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Moule MG, Benjamin AB, Buger ML, Herlan C, Lebedev M, Lin JS, Koster KJ, Wavare N, Adams LG, Bräse S, Munoz-Medina R, Cannon CL, Barron AE, Cirillo JD. Peptide-mimetic treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mouse model of respiratory infection. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1033. [PMID: 39174819 PMCID: PMC11341572 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06725-1] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The rise of drug resistance has become a global crisis, with >1 million deaths due to resistant bacterial infections each year. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in particular, remains a serious problem with limited solutions due to complex resistance mechanisms that now lead to more than 32,000 multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections and over 2000 deaths in the U.S. annually. While the emergence of resistant bacteria has become ominously common, identification of useful new drug classes has been limited over the past over 40 years. We found that a potential novel therapeutic, the peptide-mimetic TM5, is effective at killing P. aeruginosa and displays sufficiently low toxicity in mammalian cells to allow for use in treatment of infections. Interestingly, TM5 kills P. aeruginosa more rapidly than traditional antibiotics, within 30-60 min in vitro, and is effective against a range of clinical isolates, including extensively drug resistant strains. In vivo, TM5 significantly reduced bacterial load in the lungs within 24 h compared to untreated mice and demonstrated few adverse effects. Taken together, these observations suggest that TM5 shows promise as an alternative therapy for MDR P. aeruginosa respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine G Moule
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Aaron B Benjamin
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Melanie L Buger
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Claudine Herlan
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maxim Lebedev
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kent J Koster
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Neha Wavare
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Leslie G Adams
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ricardo Munoz-Medina
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Carolyn L Cannon
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jeffrey D Cirillo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA.
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2
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Cervoni M, Sposato D, Ferri G, Bähre H, Leoni L, Rampioni G, Visca P, Recchiuti A, Imperi F. The diadenosine tetraphosphate hydrolase ApaH contributes to Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012486. [PMID: 39159286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a wide range of infections that are difficult to treat, largely because of the spread of antibiotic-resistant isolates. Antivirulence therapy, í.e. the use of drugs that inhibit the expression or activity of virulence factors, is currently considered an attractive strategy to reduce P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and complement antibiotic treatments. Because of the multifactorial nature of P. aeruginosa virulence and the broad arsenal of virulence factors this bacterium can produce, the regulatory networks that control the expression of multiple virulence traits have been extensively explored as potential targets for antivirulence drug development. The intracellular signaling molecule diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) has been reported to control stress resistance and virulence-related traits in some bacteria, but its role has not been investigated in P. aeruginosa so far. To fill this gap, we generated a mutant of the reference strain P. aeruginosa PAO1 that lacks the Ap4A-hydrolysing enzyme ApaH and, consequently, accumulates high intracellular levels of Ap4A. Phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the lack of ApaH causes a drastic reduction in the expression of several virulence factors, including extracellular proteases, elastases, siderophores, and quorum sensing signal molecules. Accordingly, infection assays in plant and animal models demonstrated that ApaH-deficient cells are significantly impaired in infectivity and persistence in different hosts, including mice. Finally, deletion of apaH in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates demonstrated that the positive effect of ApaH on the production of virulence-related traits and on infectivity is conserved in P. aeruginosa. This study provides the first evidence that the Ap4A-hydrolysing enzyme ApaH is important for P. aeruginosa virulence, highlighting this protein as a novel potential target for antivirulence therapies against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Ferri
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Heike Bähre
- Research Core Unit Metabolomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Rampioni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Recchiuti
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Liao F, Ye Z, Cheng J, Zhu J, Chen X, Zhou X, Wang T, Jiang Y, Ma C, Zhou M, Chen T, Shaw C, Wang L. Discovery and engineering of a novel peptide, Temporin-WY2, with enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacy against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18769. [PMID: 39138237 PMCID: PMC11322164 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67777-1] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections by drug-resistant microorganisms are a threat to global health and antimicrobial peptides are considered to be a new hope for their treatment. Temporin-WY2 was identified from the cutaneous secretion of the Ranidae frog, Amolops wuyiensis. It presented with a potent anti-Gram-positive bacterial efficacy, but its activity against Gram-negative bacteria and cancer cell lines was unremarkable. Also, it produced a relatively high lytic effect on horse erythrocytes. For further improvement of its functions, a perfect amphipathic analogue, QUB-1426, and two lysine-clustered analogues, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, were synthesised and investigated. The modified peptides were found to be between 8- and 64-fold more potent against Gram-negative bacteria than the original peptide. Additionally, the 6K analogues showed a rapid killing rate. Also, their antiproliferation activities were more than 100-fold more potent than the parent peptide. All of the peptides that were examined demonstrated considerable biofilm inhibition activity. Moreover, QUB-1426, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, demonstrated in vivo antimicrobial activity against MRSA and E. coli in an insect larvae model. Despite observing a slight increase in the hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity of the modified peptides, they still demonstrated a improved therapeutic index. Overall, QUB-1426, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, with dual antimicrobial and anticancer functions, are proposed as putative drug candidates for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengting Liao
- School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, 526061, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, ShaoGuan University, Shaoguan, China
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Zhuming Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, ShaoGuan University, Shaoguan, China
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jinsheng Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, ShaoGuan University, Shaoguan, China
| | - Jianhua Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, ShaoGuan University, Shaoguan, China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Xiaowei Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, ShaoGuan University, Shaoguan, China.
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Tao Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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4
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Truong-Bolduc QC, Wang Y, Lawton BG, Brown Harding H, Yonker LM, Vyas JM, Hooper DC. Phenazine-1 carboxylic acid of Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces the expression of Staphylococcus aureus Tet38 MDR efflux pump and mediates resistance to phenazines and antibiotics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0063624. [PMID: 39028191 PMCID: PMC11304736 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00636-24] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we showed that phenazine-1 carboxylic acid (PCA) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced the expression of Tet38 efflux pump triggering Staphylococcus aureus resistance to tetracycline and phenazines. Exposure of S. aureus RN6390 to supernatants of P. aeruginosa PA14 and its pyocyanin (PYO)-deficient mutants showed that P. aeruginosa non-PYO phenazines could induce the expression of Tet38 efflux pump. Direct exposure of RN6390 to PCA compound at 0.25× MIC led to a five-fold increase in tet38 transcripts. Expression of Tet38 protein was identified through confocal microscopy using RN6390(pRN-tet38p-yfp) that expressed YFP under control of the tet38 promoter by PCA at 0.25× MIC. The MICs of PCA of a Tet38-overexpressor and a Δtet38 mutant showed a three-fold increase and a two-fold decrease, respectively, compared with that of wild-type. Pre-exposure of RN6390 to PCA (0.25× MIC) for 1 hour prior to addition of tetracycline (1× or 10× MIC) improved bacteria viability of 1.5-fold and 2.6-fold, respectively, but addition of NaCl 7% together with tetracycline at 10× MIC reduced the number of viable PCA-exposed RN6390 of a 2.0-log10 CFU/mL. The transcript levels of tetR21, a repressor of tet38, decreased and increased two-fold in the presence of PCA and NaCl, respectively, suggesting that the effects of PCA and NaCl on tet38 production occurred through TetR21 expression. These data suggest that PCA-induced Tet38 protects S. aureus against tetracycline during coinfection with P. aeruginosa; however, induced tet38-mediated S. aureus resistance to tetracycline is reversed by NaCl 7%, a nebulized treatment used to enhance sputum mobilization in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q. C. Truong-Bolduc
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Y. Wang
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - B. G. Lawton
- Department of Pediatrics, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - H. Brown Harding
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - L. M. Yonker
- Department of Pediatrics, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J. M. Vyas
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - D. C. Hooper
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Gheorghe-Barbu I, Surleac M, Barbu IC, Paraschiv S, Bănică LM, Rotaru LI, Vrâncianu CO, Niță Lazăr M, Oțelea D, Chifiriuc MC. Decoding the resistome, virulome and mobilome of clinical versus aquatic Acinetobacter baumannii in southern Romania. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33372. [PMID: 39035534 PMCID: PMC11259834 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33372] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii, a notorious opportunistic pathogen, presents a formidable challenge in both clinical and environmental fields due to its resilience and ability to acquire resistance. This study undertook a comprehensive analysis of 183 A. baumannii isolates collected between 2019 and 2022 from intra-hospital infections (IHI), hospital sewages (Hs), wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and adjacent river waters from two Southern cities, focusing on their resistome, virulome, and mobilome through isolation on chromogenic media, identification by MALDI-TOF-MS and antibiotic susceptibility testing by disk diffusion) followed by genotypic characterization [Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), 3rd generation sequencing through the MinION (ONT) platform, pangenome description, and respectively horizontal gene transfer through conjugation assays]. Our findings reveal significant genomic plasticity and the prevalence of high-risk international clones, underlining the potential of these isolates to act as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that could be dynamically exchanged between clinical and environmental settings through mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as the pMAL1 plasmids and the critical role of WWTPs in the persistence and spread of A. baumannii. Moreover, our study presents the first report of the co-occurrence of bla OXA-23 and bla OXA-72 in A. baumannii ST2 clone. Thus, our research underscores the necessity for integrated surveillance and targeted interventions across healthcare and environmental sectors to mitigate the risk posed by this adaptable pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gheorghe-Barbu
- Department of Microbiology and Botany, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Surleac
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, “Matei Balș’‘, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilda Czobor Barbu
- Department of Microbiology and Botany, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Paraschiv
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, “Matei Balș’‘, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Liviu-Iulian Rotaru
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrâncianu
- Department of Microbiology and Botany, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 296 Splaiul Independentei, District 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Niță Lazăr
- National Institute for Research and Development for Industrial Ecology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Oțelea
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, “Matei Balș’‘, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Department of Microbiology and Botany, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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6
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Niazy AA, Lambarte RNA, Sumague TS, Vigilla MGB, Bin Shwish NM, Kamalan R, Daeab EK, Aljehani NM. FTY720 Reduces the Biomass of Biofilms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Dose-Dependent Manner. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:621. [PMID: 39061303 PMCID: PMC11273553 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070621] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a nosocomial pathogen, has strong biofilm capabilities, representing the main source of infection in the human body. Repurposing existing drugs has been explored as an alternative strategy to combat emerging antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720), an immunomodulatory drug for multiple sclerosis, has shown promising antimicrobial effects against some ESKAPE pathogens. Therefore, the effects of FTY720 on the biofilm capabilities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated in this study. It was determined that FTY720 inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa PAO1 at 100 µM. The significant reduction in PAO1 cell viability was observed to be dose-dependent. Additional cytotoxicity analysis on human cell lines showed that FTY720 significantly reduced viabilities at sub-inhibitory concentrations of 25-50 µM. Microtiter assays and confocal analysis confirmed reductions in biofilm mass and thickness and the cell survivability ratio in the presence of FTY720. Similarly, virulence production and biofilm-related gene expression (rhlA, rhlB, pilA, pilI, fliC, fliD and algR) were determined. The results demonstrate that pigment production was affected and quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed a variable degree of reduced gene expression in response to FTY720 at 12.5-50 µM. These findings suggest that FTY720 could be repurposed as an alternative antibiofilm agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdurahman A. Niazy
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Prince Naif bin AbdulAziz Health Research Center, College of Dentistry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.A.L.); (T.S.S.); (N.M.B.S.)
| | - Rhodanne Nicole A. Lambarte
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Prince Naif bin AbdulAziz Health Research Center, College of Dentistry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.A.L.); (T.S.S.); (N.M.B.S.)
| | - Terrence S. Sumague
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Prince Naif bin AbdulAziz Health Research Center, College of Dentistry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.A.L.); (T.S.S.); (N.M.B.S.)
| | - Mary Grace B. Vigilla
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Prince Naif bin AbdulAziz Health Research Center, College of Dentistry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.A.L.); (T.S.S.); (N.M.B.S.)
| | - Najla M. Bin Shwish
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Prince Naif bin AbdulAziz Health Research Center, College of Dentistry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.A.L.); (T.S.S.); (N.M.B.S.)
| | - Ranan Kamalan
- Research Center, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eid Khulaif Daeab
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nami M. Aljehani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
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Lopes JA, Garnier NE, Pei Y, Yates JGE, Campbell ESB, Goens MM, Hughes ME, Rghei AD, Stevens BAY, Guilleman MM, Thompson B, Khursigara CM, Susta L, Wootton SK. AAV-vectored expression of monospecific or bispecific monoclonal antibodies protects mice from lethal Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Gene Ther 2024; 31:400-412. [PMID: 38678160 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals and those with cystic fibrosis. Treatment relies on antibiotics, but persistent infections occur due to intrinsic and acquired resistance of P. aeruginosa towards multiple classes of antibiotics. To date, there are no licensed vaccines for this pathogen, prompting the urgent need for novel treatment approaches to combat P. aeruginosa infection and persistence. Here we validated AAV vectored immunoprophylaxis as a strategy to generate long-term plasma and mucosal expression of highly protective monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the exopolysaccharide Psl (Cam-003) and the PcrV (V2L2MD) component of the type-III secretion system injectosome either as single mAbs or together as a bispecific mAb (MEDI3902) in a mouse model. When administered intramuscularly, AAV-αPcrV, AAV-αPsl, and AAV-MEDI3902 significantly protected mice challenged intranasally with a lethal dose of P. aeruginosa strains PAO1 and PA14 and reduced bacterial burden and dissemination to other organs. While all AAV-mAbs provided protection, AAV-αPcrV and AAV-MEDI3902 provided 100% and 87.5% protection from a lethal challenge with 4.47 × 107 CFU PAO1 and 87.5% and 75% protection from a lethal challenge with 3 × 107 CFU PA14, respectively. Serum concentrations of MEDI3902 were ~10× lower than that of αPcrV, but mice treated with this vector showed a greater reduction in bacterial dissemination to the liver, lung, spleen, and blood compared to other AAV-mAbs. These results support further investigation into the use of AAV vectored immunoprophylaxis to prevent and treat P. aeruginosa infections and other bacterial pathogens of public health concern for which current treatment strategies are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn A Lopes
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nicole E Garnier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Yanlong Pei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jacob G E Yates
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elena S B Campbell
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Melanie M Goens
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Madison E Hughes
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Amira D Rghei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Brenna A Y Stevens
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Matthew M Guilleman
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Brad Thompson
- Avamab Pharma Inc., 120, 4838 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6L1, Canada
| | - Cezar M Khursigara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Leonardo Susta
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Sarah K Wootton
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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8
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Hajdú G, Szathmári C, Sőti C. Modeling Host-Pathogen Interactions in C. elegans: Lessons Learned from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7034. [PMID: 39000143 PMCID: PMC11241598 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137034] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections, such as that by the multiresistant opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, may pose a serious health risk, especially on vulnerable patient populations. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides a simple organismal model to investigate both pathogenic mechanisms and the emerging role of innate immunity in host protection. Here, we review the virulence and infection strategies of P. aeruginosa and host defenses of C. elegans. We summarize the recognition mechanisms of patterns of pathogenesis, including novel pathogen-associated molecular patterns and surveillance immunity of translation, mitochondria, and lysosome-related organelles. We also review the regulation of antimicrobial and behavioral defenses by the worm's neuroendocrine system. We focus on how discoveries in this rich field align with well-characterized evolutionary conserved protective pathways, as well as on potential crossovers to human pathogenesis and innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Hajdú
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csenge Szathmári
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Sőti
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
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9
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Guo X, Yu H, Xiong J, Dai Q, Li Y, Zhang W, Liao X, He X, Zhou H, Zhang K. Pseudomonas aeruginosa two-component system LadS/PA0034 regulates macrophage phagocytosis via fimbrial protein cupA1. mBio 2024; 15:e0061624. [PMID: 38771052 PMCID: PMC11237798 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00616-24] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common nosocomial pathogens worldwide, known for its virulence, drug resistance, and elaborate sensor-response network. The primary challenge encountered by pathogens during the initial stages of infection is the immune clearance arising from the host. The resident macrophages of barrier organs serve as the frontline defense against these pathogens. Central to our understanding is the mechanism by which bacteria modify their behavior to circumvent macrophage-mediated clearance, ensuring their persistence and colonization. To successfully evade macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, bacteria must possess an adaptive response mechanism. Two-component systems provide bacteria the agility to navigate diverse environmental challenges, translating external stimuli into cellular adaptive responses. Here, we report that the well-documented histidine kinase, LadS, coupled to a cognate two-component response regulator, PA0034, governs the expression of a vital adhesin called chaperone-usher pathway pilus cupA. The LadS/PA0034 system is susceptible to interference from the reactive oxygen species likely to be produced by macrophages and further lead to a poor adhesive phenotype with scantily cupA pilus, impairing the phagocytosis efficiency of macrophages during acute infection. This dynamic underscores the intriguing interplay: as macrophages deploy reactive oxygen species to combat bacterial invasion, the bacteria recalibrate their exterior to elude these defenses. IMPORTANCE The notoriety of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is underscored by its virulence, drug resistance, and elaborate sensor-response network. Yet, the mechanisms by which P. aeruginosa maneuvers to escape phagocytosis during acute infections remain elusive. This study pinpoints a two-component response regulator, PA0034, coupled with the histidine kinase LadS, and responds to macrophage-derived reactive oxygen species. The macrophage-derived reactive oxygen species can impair the LadS/PA0034 system, resulting in reduced expression of cupA pilus in the exterior of P. aeruginosa. Since the cupA pilus is an important adhesin of P. aeruginosa, its deficiency reduces bacterial adhesion and changes their behavior to adopt a planktonic lifestyle, subsequently inhibiting the phagocytosis of macrophages by interfering with bacterial adhesion. Briefly, reactive oxygen species may act as environmental cues for the LadS/PA0034 system. Upon recognition, P. aeruginosa may transition to a poorly adhesive state, efficiently avoiding engulfment by macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Guo
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junzhi Xiong
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiping Liao
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomei He
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongli Zhou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kebin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Lei M, Tan Y, Ke J, Wang M, He Z, Ou G, Tu H, Tan W. Loss of cilia in chemosensory neurons inhibits pathogen avoidance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Microbes Infect 2024:105370. [PMID: 38843949 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105370] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Pathogen avoidance is a crucial and evolutionarily conserved behavior that enhances survival by preventing infection in diverse species, including Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). This behavior relies on multiple chemosensory neurons equipped with cilia that are exposed to the external environment. However, the specific role of neuronal cilia in pathogen avoidance has not been completely elucidated. Herein, we discovered that osm-3(p802) mutants, which lack chemosensory neuronal cilia, exhibit slower avoidance of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14, but not Escherichia coli OP50. This observation was consistent when osm-3(p802) mutants were exposed to P. aeruginosa PAO1. Following an encounter with PA14, the pumping, thrashing, and defecation behaviors of osm-3 mutants were comparable to those of the wild-type. However, the osm-3 mutants demonstrated reduced intestinal colonization of PA14, suggesting that they have stronger intestinal clearance ability. We conducted RNA-seq to identify genes responding to external stimuli that were differentially expressed owing to the loss of osm-3 and PA14 infection. Using RNAi, we demonstrated that three of these genes were essential for normal pathogen avoidance. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the loss of chemosensory neuronal cilia reduces pathogen avoidance in C. elegans while delaying intestinal colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lei
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanheng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingyi Ke
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyang He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guangshuo Ou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haijun Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Weihong Tan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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11
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Elsen S, Simon V, Attrée I. Cross-regulation and cross-talk of conserved and accessory two-component regulatory systems orchestrate Pseudomonas copper resistance. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011325. [PMID: 38861577 PMCID: PMC11195947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria use diverse strategies and molecular machinery to maintain copper homeostasis and to cope with its toxic effects. Some genetic elements providing copper resistance are acquired by horizontal gene transfer; however, little is known about how they are controlled and integrated into the central regulatory network. Here, we studied two copper-responsive systems in a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas paraeruginosa and deciphered the regulatory and cross-regulation mechanisms. To do so, we combined mutagenesis, transcriptional fusion analyses and copper sensitivity phenotypes. Our results showed that the accessory CusRS two-component system (TCS) responds to copper and activates both its own expression and that of the adjacent nine-gene operon (the pcoA2 operon) to provide resistance to elevated levels of extracellular copper. The same locus was also found to be regulated by two core-genome-encoded TCSs-the copper-responsive CopRS and the zinc-responsive CzcRS. Although the target palindromic sequence-ATTCATnnATGTAAT-is the same for the three response regulators, transcriptional outcomes differ. Thus, depending on the operon/regulator pair, binding can result in different activation levels (from none to high), with the systems demonstrating considerable plasticity. Unexpectedly, although the classical CusRS and the noncanonical CopRS TCSs rely on distinct signaling mechanisms (kinase-based vs. phosphatase-based), we discovered cross-talk in the absence of the cognate sensory kinases. This cross-talk occurred between the proteins of these two otherwise independent systems. The cusRS-pcoA2 locus is part of an Integrative and Conjugative Element and was found in other Pseudomonas strains where its expression could provide copper resistance under appropriate conditions. The results presented here illustrate how acquired genetic elements can become part of endogenous regulatory networks, providing a physiological advantage. They also highlight the potential for broader effects of accessory regulatory proteins through interference with core regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Elsen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Structural Biology, UMR5075, Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, Grenoble, France
| | - Victor Simon
- University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Structural Biology, UMR5075, Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, Grenoble, France
| | - Ina Attrée
- University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Structural Biology, UMR5075, Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, Grenoble, France
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12
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Grassi L, Asfahl KL, Van den Bossche S, Maenhout I, Sass A, Vande Weygaerde Y, Van Braeckel E, Verhasselt B, Boelens J, Tunney MM, Dandekar AA, Coenye T, Crabbé A. Antibiofilm activity of Prevotella species from the cystic fibrosis lung microbiota against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm 2024; 7:100206. [PMID: 38975276 PMCID: PMC11225020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100206] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that interspecies interactions may modulate the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic lung infections. Nevertheless, while the interaction between P. aeruginosa and pathogenic microorganisms co-infecting the lungs has been widely investigated, little is known about the influence of other members of the lung microbiota on the infection process. In this study, we focused on investigating the impact of Prevotella species isolated from the sputum of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) on biofilm formation and virulence factor production by P. aeruginosa. Screening of a representative collection of Prevotella species recovered from clinical samples showed that several members of this genus (8 out 10 isolates) were able to significantly reduce biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa PAO1, without impact on growth. Among the tested isolates, the strongest biofilm-inhibitory activity was observed for Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens, which caused a reduction of up to 90% in the total biofilm biomass of several P. aeruginosa isolates from pwCF. In addition, a strain-specific effect of P. nigrescens on the ability of P. aeruginosa to produce proteases and pyocyanin was observed, with significant alterations in the levels of these virulence factors detected in LasR mutant strains. Overall, these results suggest that non-pathogenic bacteria from the lung microbiota may regulate pathogenicity traits of P. aeruginosa, and possibly affect the outcome of chronic lung infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Grassi
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kyle L. Asfahl
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ine Maenhout
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andrea Sass
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yannick Vande Weygaerde
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Verhasselt
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michael M. Tunney
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ajai A. Dandekar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Crabbé
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Mitra S, Tati V, Das P, Joseph J, Bagga B, Shukla S. Mesenchymal stem cell-based adjunctive therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis: A proof-of-concept in-vitro study. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109863. [PMID: 38494102 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis is one of the most severe and challenging forms of corneal infection, owing to its associated intense inflammatory reactions leading to corneal necrosis and dense corneal scar with loss of vision. Since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are reported to possess antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, they can be tested as an adjuvant treatment along with the antibiotics which are the current standard of care. This study aims to investigate the anti-bacterial and immunomodulatory roles of human bone marrow MSC-derived conditioned medium (MSC-CM) in P. aeruginosa-infected human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) in vitro. METHODS The effect of MSC-CM on the growth of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa was evaluated by colony-forming unit assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and an antimicrobial peptide (Lipocalin 2) in lipopolysaccharide-treated MSCs and HCECs was analyzed through ELISA. Corneal epithelial repair following infection with P. aeruginosa was studied through scratch assay. RESULTS Compared to control (P. aeruginosa (5*105) incubated in DMEM (1 ml) at 37 °C for 16 h), MSC-CM significantly: i) inhibits the growth of P. aeruginosa (159*109 vs. 104*109 CFU/ml), ii) accelerates corneal epithelial repair following infection with P. aeruginosa (9% vs. 24% closure of the wounded area after 12 h of infection), and iii) downregulates the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of IL-6, TNF-α and Lipocalin 2 in HCECs. A combination of MSC-CM with an antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin moderately regulated the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and Lipocalin 2. CONCLUSION MSC-CM holds promise as an adjunctive therapeutic approach for P. aeruginosa-induced corneal epithelial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreya Mitra
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India; Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India
| | - Vasudeva Tati
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India; Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India
| | - Prabhudatta Das
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India; Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India
| | - Joveeta Joseph
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India; Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India.
| | - Bhupesh Bagga
- The Ramoji Foundation Centre for Ocular Infections, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India; Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India.
| | - Sachin Shukla
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India; Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India.
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14
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Muñoz-Juan A, Assié A, Esteve-Codina A, Gut M, Benseny-Cases N, Samuel BS, Dalfó E, Laromaine A. Caenorhabditis elegans endorse bacterial nanocellulose fibers as functional dietary Fiber reducing lipid markers. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 331:121815. [PMID: 38388067 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.121815] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a promising dietary fiber with potential as a functional food additive. We evaluated BNC fibers (BNCf) in the Caenorhabditis elegans model to obtain insight into the BNCf's biointeraction with its gastrointestinal tract while reducing the variables of higher complex animals. BNCf were uptaken and excreted by worms without crossing the intestinal barrier, confirming its biosafety regarding survival rate, reproduction, and aging for concentrations up to 34 μg/ml BNCf. However, a slight decrease in the worms' length was detected. A possible nutrient shortage or stress produced by BNCf was discarded by measuring stress and chemotactic response pathways. Besides, we detected a lipid-lowering effect of BNCf in N2 C. elegans in normal and high-caloric diets. Oxidative damage was computed in N2 worms and Rac1/ced-10 mutants. The GTPase Rac1 is involved in neurological diseases, where its dysregulation enhances ROS production and neuronal damage. BNCf reduced the lipid oxidative markers produced by ROS species in this worm strain. Finally, we detected that BNCf activated the genetic expression of the immunological response and lipid catabolic process. These results strengthen the use of BNCf as a functional dietary fiber and encourage the potential treatment of neurological disease by modulating diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Muñoz-Juan
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Adrien Assié
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG), C/Baldiri Reixac 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Gut
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG), C/Baldiri Reixac 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Benseny-Cases
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Biophysics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Avinguda de Can Domènech, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Buck S Samuel
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Esther Dalfó
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), 08500 Vic, Spain; Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Can Baumann, 08500, Vic, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Laromaine
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra 08193, Spain.
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15
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Nafee N, Gaber DM, Abouelfetouh A, Alseqely M, Empting M, Schneider M. Enzyme-Linked Lipid Nanocarriers for Coping Pseudomonal Pulmonary Infection. Would Nanocarriers Complement Biofilm Disruption or Pave Its Road? Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3861-3890. [PMID: 38708178 PMCID: PMC11068056 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections persistent to antibiotics. Methods To eradicate pseudomonal biofilms, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with quorum-sensing-inhibitor (QSI, disrupting bacterial crosstalk), coated with chitosan (CS, improving internalization) and immobilized with alginate lyase (AL, destroying alginate biofilms) were developed. Results SLNs (140-205 nm) showed prolonged release of QSI with no sign of acute toxicity to A549 and Calu-3 cells. The CS coating improved uptake, whereas immobilized-AL ensured >1.5-fold higher uptake and doubled SLN diffusion across the artificial biofilm sputum model. Respirable microparticles comprising SLNs in carbohydrate matrix elicited aerodynamic diameters MMAD (3.54, 2.48 µm) and fine-particle-fraction FPF (65, 48%) for anionic and cationic SLNs, respectively. The antimicrobial and/or antibiofilm activity of SLNs was explored in Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference mucoid/nonmucoid strains as well as clinical isolates. The full growth inhibition of planktonic bacteria was dependent on SLN type, concentration, growth medium, and strain. OD measurements and live/dead staining proved that anionic SLNs efficiently ceased biofilm formation and eradicated established biofilms, whereas cationic SLNs unexpectedly promoted biofilm progression. AL immobilization increased biofilm vulnerability; instead, CS coating increased biofilm formation confirmed by 3D-time lapse confocal imaging. Incubation of SLNs with mature biofilms of P. aeruginosa isolates increased biofilm density by an average of 1.5-fold. CLSM further confirmed the binding and uptake of the labeled SLNs in P. aeruginosa biofilms. Considerable uptake of CS-coated SLNs in non-mucoid strains could be observed presumably due to interaction of chitosan with LPS glycolipids in the outer cell membrane of P. aeruginosa. Conclusion The biofilm-destructive potential of QSI/SLNs/AL inhalation is promising for site-specific biofilm-targeted interventional CF therapy. Nevertheless, the intrinsic/extrinsic fundamentals of nanocarrier-biofilm interactions require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Nafee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, 13110, Kuwait
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Dina M Gaber
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, 1029, Egypt
| | - Alaa Abouelfetouh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alamein International University, Alamein, 5060335, Egypt
| | - Mustafa Alseqely
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Department of Antiviral and Antivirulence Drugs (AVID), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, 66123, Germany
| | - Marc Schneider
- Department of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, 66123, Germany
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Glonti T, Goossens M, Cochez C, Green S, Gorivale S, Wagemans J, Lavigne R, Pirnay JP. Use of the Naturally Occurring Bacteriophage Grouping Model for the Design of Potent Therapeutic Cocktails. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:385. [PMID: 38786114 PMCID: PMC11117255 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The specificity of phages and their ability to evolve and overcome bacterial resistance make them potentially useful as adjuncts in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The goal of this study was to mimic a natural grouping of phages of interest and to evaluate the nature of their proliferation dynamics with bacteria. We have, for the first time, transferred naturally occurring phage groups directly from their sources of isolation to in vitro and identified 13 P. aeruginosa and 11 K. pneumoniae phages of 18 different genera, whose host range was grouped as 1.2-17%, 28-48% and 60-87%, using a large collection of P. aeruginosa (n = 102) and K. pneumoniae (n = 155) strains carrying different virulence factors and phage binding receptors. We introduced the interpretation model curve for phage liquid culturing, which allows easy and quick analysis of bacterial and phage co-proliferation and growth of phage-resistant mutants (PRM) based on qualitative and partially quantitative evaluations. We assayed phage lytic activities both individually and in 14 different cocktails on planktonic bacterial cultures, including three resistotypes of P. aeruginosa (PAO1, PA14 and PA7) and seven K. pneumoniae strains of different capsular serotypes. Based on the results, the natural phage cocktails designed and tested in this study largely performed well and inhibited PRM growth either synergistically or in proto-cooperation. This study contributes to the knowledge of phage behavior in cocktails and the formulation of therapeutic phage preparations. The paper also provides a detailed description of the methods of working with phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Glonti
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
| | - Michael Goossens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
| | - Christel Cochez
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
| | - Sabrina Green
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Sayali Gorivale
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Jeroen Wagemans
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Jean-Paul Pirnay
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
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Bradley R, Simon D, Spiga L, Xiang Y, Takats Z, Williams H. Laser desorption rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (LD-REIMS) demonstrates a direct impact of hypochlorous acid stress on PQS-mediated quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mSystems 2024; 9:e0116523. [PMID: 38530056 PMCID: PMC11019781 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01165-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
To establish infections in human hosts, Pseudomonas aeruginosa must overcome innate immune-generated oxidative stress, such as the hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced by neutrophils. We set out to find specific biomarkers of oxidative stress through the development of a protocol for the metabolic profiling of P. aeruginosa cultures grown in the presence of different oxidants using a novel ionization technique for mass spectrometry, laser desorption rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (LD-REIMS). We demonstrated the ability of LD-REIMS to classify samples as untreated or treated with a specific oxidant with 100% accuracy and identified a panel of 54 metabolites with significantly altered concentrations after exposure to one or more of the oxidants. Key metabolic changes were conserved in P. aeruginosa clinical strains isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis lung infections. These data demonstrated that HOCl stress impacted the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) quorum sensing system. Ten 2-alkyl-4-quinolones (AHQs) associated with the PQS system were significantly lower in concentration in HOCl-stressed P. aeruginosa cultures, including 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (PQS), the most active signal molecule of the PQS system. The PQS system regulates the production of virulence factors, including pyocyanin and elastase, and their levels were markedly affected by HOCl stress. No pyocyanin was detectable and elastase concentrations were reduced by more than 75% in cultures grown with sub-lethal concentrations of HOCl, suggesting that this neutrophil-derived oxidant may disrupt the ability of P. aeruginosa to establish infections through interference with production of PQS-associated virulence factors. IMPORTANCE This work demonstrates that a high-throughput ambient ionization mass spectrometry method can be used successfully to study a bacterial stress response. Its application to the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa led to the identification of specific oxidative stress biomarkers, and demonstrated that hypochlorous acid, an oxidant specifically produced by human neutrophils during infection, affects quorum sensing and reduces production of the virulence factors pyocyanin and elastase. No pyocyanin was detectable and elastase levels were reduced by more than 75% in bacteria grown in the presence of hypochlorous acid. This approach has the potential to be widely applicable to the characterization of the stress responses of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Bradley
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Simon
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Livia Spiga
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yuchen Xiang
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zoltan Takats
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Huw Williams
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Parmar D, Rosado-Rosa JM, Shrout JD, Sweedler JV. Metabolic insights from mass spectrometry imaging of biofilms: A perspective from model microorganisms. Methods 2024; 224:21-34. [PMID: 38295894 PMCID: PMC11149699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are dense aggregates of bacterial colonies embedded inside a self-produced polymeric matrix. Biofilms have received increasing attention in medical, industrial, and environmental settings due to their enhanced survival. Their characterization using microscopy techniques has revealed the presence of structural and cellular heterogeneity in many bacterial systems. However, these techniques provide limited chemical detail and lack information about the molecules important for bacterial communication and virulence. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) bridges the gap by generating spatial chemical information with unmatched chemical detail, making it an irreplaceable analytical platform in the multi-modal imaging of biofilms. In the last two decades, over 30 species of biofilm-forming bacteria have been studied using MSI in different environments. The literature conveys both analytical advancements and an improved understanding of the effects of environmental variables such as host surface characteristics, antibiotics, and other species of microorganisms on biofilms. This review summarizes the insights from frequently studied model microorganisms. We share a detailed list of organism-wide metabolites, commonly observed mass spectral adducts, culture conditions, strains of bacteria, substrate, broad problem definition, and details of the MS instrumentation, such as ionization sources and matrix, to facilitate future studies. We also compared the spatial characteristics of the secretome under different study designs to highlight changes because of various environmental influences. In addition, we highlight the current limitations of MSI in relation to biofilm characterization to enable cross-comparison between experiments. Overall, MSI has emerged to become an important approach for the spatial/chemical characterization of bacterial biofilms and its use will continue to grow as MSI becomes more accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmeshkumar Parmar
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Joenisse M Rosado-Rosa
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Joshua D Shrout
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
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19
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Deiss-Yehiely E, Dzordzorme AE, Loiselle ME, Yonker LM, Hammond PT. Carboxylated Nanoparticle Surfaces Enhance Association with Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:14573-14582. [PMID: 38484043 PMCID: PMC10982939 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms comprise three main polysaccharides: alginate, psl, and pel, which all imbue tolerance against exogenous antimicrobials. Nanoparticles (NPs) are an exciting new strategy to overcome the biofilm matrix for therapeutic delivery applications; however, zero existing FDA approvals for biofilm-specific NP formulations can be attributed to the complex interplay of physiochemical forces at the biofilm-NP interface. Here, we leverage a set of inducible, polysaccharide-specific, expressing isogenic P. aeruginosa mutants coupled with an assembled layer-by-layer NP (LbL NP) panel to characterize biofilm-NP interactions. When investigating these interactions using confocal microscopy, alginate-layered NPs associated more than dextran-sulfate-layered NPs with biofilms that had increased alginate production, including biofilms produced by mucoid P. aeruginosa isolates from people with cystic fibrosis. These differences were further confirmed in LbL NPs layered with polysaccharide- or hydrocarbon-based polymers with pendent carboxylate or sulfate functional groups. These data suggest carboxylated NP surfaces have enhanced interactions specifically with mucoid biofilms as compared to sulfated surfaces and lay the foundation for their inclusion as a design element for increasing biofilm-NP interactions and efficacious drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Deiss-Yehiely
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch
Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Abigail E. Dzordzorme
- Department
of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Maggie Elizabeth Loiselle
- Mucosal
Immunology and Biology Research Center, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Lael M. Yonker
- Mucosal
Immunology and Biology Research Center, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Paula T. Hammond
- Koch
Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Institute
for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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20
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Hoang KL, Read TD, King KC. Incomplete immunity in a natural animal-microbiota interaction selects for higher pathogen virulence. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1357-1363.e3. [PMID: 38430909 PMCID: PMC10962313 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.015] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Incomplete immunity in recovered hosts is predicted to favor more virulent pathogens upon re-infection in the population.1 The microbiota colonizing animals can generate a similarly long-lasting, partial immune response, allowing for infection but dampened disease severity.2 We tracked the evolutionary trajectories of a widespread pathogen (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), experimentally passaged through populations of nematodes immune-primed by a natural microbiota member (P. berkeleyensis). This bacterium can induce genes regulated by a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway effective at conferring protection against pathogen-induced death despite infection.3 Across host populations, this incomplete immunity selected for pathogens more than twice as likely to kill as those evolved in non-primed (i.e., naive) or immune-compromised (mutants with a knockout of the MAPK ortholog) control populations. Despite the higher virulence, pathogen molecular evolution in immune-primed hosts was slow and constrained. In comparison, evolving pathogens in immune-compromised hosts were characterized by substantial genomic differentiation and attenuated virulence. These findings directly attribute the incomplete host immunity induced from microbiota as a significant force shaping the virulence and evolutionary dynamics of novel infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Hoang
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK; Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Timothy D Read
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kayla C King
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, 1365 - 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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21
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Truong-Bolduc QC, Yonker LM, Wang Y, Lawton BG, Hooper DC. NorA efflux pump mediates Staphylococcus aureus response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin toxicity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0100123. [PMID: 38231535 PMCID: PMC10848749 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01001-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Endogenous transporters protect Staphylococcus aureus against antibiotics and also contribute to bacterial defense from environmental toxins. We evaluated the effect of overexpression of four efflux pumps, NorA, NorB, NorC, and Tet38, on S. aureus survival following exposure to pyocyanin (PYO) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a well diffusion assay. We measured the PYO-created inhibition zone and found that only an overexpression of NorA reduced S. aureus susceptibility to pyocyanin killing. The MICPYO of the NorA overexpressor increased threefold compared to that of wild-type RN6390 and was reduced 2.5-fold with reserpine, suggesting that increased NorA efflux caused PYO resistance. The PYO-created inhibition zone of a ΔnorA mutant was consistently larger than that of a plasmid-borne NorA overexpressor. PYO also produced a modest increase in norA expression (1.8-fold at 0.25 µg/mL PYO) that gradually decreased with increasing PYO concentrations. Well diffusion assays carried out using P. aeruginosa showed that ΔnorA mutant was less susceptible to killing by PYO-deficient mutants PA14phzM and PA14phzS than to killing by PA14. NorA overexpression led to reduced killing by all tested P. aeruginosa. We evaluated the NorA-PYO interaction using a collection of 22 clinical isolates from adult and pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, which included both S. aureus (CF-SA) and P. aeruginosa (CF-PA). We found that when isolated alone, CF-PA and CF-SA expressed varying levels of PYO and norA transcripts, but all four CF-PA/CF-SA pairs isolated concurrently from CF patients produced a low level of PYO and low norA transcript levels, respectively, suggesting a partial adaptation of the two bacteria in circumstances of persistent co-colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q. C. Truong-Bolduc
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - L. M. Yonker
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Y. Wang
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - B. G. Lawton
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - D. C. Hooper
- Infectious Diseases Division and Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Yin C, Alam MZ, Fallon JT, Huang W. Advances in Development of Novel Therapeutic Strategies against Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:119. [PMID: 38391505 PMCID: PMC10885988 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13020119] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) with multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a major cause of serious healthcare-associated infections, leading to high morbidity and mortality. This opportunistic pathogen is responsible for various infectious diseases, such as those seen in cystic fibrosis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infection, otitis externa, and burn and wound injuries. Due to its relatively large genome, P. aeruginosa has great diversity and can use various molecular mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance. For example, outer membrane permeability can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and is determined by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and porin proteins. Recent findings on the regulatory interaction between peptidoglycan and LPS synthesis provide additional clues against pathogenic P. aeruginosa. This review focuses on recent advances in antimicrobial agents and inhibitors targeting LPS and porin proteins. In addition, we explore current and emerging treatment strategies for MDR P. aeruginosa, including phages, vaccines, nanoparticles, and their combinatorial therapies. Novel strategies and their corresponding therapeutic agents are urgently needed for combating MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Yin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Md Zahidul Alam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - John T Fallon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Weihua Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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23
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Smiley MK, Sekaran DC, Forouhar F, Wolin E, Jovanovic M, Price-Whelan A, Dietrich LEP. MpaR-driven expression of an orphan terminal oxidase subunit supports Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm respiration and development during cyanogenesis. mBio 2024; 15:e0292623. [PMID: 38112469 PMCID: PMC10790758 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02926-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cyanide is an inhibitor of heme-copper oxidases, which are required for aerobic respiration in all eukaryotes and many prokaryotes. This fast-acting poison can arise from diverse sources, but mechanisms by which bacteria sense it are poorly understood. We investigated the regulatory response to cyanide in the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which produces cyanide as a virulence factor. Although P. aeruginosa has the capacity to produce a cyanide-resistant oxidase, it relies primarily on heme-copper oxidases and even makes additional heme-copper oxidase proteins specifically under cyanide-producing conditions. We found that the protein MpaR controls expression of cyanide-inducible genes in P. aeruginosa and elucidated the molecular details of this regulation. MpaR contains a DNA-binding domain and a domain predicted to bind pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), a compound that is known to react spontaneously with cyanide. These observations provide insight into the understudied phenomenon of cyanide-dependent regulation of gene expression in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina K. Smiley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Doran C. Sekaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Farhad Forouhar
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erica Wolin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marko Jovanovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexa Price-Whelan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lars E. P. Dietrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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24
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Hare PJ, Gonzalez JR, Quelle RM, Wu YI, Mok WWK. Metabolic and transcriptional activities underlie stationary-phase Pseudomonas aeruginosa sensitivity to Levofloxacin. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0356723. [PMID: 38078717 PMCID: PMC10896071 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03567-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for a variety of chronic human infections. Even in the absence of identifiable resistance mutations, this pathogen can tolerate lethal antibiotic doses through phenotypic strategies like biofilm formation and metabolic quiescence. In this study, we determined that P. aeruginosa maintains greater metabolic activity in the stationary phase compared to the model organism, Escherichia coli, which has traditionally been used to study fluoroquinolone antibiotic tolerance. We demonstrate that hallmarks of E. coli fluoroquinolone tolerance are not conserved in P. aeruginosa, including the timing of cell death and necessity of the SOS DNA damage response for survival. The heightened sensitivity of stationary-phase P. aeruginosa to fluoroquinolones is attributed to maintained transcriptional and reductase activity. Our data suggest that perturbations that suppress transcription and respiration in P. aeruginosa may actually protect the pathogen against this important class of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J Hare
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health , Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health , Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Juliet R Gonzalez
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health , Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ryan M Quelle
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health , Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yi I Wu
- Richard D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, UConn Health , Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wendy W K Mok
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health , Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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25
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Chen CH, Liao CC, Wang YJ, Huang FC, Lin WC. A. castellanii and P. aeruginosa mutually exacerbate damage to corneal cells during coinfection. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0268323. [PMID: 38095463 PMCID: PMC10783079 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02683-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE At the National Cheng Kung University Hospital, numerous cases of amoebic keratitis had been identified with concurrent bacterial infections. Among these bacterial coinfections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 50% of the reported cases. However, the impact of pathogenic bacteria on amoeba-induced corneal damage remains unclear. In our study, we successfully demonstrated that P. aeruginosa accumulated on the Acanthamoeba castellanii surface and caused more severe corneal damage. We also indicated that the exposure of P. aeruginosa to amoeba-soluble antigens enhanced its adhesion ability, promoted biofilm formation, and led to more severe corneal cell damage. These findings significantly contributed to our understanding of the risk associated with P. aeruginosa coinfection in the progression of amoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hsien Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chieh Liao
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Lin
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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26
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Muñoz-Cázares N, Peña-González MC, Castillo-Juárez I, Díaz-Núñez JL, Peña-Rodríguez LM. Exploring the anti-virulence potential of plants used in traditional Mayan medicine to treat bacterial infections. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116783. [PMID: 37321428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE While the antimicrobial activity of a number of plants used in traditional Mayan medicine against infectious diseases has been documented, their potential to inhibit quorum sensing (QS) as means of discovering novel anti-virulence agents remains unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the anti-virulence potential of plants used in traditional Mayan medicine by determining their inhibition of QS- regulated virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS A group of plants used in traditional Mayan medicine against infectious diseases was selected, and their methanolic extracts were evaluated at 10 mg/mL for their antibacterial and anti-virulence activity using the reference strain P. aeruginosa PA14WT. The broth microdilution method was used to determine antibacterial activity (MIC), while anti-virulence activity was evaluated by measuring the anti-biofilm effect and the inhibition of pyocyanin and protease activities. The most bioactive extract was fractionated using a liquid-liquid partition procedure and the semipurified fractions were evaluated at 5 mg/mL for antibacterial and anti-virulence activity. RESULTS Seventeen Mayan medicinal plants traditionally used to treat infection-associated diseases were selected. None of the extracts exhibited antibacterial activity, whereas anti-virulence activity was detected in extracts of Bonellia flammea, Bursera simaruba, Capraria biflora, Ceiba aesculifolia, Cissampelos pareira and Colubrina yucatanensis. The most active extracts (74% and 69% inhibition) against biofilm formation were from C. aesculifolia (bark) and C. yucatanensis (root), respectively. Alternatively, the extracts of B. flammea (root), B. simaruba (bark), C. pareira (root), and C. biflora (root), reduced pyocyanin and protease production (50-84% and 30-58%, respectively). Fractionation of the bioactive root extract of C. yucatanensis allowed the identification of two semipurified fractions with anti-virulence activity. CONCLUSIONS The anti-virulence activity detected in the crude extracts of B. flammea, B. simaruba, C. biflora, C. aesculifolia, C. pareira, and C. yucatanensis, confirms the efficacy and traditional use of these medicinal plants against infectious diseases. The activity of the extract and semipurified fractions of C. yucatanensis indicates the presence of hydrophilic metabolites capable of interfering with QS in P. aeruginosa. This study represents the first report of Mayan medicinal plants with anti-QS properties and suggests they represent an important source of novel anti-virulence agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naybi Muñoz-Cázares
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica, Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Maria Claudia Peña-González
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica, Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Israel Castillo-Juárez
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Aplicación de Fitoquímicos Bioactivos, Posgrado en Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Km 36.5 Carretera Federal México-Texcoco, Texcoco, Estado de México, 56230, Mexico.
| | - Jose Luis Díaz-Núñez
- Catedrático COMECYT-Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Posgrado en Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Km 36.5 Carretera Federal México-Texcoco, Texcoco, Estado de México, 56230, Mexico.
| | - Luis Manuel Peña-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica, Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
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27
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Maybin JA, Thompson TP, Flynn PB, Skvortsov T, Hickok NJ, Freeman TA, Gilmore BF. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma-antibiotic synergy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms is mediated via oxidative stress response. Biofilm 2023; 5:100122. [PMID: 37214348 PMCID: PMC10196807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) has emerged as a potential alternative or adjuvant to conventional antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The potential of sub-lethal CAP exposures to synergise conventional antimicrobials for the eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms is investigated in this study. The efficacy of antimicrobials following or in the absence of sub-lethal CAP pre-treatment in P. aeruginosa biofilms was assessed. CAP pre-treatment resulted in an increase in both planktonic and biofilm antimicrobial sensitivity for all three strains tested (PAO1, PA14, and PA10548), with both minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) of individual antimicrobials, being significantly reduced following CAP pre-treatment of the biofilm (512-fold reduction with ciprofloxacin/gentamicin; and a 256-fold reduction with tobramycin). At all concentrations of antimicrobial used, the combination of sub-lethal CAP exposure and antimicrobials was effective at increasing time-to-peak metabolism, as measured by isothermal microcalorimetry, again indicating enhanced susceptibility. CAP is known to damage bacterial cell membranes and DNA by causing oxidative stress through the in situ generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). While the exact mechanism is not clear, oxidative stress on outer membrane proteins is thought to damage/perturb cell membranes, confirmed by ATP and LDH leakage, allowing antimicrobials to penetrate the bacterial cell more effectively, thus increasing bacterial susceptibility. Transcriptomic analysis, reveals that cold-plasma mediated oxidative stress caused upregulation of P. aeruginosa superoxide dismutase, cbb3 oxidases, catalases, and peroxidases, and upregulation in denitrification genes, suggesting that P. aeruginosa uses these enzymes to degrade RONS and mitigate the effects of cold plasma mediated oxidative stress. CAP treatment also led to an increased production of the signalling molecule ppGpp in P. aeruginosa, indicative of a stringent response being established. Although we did not directly measure persister cell formation, this stringent response may potentially be associated with the formation of persister cells in biofilm cultures. The production of ppGpp and polyphosphate may be associated with protein synthesis inhibition and increase efflux pump activity, factors which can result in antimicrobial tolerance. The transcriptomic analysis also showed that by 6 h post-treatment, there was downregulation in ribosome modulation factor, which is involved in the formation of persister cells, suggesting that the cells had begun to resuscitate/recover. In addition, CAP treatment at 4 h post-exposure caused downregulation of the virulence factors pyoverdine and pyocyanin; by 6 h post-exposure, virulence factor production was increasing. Transcriptomic analysis provides valuable insights into the mechanisms by which P. aeruginosa biofilms exhibits enhanced susceptibility to antimicrobials. Overall, these findings suggest, for the first time, that short CAP sub-lethal pre-treatment can be an effective strategy for enhancing the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa biofilms to antimicrobials and provides important mechanistic insights into cold plasma-antimicrobial synergy. Transcriptomic analysis of the response to, and recovery from, sub-lethal cold plasma exposures in P. aeruginosa biofilms improves our current understanding of cold plasma biofilm interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordanne-Amee Maybin
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Thomas P Thompson
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Padrig B Flynn
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Timofey Skvortsov
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Noreen J Hickok
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Theresa A Freeman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Brendan F Gilmore
- Biofilm Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
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28
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Allen RA, McCormack CEM, Wuest WM. Deriving Novel Quaternary Ammonium Compound Disinfectant Scaffolds from a Natural Product: Mechanistic Insights of the Quaternization of Ianthelliformisamine C. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300253. [PMID: 37770411 PMCID: PMC10841702 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300253] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
In the search for novel quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) disinfectants that can evade bacterial resistance, we turned to natural products as a source of inspiration. Herein we used natural product ianthelliformisamine C as a scaffold to design a small library of QACs. We first synthesized ianthelliformisamine C via an amide coupling that allowed for facile purification without the need for protecting groups. We then alkylated and quaternized the internal amines to yield four novel QACs, but all but one demonstrated no antibacterial activity against the tested strains. Using a combination of membrane depolarization and permeabilization assays, we were able to demonstrate that ianthelliformisamine C and the active QAC analog enact cell death via membrane permeabilization, contrary to prior reports on ianthelliformisamine C's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Allen
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - William M Wuest
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA
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29
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Moule MG, Benjamin AB, Buger ML, Herlan C, Lebedev M, Lin JS, Koster KJ, Wavare N, Adams LG, Bräse S, Barron AE, Cirillo JD. Peptide-mimetic treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mouse model of respiratory infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564794. [PMID: 37961726 PMCID: PMC10634950 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The rise of drug resistance has become a global crisis, with >1 million deaths due to resistant bacterial infections each year. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in particular, remains a serious problem with limited solutions due to complex resistance mechanisms that now lead to more than 32,000 multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections and over 2,000 deaths annually. While the emergence of resistant bacteria has become concerningly common, identification of useful new drug classes has been limited over the past 40+ years. We found that a potential novel therapeutic, the peptide-mimetic TM5, is effective at killing P. aeruginosa and displays sufficiently low toxicity for mammalian cells to allow for use in treatment of infections. Interestingly, TM5 kills P. aeruginosa more rapidly than traditional antibiotics, within 30-60 minutes in vitro , and is effective against a range of clinical isolates. In vivo , TM5 significantly reduced bacterial load in the lungs within 24 hours compared to untreated mice and demonstrated few adverse effects. Taken together, these observations suggest that TM5 shows promise as an alternative therapy for MDR P. aeruginosa respiratory infections.
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30
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Fu T, Gifford DR, Knight CG, Brockhurst MA. Eco-evolutionary dynamics of experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations under oxidative stress. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001396. [PMID: 37943284 PMCID: PMC10710836 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Within-host environments are likely to present a challenging and stressful environment for opportunistic pathogenic bacteria colonizing from the external environment. How populations of pathogenic bacteria respond to such environmental challenges and how this varies between strains is not well understood. Oxidative stress is one of the defences adopted by the human immune system to confront invading bacteria. In this study, we show that strains of the opportunistic pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa vary in their eco-evolutionary responses to hydrogen peroxide stress. By quantifying their 24 h growth kinetics across hydrogen peroxide gradients we show that a transmissible epidemic strain isolated from a chronic airway infection of a cystic fibrosis patient, LESB58, is much more susceptible to hydrogen peroxide than either of the reference strains, PA14 or PAO1, with PAO1 showing the lowest susceptibility. Using a 12 day serial passaging experiment combined with a mathematical model, we then show that short-term susceptibility controls the longer-term survival of populations exposed to subinhibitory levels of hydrogen peroxide, but that phenotypic evolutionary responses can delay population extinction. Our model further suggests that hydrogen peroxide driven extinctions are more likely with higher rates of population turnover. Together, these findings suggest that hydrogen peroxide is likely to be an effective defence in host niches where there is high population turnover, which may explain the counter-intuitively high susceptibility of a strain isolated from chronic lung infection, where such ecological dynamics may be slower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoran Fu
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Danna R. Gifford
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Christopher G. Knight
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael A. Brockhurst
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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31
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Van Moll L, Wouters M, De Smet J, De Vooght L, Delputte P, Van Der Borght M, Cos P. In-depth biological characterization of two black soldier fly anti- Pseudomonas peptides reveals LPS-binding and immunomodulating effects. mSphere 2023; 8:e0045423. [PMID: 37800918 PMCID: PMC10597467 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00454-23] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As effector molecules of the innate immune system, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gathered substantial interest as a potential future generation of antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate the anti-Pseudomonas activity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding ability of HC1 and HC10, two cecropin peptides from the black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens). Both peptides are active against a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, including drug-resistant clinical isolates. Moreover, HC1 and HC10 can bind to lipid A, the toxic center of LPS and reduce the LPS-induced nitric oxide and cytokine production in murine macrophage cells. This suggests that the peptide-LPS binding can also lower the strong inflammatory response associated with P. aeruginosa infections. As the activity of AMPs is often influenced by the presence of salts, we studied the LPS-binding activity of HC1 and HC10 in physiological salt concentrations, revealing a strong decrease in activity. Our research confirmed the early potential of HC1 and HC10 as starting points for anti-Pseudomonas drugs, as well as the need for structural or formulation optimization before further preclinical development can be considered. IMPORTANCE The high mortality and morbidity associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections remain an ongoing challenge in clinical practice that requires urgent action. P. aeruginosa mostly infects immunocompromised individuals, and its prevalence is especially high in urgent care hospital settings. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are outer membrane structures that are responsible for inducing the innate immune cascade upon infection. P. aeruginosa LPS can cause local excessive inflammation, or spread systemically throughout the body, leading to multi-organ failure and septic shock. As antimicrobial resistance rates in P. aeruginosa infections are rising, the research and development of new antimicrobial agents remain indispensable. Especially, antimicrobials that can both kill the bacteria themselves and neutralize their toxins are of great interest in P. aeruginosa research to develop as the next generation of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Van Moll
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Milan Wouters
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jeroen De Smet
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Linda De Vooght
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mik Van Der Borght
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Avila‐Cobian LF, Hoshino H, Horsman ME, Nguyen VT, Qian Y, Feltzer R, Kim C, Hu DD, Champion MM, Fisher JF, Mobashery S. Amber-codon suppression for spatial localization and in vivo photoaffinity capture of the interactome of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa rare lipoprotein A lytic transglycosylase. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4781. [PMID: 37703013 PMCID: PMC10536563 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The 11 lytic transglycosylases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa have overlapping activities in the turnover of the cell-wall peptidoglycan. Rare lipoprotein A (RlpA) is distinct among the 11 by its use of only peptidoglycan lacking peptide stems. The spatial localization of RlpA and its interactome within P. aeruginosa are unknown. We employed suppression of introduced amber codons at sites in the rlpA gene for the introduction of the unnatural-amino-acids Νζ -[(2-azidoethoxy)carbonyl]-l-lysine (compound 1) and Nζ -[[[3-(3-methyl-3H-diazirin-3-yl)propyl]amino]carbonyl]-l-lysine (compound 2). In live P. aeruginosa, full-length RlpA incorporating compound 1 into its sequence was fluorescently tagged using strained-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition and examined by fluorescence microscopy. RlpA is present at low levels along the sidewall length of the bacterium, and at higher levels at the nascent septa of replicating bacteria. In intact P. aeruginosa, UV photolysis of full-length RlpA having compound 2 within its sequence generated a transient reactive carbene, which engaged in photoaffinity capture of neighboring proteins. Thirteen proteins were identified. Three of these proteins-PBP1a, PBP5, and MreB-are members of the bacterial divisome. The use of the complementary methodologies of non-canonical amino-acid incorporation, photoaffinity proximity analysis, and fluorescent microscopy confirm a dominant septal location for the RlpA enzyme of P. aeruginosa, as a divisome-associated activity. This accomplishment adds to the emerging recognition of the value of these methodologies for identification of the intracellular localization of bacterial proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. Avila‐Cobian
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Hidekazu Hoshino
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Mark E. Horsman
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Van T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Yuanyuan Qian
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Rhona Feltzer
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Choon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Daniel D. Hu
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Matthew M. Champion
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Jed F. Fisher
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
| | - Shahriar Mobashery
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Notre DameNotre DameIndianaUSA
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Carullo G, Di Bonaventura G, Rossi S, Lupetti V, Tudino V, Brogi S, Butini S, Campiani G, Gemma S, Pompilio A. Development of Quinazolinone Derivatives as Modulators of Virulence Factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cystic Fibrosis Strains. Molecules 2023; 28:6535. [PMID: 37764311 PMCID: PMC10536951 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), one of the ESKAPE pathogens, is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium responsible for nosocomial infections in humans but also for infections in patients affected by AIDS, cancer, or cystic fibrosis (CF). Treatment of PA infections in CF patients is a global healthcare problem due to the ability of PA to gain antibiotic tolerance through biofilm formation. Anti-virulence compounds represent a promising approach as adjuvant therapy, which could reduce or eliminate the pathogenicity of PA without impacting its growth. Pyocyanin is one of the virulence factors whose production is modulated by the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) through its receptor PqsR. Different PqsR modulators have been synthesized over the years, highlighting this new powerful therapeutic strategy. Based on the promising structure of quinazolin-4(3H)-one, we developed compounds 7a-d, 8a,b, 9, 10, and 11a-f able to reduce biofilm formation and the production of virulence factors (pyocyanin and pyoverdine) at 50 µM in two PA strains responsible for CF acute and chronic infections. The developed compounds did not reduce the cell viability of IB3-1 bronchial CF cells, and computational studies confirmed the potential ability of novel compounds to act as potential Pqs system modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (S.R.); (V.T.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giovanni Di Bonaventura
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.B.); (V.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (S.R.); (V.T.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Veronica Lupetti
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.B.); (V.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Valeria Tudino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (S.R.); (V.T.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (S.R.); (V.T.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (S.R.); (V.T.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (S.R.); (V.T.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Arianna Pompilio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.B.); (V.L.); (A.P.)
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34
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Kolling D, Haupenthal J, Hirsch AKH, Koehnke J. Facile Production of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factor LasB in Escherichia coli for Structure-Based Drug Design. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300185. [PMID: 37195753 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300185] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa has a number of virulence factors at its disposal that play crucial roles in the progression of infection. LasB is one of the major virulence factors and exerts its effects through elastolytic and proteolytic activities aimed at dissolving connective tissue and inactivating host defense proteins. LasB is of great interest for the development of novel pathoblockers to temper the virulence, but access has thus far largely been limited to protein isolated from Pseudomonas cultures. Here, we describe a new protocol for high-level production of native LasB in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that this facile approach is suitable for the production of mutant, thus far inaccessible LasB variants, and characterize the proteins biochemically and structurally. We expect that easy access to LasB will accelerate the development of inhibitors for this important virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Kolling
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Saarland, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123, Saarbrücken, UK
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anna K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Saarland, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123, Saarbrücken, UK
| | - Jesko Koehnke
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus Building E8.1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Joseph Black Building, University Avenue, G12 800, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 5, 30167, Hannover, Germany
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35
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Wiehlmann L, Klockgether J, Hammerbacher AS, Salunkhe P, Horatzek S, Munder A, Peilert JF, Gulbins E, Eberl L, Tümmler B. A VirB4 ATPase of the mobile accessory genome orchestrates core genome-encoded features of physiology, metabolism, and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1234420. [PMID: 37577372 PMCID: PMC10413270 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1234420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839 is a highly virulent strain that can persist and replicate in human neutrophils. Screening of a signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) TBCF10839 transposon library in phagocytosis tests identified a mutant that carried the transposon in the VirB4 homolog 5PG21 of an integrative and conjugative element (ICE)-associated type IV secretion system of the pKLC102 subtype. 5P21 TBCF10839 insertion mutants were deficient in metabolic versatility, secretion, quorum sensing, and virulence. The mutants were efficiently killed in phagocytosis tests in vitro and were avirulent in an acute murine airway infection model in vivo. The inactivation of 5PG21 silenced the rhl, las, and pqs operons and the gene expression for the synthesis of hydrogen cyanide, the antimetabolite l-2-amino-4-methoxy-trans-3-butenoic acid, and the H2- and H3-type VI secretion systems and their associated effectors. The mutants were impaired in the utilization of carbon sources and stored compounds that are not funneled into intermediary metabolism. This showcase demonstrates that a single gene of the mobile accessory genome can become an essential element to operate the core genome-encoded features of metabolism and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Wiehlmann
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Research Core Unit Genomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Silke Hammerbacher
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Prabhakar Salunkhe
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Horatzek
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antje Munder
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leo Eberl
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
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36
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Zhang L, Wang Y, Wang D. Paeoniflorin increases the survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected Caenorhabditis elegans at the immunosuppression stage by activating PMK-1, BAR-1, and EGL-1 signals. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:616-628. [PMID: 37535304 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01459-w] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Paeoniflorin is the major active compound of total glycoside of paeony in Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Although several aspects of beneficial effects of paeoniflorin have been described, whether the paeoniflorin treatment is helpful for inhibiting the pathogen infection-induced immunosuppression remains largely unclear. Using the immunosuppression model in Caenorhabditis elegans induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, we here examined the beneficial effect of paeoniflorin treatment against the immunosuppression induced by bacterial pathogen infection. In this immunosuppression model, we observed that the survival rate of P. aeruginosa infected nematodes at the immunosuppression stage could be significantly increased by 25-100 mg/L paeoniflorin treatment. P. aeruginosa accumulation in intestinal lumen of nematodes at the immunosuppression stage was reduced by paeoniflorin treatment. Paeoniflorin could activate the expressions of antimicrobial genes (lys-1 and lys-8) in nematodes at the immunosuppression stage. Moreover, at the immunosuppression stage, paeoniflorin treatment increased the expressions of bar-1, pmk-1, and egl-1 required for the control of innate immunity against bacterial infection. Meanwhile, RNAi of bar-1, pmk-1, and egl-1 inhibited the beneficial effect of paeoniflorin treatment in increasing the survival, reducing the P. aeruginosa accumulation in intestinal lumen, and activating the expressions of antimicrobial genes (lys-1 and lys-8) in nematodes at the immunosuppression stage. Therefore, paeoniflorin treatment could effectively inhibit the immunosuppression induced by bacterial pathogen infection in the hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuxing Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Smiley MK, Sekaran DC, Price-Whelan A, Dietrich LE. Cyanide-dependent control of terminal oxidase hybridization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa MpaR. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543164. [PMID: 37398129 PMCID: PMC10312525 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common, biofilm-forming pathogen that exhibits complex pathways of redox metabolism. It produces four different types of terminal oxidases for aerobic respiration, and for one of these-the cbb3-type terminal oxidases-it has the capacity to produce at least 16 isoforms encoded by partially redundant operons. It also produces small-molecule virulence factors that interact with the respiratory chain, including the poison cyanide. Previous studies had indicated a role for cyanide in activating expression of an "orphan" terminal oxidase subunit gene called ccoN4 and that the product contributes to P. aeruginosa cyanide resistance, fitness in biofilms, and virulence-but the mechanisms underlying this process had not been elucidated. Here, we show that the regulatory protein MpaR, which is predicted to be a pyridoxal phosphate-binding transcription factor and is encoded just upstream of ccoN4, controls ccoN4 expression in response to endogenous cyanide. Paradoxically, we find that cyanide production is required to support CcoN4's contribution to respiration in biofilms. We identify a palindromic motif required for cyanide- and MpaR-dependent expression of ccoN4 and co-expressed, adjacent loci. We also characterize the regulatory logic of this region of the chromosome. Finally, we identify residues in the putative cofactor-binding pocket of MpaR that are required for ccoN4 expression. Together, our findings illustrate a novel scenario in which the respiratory toxin cyanide acts as a signal to control gene expression in a bacterium that produces the compound endogenously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina K. Smiley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025
| | - Doran C. Sekaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025
| | - Alexa Price-Whelan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025
| | - Lars E.P. Dietrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025
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Barp N, Marcacci M, Biagioni E, Serio L, Busani S, Ventura P, Franceschini E, Orlando G, Venturelli C, Menozzi I, Tambassi M, Scaltriti E, Pongolini S, Sarti M, Pietrangelo A, Girardis M, Mussini C, Meschiari M. A Fatal Case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Community-Acquired Pneumonia in an Immunocompetent Patient: Clinical and Molecular Characterization and Literature Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1112. [PMID: 37317086 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa community-acquired pneumonia (PA-CAP) were reported in non-immunocompromised patients. We describe a case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) necrotizing cavitary CAP with a fatal outcome in a 53-year-old man previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, who was admitted for dyspnea, fever, cough, hemoptysis, acute respiratory failure and a right upper lobe opacification. Six hours after admission, despite effective antibiotic therapy, he experienced multi-organ failure and died. Autopsy confirmed necrotizing pneumonia with alveolar hemorrhage. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage cultures were positive for PA serotype O:9 belonging to ST1184. The strain shares the same virulence factor profile with reference genome PA01. With the aim to better investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics of PA-CAP, we considered the literature of the last 13 years concerning this topic. The prevalence of hospitalized PA-CAP is about 4% and has a mortality rate of 33-66%. Smoking, alcohol abuse and contaminated fluid exposure were the recognized risk factors; most cases presented the same symptoms described above and needed intensive care. Co-infection of PA-influenza A is described, which is possibly caused by influenza-inducing respiratory epithelial cell dysfunction: the same pathophysiological mechanism could be assumed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Considering the high rate of fatal outcomes, additional studies are needed to identify sources of infections and new risk factors, along with genetic and immunological features. Current CAP guidelines should be revised in light of these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Barp
- Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Marcacci
- Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Emanuela Biagioni
- Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Lucia Serio
- Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Busani
- Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Ventura
- Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Franceschini
- Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Orlando
- Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Claudia Venturelli
- Microbiology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Menozzi
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Tambassi
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Erika Scaltriti
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Pongolini
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Mario Sarti
- Microbiology, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Antonello Pietrangelo
- Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Girardis
- Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Mussini
- Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Marianna Meschiari
- Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Inhibitory Potential of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil against Growth, Biofilm Formation, Swarming, and Swimming in Pseudomonas syringae Isolates. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11030933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As a follow-up to previous studies, the effects of Thymus vulgaris essential oil on selected virulence factors (growth, sessile cell survival, swimming, swarming, and exopolysaccharide production) were evaluated in phytopathogenic Pseudomonas syringae strains isolated from soybean fields in Argentina; reference strains Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea B076 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. P. syringae are responsible for bacterial blight, a disease that affects crops worldwide. Plant bacterioses are usually treated with antibiotics and copper compounds, which may contribute to the development of resistance in pathogens and damage the environment. For these reasons, eco-friendly alternatives are necessary. Although aromatic plants are a natural source of antimicrobial substances, the effects of these substances on phytopathogenic bacteria remain largely unexplored. Subinhibitory concentrations of the oil significantly reduced the slope and rate of bacterial growth. In addition, biofilm and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production were inhibited, with swimming and swarming motility patterns being affected at all of the oil concentrations tested. Therefore, TEO could potentially be a highly efficient antipseudomonal agent for treating plant infections caused by P. syringae.
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