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Stamm CE, McFarland AP, Locke MN, Tabakh H, Tang Q, Thomason MK, Woodward JJ. RECON gene disruption enhances host resistance to enable genome-wide evaluation of intracellular pathogen fitness during infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0133224. [PMID: 38940553 PMCID: PMC11323731 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01332-24] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) is a powerful genome-wide technique to assess bacterial fitness under varying growth conditions. However, screening via Tn-seq in vivo is challenging. Dose limitations and host restrictions create bottlenecks that diminish the transposon mutant pool being screened. Here, we have developed a murine model with a disruption in Akr1c13 that renders the resulting RECON-/- mouse resistant to high-dose infection. We leveraged this model to perform a Tn-seq screen of the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in vivo. We identified 135 genes which were required for L. monocytogenes growth in mice including novel genes not previously identified for host survival. We identified organ-specific requirements for L. monocytogenes survival and investigated the role of the folate enzyme FolD in L. monocytogenes liver pathogenesis. A mutant lacking folD was impaired for growth in murine livers by 2.5-log10 compared to wild type and failed to spread cell-to-cell in fibroblasts. In contrast, a mutant in alsR, which encodes a transcription factor that represses an operon involved in D-allose catabolism, was attenuated in both livers and spleens of mice by 4-log10 and 3-log10, respectively, but showed modest phenotypes in in vitro models. We confirmed that dysregulation of the D-allose catabolism operon is responsible for the in vivo growth defect, as deletion of the operon in the ∆alsR background rescued virulence. By undertaking an unbiased, genome-wide screen in mice, we have identified novel fitness determinants for L. monocytogenes host infection, which highlights the utility of the RECON-/- mouse model for future screening efforts. IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes is the gram-positive bacterium responsible for the food-borne disease listeriosis. Although infections with L. monocytogenes are limiting in healthy hosts, vulnerable populations, including pregnant and elderly people, can experience high rates of mortality. Thus, understanding the breadth of genetic requirements for L. monocytogenes in vivo survival will present new opportunities for treatment and prevention of listeriosis. We developed a murine model of infection using a RECON-/- mouse that is restrictive to systemic L. monocytogenes infection. We utilized this model to screen for L. monocytogenes genes required in vivo via transposon sequencing. We identified the liver-specific gene folD and a repressor, alsR, that only exhibits an in vivo growth defect. AlsR controls the expression of the D-allose operon which is a marker in diagnostic techniques to identify pathogenic Listeria. A better understanding of the role of the D-allose operon in human disease may further inform diagnostic and prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E. Stamm
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adelle P. McFarland
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Melissa N. Locke
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hannah Tabakh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Qing Tang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Maureen K. Thomason
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joshua J. Woodward
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Meireles D, Pombinho R, Cabanes D. Signals behind Listeria monocytogenes virulence mechanisms. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2369564. [PMID: 38979800 PMCID: PMC11236296 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2369564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tight and coordinated regulation of virulence gene expression is crucial to ensure the survival and persistence of bacterial pathogens in different contexts within their hosts. Considering this, bacteria do not express virulence factors homogenously in time and space, either due to their associated fitness cost or to their detrimental effect at specific infection stages. To efficiently infect and persist into their hosts, bacteria have thus to monitor environmental cues or chemical cell-to-cell signaling mechanisms that allow their transition from the external environment to the host, and therefore adjust gene expression levels, intrinsic biological activities, and appropriate behaviors. Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), a major Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen, stands out for its adaptability and capacity to thrive in a wide range of environments. Because of that, Lm presents itself as a significant concern in food safety and public health, that can lead to potentially life-threatening infections in humans. A deeper understanding of the intricate bacterial virulence mechanisms and the signals that control them provide valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between Lm and the host. Therefore, this review addresses the role of some crucial signals behind Lm pathogenic virulence mechanisms and explores how the ability to assimilate and interpret these signals is fundamental for pathogenesis, identifying potential targets for innovative antimicrobial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Meireles
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar – ICBAS, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pombinho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
| | - Didier Cabanes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- Group of Molecular Microbiology, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
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D'Onofrio F, Schirone M, Krasteva I, Tittarelli M, Iannetti L, Pomilio F, Torresi M, Paparella A, D'Alterio N, Luciani M. A comprehensive investigation of protein expression profiles in L. monocytogenes exposed to thermal abuse, mild acid, and salt stress conditions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1271787. [PMID: 37876777 PMCID: PMC10591339 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1271787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Preventing L. monocytogenes infection is crucial for food safety, considering its widespread presence in the environment and its association with contaminated RTE foods. The pathogen's ability to persist under adverse conditions, for example, in food processing facilities, is linked to virulence and resistance mechanisms, including biofilm formation. In this study, the protein expression patterns of two L. monocytogenes 1/2a strains, grown under environmental stressors (mild acidic pH, thermal abuse, and high concentration of NaCl), were investigated. Protein identification and prediction were performed by nLC-ESI-MS/MS and nine different bioinformatic software programs, respectively. Gene enrichment analysis was carried out by STRING v11.05. A total of 1,215 proteins were identified, of which 335 were non-cytosolic proteins and 265 were immunogenic proteins. Proteomic analysis revealed differences in protein expression between L. monocytogenes strains in stressful conditions. The two strains exhibited unique protein expression profiles linked to stress response, virulence, and pathogenesis. Studying the proteomic profiles of such microorganisms provides information about adaptation and potential treatments, highlighting their genetic diversity and demonstrating the utility of bioinformatics and proteomics for a broader analysis of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica D'Onofrio
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Schirone
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ivanka Krasteva
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Manuela Tittarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Luigi Iannetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Pomilio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Torresi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonello Paparella
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mirella Luciani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
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González-Tortuero E, Anthon C, Havgaard JH, Geissler AS, Breüner A, Hjort C, Gorodkin J, Seemann SE. The Bacillaceae-1 RNA motif comprises two distinct classes. Gene 2022; 841:146756. [PMID: 35905857 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are key regulatory players in bacteria. Many computationally predicted non-coding RNAs, however, lack functional associations. An example is the Bacillaceae-1 RNA motif, whose Rfam model consists of two hairpin loops. We find the motif conserved in nine of 13 non-pathogenic strains of the genus Bacillus but only in one pathogenic strain. To elucidate functional characteristics, we studied 118 hits of the Rfam model in 11 Bacillus spp. and found two distinct classes based on the ensemble diversity of their RNA secondary structure and the genomic context concerning the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) cluster. Forty hits are associated with the rRNA cluster, of which all 19 hits upstream flanking of 16S rRNA have a reverse complementary structure of low structural diversity. Fifty-two hits have large ensemble diversity, of which 38 are located between two coding genes. For eight hits in Bacillus subtilis, we investigated public expression data under various conditions and observed either the forward or the reverse complementary motif expressed. Five hits are associated with the rRNA cluster. Four of them are located upstream of the 16S rRNA and are not transcriptionally active, but instead, their reverse complements with low structural diversity are expressed together with the rRNA cluster. The three other hits are located between two coding genes in non-conserved genomic loci. Two of them are independently expressed from their surrounding genes and are structurally diverse. In summary, we found that Bacillaceae-1 RNA motifs upstream flanking of ribosomal RNA clusters tend to have one stable structure with the reverse complementary motif expressed in B. subtilis. In contrast, a subgroup of intergenic motifs has the thermodynamic potential for structural switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique González-Tortuero
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health (RTH), Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Christian Anthon
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health (RTH), Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jakob H Havgaard
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health (RTH), Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Adrian S Geissler
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health (RTH), Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Jan Gorodkin
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health (RTH), Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Stefan E Seemann
- Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health (RTH), Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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Ceviche-Natural Preservative: Possibility of Microbiota Survival and Effect on L. monocytogenes. Foods 2022; 11:foods11060860. [PMID: 35327282 PMCID: PMC8950590 DOI: 10.3390/foods11060860] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceviche is a marinated raw fish dish ready for consumption; it is a part of the cuisine of various countries on the Pacific coast and its preparation may differ among them. Although the process uses the traditional method of food preservation by lowering the pH, the exposure time is very limited, so the aim of the study was to determine the viability of bacteria often isolated from fish after the process of preparing traditional ceviche. For this purpose, the traditional plate method and flow cytometry were used, and for pathogenic L. monocytogenes strains, the influence of stress during the preparation of the dish on the pathogenic potential was determined. The study showed that the highest percentage of viable cells was observed in the case of L. monocytogenes and remained at the level of 98.54%, slightly less for L. innocua, 96.93%. For the remaining species the reduction did not exceed 10%, for E. faecalis it was 92.76%, for S. liqefaciens 91.44%, H. alvei 93.68%. In addition, the study of the antibacterial properties of individual ingredients showed that habanero and coriander did not show any bactericidal effect, while for onions the amount of live cells was 99.11%, and for lime juice 97.26%, Additionally, the study of changes in virulence, antibiotic resistance and gene expression showed that the stress during the preparation of ceviche has different effects depending on the strain and may cause virulence potential increase, levofloxacin and daptomycin minimum inhibiotory concentration increase and some crucial virulence gene expression induction; therefore, it is important to take care of the quality of the products used to prepare the ceviche and accurate pretreatment.
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Lian S, Liu J, Wu Y, Xia P, Zhu G. Bacterial and Viral Co-Infection in the Intestine: Competition Scenario and Their Effect on Host Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042311. [PMID: 35216425 PMCID: PMC8877981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria and viruses are both important pathogens causing intestinal infections, and studies on their pathogenic mechanisms tend to focus on one pathogen alone. However, bacterial and viral co-infections occur frequently in clinical settings, and infection by one pathogen can affect the severity of infection by another pathogen, either directly or indirectly. The presence of synergistic or antagonistic effects of two pathogens in co-infection can affect disease progression to varying degrees. The triad of bacterial–viral–gut interactions involves multiple aspects of inflammatory and immune signaling, neuroimmunity, nutritional immunity, and the gut microbiome. In this review, we discussed the different scenarios triggered by different orders of bacterial and viral infections in the gut and summarized the possible mechanisms of synergy or antagonism involved in their co-infection. We also explored the regulatory mechanisms of bacterial–viral co-infection at the host intestinal immune interface from multiple perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Lian
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Institute of Comparative Medicine), Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (S.L.); (J.L.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Institute of Comparative Medicine), Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (S.L.); (J.L.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yunping Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Institute of Comparative Medicine), Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (S.L.); (J.L.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Pengpeng Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Institute of Comparative Medicine), Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (S.L.); (J.L.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Institute of Comparative Medicine), Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (S.L.); (J.L.); (Y.W.); (G.Z.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonotic Diseases of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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