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Liu S, Laman P, Jensen S, van der Wel NN, Kramer G, Zaat SA, Brul S. Isolation and characterization of persisters of the pathogenic microorganism Staphylococcus aureus. iScience 2024; 27:110002. [PMID: 38868179 PMCID: PMC11166702 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of antibiotic persisters is one of the leading causes of recurrent and chronic diseases. One challenge in mechanistic research on persisters is the enrichment of pure persisters. In this work, we validated a proposed method to isolate persisters with notorious Staphylococcus aureus cultures. With this, we analyzed the proteome profile of pure persisters and revealed the distinct mechanisms associated with vancomycin and enrofloxacin induced persisters. Furthermore, morphological and metabolic characterizations were performed, indicating further differences between these two persister populations. Finally, we assessed the effect of ATP repression, protein synthesis inhibition, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level on persister formation. In conclusion, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of S. aureus vancomycin and enrofloxacin induced persisters, facilitating a better mechanistic understanding of persisters and the development of effective strategies to combat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Laman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sean Jensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole N. van der Wel
- Department of Medical Biology, Electron Microscopy Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Kramer
- Department of Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian A.J. Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stanley Brul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Liu S, Huang Y, Jensen S, Laman P, Kramer G, Zaat SAJ, Brul S. Molecular physiological characterization of the dynamics of persister formation in Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0085023. [PMID: 38051079 PMCID: PMC10777834 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00850-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria possess the ability to enter a growth-arrested state known as persistence in order to survive antibiotic exposure. Clinically, persisters are regarded as the main causative agents for chronic and recurrent infectious diseases. To combat this antibiotic-tolerant population, a better understanding of the molecular physiology of persisters is required. In this study, we collected samples at different stages of the biphasic kill curve to reveal the dynamics of the cellular molecular changes that occur in the process of persister formation. After exposure to antibiotics with different modes of action, namely, vancomycin and enrofloxacin, similar persister levels were obtained. Both shared and distinct stress responses were enriched for the respective persister populations. However, the dynamics of the presence of proteins linked to the persister phenotype throughout the biphasic kill curve and the molecular profiles in a stable persistent population did show large differences, depending on the antibiotic used. This suggests that persisters at the molecular level are highly stress specific, emphasizing the importance of characterizing persisters generated under different stress conditions. Additionally, although generated persisters exhibited cross-tolerance toward tested antibiotics, combined therapies were demonstrated to be a promising approach to reduce persister levels. In conclusion, this investigation sheds light on the stress-specific nature of persisters, highlighting the necessity of tailored treatment approaches and the potential of combined therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Laboratory for Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sean Jensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Laman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Kramer
- Laboratory for Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian A. J. Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stanley Brul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Adams GJ, O'Brien PA. The unified theory of sleep: Eukaryotes endosymbiotic relationship with mitochondria and REM the push-back response for awakening. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 15:100100. [PMID: 37484687 PMCID: PMC10362302 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Unified Theory suggests that sleep is a process that developed in eukaryotic animals from a relationship with an endosymbiotic bacterium. Over evolutionary time the bacterium evolved into the modern mitochondrion that continues to exert an effect on sleep patterns, e.g. the bacterium Wolbachia establishes an endosymbiotic relationship with Drosophila and many other species of insects and is able to change the host's behaviour by making it sleep. The hypothesis is supported by other host-parasite relationships, e.g., Trypanosoma brucei which causes day-time sleepiness and night-time insomnia in humans and cattle. For eukaryotes such as Monocercomonoids that don't contain mitochondria we find no evidence of them sleeping. Mitochondria produce the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and ornithine a precursor of the neurotransmitter GABA, together with substances such as 3,4dihydroxy phenylalanine (DOPA) a precursor for the neurotransmitter dopamine: These substances have been shown to affect the sleep/wake cycles in animals such as Drosophilia and Hydra. Eukaryote animals have traded the very positive side of having mitochondria providing aerobic respiration for them with the negative side of having to sleep. NREM (Quiet sleep) is the process endosymbionts have imposed upon their host eukaryotes and REM (Active sleep) is the push-back adaptation of eukaryotes with brains, returning to wakefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip A. O'Brien
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
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Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Laskowska E. New Strategies to Kill Metabolically-Dormant Cells Directly Bypassing the Need for Active Cellular Processes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1044. [PMID: 37370363 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic therapy failure is often caused by the presence of persister cells, which are metabolically-dormant bacteria capable of surviving exposure to antimicrobials. Under favorable conditions, persisters can resume growth leading to recurrent infections. Moreover, several studies have indicated that persisters may promote the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and facilitate the selection of specific resistant mutants; therefore, in light of the increasing numbers of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide, developing efficient strategies against dormant cells is of paramount importance. In this review, we present and discuss the efficacy of various agents whose antimicrobial activity is independent of the metabolic status of the bacteria as they target cell envelope structures. Since the biofilm-environment is favorable for the formation of dormant subpopulations, anti-persister strategies should also include agents that destroy the biofilm matrix or inhibit biofilm development. This article reviews examples of selected cell wall hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases and antimicrobial peptides. Their combination with standard antibiotics seems to be the most promising approach in combating persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stojowska-Swędrzyńska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dorota Kuczyńska-Wiśnik
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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Barros AC, Melo LF, Pereira A. Pseudomonas fluorescens Cells' Recovery after Exposure to BAC and DBNPA Biocides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1042. [PMID: 36009911 PMCID: PMC9405490 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11081042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A proper assessment of the effects of biocides on bacterial cells is key to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance and the implementation of suitable biocidal programmes. It is particularly relevant regarding the ability of dead-labelled cells to recover their functional processes once the biocide is removed. In the present work, we studied how Pseudomonas fluorescens cells previously exposed to different concentrations of BAC (benzalkonium chloride) and DBNPA (2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide) behave upon the restoration of optimum growth conditions. The following indicators were evaluated: culturability, membrane integrity, metabolic activity (resazurin), cellular energy (ATP), and cell structure and morphology (transmission electron microscopy (TEM)). The results demonstrated that cells previously labelled as 'dead' recovered to a greater extent in all indicators. Only cells previously exposed to BAC at 160 mg/L (concentration above the MBC) showed significant reductions on all the evaluated indicators. However, the obtained values were much higher than the 'death' thresholds found for the autoclaved cells. This suggests that cells exposed to this concentration take more time to rebuild their functional processes. The recovery of DBNPA-treated cells did not seem to be related to the biocide concentration. Finally, a reflection on what kind of cells were able to recover (remaining cells below the detection limit and/or dormant cells) is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Barros
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.B.); (L.F.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis F. Melo
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.B.); (L.F.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Pereira
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (A.C.B.); (L.F.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Membrane Activity of LL-37 Derived Antimicrobial Peptides against Enterococcus hirae: Superiority of SAAP-148 over OP-145. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040523. [PMID: 35454112 PMCID: PMC9028586 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria is an important medical challenge. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), human cathelicidin LL-37 and its derivative OP-145, possess a potent antimicrobial activity and were under consideration for clinical trials. In order to overcome some of the challenges to their therapeutic potential, a very promising AMP, SAAP-148 was designed. Here, we studied the mode of action of highly cationic SAAP-148 in comparison with OP-145 on membranes of Enterococcus hirae at both cellular and molecular levels using model membranes composed of major constituents of enterococcal membranes, that is, anionic phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL). In all assays used, SAAP-148 was consistently more efficient than OP-145, but both peptides displayed pronounced time and concentration dependences in killing bacteria and performing at the membrane. At cellular level, Nile Red-staining of enterococcal membranes showed abnormalities and cell shrinkage, which is also reflected in depolarization and permeabilization of E. hirae membranes. At the molecular level, both peptides abolished the thermotropic phase transition and induced disruption of PG/CL. Interestingly, the membrane was disrupted before the peptides neutralized the negative surface charge of PG/CL. Our results demonstrate that SAAP-148, which kills bacteria at a significantly lower concentration than OP-145, shows stronger effects on membranes at the cellular and molecular levels.
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