1
|
Geller AM, Shalom M, Zlotkin D, Blum N, Levy A. Identification of type VI secretion system effector-immunity pairs using structural bioinformatics. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:702-718. [PMID: 38658795 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00035-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is an important mediator of microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions. Gram-negative bacteria use the T6SS to inject T6SS effectors (T6Es), which are usually proteins with toxic activity, into neighboring cells. Antibacterial effectors have cognate immunity proteins that neutralize self-intoxication. Here, we applied novel structural bioinformatic tools to perform systematic discovery and functional annotation of T6Es and their cognate immunity proteins from a dataset of 17,920 T6SS-encoding bacterial genomes. Using structural clustering, we identified 517 putative T6E families, outperforming sequence-based clustering. We developed a logistic regression model to reliably quantify protein-protein interaction of new T6E-immunity pairs, yielding candidate immunity proteins for 231 out of the 517 T6E families. We used sensitive structure-based annotation which yielded functional annotations for 51% of the T6E families, again outperforming sequence-based annotation. Next, we validated four novel T6E-immunity pairs using basic experiments in E. coli. In particular, we showed that the Pfam domain DUF3289 is a homolog of Colicin M and that DUF943 acts as its cognate immunity protein. Furthermore, we discovered a novel T6E that is a structural homolog of SleB, a lytic transglycosylase, and identified a specific glutamate that acts as its putative catalytic residue. Overall, this study applies novel structural bioinformatic tools to T6E-immunity pair discovery, and provides an extensive database of annotated T6E-immunity pairs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Geller
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, The Institute of Environmental Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maor Shalom
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, The Institute of Environmental Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Zlotkin
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, The Institute of Environmental Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noam Blum
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, The Institute of Environmental Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Asaf Levy
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, The Institute of Environmental Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li W, Huang X, Li D, Liu X, Jiang X, Bian X, Li X, Zhang J. A combination of genomics and transcriptomics provides insights into the distribution and differential mRNA expression of type VI secretion system in clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae. mSphere 2024; 9:e0082223. [PMID: 38436228 PMCID: PMC10964426 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00822-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) serves as a crucial molecular weapon in interbacterial competition and significantly influences the adaptability of bacteria in their ecological niche. However, the distribution and function of T6SS in clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, have not been fully elucidated. Here, we conducted a genomic analysis of 65 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from patients with varying infections. Genes encoding a T6SS cluster present in all analyzed strains of K. pneumoniae, and strains with identical sequence type carried structurally and numerically identical T6SS. Our study also highlights the importance of selecting conserved regions within essential T6SS genes for PCR-based identification of T6SS in bacteria. Afterward, we utilized the predominant sequence type 11 (ST11) K. pneumoniae HS11286 to investigate the effect of knocking out T6SS marker genes hcp or vgrG. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 1,298 co-upregulated and 1,752 co-downregulated differentially expressed genes in both mutants. Pathway analysis showed that only Δhcp mutant exhibited alterations in transport, establishment of localization, localization, and cell processes. The absence of hcp or vgrG gene suppressed the expression of other T6SS-related genes within the locus I cluster. Additionally, interbacterial competition experiments showed that hcp and vgrG are essential for competitive ability of ST11 K. pneumoniae HS11286. This study furthers our understanding of the genomic characteristics of T6SS in clinical K. pneumoniae and suggests the involvement of multiple genes in T6SS of strain HS11286. IMPORTANCE Gram-negative bacteria use type VI secretion system (T6SS) to deliver effectors that interact with neighboring cells for niche advantage. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that often carries multiple T6SS loci, the function of which has not yet been elucidated. We performed a genomic analysis of 65 clinical K. pneumoniae strains isolated from various sources, confirming that all strains contained T6SS. We then used transcriptomics to further study changes in gene expression and its effect on interbacterial competition following the knockout of key T6SS genes in sequence type 11 (ST11) K. pneumoniae HS11286. Our findings revealed the distribution and genomic characteristics of T6SS in clinical K. pneumoniae. This study also described the overall transcriptional changes in the predominant Chinese ST11 strain HS11286 upon deletion of crucial T6SS genes. Additionally, this work provides a reference for future research on the identification of T6SS in bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolan Huang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofen Liu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Jiang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingchen Bian
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng C, Li D, Wang Y, Wang L, Huang Y, Yao J. Risk factors and genetic characteristics of the carriage of hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among pregnant women. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1351722. [PMID: 38572236 PMCID: PMC10987950 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1351722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and its emerging evolutionary branch toward hypervirulence have been neglected in pregnancy. Methods From September 2020 to August 2021, an active surveillance culture program encompassed 138 randomly selected pregnant women, with five subjected to sample collection at two different time points. The clinical characterization was explored through statistical analysis. Whole-genome sequencing, a Galleria mellonella infection model, and a global database were used to investigate the genetic characterization, pathogenicity, evolutionary history, and phylogenetic relationships of the isolates. Results Of the 41 CRAB isolates obtained, they were divided into four ClustersRS and an orphan pattern. ClusterRS 1 (n = 31), with eight complex types in pregnancy, was also the dominant ClusterRS globally, followed by ClusterRS 13 (n = 5), identified as hypervirulent KL49 CRAB, exhibiting phylogeographical specificity to Guangdong. A maternal carriage CRAB rate of 26.09% (36/138) was revealed, with half of the isolates representing novel complex types, prominently including CT3071, as the first KL7 isolates identified in Shenzhen. Both KL49 and KL7 isolates were most commonly found in the same participant, suggesting potential intraspecific competition as a possible reason for CRAB infection without carriers during pregnancy. The independent risk factors for carriers were revealed for the first time, including advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes mellitus, and Group B Streptococcus infection. Conclusion The significant carriage rate and enhanced virulence of CRAB during pregnancy emphasize the imperative for routine surveillance to forestall dissemination within this high-risk group, especially in Guangdong for ClusterRS 13 isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
- Bacteriology and Antibacterial Resistance Surveillance Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Defeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinglan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuting Huang
- Bacteriology and Antibacterial Resistance Surveillance Laboratory, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Shenzhen Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morgado S, Fonseca É, Freitas F, Caldart R, Vicente AC. In-depth analysis of Klebsiella aerogenes resistome, virulome and plasmidome worldwide. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6538. [PMID: 38503805 PMCID: PMC10951357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella aerogenes is an emergent pathogen associated with outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant strains. To date, studies focusing on K. aerogenes have been small-scale and/or geographically restricted. Here, we analyzed the epidemiology, resistome, virulome, and plasmidome of this species based on 561 genomes, spanning all continents. Furthermore, we sequenced four new strains from Brazil (mostly from the Amazon region). Dozens of STs occur worldwide, but the pandemic clones ST93 and ST4 have prevailed in several countries. Almost all genomes were clinical, however, most of them did not carry ESBL or carbapenemases, instead, they carried chromosomal alterations (omp36, ampD, ampG, ampR) associated with resistance to β-lactams. Integrons were also identified, presenting gene cassettes not yet reported in this species (blaIMP, blaVIM, blaGES). Considering the virulence loci, the yersiniabactin and colibactin operons were found in the ICEKp10 element, which is disseminated in genomes of several STs, as well as an incomplete salmochelin cluster. In contrast, the aerobactin hypervirulence trait was observed only in one ST432 genome. Plasmids were common, mainly from the ColRNAI replicon, with some carrying resistance genes (mcr, blaTEM, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaKPC, blaVIM) and virulence genes (EAST1, senB). Interestingly, 172 genomes of different STs presented putative plasmids containing the colicin gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Morgado
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Microrganismos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Érica Fonseca
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Microrganismos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Freitas
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Microrganismos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Raquel Caldart
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, 69300-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Vicente
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Microrganismos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Restrepo-Benavides M, Lozano-Arce D, Gonzalez-Garcia LN, Báez-Aguirre F, Ariza-Aranguren G, Faccini D, Zambrano MM, Jiménez P, Fernández-Bravo A, Restrepo S, Guevara-Suarez M. Unveiling potential virulence determinants in Vibrio isolates from Anadara tuberculosa through whole genome analyses. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0292823. [PMID: 38189292 PMCID: PMC10846245 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02928-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Vibrio includes pathogenic bacteria able to cause disease in humans and aquatic organisms, leading to disease outbreaks and significant economic losses in the fishery industry. Despite much work on Vibrio in several marine organisms, no specific studies have been conducted on Anadara tuberculosa. This is a commercially important bivalve species, known as "piangua hembra," along Colombia's Pacific coast. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize the genomes of Vibrio isolates obtained from A. tuberculosa. Bacterial isolates were obtained from 14 A. tuberculosa specimens collected from two locations along the Colombian Pacific coast, of which 17 strains were identified as Vibrio: V. parahaemolyticus (n = 12), V. alginolyticus (n = 3), V. fluvialis (n = 1), and V. natriegens (n = 1). Whole genome sequence of these isolates was done using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). The analysis revealed the presence of genes conferring resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and macrolides, indicating potential resistance to these antimicrobial agents. Genes associated with virulence were also found, suggesting the potential pathogenicity of these Vibrio isolates, as well as genes for Type III Secretion Systems (T3SS) and Type VI Secretion Systems (T6SS), which play crucial roles in delivering virulence factors and in interbacterial competition. This study represents the first genomic analysis of bacteria within A. tuberculosa, shedding light on Vibrio genetic factors and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic potential of these Vibrio isolates.IMPORTANCEThis study presents the first comprehensive report on the whole genome analysis of Vibrio isolates obtained from Anadara tuberculosa, a bivalve species of great significance for social and economic matters on the Pacific coast of Colombia. Research findings have significant implications for the field, as they provide crucial information on the genetic factors and possible pathogenicity of Vibrio isolates associated with A. tuberculosa. The identification of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors within these isolates emphasizes the potential risks they pose to both human and animal health. Furthermore, the presence of genes associated with Type III and Type VI Secretion Systems suggests their critical role in virulence and interbacterial competition. Understanding the genetic factors that contribute to Vibrio bacterial virulence and survival strategies within their ecological niche is of utmost importance for the effective prevention and management of diseases in aquaculture practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Restrepo-Benavides
- Applied Genomics Research Group, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Creación, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Daniela Lozano-Arce
- Applied Genomics Research Group, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Creación, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Natalia Gonzalez-Garcia
- Applied Genomics Research Group, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Creación, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Systems and Computing Engineering Department, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- UMR DIADE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Felipe Báez-Aguirre
- Applied Genomics Research Group, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Creación, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gabriela Ariza-Aranguren
- Applied Genomics Research Group, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Creación, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel Faccini
- Applied Genomics Research Group, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Creación, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Pedro Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Fitopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá, Colombia
| | - Ana Fernández-Bravo
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Silvia Restrepo
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y de Alimentos, Laboratorio de Micología y Fitopatología, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marcela Guevara-Suarez
- Applied Genomics Research Group, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Creación, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Garcia-Fernandez A, Janowicz A, Marotta F, Napoleoni M, Arena S, Primavilla S, Pitti M, Romantini R, Tomei F, Garofolo G, Villa L. Antibiotic resistance, plasmids, and virulence-associated markers in human strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated in Italy. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1293666. [PMID: 38260875 PMCID: PMC10800408 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1293666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Campylobacteriosis, a prevalent foodborne gastrointestinal infection in Europe, is primarily caused by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, with rising global concerns over antimicrobial resistance in these species. This study comprehensively investigates 133 human-origin Campylobacter spp. strains (102 C. jejuni and 31 C. coli) collected in Italy from 2013 to 2021. The predominant Multilocus Sequence Typing Clonal complexes (CCs) were ST-21 CC and ST-206 CC in C. jejuni and ST-828 CC in C. coli. Ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance, mainly attributed to GyrA (T86I) mutation and tet(O) presence, were prevalent, while erythromycin resistance was associated with 23S rRNA gene mutation (A2075G), particularly in C. coli exhibiting multidrug-resistant pattern CipTE. Notable disparities in virulence factors among strains were observed, with C. jejuni exhibiting a higher abundance compared to C. coli. Notably, specific C. jejuni sequence types, including ST-21, ST-5018, and ST-1263, demonstrated significantly elevated counts of virulence genes. This finding underscores the significance of considering both the species and strain-level variations in virulence factor profiles, shedding light on potential differences in the pathogenicity and clinical outcomes associated with distinct C. jejuni lineages. Campylobacter spp. plasmids were classified into three groups comprising pVir-like and pTet-like plasmids families, exhibiting diversity among Campylobacter spp. The study underscores the importance of early detection through Whole Genome Sequencing to identify potential emergent virulence, resistance/virulence plasmids, and new antimicrobial resistance markers. This approach provides actionable public health data, supporting the development of robust surveillance programs in Italy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Janowicz
- National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Marotta
- National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Maira Napoleoni
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale Patogeni Enterici, CRRPE, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sergio Arena
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Primavilla
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale Patogeni Enterici, CRRPE, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Pitti
- Centro di Riferimento per la Tipizzazione delle Salmonelle, CeRTiS, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Romina Romantini
- National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Giuliano Garofolo
- National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Laura Villa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jing J, Garbeva P, Raaijmakers JM, Medema MH. Strategies for tailoring functional microbial synthetic communities. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae049. [PMID: 38537571 PMCID: PMC11008692 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Natural ecosystems harbor a huge reservoir of taxonomically diverse microbes that are important for plant growth and health. The vast diversity of soil microorganisms and their complex interactions make it challenging to pinpoint the main players important for the life support functions microbes can provide to plants, including enhanced tolerance to (a)biotic stress factors. Designing simplified microbial synthetic communities (SynComs) helps reduce this complexity to unravel the molecular and chemical basis and interplay of specific microbiome functions. While SynComs have been successfully employed to dissect microbial interactions or reproduce microbiome-associated phenotypes, the assembly and reconstitution of these communities have often been based on generic abundance patterns or taxonomic identities and co-occurrences but have only rarely been informed by functional traits. Here, we review recent studies on designing functional SynComs to reveal common principles and discuss multidimensional approaches for community design. We propose a strategy for tailoring the design of functional SynComs based on integration of high-throughput experimental assays with microbial strains and computational genomic analyses of their functional capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Jing
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Plant Science, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paolina Garbeva
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos M Raaijmakers
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marnix H Medema
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Plant Science, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kjellin J, Lee D, Steinsland H, Dwane R, Barth Vedoy O, Hanevik K, Koskiniemi S. Colicins and T6SS-based competition systems enhance enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) competitiveness. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2295891. [PMID: 38149626 PMCID: PMC10761095 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2295891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarrheal diseases are still a significant problem for humankind, causing approximately half a million deaths annually. To cause diarrhea, enteric bacterial pathogens must first colonize the gut, which is a niche occupied by the normal bacterial microbiota. Therefore, the ability of pathogenic bacteria to inhibit the growth of other bacteria can facilitate the colonization process. Although enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the major causative agents of diarrheal diseases, little is known about the competition systems found in and used by ETEC and how they contribute to the ability of ETEC to colonize a host. Here, we collected a set of 94 fully assembled ETEC genomes by performing whole-genome sequencing and mining the NCBI RefSeq database. Using this set, we performed a comprehensive search for delivered bacterial toxins and investigated how these toxins contribute to ETEC competitiveness in vitro. We found that type VI secretion systems (T6SS) were widespread among ETEC (n = 47). In addition, several closely related ETEC strains were found to encode Colicin Ia and T6SS (n = 8). These toxins provide ETEC competitive advantages during in vitro competition against other E. coli, suggesting that the role of T6SS as well as colicins in ETEC biology has until now been underappreciated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Kjellin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Danna Lee
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Steinsland
- CISMAC, Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rachel Dwane
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oda Barth Vedoy
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sanna Koskiniemi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Garin T, Brin C, Préveaux A, Brault A, Briand M, Simonin M, Barret M, Journet L, Sarniguet A. The type VI secretion system of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila CFBP13503 limits the transmission of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 8004 from radish seeds to seedlings. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13412. [PMID: 38279854 PMCID: PMC10777753 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas rhizophila CFBP13503 is a seedborne commensal bacterial strain, which is efficiently transmitted to seedlings and can outcompete the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc8004). The type VI secretion system (T6SS), an interference contact-dependent mechanism, is a critical component of interbacterial competition. The involvement of the T6SS of S. rhizophila CFBP13503 in the inhibition of Xcc8004 growth and seed-to-seedling transmission was assessed. The T6SS cluster of S. rhizophila CFBP13503 and nine putative effectors were identified. Deletion of two T6SS structural genes, hcp and tssB, abolished the competitive advantage of S. rhizophila against Xcc8004 in vitro. The population sizes of these two bacterial species were monitored in seedlings after inoculation of radish seeds with mixtures of Xcc8004 and either S. rhizophila wild-type (wt) strain or isogenic hcp mutant. A significant decrease in the population size of Xcc8004 was observed during confrontation with the S. rhizophila wt in comparison with T6SS-deletion mutants in germinated seeds and seedlings. We found that the T6SS distribution among 835 genomes of the Stenotrophomonas genus is scarce. In contrast, in all available S. rhizophila genomes, T6SS clusters are widespread and mainly belong to the T6SS group i4. In conclusion, the T6SS of S. rhizophila CFBP13503 is involved in the antibiosis against Xcc8004 and reduces seedling transmission of Xcc8004 in radish. The distribution of this T6SS cluster in the S. rhizophila complex could make it possible to exploit these strains as biocontrol agents against X. campestris pv. campestris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Garin
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Chrystelle Brin
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Anne Préveaux
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Agathe Brault
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Martial Briand
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Marie Simonin
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Matthieu Barret
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| | - Laure Journet
- Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Systèmes Macromoléculaires, Institut de Microbiologie, Bioénergies et Biotechnologie, Institut de Microbiologie de la MéditerranéeAix‐Marseille Université‐CNRS, UMR 7255MarseilleFrance
| | - Alain Sarniguet
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAVAngersFrance
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shao X, Wu Q, Li L, He W, He X, Cheng D, Murero A, Lin L, Wang L, Zhong C, Huang L, Qian G. Adapting the inoculation methods of kiwifruit canker disease to identify efficient biocontrol bacteria from branch microbiome. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13399. [PMID: 37921929 PMCID: PMC10788592 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the bacterium that causes kiwifruit bacterial canker, is a common field occurrence that is difficult to control globally. Currently, exploring the resources for efficient biocontrol bacteria is a hot spot in the field. The common strategy for isolating biocontrol bacteria is to directly isolate biocontrol bacteria that can secrete diffusible antibacterial substances, most of which are members of Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Streptomycetaceae, from disease samples or soil. Here, we report a new approach by adapting the typical isolation methods of kiwifruit canker disease to identify efficient biocontrol bacteria from the branch microbiome. Using this unique approach, we isolated a group of kiwifruit biocontrol agents (KBAs) from the branch microbiome of Psa-resistant varieties. Thirteen of these showed no antagonistic activity in vitro, which depends on the secretion of antibacterial compounds. However, they exhibited antibacterial activity via cell-to-cell contacts mimicked by co-culture on agar plates. Through biocontrol tests on plants, two isolates, KBA13 and KBA19, demonstrated their effectiveness by protecting kiwifruit branches from Psa infection. Using KBA19, identified as Pantoea endophytica, as a representative, we found that this bacterium uses the type VI secretion system (T6SS) as the main contact-dependent antibacterial weapon that acts via translocating toxic effector proteins into Psa cells to induce cell death, and that this capacity expressed by KBA19 is common to various Psa strains from different countries. Our findings highlight a new strategy to identify efficient biocontrol agents that use the T6SS to function in an antibacterial metabolite-independent manner to control wood diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Shao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qianhua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Li Li
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Kiwifruit Industrial Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty AgricultureWuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Weimei He
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xueting He
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dongjin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Aprodisia Murero
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Long Lin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Limin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Caihong Zhong
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Kiwifruit Industrial Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty AgricultureWuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Lili Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid AreasCollege of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F UniversityYanglingShanxiChina
| | - Guoliang Qian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and PestsCollege of Plant Protection, State Key Laboratory of Biological Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Anderson AJG, Morrell B, Lopez Campos G, Valvano MA. Distribution and diversity of type VI secretion system clusters in Enterobacter bugandensis and Enterobacter cloacae. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001148. [PMID: 38054968 PMCID: PMC10763514 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria use type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) to antagonize neighbouring cells. Although primarily involved in bacterial competition, the T6SS is also implicated in pathogenesis, biofilm formation and ion scavenging. Enterobacter species belong to the ESKAPE pathogens, and while their antibiotic resistance has been well studied, less is known about their pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the distribution and diversity of T6SS components in isolates of two clinically relevant Enterobacter species, E. cloacae and E. bugandensis. T6SS clusters are grouped into four types (T6SSi-T6SSiv), of which type i can be further divided into six subtypes (i1, i2, i3, i4a, i4b, i5). Analysis of a curated dataset of 31 strains demonstrated that most of them encode T6SS clusters belonging to the T6SSi type. All T6SS-positive strains possessed a conserved i3 cluster, and many harboured one or two additional i2 clusters. These clusters were less conserved, and some strains displayed evidence of deletion. We focused on a pathogenic E. bugandensis clinical isolate for comprehensive in silico effector prediction, with comparative analyses across the 31 isolates. Several new effector candidates were identified, including an evolved VgrG with a metallopeptidase domain and a Tse6-like protein. Additional effectors included an anti-eukaryotic catalase (KatN), M23 peptidase, PAAR and VgrG proteins. Our findings highlight the diversity of Enterobacter T6SSs and reveal new putative effectors that may be important for the interaction of these species with neighbouring cells and their environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. G. Anderson
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Becca Morrell
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Guillermo Lopez Campos
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Miguel A. Valvano
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cummins EA, Moran RA, Snaith AE, Hall RJ, Connor CH, Dunn SJ, McNally A. Parallel loss of type VI secretion systems in two multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli lineages. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 37970873 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The repeated emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli clones is a threat to public health globally. In recent work, drug-resistant E. coli were shown to be capable of displacing commensal E. coli in the human gut. Given the rapid colonization observed in travel studies, it is possible that the presence of a type VI secretion system (T6SS) may be responsible for the rapid competitive advantage of drug-resistant E. coli clones. We employed large-scale genomic approaches to investigate this hypothesis. First, we searched for T6SS genes across a curated dataset of over 20 000 genomes representing the full phylogenetic diversity of E. coli. This revealed large, non-phylogenetic variation in the presence of T6SS genes. No association was found between T6SS gene carriage and MDR lineages. However, multiple clades containing MDR clones have lost essential structural T6SS genes. We characterized the T6SS loci of ST410 and ST131 and identified specific recombination and insertion events responsible for the parallel loss of essential T6SS genes in two MDR clones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Cummins
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Robert A Moran
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ann E Snaith
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rebecca J Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Christopher H Connor
- Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Steven J Dunn
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alan McNally
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu W, Li M, Cao S, Ishaq HM, Zhao H, Yang F, Liu L. The Biological and Regulatory Role of Type VI Secretion System of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:6911-6922. [PMID: 37928603 PMCID: PMC10624183 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s426657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria communicate with their surroundings through diverse secretory systems, and the recently discovered Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) has gained significant attention. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), an opportunistic pathogen known for causing severe infections in both hospital and animal settings, possesses this intriguing T6SS. This system equips K. pneumoniae with a formidable armory of protein-based weaponry, enabling the delivery of toxins into neighboring cells, thus granting a substantial competitive advantage. Remarkably, the T6SS has also been associated with K. pneumoniae's ability to form biofilms and acquire resistance against antibiotics. However, the precise effects of the T6SS on K. pneumoniae's functions remain inadequately studied, despite research efforts to understand the intricacies of these mechanisms. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of the T6SS in K. pneumoniae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwen Cao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Huajie Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang Y, Guan J, Li C, Wang Z, Deng Z, Gasser RB, Song J, Ou HY. DeepSecE: A Deep-Learning-Based Framework for Multiclass Prediction of Secreted Proteins in Gram-Negative Bacteria. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0258. [PMID: 37886621 PMCID: PMC10599158 DOI: 10.34133/research.0258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Proteins secreted by Gram-negative bacteria are tightly linked to the virulence and adaptability of these microbes to environmental changes. Accurate identification of such secreted proteins can facilitate the investigations of infections and diseases caused by these bacterial pathogens. However, current bioinformatic methods for predicting bacterial secreted substrate proteins have limited computational efficiency and application scope on a genome-wide scale. Here, we propose a novel deep-learning-based framework-DeepSecE-for the simultaneous inference of multiple distinct groups of secreted proteins produced by Gram-negative bacteria. DeepSecE remarkably improves their classification from nonsecreted proteins using a pretrained protein language model and transformer, achieving a macro-average accuracy of 0.883 on 5-fold cross-validation. Performance benchmarking suggests that DeepSecE achieves competitive performance with the state-of-the-art binary predictors specialized for individual types of secreted substrates. The attention mechanism corroborates salient patterns and motifs at the N or C termini of the protein sequences. Using this pipeline, we further investigate the genome-wide prediction of novel secreted proteins and their taxonomic distribution across ~1,000 Gram-negative bacterial genomes. The present analysis demonstrates that DeepSecE has major potential for the discovery of disease-associated secreted proteins in a diverse range of Gram-negative bacteria. An online web server of DeepSecE is also publicly available to predict and explore various secreted substrate proteins via the input of bacterial genome sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiahao Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chen Li
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zhikang Wang
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Data Futures Institute,
Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zixin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science,
The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jiangning Song
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Data Futures Institute,
Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science,
The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hong-Yu Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Blondel CJ, Amaya FA, Bustamante P, Santiviago CA, Pezoa D. Identification and distribution of new candidate T6SS effectors encoded in Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 6. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1252344. [PMID: 37664116 PMCID: PMC10469887 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1252344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a contact-dependent contractile multiprotein apparatus widely distributed in Gram-negative bacteria. These systems can deliver different effector proteins into target bacterial and/or eukaryotic cells, contributing to the environmental fitness and virulence of many bacterial pathogens. Salmonella harbors five different T6SSs encoded in different genomic islands. The T6SS encoded in Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 6 (SPI-6) contributes to Salmonella competition with the host microbiota and its interaction with infected host cells. Despite its relevance, information regarding the total number of effector proteins encoded within SPI-6 and its distribution among different Salmonella enterica serotypes is limited. In this work, we performed bioinformatic and comparative genomics analyses of the SPI-6 T6SS gene cluster to expand our knowledge regarding the T6SS effector repertoire and the global distribution of these effectors in Salmonella. The analysis of a curated dataset of 60 Salmonella enterica genomes from the Secret6 database revealed the presence of 23 new putative T6SS effector/immunity protein (E/I) modules. These effectors were concentrated in the variable regions 1 to 3 (VR1-3) of the SPI-6 T6SS gene cluster. VR1-2 were enriched in candidate effectors with predicted peptidoglycan hydrolase activity, while VR3 was enriched in candidate effectors of the Rhs family with C-terminal extensions with predicted DNase, RNase, deaminase, or ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. A global analysis of known and candidate effector proteins in Salmonella enterica genomes from the NCBI database revealed that T6SS effector proteins are differentially distributed among Salmonella serotypes. While some effectors are present in over 200 serotypes, others are found in less than a dozen. A hierarchical clustering analysis identified Salmonella serotypes with distinct profiles of T6SS effectors and candidate effectors, highlighting the diversity of T6SS effector repertoires in Salmonella enterica. The existence of different repertoires of effector proteins suggests that different effector protein combinations may have a differential impact on the environmental fitness and pathogenic potential of these strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J. Blondel
- Facultad de Medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando A. Amaya
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paloma Bustamante
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos A. Santiviago
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Pezoa
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ghasemieshkaftaki M, Vasquez I, Eshraghi A, Gamperl AK, Santander J. Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Novel Vibrio sp. Isolated from an Ulcer Disease Event in Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar). Microorganisms 2023; 11:1736. [PMID: 37512908 PMCID: PMC10385127 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcer diseases are a recalcitrant issue at Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture cage-sites across the North Atlantic region. Classical ulcerative outbreaks (also called winter ulcer disease) refer to a skin infection caused by Moritella viscosa. However, several bacterial species are frequently isolated from ulcer disease events, and it is unclear if other undescribed pathogens are implicated in ulcer disease in Atlantic salmon. Although different polyvalent vaccines are used against M. viscosa, ulcerative outbreaks are continuously reported in Atlantic salmon in Canada. This study analyzed the phenotypical and genomic characteristics of Vibrio sp. J383 isolated from internal organs of vaccinated farmed Atlantic salmon displaying clinical signs of ulcer disease. Infection assays conducted on vaccinated farmed Atlantic salmon and revealed that Vibrio sp. J383 causes a low level of mortalities when administered intracelomic at doses ranging from 107-108 CFU/dose. Vibrio sp. J383 persisted in the blood of infected fish for at least 8 weeks at 10 and 12 °C. Clinical signs of this disease were greatest 12 °C, but no mortality and bacteremia were observed at 16 °C. The Vibrio sp. J383 genome (5,902,734 bp) has two chromosomes of 3,633,265 bp and 2,068,312 bp, respectively, and one large plasmid of 201,166 bp. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses indicated that Vibrio sp. J383 is related to V. splendidus, with 93% identity. Furthermore, the phenotypic analysis showed that there were significant differences between Vibrio sp. J383 and other Vibrio spp, suggesting J383 is a novel Vibrio species adapted to cold temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghasemieshkaftaki
- Marine Microbial Pathogenesis and Vaccinology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Ignacio Vasquez
- Marine Microbial Pathogenesis and Vaccinology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Aria Eshraghi
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Anthony Kurt Gamperl
- Fish Physiology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Javier Santander
- Marine Microbial Pathogenesis and Vaccinology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rocha RT, de Almeida FM, Pappas MCR, Pappas GJ, Martins K. Complete Genome Sequence of Pantoea stewartii RON18713 from Brazil Nut Tree Phyllosphere Reveals Genes Involved in Plant Growth Promotion. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1729. [PMID: 37512901 PMCID: PMC10383142 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Amazonian rainforest is a hyper-diverse ecosystem in the number of species and the myriad of intertaxon relationships that are mostly understudied. In order to characterize a dominant and economically important Amazonian species, the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.), at the genome level, wegenerated high-coverage long-read sequencing data from the leaves of a single individual. The genome assembly revealed an unexpected discovery: two circular contigs that could be assigned to the chromosome and a plasmid of a Pantoea stewartii strain. Comparative genomics revealed that this strain belongs to the indologenes subspecies and displays high synteny with other strains isolated from diseased leaves of the neotropical palm Bactris gasipaes Kunth. Investigation of pathogenicity-related genes revealed the absence of the entire type III secretion system gene cluster in the plasmid, which was otherwise highly similar to a plasmid from an isolate known to cause disease in Dracaena sanderiana Mast. In contrast, several genes associated with plant-growth promoting traits were detected, including genes involved in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, and biosynthesis of siderophores. In summary, we report the genome of an uncultivated P. stewartii subsp. indologenes strain associated with the Brazil nut tree and potentially a plant growth-promoting bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marília C R Pappas
- EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Karina Martins
- Department of Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba 18052-780, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|