1
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Ridgway R, Lu H, Blower TR, Evans NJ, Ainsworth S. Genomic and taxonomic evaluation of 38 Treponema prophage sequences. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:549. [PMID: 38824509 PMCID: PMC11144348 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10461-5] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite Spirochetales being a ubiquitous and medically important order of bacteria infecting both humans and animals, there is extremely limited information regarding their bacteriophages. Of the genus Treponema, there is just a single reported characterised prophage. RESULTS We applied a bioinformatic approach on 24 previously published Treponema genomes to identify and characterise putative treponemal prophages. Thirteen of the genomes did not contain any detectable prophage regions. The remaining eleven contained 38 prophage sequences, with between one and eight putative prophages in each bacterial genome. The prophage regions ranged from 12.4 to 75.1 kb, with between 27 and 171 protein coding sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 24 of the prophages formed three distinct sequence clusters, identifying putative myoviral and siphoviral morphology. ViPTree analysis demonstrated that the identified sequences were novel when compared to known double stranded DNA bacteriophage genomes. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we have started to address the knowledge gap on treponeme bacteriophages by characterising 38 prophage sequences in 24 treponeme genomes. Using bioinformatic approaches, we have been able to identify and compare the prophage-like elements with respect to other bacteriophages, their gene content, and their potential to be a functional and inducible bacteriophage, which in turn can help focus our attention on specific prophages to investigate further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ridgway
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Hanshuo Lu
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Tim R Blower
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Nicholas James Evans
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
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2
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Ha EJ, Hong SM, Kim TE, Cho SH, Ko DS, Kim JH, Choi KS, Kwon HJ. Strategic combination of bacteriophages with highly susceptible cells for enhanced intestinal settlement and resistant cell killing. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149823. [PMID: 38569245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149823] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes enormous economic losses and is a primary contributor to the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR)-related problems in the poultry industry. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has been successful in controlling MDR, but phage-resistant variants have rapidly emerged through the horizontal transmission of diverse phage defense systems carried on mobile genetic elements. Consequently, while multiple phage cocktails are recommended for phage therapy, there is a growing need to explore simpler and more cost-effective phage treatment alternatives. In this study, we characterized two novel O78-specific APEC phages, φWAO78-1 and φHAO78-1, in terms of their morphology, genome, physicochemical stability and growth kinetics. Additionally, we assessed the susceptibility of thirty-two O78 APEC strains to these phages. We analyzed the roles of highly susceptible cells in intestinal settlement and fecal shedding (susceptible cell-assisted intestinal settlement and shedding, SAIS) of phages in chickens via coinoculation with phages. Furthermore, we evaluated a new strategy, susceptible cell-assisted resistant cell killing (SARK), by comparing phage susceptibility between resistant cells alone and a mixture of resistant and highly susceptible cells in vitro. As expected, high proportions of O78 APEC strains had already acquired multiple phage defense systems, exhibiting considerable resistance to φWAO78-1 and φHAO78-1. Coinoculation of highly susceptible cells with phages prolonged phage shedding in feces, and the coexistence of susceptible cells markedly increased the phage susceptibility of resistant cells. Therefore, the SAIS and SARK strategies were demonstrated to be promising both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Ha
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, Department of Farm Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 PLUS for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 088026, South Korea; Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Seung-Min Hong
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, Department of Farm Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 PLUS for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 088026, South Korea; Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Tae-Eun Kim
- BioPOA Co. Hwaseong-si 18469, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Cho
- BioPOA Co. Hwaseong-si 18469, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Dae-Sung Ko
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, Department of Farm Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 PLUS for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 088026, South Korea; Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hong Kim
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, Department of Farm Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 PLUS for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 088026, South Korea; Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Kang-Seuk Choi
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, Department of Farm Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 PLUS for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 088026, South Korea; Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul 08826, South Korea.
| | - Hyuk-Joon Kwon
- BioPOA Co. Hwaseong-si 18469, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; Laboratory of Poultry Medicine, Department of Farm Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 PLUS for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 088026, South Korea; Farm Animal Clinical Training and Research Center (FACTRC), GBST, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang 25354, South Korea; GeNiner Inc., Seoul 08826, South Korea.
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3
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Hossain AA, Pigli YZ, Baca CF, Heissel S, Thomas A, Libis VK, Burian J, Chappie JS, Brady SF, Rice PA, Marraffini LA. DNA glycosylases provide antiviral defence in prokaryotes. Nature 2024; 629:410-416. [PMID: 38632404 PMCID: PMC11078745 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07329-9] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria have adapted to phage predation by evolving a vast assortment of defence systems1. Although anti-phage immunity genes can be identified using bioinformatic tools, the discovery of novel systems is restricted to the available prokaryotic sequence data2. Here, to overcome this limitation, we infected Escherichia coli carrying a soil metagenomic DNA library3 with the lytic coliphage T4 to isolate clones carrying protective genes. Following this approach, we identified Brig1, a DNA glycosylase that excises α-glucosyl-hydroxymethylcytosine nucleobases from the bacteriophage T4 genome to generate abasic sites and inhibit viral replication. Brig1 homologues that provide immunity against T-even phages are present in multiple phage defence loci across distinct clades of bacteria. Our study highlights the benefits of screening unsequenced DNA and reveals prokaryotic DNA glycosylases as important players in the bacteria-phage arms race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer A Hossain
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ying Z Pigli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christian F Baca
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexis Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vincent K Libis
- Laboratory of Genetically Encoded Small Molecules, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ján Burian
- Laboratory of Genetically Encoded Small Molecules, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua S Chappie
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sean F Brady
- Laboratory of Genetically Encoded Small Molecules, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Phoebe A Rice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Luciano A Marraffini
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Li J, Cheng R, Wang Z, Yuan W, Xiao J, Zhao X, Du X, Xia S, Wang L, Zhu B, Wang L. Structures and activation mechanism of the Gabija anti-phage system. Nature 2024; 629:467-473. [PMID: 38471529 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Prokaryotes have evolved intricate innate immune systems against phage infection1-7. Gabija is a highly widespread prokaryotic defence system that consists of two components, GajA and GajB8. GajA functions as a DNA endonuclease that is inactive in the presence of ATP9. Here, to explore how the Gabija system is activated for anti-phage defence, we report its cryo-electron microscopy structures in five states, including apo GajA, GajA in complex with DNA, GajA bound by ATP, apo GajA-GajB, and GajA-GajB in complex with ATP and Mg2+. GajA is a rhombus-shaped tetramer with its ATPase domain clustered at the centre and the topoisomerase-primase (Toprim) domain located peripherally. ATP binding at the ATPase domain stabilizes the insertion region within the ATPase domain, keeping the Toprim domain in a closed state. Upon ATP depletion by phages, the Toprim domain opens to bind and cleave the DNA substrate. GajB, which docks on GajA, is activated by the cleaved DNA, ultimately leading to prokaryotic cell death. Our study presents a mechanistic landscape of Gabija activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wuliu Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinran Du
- School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyu Xia
- Divison of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Lianrong Wang
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Longfei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Agapov A, Baker KS, Bedekar P, Bhatia RP, Blower TR, Brockhurst MA, Brown C, Chong CE, Fothergill JL, Graham S, Hall JP, Maestri A, McQuarrie S, Olina A, Pagliara S, Recker M, Richmond A, Shaw SJ, Szczelkun MD, Taylor TB, van Houte S, Went SC, Westra ER, White MF, Wright R. Multi-layered genome defences in bacteria. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 78:102436. [PMID: 38368839 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102436] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved a variety of defence mechanisms to protect against mobile genetic elements, including restriction-modification systems and CRISPR-Cas. In recent years, dozens of previously unknown defence systems (DSs) have been discovered. Notably, diverse DSs often coexist within the same genome, and some co-occur at frequencies significantly higher than would be expected by chance, implying potential synergistic interactions. Recent studies have provided evidence of defence mechanisms that enhance or complement one another. Here, we review the interactions between DSs at the mechanistic, regulatory, ecological and evolutionary levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Agapov
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Kate S Baker
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Paritosh Bedekar
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Rama P Bhatia
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Tim R Blower
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Michael A Brockhurst
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Cooper Brown
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | | | - Joanne L Fothergill
- Dept of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Shirley Graham
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - James Pj Hall
- Dept of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Alice Maestri
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Stuart McQuarrie
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Anna Olina
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | | | - Mario Recker
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Anna Richmond
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Steven J Shaw
- DNA-Protein Interactions Unit, School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS6 7YB, UK
| | - Mark D Szczelkun
- DNA-Protein Interactions Unit, School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS6 7YB, UK
| | - Tiffany B Taylor
- Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - Sam C Went
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Edze R Westra
- ESI, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK.
| | - Malcolm F White
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Rosanna Wright
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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6
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Beck C, Krusche J, Elsherbini AMA, Du X, Peschel A. Phage susceptibility determinants of the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 78:102434. [PMID: 38364502 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common member of the human skin and nose microbiomes and a frequent cause of invasive infections. Transducing phages accomplish the horizontal transfer of resistance and virulence genes by mispackaging of mobile-genetic elements, contributing to severe, therapy-refractory S. epidermidis infections. Lytic phages on the other hand can be interesting candidates for new anti-S. epidermidis phage therapies. Despite the importance of phages, we are only beginning to unravel S. epidermidis phage interactions. Recent studies shed new light on S. epidermidis phage diversity, host range, and receptor specificities. Modulation of cell wall teichoic acids, the major phage receptor structures, along with other phage defense mechanisms, are crucial determinants for S. epidermidis susceptibility to different phage groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Beck
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections (CMFI)", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Infection Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Janes Krusche
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections (CMFI)", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Infection Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed M A Elsherbini
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections (CMFI)", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Infection Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xin Du
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections (CMFI)", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Infection Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Peschel
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections (CMFI)", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Infection Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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7
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Beavogui A, Lacroix A, Wiart N, Poulain J, Delmont TO, Paoli L, Wincker P, Oliveira PH. The defensome of complex bacterial communities. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2146. [PMID: 38459056 PMCID: PMC10924106 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46489-0] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have developed various defense mechanisms to avoid infection and killing in response to the fast evolution and turnover of viruses and other genetic parasites. Such pan-immune system (defensome) encompasses a growing number of defense lines that include well-studied innate and adaptive systems such as restriction-modification, CRISPR-Cas and abortive infection, but also newly found ones whose mechanisms are still poorly understood. While the abundance and distribution of defense systems is well-known in complete and culturable genomes, there is a void in our understanding of their diversity and richness in complex microbial communities. Here we performed a large-scale in-depth analysis of the defensomes of 7759 high-quality bacterial population genomes reconstructed from soil, marine, and human gut environments. We observed a wide variation in the frequency and nature of the defensome among large phyla, which correlated with lifestyle, genome size, habitat, and geographic background. The defensome's genetic mobility, its clustering in defense islands, and genetic variability was found to be system-specific and shaped by the bacterial environment. Hence, our results provide a detailed picture of the multiple immune barriers present in environmentally distinct bacterial communities and set the stage for subsequent identification of novel and ingenious strategies of diversification among uncultivated microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Beavogui
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), CNRS, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Auriane Lacroix
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), CNRS, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Nicolas Wiart
- Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Julie Poulain
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), CNRS, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022 / Tara GOsee, Paris, France
| | - Tom O Delmont
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), CNRS, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022 / Tara GOsee, Paris, France
| | - Lucas Paoli
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1284, Molecular Diversity of Microbes lab, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Wincker
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), CNRS, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057, Evry, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022 / Tara GOsee, Paris, France
| | - Pedro H Oliveira
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), CNRS, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 2 Rue Gaston Crémieux, 91057, Evry, France.
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8
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Mahony J. Biological and bioinformatic tools for the discovery of unknown phage-host combinations. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 77:102426. [PMID: 38246125 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The field of microbial ecology has been transformed by metagenomics in recent decades and has culminated in vast datasets that facilitate the bioinformatic dissection of complex microbial communities. Recently, attention has turned from defining the microbiota composition to the interactions and relationships that occur between members of the microbiota. Within complex microbiota, the identification of bacteriophage-host combinations has been a major challenge. Recent developments in artificial intelligence tools to predict protein structure and function as well as the relationships between bacteria and their infecting bacteriophages allow a strategic approach to identifying and validating phage-host relationships. However, biological validation of these predictions remains essential and will serve to improve the existing predictive tools. In this review, I provide an overview of the most recent developments in both bioinformatic and experimental approaches to predicting and experimentally validating unknown phage-host combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology & APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.
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9
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Burke KA, Urick CD, Mzhavia N, Nikolich MP, Filippov AA. Correlation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phage Resistance with the Numbers and Types of Antiphage Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1424. [PMID: 38338703 PMCID: PMC10855318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031424] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapeutics offer a potentially powerful approach for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. However, to be effective, phage therapy must overcome existing and developing phage resistance. While phage cocktails can reduce this risk by targeting multiple receptors in a single therapeutic, bacteria have mechanisms of resistance beyond receptor modification. A rapidly growing body of knowledge describes a broad and varied arsenal of antiphage systems encoded by bacteria to counter phage infection. We sought to understand the types and frequencies of antiphage systems present in a highly diverse panel of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates utilized to characterize novel antibacterials. Using the web-server tool PADLOC (prokaryotic antiviral defense locator), putative antiphage systems were identified in these P. aeruginosa clinical isolates based on sequence homology to a validated and curated catalog of known defense systems. Coupling this host bacterium sequence analysis with host range data for 70 phages, we observed a correlation between existing phage resistance and the presence of higher numbers of antiphage systems in bacterial genomes. We were also able to identify antiphage systems that were more prevalent in highly phage-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, suggesting their importance in conferring resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrey A. Filippov
- Wound Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (K.A.B.); (C.D.U.); (N.M.); (M.P.N.)
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10
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Antine SP, Johnson AG, Mooney SE, Leavitt A, Mayer ML, Yirmiya E, Amitai G, Sorek R, Kranzusch PJ. Structural basis of Gabija anti-phage defence and viral immune evasion. Nature 2024; 625:360-365. [PMID: 37992757 PMCID: PMC10781630 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria encode hundreds of diverse defence systems that protect them from viral infection and inhibit phage propagation1-5. Gabija is one of the most prevalent anti-phage defence systems, occurring in more than 15% of all sequenced bacterial and archaeal genomes1,6,7, but the molecular basis of how Gabija defends cells from viral infection remains poorly understood. Here we use X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to define how Gabija proteins assemble into a supramolecular complex of around 500 kDa that degrades phage DNA. Gabija protein A (GajA) is a DNA endonuclease that tetramerizes to form the core of the anti-phage defence complex. Two sets of Gabija protein B (GajB) dimers dock at opposite sides of the complex and create a 4:4 GajA-GajB assembly (hereafter, GajAB) that is essential for phage resistance in vivo. We show that a phage-encoded protein, Gabija anti-defence 1 (Gad1), directly binds to the Gabija GajAB complex and inactivates defence. A cryo-EM structure of the virally inhibited state shows that Gad1 forms an octameric web that encases the GajAB complex and inhibits DNA recognition and cleavage. Our results reveal the structural basis of assembly of the Gabija anti-phage defence complex and define a unique mechanism of viral immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadie P Antine
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex G Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Mooney
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Azita Leavitt
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Megan L Mayer
- Harvard Center for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erez Yirmiya
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gil Amitai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rotem Sorek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Philip J Kranzusch
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Parent KN. The phage fought the cells, and the phage won: a satellite symposium at the ASV 2023 annual meeting. J Virol 2023; 97:e0142023. [PMID: 37991366 PMCID: PMC10734453 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01420-23] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This satellite symposium was focused on the molecular arms race between bacteria and their predators, the bacteriophages: who's the friend and who's the foe? This Gem recounts highlights of the talks and presents food for thought and additional reflections on the current state of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N. Parent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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12
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Lücking D, Alarcón-Schumacher T, Erdmann S. Distribution and Implications of Haloarchaeal Plasmids Disseminated in Self-Encoded Plasmid Vesicles. Microorganisms 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 38276173 PMCID: PMC10818511 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010005] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though viruses and plasmids are both drivers of horizontal gene transfer, they differ fundamentally in their mode of transfer. Virus genomes are enclosed in virus capsids and are not dependent on cell-to-cell contacts for their dissemination. In contrast, the transfer of plasmids most often requires physical contact between cells. However, plasmid pR1SE of Halorubrum lacusprofundi is disseminated between cells, independent of cell-cell contacts, in specialized membrane vesicles that contain plasmid proteins. In this study, we searched for pR1SE-like elements in public databases and a metagenomics dataset from Australian salt lakes and identified 40 additional pR1SE-like elements in hypersaline environments worldwide. Herein, these elements are named apHPVs (archaeal plasmids of haloarchaea potentially transferred in plasmid vesicles). They share two sets of closely related proteins with conserved synteny, strongly indicating an organization into different functional clusters. We find that apHPVs, besides transferring themselves, have the potential to transfer large fragments of DNA between host cells, including virus defense systems. Most interestingly, apHPVs likely play an important role in the evolution of viruses and plasmids in haloarchaea, as they appear to recombine with both of them. This further supports the idea that plasmids and viruses are not distinct but closely related mobile genetic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susanne Erdmann
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstrasse 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
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13
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Gladysh NS, Bogdanova AS, Kovalev MA, Krasnov GS, Volodin VV, Shuvalova AI, Ivanov NV, Popchenko MI, Samoilova AD, Polyakova AN, Dmitriev AA, Melnikova NV, Karpov DS, Bolsheva NL, Fedorova MS, Kudryavtseva AV. Culturable Bacterial Endophytes of Wild White Poplar ( Populus alba L.) Roots: A First Insight into Their Plant Growth-Stimulating and Bioaugmentation Potential. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1519. [PMID: 38132345 PMCID: PMC10740426 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The white poplar (Populus alba L.) has good potential for a green economy and phytoremediation. Bioaugmentation using endophytic bacteria can be considered as a safe strategy to increase poplar productivity and its resistance to toxic urban conditions. The aim of our work was to find the most promising strains of bacterial endophytes to enhance the growth of white poplar in unfavorable environmental conditions. To this end, for the first time, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 14 bacterial strains isolated from the tissues of the roots of white poplar in different geographical locations. We then performed a bioinformatics search to identify genes that may be useful for poplar growth and resistance to environmental pollutants and pathogens. Almost all endophytic bacteria obtained from white poplar roots are new strains of known species belonging to the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Kocuria, Micrococcus, Peribacillus, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus. The genomes of the strains contain genes involved in the enhanced metabolism of nitrogen, phosphorus, and metals, the synthesis of valuable secondary metabolites, and the detoxification of heavy metals and organic pollutants. All the strains are able to grow on media without nitrogen sources, which indicates their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is concluded that the strains belonging to the genus Pseudomonas and bacteria of the species Kocuria rosea have the best poplar growth-stimulating and bioaugmentation potential, and the roots of white poplar are a valuable source for isolation of endophytic bacteria for possible application in ecobiotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya S. Gladysh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
| | - Alina S. Bogdanova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology, Russian State Agrarian University—Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, 127434 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim A. Kovalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
| | - George S. Krasnov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V. Volodin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia I. Shuvalova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
| | - Nikita V. Ivanov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology, Russian State Agrarian University—Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, 127434 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail I. Popchenko
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Staromonetny Pereulok, 29/4, 119017 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandra D. Samoilova
- Faculty of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.D.S.); (A.N.P.)
| | - Aleksandra N. Polyakova
- Faculty of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (A.D.S.); (A.N.P.)
| | - Alexey A. Dmitriev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya V. Melnikova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda L. Bolsheva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
| | - Maria S. Fedorova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
| | - Anna V. Kudryavtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.G.); (A.S.B.); (M.A.K.); (G.S.K.); (V.V.V.); (A.I.S.); (N.V.I.); (M.I.P.); (A.A.D.); (N.V.M.); (D.S.K.); (N.L.B.); (M.S.F.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str., 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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14
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Mohammed HT, Mageeney C, Korenberg J, Graham L, Ware VC. Characterization of novel recombinant mycobacteriophages derived from homologous recombination between two temperate phages. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad210. [PMID: 37713616 PMCID: PMC10700106 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad210] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Comparative analyses of mycobacteriophage genomes reveals extensive genetic diversity in genome organization and gene content, contributing to widespread mosaicism. We previously reported that the prophage of mycobacteriophage Butters (cluster N) provides defense against infection by Island3 (subcluster I1). To explore the anti-Island3 defense mechanism, we attempted to isolate Island3 defense escape mutants on a Butters lysogen, but only uncovered phages with recombinant genomes comprised of regions of Butters and Island3 arranged from left arm to right arm as Butters-Island3-Butters (BIBs). Recombination occurs within two distinct homologous regions that encompass lysin A, lysin B, and holin genes in one segment, and RecE and RecT genes in the other. Structural genes of mosaic BIB genomes are contributed by Butters while the immunity cassette is derived from Island3. Consequently, BIBs are morphologically identical to Butters (as shown by transmission electron microscopy) but are homoimmune with Island3. Recombinant phages overcome antiphage defense and silencing of the lytic cycle. We leverage this observation to propose a stratagem to generate novel phages for potential therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidu T Mohammed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
- Memsel, Inc., 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Catherine Mageeney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94551, USA
| | - Jamie Korenberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, 101 Northern Blvd., Glen Head, NY 11545, USA
| | - Lee Graham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Vassie C Ware
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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15
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Medvedeva S, Borrel G, Krupovic M, Gribaldo S. A compendium of viruses from methanogenic archaea reveals their diversity and adaptations to the gut environment. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:2170-2182. [PMID: 37749252 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01485-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea are major producers of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and biofuel, and are widespread in diverse environments, including the animal gut. The ecophysiology of methanogens is likely impacted by viruses, which remain, however, largely uncharacterized. Here we carried out a global investigation of viruses associated with all current diversity of methanogens by assembling an extensive CRISPR database consisting of 156,000 spacers. We report 282 high-quality (pro)viral and 205 virus-like/plasmid sequences assigned to hosts belonging to ten main orders of methanogenic archaea. Viruses of methanogens can be classified into 87 families, underscoring a still largely undiscovered genetic diversity. Viruses infecting gut-associated archaea provide evidence of convergence in adaptation with viruses infecting gut-associated bacteria. These viruses contain a large repertoire of lysin proteins that cleave archaeal pseudomurein and are enriched in glycan-binding domains (Ig-like/Flg_new) and diversity-generating retroelements. The characterization of this vast repertoire of viruses paves the way towards a better understanding of their role in regulating methanogen communities globally, as well as the development of much-needed genetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Medvedeva
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unit Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Borrel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unit Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Paris, France.
| | - Mart Krupovic
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unit Archaeal Virology, Paris, France.
| | - Simonetta Gribaldo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unit Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Paris, France.
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16
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Peng Y, Lu Z, Pan D, Shi LD, Zhao Z, Liu Q, Zhang C, Jia K, Li J, Hubert CRJ, Dong X. Viruses in deep-sea cold seep sediments harbor diverse survival mechanisms and remain genetically conserved within species. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:1774-1784. [PMID: 37573455 PMCID: PMC10504277 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Deep sea cold seep sediments have been discovered to harbor novel, abundant, and diverse bacterial and archaeal viruses. However, little is known about viral genetic features and evolutionary patterns in these environments. Here, we examined the evolutionary ecology of viruses across active and extinct seep stages in the area of Haima cold seeps in the South China Sea. A total of 338 viral operational taxonomic units are identified and linked to 36 bacterial and archaeal phyla. The dynamics of host-virus interactions are informed by diverse antiviral defense systems across 43 families found in 487 microbial genomes. Cold seep viruses are predicted to harbor diverse adaptive strategies to persist in this environment, including counter-defense systems, auxiliary metabolic genes, reverse transcriptases, and alternative genetic code assignments. Extremely low nucleotide diversity is observed in cold seep viral populations, being influenced by factors including microbial host, sediment depth, and cold seep stage. Most cold seep viral genes are under strong purifying selection with trajectories that differ depending on whether cold seeps are active or extinct. This work sheds light on the understanding of environmental adaptation mechanisms and evolutionary patterns of viruses in the sub-seafloor biosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyi Peng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Zijian Lu
- South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Donald Pan
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ling-Dong Shi
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhao Zhao
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Qing Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Chuwen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Kuntong Jia
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Jiwei Li
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Casey R J Hubert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Xiyang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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17
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Akritidou K, Thurtle-Schmidt BH. OLD family nuclease function across diverse anti-phage defense systems. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1268820. [PMID: 37840731 PMCID: PMC10568477 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1268820] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages constitute a ubiquitous threat to bacteria, and bacteria have evolved numerous anti-phage defense systems to protect themselves. These systems include well-studied phenomena such as restriction endonucleases and CRISPR, while emerging studies have identified many new anti-phage defense systems whose mechanisms are unknown or poorly understood. Some of these systems involve overcoming lysogenization defect (OLD) nucleases, a family of proteins comprising an ABC ATPase domain linked to a Toprim nuclease domain. Despite being discovered over 50 years ago, OLD nuclease function remained mysterious until recent biochemical, structural, and bioinformatic studies revealed that OLD nucleases protect bacteria by functioning in diverse anti-phage defense systems including the Gabija system and retrons. In this review we will highlight recent discoveries in OLD protein function and their involvement in multiple discrete anti-phage defense systems.
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18
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Chambers LR, Ye Q, Cai J, Gong M, Ledvina HE, Zhou H, Whiteley AT, Suhandynata RT, Corbett KD. Bacterial antiviral defense pathways encode eukaryotic-like ubiquitination systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.26.559546. [PMID: 37808811 PMCID: PMC10557695 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination and related pathways play crucial roles in protein homeostasis, signaling, and innate immunity1-3. In these pathways, an enzymatic cascade of E1, E2, and E3 proteins conjugates ubiquitin or a ubiquitin-like protein (Ubl) to target-protein lysine residues4. Bacteria encode ancient relatives of E1 and Ubl proteins involved in sulfur metabolism5,6 but these proteins do not mediate Ubl-target conjugation, leaving open the question of whether bacteria can perform ubiquitination-like protein conjugation. Here, we demonstrate that a bacterial antiviral immune system encodes a complete ubiquitination pathway. Two structures of a bacterial E1:E2:Ubl complex reveal striking architectural parallels with canonical eukaryotic ubiquitination machinery. The bacterial E1 encodes an N-terminal inactive adenylation domain (IAD) and a C-terminal active adenylation domain (AAD) with a mobile α-helical insertion containing the catalytic cysteine (CYS domain). One structure reveals a pre-reaction state with the bacterial Ubl C-terminus positioned for adenylation, and the E1 CYS domain poised nearby for thioester formation. A second structure mimics an E1-to-E2 transthioesterification state, with the E1 CYS domain rotated outward and its catalytic cysteine adjacent to the bound E2. We show that a deubiquitinase (DUB) in the same pathway pre-processes the bacterial Ubl, exposing its C-terminal glycine for adenylation. Finally, we show that the bacterial E1 and E2 collaborate to conjugate Ubl to target-protein lysine residues. Together, these data reveal that bacteria possess bona fide ubiquitination systems with strong mechanistic and architectural parallels to canonical eukaryotic ubiquitination pathways, suggesting that these pathways arose first in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia R Chambers
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Qiaozhen Ye
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Jiaxi Cai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Minheng Gong
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Hannah E Ledvina
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO, USA
| | - Huilin Zhou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Aaron T Whiteley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO, USA
| | - Raymond T Suhandynata
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
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19
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Mercier C, Thies D, Zhong L, Raftery MJ, Erdmann S. Characterization of an archaeal virus-host system reveals massive genomic rearrangements in a laboratory strain. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1274068. [PMID: 37789858 PMCID: PMC10544981 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1274068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Halophilic archaea (haloarchaea) are known to exhibit multiple chromosomes, with one main chromosome and one or several smaller secondary chromosomes or megaplasmids. Halorubrum lacusprofundi, a model organism for studying cold adaptation, exhibits one secondary chromosome and one megaplasmid that include a large arsenal of virus defense mechanisms. We isolated a virus (Halorubrum tailed virus DL1, HRTV-DL1) infecting Hrr. lacusprofundi, and present an in-depth characterization of the virus and its interactions with Hrr. lacusprofundi. While studying virus-host interactions between Hrr. lacusprofundi and HRTV-DL1, we uncover that the strain in use (ACAM34_UNSW) lost the entire megaplasmid and about 38% of the secondary chromosome. The loss included the majority of virus defense mechanisms, making the strain sensitive to HRTV-DL1 infection, while the type strain (ACAM34_DSMZ) appears to prevent virus replication. Comparing infection of the type strain ACAM34_DSMZ with infection of the laboratory derived strain ACAM34_UNSW allowed us to identify host responses to virus infection that were only activated in ACAM34_UNSW upon the loss of virus defense mechanisms. We identify one of two S-layer proteins as primary receptor for HRTV-DL1 and conclude that the presence of two different S-layer proteins in one strain provides a strong advantage in the arms race with viruses. Additionally, we identify archaeal homologs to eukaryotic proteins potentially being involved in the defense against virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraline Mercier
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Archaeal Virology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Daniela Thies
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Archaeal Virology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ling Zhong
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark J. Raftery
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Susanne Erdmann
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Archaeal Virology, Bremen, Germany
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Rios Galicia B, Sáenz JS, Yergaliyev T, Camarinha-Silva A, Seifert J. Host specific adaptations of Ligilactobacillus aviarius to poultry. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 5:100199. [PMID: 37727231 PMCID: PMC10505982 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100199] [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: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Ligilactobacillus encompasses species adapted to vertebrate hosts and fermented food. Their genomes encode adaptations to the host lifestyle. Reports of gut microbiota from chicken and turkey gastrointestinal tract have shown a high persistence of Ligilactobacillus aviarius along the digestive system compared to other species found in the same host. However, its adaptations to poultry as a host has not yet been described. In this work, the pan-genome of Ligilactobacillus aviarius was explored to describe the functional adaptability to the gastrointestinal environment. The core genome is composed of 1179 gene clusters that are present at least in one copy that codifies to structural, ribosomal and biogenesis proteins. The rest of the identified regions were classified into three different functional clusters of orthologous groups (clusters) that codify carbohydrate metabolism, envelope biogenesis, viral defence mechanisms, and mobilome inclusions. The pan-genome of Ligilactobacillus aviarius is a closed pan-genome, frequently found in poultry and highly prevalent across chicken faecal samples. The genome of L. aviarius codifies different clusters of glycoside hydrolases and glycosyltransferases that mediate interactions with the host cells. Accessory features, such as antiviral mechanisms and prophage inclusions, variate amongst strains from different GIT sections. This information provides hints about the interaction of this species with viral particles and other bacterial species. This work highlights functional adaptability traits present in L. aviarius that make it a dominant key member of the poultry gut microbiota and enlightens the convergent ecological relation of this species to the poultry gut environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Rios Galicia
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 6-10, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Leonore-Blosser-Reisen Weg 3, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Johan Sebastian Sáenz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 6-10, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Leonore-Blosser-Reisen Weg 3, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Timur Yergaliyev
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 6-10, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Leonore-Blosser-Reisen Weg 3, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Amélia Camarinha-Silva
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 6-10, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Leonore-Blosser-Reisen Weg 3, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Jana Seifert
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 6-10, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Leonore-Blosser-Reisen Weg 3, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
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21
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Mikkelsen K, Bowring JZ, Ng YK, Svanberg Frisinger F, Maglegaard JK, Li Q, Sieber RN, Petersen A, Andersen PS, Rostøl JT, Høyland-Kroghsbo NM, Ingmer H. An Endogenous Staphylococcus aureus CRISPR-Cas System Limits Phage Proliferation and Is Efficiently Excised from the Genome as Part of the SCC mec Cassette. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0127723. [PMID: 37404143 PMCID: PMC10434264 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01277-23] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas is an adaptive immune system that allows bacteria to inactivate mobile genetic elements. Approximately 50% of bacteria harbor CRISPR-Cas; however, in the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, CRISPR-Cas loci are less common and often studied in heterologous systems. We analyzed the prevalence of CRISPR-Cas in genomes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated in Denmark. Only 2.9% of the strains carried CRISPR-Cas systems, but for strains of sequence type ST630, over half were positive. All CRISPR-Cas loci were type III-A and located within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type V(5C2&5), conferring β-lactam resistance. Curiously, only 23 different CRISPR spacers were identified in 69 CRISPR-Cas positive strains, and almost identical SCCmec cassettes, CRISPR arrays, and cas genes are present in staphylococcal species other than S. aureus, suggesting that these were transferred horizontally. For the ST630 strain 110900, we demonstrate that the SCCmec cassette containing CRISPR-Cas is excised from the chromosome at high frequency. However, the cassette was not transferable under the conditions investigated. One of the CRISPR spacers targets a late gene in the lytic bacteriophage phiIPLA-RODI, and we show that the system protects against phage infection by reducing phage burst size. However, CRISPR-Cas can be overloaded or circumvented by CRISPR escape mutants. Our results imply that the endogenous type III-A CRISPR-Cas system in S. aureus is active against targeted phages, albeit with low efficacy. This suggests that native S. aureus CRISPR-Cas offers only partial immunity and in nature may work in tandem with other defense systems. IMPORTANCE CRISPR-Cas is an adaptive immune system protecting bacteria and archaea against mobile genetic elements such as phages. In strains of Staphylococcus aureus, CRISPR-Cas is rare, but when present, it is located within the SCCmec element, which encodes resistance to methicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics. We show that the element is excisable, suggesting that the CRISPR-Cas locus is transferable. In support of this, we found almost identical CRISPR-Cas-carrying SCCmec elements in different species of non-S. aureus staphylococci, indicating that the system is mobile but only rarely acquires new spacers in S. aureus. Additionally, we show that in its endogenous form, the S. aureus CRISPR-Cas is active but inefficient against lytic phages that can overload the system or form escape mutants. Thus, we propose that CRISPR-Cas in S. aureus offers only partial immunity in native systems and so may work with other defense systems to prevent phage-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Mikkelsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janine Zara Bowring
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yong Kai Ng
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Qiuchun Li
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Raphael N. Sieber
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Petersen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paal Skytt Andersen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob T. Rostøl
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Molin Høyland-Kroghsbo
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Hanne Ingmer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Gu Y, Li H, Deep A, Enustun E, Zhang D, Corbett KD. Bacterial Shedu immune nucleases share a common enzymatic core regulated by diverse sensor domains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.10.552793. [PMID: 37609250 PMCID: PMC10441436 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.10.552793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Prokaryotes encode diverse anti-bacteriophage immune systems, including the single-protein Shedu nuclease. Here we reveal the structural basis for activation of Bacillus cereus Shedu. In the inactive homotetramer, a key catalytic residue in Shedu's nuclease domain is sequestered away from the catalytic site. Activation involves a conformational change that completes the active site and promotes assembly of a homo-octamer for coordinated double-strand DNA cleavage. Removal of Shedu's N-terminal domain ectopically activates the enzyme, suggesting that this domain allosterically inhibits Shedu in the absence of infection. Bioinformatic analysis of nearly 8,000 Shedu homologs reveals remarkable diversity in their N-terminal regulatory domains: we identify 79 domain families falling into eight functional classes, including diverse nucleic acid binding, enzymatic, and other domains. Together, these data reveal Shedu as a broad family of immune nucleases with a common nuclease core regulated by diverse N-terminal domains that likely respond to a range of infection-related signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Gu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103
| | - Amar Deep
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093
| | - Eray Enustun
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103
| | - Kevin D. Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093
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23
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Cheng R, Huang F, Lu X, Yan Y, Yu B, Wang X, Zhu B. Prokaryotic Gabija complex senses and executes nucleotide depletion and DNA cleavage for antiviral defense. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1331-1344.e5. [PMID: 37480847 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The Gabija complex is a prokaryotic antiviral system consisting of the GajA and GajB proteins. GajA was identified as a DNA nicking endonuclease but the functions of GajB and the complex remain unknown. Here, we show that synergy between GajA-mediated DNA cleavage and nucleotide hydrolysis by GajB initiates efficient abortive infection defense against virulent bacteriophages. The antiviral activity of GajA requires GajB, which senses DNA termini produced by GajA to hydrolyze (d)A/(d)GTP, depleting essential nucleotides. This ATPase activity of Gabija complex is only activated upon DNA binding. GajA binds to GajB to form stable complexes in vivo and in vitro. However, a functional Gabija complex requires a molecular ratio between GajB and GajA below 1:1, indicating stoichiometric regulation of the DNA/nucleotide processing complex. Thus, the Gabija system exhibits distinct and efficient antiviral defense through sequential sensing and activation of nucleotide depletion and DNA cleavage, causing a cascade suicide effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
| | - Fengtao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen 518063, China
| | - Xueling Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Bingbing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Xionglue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen 518063, China.
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24
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Mayo-Muñoz D, Pinilla-Redondo R, Birkholz N, Fineran PC. A host of armor: Prokaryotic immune strategies against mobile genetic elements. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112672. [PMID: 37347666 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotic adaptation is strongly influenced by the horizontal acquisition of beneficial traits via mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as viruses/bacteriophages and plasmids. However, MGEs can also impose a fitness cost due to their often parasitic nature and differing evolutionary trajectories. In response, prokaryotes have evolved diverse immune mechanisms against MGEs. Recently, our understanding of the abundance and diversity of prokaryotic immune systems has greatly expanded. These defense systems can degrade the invading genetic material, inhibit genome replication, or trigger abortive infection, leading to population protection. In this review, we highlight these strategies, focusing on the most recent discoveries. The study of prokaryotic defenses not only sheds light on microbial evolution but also uncovers novel enzymatic activities with promising biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mayo-Muñoz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Rafael Pinilla-Redondo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nils Birkholz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Peter C Fineran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
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25
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Jia HJ, Jia PP, Yin S, Bu LK, Yang G, Pei DS. Engineering bacteriophages for enhanced host range and efficacy: insights from bacteriophage-bacteria interactions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1172635. [PMID: 37323893 PMCID: PMC10264812 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1172635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, the most abundant organisms on earth, have the potential to address the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria resulting from the overuse of antibiotics. However, their high specificity and limited host range can hinder their effectiveness. Phage engineering, through the use of gene editing techniques, offers a means to enhance the host range of bacteria, improve phage efficacy, and facilitate efficient cell-free production of phage drugs. To engineer phages effectively, it is necessary to understand the interaction between phages and host bacteria. Understanding the interaction between the receptor recognition protein of bacteriophages and host receptors can serve as a valuable guide for modifying or replacing these proteins, thereby altering the receptor range of the bacteriophage. Research and development focused on the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system against bacteriophage nucleic acids can provide the necessary tools to promote recombination and counter-selection in engineered bacteriophage programs. Additionally, studying the transcription and assembly functions of bacteriophages in host bacteria can facilitate the engineered assembly of bacteriophage genomes in non-host environments. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of phage engineering methods, including in-host and out-of-host engineering, and the use of high-throughput methods to understand their role. The main aim of these techniques is to harness the intricate interactions between bacteriophages and hosts to inform and guide the engineering of bacteriophages, particularly in the context of studying and manipulating the host range of bacteriophages. By employing advanced high-throughput methods to identify specific bacteriophage receptor recognition genes, and subsequently introducing modifications or performing gene swapping through in-host recombination or out-of-host synthesis, it becomes possible to strategically alter the host range of bacteriophages. This capability holds immense significance for leveraging bacteriophages as a promising therapeutic approach against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Jie Jia
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan-Pan Jia
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Supei Yin
- Urinary Nephropathy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Kang Bu
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guan Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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26
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Štrancar V, Marušić M, Tušar J, Praček N, Kolenc M, Šuster K, Horvat S, Janež N, Peterka M. Isolation and in vitro characterization of novel S. epidermidis phages for therapeutic applications. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1169135. [PMID: 37293203 PMCID: PMC10244729 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1169135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
S. epidermidis is an important opportunistic pathogen causing chronic prosthetic joint infections associated with biofilm growth. Increased tolerance to antibiotic therapy often requires prolonged treatment or revision surgery. Phage therapy is currently used as compassionate use therapy and continues to be evaluated for its viability as adjunctive therapy to antibiotic treatment or as an alternative treatment for infections caused by S. epidermidis to prevent relapses. In the present study, we report the isolation and in vitro characterization of three novel lytic S. epidermidis phages. Their genome content analysis indicated the absence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Detailed investigation of the phage preparation indicated the absence of any prophage-related contamination and demonstrated the importance of selecting appropriate hosts for phage development from the outset. The isolated phages infect a high proportion of clinically relevant S. epidermidis strains and several other coagulase-negative species growing both in planktonic culture and as a biofilm. Clinical strains differing in their biofilm phenotype and antibiotic resistance profile were selected to further identify possible mechanisms behind increased tolerance to isolated phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Štrancar
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Monika Marušić
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Jasmina Tušar
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Neža Praček
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Marko Kolenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Šuster
- Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Ankaran, Slovenia
| | - Simon Horvat
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Nika Janež
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Peterka
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
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27
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A Glimpse at the Anti-Phage Defenses Landscape in the Foodborne Pathogen Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020333. [PMID: 36851545 PMCID: PMC9958689 DOI: 10.3390/v15020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, which specifically infect and kill bacteria, are currently used as additives to control pathogens such as Salmonella in human food (PhageGuard S®) or animal feed (SalmoFREE®, Bafasal®). Indeed, salmonellosis is among the most important zoonotic foodborne illnesses. The presence of anti-phage defenses protecting bacteria against phage infection could impair phage applications aiming at reducing the burden of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) to the food industry. In this study, the landscape of S. Typhimurium anti-phage defenses was bioinformatically investigated in publicly available genomes using the webserver PADLOC. The primary anti-phage systems identified in S. Typhimurium use nucleic acid degradation and abortive infection mechanisms. Reference systems were identified on an integrative and conjugative element, a transposon, a putative integrative and mobilizable element, and prophages. Additionally, the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) containing a subset of anti-phage systems were found in the Salmonella enterica species. Lastly, the MGEs alone were also identified in the Enterobacteriaceae family. The presented diversity assessment of the anti-phage defenses and investigation of their dissemination through MGEs in S. Typhimurium constitute a first step towards the design of preventive measures against the spread of phage resistance that may hinder phage applications.
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28
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Hybrid Genomic Analysis of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis SE3 Isolated from Polluted Soil in Brazil. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010111. [PMID: 36677403 PMCID: PMC9861973 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010111] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is a significant health threat. Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis SE3 was isolated from soil at the Subaé River in Santo Amaro, Brazil, a region contaminated with heavy metals and organic waste. Illumina HiSeq and Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing were used for de novo hybrid assembly of the Salmonella SE3 genome. This approach yielded 10 contigs with 99.98% identity with S. enterica serovar Enteritidis OLF-SE2-98984-6. Twelve Salmonella pathogenic islands, multiple virulence genes, multiple antimicrobial gene resistance genes, seven phage defense systems, seven prophages and a heavy metal resistance gene were encoded in the genome. Pangenome analysis of the S. enterica clade, including Salmonella SE3, revealed an open pangenome, with a core genome of 2137 genes. Our study showed the effectiveness of a hybrid sequence assembly approach for environmental Salmonella genome analysis using HiSeq and MinION data. This approach enabled the identification of key resistance and virulence genes, and these data are important to inform the control of Salmonella and heavy metal pollution in the Santo Amaro region of Brazil.
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29
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Type III CRISPR-Cas provides resistance against nucleus-forming jumbo phages via abortive infection. Mol Cell 2022; 82:4471-4486.e9. [PMID: 36395770 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria have diverse defenses against phages. In response, jumbo phages evade multiple DNA-targeting defenses by protecting their DNA inside a nucleus-like structure. We previously demonstrated that RNA-targeting type III CRISPR-Cas systems provide jumbo phage immunity by recognizing viral mRNA exported from the nucleus for translation. Here, we demonstrate that recognition of phage mRNA by the type III system activates a cyclic triadenylate-dependent accessory nuclease, NucC. Although unable to access phage DNA in the nucleus, NucC degrades the bacterial chromosome, triggers cell death, and disrupts phage replication and maturation. Hence, type-III-mediated jumbo phage immunity occurs via abortive infection, with suppression of the viral epidemic protecting the population. We further show that type III systems targeting jumbo phages have diverse accessory nucleases, including RNases that provide immunity. Our study demonstrates how type III CRISPR-Cas systems overcome the inaccessibility of jumbo phage DNA to provide robust immunity.
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Osei EK, Mahony J, Kenny JG. From Farm to Fork: Streptococcus suis as a Model for the Development of Novel Phage-Based Biocontrol Agents. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091996. [PMID: 36146802 PMCID: PMC9501460 DOI: 10.3390/v14091996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections of livestock threaten the sustainability of agriculture and public health through production losses and contamination of food products. While prophylactic and therapeutic application of antibiotics has been successful in managing such infections, the evolution and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains along the food chain and in the environment necessitates the development of alternative or adjunct preventive and/or therapeutic strategies. Additionally, the growing consumer preference for “greener” antibiotic-free food products has reinforced the need for novel and safer approaches to controlling bacterial infections. The use of bacteriophages (phages), which can target and kill bacteria, are increasingly considered as a suitable measure to reduce bacterial infections and contamination in the food industry. This review primarily elaborates on the recent veterinary applications of phages and discusses their merits and limitations. Furthermore, using Streptococcus suis as a model, we describe the prevalence of prophages and the anti-viral defence arsenal in the genome of the pathogen as a means to define the genetic building blocks that are available for the (synthetic) development of phage-based treatments. The data and approach described herein may provide a framework for the development of therapeutics against an array of bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kuffour Osei
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- Food Bioscience, Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (J.G.K.); Tel.: +353-21-490-2730 (J.M.); +353-25-42283 (J.G.K.)
| | - John G. Kenny
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- Food Bioscience, Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
- VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (J.G.K.); Tel.: +353-21-490-2730 (J.M.); +353-25-42283 (J.G.K.)
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