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Zaidan I, Carvalho AFS, Grossi LC, Souza JAM, Lara ES, Montuori-Andrade ACM, Cardoso C, Carneiro FS, Lima EBDS, Monteiro AHA, Augusto IDL, Caixeta RS, Igídio CED, de Brito CB, de Oliveira LC, Queiroz-Junior CM, Russo RC, Campagnole-Santos MJ, Santos RAS, Costa VV, de Souza DDG, Fagundes CT, Teixeira MM, Tavares LP, Sousa LP. The angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR axis improves pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Extending the therapeutic window for antibiotic therapy. FASEB J 2024; 38:e70051. [PMID: 39269436 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202401178r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent cause of antimicrobial-resistant hospital-acquired pneumonia, especially in critically ill patients. Inflammation triggered by P. aeruginosa infection is necessary for bacterial clearance but must be spatially and temporally regulated to prevent further tissue damage and bacterial dissemination. Emerging data have shed light on the pro-resolving actions of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] signaling through the G protein-coupled receptor Mas (MasR) during infections. Herein, we investigated the role of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa by using genetic and pharmacological approach and found that Mas receptor-deficient animals developed a more severe form of pneumonia showing higher neutrophilic infiltration into the airways, bacterial load, cytokines, and chemokines production and more severe pulmonary damage. Conversely, treatment of pseudomonas-infected mice with Ang-(1-7) was able to decrease neutrophilic infiltration in airways and lungs, local and systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and increase the efferocytosis rates, mitigating lung damage/dysfunction caused by infection. Notably, the therapeutic association of Ang-(1-7) with antibiotics improved the survival rates of mice subjected to lethal inoculum of P. aeruginosa, extending the therapeutic window for imipenem. Mechanistically, Ang-(1-7) increased phagocytosis of bacteria by neutrophils and macrophages to accelerate pathogen clearance. Altogether, harnessing the Ang-(1-7) pathway during infection is a potential strategy for the development of host-directed therapies to promote mechanisms of resistance and resilience to pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Zaidan
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antônio Felipe Silva Carvalho
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Unidade Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais/Ebserh, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laís C Grossi
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jéssica A M Souza
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Edvaldo S Lara
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara M Montuori-Andrade
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila Cardoso
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S Carneiro
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Erick Bryan de Sousa Lima
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Unidade Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais/Ebserh, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adelson Héric Alves Monteiro
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Isabella de Lacerda Augusto
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Severo Caixeta
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Dias Igídio
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila B de Brito
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Camilo de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Celso Martins Queiroz-Junior
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Remo C Russo
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria José Campagnole-Santos
- National Institute in Science and Technology in nanobiopharmaceutics, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Robson A S Santos
- National Institute in Science and Technology in nanobiopharmaceutics, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vivian V Costa
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniele da Glória de Souza
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Caio T Fagundes
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciana P Tavares
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lirlândia P Sousa
- Signaling in Inflammation Laboratory, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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2
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Arefian Jazi M, Hajikhani B, Goudarzi M, Ebrahimipour G. Exploiting immunopotential PAPI-1 encoded type IVb major pilin targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36859. [PMID: 39281519 PMCID: PMC11401190 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36859] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) significantly contributes to nosocomial infections and necessitates research into novel treatment methods. For the first time, this research evaluated the immunoprotective potential of recombinant PAPI-1 encoded type IV pili targeting P. aeruginosa in BALB/C mice. The target sequence was identified, and a PilS2-encoding vector was constructed. The vector was then expressed and purified in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The PilS2 protein was inoculated into BALB/C mice in four groups, with or without alum, to measure total IgG, its subclasses, and cytokines. MTT and opsonophagocytosis tests were used to examine the immunological response. PilS2, especially when paired with alum, boosts the humoral immune response by enhancing IgG and IL-4 levels. However, PilS2 did not affect IL-17 or IFN-γ and only increased lymphocyte proliferation. Antibodies targeting PilS2 increased phagocytic cell death of P. aeruginosa by over 95 %, indicating possible therapies for P. aeruginosa infections. Our study on the immunopotentiation of P. aeruginosa PilS2 paves the way for pilin-based vaccines and immunotherapy targeting this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Arefian Jazi
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Hajikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Ebrahimipour
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Al-Kadmy IMS, Abid SA, Aziz SN, Al-Kadmy Z, Suhail A, Al-Jubori SS, Naji EN, Alhomaidi E, Yahia R, Algammal AM, Batiha GES, Hetta HF. The secrets of environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa in slaughterhouses: Antibiogram profile, virulence, and antibiotic resistance genes. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024; 69:805-822. [PMID: 38091178 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a serious problem that can cause sicknesses, fatality, and biological contaminants such as bacteria, which can trigger allergic reactions and infectious illnesses. There is also evidence that environmental pollutants can have an impact on the gut microbiome and contribute to the development of various mental health and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to study the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates in slaughterhouses. A total of 100 samples were collected from different slaughterhouse tools. The samples were identified by cultural and biochemical tests and confirmed by the VITEK 2 system. P. aeruginosa isolates were further confirmed by CHROMagar™ Pseudomonas and genetically by rpsL gene analysis. Molecular screening of virulence genes (fimH, papC, lasB, rhlI, lasI, csgA, toxA, and hly) and antibiotic resistance genes (blaCTX-M, blaAmpC, blaSHV, blaNDM, IMP-1, aac(6')-Ib-, ant(4')IIb, mexY, TEM, tetA, and qnrB) by PCR and testing the antibiotic sensitivity, biofilm formation, and production of pigments, and hemolysin were carried out in all isolated strains. A total of 62 isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa. All P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug-resistant and most of them have multiple resistant genes. blaCTX-M gene was detected in all strains; 23 (37.1%) strains have the ability for biofilm formation, 33 strains had virulence genes, and 26 isolates from them have more than one virulence genes. There should be probably 60 (96.8%) P. aeruginosa strains that produce pyocyanin pigment. Slaughterhouse tools are sources for multidrug-resistant and virulent pathogenic microorganisms which are a serious health problem. Low-hygienic slaughterhouses could be a reservoir for resistance and virulence genes which could then be transferred to other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa M S Al-Kadmy
- Branch of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, POX 10244, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Suhad Abbas Abid
- Branch of Microbiology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, POX 10244, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Sarah Naji Aziz
- Branch of Microbiology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, POX 10244, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Zahraa Al-Kadmy
- Department of Dentistry, Al-Rasheed University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Suhail
- Departmentt of Physics, College of Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Sawsan Sajid Al-Jubori
- Branch of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, POX 10244, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Eman Natiq Naji
- Branch of Microbiology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, POX 10244, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Eman Alhomaidi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramadan Yahia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minya, Egypt
| | - Abdelazeem M Algammal
- Department of Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicines, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Krishnakant Kushwaha S, Wu Y, Leonardo Avila H, Anand A, Sicheritz-Pontén T, Millard A, Amol Marathe S, Nobrega FL. Comprehensive blueprint of Salmonella genomic plasticity identifies hotspots for pathogenicity genes. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002746. [PMID: 39110680 PMCID: PMC11305592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamic evolution of Salmonella is vital for effective bacterial infection management. This study explores the role of the flexible genome, organised in regions of genomic plasticity (RGP), in shaping the pathogenicity of Salmonella lineages. Through comprehensive genomic analysis of 12,244 Salmonella spp. genomes covering 2 species, 6 subspecies, and 46 serovars, we uncover distinct integration patterns of pathogenicity-related gene clusters into RGP, challenging traditional views of gene distribution. These RGP exhibit distinct preferences for specific genomic spots, and the presence or absence of such spots across Salmonella lineages profoundly shapes strain pathogenicity. RGP preferences are guided by conserved flanking genes surrounding integration spots, implicating their involvement in regulatory networks and functional synergies with integrated gene clusters. Additionally, we emphasise the multifaceted contributions of plasmids and prophages to the pathogenicity of diverse Salmonella lineages. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive blueprint of the pathogenicity potential of Salmonella. This unique insight identifies genomic spots in nonpathogenic lineages that hold the potential for harbouring pathogenicity genes, providing a foundation for predicting future adaptations and developing targeted strategies against emerging human pathogenic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Krishnakant Kushwaha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Hugo Leonardo Avila
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Instituto Carlos Chagas, FIOCRUZ Paraná, Brazil
| | - Abhirath Anand
- Department of Computer Sciences and Information Systems, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Thomas Sicheritz-Pontén
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre of Excellence for Omics-Driven Computational Biodiscovery (COMBio), AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Andrew Millard
- Centre for Phage Research, Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Sandhya Amol Marathe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Franklin L. Nobrega
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Patra S, Biswas P, Karmakar S, Biswas K. Repression of resistance mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: implications of the combination of antibiotics and phytoconstituents. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:294. [PMID: 38850339 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04012-5] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a prevalent problem witnessed globally and creating an alarming situation for the treatment of infections caused by resistant pathogens. Available armaments such as antibiotics often fail to exhibit the intended action against resistant pathogens, leading to failure in the treatments that are causing mortality. New antibiotics or a new treatment approach is necessary to combat this situation. P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic drug resistant pathogen and is the sixth most common cause of nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa due to its genome organization and other factors are exhibiting resistance against drugs. Bacterial biofilm formation, low permeability of outer membrane, the production of the beta-lactamase, and the production of several efflux systems limits the antibacterial potential of several classes of antibiotics. Combination of phytoconstituents with antibiotics is a promising strategy to combat multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa. Phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, polypeptides, phenolics, and essential oils are well known antibacterial agents. In this review, the activity of combination of the phytoconstituents and antibiotics, and their corresponding mechanism of action was discussed elaborately. The combination of antibiotics and plant-derived compounds exhibited better efficacy compared to antibiotics alone against the antibiotic resistance P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Patra
- Eminent College of Pharmaceutical Technology, Barbaria, Barasat, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India
| | - Poulomi Biswas
- Eminent College of Pharmaceutical Technology, Barbaria, Barasat, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India
| | - Sanmoy Karmakar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
| | - Kaushik Biswas
- Eminent College of Pharmaceutical Technology, Barbaria, Barasat, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700126, India.
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Grassi L, Asfahl KL, Van den Bossche S, Maenhout I, Sass A, Vande Weygaerde Y, Van Braeckel E, Verhasselt B, Boelens J, Tunney MM, Dandekar AA, Coenye T, Crabbé A. Antibiofilm activity of Prevotella species from the cystic fibrosis lung microbiota against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm 2024; 7:100206. [PMID: 38975276 PMCID: PMC11225020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100206] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that interspecies interactions may modulate the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic lung infections. Nevertheless, while the interaction between P. aeruginosa and pathogenic microorganisms co-infecting the lungs has been widely investigated, little is known about the influence of other members of the lung microbiota on the infection process. In this study, we focused on investigating the impact of Prevotella species isolated from the sputum of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) on biofilm formation and virulence factor production by P. aeruginosa. Screening of a representative collection of Prevotella species recovered from clinical samples showed that several members of this genus (8 out 10 isolates) were able to significantly reduce biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa PAO1, without impact on growth. Among the tested isolates, the strongest biofilm-inhibitory activity was observed for Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens, which caused a reduction of up to 90% in the total biofilm biomass of several P. aeruginosa isolates from pwCF. In addition, a strain-specific effect of P. nigrescens on the ability of P. aeruginosa to produce proteases and pyocyanin was observed, with significant alterations in the levels of these virulence factors detected in LasR mutant strains. Overall, these results suggest that non-pathogenic bacteria from the lung microbiota may regulate pathogenicity traits of P. aeruginosa, and possibly affect the outcome of chronic lung infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Grassi
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kyle L. Asfahl
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ine Maenhout
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andrea Sass
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yannick Vande Weygaerde
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Verhasselt
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michael M. Tunney
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ajai A. Dandekar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Crabbé
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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7
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Urbanowicz P, Izdebski R, Biedrzycka M, Gniadkowski M. VIM-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-encoding genomic islands in Pseudomonas spp. in Poland: predominance of clc-like integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:1030-1037. [PMID: 38488311 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize VIM-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-encoding genomic islands (GIs) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. putida group isolates from Polish hospitals from 2001-2015/16. METHODS Twelve P. aeruginosa and 20 P. putida group isolates producing VIM-like MBLs were selected from a large collection of these based on epidemiological and typing data. The organisms represented all major epidemic genotypes of these species spread in Poland with chromosomally located blaVIM gene-carrying integrons. The previously determined short-read sequences were complemented by long-read sequencing in this study. The comparative structural analysis of the GIs used a variety of bioinformatic tools. RESULTS Thirty different GIs with blaVIM integrons were identified in the 32 isolates, of which 24 GIs from 26 isolates were integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) of the clc family. These in turn were dominated by 21 variants of the GI2/ICE6441 subfamily with a total of 19 VIM integrons, each inserted in the same position within the ICE's Tn21-like transposon Tn4380. The three other ICEs formed a novel ICE6705 subfamily, lacking Tn4380 and having different VIM integrons located in another site of the elements. The remaining six non-ICE GIs represented miscellaneous structures. The presence of various integrons in the same ICE sublineage, and of the same integron in different GIs, indicated circulation and recombination of the integron-carrying genetic platforms across Pseudomonas species/genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Despite the general diversity of the blaVIM-carrying GIs in Pseudomonas spp. in Poland, a clear predominance of broadly spread and rapidly evolving clc-type ICEs was documented, confirming their significant role in antimicrobial resistance epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Urbanowicz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, Warsaw 00-725, Poland
| | - R Izdebski
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, Warsaw 00-725, Poland
| | - M Biedrzycka
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, Warsaw 00-725, Poland
| | - M Gniadkowski
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, Warsaw 00-725, Poland
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8
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Huynh TQ, Tran NBV, Pham TTV, Le VBT, Truong TP, Huynh VA, Tong TH, Trinh TTL, Nguyen VD, Pham LNM, Nguyen TH, Lin Q, Lim TK, Lin Q, Nguyen TTH. Adaptive response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa under serial ciprofloxacin exposure. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001443. [PMID: 38568202 PMCID: PMC11084610 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001443] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the evolution of antibiotic resistance is important for combating drug-resistant bacteria. In this work, we investigated the adaptive response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin-susceptible P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027, CIP-E1 (P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 exposed to ciprofloxacin for 14 days) and CIP-E2 (CIP-E1 cultured in antibiotic-free broth for 10 days) were compared. Phenotypic responses including cell morphology, antibiotic susceptibility, and production of pyoverdine, pyocyanin and rhamnolipid were assessed. Proteomic responses were evaluated using comparative iTRAQ labelling LC-MS/MS to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Expression of associated genes coding for notable DEPs and their related regulatory genes were checked using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. CIP-E1 displayed a heterogeneous morphology, featuring both filamentous cells and cells with reduced length and width. By contrast, although filaments were not present, CIP-E2 still exhibited size reduction. Considering the MIC values, ciprofloxacin-exposed strains developed resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics but maintained susceptibility to other antibiotic classes, except for carbapenems. Pyoverdine and pyocyanin production showed insignificant decreases, whereas there was a significant decrease in rhamnolipid production. A total of 1039 proteins were identified, of which approximately 25 % were DEPs. In general, there were more downregulated proteins than upregulated proteins. Noted changes included decreased OprD and PilP, and increased MexEF-OprN, MvaT and Vfr, as well as proteins of ribosome machinery and metabolism clusters. Gene expression analysis confirmed the proteomic data and indicated the downregulation of rpoB and rpoS. In summary, the response to CIP involved approximately a quarter of the proteome, primarily associated with ribosome machinery and metabolic processes. Potential targets for bacterial interference encompassed outer membrane proteins and global regulators, such as MvaT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuc Quyen Huynh
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Bao Vy Tran
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thuy Vy Pham
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vo Bao Tran Le
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Van An Huynh
- Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Hang Tong
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Truc Ly Trinh
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Van Dung Nguyen
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Le Nhat Minh Pham
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Hiep Nguyen
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- School of Biomedical Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Qifeng Lin
- Protein and Proteomics Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Teck Kwang Lim
- Protein and Proteomics Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Protein and Proteomics Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thi Thu Hoai Nguyen
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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9
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Janet-Maitre M, Job V, Bour M, Robert-Genthon M, Brugière S, Triponney P, Cobessi D, Couté Y, Jeannot K, Attrée I. Pseudomonas aeruginosa MipA-MipB envelope proteins act as new sensors of polymyxins. mBio 2024; 15:e0221123. [PMID: 38345374 PMCID: PMC10936184 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02211-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections, the last-line antibiotics, polymyxins, have resurged in the clinics in parallel with new bacterial strategies of escape. The Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa develops resistance to colistin/polymyxin B by distinct molecular mechanisms, mostly through modification of the lipid A component of the LPS by proteins encoded within the arnBCDATEF-ugd (arn) operon. In this work, we characterized a polymyxin-induced operon named mipBA, present in P. aeruginosa strains devoid of the arn operon. We showed that mipBA is activated by the ParR/ParS two-component regulatory system in response to polymyxins. Structural modeling revealed that MipA folds as an outer-membrane β-barrel, harboring an internal negatively charged channel, able to host a polymyxin molecule, while the lipoprotein MipB adopts a β-lactamase fold with two additional C-terminal domains. Experimental work confirmed that MipA and MipB localize to the bacterial envelope, and they co-purify in vitro. Nano differential scanning fluorimetry showed that polymyxins stabilized MipA in a specific and dose-dependent manner. Mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics on P. aeruginosa membranes demonstrated that ∆mipBA synthesized fourfold less MexXY-OprA proteins in response to polymyxin B compared to the wild-type strain. The decrease was a direct consequence of impaired transcriptional activation of the mex operon operated by ParR/ParS. We propose MipA/MipB to act as membrane (co)sensors working in concert to activate ParS histidine kinase and help the bacterium to cope with polymyxin-mediated envelope stress through synthesis of the efflux pump, MexXY-OprA.IMPORTANCEDue to the emergence of multidrug-resistant isolates, antibiotic options may be limited to polymyxins to eradicate Gram-negative infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading opportunistic pathogen, has the ability to develop resistance to these cationic lipopeptides by modifying its lipopolysaccharide through proteins encoded within the arn operon. Herein, we describe a sub-group of P. aeruginosa strains lacking the arn operon yet exhibiting adaptability to polymyxins. Exposition to sub-lethal polymyxin concentrations induced the expression and production of two envelope-associated proteins. Among those, MipA, an outer-membrane barrel, is able to specifically bind polymyxins with an affinity in the 10-µM range. Using membrane proteomics and phenotypic assays, we showed that MipA and MipB participate in the adaptive response to polymyxins via ParR/ParS regulatory signaling. We propose a new model wherein the MipA-MipB module functions as a novel polymyxin sensing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Janet-Maitre
- Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, University Grenoble Alpes, IBS, UMR5075, Grenoble, France
| | - Viviana Job
- Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, University Grenoble Alpes, IBS, UMR5075, Grenoble, France
| | - Maxime Bour
- UMR6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Santé, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- French National Reference Center for Antibiotic Resistance, Besançon, France
| | - Mylène Robert-Genthon
- Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, University Grenoble Alpes, IBS, UMR5075, Grenoble, France
| | - Sabine Brugière
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, UA13 BGE, CNRS, CEA, FranceGrenoble
| | - Pauline Triponney
- French National Reference Center for Antibiotic Resistance, Besançon, France
| | - David Cobessi
- University Grenoble Alpes, IBS, UMR5075, Team Synchrotron, Grenoble, France
| | - Yohann Couté
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, UA13 BGE, CNRS, CEA, FranceGrenoble
| | - Katy Jeannot
- UMR6249 Chrono-Environnement, UFR Santé, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- French National Reference Center for Antibiotic Resistance, Besançon, France
- Department of Bacteriology, Teaching Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Ina Attrée
- Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, University Grenoble Alpes, IBS, UMR5075, Grenoble, France
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10
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Deery J, Carmody M, Flavin R, Tomanek M, O'Keeffe M, McGlacken GP, Reen FJ. Comparative genomics reveals distinct diversification patterns among LysR-type transcriptional regulators in the ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001205. [PMID: 38421269 PMCID: PMC10926688 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001205] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a harmful nosocomial pathogen associated with cystic fibrosis and burn wounds, encodes for a large number of LysR-type transcriptional regulator proteins. To understand how and why LTTR proteins evolved with such frequency and to establish whether any relationships exist within the distribution we set out to identify the patterns underpinning LTTR distribution in P. aeruginosa and to uncover cluster-based relationships within the pangenome. Comparative genomic studies revealed that in the JGI IMG database alone ~86 000 LTTRs are present across the sequenced genomes (n=699). They are widely distributed across the species, with core LTTRs present in >93 % of the genomes and accessory LTTRs present in <7 %. Analysis showed that subsets of core LTTRs can be classified as either variable (typically specific to P. aeruginosa) or conserved (and found to be distributed in other Pseudomonas species). Extending the analysis to the more extensive Pseudomonas database, PA14 rooted analysis confirmed the diversification patterns and revealed PqsR, the receptor for the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) and 2-heptyl-4-quinolone (HHQ) quorum-sensing signals, to be amongst the most variable in the dataset. Successful complementation of the PAO1 pqsR - mutant using representative variant pqsR sequences suggests a degree of structural promiscuity within the most variable of LTTRs, several of which play a prominent role in signalling and communication. These findings provide a new insight into the diversification of LTTR proteins within the P. aeruginosa species and suggests a functional significance to the cluster, conservation and distribution patterns identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Deery
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Muireann Carmody
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rhiannon Flavin
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Malwina Tomanek
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria O'Keeffe
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard P. McGlacken
- School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - F. Jerry Reen
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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11
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Ambreetha S, Zincke D, Balachandar D, Mathee K. Genomic and metabolic versatility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to its inter-kingdom transmission and survival. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38362900 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001791] [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: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most versatile bacteria with renowned pathogenicity and extensive drug resistance. The diverse habitats of this bacterium include fresh, saline and drainage waters, soil, moist surfaces, taps, showerheads, pipelines, medical implants, nematodes, insects, plants, animals, birds and humans. The arsenal of virulence factors produced by P. aeruginosa includes pyocyanin, rhamnolipids, siderophores, lytic enzymes, toxins and polysaccharides. All these virulent elements coupled with intrinsic, adaptive and acquired antibiotic resistance facilitate persistent colonization and lethal infections in different hosts. To date, treating pulmonary diseases remains complicated due to the chronic secondary infections triggered by hospital-acquired P. aeruginosa. On the contrary, this bacterium can improve plant growth by suppressing phytopathogens and insects. Notably, P. aeruginosa is one of the very few bacteria capable of trans-kingdom transmission and infection. Transfer of P. aeruginosa strains from plant materials to hospital wards, animals to humans, and humans to their pets occurs relatively often. Recently, we have identified that plant-associated P. aeruginosa strains could be pathologically similar to clinical isolates. In this review, we have highlighted the genomic and metabolic factors that facilitate the dominance of P. aeruginosa across different biological kingdoms and the varying roles of this bacterium in plant and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakthivel Ambreetha
- Developmental Biology and Genetics, Division of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Diansy Zincke
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Dananjeyan Balachandar
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kalai Mathee
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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12
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Dekker JP. Within-Host Evolution of Bacterial Pathogens in Acute and Chronic Infection. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:203-226. [PMID: 37832940 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051122-111408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens undergo remarkable adaptive change in response to the selective forces they encounter during host colonization and infection. Studies performed over the past few decades have demonstrated that many general evolutionary processes can be discerned during the course of host adaptation, including genetic diversification of lineages, clonal succession events, convergent evolution, and balanced fitness trade-offs. In some cases, elevated mutation rates resulting from mismatch repair or proofreading deficiencies accelerate evolution, and active mobile genetic elements or phages may facilitate genome plasticity. The host immune response provides another critical component of the fitness landscapes guiding adaptation, and selection operating on pathogens at this level may lead to immune evasion and the establishment of chronic infection. This review summarizes recent advances in this field, with a special focus on different forms of bacterial genome plasticity in the context of infection, and considers clinical consequences of adaptive changes for the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Dekker
- Bacterial Pathogenesis and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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13
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Wu T, Zhang Z, Li T, Dong X, Wu D, Zhu L, Xu K, Zhang Y. The type III secretion system facilitates systemic infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the clinic. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0222423. [PMID: 38088541 PMCID: PMC10783026 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02224-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The identification of decisive virulence-associated genes in highly pathogenic P. aeruginosa isolates in the clinic is essential for diagnosis and the start of appropriate treatment. Over the past decades, P. aeruginosa ST463 has spread rapidly in East China and is highly resistant to β-lactams. Given the poor clinical outcome caused by this phenotype, detailed information regarding its decisive virulence genes and factors affecting virulence expression needs to be deciphered. Here, we demonstrate that the T3SS effector ExoU has toxic effects on mammalian cells and is required for virulence in the murine bloodstream infection model. Moreover, a functional downstream SpcU is required for ExoU secretion and cytotoxicity. This work highlights the potential role of ExoU in the pathogenesis of disease and provides a new perspective for further research on the development of new antimicrobials with antivirulence ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenchuan Zhang
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Research and Service Center, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaijin Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
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14
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Pei TT, Luo H, Wang Y, Li H, Wang XY, Zhang YQ, An Y, Wu LL, Ma J, Liang X, Yan A, Yang L, Chen C, Dong T. Filamentous prophage Pf4 promotes genetic exchange in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad025. [PMID: 38365255 PMCID: PMC10837833 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad025] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Filamentous prophages are widespread among bacteria and play crucial functions in virulence, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm structures. The filamentous Pf4 particles, extruded by an important pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can protect producing cells from adverse conditions. Contrary to the conventional belief that the Pf4-encoding cells resist reinfection, we herein report that the Pf4 prophage is reciprocally and commonly exchanged within P. aeruginosa colonies, which can repair defective Pf4 within the community. By labeling the Pf4 locus with antibiotic resistance and fluorescence markers, we demonstrate that the Pf4 locus is frequently exchanged within colony biofilms, in artificial sputum media, and in infected mouse lungs. We further show that Pf4 trafficking is a rapid process and capable of rescuing Pf4-defective mutants. The Pf4 phage is highly adaptable and can package additional DNA doubling its genome size. We also report that two clinical P. aeruginosa isolates are susceptible to the Pf4-mediated exchange, and the Pf5 prophage can be exchanged between cells as well. These findings suggest that the genetic exchanging interactions by filamentous prophages may facilitate defect rescue and the sharing of prophage-dependent benefits and costs within the P. aeruginosa community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Tong Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Han Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xing-Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi-Qiu Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying An
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Li-Li Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Junhua Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoye Liang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Aixin Yan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 999077, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Changbin Chen
- Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Nanjing Advanced Academy of Life and Health, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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15
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Esposito A, Piazza S. Broad Genome Sequencing of Environmental and Clinical Strains and Genotyping. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2721:171-181. [PMID: 37819522 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3473-8_12] [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: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The Next-Generation Sequencing revolution had a great impact on the genomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since the first release of the P. aeruginosa PAO1 genome, there are more than 5700 genomes published. This wealth of information has been accompanied by the development of bioinformatic tools for handling genomic and phenotypic data. Bioinformatics, indeed, become de facto a big data science. In this chapter, we give a brief historical overview of the knowledge gained from P. aeruginosa genome sequencing, then we describe the wet-lab procedure to extract the DNA and prepare the library for broad genome sequencing using Illumina MiSeq technology. As last, we describe three user-friendly bioinformatics procedures to infer the P. aeruginosa genotype, starting from NGS data, with the Multi-Locus Sequence Typing method, and visualize it as a minimum spanning tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Esposito
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Kore" University of Enna, Enna, Italy.
| | - Silvano Piazza
- Computational Biology Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
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16
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Ungor I, Apidianakis Y. Bacterial synergies and antagonisms affecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence in the human lung, skin and intestine. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:141-155. [PMID: 37843410 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0155] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires a significant breach in the host defense to cause an infection. While its virulence factors are well studied, its tropism cannot be explained only by studying its interaction with the host. Why are P. aeruginosa infections so rare in the intestine compared with the lung and skin? There is not enough evidence to claim specificity in virulence factors deployed by P. aeruginosa in each anatomical site, and host physiology differences between the lung and the intestine cannot easily explain the observed differences in virulence. This perspective highlights a relatively overlooked parameter in P. aeruginosa virulence, namely, potential synergies with bacteria found in the human skin and lung, as well as antagonisms with bacteria of the human intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izel Ungor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus
| | - Yiorgos Apidianakis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus
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17
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Benigno V, Carraro N, Sarton-Lohéac G, Romano-Bertrand S, Blanc DS, van der Meer JR. Diversity and evolution of an abundant ICE clc family of integrative and conjugative elements in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mSphere 2023; 8:e0051723. [PMID: 37902330 PMCID: PMC10732049 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00517-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Microbial populations swiftly adapt to changing environments through horizontal gene transfer. While the mechanisms of gene transfer are well known, the impact of environmental conditions on the selection of transferred gene functions remains less clear. We investigated ICEs, specifically the ICEclc-type, in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Our findings revealed co-evolution between ICEs and their hosts, with ICE transfers occurring within strains. Gene functions carried by ICEs are positively selected, including potential virulence factors and heavy metal resistance. Comparison to publicly available P. aeruginosa genomes unveiled widespread antibiotic-resistance determinants within ICEclc clades. Thus, the ubiquitous ICEclc family significantly contributes to P. aeruginosa's adaptation and fitness in diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Benigno
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Carraro
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Garance Sarton-Lohéac
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Romano-Bertrand
- Hydrosciences Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Hospital Hygiene and Infection Control Team, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Dominique S. Blanc
- Prevention and Infection Control Unit, Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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18
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Lee JH, Kim NH, Jang KM, Jin H, Shin K, Jeong BC, Kim DW, Lee SH. Prioritization of Critical Factors for Surveillance of the Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15209. [PMID: 37894890 PMCID: PMC10607276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015209] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the primary opportunistic human pathogen responsible for a range of acute and chronic infections; it poses a significant threat to immunocompromised patients and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for nosocomial infections. Its high resistance to a diverse array of antimicrobial agents presents an urgent health concern. Among the mechanisms contributing to resistance in P. aeruginosa, the horizontal acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) via mobile genetic elements (MGEs) has gained recognition as a substantial concern in clinical settings, thus indicating that a comprehensive understanding of ARG dissemination within the species is strongly required for surveillance. Here, two approaches, including a systematic literature analysis and a genome database survey, were employed to gain insights into ARG dissemination. The genome database enabled scrutinizing of all the available sequence information and various attributes of P. aeruginosa isolates, thus providing an extensive understanding of ARG dissemination within the species. By integrating both approaches, with a primary focus on the genome database survey, mobile ARGs that were linked or correlated with MGEs, important sequence types (STs) carrying diverse ARGs, and MGEs responsible for ARG dissemination were identified as critical factors requiring strict surveillance. Although human isolates play a primary role in dissemination, the importance of animal and environmental isolates has also been suggested. In this study, 25 critical mobile ARGs, 45 critical STs, and associated MGEs involved in ARG dissemination within the species, are suggested as critical factors. Surveillance and management of these prioritized factors across the One Health sectors are essential to mitigate the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively resistant (XDR) P. aeruginosa in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hun Lee
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.-M.J.); (H.J.); (K.S.); (B.C.J.)
| | - Nam-Hoon Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kyung-Min Jang
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.-M.J.); (H.J.); (K.S.); (B.C.J.)
| | - Hyeonku Jin
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.-M.J.); (H.J.); (K.S.); (B.C.J.)
| | - Kyoungmin Shin
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.-M.J.); (H.J.); (K.S.); (B.C.J.)
| | - Byeong Chul Jeong
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.-M.J.); (H.J.); (K.S.); (B.C.J.)
| | - Dae-Wi Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang Hee Lee
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (J.H.L.); (K.-M.J.); (H.J.); (K.S.); (B.C.J.)
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19
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Singothu S, Begum PJ, Maddi D, Devsani N, Bhandari V. Unveiling the potential of marine compounds as quorum sensing inhibitors targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa's LasI: A computational study using molecular docking and molecular dynamics. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1573-1586. [PMID: 37642215 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30465] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa being a leading cause of mortality, accounting for 18%-61% of deaths annually. The quorum sensing (QS) systems of P. aeruginosa, particularly the LasI-LasR system, play a crucial role in promoting biofilm formation and expression of virulent genes, which contribute to the development of AMR. This study focuses on LasI, the mediator of biofilm formation for identifying its inhibitors from a marine compound database comprising of 32 000 compounds using molecular docking and molecular simulation techniques. The virtual screening and docking experiments demonstrated that the top 10 compounds exhibited favorable docking scores of <-7.19 kcal/mol compared to the reported inhibitor 3,5,7-Trihydroxyflavone with a docking score of -3.098 kcal/mol. Additionally, molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) analyses were conducted to assess these compounds' suitability for further investigation. Out of 10 compounds, five compounds demonstrated high MM-GBSA binding energy (<-35.33 kcal/mol) and were taken up for molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate the stability of the protein-ligand complex over a 100 ns period. Based on root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration, and hydrogen bond interactions analysis, three marine compounds, namely MC-2 (CMNPD13419) and MC-3 (CMNPD1068), exhibited consistent stability throughout the simulation. Therefore, these compounds show potential as promising LasI inhibitors and warrant further validation through in vitro and in vivo experiments. By exploring the inhibitory effects of these marine compounds on P. aeruginosa's QS system, this research aims to contribute to the development of novel strategies to combat AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Singothu
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Pathan J Begum
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dhanashri Maddi
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Namrata Devsani
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vasundhra Bhandari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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20
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Han R, Hong Y, Xu R, Guo W, Zhang M, Lu Z, Han Q, Mo Z, Dan X, Li Y. Genomic evidence of genetic diversity and functional evolution in Flavobacterium columnare. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1240471. [PMID: 37840739 PMCID: PMC10568018 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1240471] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavobacterium columnare is the causative agent of columnaris disease in freshwater fish. Columnaris disease can cause heavy economic losses in aquaculture. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was used to characterize this pathogen. F. columnare isolate AH-01 had a circular chromosome and plasmid that encoded a total of 3,022 genes. Isolate GX-01 only had a circular chromosome and encoded 2,965 genes. Genomic islands, prophage regions, and CRISPR/Cas systems were identified in both genomes. Both genomes presented evidence of gene variation and horizontal transfer, both of which are the essential components of genetic diversity, genome plasticity, and functional evolution. Single-gene phylogeny and comparative genome analyses were performed to investigate the variation and evolution of this pathogen. Genetic analysis of 16S rRNA and housekeeping gene sequences significantly clustered 55 F. columnare isolates into four clades. The intragroup identity of the 16S rRNA gene exceeded 99%, while the intergroup identity was below the species delineation threshold. We discovered significant translocation, inversion, and rearrangement events that influenced local synteny within each group. Notably, the observed alignments varied considerably among all the studied groups. The core genomes of all strains with available sequences comprised 747 genes, corresponding to approximately 25% of the genome. Core genome multilocus sequence typing, genome-wide orthology and phylogenetic analyses, and average nucleotide identity suggested that the currently existing F. columnare was an assemblage of several distinct species, with levels of divergence at least equivalent to those between recognized bacterial species. The present investigation provided genomic evidence of gene variation and horizontal transfer, which were the basis of genetic diversity, genome plasticity, and functional evolution. The findings supported a proposed new taxonomic perspective on F. columnare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Nansha-South China Agricultural University Fishery Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Hong
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruilong Xu
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Guo
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingshu Zhang
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijun Lu
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Han
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zequan Mo
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Nansha-South China Agricultural University Fishery Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueming Dan
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Nansha-South China Agricultural University Fishery Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwei Li
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Nansha-South China Agricultural University Fishery Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Di Bonaventura G, Lupetti V, Di Giulio A, Muzzi M, Piccirilli A, Cariani L, Pompilio A. Repurposing High-Throughput Screening Identifies Unconventional Drugs with Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa under Experimental Conditions Relevant to Cystic Fibrosis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0035223. [PMID: 37306577 PMCID: PMC10433973 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00352-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common pathogen infecting cystic fibrosis (CF) lungs, causing acute and chronic infections. Intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance allow P. aeruginosa to colonize and persist despite antibiotic treatment, making new therapeutic approaches necessary. Combining high-throughput screening and drug repurposing is an effective way to develop new therapeutic uses for drugs. This study screened a drug library of 3,386 drugs, mostly FDA approved, to identify antimicrobials against P. aeruginosa under physicochemical conditions relevant to CF-infected lungs. Based on the antibacterial activity, assessed spectrophotometrically against the prototype RP73 strain and 10 other CF virulent strains, and the toxic potential evaluated toward CF IB3-1 bronchial epithelial cells, five potential hits were selected for further analysis: the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ebselen, the anticancer drugs tirapazamine, carmofur, and 5-fluorouracil, and the antifungal tavaborole. A time-kill assay showed that ebselen has the potential to cause rapid and dose-dependent bactericidal activity. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated by viable cell count and crystal violet assays, revealing carmofur and 5-fluorouracil as the most active drugs in preventing biofilm formation regardless of the concentration. In contrast, tirapazamine and tavaborole were the only drugs actively dispersing preformed biofilms. Tavaborole was the most active drug against CF pathogens other than P. aeruginosa, especially against Burkholderia cepacia and Acinetobacter baumannii, while carmofur, ebselen, and tirapazamine were particularly active against Staphylococcus aureus and B. cepacia. Electron microscopy and propidium iodide uptake assay revealed that ebselen, carmofur, and tirapazamine significantly damage cell membranes, with leakage and cytoplasm loss, by increasing membrane permeability. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance makes it urgent to design new strategies for treating pulmonary infections in CF patients. The repurposing approach accelerates drug discovery and development, as the drugs' general pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties are already well known. In the present study, for the first time, a high-throughput compound library screening was performed under experimental conditions relevant to CF-infected lungs. Among 3,386 drugs screened, the clinically used drugs from outside infection treatment ebselen, tirapazamine, carmofur, 5-fluorouracil, and tavaborole showed, although to different extents, anti-P. aeruginosa activity against planktonic and biofilm cells and broad-spectrum activity against other CF pathogens at concentrations not toxic to bronchial epithelial cells. The mode-of-action studies revealed ebselen, carmofur, and tirapazamine targeted the cell membrane, increasing its permeability with subsequent cell lysis. These drugs are strong candidates for repurposing for treating CF lung P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Bonaventura
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Veronica Lupetti
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Piccirilli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Lisa Cariani
- Microbiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Pompilio
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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22
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Wiehlmann L, Klockgether J, Hammerbacher AS, Salunkhe P, Horatzek S, Munder A, Peilert JF, Gulbins E, Eberl L, Tümmler B. A VirB4 ATPase of the mobile accessory genome orchestrates core genome-encoded features of physiology, metabolism, and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1234420. [PMID: 37577372 PMCID: PMC10413270 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1234420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839 is a highly virulent strain that can persist and replicate in human neutrophils. Screening of a signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) TBCF10839 transposon library in phagocytosis tests identified a mutant that carried the transposon in the VirB4 homolog 5PG21 of an integrative and conjugative element (ICE)-associated type IV secretion system of the pKLC102 subtype. 5P21 TBCF10839 insertion mutants were deficient in metabolic versatility, secretion, quorum sensing, and virulence. The mutants were efficiently killed in phagocytosis tests in vitro and were avirulent in an acute murine airway infection model in vivo. The inactivation of 5PG21 silenced the rhl, las, and pqs operons and the gene expression for the synthesis of hydrogen cyanide, the antimetabolite l-2-amino-4-methoxy-trans-3-butenoic acid, and the H2- and H3-type VI secretion systems and their associated effectors. The mutants were impaired in the utilization of carbon sources and stored compounds that are not funneled into intermediary metabolism. This showcase demonstrates that a single gene of the mobile accessory genome can become an essential element to operate the core genome-encoded features of metabolism and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Wiehlmann
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Research Core Unit Genomics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Klockgether
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Silke Hammerbacher
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Prabhakar Salunkhe
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Horatzek
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antje Munder
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leo Eberl
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover, Germany
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23
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Mu X, Li X, Yin Z, Jing Y, Chen F, Gao H, Zhang Z, Tian Y, Guo H, Lu X, He J, Zheng Y, Zhou D, Wang P, Dai E. Abundant diversity of accessory genetic elements and associated antimicrobial resistance genes in pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from a single Chinese hospital. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2023; 22:51. [PMID: 37386463 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-023-00600-3] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pseudomonas aeruginosa has intrinsic antibiotic resistance and the strong ability to acquire additional resistance genes. However, a limited number of investigations provide detailed modular structure dissection and evolutionary analysis of accessory genetic elements (AGEs) and associated resistance genes (ARGs) in P. aeruginosa isolates. The objective of this study is to reveal the prevalence and transmission characteristics of ARGs by epidemiological investigation and bioinformatics analysis of AGEs of P. aeruginosa isolates taken from a Chinese hospital. METHODS Draft-genome sequencing was conducted for P. aeruginosa clinical isolates (n = 48) collected from a single Chinese hospital between 2019 and 2021. The clones of P. aeruginosa isolates, type 3 secretion system (T3SS)-related virulotypes, and the resistance spectrum were identified using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. In addition, 17 of the 48 isolates were fully sequenced. An extensive modular structure dissection and genetic comparison was applied to AGEs of the 17 sequenced P. aeruginosa isolates. RESULTS From the draft-genome sequencing, 13 STs were identified, showing high genetic diversity. BLAST search and PCR detection of T3SS genes (exoT, exoY, exoS, and exoU) revealed that the exoS+/exoU- virulotype dominated. At least 69 kinds of acquired ARGs, involved in resistance to 10 different categories of antimicrobials, were identified in the 48 P. aeruginosa isolates. Detailed genetic dissection and sequence comparisons were applied to 25 AGEs from the 17 isolates, together with five additional prototype AGEs from GenBank. These 30 AGEs were classified into five groups -- integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), unit transposons, IncpPBL16 plasmids, Incp60512-IMP plasmids, and IncpPA7790 plasmids. CONCLUSION This study provides a broad-scale and deeper genomics understanding of P. aeruginosa isolates taken from a single Chinese hospital. The isolates collected are characterized by high genetic diversity, high virulence, and multiple drug resistance. The AGEs in P. aeruginosa chromosomes and plasmids, as important genetic platforms for the spread of ARGs, contribute to enhancing the adaptability of P. aeruginosa in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Mu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Xinyue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ying Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Fangzhou Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Huixia Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, No. 42 Tanan Road, Yuhua District, Shijiazhuang, Heibei, 050021, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, No. 42 Tanan Road, Yuhua District, Shijiazhuang, Heibei, 050021, China
| | - Yueyang Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, No. 42 Tanan Road, Yuhua District, Shijiazhuang, Heibei, 050021, China
| | - Huiqian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xiuhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jiaqi He
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yali Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. 20, Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Erhei Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, No. 42 Tanan Road, Yuhua District, Shijiazhuang, Heibei, 050021, China.
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24
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Mehmood N, Saeed M, Zafarullah S, Hyder S, Rizvi ZF, Gondal AS, Jamil N, Iqbal R, Ali B, Ercisli S, Kupe M. Multifaceted Impacts of Plant-Beneficial Pseudomonas spp. in Managing Various Plant Diseases and Crop Yield Improvement. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:22296-22315. [PMID: 37396244 PMCID: PMC10308577 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The modern agricultural system has issues with the reduction of agricultural productivity due to a wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses. It is also expected that in the future the entire world population may rapidly increase and will surely demand more food. Farmers now utilize a massive quantity of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for disease management and to increase food production. These synthetic fertilizers badly affect the environment, the texture of the soil, plant productivity, and human health. However, agricultural safety and sustainability depend on an ecofriendly and inexpensive biological application. In contrast to synthetic fertilizers, soil inoculation with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is one of the excellent alternative options. In this regard, we focused on the best PGPR genera, Pseudomonas, which exists in the rhizosphere as well as inside the plant's body and plays a role in sustainable agriculture. Many Pseudomonas spp. control plant pathogens and play an effective role in disease management through direct and indirect mechanisms. Pseudomonas spp. fix the amount of atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus and potassium, and also produce phytohormones, lytic enzymes, volatile organic compounds, antibiotics, and secondary metabolites during stress conditions. These compounds stimulate plant growth by inducing systemic resistance and by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Furthermore, pseudomonads also protect plants during different stress conditions like heavy metal pollution, osmosis, temperature, oxidative stress, etc. Now, several Pseudomonas-based commercial biological control products have been promoted and marketed, but there are a few limitations that hinder the development of this technology for extensive usage in agricultural systems. The variability among the members of Pseudomonas spp. draws attention to the huge research interest in this genus. There is a need to explore the potential of native Pseudomonas spp. as biocontrol agents and to use them in biopesticide development to support sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najaf Mehmood
- Department
of Botany, Government College Women University
Sialkot, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Mahnoor Saeed
- Department
of Botany, Government College Women University
Sialkot, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Sana Zafarullah
- Department
of Botany, Government College Women University
Sialkot, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Hyder
- Department
of Botany, Government College Women University
Sialkot, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Zarrin Fatima Rizvi
- Department
of Botany, Government College Women University
Sialkot, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Shahzad Gondal
- Department
of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan
| | - Nuzhat Jamil
- Department
of Botany, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Rashid Iqbal
- Department
of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Baber Ali
- Department
of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Sezai Ercisli
- Department
of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum 25240, Türkiye
- HGF
Agro, Ata Teknokent, Erzurum TR-25240, Türkiye
| | - Muhammed Kupe
- Department
of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum 25240, Türkiye
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25
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Ambreetha S, Singh V. Genetic and environmental determinants of surface adaptations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 37276014 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a well-studied Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium that thrives in markedly varied environments. It is a nutritionally versatile microbe that can colonize a host as well as exist in the environment. Unicellular, planktonic cells of
P. aeruginosa
can come together to perform a coordinated swarming movement or turn into a sessile, surface-adhered population called biofilm. These collective behaviours produce strikingly different outcomes. While swarming motility rapidly disseminates the bacterial population, biofilm collectively protects the population from environmental stresses such as heat, drought, toxic chemicals, grazing by predators, and attack by host immune cells and antibiotics. The ubiquitous nature of
P. aeruginosa
is likely to be supported by the timely transition between planktonic, swarming and biofilm lifestyles. The social behaviours of this bacteria viz biofilm and swarm modes are controlled by signals from quorum-sensing networks, LasI-LasR, RhlI-RhlR and PQS-MvfR, and several other sensory kinases and response regulators. A combination of environmental and genetic cues regulates the transition of the
P. aeruginosa
population to specific states. The current review is aimed at discussing key factors that promote physiologically distinct transitioning of the
P. aeruginosa
population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakthivel Ambreetha
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560012, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560012, India
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26
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Prichard A, Lee J, Laughlin TG, Lee A, Thomas KP, Sy AE, Spencer T, Asavavimol A, Cafferata A, Cameron M, Chiu N, Davydov D, Desai I, Diaz G, Guereca M, Hearst K, Huang L, Jacobs E, Johnson A, Kahn S, Koch R, Martinez A, Norquist M, Pau T, Prasad G, Saam K, Sandhu M, Sarabia AJ, Schumaker S, Sonin A, Uyeno A, Zhao A, Corbett KD, Pogliano K, Meyer J, Grose JH, Villa E, Dutton R, Pogliano J. Identifying the core genome of the nucleus-forming bacteriophage family and characterization of Erwinia phage RAY. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112432. [PMID: 37120812 PMCID: PMC10299810 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112432] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently discovered that some bacteriophages establish a nucleus-like replication compartment (phage nucleus), but the core genes that define nucleus-based phage replication and their phylogenetic distribution were still to be determined. Here, we show that phages encoding the major phage nucleus protein chimallin share 72 conserved genes encoded within seven gene blocks. Of these, 21 core genes are unique to nucleus-forming phage, and all but one of these genes encode proteins of unknown function. We propose that these phages comprise a novel viral family we term Chimalliviridae. Fluorescence microscopy and cryoelectron tomography studies of Erwinia phage vB_EamM_RAY confirm that many of the key steps of nucleus-based replication are conserved among diverse chimalliviruses and reveal variations on this replication mechanism. This work expands our understanding of phage nucleus and PhuZ spindle diversity and function, providing a roadmap for identifying key mechanisms underlying nucleus-based phage replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Prichard
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jina Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thomas G Laughlin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amber Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kyle P Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Annika E Sy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tara Spencer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Aileen Asavavimol
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Allison Cafferata
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mia Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nicholas Chiu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Demyan Davydov
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Isha Desai
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gabriel Diaz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Melissa Guereca
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kiley Hearst
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Leyi Huang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Emily Jacobs
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Annika Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Samuel Kahn
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ryan Koch
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adamari Martinez
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Meliné Norquist
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tyler Pau
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gino Prasad
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Katrina Saam
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Milan Sandhu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Angel Jose Sarabia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Siena Schumaker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Aaron Sonin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ariya Uyeno
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alison Zhao
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kit Pogliano
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Justin Meyer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Julianne H Grose
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Elizabeth Villa
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Rachel Dutton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joe Pogliano
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Giallonardi G, Letizia M, Mellini M, Frangipani E, Halliday N, Heeb S, Cámara M, Visca P, Imperi F, Leoni L, Williams P, Rampioni G. Alkyl-quinolone-dependent quorum sensing controls prophage-mediated autolysis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa colony biofilms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1183681. [PMID: 37305419 PMCID: PMC10250642 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1183681] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model quorum sensing (QS) pathogen with three interconnected QS circuits that control the production of virulence factors and antibiotic tolerant biofilms. The pqs QS system of P. aeruginosa is responsible for the biosynthesis of diverse 2-alkyl-4-quinolones (AQs), of which 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (PQS) function as QS signal molecules. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that HHQ and PQS influenced the expression of multiple genes via PqsR-dependent and -independent pathways whereas 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO) had no effect on P. aeruginosa transcriptome. HQNO is a cytochrome bc 1 inhibitor that causes P. aeruginosa programmed cell death and autolysis. However, P. aeruginosa pqsL mutants unable to synthesize HQNO undergo autolysis when grown as colony biofilms. The mechanism by which such autolysis occurs is not understood. Through the generation and phenotypic characterization of multiple P. aeruginosa PAO1 mutants producing altered levels of AQs in different combinations, we demonstrate that mutation of pqsL results in the accumulation of HHQ which in turn leads to Pf4 prophage activation and consequently autolysis. Notably, the effect of HHQ on Pf4 activation is not mediated via its cognate receptor PqsR. These data indicate that the synthesis of HQNO in PAO1 limits HHQ-induced autolysis mediated by Pf4 in colony biofilms. A similar phenomenon is shown to occur in P. aeruginosa cystic fibrosis (CF) isolates, in which the autolytic phenotype can be abrogated by ectopic expression of pqsL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Mellini
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nigel Halliday
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stephan Heeb
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Cámara
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Williams
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Giordano Rampioni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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28
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Zaidi SEZ, Zaheer R, Thomas K, Abeysekara S, Haight T, Saville L, Stuart-Edwards M, Zovoilis A, McAllister TA. Genomic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria from Beef Cattle Feedlots. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:960. [PMID: 37370279 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12060960] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapenems are considered a last resort for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections in humans. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in feedlots in Alberta, Canada. The presumptive carbapenem-resistant isolates (n = 116) recovered after ertapenem enrichment were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 12 different antibiotics, including four carbapenems. Of these, 72% of the isolates (n = 84) showed resistance to ertapenem, while 27% of the isolates (n = 31) were resistant to at least one other carbapenem, with all except one isolate being resistant to at least two other drug classes. Of these 31 isolates, 90% were carbapenemase positive, while a subset of 36 ertapenem-only resistant isolates were carbapenemase negative. The positive isolates belonged to three genera; Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Stenotrophomonas, with the majority being Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 20) as identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Whole genome sequencing identified intrinsic carbapenem resistance genes, including blaOXA-50 and its variants (P. aeruginosa), blaOXA-265 (A. haemolyticus), blaOXA-648 (A. lwoffii), blaOXA-278 (A. junii), and blaL1 and blaL2 (S. maltophilia). The acquired carbapenem resistance gene (blaPST-2) was identified in P. saudiphocaensis and P. stutzeri. In a comparative genomic analysis, clinical P. aeruginosa clustered separately from those recovered from bovine feces. In conclusion, despite the use of selective enrichment methods, finding carbapenem-resistant bacteria within a feedlot environment was a rarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sani-E-Zehra Zaidi
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Rahat Zaheer
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Krysty Thomas
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Sujeema Abeysekara
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Travis Haight
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Luke Saville
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Matthew Stuart-Edwards
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Athanasios Zovoilis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
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Gómez-Martínez J, Rocha-Gracia RDC, Bello-López E, Cevallos MA, Castañeda-Lucio M, Sáenz Y, Jiménez-Flores G, Cortés-Cortés G, López-García A, Lozano-Zarain P. Comparative Genomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Different Ecological Niches. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050866. [PMID: 37237769 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa genome can change to adapt to different ecological niches. We compared four genomes from a Mexican hospital and 59 genomes from GenBank from different niches, such as urine, sputum, and environmental. The ST analysis showed that high-risk STs (ST235, ST773, and ST27) were present in the genomes of the three niches from GenBank, and the STs of Mexican genomes (ST167, ST2731, and ST549) differed from the GenBank genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genomes were clustering according to their ST and not their niche. When analyzing the genomic content, we observed that environmental genomes had genes involved in adapting to the environment not found in the clinics and that their mechanisms of resistance were mutations in antibiotic resistance-related genes. In contrast, clinical genomes from GenBank had resistance genes, in mobile/mobilizable genetic elements in the chromosome, except for the Mexican genomes that carried them mostly in plasmids. This was related to the presence of CRISPR-Cas and anti-CRISPR; however, Mexican strains only had plasmids and CRISPR-Cas. blaOXA-488 (a variant of blaOXA50) with higher activity against carbapenems was more prevalent in sputum genomes. The virulome analysis showed that exoS was most prevalent in the genomes of urinary samples and exoU and pldA in sputum samples. This study provides evidence regarding the genetic variability among P. aeruginosa isolated from different niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gómez-Martínez
- Posgrado en Microbiología, Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Rosa Del Carmen Rocha-Gracia
- Posgrado en Microbiología, Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Elena Bello-López
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Cevallos
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Miguel Castañeda-Lucio
- Posgrado en Microbiología, Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Yolanda Sáenz
- Área de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Jiménez-Flores
- Laboratorio Clínico, Área de Microbiología, Hospital Regional Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Cortés-Cortés
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Alma López-García
- Posgrado en Microbiología, Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Patricia Lozano-Zarain
- Posgrado en Microbiología, Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
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Elmassry MM, Colmer-Hamood JA, Kopel J, San Francisco MJ, Hamood AN. Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vaccines and Therapies: An Assessment of Clinical Trials. Microorganisms 2023; 11:916. [PMID: 37110338 PMCID: PMC10144840 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040916] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) and immunocompromised patients, including patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), severely burned patients, and patients with surgical wounds. Due to the intrinsic and extrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the ability to produce several cell-associated and extracellular virulence factors, and the capacity to adapt to several environmental conditions, eradicating P. aeruginosa within infected patients is difficult. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the six multi-drug-resistant pathogens (ESKAPE) considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an entire group for which the development of novel antibiotics is urgently needed. In the United States (US) and within the last several years, P. aeruginosa caused 27% of deaths and approximately USD 767 million annually in health-care costs. Several P. aeruginosa therapies, including new antimicrobial agents, derivatives of existing antibiotics, novel antimicrobial agents such as bacteriophages and their chelators, potential vaccines targeting specific virulence factors, and immunotherapies have been developed. Within the last 2-3 decades, the efficacy of these different treatments was tested in clinical and preclinical trials. Despite these trials, no P. aeruginosa treatment is currently approved or available. In this review, we examined several of these clinicals, specifically those designed to combat P. aeruginosa infections in CF patients, patients with P. aeruginosa VAP, and P. aeruginosa-infected burn patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moamen M. Elmassry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jane A. Colmer-Hamood
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Michael J. San Francisco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Abdul N. Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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31
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Klockgether J, Pust MM, Davenport CF, Bunk B, Spröer C, Overmann J, Tümmler B. Structural genome variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone C and PA14 strains. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1095928. [PMID: 36992927 PMCID: PMC10040652 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1095928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasticity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa chromosomes is mainly driven by an extended accessory genome that is shaped by insertion and deletion events. Further modification of the genome composition can be induced by chromosomal inversion events which lead to relocation of genes in the affected genomic DNA segments, modify the otherwise highly conserved core genome synteny and could even alter the location of the replication terminus. Although the genome of the first sequenced strain, PAO1, displayed such a large genomic inversion, knowledge on such recombination events in the P. aeruginosa population is limited. Several large inversions had been discovered in the late 1990s in cystic fibrosis isolates of the major clonal lineage C by physical genome mapping, and subsequent work on these examples led to the characterization of the DNA at the recombination breakpoints and a presumed recombination mechanism. Since then, the topic was barely addressed in spite of the compilation of thousands of P. aeruginosa genome sequences that are deposited in databases. Due to the use of second-generation sequencing, genome contig assembly had usually followed synteny blueprints provided by the existing reference genome sequences. Inversion detection was not feasible by these approaches, as the respective read lengths did not allow reliable resolution of sequence repeats that are typically found at the borders of inverted segments. In this study, we applied PacBio and MinION long-read sequencing to isolates of the mentioned clone C collection. Confirmation of inversions predicted from the physical mapping data demonstrated that unbiased sequence assembly of such read datasets allows the detection of genomic inversions and the resolution of the recombination breakpoint regions. Additional long-read sequencing of representatives of the other major clonal lineage, PA14, revealed large inversions in several isolates, from cystic fibrosis origin as well as from other sources. These findings indicated that inversion events are not restricted to strains from chronic infection background, but could be widespread in the P. aeruginosa population and contribute to genome plasticity. Moreover, the monitored examples emphasized the role of small mobile DNA units, such as IS elements or transposons, and accessory DNA elements in the inversion-related recombination processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klockgether
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jens Klockgether,
| | - Marie-Madlen Pust
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Colin F. Davenport
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cathrin Spröer
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tümmler
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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32
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Genome Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains from Chronically Infected Patients with High Levels of Persister Formation. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030426. [PMID: 36986348 PMCID: PMC10051920 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The appearance of persister cells with low metabolic rates are key factors leading to antibiotic treatment failure. Such persisters are multidrug tolerant and play a key role in the recalcitrance of biofilm-based chronic infections. Here, we present the genomic analyses of three distinct Pseudomonas aeruginosa Egyptian persister-isolates recovered from chronic human infections. To calculate the persister frequencies, viable counts were determined before and after treatment with levofloxacin. The susceptibilities of isolates to different antibiotics were determined using the agar-dilution method. To determine their recalcitrance, the levofloxacin persisters were further challenged with lethal concentrations of meropenem, tobramycin, or colistin. Furthermore, the biofilm formation of the persister strains was estimated phenotypically, and they were reported to be strong biofilm-forming strains. The genotypic characterization of the persisters was performed using whole genome sequencing (WGS) followed by phylogenetic analysis and resistome profiling. Interestingly, out of the thirty-eight clinical isolates, three isolates (8%) demonstrated a persister phenotype. The three levofloxacin-persister isolates were tested for their susceptibility to selected antibiotics; all of the tested isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Additionally, the P. aeruginosa persisters were capable of surviving over 24 h and were not eradicated after exposure to 100X-MIC of levofloxacin. WGS for the three persisters revealed a smaller genome size compared to PAO1-genome. Resistome profiling indicated the presence of a broad collection of antibiotic-resistance genes, including genes encoding for antibiotic-modifying enzymes and efflux pump. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the persister isolates belong to a distinct clade rather than the deposited P. aeruginosa strains in the GenBank. Conclusively, the persister isolates in our study are MDR and form a highly strong biofilm. WGS revealed a smaller genome that belongs to a distinct clade.
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33
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Marzhoseyni Z, Mousavi MJ, Saffari M, Ghotloo S. Immune escape strategies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to establish chronic infection. Cytokine 2023; 163:156135. [PMID: 36724716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156135] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The infection caused by P. aeruginosa still is dangerous throughout the world. This is partly due to its immune escape mechanisms considerably increasing the bacterial survival in the host. By escape from recognition by TLRs, interference with complement system activation, phagocytosis inhibition, production of ROS, inhibition of NET production, interference with the generation of cytokines, inflammasome inhibition, reduced antigen presentation, interference with cellular and humoral immunity, and induction of apoptotic cell death and MDSc, P. aeruginosa breaks down the barriers of the immune system and causes lethal infections in the host. Recognition of other immune escape mechanisms of P. aeruginosa may provide a basis for the future treatment of the infection. This manuscript may provide new insights and information for the development of new strategies to combat P. aeruginosa infection. In the present manuscript, the escape mechanisms of P. aeruginosa against immune response would be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Marzhoseyni
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mousavi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mahmood Saffari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ghotloo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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34
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Multifaceted Interplay between Hfq and the Small RNA GssA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mBio 2023; 14:e0241822. [PMID: 36475775 PMCID: PMC9973299 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02418-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Behind the pathogenic lifestyle of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exists a complex regulatory network of intertwined switches at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Major players that mediate translation regulation of several genes involved in host-P. aeruginosa interaction are small RNAs (sRNAs) and the Hfq protein. The canonical role of Hfq in sRNA-driven regulation is to act as a matchmaker between sRNAs and target mRNAs. Besides, the sRNA CrcZ is known to sequester Hfq and abrogate its function of translation repression of target mRNAs. In this study, we describe the novel sRNA GssA in the strain PA14 and its multifaceted interplay with Hfq. We show that GssA is multiresponsive to environmental and physiological signals and acts as an apical repressor of key bacterial functions in the human host such as the production of pyocyanin, utilization of glucose, and secretion of exotoxin A. We suggest that the main role of Hfq is not to directly assist GssA in its regulatory role but to repress GssA expression. In the case of pyocyanin production, we suggest that Hfq interplays with GssA also by converging a positive effect on this pathway. Furthermore, our results indicate that both Hfq and GssA play a positive role in anaerobic growth, possibly by regulating the respiratory chain. On the other hand, we show that GssA can modulate not only Hfq expression at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels but also that of CrcZ, thus potentially influencing the pleiotropic role of Hfq. IMPORTANCE The pathogenic lifestyle of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading cause of life-threatening infections in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients, is based on the fine regulation of virulence-associated factors. Regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) and the RNA-binding protein Hfq are recognized key components within the P. aeruginosa regulatory networks involved in host-pathogen interaction. In this study, we characterized in the highly virulent P. aeruginosa strain PA14 the novel sRNA GssA. We found that it can establish a many-sided reciprocal interplay with Hfq which goes beyond the canonical mechanism of direct physical interaction that had previously been characterized for other sRNAs. Given that the Hfq-driven regulatory network of virulence factors is very broad and important for the progression of infection, we consider GssA as a new RNA target that can potentially be used to develop new antibacterial drugs.
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Prichard A, Lee J, Laughlin TG, Lee A, Thomas KP, Sy A, Spencer T, Asavavimol A, Cafferata A, Cameron M, Chiu N, Davydov D, Desai I, Diaz G, Guereca M, Hearst K, Huang L, Jacobs E, Johnson A, Kahn S, Koch R, Martinez A, Norquist M, Pau T, Prasad G, Saam K, Sandhu M, Sarabia AJ, Schumaker S, Sonin A, Uyeno A, Zhao A, Corbett K, Pogliano K, Meyer J, Grose JH, Villa E, Dutton R, Pogliano J. Identifying the core genome of the nucleus-forming bacteriophage family and characterization of Erwinia phage RAY. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.24.529968. [PMID: 36865095 PMCID: PMC9980170 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.529968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
We recently discovered that some bacteriophages establish a nucleus-like replication compartment (phage nucleus), but the core genes that define nucleus-based phage replication and their phylogenetic distribution were unknown. By studying phages that encode the major phage nucleus protein chimallin, including previously sequenced yet uncharacterized phages, we discovered that chimallin-encoding phages share a set of 72 highly conserved genes encoded within seven distinct gene blocks. Of these, 21 core genes are unique to this group, and all but one of these unique genes encode proteins of unknown function. We propose that phages with this core genome comprise a novel viral family we term Chimalliviridae. Fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography studies of Erwinia phage vB_EamM_RAY confirm that many of the key steps of nucleus-based replication encoded in the core genome are conserved among diverse chimalliviruses, and reveal that non-core components can confer intriguing variations on this replication mechanism. For instance, unlike previously studied nucleus-forming phages, RAY doesn't degrade the host genome, and its PhuZ homolog appears to form a five-stranded filament with a lumen. This work expands our understanding of phage nucleus and PhuZ spindle diversity and function, providing a roadmap for identifying key mechanisms underlying nucleus-based phage replication.
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Doing G, Lee AJ, Neff SL, Reiter T, Holt JD, Stanton BA, Greene CS, Hogan DA. Computationally Efficient Assembly of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gene Expression Compendia. mSystems 2023; 8:e0034122. [PMID: 36541761 PMCID: PMC9948711 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00341-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of Pseudomonas aeruginosa RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) gene expression profiles are publicly available via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive (SRA). In this work, the transcriptional profiles from hundreds of studies performed by over 75 research groups were reanalyzed in aggregate to create a powerful tool for hypothesis generation and testing. Raw sequence data were uniformly processed using the Salmon pseudoaligner, and this read mapping method was validated by comparison to a direct alignment method. We developed filtering criteria to exclude samples with aberrant levels of housekeeping gene expression or an unexpected number of genes with no reported values and normalized the filtered compendia using the ratio-of-medians method. The filtering and normalization steps greatly improved gene expression correlations for genes within the same operon or regulon across the 2,333 samples. Since the RNA-seq data were generated using diverse strains, we report the effects of mapping samples to noncognate reference genomes by separately analyzing all samples mapped to cDNA reference genomes for strains PAO1 and PA14, two divergent strains that were used to generate most of the samples. Finally, we developed an algorithm to incorporate new data as they are deposited into the SRA. Our processing and quality control methods provide a scalable framework for taking advantage of the troves of biological information hibernating in the depths of microbial gene expression data and yield useful tools for P. aeruginosa RNA-seq data to be leveraged for diverse research goals. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a causative agent of a wide range of infections, including chronic infections associated with cystic fibrosis. These P. aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat and often have negative outcomes. To aid in the study of this problematic pathogen, we mapped, filtered for quality, and normalized thousands of P. aeruginosa RNA-seq gene expression profiles that were publicly available via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive (SRA). The resulting compendia facilitate analyses across experiments, strains, and conditions. Ultimately, the workflow that we present could be applied to analyses of other microbial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Doing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Alexandra J. Lee
- Genomics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samuel L. Neff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Taylor Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jacob D. Holt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Bruce A. Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Casey S. Greene
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Deborah A. Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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Pseudomonas Bacteremia in Children: Clinical and Microbiologic Features and Risk Factors of Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:479-484. [PMID: 36854120 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas bacteremia is most commonly acquired in hospital. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and antibiotic susceptibility, mortality rate and risk factors of mortality in children with Pseudomonas bacteremia. METHODS A retrospective cohort study that included children 18 years of age or younger admitted to a tertiary hospital with Pseudomonas bacteremia between 2005 and 2020. RESULTS A total of 196 patients with Pseudomonas bacteremia were identified. The proportional rate of Pseudomonas bacteremia was 33.9/100,000 hospital days. Underlying disease was documented in 81.1% of patients, 61% had hemato-oncological disease. Pseudomonas bacteremia was healthcare related in 180 (91.8%) episodes. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas accounted for 16 (8.2%) and difficult-to-treat organism to 3 (1.5%) of all isolates. Thirty-day mortality was reported in 27 (13.8%) patients, all had Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In multivariate regression analysis, the first model showed that younger age [P = 0.038, odds ratio (OR) = 1.095, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.005-1.192] and inappropriate empiric antibiotic treatment (P = 0.004, OR = 3.584, 95% CI: 1.490-8.621) were significantly associated with higher mortality. The second model also showed higher morality in younger age (P = 0.021, OR = 1.114, 95% CI: 1.016-1.221) and MDR isolates (P = 0.001, OR = 9.725, 95% CI: 2.486-38.039). CONCLUSIONS Significant morbidity and mortality due to Pseudomonas bacteremia, but relatively lower mortality than previously published. Although young age, MDR isolates and inappropriate antibiotic treatment have been associated with increased mortality, these factors, especially with low prevalence of MDR isolates, may reflect the baseline mortality rate in vulnerable hosts with continuous contact with healthcare facilities facing such severe infection, and more efforts should be made to emphasize infection control practices to prevent such severe infection.
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Transcriptome Dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during Transition from Overlapping To Non-Overlapping Cell Cycles. mSystems 2023; 8:e0113022. [PMID: 36786632 PMCID: PMC10134858 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01130-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria either duplicate their chromosome once per cell division or a new round of replication is initiated before the cells divide, thus cell cycles overlap. Here, we show that the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa switches from fast growth with overlapping cell cycles to sustained slow growth with only one replication round per cell division when cultivated under standard laboratory conditions. The transition was characterized by fast-paced, sequential changes in transcriptional activity along the ori-ter axis of the chromosome reflecting adaptation to the metabolic needs during both growth phases. Quorum sensing (QS) activity was highest at the onset of the slow growth phase with non-overlapping cell cycles. RNA sequencing of subpopulations of these cultures sorted based on their DNA content, revealed a strong gene dosage effect as well as specific expression patterns for replicating and nonreplicating cells. Expression of flagella and mexE, involved in multidrug efflux was restricted to cells that did not replicate, while those that did showed a high activity of the cell division locus and recombination genes. A possible role of QS in the formation of these subpopulations upon switching to non-overlapping cell cycles could be a subject of further research. IMPORTANCE The coordination of gene expression with the cell cycle has so far been studied only in a few bacteria, the bottleneck being the need for synchronized cultures. Here, we determined replication-associated effects on transcription by comparing Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures that differ in their growth mode and number of replicating chromosomes. We further show that cell cycle-specific gene regulation can be principally identified by RNA sequencing of subpopulations from cultures that replicate only once per cell division and that are sorted according to their DNA content. Our approach opens the possibility to study asynchronously growing bacteria from a wide phylogenetic range and thereby enhance our understanding of the evolution of cell cycle control on the transcriptional level.
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Rapid Identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa International High-Risk Clones Based on High-Resolution Melting Analysis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0357122. [PMID: 36629420 PMCID: PMC9927482 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03571-22] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa population has a nonclonal epidemic structure. It is generally composed of a limited number of widespread clones selected from a background of many rare and unrelated genotypes recombining at high frequency. Due to the increasing prevalence of nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant (MDR/XDR) strains, it is advisable to implement infection control measures. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) are considered the gold standard methods in bacterial typing, despite being limited by cost, staff, and instrumental demands. Here, we present a novel mini-MLST scheme for P. aeruginosa rapid genotyping based on high-resolution melting analysis. Using the proposed mini-MLST scheme, 3,955 existing sequence types (STs) were converted into 701 melting types (MelTs), resulting in a discriminatory power of D = 0.993 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.992 to 0.994). Whole-genome sequencing of 18 clinical isolates was performed to support the newly designed mini-MLST scheme. The clonal analysis of STs belonging to MelTs associated with international high-risk clones (HRCs) performed by goeBURST software revealed that a high proportion of the included STs are highly related to HRCs and have also been witnessed as responsible for serious infections. Therefore, mini-MLST provides a clear warning for the potential spread of P. aeruginosa clones recognized as MDR/XDR strains with possible serious outcomes. IMPORTANCE In this study, we designed a novel mini-MLST typing scheme for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its great discriminatory power, together with ease of performance and short processing time, makes this approach attractive for prospective typing of large isolate sets. Integrating the novel P. aeruginosa molecular typing scheme enables the development and spread of MDR/XDR high-risk clones to be investigated.
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Robinson LA, Collins ACZ, Murphy RA, Davies JC, Allsopp LP. Diversity and prevalence of type VI secretion system effectors in clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1042505. [PMID: 36687572 PMCID: PMC9846239 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1042505] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and a major driver of morbidity and mortality in people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a molecular nanomachine that translocates effectors across the bacterial membrane into target cells or the extracellular environment enabling intermicrobial interaction. P. aeruginosa encodes three T6SS clusters, the H1-, H2- and H3-T6SS, and numerous orphan islands. Genetic diversity of T6SS-associated effectors in P. aeruginosa has been noted in reference strains but has yet to be explored in clinical isolates. Here, we perform a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the pangenome and T6SS effector genes in 52 high-quality clinical P. aeruginosa genomes isolated from CF patients and housed in the Personalised Approach to P. aeruginosa strain repository. We confirm that the clinical CF isolate pangenome is open and principally made up of accessory and unique genes that may provide strain-specific advantages. We observed genetic variability in some effector/immunity encoding genes and show that several well-characterised vgrG and PAAR islands are absent from numerous isolates. Our analysis shows clear evidence of disruption to T6SS genomic loci through transposon, prophage, and mobile genetic element insertions. We identified an orphan vgrG island in P. aeruginosa strain PAK and five clinical isolates using in silico analysis which we denote vgrG7, predicting a gene within this cluster to encode a Tle2 lipase family effector. Close comparison of T6SS loci in clinical isolates compared to reference P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 revealed the presence of genes encoding eight new T6SS effectors with the following putative functions: cytidine deaminase, lipase, metallopeptidase, NADase, and pyocin. Finally, the prevalence of characterised and putative T6SS effectors were assessed in 532 publicly available P. aeruginosa genomes, which suggests the existence of accessory effectors. Our in silico study of the P. aeruginosa T6SS exposes a level of genetic diversity at T6SS genomic loci not seen to date within P. aeruginosa, particularly in CF isolates. As understanding the effector repertoire is key to identifying the targets of T6SSs and its efficacy, this comprehensive analysis provides a path for future experimental characterisation of these mediators of intermicrobial competition and host manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca A. Robinson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alice C. Z. Collins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ronan A. Murphy
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C. Davies
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke P. Allsopp
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Chagas MDS, Medeiros F, dos Santos MT, de Menezes MA, Carvalho-Assef APD, da Silva FAB. An updated gene regulatory network reconstruction of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa CCBH4851. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220111. [PMID: 36259790 PMCID: PMC9565603 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are significant public health issues worldwide. A system biology approach can help understand bacterial behaviour and provide novel ways to identify potential therapeutic targets and develop new drugs. Gene regulatory networks (GRN) are examples of in silico representation of interaction between regulatory genes and their targets. OBJECTIVES In this work, we update the MDR P. aeruginosa CCBH4851 GRN reconstruction and analyse and discuss its structural properties. METHODS We based this study on the gene orthology inference methodology using the reciprocal best hit method. The P. aeruginosa CCBH4851 genome and GRN, published in 2019, and the P. aeruginosa PAO1 GRN, published in 2020, were used for this update reconstruction process. FINDINGS Our result is a GRN with a greater number of regulatory genes, target genes, and interactions compared to the previous networks, and its structural properties are consistent with the complexity of biological networks and the biological features of P. aeruginosa. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Here, we present the largest and most complete version of P. aeruginosa GRN published to this date, to the best of our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia da Silva Chagas
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Programa de Computação Científica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil,+ Corresponding authors: /
| | - Fernando Medeiros
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Doenças Febris Agudas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Rodrigues Blanco I, José Luduverio Pizauro L, Victor dos Anjos Almeida J, Miguel Nóbrega Mendonça C, de Mello Varani A, Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira R. Pan-genomic and comparative analysis of Pediococcus pentosaceus focused on the in silico assessment of pediocin-like bacteriocins. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5595-5606. [PMID: 36284702 PMCID: PMC9568690 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by different species of bacteria, especially the Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Pediococcus pentosaceus is widely applied in the industry and stands out as Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) producer known to inhibit pathogens commonly considered a concern in the food industries. This study aimed to perform in silico comparisons of P. pentosaceus genomes available in the public GenBank database focusing on their pediocin-like bacteriocins repertoire. The pan-genome analysis evidenced a temporal signal in the pattern of gene gain and loss, supporting the hypothesis that the complete genetic repertoire of this group of bacteria is still uncovered. Thirteen bacteriocin genes from Class II and III were predicted in the accessory genome. Four pediocin-like bacteriocins (54% of the detected bacteriocin repertoire) and their accompanying immunity genes are highlighted; penocin A, coagulin A, pediocin PA-1, and plantaricin 423. Additionally, in silico, modeling of the pediocin-like bacteriocins revealed different configurations of the helix motif compared to other physically determined pediocin-like structures. Comparative and phylogenomic analyses support the hypothesis that a dynamic mechanism of bacteriocin acquisition and purging is not dependent on the bacterial isolation source origin. Synteny analysis revealed that while coagulin A, pediocin PA-1, and Plantaricin 423 loci are associated with insertion sequences mainly from the IS30 family and are likely of plasmid origin, penocin A lies in a conserved chromosomal locus. The results presented here provide insights into the unique pediocin-like bacteriocin peptide fold, genomic diversity, and the evolution of the bacteriocin genetic repertoire of P. pentosaceus, shedding new insights into the role of these biomolecules for application in inhibiting bacterial pathogens, and suggesting that prospecting and sequencing new strains is still an alternative to mining for new probiotic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Rodrigues Blanco
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas José Luduverio Pizauro
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV), UNESP, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - João Victor dos Anjos Almeida
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV), UNESP, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Carlos Miguel Nóbrega Mendonça
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandro de Mello Varani
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV), UNESP, Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Holban AM, Gregoire CM, Gestal MC. Conquering the host: Bordetella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa molecular regulators in lung infection. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:983149. [PMID: 36225372 PMCID: PMC9549215 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.983149] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
When bacteria sense cues from the host environment, stress responses are activated. Two component systems, sigma factors, small RNAs, ppGpp stringent response, and chaperones start coordinate the expression of virulence factors or immunomodulators to allow bacteria to respond. Although, some of these are well studied, such as the two-component systems, the contribution of other regulators, such as sigma factors or ppGpp, is increasingly gaining attention. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the gold standard pathogen for studying the molecular mechanisms to sense and respond to environmental cues. Bordetella spp., on the other hand, is a microbial model for studying host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. These two pathogens have the ability to colonize the lungs of patients with chronic diseases, suggesting that they have the potential to share a niche and interact. However, the molecular networks that facilitate adaptation of Bordetella spp. to cues are unclear. Here, we offer a side-by-side comparison of what is known about these diverse molecular mechanisms that bacteria utilize to counteract host immune responses, while highlighting the relatively unexplored interactions between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M. Holban
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Courtney M. Gregoire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Monica C. Gestal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Monica C. Gestal, ;
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Genome Capture Sequencing Selectively Enriches Bacterial DNA and Enables Genome-Wide Measurement of Intrastrain Genetic Diversity in Human Infections. mBio 2022; 13:e0142422. [PMID: 36121157 PMCID: PMC9601202 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01424-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Within-host evolution produces genetic diversity in bacterial strains that cause chronic human infections. However, the lack of facile methods to measure bacterial allelic variation in clinical samples has limited understanding of intrastrain diversity’s effects on disease. Here, we report a new method termed genome capture sequencing (GenCap-Seq) in which users inexpensively make hybridization probes from genomic DNA or PCR amplicons to selectively enrich and sequence targeted bacterial DNA from clinical samples containing abundant human or nontarget bacterial DNA. GenCap-Seq enables accurate measurement of allele frequencies over targeted regions and is scalable from specific genes to entire genomes, including the strain-specific accessory genome. The method is effective with samples in which target DNA is rare and inhibitory and DNA-degrading substances are abundant, including human sputum and feces. In proof-of-principle experiments, we used GenCap-Seq to investigate the responses of diversified Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations chronically infecting the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis to in vivo antibiotic exposure, and we found that treatment consistently reduced intrastrain genomic diversity. In addition, analysis of gene-level allele frequency changes suggested that some genes without conventional resistance functions may be important for bacterial fitness during in vivo antibiotic exposure. GenCap-Seq’s ability to scalably enrich targeted bacterial DNA from complex samples will enable studies on the effects of intrastrain and intraspecies diversity in human infectious disease.
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Rajput A, Tsunemoto H, Sastry AV, Szubin R, Rychel K, Chauhan SM, Pogliano J, Palsson BO. Advanced transcriptomic analysis reveals the role of efflux pumps and media composition in antibiotic responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9675-9688. [PMID: 36095122 PMCID: PMC9508857 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and major cause of hospital-acquired infections. The virulence of P. aeruginosa is largely determined by its transcriptional regulatory network (TRN). We used 411 transcription profiles of P. aeruginosa from diverse growth conditions to construct a quantitative TRN by identifying independently modulated sets of genes (called iModulons) and their condition-specific activity levels. The current study focused on the use of iModulons to analyze the biofilm production and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa. Our analysis revealed: (i) 116 iModulons, 81 of which show strong association with known regulators; (ii) novel roles of regulators in modulating antibiotics efflux pumps; (iii) substrate-efflux pump associations; (iv) differential iModulon activity in response to beta-lactam antibiotics in bacteriological and physiological media; (v) differential activation of 'Cell Division' iModulon resulting from exposure to different beta-lactam antibiotics and (vi) a role of the PprB iModulon in the stress-induced transition from planktonic to biofilm lifestyle. In light of these results, the construction of an iModulon-based TRN provides a transcriptional regulatory basis for key aspects of P. aeruginosa infection, such as antibiotic stress responses and biofilm formation. Taken together, our results offer a novel mechanistic understanding of P. aeruginosa virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Rajput
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Tsunemoto
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anand V Sastry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard Szubin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Rychel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Siddharth M Chauhan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joe Pogliano
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bernhard O Palsson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 220, 2800 Kongens, Lyngby, Denmark
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Ruhluel D, O'Brien S, Fothergill JL, Neill DR. Development of liquid culture media mimicking the conditions of sinuses and lungs in cystic fibrosis and health. F1000Res 2022; 11:1007. [PMID: 36519007 PMCID: PMC9718992 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125074.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory tract is a compartmentalised and heterogenous environment. The nasopharynx and sinuses of the upper airways have distinct properties from the lungs and these differences may shape bacterial adaptation and evolution. Upper airway niches act as early colonisation sites for respiratory bacterial pathogens, including those, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, that can go on to establish chronic infection of the lungs in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite the importance of upper airway environments in facilitating early adaptation to host environments, currently available in vitro models for study of respiratory infection in CF focus exclusively on the lungs. Furthermore, animal models, widely used to bridge the gap between in vitro systems and the clinical scenario, do not allow the upper and lower airways to be studied in isolation. We have developed a suite of culture media reproducing key features of the upper and lower airways, for the study of bacterial adaptation and evolution in different respiratory environments. For both upper and lower airway-mimicking media, we have developed formulations that reflect airway conditions in health and those that reflect the altered environment of the CF respiratory tract. Here, we describe the development and validation of these media and their use for study of genetic and phenotypic adaptations in P. aeruginosa during growth under upper or lower airway conditions in health and in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilem Ruhluel
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences,, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Siobhan O'Brien
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Joanne L Fothergill
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences,, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Daniel R Neill
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences,, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
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Ruhluel D, O'Brien S, Fothergill JL, Neill DR. Development of liquid culture media mimicking the conditions of sinuses and lungs in cystic fibrosis and health. F1000Res 2022; 11:1007. [PMID: 36519007 PMCID: PMC9718992 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125074.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory tract is a compartmentalised and heterogenous environment. The nasopharynx and sinuses of the upper airways have distinct properties from the lungs and these differences may shape bacterial adaptation and evolution. Upper airway niches act as early colonisation sites for respiratory bacterial pathogens, including those, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, that can go on to establish chronic infection of the lungs in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite the importance of upper airway environments in facilitating early adaptation to host environments, currently available in vitro models for study of respiratory infection in CF focus exclusively on the lungs. Furthermore, animal models, widely used to bridge the gap between in vitro systems and the clinical scenario, do not allow the upper and lower airways to be studied in isolation. We have developed a suite of culture media reproducing key features of the upper and lower airways, for the study of bacterial adaptation and evolution in different respiratory environments. For both upper and lower airway-mimicking media, we have developed formulations that reflect airway conditions in health and those that reflect the altered environment of the CF respiratory tract. Here, we describe the development and validation of these media and their use for study of genetic and phenotypic adaptations in P. aeruginosa during growth under upper or lower airway conditions in health and in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilem Ruhluel
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences,, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Siobhan O'Brien
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Joanne L Fothergill
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences,, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Daniel R Neill
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences,, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
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Inhibitory Effects of Compounds from Plumula nelumbinis on Biofilm and Quorum Sensing Against P. aeruginosa. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:236. [PMID: 35767197 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02914-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), which controls the survival and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including the formation of biofilm, is considered to be a new target to overcome pathogens. The aim of this study was to identify new QS inhibitors against P. aeruginosa and provide potential treatments for clinical infections. In this study, 25 compounds were isolated from Plumula nelumbini. Among these compounds, C25 showed the most significant biofilm inhibition activity, reaching 44.63% at 100 μM without inhibiting bacterial growth. Furthermore, C25 showed significant inhibition activity of rhamnolipid, pyocyanin, and elastase. Further mechanistic studies have confirmed that C25 could downregulate key genes in the QS system, including lasI, lasR, lasA, lasB, and pqsR, and Molecular docking studies have shown that C25 can bind to the active sites of the LasR and PqsR receptors. The present study suggests that C25 is a promising QS inhibitor for treating P. aeruginosa infections.
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Landa KJ, Mossman LM, Whitaker RJ, Rapti Z, Clifton SM. Phage-Antibiotic Synergy Inhibited by Temperate and Chronic Virus Competition. Bull Math Biol 2022; 84:54. [PMID: 35316421 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-022-01006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As antibiotic resistance grows more frequent for common bacterial infections, alternative treatment strategies such as phage therapy have become more widely studied in the medical field. While many studies have explored the efficacy of antibiotics, phage therapy, or synergistic combinations of phages and antibiotics, the impact of virus competition on the efficacy of antibiotic treatment has not yet been considered. Here, we model the synergy between antibiotics and two viral types, temperate and chronic, in controlling bacterial infections. We demonstrate that while combinations of antibiotic and temperate viruses exhibit synergy, competition between temperate and chronic viruses inhibits bacterial control with antibiotics. In fact, our model reveals that antibiotic treatment may counterintuitively increase the bacterial load when a large fraction of the bacteria are antibiotic resistant, and both chronic and temperate phages are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie J Landa
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, 55057, USA
| | - Lauren M Mossman
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, 55057, USA
| | - Rachel J Whitaker
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Zoi Rapti
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sara M Clifton
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, 55057, USA.
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Xiao Q, Luo Y, Shi W, Lu Y, Xiong R, Wu X, Huang H, Zhao C, Zeng J, Chen C. The effects of LL-37 on virulence factors related to the quorum sensing system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:284. [PMID: 35434009 PMCID: PMC9011280 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown promise in the treatment of multi-resistant pathogens. It was therefore of interest to analyze the effects of the AMP LL-37 on the regulation of several virulence factors related to the quorum sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) in vitro. Methods The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated by the micro broth dilution method. The expression of QS-related and QS-regulated virulence factor genes was also evaluated. Exotoxin A activity was measured with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) (Coenzyme I) method; Elastase activity was detected with the elastin-Congo red (ECR) method; Pyocyanin detection was performed using the chloroform extraction method. The effects of LL-37 were assessed by measuring the expression changes of the virulence protein-encoding genes of the strains with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The MIC of LL-37 against both P. aeruginosa reference strain (ATCC 15692 PAO1) and PA-ΔlasI/rhII was therefore determined to be 256 µg/mL. LL-37 at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) had no significant effects on P. aeruginosa bacterial growth (P>0.05), but significantly downregulated the expression of all 3 virulence factors. Conclusions Interestingly, this effect appeared to be dose-related. These findings suggest that LL-37 could be a potential candidate for QS inhibition against bacterial infection and may have significant clinical potential in the treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanfen Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinggui Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haihao Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chanjing Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianming Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cha Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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