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George NL, Bennett EC, Orlando BJ. Guarding the walls: the multifaceted roles of Bce modules in cell envelope stress sensing and antimicrobial resistance. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0012324. [PMID: 38869304 PMCID: PMC11270860 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00123-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have developed diverse strategies for defending their cell envelopes from external threats. In Firmicutes, one widespread strategy is to use Bce modules-membrane protein complexes that unite a peptide-detoxifying ABC transporter with a stress response coordinating two-component system. These modules provide specific, front-line defense for a wide variety of antimicrobial peptides and small molecule antibiotics as well as coordinate responses for heat, acid, and oxidative stress. Because of these abilities, Bce modules play important roles in virulence and the development of antibiotic resistance in a variety of pathogens, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus species. Despite their importance, Bce modules are still poorly understood, with scattered functional data in only a small number of species. In this review, we will discuss Bce module structure in light of recent cryo-electron microscopy structures of the B. subtilis BceABRS module and explore the common threads and variations-on-a-theme in Bce module mechanisms across species. We also highlight the many remaining questions about Bce module function. Understanding these multifunctional membrane complexes will enhance our understanding of bacterial stress sensing and may point toward new therapeutic targets for highly resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. George
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Ellen C. Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Orlando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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2
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Tajer L, Paillart JC, Dib H, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z, Abi Khattar Z. Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides in the Modern Era: An Updated Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1259. [PMID: 39065030 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071259] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global health concern, resulting in a significant number of deaths annually due to infections that are resistant to treatment. Amidst this crisis, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics (ATBs). These cationic peptides, naturally produced by all kingdoms of life, play a crucial role in the innate immune system of multicellular organisms and in bacterial interspecies competition by exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMPs target bacterial pathogens through multiple mechanisms, most importantly by disrupting their membranes, leading to cell lysis. However, bacterial resistance to host AMPs has emerged due to a slow co-evolutionary process between microorganisms and their hosts. Alarmingly, the development of resistance to last-resort AMPs in the treatment of MDR infections, such as colistin, is attributed to the misuse of this peptide and the high rate of horizontal genetic transfer of the corresponding resistance genes. AMP-resistant bacteria employ diverse mechanisms, including but not limited to proteolytic degradation, extracellular trapping and inactivation, active efflux, as well as complex modifications in bacterial cell wall and membrane structures. This review comprehensively examines all constitutive and inducible molecular resistance mechanisms to AMPs supported by experimental evidence described to date in bacterial pathogens. We also explore the specificity of these mechanisms toward structurally diverse AMPs to broaden and enhance their potential in developing and applying them as therapeutics for MDR bacteria. Additionally, we provide insights into the significance of AMP resistance within the context of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Tajer
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Jean-Christophe Paillart
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Université de Strasbourg, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Hanna Dib
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
| | - Ziad Abi Khattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli, Lebanon
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3
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Ra YE, Bang YJ. Balancing Act of the Intestinal Antimicrobial Proteins on Gut Microbiota and Health. J Microbiol 2024; 62:167-179. [PMID: 38630349 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
The human gut houses a diverse and dynamic microbiome critical for digestion, metabolism, and immune development, exerting profound effects on human health. However, these microorganisms pose a potential threat by breaching the gut barrier, entering host tissues, and triggering infections, uncontrolled inflammation, and even sepsis. The intestinal epithelial cells form the primary defense, acting as a frontline barrier against microbial invasion. Antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), produced by these cells, serve as innate immune effectors that regulate the gut microbiome by directly killing or inhibiting microbes. Abnormal AMP production, whether insufficient or excessive, can disturb the microbiome equilibrium, contributing to various intestinal diseases. This review delves into the complex interactions between AMPs and the gut microbiota and sheds light on the role of AMPs in governing host-microbiota interactions. We discuss the function and mechanisms of action of AMPs, their regulation by the gut microbiota, microbial evasion strategies, and the consequences of AMP dysregulation in disease. Understanding these complex interactions between AMPs and the gut microbiota is crucial for developing strategies to enhance immune responses and combat infections within the gut microbiota. Ongoing research continues to uncover novel aspects of this intricate relationship, deepening our understanding of the factors shaping gut health. This knowledge has the potential to revolutionize therapeutic interventions, offering enhanced treatments for a wide range of gut-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Eun Ra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Ji Bang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Field D, Fernandez de Ullivarri M, Ross RP, Hill C. After a century of nisin research - where are we now? FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad023. [PMID: 37300874 PMCID: PMC10257480 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
It is almost a century since nisin was discovered in fermented milk cultures, coincidentally in the same year that penicillin was first described. Over the last 100 years this small, highly modified pentacyclic peptide has not only found success in the food industry as a preservative but has also served as the paradigm for our understanding of the genetic organization, expression, and regulation of genes involved in lantibiotic biosynthesis-one of the few cases of extensive post-translation modification in prokaryotes. Recent developments in understanding the complex biosynthesis of nisin have shed light on the cellular location of the modification and transport machinery and the co-ordinated series of spatio-temporal events required to produce active nisin and provide resistance and immunity. The continued unearthing of new natural variants from within human and animal gastrointestinal tracts has sparked interest in the potential application of nisin to influence the microbiome, given the growing recognition of the role the gastrointestinal microbiota plays in health and disease. Moreover, interdisciplinary approaches have taken advantage of biotechnological advancements to bioengineer nisin to produce novel variants and expand nisin functionality for applications in the biomedical field. This review will discuss the latest progress in these aspects of nisin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Des Field
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork,Western Road, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, College Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
| | | | - R Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork,Western Road, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, College Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork,Western Road, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, College Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
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5
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Blair JMA, Zeth K, Bavro VN, Sancho-Vaello E. The role of bacterial transport systems in the removal of host antimicrobial peptides in Gram-negative bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6617596. [PMID: 35749576 PMCID: PMC9629497 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global issue that threatens our progress in healthcare and life expectancy. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been considered as promising alternatives to the classic antibiotics. AMPs are potentially superior due to their lower rate of resistance development, since they primarily target the bacterial membrane ('Achilles' heel' of the bacteria). However, bacteria have developed mechanisms of AMP resistance, including the removal of AMPs to the extracellular space by efflux pumps such as the MtrCDE or AcrAB-TolC systems, and the internalization of AMPs to the cytoplasm by the Sap transporter, followed by proteolytic digestion. In this review, we focus on AMP transport as a resistance mechanism compiling all the experimental evidence for the involvement of efflux in AMP resistance in Gram-negative bacteria and combine this information with the analysis of the structures of the efflux systems involved. Finally, we expose some open questions with the aim of arousing the interest of the scientific community towards the AMPs-efflux pumps interactions. All the collected information broadens our understanding of AMP removal by efflux pumps and gives some clues to assist the rational design of AMP-derivatives as inhibitors of the efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M A Blair
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kornelius Zeth
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Vassiliy N Bavro
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Enea Sancho-Vaello
- Corresponding author. College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. E-mail:
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6
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Role of Antimicrobial Drug in the Development of Potential Therapeutics. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2500613. [PMID: 35571735 PMCID: PMC9098294 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2500613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Population of the world run into several health-related emergencies among mankind and humans as it creates a challenge for the evolution of novel drug discoveries. One such can be the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains in both hospital and community settings, which have been due to an inappropriate use and inadequate control of antibiotics that has led to the foremost human health concerns with a high impact on the global economy. So far, there has been application of two strategies for the development of anti-infective agents either by classical antibiotics that have been derived for their synthetic analogs with increased efficacy or screening natural compounds along with the synthetic compound libraries for the antimicrobial activities. However, need for newer treatment options for infectious diseases has led research to develop new generation of antimicrobial activity to further lessen the spread of antibiotic resistance. Currently, the principles aim to find novel mode of actions or products to target the specific sites and virulence factors in pathogens by a series of better understanding of physiology and molecular aspects of the microbial resistance, mechanism of infection process, and gene-pathogenicity relationship. The design various novel strategies tends to provide us a path for the development of various antimicrobial therapies that intends to have a broader and wider antimicrobial spectrum that helps to combat MDR strains worldwide. The development of antimicrobial peptides, metabolites derived from plants, microbes, phage-based antimicrobial agents, use of metal nanoparticles, and role of CRISPR have led to an exceptional strategies in designing and developing the next-generation antimicrobials. These novel strategies might help to combat the seriousness of the infection rates and control the health crisis system.
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7
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Conformational snapshots of the bacitracin sensing and resistance transporter BceAB. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2123268119. [PMID: 35349335 PMCID: PMC9169098 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2123268119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceMany gram-positive organisms have evolved an elegant solution to sense and resist antimicrobial peptides that inhibit cell-wall synthesis. These organisms express an unusual "Bce-type" adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that recognizes complexes formed between antimicrobial peptides and lipids involved in cell-wall biosynthesis. In this work, we provide the first structural snapshots of a Bce-type ABC transporter trapped in different conformational states. Our structures and associated biochemical data provide key insights into the novel target protection mechanism that these unusual ABC transporters use to sense and resist antimicrobial peptides. The studies described herein set the stage to begin developing a comprehensive molecular understanding of the diverse interactions between antimicrobial peptides and conserved resistance machinery found across most gram-positive organisms.
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8
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Gottstein J, Zaschke-Kriesche J, Unsleber S, Voitsekhovskaia I, Kulik A, Behrmann LV, Overbeck N, Stühler K, Stegmann E, Smits SHJ. New insights into the resistance mechanism for the BceAB-type transporter SaNsrFP. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4232. [PMID: 35273305 PMCID: PMC8913810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08095-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of bacterial infections is one of the major challenges of our time due to the evolved resistance mechanisms of pathogens against antibiotics. To circumvent this problem, it is necessary to understand the mode of action of the drug and the mechanism of resistance of the pathogen. One of the most potent antibiotic targets is peptidoglycan (PGN) biosynthesis, as this is an exclusively occurring and critical feature of bacteria. Lipid II is an essential PGN precursor synthesized in the cytosol and flipped into the outer leaflet of the membrane prior to its incorporation into nascent PGN. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as nisin and colistin, targeting PGN synthesis are considered promising weapons against multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, human pathogenic bacteria that were also resistant to these compounds evolved by the expression of an ATP-binding cassette transporter of the bacitracin efflux (BceAB) type localized in the membrane. In the human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae, the BceAB transporter SaNsrFP is known to confer resistance to the antimicrobial peptide nisin. The exact mechanism of action for SaNsrFP is poorly understood. For a detailed characterization of the resistance mechanism, we heterologously expressed SaNsrFP in Lactococcus lactis. We demonstrated that SaNsrFP conferred resistance not only to nisin but also to a structurally diverse group of antimicrobial PGN-targeting compounds such as ramoplanin, lysobactin, or bacitracin/(Zn)-bacitracin. Growth experiments revealed that SaNsrFP-producing cells exhibited normal behavior when treated with nisin and/or bacitracin, in contrast to the nonproducing cells, for which growth was significantly reduced. We further detected the accumulation of PGN precursors in the cytoplasm after treating the cells with bacitracin. This did not appear when SaNsrFP was produced. Whole-cell proteomic protein experiments verified that the presence of SaNsrFP in L. lactis resulted in higher production of several proteins associated with cell wall modification. These included, for example, the N-acetylmuramic acid-6-phosphate etherase MurQ and UDP-glucose 4-epimerase. Analysis of components of the cell wall of SaNsrFP-producing cells implied that the transporter is involved in cell wall modification. Since we used an ATP-deficient mutant of the transporter as a comparison, we can show that SaNsrFP and its inactive mutant do not show the same phenotype, albeit expressed at similar levels, which demonstrates the ATP dependency of the mediated resistance processes. Taken together, our data agree to a target protection mechanism and imply a direct involvement of SaNsrFP in resistance by shielding the membrane-localized target of these antimicrobial peptides, resulting in modification of the cell wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gottstein
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Zaschke-Kriesche
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sandra Unsleber
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicin, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irina Voitsekhovskaia
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicin, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kulik
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicin, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lara V Behrmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Nina Overbeck
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Evi Stegmann
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicin, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sander H J Smits
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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9
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Rebuffat S. Ribosomally synthesized peptides, foreground players in microbial interactions: recent developments and unanswered questions. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 39:273-310. [PMID: 34755755 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00052g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is currently well established that multicellular organisms live in tight association with complex communities of microorganisms including a large number of bacteria. These are immersed in complex interaction networks reflecting the relationships established between them and with host organisms; yet, little is known about the molecules and mechanisms involved in these mutual interactions. Ribosomally synthesized peptides, among which bacterial antimicrobial peptides called bacteriocins and microcins have been identified as contributing to host-microbe interplays, are either unmodified or post-translationally modified peptides. This review will unveil current knowledge on these ribosomal peptide-based natural products, their interplay with the host immune system, and their roles in microbial interactions and symbioses. It will include their major structural characteristics and post-translational modifications, the main rules of their maturation pathways, and the principal ecological functions they ensure (communication, signalization, competition), especially in symbiosis, taking select examples in various organisms. Finally, we address unanswered questions and provide a framework for deciphering big issues inspiring future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Rebuffat
- Laboratory Molecules of Communication and Adaptation of Microorganisms (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS-MNHN), National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), National Centre of Scientific Research (CNRS), CP 54, 57 rue Cuvier 75005, Paris, France.
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10
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Food stabilizing potential of nisin Z produced by wild Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis from raw milk and some fermented products. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2021.112065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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O'Reilly C, O'Connor PM, O'Sullivan Ó, Rea MC, Hill C, Ross RP. Impact of nisin on Clostridioides difficile and microbiota composition in a faecal fermentation model of the human colon. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:1397-1408. [PMID: 34370377 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Nisin is a bacteriocin with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The aims were to assess nisin activity against Clostridioides difficile in a complex microbial environment and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration at which C. difficile growth is suppressed whilst having minimal impact on the faecal microbiota. METHODS AND RESULTS Faecal slurries were prepared from fresh faecal samples and spiked with C. difficile (106 CFU per ml). Nisin was added to each fermentation at a range of concentrations from 0 to 500 µM. Following 24 h, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed, and the presence of viable C. difficile was assessed. There was no viable C. difficile detected in the presence of 50-500 µM nisin. There was a decrease in the diversity of the microbiota in a nisin dose-dependent manner. Nisin predominantly depleted the relative abundance of the Gram-positive bacteria whilst the relative abundance of Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia Shigella and Bacteroides increased. CONCLUSIONS Using an ex vivo model of the colon, this study demonstrates the ability of purified nisin to selectively deplete C. difficile in a faecal microbial environment and establishes the minimum concentration at which this occurs whilst having a minimal impact on the composition of the microbiota. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study opens up the potential to use nisin as a therapeutic for clostridial gut infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine O'Reilly
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paula M O'Connor
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Órla O'Sullivan
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mary C Rea
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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12
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van Staden ADP, van Zyl WF, Trindade M, Dicks LMT, Smith C. Therapeutic Application of Lantibiotics and Other Lanthipeptides: Old and New Findings. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0018621. [PMID: 33962984 PMCID: PMC8231447 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00186-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides, with modifications that are incorporated during biosynthesis by dedicated enzymes. Various modifications of the peptides are possible, resulting in a highly diverse group of bioactive peptides that offer a potential reservoir for use in the fight against a plethora of diseases. Their activities range from the antimicrobial properties of lantibiotics, especially against antibiotic-resistant strains, to antiviral activity, immunomodulatory properties, antiallodynic effects, and the potential to alleviate cystic fibrosis symptoms. Lanthipeptide biosynthetic genes are widespread within bacterial genomes, providing a substantial repository for novel bioactive peptides. Using genome mining tools, novel bioactive lanthipeptides can be identified, and coupled with rapid screening and heterologous expression technologies, the lanthipeptide drug discovery pipeline can be significantly sped up. Lanthipeptides represent a group of bioactive peptides that hold great potential as biotherapeutics, especially at a time when novel and more effective therapies are required. With this review, we provide insight into the latest developments made toward the therapeutic applications and production of lanthipeptides, specifically looking at heterologous expression systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Du Preez van Staden
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Winschau F. van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marla Trindade
- Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Carine Smith
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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13
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Zeng Y, Charkowski AO. The Role of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters in Bacterial Phytopathogenesis. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2021; 111:600-610. [PMID: 33225831 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-06-20-0212-rvw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria use selective membrane transporting strategies to support cell survival in different environments. Of the membrane transport systems, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to deliver substrate across the cytoplasmic membrane, are the largest and most diverse superfamily. These transporters import nutrients, export molecules, and are required for diverse cell functions, including cell division and morphology, gene regulation, surface motility, chemotaxis, and interspecies competition. Phytobacterial pathogens encode numerous ABC transporter homologs compared with related nonphytopathogens, with up to 160 transporters per genome, suggesting that plant pathogens must be able to import or respond to a greater number of molecules compared with saprophytes or animal pathogens. Despite their importance, ABC transporters have been little examined in plant pathogens. To understand bacterial phytopathogenesis and evolution, we need to understand the roles that ABC transporters play in plant-microbe interactions. In this review, we outline a multitude of roles that bacterial ABC transporters play, using both plant and animal pathogens as examples, to emphasize the importance of exploring these transporters in phytobacteriology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zeng
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Amy O Charkowski
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
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14
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In Silico Prediction and Analysis of Unusual Lantibiotic Resistance Operons in the Genus Corynebacterium. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030646. [PMID: 33808930 PMCID: PMC8003753 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translationally modified, (methyl-)lanthionine-containing peptides are produced by several Gram-positive bacteria. These so-called lantibiotics have potent activity against various bacterial pathogens including multidrug-resistant strains and are thus discussed as alternatives to antibiotics. Several naturally occurring mechanisms of resistance against lantibiotics have been described for bacteria, including cell envelope modifications, ABC-transporters, lipoproteins and peptidases. Corynebacterium species are widespread in nature and comprise important pathogens, commensals as well as environmentally and biotechnologically relevant species. Yet, little is known about lantibiotic biosynthesis and resistance in this genus. Here, we present a comprehensive in silico prediction of lantibiotic resistance traits in this important group of Gram-positive bacteria. Our analyses suggest that enzymes for cell envelope modification, peptidases as well as ABC-transporters involved in peptide resistance are widely distributed in the genus. Based on our predictions, we analyzed the susceptibility of six Corynebacterium species to nisin and found that those without dedicated resistance traits are more susceptible and unable to adapt to higher concentrations. In addition, we were able to identify lantibiotic resistance operons encoding for peptidases, ABC-transporters and two-component systems with an unusual predicted structure that are conserved in the genus Corynebacterium. Heterologous expression shows that these operons indeed confer resistance to the lantibiotic nisin.
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Barbosa AAT, de Melo MR, da Silva CMR, Jain S, Dolabella SS. Nisin resistance in Gram-positive bacteria and approaches to circumvent resistance for successful therapeutic use. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:376-385. [PMID: 33689548 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1893264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is one of the most worrying problems in health systems today. To solve this problem, bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, especially nisin, have been proposed as an alternative for controlling multidrug-resistant bacteria. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that have activity mainly against Gram-positive strains. Nisin is one of the most studied bacteriocins and is already approved for use in food preservation. Nisin is still not approved for human clinical use, but many in vitro studies have shown its therapeutic effectiveness, especially for the control of antibiotic-resistant strains. Results from in vitro studies show the emergence of nisin-resistant bacteria after exposure to nisin. Considering that nisin has shown promising results for clinical use, studies to elucidate nisin-resistant mechanisms and the development of approaches to circumvent nisin-resistance are important. Thus, the objectives of this review are to identify the Gram-positive bacterial strains that have shown resistance to nisin, describe their resistance mechanisms and propose ways to overcome the development of nisin-resistance for its successful clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sona Jain
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Industrial, Universidade Tiradentes, Sergipe, Brasil
| | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brasil
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16
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van Gijtenbeek LA, Eckhardt TH, Herrera-Domínguez L, Brockmann E, Jensen K, Geppel A, Nielsen KF, Vindeloev J, Neves AR, Oregaard G. Gene-Trait Matching and Prevalence of Nisin Tolerance Systems in Lactococus lactis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:622835. [PMID: 33748081 PMCID: PMC7965974 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.622835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactococcus lactis cheese starter cultures typically contain a mix of many strains and may include variants that produce and/or tolerate the antimicrobial bacteriocin nisin. Nisin is well-established as an effective agent against several undesirable Gram-positive bacteria in cheese and various other foods. In the current study, we have examined the effect of nisin on 710 individual L. lactis strains during milk fermentations. Changes in milk acidification profiles with and without nisin exposure, ranging from unaltered acidification to loss of acidification, could be largely explained by the type(s) and variants of nisin immunity and nisin degradation genes present, but surprisingly, also by genotypic lineage (L. lactis ssp. cremoris vs. ssp. lactis). Importantly, we identify that nisin degradation by NSR is frequent among L. lactis and therefore likely the main mechanism by which dairy-associated L. lactis strains tolerate nisin. Insights from this study on the strain-specific effect of nisin tolerance and degradation during milk acidification is expected to aid in the design of nisin-compatible cheese starter cultures.
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17
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Proteomic Adaptation of Clostridioides difficile to Treatment with the Antimicrobial Peptide Nisin. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020372. [PMID: 33670309 PMCID: PMC7918085 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea but can also result in more serious, life-threatening conditions. The incidence of C. difficile infections in hospitals is increasing, both in frequency and severity, and antibiotic-resistant C. difficile strains are advancing. Against this background antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an interesting alternative to classic antibiotics. Information on the effects of AMPs on C. difficile will not only enhance the knowledge for possible biomedical application but may also provide insights into mechanisms of C. difficile to adapt or counteract AMPs. This study applies state-of-the-art mass spectrometry methods to quantitatively investigate the proteomic response of C. difficile 630∆erm to sublethal concentrations of the AMP nisin allowing to follow the cellular stress adaptation in a time-resolved manner. The results do not only point at a heavy reorganization of the cellular envelope but also resulted in pronounced changes in central cellular processes such as carbohydrate metabolism. Further, the number of flagella per cell was increased during the adaptation process. The potential involvement of flagella in nisin adaptation was supported by a more resistant phenotype exhibited by a non-motile but hyper-flagellated mutant.
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18
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Rismondo J, Schulz LM. Not Just Transporters: Alternative Functions of ABC Transporters in Bacillus subtilis and Listeria monocytogenes. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010163. [PMID: 33450852 PMCID: PMC7828314 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are usually involved in the translocation of their cognate substrates, which is driven by ATP hydrolysis. Typically, these transporters are required for the import or export of a wide range of substrates such as sugars, ions and complex organic molecules. ABC exporters can also be involved in the export of toxic compounds such as antibiotics. However, recent studies revealed alternative detoxification mechanisms of ABC transporters. For instance, the ABC transporter BceAB of Bacillus subtilis seems to confer resistance to bacitracin via target protection. In addition, several transporters with functions other than substrate export or import have been identified in the past. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings on ABC transporters of the Gram-positive organisms B. subtilis and Listeria monocytogenes with transport or regulatory functions affecting antibiotic resistance, cell wall biosynthesis, cell division and sporulation.
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19
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Karbalaei-Heidari HR, Budisa N. Combating Antimicrobial Resistance With New-To-Nature Lanthipeptides Created by Genetic Code Expansion. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:590522. [PMID: 33250877 PMCID: PMC7674664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.590522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid emergence of multi-resistant bacterial strains in recent decades, the commercially available effective antibiotics are becoming increasingly limited. On the other hand, widespread antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as the lantibiotic nisin has been used worldwide for more than 40 years without the appearance of significant bacterial resistance. Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobials generated by posttranslational modifications. Their biotechnological production is of particular interest to redesign natural scaffolds improving their pharmaceutical properties, which has great potential for therapeutic use in human medicine and other areas. However, conventional protein engineering methods are limited to 20 canonical amino acids prescribed by the genetic code. Therefore, the expansion of the genetic code as the most advanced approach in Synthetic Biology allows the addition of new amino acid building blocks (non-canonical amino acids, ncAAs) during protein translation. We now have solid proof-of-principle evidence that bioexpression with these novel building blocks enabled lantibiotics with chemical properties transcending those produced by natural evolution. The unique scaffolds with novel structural and functional properties are the result of this bioengineering. Here we will critically examine and evaluate the use of the expanded genetic code and its alternatives in lantibiotics research over the last 7 years. We anticipate that Synthetic Biology, using engineered lantibiotics and even more complex scaffolds will be a promising tool to address an urgent problem of antibiotic resistance, especially in a class of multi-drug resistant microbes known as superbugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Karbalaei-Heidari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Smits SHJ, Schmitt L, Beis K. Self-immunity to antibacterial peptides by ABC transporters. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3920-3942. [PMID: 33040342 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria produce under certain stress conditions bacteriocins and microcins that display antibacterial activity against closely related species for survival. Bacteriocins and microcins exert their antibacterial activity by either disrupting the membrane or inhibiting essential intracellular processes of the bacterial target. To this end, they can lyse bacterial membranes and cause subsequent loss of their integrity or nutrients, or hijack membrane receptors for internalisation. Both bacteriocins and microcins are ribosomally synthesised and several are posttranslationally modified, whereas others are not. Such peptides are also toxic to the producer bacteria, which utilise immunity proteins or/and dedicated ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters to achieve self-immunity and peptide export. In this review, we discuss the structure and mechanism of self-protection that is conferred by these ABC transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander H J Smits
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany.,Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Lutz Schmitt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Beis
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, UK.,Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
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21
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Characterization of the nucleotide-binding domain NsrF from the BceAB-type ABC-transporter NsrFP from the human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15208. [PMID: 32938989 PMCID: PMC7494861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of bacterial infections is a great challenge of our era due to the various resistance mechanisms against antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are considered to be potential novel compound as antibiotic treatment. However, some bacteria, especially many human pathogens, are inherently resistant to these compounds, due to the expression of BceAB-type ABC transporters. This rather new transporter family is not very well studied. Here, we report the first full characterization of the nucleotide binding domain of a BceAB type transporter from Streptococcus agalactiae, namely SaNsrF of the transporter SaNsrFP, which confers resistance against nisin and gallidermin. We determined the NTP hydrolysis kinetics and used molecular modeling and simulations in combination with small angle X-ray scattering to obtain structural models of the SaNsrF monomer and dimer. The fact that the SaNsrFH202A variant displayed no ATPase activity was rationalized in terms of changes of the structural dynamics of the dimeric interface. Kinetic data show a clear preference for ATP as a substrate, and the prediction of binding modes allowed us to explain this selectivity over other NTPs.
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22
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Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is mediated through several distinct mechanisms, most of which are relatively well understood and the clinical importance of which has long been recognized. Until very recently, neither of these statements was readily applicable to the class of resistance mechanism known as target protection, a phenomenon whereby a resistance protein physically associates with an antibiotic target to rescue it from antibiotic-mediated inhibition. In this Review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the nature and importance of target protection. In particular, we describe the molecular basis of the known target protection systems, emphasizing that target protection does not involve a single, uniform mechanism but is instead brought about in several mechanistically distinct ways.
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23
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Genetic Analysis of Mutacin B-Ny266, a Lantibiotic Active against Caries Pathogens. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:JB.00762-19. [PMID: 32229530 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00762-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized proteinaceous antibacterial peptides. They selectively interfere with the growth of other bacteria. The production and secretion of bacteriocins confer a distinct ecological advantage to the producer in competing against other bacteria that are present in the same ecological niche. Streptococcus mutans, a significant contributor to the development of dental caries, is one of the most prolific producers of bacteriocins, known as mutacins in S. mutans In this study, we characterized the locus encoding mutacin B-Ny266, a lantibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. The chromosomal locus is composed of six predicted operon structures encoding proteins involved in regulation, antimicrobial activity, biosynthesis, modification, transport, and immunity. Mutacin B-Ny266 was purified from semisolid cultures, and two inhibitory peptides, LanA and LanA', were detected. Both peptides were highly modified. Such modifications include dehydration of serine and threonine and the formation of a C-terminal aminovinyl-cysteine (AviCys) ring. While LanA peptide alone is absolutely required for antimicrobial activity, the presence of LanA' enhanced the activity of LanA, suggesting that B-Ny266 may function as a two-peptide lantibiotic. The activation of lanAA' expression is most likely controlled by the conserved two-component system NsrRS, which is activated by LanA peptide but not by LanA'. The chromosomal locus encoding mutacin B-Ny266 was not universally conserved in all sequenced S. mutans genomes. Intriguingly, the genes encoding LanAA' peptides were restricted to the most invasive serotypes of S. mutans IMPORTANCE Although dental caries is largely preventable, it remains the most common and costly infectious disease worldwide. Caries is initiated by the presence of dental plaque biofilm that contains Streptococcus mutans, a species extensively characterized by its role in caries development and formation. S. mutans deploys an arsenal of strategies to establish itself within the oral cavity. One of them is the production of bacteriocins that confer a competitive advantage by targeting and killing closely related competitors. In this work, we found that mutacin B-Ny266 is a potent lantibiotic that is effective at killing a wide array of oral streptococci, including nearly all S. mutans strains tested. Lantibiotics produced by oral bacteria could represent a promising strategy to target caries pathogens embedded in dental plaque biofilm.
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Mulnaes D, Porta N, Clemens R, Apanasenko I, Reiners J, Gremer L, Neudecker P, Smits SHJ, Gohlke H. TopModel: Template-Based Protein Structure Prediction at Low Sequence Identity Using Top-Down Consensus and Deep Neural Networks. J Chem Theory Comput 2020; 16:1953-1967. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.9b00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mulnaes
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicola Porta
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rebecca Clemens
- Institute für Biochemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Irina Apanasenko
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry) & JuStruct, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jens Reiners
- Institute für Biochemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Structural Studies Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lothar Gremer
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry) & JuStruct, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Philipp Neudecker
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry) & JuStruct, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Sander H. J. Smits
- Institute für Biochemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Structural Studies Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry) & JuStruct, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- John von Neumann Institute for Computing (NIC) & Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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25
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Alvarado A, Behrens W, Josenhans C. Protein Activity Sensing in Bacteria in Regulating Metabolism and Motility. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3055. [PMID: 32010106 PMCID: PMC6978683 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved complex sensing and signaling systems to react to their changing environments, most of which are present in all domains of life. Canonical bacterial sensing and signaling modules, such as membrane-bound ligand-binding receptors and kinases, are very well described. However, there are distinct sensing mechanisms in bacteria that are less studied. For instance, the sensing of internal or external cues can also be mediated by changes in protein conformation, which can either be implicated in enzymatic reactions, transport channel formation or other important cellular functions. These activities can then feed into pathways of characterized kinases, which translocate the information to the DNA or other response units. This type of bacterial sensory activity has previously been termed protein activity sensing. In this review, we highlight the recent findings about this non-canonical sensory mechanism, as well as its involvement in metabolic functions and bacterial motility. Additionally, we explore some of the specific proteins and protein-protein interactions that mediate protein activity sensing and their downstream effects. The complex sensory activities covered in this review are important for bacterial navigation and gene regulation in their dynamic environment, be it host-associated, in microbial communities or free-living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Alvarado
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wiebke Behrens
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Christine Josenhans
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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26
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Sandiford SK. An overview of lantibiotic biosynthetic machinery promiscuity and its impact on antimicrobial discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:373-382. [PMID: 31941374 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1699530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The continued emergence of drug resistant bacteria within the nosocomial and community environment recalcitrant to conventional antimicrobial therapies has enforced the requirement for novel therapeutics. This has led to a renewed interest in peptide antimicrobials, including ribosomally synthesized peptides termed lantibiotics. Lantibiotics represent a novel class of agents that many studies have highlighted as effective against a range of pathogenic bacteria.Areas covered: In this review, the modular nature of lantibiotic synthesis is discussed and how this can be exploited not only to improve known lantibiotics but also for the creation of new to nature lantibiotics exhibiting improved pharmacological properties, antimicrobial activity and ability to bypass bacterial resistance mechanisms.Expert opinion: The use of combinatorial biosynthetic systems to combine different modules or ring structures of known lantibiotics have also been utilized to create new to nature lantibiotics. To fully exploit the available information and its application to lantibiotic engineering, additional structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis is required to fully understand the impact of certain post-translational modifications and the impact they have upon the activity, stability and pharmacological properties.
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27
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Beis K, Rebuffat S. Multifaceted ABC transporters associated to microcin and bacteriocin export. Res Microbiol 2019; 170:399-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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28
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Influence of nisin hinge-region variants on lantibiotic immunity and resistance proteins. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3947-3953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Severi E, Thomas GH. Antibiotic export: transporters involved in the final step of natural product production. Microbiology (Reading) 2019; 165:805-818. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuele Severi
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, UK
| | - Gavin H. Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, UK
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30
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Bypassing lantibiotic resistance by an effective nisin derivative. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3454-3462. [PMID: 31253534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The need for new antibiotic compounds is rising and antimicrobial peptides are excellent candidates to fulfill this object. The bacteriocin subgroup lantibiotics, for example, are active in the nanomolar range and target the membranes of mainly Gram-positive bacteria. They bind to lipid II, inhibit cell growth and in some cases form pores within the bacterial membrane, inducing rapid cell death. Pharmaceutical usage of lantibiotics is however hampered by the presence of gene clusters in human pathogenic strains which, when expressed, confer resistance. The human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae COH1, expresses several lantibiotic resistance proteins resulting in resistance against for example nisin. This study presents a highly potent, pore forming nisin variant as an alternative lantibiotic which bypasses the SaNSR protein. It is shown that this nisin derivate nisinC28P keeps its nanomolar antibacterial activity against L. lactis NZ9000 cells but is not recognized by the nisin resistance protein SaNSR. NisinC28P is cleaved by SaNSR in vitro with a highly decreased efficiency, as shown by an cleavage assay. Furthermore, we show that nisinC28P is still able to form pores in the membranes of L. lactis and is three times more efficient against SaNSR-expressing L. lactis cells than wildtype nisin.
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31
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Hauf S, Herrmann J, Miethke M, Gibhardt J, Commichau FM, Müller R, Fuchs S, Halbedel S. Aurantimycin resistance genes contribute to survival of Listeria monocytogenes during life in the environment. Mol Microbiol 2019; 111:1009-1024. [PMID: 30648305 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria can cope with toxic compounds such as antibiotics by inducing genes for their detoxification. A common detoxification strategy is compound excretion by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are synthesized upon compound contact. We previously identified the multidrug resistance ABC transporter LieAB in Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive bacterium that occurs ubiquitously in the environment, but also causes severe infections in humans upon ingestion. Expression of the lieAB genes is strongly induced in cells lacking the PadR-type transcriptional repressor LftR, but compounds leading to relief of this repression in wild-type cells were not known. Using RNA-Seq and promoter-lacZ fusions, we demonstrate highly specific repression of the lieAB and lftRS promoters through LftR. Screening of a natural compound library yielded the depsipeptide aurantimycin A - synthesized by the soil-dwelling Streptomyces aurantiacus - as the first known naturally occurring inducer of lieAB expression. Genetic and phenotypic experiments concordantly show that aurantimycin A is a substrate of the LieAB transporter and thus, lftRS and lieAB represent the first known genetic module conferring and regulating aurantimycin A resistance. Collectively, these genes may support the survival of L. monocytogenes when it comes into contact with antibiotic-producing bacteria in the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hauf
- FG11 Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute, Burgstrasse 37, Wernigerode, 38855, Germany
| | - Jennifer Herrmann
- Department of Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, 66123, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Marcus Miethke
- Department of Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, 66123, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Johannes Gibhardt
- Department of General Microbiology, University of Göttingen, Grisebachstrasse 8, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Fabian M Commichau
- Department of General Microbiology, University of Göttingen, Grisebachstrasse 8, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Department of Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, 66123, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38124, Germany
| | - Stephan Fuchs
- FG13 Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch Institute, Burgstrasse 37, Wernigerode, 38855, Germany
| | - Sven Halbedel
- FG11 Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, Robert Koch Institute, Burgstrasse 37, Wernigerode, 38855, Germany
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Sandiford SK. Current developments in lantibiotic discovery for treating Clostridium difficile infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 14:71-79. [PMID: 30479173 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1549032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridium difficile is a major cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea linked to the misuse of antimicrobials and the corresponding deleterious impact they have on the protective microbiota of the gut. Resistance to agents used to treat C. difficile including metronizadole and vancomycin has been reported highlighting the need for novel agents. Lantibiotics represent a novel class of agents that many studies have highlighted as effective against C. difficile. Areas covered: In this review lantibiotics including nisin, actagardine, mersacidin, NAI-107 and MU-1140 that exhibit good activity against C.difficile, all of which are currently in the preclinical phase of investigation are discussed. The lantibiotic NVB302, which has completed phase I clinical trials for the treatment of C. difficile, is also described. Expert opinion: Lantibiotics represent promising candidates for the treatment of C. difficile infections due to their novel mode of action, which is thought to decrease the potential of resistance developing and the fact they often possess a less deleterious effect on the protective gut microbiota when compared to traditional agents. They are also extremely amenable to bioengineering approaches and the incorporation of synthetic biology to produce more potent variants.
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