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Sugrue I, Ross RP, Hill C. Bacteriocin diversity, function, discovery and application as antimicrobials. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:556-571. [PMID: 38730101 PMCID: PMC7616364 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01045-x] [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] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriocins are potent antimicrobial peptides that are produced by bacteria. Since their discovery almost a century ago, diverse peptides have been discovered and described, and some are currently used as commercial food preservatives. Many bacteriocins exhibit extensively post-translationally modified structures encoded on complex gene clusters, whereas others have simple linear structures. The molecular structures, mechanisms of action and resistance have been determined for a number of bacteriocins, but most remain incompletely characterized. These gene-encoded peptides are amenable to bioengineering strategies and heterologous expression, enabling metagenomic mining and modification of novel antimicrobials. The ongoing global antimicrobial resistance crisis demands that novel therapeutics be developed to combat infectious pathogens. New compounds that are target-specific and compatible with the resident microbiota would be valuable alternatives to current antimicrobials. As bacteriocins can be broad or narrow spectrum in nature, they are promising tools for this purpose. However, few bacteriocins have gone beyond preclinical trials and none is currently used therapeutically in humans. In this Review, we explore the broad diversity in bacteriocin structure and function, describe identification and optimization methods and discuss the reasons behind the lack of translation beyond the laboratory of these potentially valuable antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Sugrue
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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2
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da Silva Oliveira W, Teixeira CRV, Mantovani HC, Dolabella SS, Jain S, Barbosa AAT. Nisin variants: What makes them different and unique? Peptides 2024; 177:171220. [PMID: 38636811 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Nisin A is a lantibiotic bacteriocin typically produced by strains of Lactococcus lactis. This bacteriocin has been approved as a natural food preservative since the late 1980 s and shows antimicrobial activity against a range of food-borne spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. The therapeutic potential of nisin A has also been explored increasingly both in human and veterinary medicine. Nisin has been shown to be effective in treating bovine mastitis, dental caries, cancer, and skin infections. Recently, it was demonstrated that nisin has an affinity for the same receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells and was proposed as a blocker of the viral infection. Several nisin variants produced by distinct bacterial strains or modified by bioengineering have been described since the discovery of nisin A. These variants present modifications in the peptide structure, biosynthesis, mode of action, and spectrum of activity. Given the importance of nisin for industrial and therapeutic applications, the objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of the nisin variants, highlighting the main differences between these molecules and their potential applications. This review will be useful to researchers interested in studying the specifics of nisin A and its variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Sona Jain
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Ana Andréa Teixeira Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
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3
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Khan F, Singh P, Joshi AS, Tabassum N, Jeong GJ, Bamunuarachchi NI, Mijakovic I, Kim YM. Multiple potential strategies for the application of nisin and derivatives. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:628-657. [PMID: 35997756 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2112650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nisin is a naturally occurring bioactive small peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and belongs to the Type A (I) lantibiotics. Due to its potent antimicrobial activity, it has been broadly employed to preserve various food materials as well as to combat a variety of microbial pathogens. The present review discusses the antimicrobial properties of nisin and different types of their derivatives employed to treat microbial pathogens with a detailed underlying mechanism of action. Several alternative strategies such as combination, conjugation, and nanoformulations have been discussed in order to address several issues such as rapid degradation, instability, and reduced activity due to the various environmental factors that arise in the applications of nisin. Furthermore, the evolutionary relationship of many nisin genes from different nisin-producing bacterial species has been investigated. A detailed description of the natural and bioengineered nisin variants, as well as the underlying action mechanisms, has also been provided. The chemistry used to apply nisin in conjugation with natural or synthetic compounds as a synergetic mode of antimicrobial action has also been thoroughly discussed. The current review will be useful in learning about recent and past research that has been performed on nisin and its derivatives as antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlurrahman Khan
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Priyanka Singh
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Abhayraj S Joshi
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Ivan Mijakovic
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Division, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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4
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Dalvand M, Mirhosseini SA, Amini K, Khani S, Mahmoodzadeh Hosseini H, Mansoori K. Evaluation of anti-biofilm activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Nisin on the expression of aap, ica-A and ica-D as biofilm-associated genes of Staphylococcus epidermidis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 15:550-556. [PMID: 38045711 PMCID: PMC10692973 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v15i4.13509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives In the present study, the anti-biofilm activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Nisin was investigated on biofilm-forming abilities of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains and the expression of the biofilm-associated genes. Materials and Methods In this study, the standard strain of L. rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) and Nisin were used to assess their anti-microbial and anti-biofilm effects on S. epidermidis (RP62A). Results The MIC and MBC analysis showed that Nisin at 256 μg/mL and 512 μg/mL, and L. rhamnosus GG at 1×107 CFU/mL and 1×108 CFU/mL have anti-microbial activity compared to the negative control respectively. L. rhamnosus GG bacteria and Nisin inhibited the biofilm formation of S. epidermidis based on optical density of at 570 nm (P <0.001). The relative mRNA expression of aap, icaA, and icaD genes was significantly reduced compared to the negative control after treating S. epidermidis with sub-MIC of Nisin (0.44, 0.25 and 0.6 fold, respectively) (P>0.05). In addition, the relative expression of aap and icaA genes, but not icaD (P>0.05), was significantly lower than the negative control (0.62 and 0.7 fold, respectively) (P>0.05), after exposure to the sub MIC of L. rhamnosus GG. Conclusion Nisin and L. rhamnosus GG exhibit potent activity against biofilm-forming abilities of S. epidermidis and these agents could be utilized as an anti-biofilm agents against S. epidermidis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Dalvand
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mirhosseini
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiumarss Amini
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran
| | - Soghra Khani
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Mahmoodzadeh Hosseini
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kowsar Mansoori
- New Hearing Technologies Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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5
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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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Desmond A, O’Halloran F, Cotter L, Hill C, Field D. Bioengineered Nisin A Derivatives Display Enhanced Activity against Clinical Neonatal Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1516. [PMID: 36358171 PMCID: PMC9686653 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal infection is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in infants. The global incidence of multi-drug resistance continues to rise among neonatal pathogens, indicating a need for alternative treatment strategies. Nisin is an antimicrobial peptide that exhibits broad-spectrum activity against a wide variety of clinical pathogens and can be used in combination with antibiotics to improve their effectiveness. This study examined the activity of nisin and bioengineered derivatives against multi-drug resistant Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus capitis isolates and investigated the potential synergy between nisin peptides and selected antibiotics. Whole genome sequence analysis of the strains revealed the presence of multi-drug resistant determinants, e.g., macrolide, tetracycline, β-lactam, aminoglycoside, while the S. agalactiae strains all possessed both nsr and nsrFP genes and the S. capitis strains were found to encode the nsr gene alone. Deferred antagonism assays demonstrated that nisin PV had improved antimicrobial activity against all strains tested (n = 10). The enhanced specific activity of this peptide was confirmed using minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) (0-4-fold lower MIC for nisin PV) and broth-based survival assays. Combinations of nisin peptides with antibiotics were assessed for enhanced antimicrobial activity using growth and time-kill assays and revealed a more effective nisin PV/ampicillin combination against one S. capitis strain while a nisin A/erythromycin combination displayed a synergistic effect against one S. agalactiae strain. The findings of this study suggest that nisin derivatives alone and in combination with antibiotics have potential as alternative antimicrobial strategies to target neonatal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Desmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
| | - Fiona O’Halloran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
| | - Lesley Cotter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
| | - Des Field
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
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Bekiaridou A, Karlafti E, Oikonomou IM, Ioannidis A, Papavramidis TS. Probiotics and Their Effect on Surgical Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and New Insights into the Role of Nanotechnology. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124265. [PMID: 34959817 PMCID: PMC8704946 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin tissue repair is of fundamental importance for maintaining homeostasis regulation, protection barrier, absorption, and excretion of skin tissue. Wound healing is a complicated process that can be impaired by infections and therefore have a significant economic and social impact. Simultaneously, the overuse of antibiotics has led to antimicrobial resistance and loss of their efficacy. Thus, the need for alternative antimicrobial agents is urgent. The newest approaches on wound dressings employ new therapeutic agents, such as probiotics. Probiotics alone or in tandem with nanotechnology-based techniques exhibit a broad range of benefits on surgical wounds. This systematic review aims to consider current knowledge of probiotic effects on animals and humans regarding surgical wound healing and provide new insights into the role of nanotechnology. The databases included were PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL). Studies focused on burns, chronic wounds, and diabetic ulcers were excluded. The promising industry of probiotics demonstrates a significant upsurge as more and more healthy individuals rely their well-being on alternative medicine. Included probiotics illustrated positive results on wound re-epithelization, neovascularization, and wound healing. No adverse effects were noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bekiaridou
- 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.B.); (E.K.); (I.M.O.)
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.B.); (E.K.); (I.M.O.)
| | - Ilias Marios Oikonomou
- 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.B.); (E.K.); (I.M.O.)
| | - Aristidis Ioannidis
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Theodossis S. Papavramidis
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +30-231-042-0293
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8
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Simonetti O, Rizzetto G, Radi G, Molinelli E, Cirioni O, Giacometti A, Offidani A. New Perspectives on Old and New Therapies of Staphylococcal Skin Infections: The Role of Biofilm Targeting in Wound Healing. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111377. [PMID: 34827315 PMCID: PMC8615132 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the most common complications of both chronic wound and surgical sites are staphylococcal skin infections, which slow down the wound healing process due to various virulence factors, including the ability to produce biofilms. Furthermore, staphylococcal skin infections are often caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and become a therapeutic challenge. The aim of this narrative review is to collect the latest evidence on old and new anti-staphylococcal therapies, assessing their anti-biofilm properties and their effect on skin wound healing. We considered antibiotics, quorum sensing inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides, topical dressings, and antimicrobial photo-dynamic therapy. According to our review of the literature, targeting of biofilm is an important therapeutic choice in acute and chronic infected skin wounds both to overcome antibiotic resistance and to achieve better wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Simonetti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences Clinic of Dermatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (G.R.); (E.M.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0-715-963-494
| | - Giulio Rizzetto
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences Clinic of Dermatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (G.R.); (E.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Giulia Radi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences Clinic of Dermatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (G.R.); (E.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences Clinic of Dermatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (G.R.); (E.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Oscar Cirioni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy; (O.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Giacometti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy; (O.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences Clinic of Dermatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy; (G.R.); (G.R.); (E.M.); (A.O.)
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9
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Opportunities for Nanomedicine in Clostridioides difficile Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10080948. [PMID: 34438998 PMCID: PMC8388953 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium, is a nosocomial infectious pathogen which can be found in animals as well. Although various antibiotics and disinfectants were developed, C. difficile infection (CDI) remains a serious health problem. C. difficile spores have complex structures and dormant characteristics that contribute to their resistance to harsh environments, successful transmission and recurrence. C. difficile spores can germinate quickly after being exposed to bile acid and co-germinant in a suitable environment. The vegetative cells produce endospores, and the mature spores are released from the hosts for dissemination of the pathogen. Therefore, concurrent elimination of C. difficile vegetative cells and inhibition of spore germination is essential for effective control of CDI. This review focused on the molecular pathogenesis of CDI and new trends in targeting both spores and vegetative cells of this pathogen, as well as the potential contribution of nanotechnologies for the effective management of CDI.
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Twomey E, Hill C, Field D, Begley M. Recipe for Success: Suggestions and Recommendations for the Isolation and Characterisation of Bacteriocins. Int J Microbiol 2021; 2021:9990635. [PMID: 34257667 PMCID: PMC8249226 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9990635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriocins are bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides. Although only two peptides have been approved for use as natural preservatives foods, current research is focusing on expanding their application as potential therapeutics against clinical pathogens. Our laboratory group has been working on bacteriocins for over 25 years, and during that time, we have isolated bacteriocin-producing microorganisms from a variety of sources including human skin, human faeces, and various foods. These bacteriocins were purified and characterised, and their potential applications were examined. We have also identified bioengineered derivatives of the prototype lantibiotic nisin which possess more desirable properties than the wild-type, such as enhanced antimicrobial activity. In the current communication, we discuss the main methods that were employed to identify such peptides. Furthermore, we provide a step-by-step guide to carrying out these methods that include accompanying diagrams. We hope that our recommendations and advice will be of use to others in their search for, and subsequent analysis of, novel bacteriocins, and derivatives thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Twomey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork T12 P928, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Des Field
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Máire Begley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork T12 P928, Ireland
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11
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Nyhan L, Field D, Hill C, Callanan M, Begley M. Investigation of combinations of rationally selected bioengineered nisin derivatives for their ability to inhibit Listeria in broth and model food systems. Food Microbiol 2021; 99:103835. [PMID: 34119119 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the ability of nisin A and a rationally assembled bank of 36 nisin derivative producing Lactococcus lactis strains to inhibit Listeria. A broth-based bioluminescence assay for screening single and combinations of bioengineered nisin derivatives using cell-free supernatants (CFS) from nisin derivative producing strains was developed. In this way, we screened 630 combinations of nisin derivative producing strains, identifying two (CFS from M17Q + N20P and M17Q + S29E) which exhibited enhanced anti-listerial activity when used together compared to when used alone, or to the nisin A producing strain. Minimal inhibitory concentration assays performed with purified peptides revealed than when used singly, the specific activities of M17Q, N20P and S29E (3.75-7.5 μM) against L. innocua were equal to, or less than that of nisin A (MIC of 3.75 μM). Broth-based growth curve assays using purified peptides demonstrated that use of the double peptide combinations and a triple peptide combination (M17Q + N20P + S29E) resulted in an extended lag phase of L. innocua, while kill curve assays confirmed the enhanced bactericidal activity of the combinations in comparison to the single derivative peptides or nisin A. Furthermore, the enhanced activity of the M17Q + N20P combination was maintained in a model food system (frankfurter homogenate) at both chill (4 °C) and abusive (20 °C) temperature conditions, with final cell numbers significantly less (1-2 log10 CFU/ml) than those observed with the derivative peptides alone, or nisin A. To our knowledge, this study is the first investigation that combines bioengineered bacteriocins with the aim of discovering a combination with enhanced antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nyhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| | - Des Field
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | - Colin Hill
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael Callanan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| | - Máire Begley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
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12
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Field D, Considine K, O’Connor PM, Ross RP, Hill C, Cotter PD. Bio-Engineered Nisin with Increased Anti- Staphylococcus and Selectively Reduced Anti- Lactococcus Activity for Treatment of Bovine Mastitis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3480. [PMID: 33801752 PMCID: PMC8036683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine mastitis is a significant economic burden for dairy enterprises, responsible for premature culling, prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic use, reduced milk production and the withholding (and thus wastage) of milk. There is a desire to identify novel antimicrobials that are expressly directed to veterinary applications, do not require a lengthy milk withholding period and that will not have a negative impact on the growth of lactic acid bacteria involved in downstream dairy fermentations. Nisin is the prototypical lantibiotic, a family of highly modified antimicrobial peptides that exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against many Gram-positive microbes, including human and animal pathogens including species of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Although not yet utilized in the area of human medicine, nisin is currently applied as the active agent in products designed to prevent bovine mastitis. Over the last decade, we have harnessed bioengineering strategies to boost the specific activity and target spectrum of nisin against several problematic microorganisms. Here, we screen a large bank of engineered nisin derivatives to identify novel derivatives that exhibit improved specific activity against a selection of staphylococci, including mastitis-associated strains, but have unchanged or reduced activity against dairy lactococci. Three such peptides were identified; nisin A M17Q, nisin A T2L and nisin A HTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Des Field
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Kiera Considine
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland; (K.C.); (P.M.O.)
| | - Paula M. O’Connor
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland; (K.C.); (P.M.O.)
| | - R. Paul Ross
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Colin Hill
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Paul D. Cotter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland; (K.C.); (P.M.O.)
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