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Curcic J, Dinic M, Novovic K, Vasiljevic Z, Kojic M, Jovcic B, Malesevic M. A novel thermostable YtnP lactonase from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence in vitro and in vivo. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130421. [PMID: 38423425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130421] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens are one of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare system today. Quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes have the potential to be used as innovative enzyme-based antivirulence therapeutics to combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. The main objective of this research was to describe the novel YtnP lactonase derived from the clinical isolate Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and to investigate its antivirulence potential against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa MMA83. YtnP lactonase, the QQ enzyme, belongs to the family of metallo-β-lactamases. The recombinant enzyme has several advantageous biotechnological properties, such as high thermostability, activity in a wide pH range, and no cytotoxic effect. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the activity of recombinant YtnP lactonase toward a wide range of N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), quorum sensing signaling molecules, with a higher preference for long-chain AHLs. Recombinant YtnP lactonase was shown to inhibit P. aeruginosa MMA83 biofilm formation, induce biofilm decomposition, and reduce extracellular virulence factors production. Moreover, the lifespan of MMA83-infected Caenorhabditis elegans was prolonged with YtnP lactonase treatment. YtnP lactonase showed synergistic inhibitory activity in combination with gentamicin and acted additively with meropenem against MMA83. The described properties make YtnP lactonase a promising therapeutic candidate for the development of next-generation antivirulence agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Curcic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miroslav Dinic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Novovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Vasiljevic
- Institute for Mother and Child Health Care of Serbia "Dr Vukan Čupić", Radoja Dakića 8, 11070 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Kojic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", Vojvode Stepe 448, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branko Jovcic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milka Malesevic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Al-Wrafy FA, Alariqi R, Noman EA, Al-Gheethi AA, Mutahar M. Pseudomonas aeruginosa behaviour in polymicrobial communities: The competitive and cooperative interactions conducting to the exacerbation of infections. Microbiol Res 2023; 268:127298. [PMID: 36610273 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is mostly associated with persistent infections and antibiotic resistance as a result of several factors, biofilms one of them. Microorganisms within the polymicrobial biofilm (PMB) reveal various transcriptional profiles and affect each other which might influence their pathogenicity and antibiotic tolerance and subsequent worsening of the biofilm infection. P. aeruginosa within PMB exhibits various behaviours toward other microorganisms, which may enhance or repress the virulence of these microbes. Microbial neighbours, in turn, may affect P. aeruginosa's virulence either positively or negatively. Such interactions among microorganisms lead to emerging persistent and antibiotic-resistant infections. This review highlights the relationship between P. aeruginosa and its microbial neighbours within the PMB in an attempt to better understand the mechanisms of polymicrobial interaction and the correlation between increased exacerbations of infection and the P. aeruginosa-microbe interaction. Researching in the literature that was carried out in vitro either in co-cultures or in the models to simulate the environment at the site of infection suggested that the interplay between P. aeruginosa and other microorganisms is one main reason for the worsening of the infection and which in turn requires a treatment approach different from that followed with P. aeruginosa mono-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fairoz Ali Al-Wrafy
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, 6350 Taiz, Yemen.
| | - Reem Alariqi
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, 1247 Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Efaq Ali Noman
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, 6350 Taiz, Yemen
| | - Adel Ali Al-Gheethi
- Civil Department, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mahdi Mutahar
- Faculty of Science & Health, University of Portsmouth Dental Academy, PO1 2QG Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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3
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Li J, Li Z, Xie J, Xia Y, Gong W, Tian J, Zhang K, Yu E, Wang G. Quorum-quenching potential of recombinant PvdQ-engineered bacteria for biofilm formation. INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SPANISH SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY 2023:10.1007/s10123-023-00329-1. [PMID: 36773196 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00329-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a core mechanism for bacteria to regulate biofilm formation, and therefore, QS inhibition or quorum quenching (QQ) is used as an effective and economically feasible strategy against biofilms. In this study, the PvdQ gene encoding AHL acylase was introduced into Escherichia coli (DE3), and a PvdQ-engineered bacterium with highly efficient QQ activity was obtained and used to inhibit biofilm formation. Gene sequencing and western blot analysis showed that the recombinant pET-PvdQ strain was successfully constructed. The color reaction of Agrobacterium tumefaciens A136 indicated that PvdQ engineering bacteria had shown strong AHL signal molecule quenching activity and significantly inhibited the adhesion (motility) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and biofilm formation of activated sludge bacteria in Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR; inhibition rate 51-85%, p < 0.05). In addition, qRT-PCR testing revealed that recombinant PvdQ acylase significantly reduced the transcription level of QS biofilm formation-related genes (cdrA, pqsA, and lasR; p < 0.05). In this study, QQ genetically engineered bacteria enhanced by genetic engineering could effectively inhibit the QS signal transduction mechanism and have the potential to control biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria in the aquaculture environment, providing an environmentally friendly and alternative antibiotic strategy to suppress biofilm contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlin Li
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Nanhui New City, No.999, Huchenghuan Rd, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Zhifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China.
| | - Yun Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Wangbao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Jingjing Tian
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Ermeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Guangjun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), No.1 Xingyu Road, Xilang, Guangzhou, Liwan District, 510380, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Ecological Remediation of Aquaculture Pollution Research Center, Guangzhou, 510380, China
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Rehman ZU, Momin AA, Aldehaiman A, Irum T, Grünberg R, Arold ST. The exceptionally efficient quorum quenching enzyme LrsL suppresses Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm production. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:977673. [PMID: 36071959 PMCID: PMC9441902 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.977673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum quenching (QQ) is the enzymatic degradation of molecules used by bacteria for synchronizing their behavior within communities. QQ has attracted wide attention due to its potential to inhibit biofilm formation and suppress the production of virulence factors. Through its capacity to limit biofouling and infections, QQ has applications in water treatment, aquaculture, and healthcare. Several different QQ enzymes have been described; however, they often lack the high stability and catalytic efficiency required for industrial applications. Previously, we identified genes from genome sequences of Red Sea sediment bacteria encoding potential QQ enzymes. In this study, we report that one of them, named LrsL, is a metallo-β-lactamase superfamily QQ enzyme with outstanding catalytic features. X-ray crystallography shows that LrsL is a zinc-binding dimer. LrsL has an unusually hydrophobic substrate binding pocket that can accommodate a broad range of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) with exceptionally high affinity. In vitro, LrsL achieves the highest catalytic efficiency reported thus far for any QQ enzyme with a Kcat/KM of 3 × 107. LrsL effectively inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation without affecting bacterial growth. Furthermore, LrsL suppressed the production of exopolysaccharides required for biofilm production. These features, and its capacity to regain its function after prolonged heat denaturation, identify LrsL as a robust and unusually efficient QQ enzyme for clinical and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Ur Rehman
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Environmental Science Program, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Zahid Ur Rehman, ; Stefan T. Arold,
| | - Afaque A. Momin
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Biology Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Aldehaiman
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Biology Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tayyaba Irum
- Services Hospital, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Raik Grünberg
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Biology Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Stefan T. Arold
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Biology Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS), INSERM, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- *Correspondence: Zahid Ur Rehman, ; Stefan T. Arold,
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5
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Djokic L, Stankovic N, Galic I, Moric I, Radakovic N, Šegan S, Pavic A, Senerovic L. Novel Quorum Quenching YtnP Lactonase From Bacillus paralicheniformis Reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence and Increases Antibiotic Efficacy in vivo. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:906312. [PMID: 35722344 PMCID: PMC9201388 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.906312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections have become increasingly difficult to treat due to the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains. A promising strategy to increase the efficacy of therapy is to combine antibacterials with agents that decrease pathogen virulence via the modulation of the quorum sensing (QS). Lactonases inhibit acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated QS in Gram-negative bacteria, including the leading nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we describe the characteristics of heterologously expressed YtnP lactonase from Bacillus paralicheniformis ZP1 (YtnP-ZP1) isolated from agricultural soil using the culture enrichment method. Purified YtnP-ZP1 hydrolyzed different AHLs with preference to substrates with long acyl residues as evaluated in assays with biosensors and HPLC. The enzyme showed good thermostability and activity in a wide temperature range. YtnP-ZP1 in 50 μg mL-1 concentration reduced the amount of P. aeruginosa-produced long-chain AHLs by 85%, while it hydrolyzed 50% of short-chain AHLs. Incubation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with YtnP-ZP1 reduced its swarming motility and elastolytic activity without bactericidal effect. YtnP-ZP1 caused the inhibition of biofilm formation and disintegration of mature biofilms in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and multiresistant clinical strain BR5H that was visualized by crystal violet staining. The treatment with YtnP-ZP1 in concentrations higher than 25 μg mL-1 improved the survival of P. aeruginosa PAO1-infected zebrafish (Danio rerio), rescuing 80% of embryos, while in combination with tobramycin or gentamicin survival rate increased to 100%. The treatment of P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms on infected zebrafish tail wounds with 50 μg mL-1 YtnP-ZP1 and 2 × MIC tobramycin led to infection clearing in 2 days. The extensive toxicity studies proved YtnP-ZP1 was non-toxic to human cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, novel YtnP-ZP1 lactonase with its effective anti-virulence activity could be used to increase the efficacy of clinically approved antibiotics in clearing both systemic and biofilm-associated P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Djokic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nada Stankovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Galic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Moric
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Radakovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sandra Šegan
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Pavic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lidija Senerovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Tuon FF, Dantas LR, Suss PH, Tasca Ribeiro VS. Pathogenesis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm: A Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030300. [PMID: 35335624 PMCID: PMC8950561 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with several human infections, mainly related to healthcare services. In the hospital, it is associated with resistance to several antibiotics, which poses a great challenge to therapy. However, one of the biggest challenges in treating P. aeruginosa infections is that related to biofilms. The complex structure of the P. aeruginosa biofilm contributes an additional factor to the pathogenicity of this microorganism, leading to therapeutic failure, in addition to escape from the immune system, and generating chronic infections that are difficult to eradicate. In this review, we address several molecular aspects of the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa biofilms.
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7
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Wang D, Chen H, Li J, Li T, Ren L, Liu J, Shen Y. Screening and validation of quorum quenching enzyme PF2571 from Pseudomonas fluorescens strain PF08 to inhibit the spoilage of red sea bream filets. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 362:109476. [PMID: 34798478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria are the main cause of spoilage for fish and fishery products. Through the inactivation of the quorum sensing (QS) system, quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes can block the synthesis of bacterial virulence factors and effectively inhibit bacteria-induced food spoilage. This study analyzed the changes of microbiota in red sea bream filets during refrigerated storage. The results showed a decrease in microbial diversity with storage time, with Aeromonas veronii becoming the dominant bacteria on day 4. A novel N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHL) acylase PF2571, from the screened QQ bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens PF08, was identified and expressed in Escherichia coli to evaluate its QQ efficiency and effects on spoilage potential. Spoilage-related QS factors of A. veronii BY-8, including biofilm formation, motility, and protease, lipase, and alginate production, were inhibited by PF2571. Its inhibitory effect on red sea bream spoilage was demonstrated by the lower freshness indicators for PF2571 treated filets. Our study demonstrates the potential of the QQ enzyme for prolonging the shelf life of fish and fishery products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dangfeng Wang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Haitao Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Flavor Chemistry, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jianrong Li
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Bohai University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121013, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Storage, Processing and Safety Control Technology for Fresh Agricultural and Aquatic Products, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121013, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresource Utilization (Dalian Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Dalian, Liaoning 116029, China
| | - Likun Ren
- Key Laboratory of Food Science and Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150076, China
| | - Jingyun Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Bohai University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121013, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Storage, Processing and Safety Control Technology for Fresh Agricultural and Aquatic Products, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121013, China
| | - Yue Shen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Bohai University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121013, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Storage, Processing and Safety Control Technology for Fresh Agricultural and Aquatic Products, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121013, China
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8
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Giannakara M, Koumandou VL. Evolution of two-component quorum sensing systems. Access Microbiol 2022; 4:000303. [PMID: 35252749 PMCID: PMC8895600 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system that enables bacteria to coordinate their gene expression depending on their population density, via the detection of small molecules called autoinducers. In this way bacteria can act collectively to initiate processes like bioluminescence, virulence and biofilm formation. Autoinducers are detected by receptors, some of which are part of two-component signal transduction systems (TCS), which comprise of a (usually membrane-bound) sensor histidine kinase (HK) and a cognate response regulator (RR). Different QS systems are used by different bacterial taxa, and their relative evolutionary relationships have not been extensively studied. To address this, we used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database to identify all the QS HKs and RRs that are part of TCSs and examined their conservation across microbial taxa. We compared the combinations of the highly conserved domains in the different families of receptors and response regulators using the Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool (SMART) and KEGG databases, and we also carried out phylogenetic analyses for each family, and all families together. The distribution of the different QS systems across taxa, indicates flexibility in HK–RR pairing and highlights the need for further study of the most abundant systems. For both the QS receptors and the response regulators, our results indicate close evolutionary relationships between certain families, highlighting a common evolutionary history which can inform future applications, such as the design of novel inhibitors for pathogenic QS systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Giannakara
- Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Lila Koumandou
- Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Methodological tools to study species of the genus Burkholderia. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:9019-9034. [PMID: 34755214 PMCID: PMC8578011 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11667-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the Burkholderia genus are extremely versatile and diverse. They can be environmental isolates, opportunistic pathogens in cystic fibrosis, immunocompromised or chronic granulomatous disease patients, or cause disease in healthy people (e.g., Burkholderia pseudomallei) or animals (as in the case of Burkholderia mallei). Since the genus was separated from the Pseudomonas one in the 1990s, the methodological tools to study and characterize these bacteria are evolving fast. Here we reviewed the techniques used in the last few years to update the taxonomy of the genus, to study gene functions and regulations, to deepen the knowledge on the drug resistance which characterizes these bacteria, and to elucidate their mechanisms to establish infections. The availability of these tools significantly impacts the quality of research on Burkholderia and the choice of the most appropriated is fundamental for a precise characterization of the species of interest. Key points • Updated techniques to study the genus Burkholderia were reviewed. • Taxonomy, genomics, assays, and animal models were described. • A comprehensive overview on recent advances in Burkholderia studies was made.
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Feng Z, Gu M, Sun Y, Wu G. Potential microbial functions and quorum sensing systems in partial nitritation and anammox processes. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:1562-1575. [PMID: 33583099 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Diverse microbial communities coexist in the partial nitritation-anaerobic ammonium oxidation (PNA) process, in which nitrogen metabolism and information exchange are two important microbial interactions. In the PNA process, the existence of diverse microorganisms including nitrifiers, anammox bacteria, and heterotrophs makes it challenging to achieve a balanced relationship between anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria and ammonia oxidizing bacteria. In this study, potential microbial functions in nitrogen conversion and acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs)-based quorum sensing (QS) in PNA processes were examined. Candidatus_Kuenenia and Nitrosomonas were the key functional bacteria responsible for PNA, while Nitrospira was detected as the dominant nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Heterotrophs containing nxr might play a similar function to NOB. The AHLs-QS system was an important microbial communication pathway in PNA systems. N-octanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, N-decanoyl homoserine lactone, and N-dodecanoyl homoserine lactone were the main AHLs, which might be synthesized by nitrogen converting microorganisms and heterotrophs. However, only heterotrophs had the potential to sense and degrade AHLs, such as Saccharophagus (sensing) and Leptospira (degradation). These results provide comprehensive information about the possible microbial functions and interactions in the PNA system and clues for system optimization from a microbial perspective. PRACTITIONER POINTS: ●Potential functions of anammox bacteria, nitrifiers, and heterotrophs were revealed. ●Diverse nitrogen conversion and AHLs-quorum sensing related genes were detected. ●Anammox bacteria and AOB played important roles in the AHLs synthesis process. ●Heterotrophs could sense and degrade AHLs during information exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolu Feng
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengqi Gu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuepeng Sun
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guangxue Wu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
- Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Reece E, Bettio PHDA, Renwick J. Polymicrobial Interactions in the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome Impact the Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070827. [PMID: 34356747 PMCID: PMC8300716 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most dominant pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease and contributes to significant inflammation, airway damage, and poorer disease outcomes. The CF airway is now known to be host to a complex community of microorganisms, and polymicrobial interactions have been shown to play an important role in shaping P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and resistance. P. aeruginosa can cause chronic infections that once established are almost impossible to eradicate with antibiotics. CF patients that develop chronic P. aeruginosa infection have poorer lung function, higher morbidity, and a reduced life expectancy. P. aeruginosa adapts to the CF airway and quickly develops resistance to several antibiotics. A perplexing phenomenon is the disparity between in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity testing and clinical response. Considering the CF airway is host to a diverse community of microorganisms or 'microbiome' and that these microorganisms are known to interact, the antimicrobial resistance and progression of P. aeruginosa infection is likely influenced by these microbial relationships. This review combines the literature to date on interactions between P. aeruginosa and other airway microorganisms and the influence of these interactions on P. aeruginosa tolerance to antimicrobials.
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