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Peng ED, Lyman LR, Schmitt MP. Identification and characterization of zinc importers in Corynebacterium diphtheriae. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0012424. [PMID: 38809016 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00124-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the causative agent of diphtheria, a severe respiratory disease in humans. C. diphtheriae colonizes the human upper respiratory tract, where it acquires zinc, an essential metal required for survival in the host. While the mechanisms for zinc transport by C. diphtheriae are not well characterized, four putative zinc ABC-type transporter loci were recently identified in strain 1737: iutABCD/E (iut), znuACB (znu), nikABCD1 (nik1), and nikABCD2 (nik2). A mutant deleted for all four loci (Δ4) exhibited similar growth to that of the wild-type strain in a zinc-limited medium, suggesting there are additional zinc transporters. Two additional gene loci predicted to be associated with metal import, mntABCD (mnt) and sidAB (sid), were deleted in the Δ4 mutant to construct a new mutant designated Δ6. The C. diphtheriae Δ6 mutant exhibited significantly reduced growth under zinc limitation relative to the wild type, suggesting a deficiency in zinc acquisition. Strains retaining the iut, znu, mnt, or sid loci grew to near-wild-type levels in the absence of the other five loci, indicating that each of these transporters may be involved in zinc uptake. Plasmid complementation with cloned iut, znu, mnt, or nik1 loci also enhanced the growth of the Δ6 mutant. Quantification of intracellular zinc content by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was consistent with reduced zinc uptake by Δ6 relative to the wild type and further supports a zinc uptake function for the transporters encoded by iut, znu, and mnt. This study demonstrates that C. diphtheriae zinc transport is complex and involves multiple zinc uptake systems.IMPORTANCEZinc is a critical nutrient for all forms of life, including human bacterial pathogens. Thus, the tools that bacteria use to acquire zinc from host sources are crucial for pathogenesis. While potential candidates for zinc importers have been identified in Corynebacterium diphtheriae from gene expression studies, to date, no study has clearly demonstrated this function for any of the putative transporters. We show that C. diphtheriae encodes at least six loci associated with zinc import, underscoring the extent of redundancy for zinc acquisition. Furthermore, we provide evidence that a previously studied manganese-regulated importer can also function in zinc import. This study builds upon our knowledge of bacterial zinc transport mechanisms and identifies potential targets for future diphtheria vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Peng
- Laboratory of Respiratory and Special Pathogens, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Lindsey R Lyman
- Laboratory of Respiratory and Special Pathogens, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael P Schmitt
- Laboratory of Respiratory and Special Pathogens, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Goh KGK, Desai D, Thapa R, Prince D, Acharya D, Sullivan MJ, Ulett GC. An opportunistic pathogen under stress: how Group B Streptococcus responds to cytotoxic reactive species and conditions of metal ion imbalance to survive. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae009. [PMID: 38678005 PMCID: PMC11098048 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae009] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS; also known as Streptococcus agalactiae) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that causes sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections in neonates and healthy or immunocompromised adults. GBS is well-adapted to survive in humans due to a plethora of virulence mechanisms that afford responses to support bacterial survival in dynamic host environments. These mechanisms and responses include counteraction of cell death from exposure to excess metal ions that can cause mismetallation and cytotoxicity, and strategies to combat molecules such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are generated as part of innate host defence. Cytotoxicity from reactive molecules can stem from damage to proteins, DNA, and membrane lipids, potentially leading to bacterial cell death inside phagocytic cells or within extracellular spaces within the host. Deciphering the ways in which GBS responds to the stress of cytotoxic reactive molecules within the host will benefit the development of novel therapeutic and preventative strategies to manage the burden of GBS disease. This review summarizes knowledge of GBS carriage in humans and the mechanisms used by the bacteria to circumvent killing by these important elements of host immune defence: oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, and stress from metal ion intoxication/mismetallation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin G K Goh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Devika Desai
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Ruby Thapa
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Darren Prince
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Dhruba Acharya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sullivan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
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Zheng C, Zhai Y, Qiu J, Wang M, Xu Z, Chen X, Zhou X, Jiao X. ZntA maintains zinc and cadmium homeostasis and promotes oxidative stress resistance and virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2327377. [PMID: 38466137 PMCID: PMC10936601 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2327377] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although metals are essential for life, they are toxic to bacteria in excessive amounts. Therefore, the maintenance of metal homeostasis is critical for bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a significant food-borne pathogen that mainly causes acute gastroenteritis in humans and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp. Herein, we report that ZntA functions as a zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) homeostasis mechanism and contributes to oxidative stress resistance and virulence in V. parahaemolyticus. zntA is remarkably induced by Zn, copper, cobalt, nickel (Ni), and Cd, while ZntA promotes V. parahaemolyticus growth under excess Zn/Ni and Cd conditions via maintaining Zn and Cd homeostasis, respectively. The growth of ΔzntA was inhibited under iron (Fe)-restricted conditions, and the inhibition was associated with Zn homeostasis disturbance. Ferrous iron supplementation improved the growth of ΔzntA under excess Zn, Ni or Cd conditions. The resistance of ΔzntA to H2O2-induced oxidative stress also decreased, and its virulence was attenuated in zebrafish models. Quantitative real-time PCR, mutagenesis, and β-galactosidase activity assays revealed that ZntR positively regulates zntA expression by binding to its promoter. Collectively, the ZntR-regulated ZntA is crucial for Zn and Cd homeostasis and contributes to oxidative stress resistance and virulence in V. parahaemolyticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengkun Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yimeng Zhai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jun Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Mengxian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhengzhong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinan Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Drummond IY, DePaolo A, Krieger M, Driscoll H, Eckstrom K, Spatafora GA. Small regulatory RNAs are mediators of the Streptococcus mutans SloR regulon. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0017223. [PMID: 37695854 PMCID: PMC10521355 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00172-23] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dental caries is among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Streptococcus mutans, the chief causative agent of caries, uses a 25-kDa manganese-dependent SloR protein to coordinate the uptake of essential manganese with the transcription of its virulence attributes. Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) can either enhance or repress gene expression, and reports in the literature ascribe an emerging role for sRNAs in the environmental stress response. Herein, we focused our attention on 18-50 nt sRNAs as mediators of the S. mutans SloR and manganese regulons. Specifically, the results of RNA sequencing revealed 19 sRNAs in S. mutans, which were differentially transcribed in the SloR-proficient UA159 and SloR-deficient GMS584 strains, and 10 sRNAs that were differentially expressed in UA159 cells grown in the presence of low vs high manganese. We describe SmsR1532 and SmsR1785 as SloR- and manganese-responsive sRNAs that are processed from large transcripts and that bind SloR directly in their promoter regions. The predicted targets of these sRNAs include regulators of metal ion transport, growth management via a toxin-antitoxin operon, and oxidative stress tolerance. These findings support a role for sRNAs in coordinating intracellular metal ion homeostasis with virulence gene control in an important oral cariogen. IMPORTANCE Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are critical mediators of environmental signaling, particularly in bacterial cells under stress, but their role in Streptococcus mutans is poorly understood. S. mutans, the principal causative agent of dental caries, uses a 25-kDa manganese-dependent protein, called SloR, to coordinate the regulated uptake of essential metal ions with the transcription of its virulence genes. In the present study, we identified and characterized sRNAs that are both SloR and manganese responsive. Taken together, this research can elucidate the details of regulatory networks that engage sRNAs in an important oral pathogen and that can enable the development of an effective anti-caries therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Madeline Krieger
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Heather Driscoll
- Department of Biology, Vermont Biomedical Research Network, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, USA
| | - Korin Eckstrom
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Drummond IY, DePaolo A, Krieger M, Driscoll H, Eckstrom K, Spatafora GA. Small regulatory RNAs are mediators of the Streptococcus mutans SloR regulon. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.543485. [PMID: 37398324 PMCID: PMC10312646 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Dental caries is among the most prevalent chronic infectious diseases worldwide. Streptococcus mutans , the chief causative agent of caries, uses a 25 kDa manganese dependent SloR protein to coordinate the uptake of essential manganese with the transcription of its virulence attributes. Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) can either enhance or repress gene expression and reports in the literature ascribe an emerging role for sRNAs in the environmental stress response. Herein, we identify 18-50 nt sRNAs as mediators of the S. mutans SloR and manganese regulons. Specifically, the results of sRNA-seq revealed 56 sRNAs in S. mutans that were differentially transcribed in the SloR-proficient UA159 and SloR-deficient GMS584 strains, and 109 sRNAs that were differentially expressed in UA159 cells grown in the presence of low versus high manganese. We describe SmsR1532 and SmsR1785 as SloR- and/or manganese-responsive sRNAs that are processed from large transcripts, and that bind SloR directly in their promoter regions. The predicted targets of these sRNAs include regulators of metal ion transport, growth management via a toxin-antitoxin operon, and oxidative stress tolerance. These findings support a role for sRNAs in coordinating intracellular metal ion homeostasis with virulence gene control in an important oral cariogen. IMPORTANCE Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are critical mediators of environmental signaling, particularly in bacterial cells under stress, but their role in Streptococcus mutans is poorly understood. S. mutans, the principal causative agent of dental caries, uses a 25 kDa manganese-dependent protein, called SloR, to coordinate the regulated uptake of essential metal ions with the transcription of its virulence genes. In the present study, we identified and characterize sRNAs that are both SloR- and manganese-responsive. Taken together, this research can elucidate the details of regulatory networks that engage sRNAs in an important oral pathogen, and that can enable the development of an effective anti-caries therapeutic.
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Kosiorek K, Koryszewska-Bagińska A, Skoneczny M, Stasiak-Różańska L, Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk T. The Presence of Plasmids in Lactococcus lactis IL594 Determines Changes in the Host Phenotype and Expression of Chromosomal Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010793. [PMID: 36614234 PMCID: PMC9821262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The L. lactis IL594 strain contains seven plasmids (pIL1 to pIL7) and is the parental strain of the plasmid-free L. lactis IL1403, one of the most studied lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain. The genetic sequences of pIL1 to pIL7 plasmids have been recently described, however the knowledge of global changes in host phenotype and transcriptome remains poor. In the present study, global phenotypic analyses were combined with transcriptomic studies to evaluate a potential influence of plasmidic genes on overall gene expression in industrially important L. lactis strains. High-throughput screening of phenotypes differences revealed pronounced phenotypic differences in favor of IL594 during the metabolism of some C-sources, including lactose and β-glucosides. A plasmids-bearing strain presented increased resistance to unfavorable growth conditions, including the presence of heavy metal ions and antimicrobial compounds. Global comparative transcriptomic study of L. lactis strains revealed variation in the expression of over 370 of chromosomal genes caused by plasmids presence. The general trend presented upregulated energy metabolism and biosynthetic genes, differentially expressed regulators, prophages and cell resistance proteins. Our findings suggest that plasmids maintenance leads to significant perturbation in global gene regulation that provides change in central metabolic pathways and adaptive properties of the IL594 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kosiorek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biosciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marek Skoneczny
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biosciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Stasiak-Różańska
- Department of Food Technology and Assessment, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C St., 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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Zhao Y, Kong M, Yang J, Zhao X, Shi Y, Zhai Y, Qiu J, Zheng C. The DmeRF System Is Involved in Maintaining Cobalt Homeostasis in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010414. [PMID: 36613858 PMCID: PMC9820535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cobalt (Co) is indispensable for life, it is toxic to cells when accumulated in excess. The DmeRF system is a well-characterized metal-response system that contributes to Co and nickel resistance in certain bacterial species. The Vibrio parahaemolyticus RIMD 2210633 genome also harbors a dmeRF operon that encodes a multiple antibiotic resistance regulator family transcriptional regulator and a cation diffusion facilitator family protein. Quantitative real-time PCR, growth curves analysis, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, β-galactosidase activity assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and a mouse infection experiment were performed to characterize the function of the DmeRF system in V. parahaemolyticus. Zinc, copper, and Co significantly increase dmeF expression, with Co inducing the greatest increase. DmeF promotes V. parahaemolyticus growth under high-Co conditions. Additionally, increased accumulation of cellular Co in the ΔdmeF mutant indicates that DmeF is potentially involved in Co efflux. Moreover, DmeR represses the dmeRF operon by binding directly to its promoter in the absence of Co. Finally, the DmeRF system was not required for V. parahaemolyticus virulence in mice. Collectively, our data indicate that the DmeRF system is involved in maintaining Co homeostasis in V. parahaemolyticus and DmeR functioning as a repressor of the operon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mengyao Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jiaxue Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaoxian Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yiran Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yimeng Zhai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jun Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Chengkun Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of MOE, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
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