1
|
Lekshmi M, Ortiz-Alegria A, Kumar S, Varela MF. Major facilitator superfamily efflux pumps in human pathogens: Role in multidrug resistance and beyond. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 7:100248. [PMID: 38974671 PMCID: PMC11225705 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100248] [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] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) of proteins constitutes a large group of related solute transporters found across all known living taxa of organisms. The transporters of the MFS contain an extremely diverse array of substrates, including ions, molecules of intermediary metabolism, and structurally different antimicrobial agents. First discovered over 30 years ago, the MFS represents an important collection of integral membrane transporters. Bacterial microorganisms expressing multidrug efflux pumps belonging to the MFS are considered serious pathogens, accounting for alarming morbidity and mortality numbers annually. This review article considers recent advances in the structure-function relationships, the transport mechanism, and modulation of MFS multidrug efflux pumps within the context of drug resistance mechanisms of bacterial pathogens of public health concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manjusha Lekshmi
- QC Laboratory, Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Anely Ortiz-Alegria
- Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM 88130, United States
| | - Sanath Kumar
- QC Laboratory, Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Manuel F. Varela
- Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM 88130, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Garrett SR, Mietrach N, Deme J, Bitzer A, Yang Y, Ulhuq FR, Kretschmer D, Heilbronner S, Smith TK, Lea SM, Palmer T. A type VII-secreted lipase toxin with reverse domain arrangement. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8438. [PMID: 38114483 PMCID: PMC10730906 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44221-y] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) is found in many Gram-positive bacteria and in pathogenic mycobacteria. All T7SS substrate proteins described to date share a common helical domain architecture at the N-terminus that typically interacts with other helical partner proteins, forming a composite signal sequence for targeting to the T7SS. The C-terminal domains are functionally diverse and in Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus often specify toxic anti-bacterial activity. Here we describe the first example of a class of T7 substrate, TslA, that has a reverse domain organisation. TslA is widely found across Bacillota including Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Listeria. We show that the S. aureus TslA N-terminal domain is a phospholipase A with anti-staphylococcal activity that is neutralised by the immunity lipoprotein TilA. Two small helical partner proteins, TlaA1 and TlaA2 are essential for T7-dependent secretion of TslA and at least one of these interacts with the TslA C-terminal domain to form a helical stack. Cryo-EM analysis of purified TslA complexes indicate that they share structural similarity with canonical T7 substrates. Our findings suggest that the T7SS has the capacity to recognise a secretion signal present at either end of a substrate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Garrett
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Nicole Mietrach
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Justin Deme
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Alina Bitzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yaping Yang
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Fatima R Ulhuq
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Dorothee Kretschmer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Heilbronner
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Terry K Smith
- School of Biology, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Lea
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Varela MF, Ortiz-Alegria A, Lekshmi M, Stephen J, Kumar S. Functional Roles of the Conserved Amino Acid Sequence Motif C, the Antiporter Motif, in Membrane Transporters of the Major Facilitator Superfamily. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1336. [PMID: 37887046 PMCID: PMC10604125 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The biological membrane surrounding all living cells forms a hydrophobic barrier to the passage of biologically important molecules. Integral membrane proteins called transporters circumvent the cellular barrier and transport molecules across the cell membrane. These molecular transporters enable the uptake and exit of molecules for cell growth and homeostasis. One important collection of related transporters is the major facilitator superfamily (MFS). This large group of proteins harbors passive and secondary active transporters. The transporters of the MFS consist of uniporters, symporters, and antiporters, which share similarities in structures, predicted mechanism of transport, and highly conserved amino acid sequence motifs. In particular, the antiporter motif, called motif C, is found primarily in antiporters of the MFS. The antiporter motif's molecular elements mediate conformational changes and other molecular physiological roles during substrate transport across the membrane. This review article traces the history of the antiporter motif. It summarizes the physiological evidence reported that supports these biological roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F. Varela
- Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM 88130, USA;
| | - Anely Ortiz-Alegria
- Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM 88130, USA;
| | - Manjusha Lekshmi
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India; (M.L.); (J.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Jerusha Stephen
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India; (M.L.); (J.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Sanath Kumar
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India; (M.L.); (J.S.); (S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rowley MC, Nico PS, Bone SE, Marcus MA, Pegoraro EF, Castanha C, Kang K, Bhattacharyya A, Torn MS, Peña J. Association between soil organic carbon and calcium in acidic grassland soils from Point Reyes National Seashore, CA. BIOGEOCHEMISTRY 2023; 165:91-111. [PMID: 37637456 PMCID: PMC10457245 DOI: 10.1007/s10533-023-01059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Organo-mineral and organo-metal associations play an important role in the retention and accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC). Recent studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between calcium (Ca) and SOC content in a range of soil types. However, most of these studies have focused on soils that contain calcium carbonate (pH > 6). To assess the importance of Ca-SOC associations in lower pH soils, we investigated their physical and chemical interaction in the grassland soils of Point Reyes National Seashore (CA, USA) at a range of spatial scales. Multivariate analyses of our bulk soil characterisation dataset showed a strong correlation between exchangeable Ca (CaExch; 5-8.3 c.molc kg-1) and SOC (0.6-4%) content. Additionally, linear combination fitting (LCF) of bulk Ca K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra revealed that Ca was predominantly associated with organic carbon across all samples. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (STXM C/Ca NEXAFS) showed that Ca had a strong spatial correlation with C at the microscale. The STXM C NEXAFS K-edge spectra indicated that SOC had a higher abundance of aromatic/olefinic and phenolic C functional groups when associated with Ca, relative to C associated with Fe. In regions of high Ca-C association, the STXM C NEXAFS spectra were similar to the spectrum from lignin, with moderate changes in peak intensities and positions that are consistent with oxidative C transformation. Through this association, Ca thus seems to be preferentially associated with plant-like organic matter that has undergone some oxidative transformation, at depth in acidic grassland soils of California. Our study highlights the importance of Ca-SOC complexation in acidic grassland soils and provides a conceptual model of its contribution to SOC preservation, a research area that has previously been unexplored. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10533-023-01059-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike C. Rowley
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
- University California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Peter S. Nico
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Sharon E. Bone
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Menlo Park, USA
| | | | - Elaine F. Pegoraro
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Cristina Castanha
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | | | | | - Margaret S. Torn
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Jasquelin Peña
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
- University California Davis, Davis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stephen J, Salam F, Lekshmi M, Kumar SH, Varela MF. The Major Facilitator Superfamily and Antimicrobial Resistance Efflux Pumps of the ESKAPEE Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020343. [PMID: 36830254 PMCID: PMC9952236 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ESKAPEE bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus has posed a serious public health concern for centuries. Throughout its evolutionary course, S. aureus has developed strains with resistance to antimicrobial agents. The bacterial pathogen has acquired multidrug resistance, causing, in many cases, untreatable infectious diseases and raising serious public safety and healthcare concerns. Amongst the various mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance, integral membrane proteins that serve as secondary active transporters from the major facilitator superfamily constitute a chief system of multidrug resistance. These MFS transporters actively export structurally different antimicrobial agents from the cells of S. aureus. This review article discusses the S. aureus-specific MFS multidrug efflux pump systems from a molecular mechanistic perspective, paying particular attention to structure-function relationships, modulation of antimicrobial resistance mediated by MFS drug efflux pumps, and direction for future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerusha Stephen
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Fathima Salam
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Manjusha Lekshmi
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Sanath H. Kumar
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Manuel F. Varela
- Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM 88130, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-575-562-2464
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Influencing factors on ureolytic microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation for biocementation. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:61. [PMID: 36576609 PMCID: PMC9797461 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03499-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a technique that has received a lot of attention in the field of geotechnology in the last decade. It has the potential to provide a sustainable and ecological alternative to conventional consolidation of minerals, for example by the use of cement. From a variety of microbiological metabolic pathways that can induce calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation, ureolysis has been established as the most commonly used method. To better understand the mechanisms of MICP and to develop new processes and optimize existing ones based on this understanding, ureolytic MICP is the subject of intensive research. The interplay of biological and civil engineering aspects shows how interdisciplinary research needs to be to advance the potential of this technology. This paper describes and critically discusses, based on current literature, the key influencing factors involved in the cementation of sand by ureolytic MICP. Due to the complexity of MICP, these factors often influence each other, making it essential for researchers from all disciplines to be aware of these factors and its interactions. Furthermore, this paper discusses the opportunities and challenges for future research in this area to provide impetus for studies that can further advance the understanding of MICP.
Collapse
|
7
|
Identification of Key Genes during Ca 2+-Induced Genetic Transformation in Escherichia coli by Combining Multi-Omics and Gene Knockout Techniques. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0058722. [PMID: 36255244 PMCID: PMC9642010 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00587-22] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of the Ca2+-mediated formation of competent cells in Escherichia coli remains unclear. In this study, transcriptome and proteomics techniques were used to screen genes in response to Ca2+ treatment. A total of 333 differentially expressed genes (317 upregulated and 16 downregulated) and 145 differentially expressed proteins (54 upregulated and 91 downregulated) were obtained. These genes and proteins are mainly enriched in cell membrane components, transmembrane transport, and stress response-related functional terms. Fifteen genes with these functions, including yiaW, ygiZ, and osmB, are speculated to play a key role in the cellular response to Ca2+. Three single-gene deletion strains were constructed with the Red homologous recombination method to verify its function in genetic transformation. The transformation efficiencies of yiaW, ygiZ, and osmB deletion strains for different-size plasmids were significantly increased. None of the three gene deletion strains changed in size, which is one of the main elements of microscopic morphology, but they exhibited different membrane permeabilities and transformation efficiencies. This study demonstrates that Ca2+-mediated competence formation in E. coli is not a simple physicochemical process and may involve the regulation of genes in response to Ca2+. This study lays the foundation for further in-depth analyses of the molecular mechanism of Ca2+-mediated transformation. IMPORTANCE Using transcriptome and proteome techniques and association analysis, we identified several key genes involved in the formation of Ca2+-mediated E. coli DH5α competent cells. We used Red homologous recombination technology to construct three single-gene deletion strains and found that the transformation efficiencies of yiaW, ygiZ, and osmB deletion strains for different-size plasmids were significantly increased. These results proved that the genetic transformation process is not only a physicochemical process but also a reaction process involving multiple genes. These results suggest ways to improve the horizontal gene transfer mechanism of foodborne microorganisms and provide new ideas for ensuring the safety of food preservation and processing.
Collapse
|
8
|
The ctpF Gene Encoding a Calcium P-Type ATPase of the Plasma Membrane Contributes to Full Virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116015. [PMID: 35682696 PMCID: PMC9180918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116015] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of alternative attenuation targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is pivotal for designing new candidates for live attenuated anti-tuberculosis (TB) vaccines. In this context, the CtpF P-type ATPase of Mtb is an interesting target; specifically, this plasma membrane enzyme is involved in calcium transporting and response to oxidative stress. We found that a mutant of MtbH37Rv lacking ctpF expression (MtbΔctpF) displayed impaired proliferation in mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S) during in vitro infection. Further, the levels of tumor necrosis factor and interferon-gamma in MH-S cells infected with MtbΔctpF were similar to those of cells infected with the parental strain, suggesting preservation of the immunogenic capacity. In addition, BALB/c mice infected with Mtb∆ctpF showed median survival times of 84 days, while mice infected with MtbH37Rv survived 59 days, suggesting reduced virulence of the mutant strain. Interestingly, the expression levels of ctpF in a mouse model of latent TB were significantly higher than in a mouse model of progressive TB, indicating that ctpF is involved in Mtb persistence in the dormancy state. Finally, the possibility of complementary mechanisms that counteract deficiencies in Ca2+ transport mediated by P-type ATPases is suggested. Altogether, our results demonstrate that CtpF could be a potential target for Mtb attenuation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dashtbani-Roozbehani A, Brown MH. Efflux Pump Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance by Staphylococci in Health-Related Environments: Challenges and the Quest for Inhibition. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121502. [PMID: 34943714 PMCID: PMC8698293 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance in staphylococcal bacteria is a major health threat worldwide due to significant morbidity and mortality resulting from their associated hospital- or community-acquired infections. Dramatic decrease in the discovery of new antibiotics from the pharmaceutical industry coupled with increased use of sanitisers and disinfectants due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can further aggravate the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Staphylococci utilise multiple mechanisms to circumvent the effects of antimicrobials. One of these resistance mechanisms is the export of antimicrobial agents through the activity of membrane-embedded multidrug efflux pump proteins. The use of efflux pump inhibitors in combination with currently approved antimicrobials is a promising strategy to potentiate their clinical efficacy against resistant strains of staphylococci, and simultaneously reduce the selection of resistant mutants. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge of staphylococcal efflux pumps, discusses their clinical impact, and summarises compounds found in the last decade from plant and synthetic origin that have the potential to be used as adjuvants to antibiotic therapy against multidrug resistant staphylococci. Critically, future high-resolution structures of staphylococcal efflux pumps could aid in design and development of safer, more target-specific and highly potent efflux pump inhibitors to progress into clinical use.
Collapse
|
10
|
Singh RB, Das S, Chodosh J, Sharma N, Zegans ME, Kowalski RP, Jhanji V. Paradox of complex diversity: Challenges in the diagnosis and management of bacterial keratitis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101028. [PMID: 34813978 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial keratitis continues to be one of the leading causes of corneal blindness in the developed as well as the developing world, despite swift progress since the dawn of the "anti-biotic era". Although, we are expeditiously developing our understanding about the different causative organisms and associated pathology leading to keratitis, extensive gaps in knowledge continue to dampen the efforts for early and accurate diagnosis, and management in these patients, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. The ability of the causative bacteria to subdue the therapeutic challenge stems from their large genome encoding complex regulatory networks, variety of unique virulence factors, and rapid secretion of tissue damaging proteases and toxins. In this review article, we have provided an overview of the established classical diagnostic techniques and therapeutics for keratitis caused by various bacteria. We have extensively reported our recent in-roads through novel tools for accurate diagnosis of mono- and poly-bacterial corneal infections. Furthermore, we outlined the recent progress by our group and others in understanding the sub-cellular genomic changes that lead to antibiotic resistance in these organisms. Finally, we discussed in detail, the novel therapies and drug delivery systems in development for the efficacious management of bacterial keratitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Bir Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333, ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sujata Das
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneshwar, India
| | - James Chodosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Namrata Sharma
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Michael E Zegans
- Department of Ophthalmology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Regis P Kowalski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Charles T Campbell Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Charles T Campbell Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Machine Learning Establishes Single-Cell Calcium Dynamics as an Early Indicator of Antibiotic Response. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051000. [PMID: 34063175 PMCID: PMC8148219 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in bacterial physiology necessarily precede cell death in response to antibiotics. Herein we investigate the early disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis as a marker for antibiotic response. Using a machine learning framework, we quantify the temporal information encoded in single-cell Ca2+ dynamics. We find Ca2+ dynamics distinguish kanamycin sensitive and resistant cells before changes in gross cell phenotypes such as cell growth or protein stability. The onset time (pharmacokinetics) and probability (pharmacodynamics) of these aberrant Ca2+ dynamics are dose and time-dependent, even at the resolution of single-cells. Of the compounds profiled, we find Ca2+ dynamics are also an indicator of Polymyxin B activity. In Polymyxin B treated cells, we find aberrant Ca2+ dynamics precedes the entry of propidium iodide marking membrane permeabilization. Additionally, we find modifying membrane voltage and external Ca2+ concentration alters the time between these aberrant dynamics and membrane breakdown suggesting a previously unappreciated role of Ca2+ in the membrane destabilization during Polymyxin B treatment. In conclusion, leveraging live, single-cell, Ca2+ imaging coupled with machine learning, we have demonstrated the discriminative capacity of Ca2+ dynamics in identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Collapse
|
12
|
Panta PR, Doerrler WT. A Burkholderia thailandensis DedA Family Membrane Protein Is Required for Proton Motive Force Dependent Lipid A Modification. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:618389. [PMID: 33510730 PMCID: PMC7835334 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.618389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The DedA family is a conserved membrane protein family found in most organisms. A Burkholderia thailandensis DedA family protein, named DbcA, is required for high-level colistin (polymyxin E) resistance, but the mechanism awaits elucidation. Modification of lipopolysaccharide lipid A with the cationic sugar aminoarabinose (Ara4N) is required for colistin resistance and is dependent upon protonmotive force (PMF) dependent transporters. B. thailandensis ΔdbcA lipid A contains only small amounts of Ara4N, likely leading to colistin sensitivity. Two B. thailandensis operons are required for lipid A modification with Ara4N, one needed for biosynthesis of undecaprenyl-P-Ara4N and one for transport of the lipid linked sugar and subsequent lipid A modification. Here, we directed overexpression of each arn operon by genomic insertion of inducible promoters. We found that overexpression of arn operons in ΔdbcA can partially, but not completely, restore Ara4N modification of lipid A and colistin resistance. Artificially increasing the PMF by lowering the pH of the growth media also increased membrane potential, amounts of Ara4N, and colistin resistance of ΔdbcA. In addition, the products of arn operons are essential for acid tolerance, suggesting a physiological function of Ara4N modification. Finally, we show that ΔdbcA is sensitive to bacitracin and expression of a B. thailandensis UppP/BacA homolog (BTH_I1512) can partially restore resistance to bacitracin. Expression of a different UppP/BacA homolog (BTH_I2750) can partially restore colistin resistance, without changing the lipid A profile. This work suggests that maintaining optimal membrane potential at slightly alkaline pH media by DbcA is responsible for proper modification of lipid A by Ara4N and provides evidence of lipid A modification-dependent and -independent mechanisms of colistin resistance in B. thailandensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pradip R Panta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - William T Doerrler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|