) overproduction or motility inhibition. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) data revealed that the expression levels of 361 genes were significantly altered in a ΔpipA mutant strain compared to the wild type (WT), indicating the critical role of PipA in PAO1. The most remarkably downregulated genes were located on the Pf4 bacteriophage gene cluster, which corresponded to a 2-log reduction in the Pf4 phage production in the ΔpipA mutant. The sizes of aggregates in ΔpipA cultures were affected by exogenously added Pf4 phage in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting the quantity of phage plays a part in regulating the formation of aggregates. Further analysis demonstrated that PipA is highly conserved across 83 P. aeruginosa strains. Our work therefore for the first time showed that a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase can regulate bacteriophage production and provided new insights into the relationship between bacteriophage and bacterial aggregation. IMPORTANCE The c-di-GMP signaling pathways in P. aeruginosa are highly organized and well coordinated, with different diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases playing distinct roles in a complex network. Understanding the function of each enzyme and the underlying regulatory mechanisms not only is crucial for revealing how bacteria decide the transition between motile and sessile lifestyles, but also greatly facilitates the development of new antibiofilm strategies. This work identified bacteriophage production as a novel phenotypic output controlled transcriptionally by a phosphodiesterase, PipA. Further analysis suggested that the quantity of phage may be important in regulating autoaggregation, as either a lack of phage or overproduction was associated with higher levels of aggregation. Our study therefore extended the scope of c-di-GMP-controlled phenotypes and discovered a potential signaling circuit that can be target for biofilm treatment.
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Ivshina I, Bazhutin G, Tyan S, Polygalov M, Subbotina M, Tyumina E. Cellular Modifications of Rhodococci Exposed to Separate and Combined Effects of Pharmaceutical Pollutants. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061101. [PMID: 35744619 PMCID: PMC9227840 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Actinomycetes of the genus Rhodococcus (class Actinomycetia) are dominant dwellers of biotopes with anthropogenic load. They serve as a natural system of primary response to xenobiotics in open ecosystems, initiate defensive responses in the presence of pollutants, and are regarded as ideal agents capable of transforming and degrading pharmaceuticals. Here, the ability of selected Rhodococcus strains to co-metabolize nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, meloxicam, and naproxen) and information on the protective mechanisms of rhodococci against toxic effects of pharmaceuticals, individually or in a mixture, have been demonstrated. For the first time, R. ruber IEGM 439 provided complete decomposition of 100 mg/L meloxicam after seven days. It was shown that versatile cellular modifications occurring at the early development stages of nonspecific reactions of Rhodococcus spp. in response to separate and combined effects of the tested pharmaceuticals included changes in electrokinetic characteristics and catalase activity; transition from unicellular to multicellular life forms accompanied by pronounced morphological abnormalities; changes in the average size of vegetative cells and surface area-to-volume ratio; and the formation of linked cell assemblages. The obtained data are considered as adaptation mechanisms in rhodococci, and consequently their increased resistance to separate and combined effects of ibuprofen, meloxicam, and naproxen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Ivshina
- Perm Federal Research Center Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 13a Lenin Street, 614990 Perm, Russia; (G.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (E.T.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State National Research University, 15 Bukirev Street, 614990 Perm, Russia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Grigory Bazhutin
- Perm Federal Research Center Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 13a Lenin Street, 614990 Perm, Russia; (G.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (E.T.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State National Research University, 15 Bukirev Street, 614990 Perm, Russia;
| | - Semyon Tyan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State National Research University, 15 Bukirev Street, 614990 Perm, Russia;
| | - Maxim Polygalov
- Perm Federal Research Center Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 13a Lenin Street, 614990 Perm, Russia; (G.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (E.T.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State National Research University, 15 Bukirev Street, 614990 Perm, Russia;
| | - Maria Subbotina
- Perm Federal Research Center Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 13a Lenin Street, 614990 Perm, Russia; (G.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (E.T.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State National Research University, 15 Bukirev Street, 614990 Perm, Russia;
| | - Elena Tyumina
- Perm Federal Research Center Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, 13a Lenin Street, 614990 Perm, Russia; (G.B.); (M.P.); (M.S.); (E.T.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Perm State National Research University, 15 Bukirev Street, 614990 Perm, Russia;
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Protein-conjugated microbubbles for the selective targeting of S. aureus biofilms. Biofilm 2022; 4:100074. [PMID: 35340817 PMCID: PMC8942837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important human pathogen and a common cause of bloodstream infection. The ability of S. aureus to form biofilms, particularly on medical devices, makes treatment difficult, as does its tendency to spread within the body and cause secondary foci of infection. Prolonged courses of intravenous antimicrobial treatment are usually required for serious S. aureus infections. This work investigates the in vitro attachment of microbubbles to S. aureus biofilms via a novel Affimer protein, AClfA1, which targets the clumping factor A (ClfA) virulence factor – a cell-wall anchored protein associated with surface attachment. Microbubbles (MBs) are micron-sized gas-filled bubbles encapsulated by a lipid, polymer, or protein monolayer or other surfactant-based material. Affimers are small (∼12 kDa) heat-stable binding proteins developed as replacements for antibodies. The binding kinetics of AClfA1 against S. aureus ClfA showed strong binding affinity (KD = 62 ± 3 nM). AClfA1 was then shown to bind S. aureus biofilms under flow conditions both as a free ligand and when bound to microparticles (polymer beads or microbubbles). Microbubbles functionalized with AClfA1 demonstrated an 8-fold increase in binding compared to microbubbles functionalized with an identical Affimer scaffold but lacking the recognition groups. Bound MBs were able to withstand flow rates of 250 μL/min. Finally, ultrasound was applied to burst the biofilm bound MBs to determine whether this would lead to biofilm biomass loss or cell death. Application of a 2.25 MHz ultrasound profile (with a peak negative pressure of 0.8 MPa and consisting of a 22-cycle sine wave, at a pulse repetition rate of 10 kHz) for 2 s to a biofilm decorated with targeted MBs, led to a 25% increase in biomass loss and a concomitant 8% increase in dead cell count. The results of this work show that Affimers can be developed to target S. aureus biofilms and that such Affimers can be attached to contrast agents such as microbubbles or polymer beads and offer potential, with some optimization, for drug-free biofilm treatment.
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Rivera-Yoshida N, Bottagisio M, Attanasi D, Savadori P, De Vecchi E, Bidossi A, Franci A. Host Environment Shapes S. aureus Social Behavior as Revealed by Microscopy Pattern Formation and Dynamic Aggregation Analysis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030526. [PMID: 35336102 PMCID: PMC8949161 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how bacteria adapt their social behavior to environmental changes is of crucial importance from both biological and clinical perspectives. Staphylococcus aureus is among the most common infecting agents in orthopedics, but its recalcitrance to the immune system and to antimicrobial treatments in the physiological microenvironment are still poorly understood. By means of optical and confocal microscopy, image pattern analysis, and mathematical modeling, we show that planktonic biofilm-like aggregates and sessile biofilm lifestyles are two co-existing and interacting phases of the same environmentally adaptive developmental process and that they exhibit substantial differences when S. aureus is grown in physiological fluids instead of common lab media. Physicochemical properties of the physiological microenvironment are proposed to be the key determinants of these differences. Besides providing a new tool for biofilm phenotypic analysis, our results suggest new insights into the social behavior of S. aureus in physiological conditions and highlight the inadequacy of commonly used lab media for both biological and clinical studies of bacterial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Rivera-Yoshida
- Department of Mathematics, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Marta Bottagisio
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (D.A.); (E.D.V.)
| | - Davide Attanasi
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (D.A.); (E.D.V.)
| | - Paolo Savadori
- Department of Endodontics, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy;
| | - Elena De Vecchi
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (D.A.); (E.D.V.)
| | - Alessandro Bidossi
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (D.A.); (E.D.V.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessio Franci
- Department of Mathematics, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (A.F.)
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Blais MA, Matveev A, Lovejoy C, Vincent WF. Size-Fractionated Microbiome Structure in Subarctic Rivers and a Coastal Plume Across DOC and Salinity Gradients. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:760282. [PMID: 35046910 PMCID: PMC8762315 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.760282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the microbial diversity of rivers that flow across the changing subarctic landscape. Using amplicon sequencing (rRNA and rRNA genes) combined with HPLC pigment analysis and physicochemical measurements, we investigated the diversity of two size fractions of planktonic Bacteria, Archaea and microbial eukaryotes along environmental gradients in the Great Whale River (GWR), Canada. This large subarctic river drains an extensive watershed that includes areas of thawing permafrost, and discharges into southeastern Hudson Bay as an extensive plume that gradually mixes with the coastal marine waters. The microbial communities differed by size-fraction (separated with a 3-μm filter), and clustered into three distinct environmental groups: (1) the GWR sites throughout a 150-km sampling transect; (2) the GWR plume in Hudson Bay; and (3) small rivers that flow through degraded permafrost landscapes. There was a downstream increase in taxonomic richness along the GWR, suggesting that sub-catchment inputs influence microbial community structure in the absence of sharp environmental gradients. Microbial community structure shifted across the salinity gradient within the plume, with changes in taxonomic composition and diversity. Rivers flowing through degraded permafrost had distinct physicochemical and microbiome characteristics, with allochthonous dissolved organic carbon explaining part of the variation in community structure. Finally, our analyses of the core microbiome indicated that while a substantial part of all communities consisted of generalists, most taxa had a more limited environmental range and may therefore be sensitive to ongoing change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Amélie Blais
- Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS) and Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alex Matveev
- Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS) and Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Connie Lovejoy
- Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS) and Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Québec-Océan, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Warwick F Vincent
- Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS) and Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Imaging Flow Cytometry to Study Biofilm-Associated Microbial Aggregates. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237096. [PMID: 34885675 PMCID: PMC8659131 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the research was to design an advanced analytical tool for the precise characterization of microbial aggregates from biofilms formed on food-processing surfaces. The approach combined imaging flow cytometry with a machine learning-based interpretation protocol. Biofilm samples were collected from three diagnostic points of the food-processing lines at two independent time points. The samples were investigated for the complexity of microbial aggregates and cellular metabolic activity. Thus, aggregates and singlets of biofilm-associated microbes were simultaneously examined for the percentages of active, mid-active, and nonactive (dead) cells to evaluate the physiology of the microbial cells forming the biofilm structures. The tested diagnostic points demonstrated significant differences in the complexity of microbial aggregates. The significant percentages of the bacterial aggregates were associated with the dominance of active microbial cells, e.g., 75.3% revealed for a mushroom crate. This confirmed the protective role of cellular aggregates for the survival of active microbial cells. Moreover, the approach enabled discriminating small and large aggregates of microbial cells. The developed tool provided more detailed characteristics of bacterial aggregates within a biofilm structure combined with high-throughput screening potential. The designed methodology showed the prospect of facilitating the detection of invasive biofilm forms in the food industry environment.
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The role of uspE in virulence and biofilm formation by Histophilus somni. Vet Microbiol 2021; 263:109267. [PMID: 34739965 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
UspE is a global regulator in Escherichia coli. To study the function of Histophilus somni uspE, strain 2336::TnuspE was identified from a bank of mutants generated with EZ::Tn5™<KAN-2> Tnp Transposome™ that were biofilm deficient. The 2336::TnuspE mutant was highly attenuated in mice, the electrophoretic profile of its lipooligosaccharide (LOS) indicated the LOS was truncated, and the mutant was significantly more serum-sensitive compared to the wildtype strain. In addition to forming a deficient biofilm, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production was also compromised, but the electrophoretic profile of outer membrane proteins was not altered. RNA sequence analysis revealed that the transcription levels of some stress response chaperones, transport proteins, and a large number of ribosomal protein genes in 2336::TnuspE were significantly differentially regulated compared to strain 2336. Therefore, uspE may differentially function in direct and indirect expression of H. somni genes, but its attenuation may be linked to poor biofilm formation and rapid clearance of the bacteria resulting from a compromised LOS structure. Our results support that uspE is a global stress regulatory gene in H. somni.
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33
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Adam E. Identifying bacterial infections in synovial structures—When will the Cavalry arrive? EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Adam
- Maxwell H Gluck Equine Research Center University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky 40511 USA
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Nwoko ESQA, Okeke IN. Bacteria autoaggregation: how and why bacteria stick together. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1147-1157. [PMID: 34110370 PMCID: PMC8286834 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autoaggregation, adherence between identical bacterial cells, is important for colonization, kin and kind recognition, and survival of bacteria. It is directly mediated by specific interactions between proteins or organelles on the surfaces of interacting cells or indirectly by the presence of secreted macromolecules such as eDNA and exopolysaccharides. Some autoaggregation effectors are self-associating and present interesting paradigms for protein interaction. Autoaggregation can be beneficial or deleterious at specific times and niches. It is, therefore, typically regulated through transcriptional or post-transcriptional mechanisms or epigenetically by phase variation. Autoaggregation can contribute to bacterial adherence, biofilm formation or other higher-level functions. However, autoaggregation is only required for these phenotypes in some bacteria. Thus, autoaggregation should be detected, studied and measured independently using both qualitative and quantitative in vitro and ex vivo methods. If better understood, autoaggregation holds the potential for the discovery of new therapeutic targets that could be cost-effectively exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-shama Q. A. Nwoko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Iruka N. Okeke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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35
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Marinelli F, Alifano P, Landini P, Visca P. Editorial: XXXIII SIMGBM Congress 2019 - Antimicrobials and Host-Pathogen Interactions. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:672517. [PMID: 33897678 PMCID: PMC8058205 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.672517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Marinelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Pietro Alifano
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Paolo Landini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano Statale, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Visca
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
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36
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Ovcharova MA, Geraskina OV, Danilova ND, Botchkova EA, Martyanov SV, Feofanov AV, Plakunov VK, Gannesen AV. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Affects Skin Commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes Dual-Species Biofilms. Microorganisms 2021; 9:552. [PMID: 33800171 PMCID: PMC7999105 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The first evidence of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) effect on mono-species and dual-species biofilms of skin commensals Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis was obtained in different model systems. Elucidation of the mechanism of action of hormones on the microbial communities of human skin is an important physiological and medical aspect. Under anaerobic conditions, ANP at a concentration of 6.5 × 10-10 M inhibits the growth of S. epidermidis biofilms and stimulates the growth of C. acnes biofilms, and a lesser effect has been demonstrated on planktonic cultures. In biofilms, ANP stimulates aggregation in C. acnes and aggregate dispersion of S. epidermidis, while in S. epidermidis, ANP also stimulates the metabolic activity of cells. Analysis of dual-species biofilms has shown the dominance of S. epidermidis, while ANP increases the ratio of C. acnes biomass in the community. ANP decreases the growth rate of S. epidermidis biofilms and increases that of C. acnes. The effect of ANP is not dependent on the surface type and probably affects other targets in microbial cells. Thus, the potential regulatory effect of human ANP on skin microbe dual-species communities has been shown, and its potential has been demonstrated to change microbiota homeostasis on the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alekseevna Ovcharova
- Laboratory of Viability of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.O.); (N.D.D.); (S.V.M.); (V.K.P.)
| | - Olga Vyacheslavovna Geraskina
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (O.V.G.); (A.V.F.)
| | - Natalya Dmitrievna Danilova
- Laboratory of Viability of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.O.); (N.D.D.); (S.V.M.); (V.K.P.)
| | - Ekaterina Alexandrovna Botchkova
- Laboratory of Microbiology of Anthropogenic Habitats, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey Vladislavovich Martyanov
- Laboratory of Viability of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.O.); (N.D.D.); (S.V.M.); (V.K.P.)
| | - Alexey Valeryevich Feofanov
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (O.V.G.); (A.V.F.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Konstantinovich Plakunov
- Laboratory of Viability of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.O.); (N.D.D.); (S.V.M.); (V.K.P.)
| | - Andrei Vladislavovich Gannesen
- Laboratory of Viability of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.O.); (N.D.D.); (S.V.M.); (V.K.P.)
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