1
|
Heydarian N, Ferrell M, Nair AS, Roedl C, Peng Z, Nguyen TD, Best W, Wozniak KL, Rice CV. Neutralizing Staphylococcus aureus PAMPs that Trigger Cytokine Release from THP-1 Monocytes. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:10967-10978. [PMID: 38463252 PMCID: PMC10918781 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Innate immunity has considerable specificity and can discriminate between individual species of microbes. In this regard, pathogens are "seen" as dangerous to the host and elicit an inflammatory response capable of destroying the microbes. This immune discrimination is achieved by toll-like receptors on host cells recognizing pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, and microbe-specific pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules, such as lipoteichoic acid (LTA). PAMPs impede wound healing by lengthening the inflammatory phase of healing and contributing to the development of chronic wounds. Preventing PAMPs from triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines will counteract the dysregulation of inflammation. Here, we use ELISA to evaluate the use of cationic molecules branched polyethylenimine (BPEI), PEGylated BPEI (PEG-BPEI), and polymyxin-B to neutralize anionic LTA and lower levels of TNF-α cytokine release from human THP-1 monocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Additional data collected with qPCR shows that BPEI and PEG-BPEI reduce the expression profile of the TNF-α gene. Similar effects are observed for the neutralization of whole-cell S. aureus bacteria. In vitro cytotoxicity data demonstrate that PEGylation lowers the toxicity of PEG-BPEI (IC50 = 2661 μm) compared to BPEI (IC50 = 853 μM) and that both compounds are orders of magnitude less toxic than the cationic antibiotic polymyxin-B (IC50 = 79 μM). Additionally, the LTA neutralization ability of polymyxin-B is less effective than BPEI or PEG-BPEI. These properties of BPEI and PEG-BPEI expand their utility beyond disabling antibiotic resistance mechanisms and disrupting S. aureus biofilms, providing additional justification for developing these agents as wound healing therapeutics. The multiple mechanisms of action for BPEI and PEG-BPEI are superior to current wound treatment strategies that have a single modality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Heydarian
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Maya Ferrell
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Ayesha S. Nair
- Department
of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, 307 Life Sciences East, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Chase Roedl
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Zongkai Peng
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Tra D. Nguyen
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - William Best
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Karen L. Wozniak
- Department
of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, 307 Life Sciences East, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Charles V. Rice
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wouters CL, Heydarian N, Pusavat J, Panlilio H, Lam AK, Moen EL, Brennan RE, Rice CV. Breaking membrane barriers to neutralize E. coli and K. pneumoniae virulence with PEGylated branched polyethylenimine. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184172. [PMID: 37201561 PMCID: PMC10330601 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, such as those in the family Enterobacteriaceae, are among the most difficult to treat because effective therapeutic options are either very limited or non-existent. This raises serious concern regarding the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens in the community setting; and thus, creates the need for discovery efforts and/or early-stage development of novel therapies for infections. Our work is directed towards branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a strategy for targeting virulence from Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Here, we neutralize lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a barrier to the influx of antibiotics. Data demonstrate that the β-lactam antibiotic oxacillin, generally regarded as ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria, can be potentiated by 600 Da BPEI to kill some Escherichia coli and some Klebsiella pneumoniae. Modification of 600 Da BPEI with polyethylene glycol (PEG) could increase drug safety and improves potentiation activity. The ability to use the Gram-positive agent, oxacillin, against Gram-negative pathogens could expand the capability to deliver effective treatments that simplify, reduce, or eliminate some complicated treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Wouters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Neda Heydarian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Pusavat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Hannah Panlilio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Anh K Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Erika L Moen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America
| | - Robert E Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, 100 North University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034, United States of America
| | - Charles V Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moen EL, Lam AK, Pusavat J, Wouters CL, Panlilio H, Heydarian N, Peng Z, Lan Y, Rice CV. Dimerization of 600 Da branched polyethylenimine improves β-lactam antibiotic potentiation against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:489-499. [PMID: 34923750 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14009] [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: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the medical field. Drug-susceptible infections are often treated with β-lactam antibiotics, which bind to enzymes known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). When the PBPs are disabled, the integrity of the cell wall is compromised, leading to cell lysis. Resistance renders β-lactam antibiotics ineffective, and clinicians turn to be more effective, but often more toxic, antibiotics. An alternative approach is combining antibiotics with compounds that disable resistance mechanisms. Previously, we have shown that low-molecular-weight 600 Da branched polyethylenimine restores β-lactam susceptibility to Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens with antibiotic resistance. In this study, this approach is extended to the homodimers of 600 Da BPEI that have improved potentiation properties compared to monomers of 600 Da BPEI and 1200 Da BPEI. The homodimers are synthesized by linking two 600 Da BPEI molecules with methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA). The resulting product was characterized with FTIR spectroscopy, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, checkerboard microbroth dilution assays, and cell toxicity assays. These data show that the 600 Da BPEI homodimer is more effective than 1200 Da BPEI toward the potentiation of oxacillin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and the potentiation of piperacillin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik L Moen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Anh K Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jennifer Pusavat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Cassandra L Wouters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Hannah Panlilio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Neda Heydarian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Zongkai Peng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yunpeng Lan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Charles V Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Panlilio H, Neel A, Heydarian N, Best W, Atkins I, Boris A, Bui M, Dick C, Ferrell M, Gu T, Haight T, Roedl CC, Rice CV. Antibiofilm Activity of PEGylated Branched Polyethylenimine. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:44825-44835. [PMID: 36530285 PMCID: PMC9753512 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an adaptive resistance mechanism that pathogens employ to survive in the presence of antimicrobials. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an infectious Gram-negative bacterium whose biofilm allows it to withstand antimicrobial attack and threaten human health. Chronic wound healing is often impeded by P. aeruginosa infections and the associated biofilms. Previous findings demonstrate that 600 Da branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) can restore β-lactam potency against P. aeruginosa and disrupt its biofilms. Toxicity concerns of 600 Da BPEI are mitigated by covalent linkage with low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG), and, in this study, PEGylated BPEI (PEG350-BPEI) was found exhibit superior antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa. The antibiofilm activity of both 600 Da BPEI and its PEG derivative was characterized with fluorescence studies and microscopy imaging. We also describe a variation of the colony biofilm model that was employed to evaluate the biofilm disruption activity of BPEI and PEG-BPEI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Panlilio
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Andrew Neel
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Neda Heydarian
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - William Best
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Isaac Atkins
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Andrew Boris
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Maggie Bui
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Catherine Dick
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Maya Ferrell
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Tingting Gu
- Department
of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Room 314, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Tristan Haight
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Chase C. Roedl
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| | - Charles V. Rice
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ferraro NJ, Pires MM. Genetic Determinants of Surface Accessibility in Staphylococcus aureus. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:767-772. [PMID: 35499914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial cell walls represent one of the most prominent targets of antibacterial agents. These agents include natural products (e.g., vancomycin) and proteins stemming from the innate immune system (e.g., peptidoglycan-recognition proteins and lysostaphin). Among bacterial pathogens that infect humans, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) continues to impose a tremendous healthcare burden across the globe. S. aureus has evolved countermeasures that can directly restrict the accessibility of innate immune proteins, effectively protecting itself from threats that target key cell well components. We recently described a novel assay that directly reports on the accessibility of molecules to the peptidoglycan layer within the bacterial cell wall of S. aureus. The assay relies on site-specific chemical remodeling of the peptidoglycan with a biorthogonal handle. Here, we disclose the application of our assay to a screen of a nonredundant transposon mutant library for susceptibility of the peptidoglycan layer with the goal of identifying genes that contribute to the control of cell surface accessibility. We discovered several genes that resulted in higher accessibility levels to the peptidoglycan layer and showed that these genes modulate sensitivity to lysostaphin. These results indicate that this assay platform can be leveraged to gain further insight into the biology of bacterial cell surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noel J Ferraro
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Marcos M Pires
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nanjundaswamy S, Jayashankar J, Chethana M, Renganathan RA, Karthik C, Ananda A, Nagashree S, Mallu P, Rai VR. Design, synthesis, and in-silico studies of pyrazolylpyridine analogues: A futuristic antibacterial contender against coagulase positive superbug-MRSA. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
7
|
Ferraro NJ, Kim S, Im W, Pires MM. Systematic Assessment of Accessibility to the Surface of Staphylococcus aureus. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2527-2536. [PMID: 34609132 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Proteins from bacterial foes, antimicrobial peptides, and host immune proteins must navigate past a dense layer of bacterial surface biomacromolecules to reach the peptidoglycan (PG) layer of Gram-positive bacteria. A subclass of molecules (e.g., antibiotics with intracellular targets) also must permeate through the PG (in a molecular sieving manner) to reach the cytoplasmic membrane. Despite the biological and therapeutic importance of surface accessibility, systematic analyses in live bacterial cells have been lacking. We describe a live cell fluorescence assay that is robust, shows a high level of reproducibility, and reports on the permeability of molecules to and within the PG scaffold. Moreover, our study shows that teichoic acids impede the permeability of molecules of a wide range of sizes and chemical composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noel J. Ferraro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Seonghoon Kim
- School of Computational Sciences, Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Seoul 02455, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Marcos M. Pires
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dey R, Mukherjee S, Barman S, Haldar J. Macromolecular Nanotherapeutics and Antibiotic Adjuvants to Tackle Bacterial and Fungal Infections. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100182. [PMID: 34351064 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The escalating rise in the population of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens coupled with their biofilm forming ability has struck the global health as nightmare. Alongwith the threat of aforementioned menace, the sluggish development of new antibiotics and the continuous deterioration of the antibiotic pipeline has stimulated the scientific community toward the search of smart and innovative alternatives. In near future, membrane targeting antimicrobial polymers, inspired from antimicrobial peptides, can stand out significantly to combat against the MDR superbugs. Many of these amphiphilic polymers can form nanoaggregates through self-assembly with superior and selective antimicrobial efficacy. Additionally, these macromolecular nanoaggregrates can be utilized to engineer smart antibiotic-delivery system for on-demand drug-release, exploiting the infection site's micoenvironment. This strategy substantially increases the local concentration of antibiotics and reduces the associated off-target toxicity. Furthermore, amphiphilc macromolecules can be utilized to rejuvinate obsolete antibiotics to tackle the drug-resistant infections. This review article highlights the recent developments in macromolecular architecture to design numerous nanostructures with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, their application in fabricating smart drug delivery systems and their efficacy as antibiotic adjuvants to circumvent antimicrobial resistance. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects are briefly discussed for further exploration and their practical application in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajib Dey
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Swagatam Barman
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Jayanta Haldar
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India.,Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Panlilio H, Lam AK, Heydarian N, Haight T, Wouters CL, Moen EL, Rice CV. Dual-Function Potentiation by PEG-BPEI Restores Activity of Carbapenems and Penicillins against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1657-1665. [PMID: 33945257 PMCID: PMC8689638 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The rise of life-threatening carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections has become a critical medical threat. Some of the most dangerous CRE bacteria can produce enzymes that degrade a wide range of antibiotics, including carbapenems and β-lactams. Infections by CRE have a high mortality rate, and survivors can have severe morbidity from treatment with toxic last-resort antibiotics. CRE have mobile genetic elements that transfer resistance genes to other species. These bacteria also circulate throughout the healthcare system. The mobility and spread of CRE need to be curtailed, but these goals are impeded by having few agents that target a limited range of pathogenic CRE species. Against CRE possessing the metallo-β-lactamase NDM-1, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA-2146 and Escherichia coli ATCC BAA-2452, the potentiation of meropenem and imipenem is possible with low-molecular weight branched polyethylenimine (600 Da BPEI) and its poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated derivative (PEG-BPEI) that has a low in vivo toxicity. The mechanism of action is elucidated with fluorescence assays of drug influx and isothermal calorimetry data showing the chelation of essential Zn2+ ions. These results suggested that 600 Da BPEI and PEG-BPEI may also improve the uptake of antibiotics and β-lactamase inhibitors. Indeed, the CRE E. coli strain is rendered susceptible to the combination of piperacillin and tazobactam. These results expand the possible utility of 600 Da BPEI potentiators, where previously we have demonstrated the ability to improve antibiotic efficacy against antibiotic resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Panlilio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Anh K Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Neda Heydarian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Tristan Haight
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Cassandra L Wouters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Erika L Moen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Charles V Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fisher JF, Mobashery S. β-Lactams against the Fortress of the Gram-Positive Staphylococcus aureus Bacterium. Chem Rev 2021; 121:3412-3463. [PMID: 33373523 PMCID: PMC8653850 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The biological diversity of the unicellular bacteria-whether assessed by shape, food, metabolism, or ecological niche-surely rivals (if not exceeds) that of the multicellular eukaryotes. The relationship between bacteria whose ecological niche is the eukaryote, and the eukaryote, is often symbiosis or stasis. Some bacteria, however, seek advantage in this relationship. One of the most successful-to the disadvantage of the eukaryote-is the small (less than 1 μm diameter) and nearly spherical Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. For decades, successful clinical control of its infection has been accomplished using β-lactam antibiotics such as the penicillins and the cephalosporins. Over these same decades S. aureus has perfected resistance mechanisms against these antibiotics, which are then countered by new generations of β-lactam structure. This review addresses the current breadth of biochemical and microbiological efforts to preserve the future of the β-lactam antibiotics through a better understanding of how S. aureus protects the enzyme targets of the β-lactams, the penicillin-binding proteins. The penicillin-binding proteins are essential enzyme catalysts for the biosynthesis of the cell wall, and understanding how this cell wall is integrated into the protective cell envelope of the bacterium may identify new antibacterials and new adjuvants that preserve the efficacy of the β-lactams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jed F Fisher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, McCourtney Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Shahriar Mobashery
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, McCourtney Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Indiana 46556, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lam AK, Moen EL, Pusavat J, Wouters CL, Panlilio H, Ferrell MJ, Houck MB, Glatzhofer DT, Rice CV. PEGylation of Polyethylenimine Lowers Acute Toxicity while Retaining Anti-Biofilm and β-Lactam Potentiation Properties against Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:26262-26270. [PMID: 33073153 PMCID: PMC7557992 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms, often impenetrable to antibiotic medications, are a leading cause of poor wound healing. The prognosis is worse for wounds with biofilms of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE), and multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA). Resistance hinders initial treatment of standard-of-care antibiotics. The persistence of MRSA, MRSE, and/or MDR-PA often allows acute infections to become chronic wound infections. The water-soluble hydrophilic properties of low-molecular-weight (600 Da) branched polyethylenimine (600 Da BPEI) enable easy drug delivery to directly attack AMR and biofilms in the wound environment as a topical agent for wound treatment. To mitigate toxicity issues, we have modified 600 Da BPEI with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a straightforward one-step reaction. The PEG-BPEI molecules disable β-lactam resistance in MRSA, MRSE, and MDR-PA while also having the ability to dissolve established biofilms. PEG-BPEI accomplishes these tasks independently, resulting in a multifunction potentiation agent. We envision wound treatment with antibiotics given topically, orally, or intravenously in which external application of PEG-BPEIs disables biofilms and resistance mechanisms. In the absence of a robust pipeline of new drugs, existing drugs and regimens must be re-evaluated as combination(s) with potentiators. The PEGylation of 600 Da BPEI provides new opportunities to meet this goal with a single compound whose multifunction properties are retained while lowering acute toxicity.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lam AK, Panlilio H, Pusavat J, Wouters CL, Moen EL, Brennan RE, Rice CV. Expanding the Spectrum of Antibiotics Capable of Killing Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1421-1428. [PMID: 32497366 PMCID: PMC7485129 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Infections from antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a serious threat because reduced antibiotic efficacy complicates treatment decisions and prolongs the disease state in many patients. To expand the arsenal of treatments against antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens, 600-Da branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) can overcome antibiotic resistance mechanisms and potentiate β-lactam antibiotics against Gram-positive bacteria. BPEI binds cell-wall teichoic acids and disables resistance factors from penicillin binding proteins PBP2a and PBP4. This study describes a new mechanism of action for BPEI potentiation of antibiotics generally regarded as agents effective against Gram-positive pathogens but not Gram-negative bacteria. 600-Da BPEI is able to reduce the barriers to drug influx and facilitate the uptake of a non-β-lactam co-drug, erythromycin, which targets the intracellular machinery. Also, BPEI can suppress production of the cytokine interleukin IL-8 by human epithelial keratinocytes. This enables BPEI to function as a broad-spectrum antibiotic potentiator, and expands the opportunities to improve drug design, antibiotic development, and therapeutic approaches against pathogenic bacteria, especially for wound care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh K Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Hannah Panlilio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Jennifer Pusavat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Cassandra L Wouters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Erika L Moen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Robert E Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, 100 North University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034, USA
| | - Charles V Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lam AK, Panlilio H, Pusavat J, Wouters CL, Moen EL, Rice CV. Overcoming Multidrug Resistance and Biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a Single Dual-Function Potentiator of β-Lactams. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:1085-1097. [PMID: 32223216 PMCID: PMC7233300 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clinicians prescribe hundreds of millions of β-lactam antibiotics to treat the majority of patients presenting with bacterial infections. Patient outcomes are positive unless resistant bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), are present. P. aeruginosa has both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, making clinical management of infection a real challenge, particularly when these bacteria are sequestered in biofilms. These problems would be alleviated if, upon the initial presentation of bacterial infection symptoms, clinicians were able to administer an antibiotic that kills both susceptible and otherwise resistant bacteria and eradicates biofilms. As the most common class of antibiotics, β-lactams could be used in a new drug if the leading causes of β-lactam antibiotic resistance, permeation barriers from lipopolysaccharide, efflux pumps, and β-lactamase enzymes, were also defeated. Against P. aeruginosa and their biofilms, the potency of β-lactam antibiotics is restored with 600 Da branched polyethylenimine (600 Da BPEI). Checkerboard assays using microtiter plates demonstrate the potentiation of piperacillin, cefepime, Meropenem, and erythromycin antibiotics. Growth curves demonstrate that only a combination of 600 Da BPEI and piperacillin produces growth inhibition against antibiotic resistant P. aeruginosa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm that the combination treatment leads to abnormal P. aeruginosa morphology. Data collected with isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrate a mechanism of action in which potentiation at low concentrations of 600 Da BPEI reduces diffusion barriers from lipopolysaccharides without disrupting the outer membrane itself. Coupled with the ability to overcome a reduction in antibiotic activity created by biofilm exopolymers, targeting anionic sites on lipopolysaccharides and biofilm exopolysaccharides with the same compound provides new opportunities to counter the rise of multidrug-resistant infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh K Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Hannah Panlilio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Jennifer Pusavat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Cassandra L Wouters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Erika L Moen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Charles V Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lam AK, Panlilio H, Pusavat J, Wouters CL, Moen EL, Neel AJ, Rice CV. Low-Molecular-Weight Branched Polyethylenimine Potentiates Ampicillin against MRSA Biofilms. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:473-478. [PMID: 32292552 PMCID: PMC7153015 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections pose a serious threat worldwide. MRSA is the predominant species isolated from medical-device-related biofilm infections and chronic wounds. Its ability to form biofilms grants it resistance to almost all antibiotics on the market. Answering the call for alternative treatments, our lab has been investigating the efficacy of 600 Da branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) as a β-lactam potentiator against bacterial biofilms. Our previous study showed promise against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. This study extends our previous findings to eradicate a more virulent pathogen: MRSA biofilms. Microtiter minimum biofilm eradication concentration models, crystal violet assays, and electron microscopy images show synergistic effects between BPEI and ampicillin as a two-step mechanism: step one is the removal of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to expose individual bacteria targets, and step two involves electrostatic interaction of BPEI with anionic teichoic acid in the cell wall to potentiate the antibiotic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh K. Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United
States
| | - Hannah Panlilio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United
States
| | - Jennifer Pusavat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United
States
| | - Cassandra L. Wouters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United
States
| | - Erika L. Moen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United
States
| | - Andrew J. Neel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United
States
| | - Charles V. Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United
States
| |
Collapse
|