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Jeong GJ, Khan F, Tabassum N, Kim YM. Motility of Acinetobacter baumannii: regulatory systems and controlling strategies. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:3. [PMID: 38159120 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12975-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic zoonotic pathogenic bacterium that causes nosocomial infections ranging from minor to life-threatening. The clinical importance of this zoonotic pathogen is rapidly increasing due to the development of multiple resistance mechanisms and the synthesis of numerous virulence factors. Although no flagellum-mediated motility exists, it may move through twitching or surface-associated motility. Twitching motility is a coordinated multicellular movement caused by the extension, attachment, and retraction of type IV pili, which are involved in surface adherence and biofilm formation. Surface-associated motility is a kind of movement that does not need appendages and is most likely driven by the release of extra polymeric molecules. This kind of motility is linked to the production of 1,3-diaminopropane, lipooligosaccharide formation, natural competence, and efflux pump proteins. Since A. baumannii's virulence qualities are directly tied to motility, it is possible that its motility may be used as a specialized preventative or therapeutic measure. The current review detailed the signaling mechanism and involvement of various proteins in controlling A. baumannii motility. As a result, we have thoroughly addressed the role of natural and synthetic compounds that impede A. baumannii motility, as well as the underlying action mechanisms. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms behind A. baumannii's motility features will aid in the development of therapeutic drugs to control its infection. KEY POINTS: • Acinetobacter baumannii exhibits multiple resistance mechanisms. • A. baumannii can move owing to twitching and surface-associated motility. • Natural and synthetic compounds can attenuate A. baumannii motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.
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Abril AG, Calo-Mata P, Villa TG, Böhme K, Barros-Velázquez J, Sánchez-Pérez Á, Pazos M, Carrera M. Comprehensive shotgun proteomic characterization and virulence factors of seafood spoilage bacteria. Food Chem 2024; 448:139045. [PMID: 38537549 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
This article summarizes the characterization, by shotgun proteomics, of 11 bacterial strains identified as responsible for seafood spoilage. A total of 4455 peptide spectrum matches, corresponding to 4299 peptides and 3817 proteins were identified. Analyses of data determined the functional pathways they are involved in. The proteins identified were integrated into a protein-protein network that involves 371 nodes and 3016 edges. Those proteins are implicated in energy pathways, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, spermidine/putrescine metabolism. An additional 773 peptides were characterized as virulence factors, that participates in bacterial pathogenesis; while 14 peptides were defined as biomarkers, as they can be used to differentiate the bacterial species present. This report represents the most extensive proteomic repository available in the field of seafood spoilage bacteria; the data substantially advances the understanding of seafood decay, as well as provides fundamental bases for the recognition of the bacteria existent in seafood that cause spoilage during food processing/storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G Abril
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC), Department of Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, 15898 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Pilar Calo-Mata
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Lugo, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Food Technology Division, 27002 Lugo, Spain.
| | - Tomás G Villa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, 15898 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Karola Böhme
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Lugo, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Food Technology Division, 27002 Lugo, Spain.
| | - Jorge Barros-Velázquez
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Lugo, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Food Technology Division, 27002 Lugo, Spain.
| | - Ángeles Sánchez-Pérez
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Manuel Pazos
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC), Department of Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain.
| | - Mónica Carrera
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC), Department of Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain.
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Lichota A, Gwozdzinski K, Kowalczyk E, Kowalczyk M, Sienkiewicz M. Contribution of staphylococcal virulence factors in the pathogenesis of thrombosis. Microbiol Res 2024; 283:127703. [PMID: 38537329 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococci are responsible for many infections in humans, starting with skin and soft tissue infections and finishing with invasive diseases such as endocarditis, sepsis and pneumonia, which lead to high mortality. Patients with sepsis often demonstrate activated clotting pathways, decreased levels of anticoagulants, decreased fibrinolysis, activated endothelial surfaces and activated platelets. This results in disseminated intravascular coagulation and formation of a microthrombus, which can lead to a multiorgan failure. This review describes various staphylococcal virulence factors that contribute to vascular thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis in infected patients. The article presents mechanisms of action of different factors released by bacteria in various host defense lines, which in turn can lead to formation of blood clots in the vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lichota
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
| | | | - Edward Kowalczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Monika Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Ayibieke A, Wajima T, Kano S, Chatterjee NS, Hamabata T. The colonization factor CS6 of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli contributes to host cell invasion. Microb Pathog 2024; 190:106636. [PMID: 38556103 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the main causes of diarrhea in children and travelers in low-income regions. The virulence of ETEC is attributed to its heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxins, as well as its colonization factors (CFs). CFs are essential for ETEC adherence to the intestinal epithelium. However, its invasive capability remains unelucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that the CS6-positive ETEC strain 4266 can invade mammalian epithelial cells. The invasive capability was reduced in the 4266 ΔCS6 mutant but reintroduction of CS6 into this mutant restored the invasiveness. Additionally, the laboratory E. coli strain Top 10, which lacks the invasive capability, was able to invade Caco-2 cells after gaining the CS6-expressing plasmid pCS6. Cytochalasin D inhibited cell invasion in both 4266 and Top10 pCS6 cells, and F-actin accumulation was observed near the bacteria on the cell membrane, indicating that CS6-positive bacteria were internalized via actin polymerization. Other cell signal transduction inhibitors, such as genistein, wortmannin, LY294002, PP1, and Ro 32-0432, inhibited the CS6-mediated invasion of Caco-2 cells. The internalized bacteria of both 4266 and Top10 pCS6 strains were able to survive for up to 48 h, and 4266 cells were able to replicate within Caco-2 cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the internalized 4266 cells were present in bacteria-containing vacuoles, which underwent a maturation process indicated by the recruitment of the early endosomal marker EEA-1 and late endosomal marker LAMP-1 throughout the infection process. The autophagy marker LC3 was also observed near these vacuoles, indicating the initiation of LC-3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). However, intracellular bacteria continued to replicate, even after the initiation of LAP. Moreover, intracellular filamentation was observed in 4266 cells at 24 h after infection. Overall, this study shows that CS6, in addition to being a major CF, mediates cell invasion. This demonstrates that once internalized, CS6-positive ETEC is capable of surviving and replicating within host cells. This capability may be a key factor in the extended and recurrent nature of ETEC infections in humans, thus highlighting the critical role of CS6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alafate Ayibieke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeaki Wajima
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Kano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Hamabata
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Farouk F, Shebl RI. LC-MS/MS determination of pyocyanin-N-acetyl cysteine adduct: application for understanding Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor neutralization. ANAL SCI 2024; 40:891-905. [PMID: 38472735 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-024-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Combating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is challenging. It secretes pyocyanin (PCN) pigment that contributes to its virulence. Neutralizing PCN via reaction with thiol-containing compounds may represent a potential therapeutic option. This study investigates the neutralization reaction between PCN and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for bacterial inhibition and explores its mechanism of action. The neutralization adduct (PCN-NAC) was synthesized by reacting the purified PCN and NAC. The adduct was analyzed and its structure was elucidated. LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of PCN-NAC in P. aeruginosa cultures post-treatment with NAC (0-5 mg/mL). The corresponding anti-bacterial potential was estimated and compared to nanoparticles (NPs) alone and under stress conditions. In silico studies were performed to support explaining the mechanism of action. Results revealed that PCN-NAC was exclusively detected in NAC-treated cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. PCN-NAC concentration (230-915 µg/mL) was directly proportional to the reduction in the bacterial viable count (28.3% ± 7.1-87.5% ± 5.9) and outperformed all tested NPs, where chitosan NPs induced 56.9% ± 7.9 inhibition, followed by zinc NPs (49.4% ± 0.9) and gold NPs (17.8% ± 7.5) even post-exposure to different stress conditions. A concomitant reduction in PCN concentration was detected. In silico studies revealed possible interactions between key bacterial proteins and PCN-NAC rather than the NAC itself. These results pose NAC as a potential choice for the management of P. aeruginosa infection, where it neutralizes PCN via the formation of PCN-NAC adduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten Farouk
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Rania Ibrahim Shebl
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
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Vasseur L, Barbault F, Monari A. Interaction between Yersinia pestis Ail Outer Membrane Protein and the C-Terminal Domain of Human Vitronectin. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3929-3936. [PMID: 38619541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is capable of evading the human immune system response by recruiting the plasma circulating vitronectin proteins, which act as a shield and avoid its lysis. Vitronectin recruitment is mediated by its interaction with the bacterial transmembrane protein Ail, protruding from the Y. pestis outer membrane. By using all-atom long-scale molecular dynamic simulations of Ail embedded in a realistic model of the bacterial membrane, we have shown that vitronectin forms a stable complex, mediated by interactions between the disordered moieties of the two proteins. The main amino acids driving the complexation have also been evidenced, thus favoring the possible rational design of specific peptides which, by inhibiting vitronectin recruitment, could act as original antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurine Vasseur
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | | | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006 Paris, France
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D, Abulaila S, Mendoza J, Landeta C. Development of a sensor for disulfide bond formation in diverse bacteria. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0043323. [PMID: 38493438 PMCID: PMC11025322 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00433-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In bacteria, disulfide bonds contribute to the folding and stability of proteins important for processes in the cellular envelope. In Escherichia coli, disulfide bond formation is catalyzed by DsbA and DsbB enzymes. DsbA is a periplasmic protein that catalyzes disulfide bond formation in substrate proteins, while DsbB is an inner membrane protein that transfers electrons from DsbA to quinones, thereby regenerating the DsbA active state. Actinobacteria including mycobacteria use an alternative enzyme named VKOR, which performs the same function as DsbB. Disulfide bond formation enzymes, DsbA and DsbB/VKOR, represent novel drug targets because their inhibition could simultaneously affect the folding of several cell envelope proteins including virulence factors, proteins involved in outer membrane biogenesis, cell division, and antibiotic resistance. We have previously developed a cell-based and target-based assay to identify molecules that inhibit the DsbB and VKOR in pathogenic bacteria, using E. coli cells expressing a periplasmic β-Galactosidase sensor (β-Galdbs), which is only active when disulfide bond formation is inhibited. Here, we report the construction of plasmids that allows fine-tuning of the expression of the β-Galdbs sensor and can be mobilized into other gram-negative organisms. As an example, when expressed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCBPP-PA14, which harbors two DsbB homologs, β-Galdbs behaves similarly as in E. coli, and the biosensor responds to the inhibition of the two DsbB proteins. Thus, these β-Galdbs reporter plasmids provide a basis to identify novel inhibitors of DsbA and DsbB/VKOR in multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens and to further study oxidative protein folding in diverse gram-negative bacteria. IMPORTANCE Disulfide bonds contribute to the folding and stability of proteins in the bacterial cell envelope. Disulfide bond-forming enzymes represent new drug targets against multidrug-resistant bacteria because inactivation of this process would simultaneously affect several proteins in the cell envelope, including virulence factors, toxins, proteins involved in outer membrane biogenesis, cell division, and antibiotic resistance. Identifying the enzymes involved in disulfide bond formation in gram-negative pathogens as well as their inhibitors can contribute to the much-needed antibacterial innovation. In this work, we developed sensors of disulfide bond formation for gram-negative bacteria. These tools will enable the study of disulfide bond formation and the identification of inhibitors for this crucial process in diverse gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyotima
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Sally Abulaila
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Jocelyne Mendoza
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Cristina Landeta
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Zhao R, Jiang S, Ren S, Yang L, Han W, Guo Z, Gu J. A novel phage putative depolymerase, Depo16, has specific activity against K1 capsular-type Klebsiella pneumoniae. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0119723. [PMID: 38551353 PMCID: PMC11022553 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01197-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae, especially hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP), is a common opportunistic pathogen that often causes hospital- and community-acquired infections. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is an important virulence factor of K. pneumoniae. Some phages encode depolymerases that can recognize and degrade bacterial polysaccharides. In this study, the lytic bacteriophage vB_KpnP_ZK1 (abbreviated as ZK1) was isolated using serotype K1 hvKP as the host. Although amino acid sequence BLAST analysis indicated that the tail fiber protein Depo16 of phage ZK1 showed no significant similarity to any reported phage depolymerases, it displayed enzymatic activities that are characteristic of phage depolymerases. After expression and purification, Depo16 could efficiently remove the capsular polysaccharide layer that surrounds the surface of serotype K1 K. pneumoniae. Although no bactericidal activity was detected, Depo16 makes serotype K1 K. pneumoniae sensitive to peritoneal macrophages (PMs). In addition, in a mouse bacteremia model of serotype K1 K. pneumoniae, 25 µg of Depo16 was effective in significantly prolonging survival. Depo16 treatment can reduce the bacterial load in blood and major tissues and alleviate tissue damage in mice. This indicates that the putative depolymerase Depo16 is a potential antibacterial agent against serotype K1 K. pneumoniae infections.IMPORTANCEKlebsiella pneumoniae often causes hospital-acquired infections and community-acquired infections. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is one of the crucial virulence factors of K. pneumoniae. K1 and K2 capsular-type K. pneumoniae strains are the most prevalent serotypes of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP). In this study, a novel K. pneumoniae phage named vB_KpnP_ZK1 was isolated, and its putative depolymerase Depo16 showed low homology with other reported phage depolymerases. Depo16 can specifically degrade the K. pneumoniae K1 capsule making this serotype sensitive to peritoneal macrophages. More importantly, Depo16 showed a significant therapeutic effect in a mouse bacteremia model caused by serotype K1 K. pneumoniae. Thus, Depo16 is a potential antibacterial agent to combat serotype K1 K. pneumoniae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siyu Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyu Han
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhimin Guo
- Clinical Laboratory Department, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingmin Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Bradley R, Simon D, Spiga L, Xiang Y, Takats Z, Williams H. Laser desorption rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (LD-REIMS) demonstrates a direct impact of hypochlorous acid stress on PQS-mediated quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mSystems 2024; 9:e0116523. [PMID: 38530056 PMCID: PMC11019781 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01165-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
To establish infections in human hosts, Pseudomonas aeruginosa must overcome innate immune-generated oxidative stress, such as the hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced by neutrophils. We set out to find specific biomarkers of oxidative stress through the development of a protocol for the metabolic profiling of P. aeruginosa cultures grown in the presence of different oxidants using a novel ionization technique for mass spectrometry, laser desorption rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (LD-REIMS). We demonstrated the ability of LD-REIMS to classify samples as untreated or treated with a specific oxidant with 100% accuracy and identified a panel of 54 metabolites with significantly altered concentrations after exposure to one or more of the oxidants. Key metabolic changes were conserved in P. aeruginosa clinical strains isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis lung infections. These data demonstrated that HOCl stress impacted the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) quorum sensing system. Ten 2-alkyl-4-quinolones (AHQs) associated with the PQS system were significantly lower in concentration in HOCl-stressed P. aeruginosa cultures, including 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (PQS), the most active signal molecule of the PQS system. The PQS system regulates the production of virulence factors, including pyocyanin and elastase, and their levels were markedly affected by HOCl stress. No pyocyanin was detectable and elastase concentrations were reduced by more than 75% in cultures grown with sub-lethal concentrations of HOCl, suggesting that this neutrophil-derived oxidant may disrupt the ability of P. aeruginosa to establish infections through interference with production of PQS-associated virulence factors. IMPORTANCE This work demonstrates that a high-throughput ambient ionization mass spectrometry method can be used successfully to study a bacterial stress response. Its application to the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa led to the identification of specific oxidative stress biomarkers, and demonstrated that hypochlorous acid, an oxidant specifically produced by human neutrophils during infection, affects quorum sensing and reduces production of the virulence factors pyocyanin and elastase. No pyocyanin was detectable and elastase levels were reduced by more than 75% in bacteria grown in the presence of hypochlorous acid. This approach has the potential to be widely applicable to the characterization of the stress responses of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Bradley
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Simon
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | - Livia Spiga
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yuchen Xiang
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zoltan Takats
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Huw Williams
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Nascimento Filho EG, Vieira ML, Dias M, Mendes MA, Sanchez FB, Setubal JC, Heinemann MB, Souza GO, Pimenta DC, Nascimento ALTO. Global proteome of the saprophytic strain Leptospira biflexa and comparative analysis with pathogenic strain Leptospira interrogans uncover new pathogenesis mechanisms. J Proteomics 2024; 297:105125. [PMID: 38364905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Leptospira is a genus of bacteria that includes free-living saprophytic species found in water or soil, and pathogenic species, which are the etiologic agents of leptospirosis. Besides all the efforts, there are only a few proteins described as virulence factors in the pathogenic strain L. interrogans. This work aims to perform L. biflexa serovar Patoc1 strain Paris global proteome and to compare with the proteome database of pathogenic L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. We identified a total of 2327 expressed proteins of L. biflexa by mass spectrometry. Using the Get Homologues software with the global proteome of L. biflexa and L. interrogans, we found orthologous proteins classified into conserved, low conserved, and specific proteins. Comparative bioinformatic analyses were performed to understand the biological functions of the proteins, subcellular localization, the presence of signal peptide, structural domains, and motifs using public softwares. These results lead to the selection of 182 low conserved within the saprophyte, and 176 specific proteins of L. interrogans. It is anticipated that these findings will indicate further studies to uncover virulence factors in the pathogenic strain. This work presents for the first time the global proteome of saprophytic strain L. biflexa serovar Patoc, strain Patoc1. SIGNIFICANCE: The comparative analysis established an array of specific proteins in pathogenic strain that will narrow down the identification of immune protective proteins that will help fight leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson G Nascimento Filho
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Biotecnologia, USP-IBU-IPT, SP, Brazil
| | - Mônica L Vieira
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, MG, Brazil
| | - Meriellen Dias
- Laboratorio Dempster, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Escola Politécnica, USP, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria A Mendes
- Laboratorio Dempster, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Escola Politécnica, USP, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcos B Heinemann
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas do VPS, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, USP, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele O Souza
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas do VPS, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, USP, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ana L T O Nascimento
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Biotecnologia, USP-IBU-IPT, SP, Brazil.
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Campbell MJ, Beenken KE, Ramirez AM, Smeltzer MS. Increased production of aureolysin and staphopain A is a primary determinant of the reduced virulence of Staphylococcus aureus sarA mutants in osteomyelitis. mBio 2024; 15:e0338323. [PMID: 38415646 PMCID: PMC11005355 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03383-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that mutation of sarA in Staphylococcus aureus limits biofilm formation, cytotoxicity for osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and virulence in osteomyelitis, and that all of these phenotypes can be attributed to the increased production of extracellular proteases. Here we extend these studies to assess the individual importance of these proteases alone and in combination with each other using the methicillin-resistant USA300 strain LAC, the methicillin-susceptible USA200 strain UAMS-1, and isogenic sarA mutants that were also unable to produce aureolysin (Aur), staphopain A (ScpA), staphylococcal serine protease A (subsp.), staphopain B (SspB), and the staphylococcal serine protease-like proteins A-F (SplA-F). Biofilm formation was restored in LAC and UAMS-1 sarA mutants by subsequent mutation of aur and scpA, while mutation of aur had the greatest impact on cytotoxicity to mammalian cells, particularly with conditioned medium (CM) from the more cytotoxic strain LAC. However, SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis of CM confirmed that mutation of sspAB was also required to mimic the phenotype of sarA mutants unable to produce any extracellular proteases. Nevertheless, in a murine model of post-traumatic osteomyelitis, mutation of aur and scpA had the greatest impact on restoring the virulence of LAC and UAMS-1 sarA mutants, with concurrent mutation of sspAB and the spl operon having relatively little effect. These results demonstrate that the increased production of Aur and ScpA in combination with each other is a primary determinant of the reduced virulence of S. aureus sarA mutants in diverse clinical isolates including both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains.IMPORTANCEPrevious work established that SarA plays a primary role in limiting the production of extracellular proteases to prevent them from limiting the abundance of S. aureus virulence factors. Eliminating the production of all 10 extracellular proteases in the methicillin-resistant strain LAC has also been shown to enhance virulence in a murine sepsis model, and this has been attributed to the specific proteases Aur and ScpA. The importance of this work lies in our demonstration that the increased production of these same proteases largely accounts for the decreased virulence of sarA mutants in a murine model of post-traumatic osteomyelitis not only in LAC but also in the methicillin-susceptible human osteomyelitis isolate UAMS-1. This confirms that sarA-mediated repression of Aur and ScpA production plays a critical role in the posttranslational regulation of S. aureus virulence factors in diverse clinical isolates and diverse forms of S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara J. Campbell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Karen E. Beenken
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Aura M. Ramirez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Mark S. Smeltzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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12
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Talaat R, Abu El-Naga MN, El-Bialy HAA, El-Fouly MZ, Abouzeid MA. Quenching of quorum sensing in multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: insights on halo-bacterial metabolites and gamma irradiation as channels inhibitors. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2024; 23:31. [PMID: 38600513 PMCID: PMC11007959 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-024-00684-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-virulence therapy is a promising strategy to treat multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a potent opportunistic pathogen because of an array of virulence factors that are regulated by quorum sensing systems. METHODS The virulence features of four multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa strains were investigated upon exposure to the sub-lethal dose of gamma rays (1 kGy), and sub-inhibitory concentrations of bioactive metabolites recovered from local halophilic strains in comparison to control. Then, the gene expression of AHL-mediated quorum sensing systems (las/rhl) was quantitatively determined in treated and untreated groups by real-time PCR. RESULTS The bioactive metabolites recovered from halophilic strains previously isolated from saline ecosystems were identified as Halomonas cupida (Halo-Rt1), H. elongate (Halo-Rt2), Vigibacillus natechei (Halo-Rt3), Sediminibacillus terrae (Halo-Rt4) and H. almeriensis (Halo-Rt5). Results revealed that both gamma irradiation and bioactive metabolites significantly reduced the virulence factors of the tested MDR strains. The bioactive metabolites showed a maximum efficiency for inhibiting biofilm formation and rhamnolipids production whereas the gamma irradiation succeeded in decreasing other virulence factors to lower levels in comparison to control. Quantitative-PCR results showed that AHL-mediated quorum sensing systems (las/rhl) in P. aeruginosa strains were downregulated either by halo-bacterial metabolites or gamma irradiation in all treatments except the upregulation of both lasI internal gene and rhlR intact gene in P. aeruginosa NCR-RT3 and both rhlI internal gene and rhlR intact gene in P. aeruginosa U3 by nearly two folds or more upon exposure to gamma irradiation. The most potent result was observed in the expression of lasI internal gene that was downregulated by more than ninety folds in P. aeruginosa NCR-RT2 after treatment with metabolites of S. terrae (Halo-Rt4). Analyzing metabolites recovered from H. cupida (Halo-Rt1) and H. elongate (Halo-Rt2) using LC-ESI-MS/MS revealed many chemical compounds that have quorum quenching properties including glabrol, 5,8-dimethoxyquinoline-2-carbaldehyde, linoleoyl ethanolamide, agelasine, penigequinolones derivatives, berberine, tetracosanoic acid, and liquidambaric lactone in the former halophile and phloretin, lycoctonine, fucoxanthin, and crassicauline A in the latter one. CONCLUSION QS inhibitors can significantly reduce the pathogenicity of MDR P. aeruginosa strains; and thus can be an effective and successful strategy for treating antibiotic resistant traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Talaat
- Radiation Microbiology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed N Abu El-Naga
- Radiation Microbiology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Abd Alla El-Bialy
- Radiation Microbiology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohie Z El-Fouly
- Radiation Microbiology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Abouzeid
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Science, Galala University, Suez, Egypt
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13
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Chemello AJ, Fowler CC. Alternate typhoid toxin assembly evolved independently in the two Salmonella species. mBio 2024; 15:e0340323. [PMID: 38501873 PMCID: PMC11005416 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03403-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AB5-type toxins are a diverse family of protein toxins composed of an enzymatic active (A) subunit and a pentameric delivery (B) subunit. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi's typhoid toxin features two A subunits, CdtB and PltA, in complex with the B subunit PltB. Recently, it was shown that S. Typhi encodes a horizontally acquired B subunit, PltC, that also assembles with PltA/CdtB to produce a second form of typhoid toxin. S. Typhi therefore produces two AB5 toxins with the same A subunits but distinct B subunits, an evolutionary twist that is unique to typhoid toxin. Here, we show that, remarkably, the Salmonella bongori species independently evolved an analogous capacity to produce two typhoid toxins with distinct B subunits. S. bongori's alternate B subunit, PltD, is evolutionarily distant from both PltB and PltC and outcompetes PltB to form the predominant toxin. We show that, surprisingly, S. bongori elicits similar levels of CdtB-mediated intoxication as S. Typhi during infection of cultured human epithelial cells. This toxicity is exclusively due to the PltB toxin, and strains lacking pltD produce increased amounts of PltB toxin and exhibit increased toxicity compared to the wild type, suggesting that the acquisition of the PltD subunit potentially made S. bongori less virulent toward humans. Collectively, this study unveils a striking example of convergent evolution that highlights the importance of the poorly understood "two-toxin" paradigm for typhoid toxin biology and, more broadly, illustrates how the flexibility of A-B interactions has fueled the evolutionary diversification and expansion of AB5-type toxins. IMPORTANCE Typhoid toxin is an important Salmonella Typhi virulence factor and an attractive target for therapeutic interventions to combat typhoid fever. The recent discovery of a second version of this toxin has substantial implications for understanding S. Typhi pathogenesis and combating typhoid fever. In this study, we discover that a remarkably similar two-toxin paradigm evolved independently in Salmonella bongori, which strongly suggests that this is a critical aspect of typhoid toxin biology. We observe significant parallels between how the two toxins assemble and their capacity to intoxicate host cells during infection in S. Typhi and S. bongori, which provides clues to the biological significance of this unusual toxin arrangement. More broadly, AB5 toxins with diverse activities and mechanisms are essential virulence factors for numerous important bacterial pathogens. This study illustrates the capacity for novel A-B interactions to evolve and thus provides insight into how such a diverse arsenal of toxins might have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Chemello
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Casey C. Fowler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Fitzsimmons L, Bublitz D, Clark T, Hackstadt T. Rickettsia rickettsii virulence determinants RARP2 and RapL mitigate IFN- β signaling in primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. mBio 2024; 15:e0345023. [PMID: 38445878 PMCID: PMC11005427 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03450-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
We compared the growth characteristics of a virulent Rickettsia rickettsii strain (Sheila Smith) to an attenuated R. rickettsii stain (Iowa) and a non-pathogenic species (R. montanensis) in primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC). All replicated in Vero cells, however, only the Sheila Smith strain productively replicated in HDMECs. The Iowa strain showed minimal replication over a 24-h period, while R. montanensis lost viability and induced lysis of the HDMECs via a rapid programmed cell death response. Both the virulent and attenuated R. rickettsii strains, but not R. montanensis, induced an interferon-1 response, although the response was of lesser magnitude and delayed in the Sheila Smith strain. IFN-β secretion correlated with increased host cell lysis, and treatment with anti-IFNAR2 antibody decreased lysis from Iowa-infected but not Sheila Smith-infected cells. Both Sheila Smith- and Iowa-infected cells eventually lysed, although the response from Sheila Smith was delayed and showed characteristics of apoptosis. We, therefore, examined whether reconstitution of the Iowa strain with two recently described putative virulence determinants might enhance survival of Iowa within HDMECs. Reconstitution with RARP2, which is inhibitory to anterograde trafficking through the Golgi apparatus, reduced IFN-β secretion but had no effect on cell lysis. RapL, which proteolytically processes surface exposed autotransporters and enhances replication of Iowa in Guinea pigs, suppressed both IFN-β production and host cell lysis. These findings suggest distinct mechanisms by which virulent spotted fever group rickettsiae may enhance intracellular survival and replication.IMPORTANCEWe examined a naturally occurring non-pathogenic rickettsial species, R. montanensis, a laboratory-attenuated R. rickettsii strain (Iowa), and a fully virulent R. rickettsii strain (Sheila Smith) for growth in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. The two avirulent strains replicated poorly or not at all. Only the virulent Sheila Smith strain replicated. IFN-β production correlated with the inhibition of R. rickettsii Iowa. Reconstitution of Iowa with either of two recently described putative virulence determinants altered the IFN-β response. A rickettsial ankyrin repeat protein, RARP2, disrupts the trans-Golgi network and inhibits IFN-β secretion. An autotransporter peptidase, RapL, restores proteolytic maturation of outer membrane autotransporters and diminishes the IFN-β response to enhance cell survival and permit replication of the recombinant strain. These studies point the way toward discovery of mechanisms for innate immune response avoidance by virulent rickettsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Fitzsimmons
- Host-Parasite Interactions Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - DeAnna Bublitz
- Host-Parasite Interactions Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Tina Clark
- Host-Parasite Interactions Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Ted Hackstadt
- Host-Parasite Interactions Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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15
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Chen Z, Zhu M, Liu D, Wu M, Niu P, Yu Y, Ding C, Yu S. Occludin and collagen IV degradation mediated by the T9SS effector SspA contributes to blood-brain barrier damage in ducks during Riemerella anatipestifer infection. Vet Res 2024; 55:49. [PMID: 38594770 PMCID: PMC11005161 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01304-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Riemerella anatipestifer infection is characterized by meningitis with neurological symptoms in ducklings and has adversely affected the poultry industry. R. anatipestifer strains can invade the duck brain to cause meningitis and neurological symptoms, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we showed that obvious clinical symptoms, an increase in blood‒brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines occurred after intravenous infection with the Yb2 strain but not the mutant strain Yb2ΔsspA, indicating that Yb2 infection can lead to cerebrovascular dysfunction and that the type IX secretion system (T9SS) effector SspA plays a critical role in this pathological process. In addition, we showed that Yb2 infection led to rapid degradation of occludin (a tight junction protein) and collagen IV (a basement membrane protein), which contributed to endothelial barrier disruption. The interaction between SspA and occludin was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation. Furthermore, we found that SspA was the main enzyme mediating occludin and collagen IV degradation. These data indicate that R. anatipestifer SspA mediates occludin and collagen IV degradation, which functions in BBB disruption in R. anatipestifer-infected ducks. These findings establish the molecular mechanisms by which R. anatipestifer targets duckling endothelial cell junctions and provide new perspectives for the treatment and prevention of R. anatipestifer infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Chen
- Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Mengsi Wu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Pengfei Niu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chan Ding
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengqing Yu
- Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Veterinary Bio-Pharmaceutical, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High-Tech Research and Development of Veterinary Biopharmaceuticals, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, China.
- Yangzhou You-Jia-Chuang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yangzhou, China.
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16
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Koshak AE, Okairy HM, Elfaky MA, Abdallah HM, Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SRM, Alzain AA, Abulfaraj M, Hegazy WAH, Nazeih SI. Antimicrobial and anti-virulence activities of 4-shogaol from grains of paradise against gram-negative bacteria: Integration of experimental and computational methods. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117611. [PMID: 38158095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing global concern, highlighting the urgent need for new antimicrobial candidates. Aframomum melegueta was traditionally used for combating urinary tract and soft tissue infections, which implies its potential as an antimicrobial agent. AIM OF STUDY This study was designed to explore the antibacterial and anti-virulence capabilities of 4-shogaol isolated from A. melegueta seeds versus gram-negative bacteria: Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and the clinically important pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS 4-Shogeol was isolated from A. melegueta seeds and its MICs were determined for Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC-17978), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC-27853), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC-700603), and Serratia marcescens clinical isolate. The anti-efflux activity and effect on the bacterial cell membrane for the compound were evaluated. Furthermore, the anti-virulence activities of the compound were evaluated. The effects of 4-shogeol at sub-MIC on bacterial motility, biofilm formation, and production of virulent enzymes and pigments were assessed. The anti-quorum sensing activities of 4-shogeol were evaluated virtually and by quantification its effect on the expression of quorum sensing encoding genes. The in vivo protection assay was conducted to evaluate the effect of 4-shogaol on the P. aeruginosa capacity to induce pathogenesis in mice. Finally, the effect of shogaol-antibiotics combination was assessed. RESULTS The research revealed that 4-shogaol's antibacterial action primarily involves disrupting the bacterial cell membrane and efflux pumps. It also exhibited significant anti-virulence effects by reducing biofilm development and repressing virulence factors production, effectively protecting mice against P. aeruginosa infection. Furthermore, when combined with antibiotics, 4-shogaol demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to reduced minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against P. aeruginosa. Its anti-virulence properties were linked to its ability to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms, as evidenced by its interaction with QS receptors and downregulation of QS-related genes. Notably, in silico analysis indicated that 4-shogaol exhibited strong binding affinity to different P. aeruginosa QS targets. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that 4-shogaol holds promise as an effective anti-virulence agent that can be utilized in combination with antibiotics for treating severe infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman E Koshak
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan M Okairy
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A Elfaky
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hossam M Abdallah
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gamal A Mohamed
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrin R M Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Department of Chemistry, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacognosy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahim A Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Gezira, Wad Madani, 21111, Sudan
| | - Moaz Abulfaraj
- Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A H Hegazy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt; Pharmacy Program, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oman College of Health Sciences, Muscat, 113, Oman
| | - Shaimaa I Nazeih
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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Al-Rabia MW, Asfour HZ, Alhakamy NA, Abdulaal WH, Ibrahim TS, Abbas HA, Salem IM, Hegazy WAH, Nazeih SI. Thymoquinone is a natural antibiofilm and pathogenicity attenuating agent in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1382289. [PMID: 38638827 PMCID: PMC11024287 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa belongs to the critical pathogens that represent a global public health problem due to their high rate of resistance as listed by WHO. P. aeruginosa can result in many nosocomial infections especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. Attenuating virulence factors by interference with quorum sensing (QS) systems is a promising approach to treat P. aeruginosa-resistant infections. Thymoquinone is a natural compound isolated from Nigella sativa (black seed) essential oil. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration of thymoquinone was detected followed by investigating the antibiofilm and antivirulence activities of the subinhibitory concentration of thymoquinone against P. aeruginosa PAO1. The effect of thymoquinone on the expression of QS genes was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, and the protective effect of thymoquinone against the pathogenesis of PAO1 in mice was detected by the mouse survival test. Thymoquinone significantly inhibited biofilm, pyocyanin, protease activity, and swarming motility. At the molecular level, thymoquinone markedly downregulated QS genes lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR. Moreover, thymoquinone could protect mice from the pathologic effects of P. aeruginosa increasing mouse survival from 20% to 100%. In conclusion, thymoquinone is a promising natural agent that can be used as an adjunct therapeutic agent with antibiotics to attenuate the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed W. Al-Rabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Z. Asfour
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarek S. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham A. Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M. Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sphinx University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Wael A. H. Hegazy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Pharmacy Program, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oman College of Health Sciences, Muscat, Oman
| | - Shaimaa I. Nazeih
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Mohan MS, Salim SA, Ranganathan S, Parasuraman P, Anju VT, Ampasala DR, Dyavaiah M, Lee JK, Busi S. Attenuation of Las/Rhl quorum sensing regulated virulence and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by Artocarpesin. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106609. [PMID: 38452830 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug resistance and increased pathogenicity in microorganisms is conferred by the presence of highly synchronized cell density dependent signalling pathway known as quorum sensing (QS). The QS hierarchy is accountable for the secretion of virulence phenotypes, biofilm formation and drug resistance. Hence, targeting the QS phenomenon could be a promising strategy to counteract the bacterial virulence and drug resistance. In the present study, artocarpesin (ACN), a 6-prenylated flavone was investigated for its capability to quench the synthesis of QS regulated virulence factors. From the results, ACN showed significant inhibition of secreted virulence phenotypes such as pyocyanin (80%), rhamnolipid (79%), protease (69%), elastase (84%), alginate (88%) and biofilm formation (88%) in opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Further, microscopic observation of biofilm confirmed a significant reduction in biofilm matrix when P. aeruginosa PAO1 was supplemented with ACN at its sub-MIC concentration. Quantitative gene expression studies showed the promising aspects of ACN in down regulation of several QS regulatory genes associated with production of virulence phenotypes. Upon treatment with sub-MIC of ACN, the bacterial colonization in the gut of Caenorhabditis elegans was potentially reduced and the survival rate was greatly improved. The promising QS inhibition activities were further validated through in silico studies, which put an insight into the mechanism of QS inhibition. Thus, ACN could be considered as possible drug candidate targeting chronic microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima S Mohan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Simi Asma Salim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Sampathkumar Ranganathan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | | | - V T Anju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Dinakara Rao Ampasala
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Madhu Dyavaiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Jung-Kul Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Siddhardha Busi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
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Banerjee R, Robinson SM, Lahiri A, Verma P, Banerjee AK, Basak S, Basak K, Paul S. Exploring the resistome and virulome in major sequence types of Acinetobacter baumannii genomes: Correlations with genome divergence and sequence types. Infect Genet Evol 2024; 119:105579. [PMID: 38417638 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The increasing global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii has led to concerns regarding the effectiveness of infection treatment. Moreover, the critical role of virulence factor genes in A. baumannii's pathogenesis and its propensity to cause severe disease is of particular importance. Comparative genomics, including multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), enhances our understanding of A. baumannii epidemiology. While there is substantial documentation on A. baumannii, a comprehensive study of the antibiotic-resistant mechanisms and the virulence factors contributing to pathogenesis, and their correlation with Sequence Types (STs) remains incompletely elucidated. In this study, we aim to explore the relationship between antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factor genes, and STs using genomic data from 223 publicly available A. baumannii strains. The core phylogeny analysis revealed five predominant STs in A. baumannii genomes, linked to their geographical sources of isolation. Furthermore, the resistome and virulome of A. baumannii followed an evolutionary pattern consistent with their pan-genome evolution. Among the major STs, we observed significant variations in resistant genes against "aminoglycoside" and "sulphonamide" antibiotics, highlighting the role of genotypic variations in determining resistance profiles. Furthermore, the presence of virulence factor genes, particularly exotoxin and nutritional / metabolic factor genes, played a crucial role in distinguishing the major STs, suggesting a potential link between genetic makeup and pathogenicity. Understanding these associations can provide valuable insights into A. baumannii's virulence potential and clinical outcomes, enabling the development of effective strategies to combat infections caused by this opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana Banerjee
- Centre for Health Science and Technology, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research Kolkata, JIS University, Kolkata, WB, India.
| | - Stephy Mol Robinson
- Centre for Health Science and Technology, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research Kolkata, JIS University, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - Abhishake Lahiri
- Centre for Health Science and Technology, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research Kolkata, JIS University, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - Prateek Verma
- Centre for Health Science and Technology, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research Kolkata, JIS University, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - Ayushman Kumar Banerjee
- Department of Bioinformatics, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal 741249, India
| | - Sohom Basak
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Kausik Basak
- Centre for Health Science and Technology, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research Kolkata, JIS University, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - Sandip Paul
- Centre for Health Science and Technology, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research Kolkata, JIS University, Kolkata, WB, India
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20
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Thapa R, Goh KGK, Desai D, Copeman E, Acharya D, Sullivan MJ, Ulett GC. Alterations in cell arrangements of group B streptococcus due to virulence factor expression can bias estimates of bacterial populations based on colony count measures. Microbiology (Reading) 2024; 170. [PMID: 38656296 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a chain-forming commensal bacterium and opportunistic pathogen that resides in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract of healthy adults. GBS can cause various infections and related complications in pregnant and nonpregnant women, adults, and newborns. Investigations of the mechanisms by which GBS causes disease pathogenesis often utilize colony count assays to estimate bacterial population size in experimental models. In other streptococci, such as group A streptococcus and pneumococcus, variation in the chain length of the bacteria that can occur naturally or due to mutation can affect facets of pathogenesis, such as adherence to or colonization of a host. No studies have reported a relationship between GBS chain length and pathogenicity. Here, we used GBS strain 874391 and several derivative strains displaying longer chain-forming phenotypes (874391pgapC, 874391ΔcovR, 874391Δstp1) to assess the impact of chain length on bacterial population estimates based on the colony-forming unit (c.f.u.) assay. Disruption of GBS chains via bead beating or sonication in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy was used to compare chaining phenotypes pre- and post-disruption to detect long- and short-chain forms, respectively. We used a murine model of GBS colonization of the female reproductive tract to assess whether chaining may affect bacterial colonization dynamics in the host during chronic infection in vivo. Overall, we found that GBS exhibiting long-chain form can significantly affect population size estimates based on the colony count assay. Additionally, we found that the length of chaining of GBS can affect virulence in the reproductive tract colonization model. Collectively, these findings have implications for studies of GBS that utilize colony count assays to measure GBS populations and establish that chain length can affect infection dynamics and disease pathogenesis for this important opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Thapa
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Kelvin G K Goh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Devika Desai
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Ellen Copeman
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Dhruba Acharya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sullivan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
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21
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Frikha F, Jardak M, Aifa S, Mnif S. A novel perspective on eugenol as a natural anti-quorum sensing molecule against Serratia sp. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106576. [PMID: 38382626 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Serratia marcescens is commonly noted to be an opportunistic pathogen and is often associated with nosocomial infections. In addition to its high antibiotic resistance, it exhibits a wide range of virulence factors that confer pathogenicity. Targeting quorum sensing (QS) presents a potential therapeutic strategy for treating bacterial infections caused by S. marcescens, as it regulates the expression of various virulence factors. Inhibiting QS can effectively neutralize S. marcescens' bacterial virulence without exerting stress on bacterial growth, facilitating bacterial eradication by the immune system. In this study, the antibacterial and anti-virulence properties of eugenol against Serratia sp. were investigated. Eugenol exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of Serratia, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 16.15 mM. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, eugenol also demonstrated antiadhesive and eradication activities by inhibiting biofilm formation. Furthermore, it reduced prodigiosin production and completely inhibited protease production. Additionally, eugenol effectively decreased swimming and swarming motilities in Serratia sp. This study demonstrated through molecular modeling, docking and molecular dynamic that eugenol inhibited biofilm formation and virulence factor production in Serratia by binding to the SmaR receptor and blocking the formation of the HSL-SmaR complex. The binding of eugenol to SmaR modulates biofilm formation and virulence factor production by Serratia sp. These findings highlight the potential of eugenol as a promising agent to combat S. marcescens infections by targeting its virulence factors through quorum sensing inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakher Frikha
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, P O Box 1177, Sidi Mansour Road, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Marwa Jardak
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, P O Box 1177, Sidi Mansour Road, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sami Aifa
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, P O Box 1177, Sidi Mansour Road, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sami Mnif
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, P O Box 1177, Sidi Mansour Road, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
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22
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Zhang Q, Su H, Lu C, Huang Q, Wang S, He X, Zou J, Chen Q, Liu Y, Zeng L. Ammonia removal mitigates white plague type II in the coral Pocillopora damicornis. Mar Environ Res 2024; 196:106403. [PMID: 38335857 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
White Plague Type II (WPL II) is a disease increasingly affecting scleractinian coral species and progresses rapidly. However, the etiological pathogen and remedy remain elusive. In this study, transmission experiments demonstrated that Aureimonas altamirensis and Aurantimonas coralicida, representing the WPL II pathogens, could infect Pocillopora damicorni. The infection produced selected pathological symptoms, including bleaching, tissue loss, and decolorization. Furthermore, ammonia degradation significantly reduced the severity of infection by these pathogens, indicating that ammonia may be a virulence factor for WPL II. Coral microbiome analysis suggested that ammonia degradation mediates the anti-white plague effect by maintaining the density of Symbiodiniaceae and stabilizing the core and symbiotic bacteria. Aureimonas altamirensis and Aurantimonas coralicida have been shown to cause diseases of P. damicornis, with ammonia acting as a virulence factor, and ammoniac degradation may be a promising and innovative approach to mitigate coral mortality suffering from increasing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Hongfei Su
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Chunrong Lu
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Qinyu Huang
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Shuying Wang
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xucong He
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Jie Zou
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Qiqi Chen
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Lujia Zeng
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
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23
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Jeong GJ, Khan F, Tabassum N, Cho KJ, Kim YM. Bacterial extracellular vesicles: Modulation of biofilm and virulence properties. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:13-23. [PMID: 38417645 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Microbial pathogens cause persistent infections by forming biofilms and producing numerous virulence factors. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are nanostructures produced by various bacterial species vital for molecular transport. BEVs include various components, including lipids (glycolipids, LPS, and phospholipids), nucleic acids (genomic DNA, plasmids, and short RNA), proteins (membrane proteins, enzymes, and toxins), and quorum-sensing signaling molecules. BEVs play a major role in forming extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in biofilms by transporting EPS components such as extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA. BEVs have been observed to carry various secretory virulence factors. Thus, BEVs play critical roles in cell-to-cell communication, biofilm formation, virulence, disease progression, and resistance to antimicrobial treatment. In contrast, BEVs have been shown to impede early-stage biofilm formation, disseminate mature biofilms, and reduce virulence. This review summarizes the current status in the literature regarding the composition and role of BEVs in microbial infections. Furthermore, the dual functions of BEVs in eliciting and suppressing biofilm formation and virulence in various microbial pathogens are thoroughly discussed. This review is expected to improve our understanding of the use of BEVs in determining the mechanism of biofilm development in pathogenic bacteria and in developing drugs to inhibit biofilm formation by microbial pathogens. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are nanostructures formed by membrane blebbing and explosive cell lysis. It is essential for transporting lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and quorum-sensing signaling molecules. BEVs play an important role in the formation of the biofilm's extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by transporting its components, such as extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA. Furthermore, BEVs shield genetic material from nucleases and thermodegradation by packaging it during horizontal gene transfer, contributing to the transmission of bacterial adaptation determinants like antibiotic resistance. Thus, BEVs play a critical role in cell-to-cell communication, biofilm formation, virulence enhancement, disease progression, and drug resistance. In contrast, BEVs have been shown to prevent early-stage biofilm, disperse mature biofilm, and reduce virulence characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jin Cho
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
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24
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Zheng S, Tang X, Yang Q, Zhou X, Li Y, Wu Z. Aeromonas veronii tolC modulates its virulence and the immune response of freshwater pearl mussels, Hyriopsis cumingii. Dev Comp Immunol 2024; 153:105137. [PMID: 38224762 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Aeromonas veronii is an opportunistic pathogen that causes diseases in aquatic animals, but its key virulence factors remain unclear. We screened the gene tolC with significantly different expression levels in the two isolates, A. veronii GL2 (higher virulence) and A. veronii FO1 (lower virulence). Therefore, we constructed mutant strain ΔtolC and analyzed its immunological properties. ΔtolC exhibited the reduced ability of biofilms formation, inhibited envelope stress response mediated by several antibiotics except cefuroxime, implying the ability to evade host immunity might be restrained. Challenge tests showed that the LD50 of ΔtolC was 10.89-fold than that of GL2. Enzymatic activities of ΔtolC group were significantly lower and peak time was delayed to 12 h, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR results. Histopathological examination displayed that the degree of tissue damage in ΔtolC group was alleviated. The results show that tolC is an important virulence factor of A. veronii, which provides references for live-attenuated vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichun Zheng
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), and Research Center for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in the Upper Reaches of Yangtze River, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaoqi Tang
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), and Research Center for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in the Upper Reaches of Yangtze River, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qinglin Yang
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), and Research Center for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in the Upper Reaches of Yangtze River, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xicheng Zhou
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), and Research Center for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in the Upper Reaches of Yangtze River, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), and Research Center for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in the Upper Reaches of Yangtze River, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhengli Wu
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), and Research Center for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in the Upper Reaches of Yangtze River, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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25
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Guzmán L, Cambier CJ, Cheng TY, Naqvi KF, Shiloh MU, Moody DB, Bertozzi CR. Bioorthogonal Metabolic Labeling of the Virulence Factor Phenolic Glycolipid in Mycobacteria. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:707-717. [PMID: 38442242 PMCID: PMC10949201 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Surface lipids on pathogenic mycobacteria modulate infection outcomes by regulating host immune responses. Phenolic glycolipid (PGL) is a host-modulating surface lipid that varies among clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. PGL is also found in Mycobacterium marinum, where it promotes infection of zebrafish through effects on the innate immune system. Given the important role this lipid plays in the host-pathogen relationship, tools for profiling its abundance, spatial distribution, and dynamics are needed. Here, we report a strategy for imaging PGL in live mycobacteria using bioorthogonal metabolic labeling. We functionalized the PGL precursor p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHB) with an azide group (3-azido pHB). When fed to mycobacteria, 3-azido pHB was incorporated into the cell surface, which could then be visualized via the bioorthogonal conjugation of a fluorescent probe. We confirmed that 3-azido pHB incorporates into PGL using mass spectrometry methods and demonstrated selectivity for PGL-producing M. marinum and M. tuberculosis strains. Finally, we applied this metabolic labeling strategy to study the dynamics of PGL within the mycobacterial membrane. This new tool enables visualization of PGL that may facilitate studies of mycobacterial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay
E. Guzmán
- Stanford
Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - C. J. Cambier
- Stanford
Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Tan-Yun Cheng
- Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation
and Immunity, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kubra F. Naqvi
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Michael U. Shiloh
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - D. Branch Moody
- Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation
and Immunity, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Carolyn R. Bertozzi
- Stanford
Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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26
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Pham C, Guo S, Han X, Coleman L, Sze CW, Wang H, Liu J, Li C. A pleiotropic role of sialidase in the pathogenicity of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0034423. [PMID: 38376159 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00344-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
As one of the keystone pathogens of periodontitis, the oral bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis produces an array of virulence factors, including a recently identified sialidase (PG0352). Our previous report involving loss-of-function studies indicated that PG0352 plays an important role in the pathophysiology of P. gingivalis. However, this report had not been corroborated by gain-of-function studies or substantiated in different P. gingivalis strains. To fill these gaps, herein we first confirm the role of PG0352 in cell surface structures (e.g., capsule) and serum resistance using P. gingivalis W83 strain through genetic complementation and then recapitulate these studies using P. gingivalis ATCC33277 strain. We further investigate the role of PG0352 and its counterpart (PGN1608) in ATCC33277 in cell growth, biofilm formation, neutrophil killing, cell invasion, and P. gingivalis-induced inflammation. Our results indicate that PG0352 and PGN1608 are implicated in P. gingivalis cell surface structures, hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, resistance to complement and neutrophil killing, and host immune responses. Possible molecular mechanisms involved are also discussed. In summary, this report underscores the importance of sialidases in the pathophysiology of P. gingivalis and opens an avenue to elucidate their underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Pham
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Shuaiqi Guo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Laurynn Coleman
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ching Wooen Sze
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Huizhi Wang
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chunhao Li
- Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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27
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Cao D, Subhadra B, Lee YJ, Thoresen M, Cornejo S, Olivier A, Woolums A, Inzana TJ. Contribution of Hfq to gene regulation and virulence in Histophilus somni. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0003824. [PMID: 38391206 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00038-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Histophilus somni is one of the predominant bacterial pathogens responsible for bovine respiratory and systemic diseases in cattle. Despite the identification of numerous H. somni virulence factors, little is known about the regulation of such factors. The post-transcriptional regulatory protein Hfq may play a crucial role in regulation of components that affect bacterial virulence. The contribution of Hfq to H. somni phenotype and virulence was investigated following creation of an hfq deletion mutant of H. somni strain 2336 (designated H. somni 2336Δhfq). A comparative analysis of the mutant to the wild-type strain was carried out by examining protein and carbohydrate phenotype, RNA sequence, intracellular survival in bovine monocytes, serum susceptibility, and virulence studies in mouse and calf models. H. somni 2336Δhfq exhibited a truncated lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure, with loss of sialylation. The mutant demonstrated increased susceptibility to intracellular and serum-mediated killing compared to the wild-type strain. Transcriptomic analysis displayed significant differential expression of 832 upregulated genes and 809 downregulated genes in H. somni 2336Δhfq compared to H. somni strain 2336, including significant downregulation of lsgB and licA, which contribute to LOS oligosaccharide synthesis and sialylation. A substantial number of differentially expressed genes were associated with polysaccharide synthesis and other proteins that could influence virulence. The H. somni 2336Δhfq mutant strain was attenuated in a mouse septicemia model and somewhat attenuated in a calf intrabronchial challenge model. H. somni was recovered less frequently from nasopharyngeal swabs, endotracheal aspirates, and lung tissues of calves challenged with H. somni 2336Δhfq compared to the wild-type strain, and the percentage of abnormal lung tissue in calves challenged with H. somni 2336Δhfq was lower than in calves challenged with the wild-type strain. In conclusion, our results support that Hfq accounts for the regulation of H. somni virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianjun Cao
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Bindu Subhadra
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Yue-Jia Lee
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Merrilee Thoresen
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Santiago Cornejo
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Alicia Olivier
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Amelia Woolums
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Thomas J Inzana
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
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Xu Q, Kang D, Meyer MD, Pennington CL, Gopal C, Schertzer JW, Kirienko NV. Cytotoxic rhamnolipid micelles drive acute virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0040723. [PMID: 38391248 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00407-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that has developed multi- or even pan-drug resistance toward most frontline and last resort antibiotics, leading to increasing frequency of infections and deaths among hospitalized patients, especially those with compromised immune systems. Further complicating treatment, P. aeruginosa produces numerous virulence factors that contribute to host tissue damage and immune evasion, promoting bacterial colonization and pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of rhamnolipid production in host-pathogen interactions. Secreted rhamnolipids form micelles that exhibited highly acute toxicity toward murine macrophages, rupturing the plasma membrane and causing organellar membrane damage within minutes of exposure. While rhamnolipid micelles (RMs) were particularly toxic to macrophages, they also caused membrane damage in human lung epithelial cells, red blood cells, Gram-positive bacteria, and even noncellular models like giant plasma membrane vesicles. Most importantly, rhamnolipid production strongly correlated with P. aeruginosa virulence against murine macrophages in various panels of clinical isolates. Altogether, our findings suggest that rhamnolipid micelles are highly cytotoxic virulence factors that drive acute cellular damage and immune evasion during P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Donghoon Kang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew D Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Citrupa Gopal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Schertzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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Zhang H, Mi Z, Wang J, Zhang J. D-histidine combated biofilm formation and enhanced the effect of amikacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:148. [PMID: 38462558 PMCID: PMC10925579 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03918-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic gram-negative pathogenic microorganism that poses a significant challenge in clinical treatment. Antibiotics exhibit limited efficacy against mature biofilm, culminating in an increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant strains. Therefore, novel strategies are essential to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. D-histidine has been previously identified as a prospective anti-biofilm agent. However, limited attention has been directed towards its impact on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore the effect of D-histidine on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. Our results demonstrated that D-histidine downregulated the mRNA expression of virulence and quorum sensing (QS)-associated genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 without affecting bacterial growth. Swarming and swimming motility tests revealed that D-histidine significantly reduced the motility and pathogenicity of PAO1. Moreover, crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated that D-histidine inhibited biofilm formation and triggered the disassembly of mature biofilms. Notably, D-histidine increased the susceptibility of PAO1 to amikacin compared to that in the amikacin-alone group. These findings underscore the efficacy of D-histidine in combating Pseudomonas aeruginosa by reducing biofilm formation and increasing biofilm disassembly. Moreover, the combination of amikacin and D-histidine induced a synergistic effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, suggesting the potential utility of D-histidine as a preventive strategy against biofilm-associated infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Zhang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhongwen Mi
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Junmin Wang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Shi Q, Zeng S, Yu R, Li M, Shen C, Zhang X, Zhao C, Zeng J, Huang B, Pu J, Chen C. The small RNA PrrH aggravates Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced acute lung injury by regulating the type III secretion system activator ExsA. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0062623. [PMID: 38289930 PMCID: PMC10913731 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00626-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes acute and chronic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) regulate multiple bacterial adaptations to environmental changes, especially virulence. Our previous study showed that sRNA PrrH negatively regulates the expression of a number of virulence factors, such as pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, biofilm, and elastase in the P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. However, previous studies have shown that the prrH-deficient mutant attenuates virulence in an acute murine lung infection model. All ΔprrH-infected mice survived the entire 28-day course of the experiment, whereas all mice inoculated with the wild-type or the complemented mutant succumbed to lung infection within 4 days of injection, but the specific mechanism is unclear. Herein, we explored how PrrH mediates severe lung injury by regulating the expression of virulence factors. In vivo mouse and in vitro cellular assays demonstrated that PrrH enhanced the pathogenicity of PAO1, causing severe lung injury. Mechanistically, PrrH binds to the coding sequence region of the mRNA of exsA, which encodes the type III secretion system master regulatory protein. We further demonstrated that PrrH mediates a severe inflammatory response and exacerbates the apoptosis of A549 cells. Overall, our results revealed that PrrH positively regulates ExsA, enhances the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa, and causes severe lung injury. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium and the leading cause of nosocomial pneumonia. The pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa is due to the secretion of many virulence factors. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) regulate various bacterial adaptations, especially virulence. Therefore, understanding the mechanism by which sRNAs regulate virulence is necessary for understanding the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa and the treatment of the related disease. In this study, we demonstrated that PrrH enhances the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa by binding to the coding sequence regions of the ExsA, the master regulatory protein of type III secretion system, causing severe lung injury and exacerbating the inflammatory response and apoptosis. These findings revealed that PrrH is a crucial molecule that positively regulates ExsA. Type III-positive strains are often associated with a high mortality rate in P. aeruginosa infections in clinical practice. Therefore, this discovery may provide a new target for treating P. aeruginosa infections, especially type III-positive strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixuan Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenghe Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiqi Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mo Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chanjing Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianming Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieying Pu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cha Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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31
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Kang D, Xu Q, Kirienko NV. In vitro lung epithelial cell model reveals novel roles for Pseudomonas aeruginosa siderophores. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0369323. [PMID: 38311809 PMCID: PMC10913452 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03693-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The multidrug-resistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common nosocomial respiratory pathogen that continues to threaten the lives of patients with mechanical ventilation in intensive care units and those with underlying comorbidities such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For over 20 years, studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the major siderophore pyoverdine is an important virulence factor for P. aeruginosa in invertebrate and mammalian hosts in vivo. Despite its physiological significance, an in vitro, mammalian cell culture model that can be used to characterize the impact and molecular mechanisms of pyoverdine-mediated virulence has only been developed very recently. In this study, we adapt a previously-established, murine macrophage-based model to use human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. We demonstrate that conditioned medium from P. aeruginosa induced rapid 16HBE cell death through the pyoverdine-dependent secretion of cytotoxic rhamnolipids. Genetic or chemical disruption of pyoverdine biosynthesis decreased rhamnolipid production and mitigated cell death. Consistent with these observations, chemical depletion of lipids or genetic disruption of rhamnolipid biosynthesis abrogated the toxicity of the conditioned medium. Furthermore, we also examine the effects of exposure to purified pyoverdine on 16HBE cells. While pyoverdine accumulated within cells, it was largely sequestered within early endosomes, resulting in minimal cytotoxicity. More membrane-permeable iron chelators, such as the siderophore pyochelin, decreased epithelial cell viability and upregulated several pro-inflammatory genes. However, pyoverdine potentiated these iron chelators in activating pro-inflammatory pathways. Altogether, these findings suggest that the siderophores pyoverdine and pyochelin play distinct roles in virulence during acute P. aeruginosa lung infection. IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile bacterium that frequently causes lung infections. This pathogen is life-threatening to mechanically-ventilated patients in intensive care units and is a debilitating burden for individuals with cystic fibrosis. However, the role of P. aeruginosa virulence factors and their regulation during infection are not fully understood. Previous murine lung infection studies have demonstrated that the production of siderophores (e.g., pyoverdine and pyochelin) is necessary for full P. aeruginosa virulence. In this report, we provide further mechanistic insight into this phenomenon. We characterize distinct and novel ways these siderophores contribute to virulence using an in vitro human lung epithelial cell culture model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghoon Kang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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Shi C, Liu X, Chen Y, Dai J, Li C, Felemban S, Khowdiary MM, Cui H, Lin L. Inhibitory effects of citral on the production of virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus and its potential application in meat preservation. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 413:110581. [PMID: 38246026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Foodborne diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus contamination on meat and meat products has gained increasing attention in recent years, while the pathogenicity of S. aureus is mainly attributed to its virulence factors production, which is primarily regulated by quorum sensing (QS) system. Herein, we aimed to uncover the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of citral (CIT) on virulence factors production by S. aureus, and further explore its potential application in pork preservation. Susceptibility test confirmed the antibacterial properties of CIT against S. aureus, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.25 mg/mL. Treatment with sub-MICs of CIT reduced the hemolytic activity by inhibiting the production of α-hemolysin, and staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) production was significantly inhibited by CIT in both culture medium and pork without affecting bacterial growth. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that the differentially expression genes encoding α-hemolysin, SEs, and other virulence factors were down-regulated after treatment with 1/2MIC CIT. Moreover, the genes related to QS including agrA and agrC were also down-regulated, while the global transcriptional regulator sarA was up-regulated. Data here demonstrated that CIT could inhibited S. aureus virulence factors production through disturbing QS systems. In a challenge test, the addition of CIT caused a remarkable inhibition of S. aureus population and delay in lipid oxidation and color change on pork after 15 days incubation at 4 °C. These findings demonstrated that CIT could not only efficiently restrain the production of S. aureus virulence factors by disturbing QS, but also exhibit the potential application on the preservation of meat products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Shi
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Xu Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yangyang Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jinming Dai
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Changzhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Shifa Felemban
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, Al Leith University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal M Khowdiary
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, Al Leith University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haiying Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Lin Lin
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410007, China.
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33
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Schiavolin L, Deneubourg G, Steinmetz J, Smeesters PR, Botteaux A. Group A Streptococcus adaptation to diverse niches: lessons from transcriptomic studies. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:241-265. [PMID: 38140809 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2294905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a major human pathogen, causing diseases ranging from mild superficial infections of the skin and pharyngeal epithelium to severe systemic and invasive diseases. Moreover, post infection auto-immune sequelae arise by a yet not fully understood mechanism. The ability of GAS to cause a wide variety of infections is linked to the expression of a large set of virulence factors and their transcriptional regulation in response to various physiological environments. The use of transcriptomics, among others -omics technologies, in addition to traditional molecular methods, has led to a better understanding of GAS pathogenesis and host adaptation mechanisms. This review focusing on bacterial transcriptomic provides new insight into gene-expression patterns in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo with an emphasis on metabolic shifts, virulence genes expression and transcriptional regulators role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Schiavolin
- Microbiology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute of Vaccinology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geoffrey Deneubourg
- Microbiology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute of Vaccinology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jenny Steinmetz
- Microbiology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute of Vaccinology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Microbiology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute of Vaccinology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Paediatrics, Brussels University Hospital, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Botteaux
- Microbiology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute of Vaccinology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Qiu H, Li Y, Yuan M, Chen H, Dandekar AA, Dai W. Uncovering a hidden functional role of the XRE-cupin protein PsdR as a novel quorum-sensing regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012078. [PMID: 38484003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
XRE-cupin family proteins containing an DNA-binding domain and a cupin signal-sensing domain are widely distributed in bacteria. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, XRE-cupin transcription factors have long been recognized as regulators exclusively controlling cellular metabolism pathways. However, their potential functional roles beyond metabolism regulation remain unknown. PsdR, a typical XRE-cupin transcriptional regulator, was previously characterized as a local repressor involved solely in dipeptide metabolism. Here, by measuring quorum-sensing (QS) activities and QS-controlled metabolites, we uncover that PsdR is a new QS regulator in P. aeruginosa. Our RNA-seq analysis showed that rather than a local regulator, PsdR controls a large regulon, including genes associated with both the QS circuit and non-QS pathways. To unveil the underlying mechanism of PsdR in modulating QS, we developed a comparative transcriptome approach named "transcriptome profile similarity analysis" (TPSA). Using this TPSA method, we revealed that PsdR expression causes a QS-null-like transcriptome profile, resulting in QS-inactive phenotypes. Based on the results of TPSA, we further demonstrate that PsdR directly binds to the promoter for the gene encoding the QS master transcription factor LasR, thereby negatively regulating its expression and influencing QS activation. Moreover, our results showed that PsdR functions as a negative virulence regulator, as inactivation of PsdR enhanced bacterial cytotoxicity on host cells. In conclusion, we report on a new QS regulation role for PsdR, providing insights into its role in manipulating QS-controlled virulence. Most importantly, our findings open the door for a further discovery of untapped functions for other XRE-Cupin family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Qiu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhao Li
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Yuan
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huali Chen
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ajai A Dandekar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Weijun Dai
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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35
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Chittick L, Okwumabua O. Loss of expression of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 compromises growth and pathogenicity. Microb Pathog 2024; 188:106565. [PMID: 38309311 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is a zoonotic agent that causes substantial economic losses to the swine industry and threatens human public health. Factors that contribute to its ability to cause disease are not yet fully understood. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is an enzyme found in living cells and plays vital roles in cellular metabolism. It has also been shown to affect pathogenic potential of certain bacteria. In this study, we constructed a S. suis serotype 2 GDH mutant (Δgdh) by insertional inactivation mediated by a homologous recombination event and confirmed loss of expression of GDH in the mutant by immunoblot and enzyme activity staining assays. Compared with the wild type (WT) strain, Δgdh displayed a different phenotype. It exhibited impaired growth in all conditions evaluated (solid and broth media, increased temperature, varying pH, and salinity) and formed cells of reduced size. Using a swine infection model, pigs inoculated with the WT strain exhibited fever, specific signs of disease, and lesions, and the strain could be re-isolated from the brain, lung, joint fluid, and blood samples collected from the infected pigs. Pigs inoculated with the Δgdh strain did not exhibit any clinical signs of disease nor histologic lesions, and the strain could not be re-isolated from any of the tissues nor body fluid sampled. The Δgdh also showed a decreased level of survival in pig blood. Taken together, these results suggest that the gdh is important in S. suis physiology and its ability to colonize, disseminate, and cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Chittick
- Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ, 85308, USA
| | - Ogi Okwumabua
- Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ, 85308, USA.
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36
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Nehls C, Schröder M, Haubenthal T, Haas A, Gutsmann T. The mechanistic basis of the membrane-permeabilizing activities of the virulence-associated protein A (VapA) from Rhodococcus equi. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:578-592. [PMID: 38308564 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic Rhodococcus equi release the virulence-associated protein A (VapA) within macrophage phagosomes. VapA permeabilizes phagosome and lysosome membranes and reduces acidification of both compartments. Using biophysical techniques, we found that VapA interacts with model membranes in four steps: (i) binding, change of mechanical properties, (ii) formation of specific membrane domains, (iii) permeabilization within the domains, and (iv) pH-specific transformation of domains. Biosensor data revealed that VapA binds to membranes in one step at pH 6.5 and in two steps at pH 4.5 and decreases membrane fluidity. The integration of VapA into lipid monolayers was only significant at lateral pressures <20 mN m-1 indicating preferential incorporation into membrane regions with reduced integrity. Atomic force microscopy of lipid mono- and bilayers showed that VapA increased the surface heterogeneity of liquid disordered domains. Furthermore, VapA led to the formation of a new microstructured domain type and, at pH 4.5, to the formation of 5 nm high domains. VapA binding, its integration and lipid domain formation depended on lipid composition, pH, protein concentration and lateral membrane pressure. VapA-mediated permeabilization is clearly distinct from that caused by classical microbial pore formers and is a key contribution to the multiplication of Rhodococcus equi in phagosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nehls
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcel Schröder
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | | | - Albert Haas
- Cell Biology Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Gutsmann
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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Daca A, Jarzembowski T. From the Friend to the Foe- Enterococcus faecalis Diverse Impact on the Human Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2422. [PMID: 38397099 PMCID: PMC10888668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a bacterium which accompanies us from the first days of our life. As a commensal it produces vitamins, metabolizes nutrients, and maintains intestinal pH. All of that happens in exchange for a niche to inhabit. It is not surprising then, that the bacterium was and is used as an element of many probiotics and its positive impact on the human immune system and the body in general is hard to ignore. This bacterium has also a dark side though. The plasticity and relative ease with which one acquires virulence traits, and the ability to hide from or even deceive and use the immune system to spread throughout the body make E. faecalis a more and more dangerous opponent. The statistics clearly show its increasing role, especially in the case of nosocomial infections. Here we present the summarization of current knowledge about E. faecalis, especially in the context of its relations with the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Daca
- Department of Physiopathology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jarzembowski
- Department of Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
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38
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Xiao Y, Sun G, Yu Q, Gao T, Zhu Q, Wang R, Huang S, Han Z, Cervone F, Yin H, Qi T, Wang Y, Chai J. A plant mechanism of hijacking pathogen virulence factors to trigger innate immunity. Science 2024; 383:732-739. [PMID: 38359129 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj9529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) interact with pathogen-derived polygalacturonases to inhibit their virulence-associated plant cell wall-degrading activity but stimulate immunity-inducing oligogalacturonide production. Here we show that interaction between Phaseolus vulgaris PGIP2 (PvPGIP2) and Fusarium phyllophilum polygalacturonase (FpPG) enhances substrate binding, resulting in inhibition of the enzyme activity of FpPG. This interaction promotes FpPG-catalyzed production of long-chain immunoactive oligogalacturonides, while diminishing immunosuppressive short oligogalacturonides. PvPGIP2 binding creates a substrate binding site on PvPGIP2-FpPG, forming a new polygalacturonase with boosted substrate binding activity and altered substrate preference. Structure-based engineering converts a putative PGIP that initially lacks FpPG-binding activity into an effective FpPG-interacting protein. These findings unveil a mechanism for plants to transform pathogen virulence activity into a defense trigger and provide proof of principle for engineering PGIPs with broader specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiao
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Guangzheng Sun
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Disease and Pest Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qiangsheng Yu
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Teng Gao
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qinsheng Zhu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Disease and Pest Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Disease and Pest Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shijia Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhifu Han
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Felice Cervone
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "C. Darwin," Sapienza, University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Heng Yin
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Tiancong Qi
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuanchao Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Disease and Pest Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jijie Chai
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
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Thynne E, Kobe B. Mixed-organism enzyme in plant defense. Science 2024; 383:707-708. [PMID: 38359137 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn8306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Plants commandeer a pathogen's virulence factor to bolster immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Thynne
- Botanical Institute, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences , The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Mould DL, Finger CE, Conaway A, Botelho N, Stuut SE, Hogan DA. Citrate cross-feeding by Pseudomonas aeruginosa supports lasR mutant fitness. mBio 2024; 15:e0127823. [PMID: 38259061 PMCID: PMC10865840 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01278-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cross-feeding of metabolites between subpopulations can affect cell phenotypes and population-level behaviors. In chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections, subpopulations with loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the lasR gene are common. LasR, a transcription factor often described for its role in virulence factor expression, also impacts metabolism, which, in turn, affects interactions between LasR+ and LasR- genotypes. Prior transcriptomic analyses suggested that citrate, a metabolite secreted by many cell types, induces virulence factor production when both genotypes are together. An unbiased analysis of the intracellular metabolome revealed broad differences including higher levels of citrate in lasR LOF mutants. Citrate consumption by LasR- strains required the CbrAB two-component system, which relieves carbon catabolite repression and is elevated in lasR LOF mutants. Within mixed communities, the citrate-responsive two-component system TctED and its gene targets OpdH (porin) and TctABC (citrate transporter) that are predicted to be under catabolite repression control were induced and required for enhanced RhlR/I-dependent signaling, pyocyanin production, and fitness of LasR- strains. Citrate uptake by LasR- strains markedly increased pyocyanin production in co-culture with Staphylococcus aureus, which also secretes citrate and frequently co-infects with P. aeruginosa. This citrate-induced restoration of virulence factor production by LasR- strains in communities with diverse species or genotypes may offer an explanation for the contrast observed between the markedly deficient virulence factor production of LasR- strains in monocultures and their association with the most severe forms of cystic fibrosis lung infections. These studies highlight the impact of secreted metabolites in mixed microbial communities.IMPORTANCECross-feeding of metabolites can change community composition, structure, and function. Here, we unravel a cross-feeding mechanism between frequently co-observed isolate genotypes in chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections. We illustrate an example of how clonally derived diversity in a microbial communication system enables intra- and inter-species cross-feeding. Citrate, a metabolite released by many cells including P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, was differentially consumed between genotypes. Since these two pathogens frequently co-occur in the most severe cystic fibrosis lung infections, the cross-feeding-induced virulence factor expression and fitness described here between diverse genotypes exemplify how co-occurrence can facilitate the development of worse disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallas L. Mould
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Carson E. Finger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Amy Conaway
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Nico Botelho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Stacie E. Stuut
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Deborah A. Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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Savin A, Anderson EE, Dyzenhaus S, Podkowik M, Shopsin B, Pironti A, Torres VJ. Staphylococcus aureus senses human neutrophils via PerR to coordinate the expression of the toxin LukAB. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0052623. [PMID: 38235972 PMCID: PMC10863418 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00526-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive pathogen that poses a major health concern, in part due to its large array of virulence factors that allow infection and evasion of the immune system. One of these virulence factors is the bicomponent pore-forming leukocidin LukAB. The regulation of lukAB expression is not completely understood, especially in the presence of immune cells such as human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (hPMNs). Here, we screened for transcriptional regulators of lukAB during the infection of primary hPMNs. We uncovered that PerR, a peroxide sensor, is vital for hPMN-mediated induction of lukAB and that PerR upregulates cytotoxicity during the infection of hPMNs. Exposure of S. aureus to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) alone also results in increased lukAB promoter activity, a phenotype dependent on PerR. Collectively, our data suggest that S. aureus uses PerR to sense the H2O2 produced by hPMNs to stimulate the expression of lukAB, allowing the bacteria to withstand these critical innate immune cells.IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus aureus utilizes a diverse set of virulence factors, such as leukocidins, to subvert human neutrophils, but how these toxins are regulated is incompletely defined. Here, we identified the peroxide-sensitive repressor, PerR, as a required protein involved in the induction of lukAB in the presence of primary human neutrophils, a phenotype directly linked to the ability of PerR to sense H2O2. Thus, we show that S. aureus coordinates sensing and resistance to oxidative stress with toxin production to promote pathogen survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital Savin
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Exene E. Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sophie Dyzenhaus
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Magdalena Podkowik
- Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens Program, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bo Shopsin
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens Program, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alejandro Pironti
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens Program, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Victor J. Torres
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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George JL, Agbavor C, Cabo LF, Cahoon LA. Streptococcus pneumoniae secretion chaperones PrsA, SlrA, and HtrA are required for competence, antibiotic resistance, colonization, and invasive disease. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0049023. [PMID: 38226817 PMCID: PMC10863415 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00490-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterium and a significant health threat with the populations most at risk being children, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised. To colonize and transition into an invasive infectious organism, S. pneumoniae secretes virulence factors that are translocated across the bacterial membrane and destined for surface exposure, attachment to the cell wall, or secretion into the host. The surface exposed protein chaperones PrsA, SlrA, and HtrA facilitate S. pneumoniae protein secretion; however, the distinct roles contributed by each of these secretion chaperones have not been well defined. Tandem Mass-Tagged Mass Spectrometry and virulence, adhesion, competence, and cell wall integrity assays were used to interrogate the individual and collective contributions of PrsA, SlrA, and HtrA to multiple aspects of S. pneumoniae physiology and virulence. PrsA, SlrA, and HtrA were found to play critical roles in S. pneumoniae host cell infection and competence, and the absence of each of these secretion chaperones significantly altered the S. pneumoniae secretome in distinct ways. PrsA and SlrA were additionally found to contribute to cell wall assembly and resistance to cell wall-active antimicrobials and were important for enabling S. pneumoniae host cell adhesion during colonization and invasive infection. These findings serve to further illustrate the pivotal contributions of PrsA, SlrA, and HtrA to S. pneumoniae protein secretion and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jada L. George
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles Agbavor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leah F. Cabo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laty A. Cahoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Effah CY, Ding X, Drokow EK, Li X, Tong R, Sun T. Bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles: endogenous roles, therapeutic potentials and their biomimetics for the treatment and prevention of sepsis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1296061. [PMID: 38420121 PMCID: PMC10899385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1296061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is one of the medical conditions with a high mortality rate and lacks specific treatment despite several years of extensive research. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) are emerging as a focal target in the pathophysiology and treatment of sepsis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from pathogenic microorganisms carry pathogenic factors such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and virulence factors and are regarded as "long-range weapons" to trigger an inflammatory response. In particular, the small size of bEVs can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers that are difficult for pathogens to cross, deliver pathogenic agents to host cells, activate the host immune system, and possibly accelerate the bacterial infection process and subsequent sepsis. Over the years, research into host-derived EVs has increased, leading to breakthroughs in cancer and sepsis treatments. However, related approaches to the role and use of bacterial-derived EVs are still rare in the treatment of sepsis. Herein, this review looked at the dual nature of bEVs in sepsis by highlighting their inherent functions and emphasizing their therapeutic characteristics and potential. Various biomimetics of bEVs for the treatment and prevention of sepsis have also been reviewed. Finally, the latest progress and various obstacles in the clinical application of bEVs have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Yaw Effah
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Sepsis, Henan Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Henan Key Laboratory of Sepsis in Health Commission, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianfei Ding
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Sepsis, Henan Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Henan Key Laboratory of Sepsis in Health Commission, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Emmanuel Kwateng Drokow
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Sepsis, Henan Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Henan Key Laboratory of Sepsis in Health Commission, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ran Tong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Sepsis, Henan Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Henan Key Laboratory of Sepsis in Health Commission, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tongwen Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Sepsis, Henan Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Henan Key Laboratory of Sepsis in Health Commission, Zhengzhou, China
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Mudaliar SB, Bharath Prasad AS. A biomedical perspective of pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: its applications and challenges. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:90. [PMID: 38341389 PMCID: PMC10858844 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03889-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Pyocyanin is a bioactive pigment produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is an important virulence factor that plays a critical role in P. aeruginosa infections as a redox-active secondary metabolite and a quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecule. Pyocyanin production from chorismic acid requires the involvement of two homologous operons, phz1 and phz2, which are activated by QS regulatory proteins. Pyocyanin inhibits the proliferation of bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cells by inducing oxidative stress due to which it acts as a potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer agent. Its potential role as a neuroprotectant needs further exploration. However, pyocyanin exacerbates the damaging effects of nosocomial infections caused by P. aeruginosa in immunocompromised individuals. Further, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are highly susceptible to persistent P. aeruginosa infections in the respiratory system. The bacterial cells form colonies and three interconnected QS networks-pqs, las, and rhl-get activated, thus stimulating the cells to produce pyocyanin which exacerbates pulmonary complications. As an opportunistic pathogen, P. aeruginosa produces pyocyanin to impede the recovery of injuries like burn wounds through its anti-proliferative activity. Moreover, pyocyanin plays a vital role in compounding P. aeruginosa infections by promoting biofilm formation. This review begins with a brief description of the characteristics of pyocyanin, its activity, and the different aspects of its production including its biosynthesis, the role of QS, and the effect of environmental factors. It then goes on to explore the potential applications of pyocyanin as a biotherapeutic molecule while also highlighting the biomedical challenges and limitations that it presents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samriti Balaji Mudaliar
- Department of Public Health & Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Alevoor Srinivas Bharath Prasad
- Department of Public Health & Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Kar A, Mukherjee SK, Barik S, Hossain ST. Antimicrobial Activity of Trigonelline Hydrochloride Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Its Quorum-Sensing Regulated Molecular Mechanisms on Biofilm Formation and Virulence. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:746-762. [PMID: 38232080 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a vivid biofilm-producing bacterium, is considered a dreadful opportunistic pathogen, and thus, management of biofilm-associated infections due to multidrug resistant strains by traditional drugs currently is of great concern. This study was aimed to assess the impact of trigonelline hydrochloride, a pyridine alkaloid, on P. aeruginosa PAO1, in search of an alternative therapeutant. The effect of trigonelline on colony morphology and motility was studied along with its role on biofilm and expression virulence factors. Trigonelline influenced the colony structure, motility, biofilm architecture, and the production of virulence factors in a dose-dependent manner. Alterations in quorum sending (QS)-regulated gene expression after treatment and molecular docking analysis for certain regulator proteins confirmed its effect on the QS-system network by affecting Las, Rhl, and Pqs signaling pathways and as possible molecular targets. Thus, trigonelline might be considered as a potential chemical lead to manage biofilm-associated pathogenesis or to develop other analogues with enhanced pharmacokinetic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiya Kar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India
| | | | - Subhasis Barik
- Department of In Vitro Carcinogenesis and Cellular Chemotherapy, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026, India
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Inoue E, Minatozaki S, Shimizu S, Miyamoto S, Jo M, Ni J, Tozaki-Saitoh H, Oda K, Nonaka S, Nakanishi H. Human β-Defensin 3 Inhibition of P. gingivalis LPS-Induced IL-1β Production by BV-2 Microglia through Suppression of Cathepsins B and L. Cells 2024; 13:283. [PMID: 38334675 PMCID: PMC10854704 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin B (CatB) is thought to be essential for the induction of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg LPS)-induced Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies in mice, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production and cognitive decline. However, little is known about the role of CatB in Pg virulence factor-induced IL-1β production by microglia. We first subjected IL-1β-luciferase reporter BV-2 microglia to inhibitors of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), IκB kinase, and the NLRP3 inflammasome following stimulation with Pg LPS and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). To clarify the involvement of CatB, we used several known CatB inhibitors, including CA-074Me, ZRLR, and human β-defensin 3 (hBD3). IL-1β production in BV-2 microglia induced by Pg LPS and OMVs was significantly inhibited by the TLR2 inhibitor C29 and the IκB kinase inhibitor wedelolactonne, but not by the NLRPs inhibitor MCC950. Both hBD3 and CA-074Me significantly inhibited Pg LPS-induced IL-1β production in BV-2 microglia. Although CA-074Me also suppressed OMV-induced IL-1β production, hBD3 did not inhibit it. Furthermore, both hBD3 and CA-074Me significantly blocked Pg LPS-induced nuclear NF-κB p65 translocation and IκBα degradation. In contrast, hBD3 and CA-074Me did not block OMV-induced nuclear NF-κB p65 translocation or IκBα degradation. Furthermore, neither ZRLR, a specific CatB inhibitor, nor shRNA-mediated knockdown of CatB expression had any effect on Pg virulence factor-induced IL-1β production. Interestingly, phagocytosis of OMVs by BV-2 microglia induced IL-1β production. Finally, the structural models generated by AlphaFold indicated that hBD3 can bind to the substrate-binding pocket of CatB, and possibly CatL as well. These results suggest that Pg LPS induces CatB/CatL-dependent synthesis and processing of pro-IL-1β without activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In contrast, OMVs promote the synthesis and processing of pro-IL-1β through CatB/CatL-independent phagocytic mechanisms. Thus, hBD3 can improve the IL-1β-associated vicious inflammatory cycle induced by microglia through inhibition of CatB/CatL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Inoue
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (E.I.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Shiyo Minatozaki
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (E.I.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Sachi Shimizu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (E.I.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Sayaka Miyamoto
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (E.I.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Misato Jo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (E.I.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Hidetoshi Tozaki-Saitoh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Okawa 831-8501, Japan;
| | - Kosuke Oda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Yasuhigashi, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (K.O.); (S.N.)
| | - Saori Nonaka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Yasuhigashi, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (K.O.); (S.N.)
| | - Hiroshi Nakanishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women’s University, Yasuhigashi, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan; (K.O.); (S.N.)
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Kang L, You J, Li Y, Huang R, Wu S. Effects and mechanisms of Salmonella plasmid virulence gene spv on host-regulated cell death. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:86. [PMID: 38305917 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03612-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Salmonella is responsible for the majority of food poisoning outbreaks around the world. Pathogenic Salmonella mostly carries a virulence plasmid that contains the Salmonella plasmid virulence gene (spv), a highly conserved sequence encoding effector proteins that can manipulate host cells. Intestinal epithelial cells are crucial components of the innate immune system, acting as the first barrier of defense against infection. When the barrier is breached, Salmonella encounters the underlying macrophages in lamina propria, triggering inflammation and engaging in combat with immune cells recruited by inflammatory factors. Host regulated cell death (RCD) provides a variety of means to fight against or favour Salmonella infection. However, Salmonella releases effector proteins to regulate RCD, evading host immune killing and neutralizing host antimicrobial effects. This review provides an overview of pathogen-host interactions in terms of (1) pathogenicity of Salmonella spv on intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages, (2) mechanisms of host RCD to limit or promote pathogenic Salmonella expansion, and (3) effects and mechanisms of Salmonella spv gene on host RCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Kang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-Infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiayi You
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-Infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Experimental Center, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-Infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-Infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shuyan Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Pathogen Bioscience and Anti-Infective Medicine, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu Province, China.
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48
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Guo X, Yu K, Huang R. The ways Fusobacterium nucleatum translocate to breast tissue and contribute to breast cancer development. Mol Oral Microbiol 2024; 39:1-11. [PMID: 38171827 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide. Epidemiological findings suggested that periodontal diseases may be associated with breast cancer, among which Fusobacterium nucleatum is considered an important cross-participant. In this work, we comprehensively summarize the known mechanisms of how F. nucleatum translocates to, colonizes in mammary tumors, and promotes the carcinogenesis. Specifically, F. nucleatum translocates to mammary tissue through the mammary-intestinal axis, direct nipple contact, and hematogenous transmission. Subsequently, F. nucleatum takes advantage of fusobacterium autotransporter protein 2 to colonize breast cancer and uses virulence factors fusobacterium adhesin A and lipopolysaccharide to promote proliferation. Moreover, the upregulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 induced by F. nucleatum does not only trigger the inflammatory response but also facilitates the tumor-promoting microenvironment. Aside from the pro-inflammatory effect, F. nucleatum may also be engaged in tumor immune evasion, which is achieved through the action of virulence factors on immune checkpoint receptors highly expressed on T cells, natural killer cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Taking breast cancer as an example, more relevant research studies may expand our current knowledge of how oral microbes affect systemic health. Hopefully, exploring these mechanisms in depth could provide new strategies for safer and more effective biologic and targeted therapies targeted at breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruijie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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49
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Guerra S, LaRock C. Group A Streptococcus interactions with the host across time and space. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 77:102420. [PMID: 38219421 PMCID: PMC10922997 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) has a fantastically wide tissue tropism in humans, manifesting as different diseases depending on the strain's virulence factor repertoire and the tissue involved. Activation of immune cells and pro-inflammatory signaling has historically been considered an exclusively host-protective response that a pathogen would seek to avoid. However, recent advances in human and animal models suggest that in some tissues, GAS will activate and manipulate specific pro-inflammatory pathways to promote growth, nutrient acquisition, persistence, recurrent infection, competition with other microbial species, dissemination, and transmission. This review discusses molecular interactions between the host and pathogen to summarize how infection varies across tissue and stages of inflammation. A need for inflammation for GAS survival during common, mild infections may drive selection for mechanisms that cause pathological and excess inflammation severe diseases such as toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, and rheumatic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Guerra
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christopher LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Antimicrobial Resistance Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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50
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Alves GB, Lemes TSO, Pereira EJG, Jurat-Fuentes JL, Smagghe G, Santos GR, Haddi K, Corrêa RFT, Melo FL, Jumbo LOV, Oliveira EE, Peron AJ, Ribeiro BM, Aguiar RWS. Draft genome of neotropical Bacillus thuringiensis UFT038 and its potential against lepidopteran soybean pests. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024; 69:91-99. [PMID: 38017300 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01114-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is known for its Cry and Vip3A pesticidal proteins with high selectivity to target pests. Here, we assessed the potential of a novel neotropical Bt strain (UFT038) against six lepidopteran pests, including two Cry-resistant populations of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. We also sequenced and analyzed the genome of Bt UFT038 to identify genes involved in insecticidal activities or encoding other virulence factors. In toxicological bioassays, Bt UFT038 killed and inhibited the neonate growth in a concentration-dependent manner. Bt UFT038 and HD-1 were equally toxic against S. cosmioides, S. frugiperda (S_Bt and R_Cry1 + 2Ab populations), Helicoverpa zea, and H. armigera. However, larval growth inhibition results indicated that Bt UFT038 was more toxic than HD-1 to S. cosmioides, while HD-1 was more active against Chrysodeixis includens. The draft genome of Bt UFT038 showed the cry1Aa8, cry1Ac11, cry1Ia44, cry2Aa9, cry2Ab35, and vip3Af5 genes. Besides this, genes encoding the virulence factors (inhA, plcA, piplC, sph, and chi1-2) and toxins (alo, cytK, hlyIII, hblA-D, and nheA-C) were also identified. Collectively, our findings reveal the potential of the Bt UFT038 strain as a source of insecticidal genes against lepidopteran pests, including S. cosmioides and S. frugiperda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselly B Alves
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Tocantins, Gurupi, TO, 77413-070, Brazil
| | - Timóteo S O Lemes
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Tocantins, Gurupi, TO, 77413-070, Brazil
| | - Eliseu J G Pereira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Juan L Jurat-Fuentes
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gil R Santos
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Tocantins, Gurupi, TO, 77413-070, Brazil
| | - Khalid Haddi
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto F T Corrêa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando L Melo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Luis O Viteri Jumbo
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Tocantins, Gurupi, TO, 77413-070, Brazil
- Carrera de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional de Loja (UNL), Loja, 110103, Ecuador
| | - Eugenio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Antônio J Peron
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Tocantins, Gurupi, TO, 77413-070, Brazil
| | - Bergmann M Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Raimundo W S Aguiar
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Tocantins, Gurupi, TO, 77413-070, Brazil.
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