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Hospach T, Kallinich T, Martin L, V Kalle T, Reichert F, Girschick HJ, Hedrich CM. [Arthritis and osteomyelitis in childhood and adolescence-Bacterial and nonbacterial]. Z Rheumatol 2024:10.1007/s00393-024-01504-z. [PMID: 38653784 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-024-01504-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial arthritis and osteomyelitis are usually acute diseases, which in this way differ from the often insidious course of nonbacterial osteomyelitis; however, there is often an overlap both in less acute courses of bacterial illnesses and also in nonbacterial osteitis. The overlapping clinical phenomena can be explained by similar pathophysiological processes. In bacteria-related illnesses the identification of the pathogen and empirical or targeted anti-infectious treatment are prioritized, whereas no triggering agent is known for nonbacterial diseases. The diagnostics are based on the exclusion of differential diagnoses, clinical scores and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An activity-adapted anti-inflammatory treatment is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hospach
- Zentrum für Pädiatrische Rheumatologie, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart (ZEPRAS), Kriegsbergstr 62, 70176, Stuttgart, Deutschland.
| | - T Kallinich
- Klinik für Pädiatrie m.S. Pneumologie, Immunologie und Intensivmedizin, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - L Martin
- Klinik für Pädiatrie m.S. Pneumologie, Immunologie und Intensivmedizin, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - T V Kalle
- Radiologisches Institut, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Deutschland
| | - F Reichert
- Pädiatrische Infektiologie, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Deutschland
| | - H J Girschick
- Vivantes Klinikum Friedrichshain, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - C M Hedrich
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Großbritannien
- Department of Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Großbritannien
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2
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Wu S, Zheng H, Wang Y, Wang L, Chen W. Cyanobacterial bioreporter of nitrate bioavailability in aquatic ecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 247:120749. [PMID: 37918203 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The water eutrophication, resulting from the discharge of industrial and agricultural wastewater, leads to ecological degradation. However, to date, how to assess and manage the risks of water pollution, especially nitrogen pollution, remains a particularly noteworthy issue. Nitrate, the most important nitrogen compound, has become a bottleneck restricting total nitrogen management. The development of bioreporters monitoring nitrate pollution contributes to the estimation of water quality, especially the availability of nutrients. In this study, we obtained 9 bioreporters from 40 cyanobacterial derivatives which were constructed based on different hosts, copy numbers, and sensing elements and evaluated the performance of bioreporters. The results showed that single-celled Synechocystis was more sensitive to nitrate than filamentous Anabaena, that the reporter gene luxABCDE responded faster than sfgfp in most bioreporters, and that relatively medium-copy plasmid improved the performance of sensing elements. Nine bioreporters performed well in bioavailable nitrate detection, of which AD-AS-X and AR-NI-X, activated by nitrate repletion, had the shortest response time (2 h) and the widest response range (20-800 μM), respectively. Moreover, SR-GLN-SG, activated by nitrate deficiency, exhibited the best linear response (R2 = 0.998). After parameter optimization, exponential growth phase bioreporters, culture temperature of 30 °C, sample volume of 200 μL were determined as optimal monitoring conditions. We found that common water contaminants (copper, cadmium, and phosphorus) had no impact on the performance of bioreporters, indicating the stability of bioreporters. Six out of 9 bioreporters, especially the SR-NB-X, were highly effective in detecting the bioavailable nitrate in wastewater sample. This study provides valuable references for developing more cyanobacterial bioreporters and their practical application in nitrate detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyu Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Hongyan Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Li Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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3
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Williams P, Hill P, Bonev B, Chan WC. Quorum-sensing, intra- and inter-species competition in the staphylococci. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001381. [PMID: 37578829 PMCID: PMC10482373 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), the accessory gene regulator (agr) is a highly conserved but polymorphic quorum-sensing system involved in colonization, virulence and biofilm development. Signalling via agr depends on the interaction of an autoinducing peptide (AIP) with AgrC, a transmembrane sensor kinase that, once phosphorylated activates the response regulator AgrA. This in turn autoinduces AIP biosynthesis and drives target gene expression directly via AgrA or via the post-transcriptional regulator, RNAIII. In this review we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying the agr-mediated generation of, and response to, AIPs and the molecular basis of AIP-dependent activation and inhibition of AgrC. How the environment impacts on agr functionality is considered and the consequences of agr dysfunction for infection explored. We also discuss the concept of AIP-driven competitive interference between S. aureus and the CoNS and its anti-infective potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Williams
- Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Phil Hill
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Boyan Bonev
- Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Weng C. Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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4
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Douglas EJA, Palk N, Brignoli T, Altwiley D, Boura M, Laabei M, Recker M, Cheung GYC, Liu R, Hsieh RC, Otto M, O'Brien E, McLoughlin RM, Massey RC. Extensive remodelling of the cell wall during the development of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia. eLife 2023; 12:RP87026. [PMID: 37401629 PMCID: PMC10328498 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87026] [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: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The bloodstream represents a hostile environment that bacteria must overcome to cause bacteraemia. To understand how the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus manages this we have utilised a functional genomics approach to identify a number of new loci that affect the ability of the bacteria to survive exposure to serum, the critical first step in the development of bacteraemia. The expression of one of these genes, tcaA, was found to be induced upon exposure to serum, and we show that it is involved in the elaboration of a critical virulence factor, the wall teichoic acids (WTA), within the cell envelope. The activity of the TcaA protein alters the sensitivity of the bacteria to cell wall attacking agents, including antimicrobial peptides, human defence fatty acids, and several antibiotics. This protein also affects the autolytic activity and lysostaphin sensitivity of the bacteria, suggesting that in addition to changing WTA abundance in the cell envelope, it also plays a role in peptidoglycan crosslinking. With TcaA rendering the bacteria more susceptible to serum killing, while simultaneously increasing the abundance of WTA in the cell envelope, it was unclear what effect this protein may have during infection. To explore this, we examined human data and performed murine experimental infections. Collectively, our data suggests that whilst mutations in tcaA are selected for during bacteraemia, this protein positively contributes to the virulence of S. aureus through its involvement in altering the cell wall architecture of the bacteria, a process that appears to play a key role in the development of bacteraemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward JA Douglas
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, University of BathBathUnited Kingdom
| | - Nathanael Palk
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Tarcisio Brignoli
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Dina Altwiley
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Marcia Boura
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Maisem Laabei
- Department of Life Sciences, University of BathBathUnited Kingdom
| | - Mario Recker
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of TübingenTübingenGermany
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn CampusExeterUnited Kingdom
| | - Gordon YC Cheung
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaUnited States
| | - Ryan Liu
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaUnited States
| | - Roger C Hsieh
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaUnited States
| | - Michael Otto
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), US National Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaUnited States
| | - Eoin O'Brien
- Host Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Rachel M McLoughlin
- Host Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Ruth C Massey
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
- Schools of Microbiology and Medicine, University College Cork, and APC Microbiome IrelandCorkIreland
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5
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Douglas EJA, Palk N, Brignoli T, Altwiley D, Boura M, Laabei M, Recker M, Cheung GYC, Liu R, Hsieh RC, Otto M, Oâ Brien E, McLoughlin RM, Massey RC. Extensive re-modelling of the cell wall during the development of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529713. [PMID: 36865143 PMCID: PMC9980097 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The bloodstream represents a hostile environment that bacteria must overcome to cause bacteraemia. To understand how the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus manages this we have utilised a functional genomics approach to identify a number of new loci that affect the ability of the bacteria to survive exposure to serum, the critical first step in the development of bacteraemia. The expression of one of these genes, tcaA , was found to be induced upon exposure to serum, and we show that it is involved in the elaboration of a critical virulence factor, the wall teichoic acids (WTA), within the cell envelope. The activity of this protein alters the sensitivity of the bacteria to cell wall attacking agents, including antimicrobial peptides, human defence fatty acids, and several antibiotics. This protein also affects the autolytic activity and lysostaphin sensitivity of the bacteria, suggesting that in addition to changing WTA abundance in the cell envelope, it also plays a role in peptidoglycan crosslinking. With TcaA rendering the bacteria more susceptible to serum killing, while simultaneously increasing the abundance of WTA in the cell envelope, it was unclear what effect this protein may have during infection. To explore this, we examined human data and performed murine experimental infections. Collectively, our data suggests that whilst mutations in tcaA are selected for during bacteraemia, this protein positively contributes to the virulence of S. aureus through its involvement in altering the cell wall architecture of the bacteria, a process that appears to play a key role in the development of bacteraemia.
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6
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Pharmacokinetics of Tildipirosin in Plasma, Milk, and Somatic Cells Following Intravenous, Intramuscular, and Subcutaneous Administration in Dairy Goats. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040860. [PMID: 35456694 PMCID: PMC9031826 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Tildipirosin is a macrolide currently authorized for treating respiratory diseases in cattle and swine. The disposition kinetics of tildipirosin in plasma, milk, and somatic cells were investigated in dairy goats. Tildipirosin was administered at a single dose of 2 mg/kg by intravenous (IV) and 4 mg/kg by intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) routes. Concentrations of tildipirosin were determined by an HPLC method with UV detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental analysis. Muscle damage, cardiotoxicity, and inflammation were evaluated. After IV administration, the apparent volume of distribution in the steady state was 7.2 L/kg and clearance 0.64 L/h/kg. Plasma and milk half-lives were 6.2 and 58.3 h, respectively, indicating nine times longer persistence of tildipirosin in milk than in plasma. Moreover, if somatic cells are considered, persistence and exposure measured by the area under concentration–time curve (AUC) significantly exceeded those obtained in plasma. Similarly, longer half-lives in whole milk and somatic cells compared to plasma were observed after IM and SC administration. No adverse effects were observed. In brief, tildipirosin should be reserved for cases where other suitable antibiotics have been unsuccessful, discarding milk production of treated animals for at least 45 days or treating goats at the dry-off period.
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7
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Further Insight into the Mechanism of Human PMN Lysis following Phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0088821. [PMID: 34704790 PMCID: PMC8549732 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00888-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that can cause a variety of diseases ranging from mild superficial skin infections to life-threatening conditions like necrotizing pneumonia, endocarditis, and septicemia. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs; neutrophils in particular herein) are essential for host defense against S. aureus infections, and the microbe is phagocytosed readily. Most ingested bacteria are killed, but some S. aureus strains—such as the epidemic USA300 strain—have an enhanced ability to cause PMN lysis after phagocytosis. Although progress has been made, the mechanism for lysis after phagocytosis of S. aureus remains incompletely determined. Here, we tested the hypothesis that disruption of phagosome integrity and escape of S. aureus from the PMN phagosome into the cytoplasm precedes PMN lysis. We used USA300 wild-type and isogenic deletion strains to evaluate and/or verify the role of selected S. aureus molecules in this cytolytic process. Compared to the wild-type USA300 strain, Δagr, Δhla, ΔlukGH, and Δpsm strains each caused significantly less lysis of human PMNs 3 h and/or 6 h after phagocytosis, consistent with previous studies. Most notably, confocal microscopy coupled with selective permeabilization assays demonstrated that phagosome membrane integrity is largely maintained prior to PMN lysis after S. aureus phagocytosis. We conclude that PMN lysis does not require escape of S. aureus from the phagosome to the cytoplasm and that these are independent phenomena. The findings are consistent with the ability of S. aureus (via selected molecules) to trigger lysis of human PMNs by an undetermined signaling mechanism. IMPORTANCES. aureus strain USA300 has the ability to cause rapid lysis of human neutrophils after phagocytosis. Although this phenomenon likely contributes to the success of USA300 as a human pathogen, our knowledge of the mechanism remains incomplete. Here, we used a selective permeabilization assay coupled with confocal microscopy to demonstrate that USA300 is contained within human neutrophil phagosomes until the point of host cell lysis. Thus, consistent with a process in macrophages, S. aureus fails to escape into the neutrophil cytoplasm prior to cytolysis.
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8
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Vozza EG, Mulcahy ME, McLoughlin RM. Making the Most of the Host; Targeting the Autophagy Pathway Facilitates Staphylococcus aureus Intracellular Survival in Neutrophils. Front Immunol 2021; 12:667387. [PMID: 34220813 PMCID: PMC8242348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.667387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of Staphylococcus aureus as a human commensal and an opportunistic pathogen relies on its ability to adapt to several niches within the host. The innate immune response plays a key role in protecting the host against S. aureus infection; however, S. aureus adeptness at evading the innate immune system is indisputably evident. The “Trojan horse” theory has been postulated to describe a mechanism by which S. aureus takes advantage of phagocytes as a survival niche within the host to facilitate dissemination of S. aureus to secondary sites during systemic infection. Several studies have determined that S. aureus can parasitize both professional and non-professional phagocytes by manipulating the host autophagy pathway in order to create an intracellular survival niche. Neutrophils represent a critical cell type in S. aureus infection as demonstrated by the increased risk of infection among patients with congenital neutrophil disorders. However, S. aureus has been repeatedly shown to survive intracellularly within neutrophils with evidence now supporting a pathogenic role of host autophagy. By manipulating this pathway, S. aureus can also alter the apoptotic fate of the neutrophil and potentially skew other important signalling pathways for its own gain. Understanding these critical host-pathogen interactions could lead to the development of new host directed therapeutics for the treatment of S. aureus infection by removing its intracellular niche and restoring host bactericidal functions. This review discusses the current findings surrounding intracellular survival of S. aureus within neutrophils, the pathogenic role autophagy plays in this process and considers the therapeutic potential for targeting this immune evasion mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio G Vozza
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle E Mulcahy
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rachel M McLoughlin
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Meinshausen AK, Herbster M, Zwahr C, Soldera M, Müller A, Halle T, Lasagni AF, Bertrand J. Aspect ratio of nano/microstructures determines Staphylococcus aureus adhesion on PET and titanium surfaces. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:1498-1514. [PMID: 33565669 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Joint infections cause premature implant failure. The avoidance of bacterial colonization of implant materials by modification of the material surface is therefore the focus of current research. In this in vitro study the complex interaction of periodic structures on PET and titanium surfaces on the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus is analysed. METHODS AND RESULTS Using direct laser interference patterning as well as roll-to-roll hot embossing methods, structured periodic textures of different spatial distance were produced on surfaces and S. aureus were cultured for 24 h on these. The amount of adhering bacteria was quantified using fluorescence microscopy and the local adhesion behaviour was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. For PET structures, minimal bacterial adhesion was identified for an aspect ratio of about 0·02. On titanium structures, S. aureus adhesion was significantly decreased for profile heights of < 200 nm. Our results show a significantly decreased bacterial adhesion for structures with an aspect ratio range of 0·02 to 0·05. CONCLUSIONS We show that structuring on surfaces can decrease the amount of S. aureus on titanium and PET as common implant materials. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The study highlights the immense potential of applying specific structures to implant materials to prevent implant colonization with pathogen bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-K Meinshausen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - M Herbster
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Institute of Materials and Joining Technology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - C Zwahr
- Chair of Large Area Laser Based Surface Structuring, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Soldera
- Chair of Large Area Laser Based Surface Structuring, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - A Müller
- Institute for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - T Halle
- Institute of Materials and Joining Technology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - A F Lasagni
- Chair of Large Area Laser Based Surface Structuring, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, Germany
| | - J Bertrand
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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10
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Syed AJ, Anderson JC. Applications of bioluminescence in biotechnology and beyond. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5668-5705. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01492c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent probes have hugely benefited from the input of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering. Here we review the latest applications of these probes in biotechnology and beyond, with an eye on current limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha J. Syed
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London
- London
- UK
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11
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Ostovar G, Naughton KL, Boedicker JQ. Computation in bacterial communities. Phys Biol 2020; 17:061002. [PMID: 33035198 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/abb257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria across many scales are involved in a dynamic process of information exchange to coordinate activity and community structure within large and diverse populations. The molecular components bacteria use to communicate have been discovered and characterized, and recent efforts have begun to understand the potential for bacterial signal exchange to gather information from the environment and coordinate collective behaviors. Such computations made by bacteria to coordinate the action of a population of cells in response to information gathered by a multitude of inputs is a form of collective intelligence. These computations must be robust to fluctuations in both biological, chemical, and physical parameters as well as to operate with energetic efficiency. Given these constraints, what are the limits of computation by bacterial populations and what strategies have evolved to ensure bacterial communities efficiently work together? Here the current understanding of information exchange and collective decision making that occur in microbial populations will be reviewed. Looking toward the future, we consider how a deeper understanding of bacterial computation will inform future direction in microbiology, biotechnology, and biophysics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Ostovar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
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12
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Tan CH, Oh HS, Sheraton VM, Mancini E, Joachim Loo SC, Kjelleberg S, Sloot PMA, Rice SA. Convection and the Extracellular Matrix Dictate Inter- and Intra-Biofilm Quorum Sensing Communication in Environmental Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6730-6740. [PMID: 32390423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms and impact of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) for the coordination of population-level behaviors are well studied under laboratory conditions. However, it is unclear how, in otherwise open environmental systems, QS signals accumulate to sufficient concentration to induce QS phenotypes, especially when quorum quenching (QQ) organisms are also present. We explore the impact of QQ activity on QS signaling in spatially organized biofilms in scenarios that mimic open systems of natural and engineered environments. Using a functionally differentiated biofilm system, we show that the extracellular matrix, local flow, and QQ interact to modulate communication. In still aqueous environments, convection facilitates signal dispersal while the matrix absorbs and relays signals to the cells. This process facilitates inter-biofilm communication even at low extracellular signal concentrations. Within the biofilm, the matrix further regulates the transport of the competing QS and QQ molecules, leading to heterogenous QS behavior. Importantly, only extracellular QQ enzymes can effectively control QS signaling, suggesting that the intracellular QQ enzymes may not have evolved to degrade environmental QS signals for competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hao Tan
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Hyun-Suk Oh
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, 01811 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Vivek M Sheraton
- Complexity Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, 1012 GC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Say Chye Joachim Loo
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
- The School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, The Schools of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, and Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2031 Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter M A Sloot
- Complexity Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
- Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, 1012 GC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- ITMO University, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Scott A Rice
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
- The School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
- The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, 2007 Sydney, Australia
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13
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Watkins KE, Unnikrishnan M. Evasion of host defenses by intracellular Staphylococcus aureus. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2020; 112:105-141. [PMID: 32762866 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of hospital and community-acquired infections worldwide. The increasing occurrence of antibiotic resistant strains and the high rates of recurrent staphylococcal infections have placed several treatment challenges on healthcare systems. In recent years, it has become evident that S. aureus is a facultative intracellular pathogen, able to invade and survive in a range of cell types. The ability to survive intracellularly provides this pathogen with yet another way to evade antibiotics and immune responses during infection. Intracellular S. aureus have been strongly linked to several recurrent infections, including severe bone infections and septicemias. S. aureus is armed with an array of virulence factors as well as an intricate network of regulators that enable it to survive, replicate and escape from a number of immune and nonimmune host cells. It is able to successfully manipulate host cell pathways and use it as a niche to multiply, disseminate, as well as persist during an infection. This bacterium is also known to adapt to the intracellular environment by forming small colony variants, which are metabolically inactive. In this review we will discuss the clinical evidence, the molecular pathways involved in S. aureus intracellular persistence, and new treatment strategies for targeting intracellular S. aureus.
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14
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Jordana-Lluch E, Garcia V, Kingdon ADH, Singh N, Alexander C, Williams P, Hardie KR. A Simple Polymicrobial Biofilm Keratinocyte Colonization Model for Exploring Interactions Between Commensals, Pathogens and Antimicrobials. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:291. [PMID: 32161578 PMCID: PMC7054238 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin offers protection against external insults, with the skin microbiota playing a crucial defensive role against pathogens that gain access when the skin barrier is breached. Linkages between skin microbes, biofilms and disease have not been well established although single-species biofilm formation by skin microbiota in vitro has been extensively studied. Consequently, the purpose of this work was to optimize and validate a simple polymicrobial biofilm keratinocyte model for investigating commensal, pathogen and keratinocyte interactions and for evaluating therapeutic agents or health promoting interventions. The model incorporates the commensals (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus) and pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) which form robust polymicrobial biofilms on immortalized keratinocytes (HaCat cells). We observed that the commensals reduce the damage caused to the keratinocyte monolayer by either pathogen. When the commensals were combined with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, much thinner biofilms were observed than those formed by the pathogens alone. When P. aeruginosa was inoculated with S. epidermidis in the presence or absence of M. luteus, the commensals formed a layer between the keratinocytes and pathogen. Although S. aureus completely inhibited the growth of M. luteus in dual-species biofilms, inclusion of S. epidermidis in triple or quadruple species biofilms, enabled M. luteus to retain viability. Using this polymicrobial biofilm keratinocyte model, we demonstrate that a quorum sensing (QS) deficient S. aureus agr mutant, in contrast to the parent, failed to damage the keratinocyte monolayer unless supplied with the exogenous cognate autoinducing peptide. In addition, we show that treatment of the polymicrobial keratinocyte model with nanoparticles containing an inhibitor of the PQS QS system reduced biofilm thickness and P. aeruginosa localization in mono- and polymicrobial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Jordana-Lluch
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Vanina Garcia
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander D H Kingdon
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nishant Singh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Williams
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kim R Hardie
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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15
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Hui CY, Guo Y, Liu L, Zheng HQ, Gao CX, Zhang W. Construction of a RFP-lacZα bicistronic reporter system and its application in lead biosensing. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228456. [PMID: 31999769 PMCID: PMC6991944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of a fluorescent reporter and enzymatic reporter provides a flexible and versatile way for the study of diverse biological processes, such as the detection of transcription and translation. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop this novel bifunctional reporter system. This study reports the design, construction, and validation of a new dicistronic mCherry-lacZα reporter system by artificial lac operon and pbr operon models in lacZM15-producing E. coli. It allows two reporter genes to be co-transcribed into a dicistronic mRNA strand, followed by coupled expression of mCherry and lacZα. In artificial lac operons, expression of the downstream lacZα was demonstrated to be positively related to expression of the upstream ORF. In artificial pbr operons, compared with the insertion of downstream full-length lacZ, the insertion of downstream lacZα exerted a slight effect on the response from the upstream mCherry. Furthermore, the downstream lacZα reporter showed stronger response to Pb(II) than the downstream full-length lacZ. Importantly, the response sensitivity of downstream lacZα was still higher than that of upstream mCherry in a dual RFP-lacZα reporter construct. The highly efficient expression profile of the reporter lacZα peptide makes it a preferred downstream reporter in polycistronic constructs. This novel bifunctional reporter system offers a robust tool for biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-ye Hui
- Department of Pathology & Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Science & Education, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lisa Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao-qu Zheng
- Department of Science & Education, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao-xian Gao
- Department of Pathology & Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Pathology & Toxicology, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
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Linking Geospatial and Laboratory Sciences to Define Mechanisms behind Landscape Level Drivers of Anthrax Outbreaks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193747. [PMID: 31590291 PMCID: PMC6801504 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: A seasonal predictor of anthrax outbreaks is rainfall, which may be approximated by NDVI using remote sensing. How rainfall or vegetative green-up influences bacterial physiology or microecology to drive anthrax outbreaks is not known. Methods: Rainfall and NDVI dependency of anthrax epizootics was demonstrated with global and local phenological analysis. Growth analysis of B. anthracis in response to pH and calcium gradients was carried out. The influence of pH and calcium levels on expression of toxin and sporulation related proteins in broth culture models was characterized using engineered B. anthracis luminescent reporter strains. Results: Short-term bacterial growth and longer-term bacterial survival were altered by pH and calcium. These conditions also played a major role in pagA and sspB promoter-driven luminescent expression in B. anthracis. Conclusions: Rainfall induced cycling of pH and calcium in soils plays a plausible role in amplifying spore load and persistence in endemic anthrax zones. Observed evidence of B. anthracis favoring soil alkalinity and high soil calcium levels in the environment were linked to physiological conditions that promote bacterial growth, survival, toxin secretion and spore formation; illustrating the utility of bringing laboratory-based (controlled) microbiology experiments into the fold of zoonotic disease ecology.
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Timing Is Everything: Impact of Naturally Occurring Staphylococcus aureus AgrC Cytoplasmic Domain Adaptive Mutations on Autoinduction. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00409-19. [PMID: 31358609 PMCID: PMC6755735 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00409-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulence factor expression in Staphylococcus aureus is regulated via autoinducing peptide (AIP)-dependent activation of the sensor kinase AgrC, which forms an integral part of the agr quorum sensing system. In response to bound AIP, the cytoplasmic domain of AgrC (AgrC-cyt) undergoes conformational changes resulting in dimerization, autophosphorylation, and phosphotransfer to the response regulator AgrA. Naturally occurring mutations in AgrC-cyt are consistent with repositioning of key functional domains, impairing dimerization and restricting access to the ATP-binding pocket. Strains harboring specific AgrC-cyt mutations exhibit reduced AIP autoinduction efficiency and a timing-dependent attenuation of cytotoxicity which may confer a survival advantage during established infection by promoting colonization while restricting unnecessary overproduction of exotoxins. Mutations in the polymorphic Staphylococcus aureusagr locus responsible for quorum sensing (QS)-dependent virulence gene regulation occur frequently during host adaptation. In two genomically closely related S. aureus clinical isolates exhibiting marked differences in Panton-Valentine leukocidin production, a mutation conferring an N267I substitution was identified in the cytoplasmic domain of the QS sensor kinase, AgrC. This natural mutation delayed the onset and accumulation of autoinducing peptide (AIP) and showed reduced responsiveness to exogenous AIPs. Other S. aureus strains harboring naturally occurring AgrC cytoplasmic domain mutations were identified, including T247I, I311T, A343T, L245S, and F264C. These mutations were associated with reduced cytotoxicity, delayed/reduced AIP production, and impaired sensitivity to exogenous AIP. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to model the AgrC cytoplasmic domain conformational changes arising. Although mutations were localized in different parts of the C-terminal domain, their impact on molecular structure was manifested by twisting of the leading helical hairpin α1-α2, accompanied by repositioning of the H-box and G-box, along with closure of the flexible loop connecting the two and occlusion of the ATP-binding site. Such conformational rearrangements of key functional subdomains in these mutants highlight the cooperative response of molecular structure involving dimerization and ATP binding and phosphorylation, as well as the binding site for the downstream response element AgrA. These appear to increase the threshold for agr activation via AIP-dependent autoinduction, thus reducing virulence and maintaining S. aureus in an agr-downregulated “colonization” mode. IMPORTANCE Virulence factor expression in Staphylococcus aureus is regulated via autoinducing peptide (AIP)-dependent activation of the sensor kinase AgrC, which forms an integral part of the agr quorum sensing system. In response to bound AIP, the cytoplasmic domain of AgrC (AgrC-cyt) undergoes conformational changes resulting in dimerization, autophosphorylation, and phosphotransfer to the response regulator AgrA. Naturally occurring mutations in AgrC-cyt are consistent with repositioning of key functional domains, impairing dimerization and restricting access to the ATP-binding pocket. Strains harboring specific AgrC-cyt mutations exhibit reduced AIP autoinduction efficiency and a timing-dependent attenuation of cytotoxicity which may confer a survival advantage during established infection by promoting colonization while restricting unnecessary overproduction of exotoxins.
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18
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Moldovan A, Fraunholz MJ. In or out: Phagosomal escape of Staphylococcus aureus. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e12997. [PMID: 30576050 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is internalised by host cells in vivo, and recent research results suggest that the bacteria use this intracellularity to persist in the host and form a reservoir for recurrent infections. However, in different cells types, the pathogen resorts to alternative strategies to survive phagocytosis and the antimicrobial mechanisms of host cells. In non-professional phagocytes, S. aureus either escapes the endosome followed by cytoplasmic replication or replicates within autophagosomes. Professional phagocytes possess a limited capacity to kill S. aureus and hence the bacteria, well equipped with immune evasive mechanisms, replicate within the cells, eventually lyse out of the cells and thus persist in a continuous cycle of phagocytosis, host cell death, and bacterial release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Moldovan
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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19
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Basu Roy R, Sambou B, Uhía I, Roetynck S, Robertson BD, Kampmann B. An Auto-luminescent Fluorescent BCG Whole Blood Assay to Enable Evaluation of Paediatric Mycobacterial Responses Using Minimal Blood Volumes. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:151. [PMID: 31114771 PMCID: PMC6503113 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Understanding protective human immunity against mycobacteria is critical to developing and evaluating new vaccines against tuberculosis. Children are the most susceptible population to infection, disease, and death from tuberculosis, but also have the strongest evidence of BCG-inducible protection. Limited amounts of blood can be obtained for research purposes in paediatrics and therefore there is a need for high-yield, low-volume, human immunology assays. Methods: We transformed BCG Danish with plasmids encoding luciferase full operon derived from Photorhabdus luminescens together with Green Fluorescent Protein and antibiotic selection markers. We characterised the luminescent and fluorescent properties of this recombinant BCG strain (BCG-GFP-LuxFO) using a luminometer and flow cytometry and developed a paediatric whole blood in vitro infection model. Results: Luminescence of BCG-GFP-LuxFO correlated with optical density (Spearman Rank Correlation coefficient r = 0.985, p < 0.0001) and colony forming units (CFUs) in liquid culture medium (r = 0.971, p < 0.0001). Fluorescence of BCG-GFP-LuxFO in paediatric whole blood was confirmed by flow cytometry in granulocytes and monocytes 1 h following infection. Luminescence of BCG-GFP-LuxFO in whole blood corresponded with CFUs (r = 0.7123, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The BCG-GFP-LuxFO assay requires 225 μL whole blood per sample, from which serial luminescence measurements can be obtained, together with biochemical analysis of supernatants and cellular assay applications using its fluorescent properties. This offers the opportunity to study human-mycobacterial interactions using multiple experimental modalities with only minimal blood volumes. It is therefore a valuable method for investigating paediatric immunity to tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robindra Basu Roy
- Department of Paediatrics, Centre for International Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Vaccines & Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Basil Sambou
- Vaccines & Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Iria Uhía
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Roetynck
- Vaccines & Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Brian D Robertson
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beate Kampmann
- Department of Paediatrics, Centre for International Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Vaccines & Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Banjul, The Gambia.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Brandt SL, Putnam NE, Cassat JE, Serezani CH. Innate Immunity to Staphylococcus aureus: Evolving Paradigms in Soft Tissue and Invasive Infections. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2018; 200:3871-3880. [PMID: 29866769 PMCID: PMC6028009 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide range of diseases that together embody a significant public health burden. Aided by metabolic flexibility and a large virulence repertoire, S. aureus has the remarkable ability to hematogenously disseminate and infect various tissues, including skin, lung, heart, and bone, among others. The hallmark lesions of invasive staphylococcal infections, abscesses, simultaneously denote the powerful innate immune responses to tissue invasion as well as the ability of staphylococci to persist within these lesions. In this article, we review the innate immune responses to S. aureus during infection of skin and bone, which serve as paradigms for soft tissue and bone disease, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Brandt
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Nicole E Putnam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - James E Cassat
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232; and
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - C Henrique Serezani
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
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21
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Horn J, Stelzner K, Rudel T, Fraunholz M. Inside job: Staphylococcus aureus host-pathogen interactions. Int J Med Microbiol 2017; 308:607-624. [PMID: 29217333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a notorious opportunistic pathogen causing a plethora of diseases. Recent research established that once phagocytosed by neutrophils and macrophages, a certain percentage of S. aureus is able to survive within these phagocytes which thereby even may contribute to dissemination of the pathogen. S. aureus further induces its uptake by otherwise non-phagocytic cells and the ensuing intracellular cytotoxicity is suggested to lead to tissue destruction, whereas bacterial persistence within cells is thought to lead to immune evasion and chronicity of infections. We here review recent work on the S. aureus host pathogen interactions with a focus on the intracellular survival of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Horn
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Stelzner
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fraunholz
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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22
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Iqbal M, Doherty N, Page AML, Qazi SNA, Ajmera I, Lund PA, Kypraios T, Scott DJ, Hill PJ, Stekel DJ. Reconstructing promoter activity from Lux bioluminescent reporters. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005731. [PMID: 28922354 PMCID: PMC5619816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial Lux system is used as a gene expression reporter. It is fast, sensitive and non-destructive, enabling high frequency measurements. Originally developed for bacterial cells, it has also been adapted for eukaryotic cells, and can be used for whole cell biosensors, or in real time with live animals without the need for euthanasia. However, correct interpretation of bioluminescent data is limited: the bioluminescence is different from gene expression because of nonlinear molecular and enzyme dynamics of the Lux system. We have developed a computational approach that, for the first time, allows users of Lux assays to infer gene transcription levels from the light output. This approach is based upon a new mathematical model for Lux activity, that includes the actions of LuxAB, LuxEC and Fre, with improved mechanisms for all reactions, as well as synthesis and turn-over of Lux proteins. The model is calibrated with new experimental data for the LuxAB and Fre reactions from Photorhabdus luminescens—the source of modern Lux reporters—while literature data has been used for LuxEC. Importantly, the data show clear evidence for previously unreported product inhibition for the LuxAB reaction. Model simulations show that predicted bioluminescent profiles can be very different from changes in gene expression, with transient peaks of light output, very similar to light output seen in some experimental data sets. By incorporating the calibrated model into a Bayesian inference scheme, we can reverse engineer promoter activity from the bioluminescence. We show examples where a decrease in bioluminescence would be better interpreted as a switching off of the promoter, or where an increase in bioluminescence would be better interpreted as a longer period of gene expression. This approach could benefit all users of Lux technology. Bioluminescent reporters are used in many areas of biology as fast, sensitive and non-destructive measures of gene expression. They have been developed for bacteria, adapted now for other kinds of organisms, and recently been used for whole cell biosensors, and for real-time live animal models for infection without the need for euthanasia. However, users of Lux technologies rely on the light output being similar to the gene expression they wish to measure. We show that this is not the case. Rather, there is a nonlinear relationship between the two: light output can be misleading and so limits the way that such data can be interpreted. We have developed a new computational method that, for the first time, allows users of Lux reporters to infer accurate gene transcription levels from bioluminescent data. We show examples where a small decrease in light would be better interpreted as promoter being switched off, or where an increase in light would be better interpreted as promoter activity for a longer time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudassar Iqbal
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Doherty
- Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M. L. Page
- Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Saara N. A. Qazi
- Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ishan Ajmera
- Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Peter A. Lund
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Theodore Kypraios
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Scott
- Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J. Hill
- Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Dov J. Stekel
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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23
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Promotion and Rescue of Intracellular Brucella neotomae Replication during Coinfection with Legionella pneumophila. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00991-16. [PMID: 28264909 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00991-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We established a new Brucella neotomaein vitro model system for study of type IV secretion system-dependent (T4SS) pathogenesis in the Brucella genus. Importantly, B. neotomae is a rodent pathogen, and unlike B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis, B. neotomae has not been observed to infect humans. It therefore can be handled more facilely using biosafety level 2 practices. More particularly, using a series of novel fluorescent protein and lux operon reporter systems to differentially label pathogens and track intracellular replication, we confirmed T4SS-dependent intracellular growth of B. neotomae in macrophage cell lines. Furthermore, B. neotomae exhibited early endosomal (LAMP-1) and late endoplasmic reticulum (calreticulin)-associated phagosome maturation. These findings recapitulate prior observations for human-pathogenic Brucella spp. In addition, during coinfection experiments with Legionella pneumophila, we found that defective intracellular replication of a B. neotomae T4SS virB4 mutant was rescued and baseline levels of intracellular replication of wild-type B. neotomae were significantly stimulated by coinfection with wild-type but not T4SS mutant L. pneumophila Using confocal microscopy, it was determined that intracellular colocalization of B. neotomae and L. pneumophila was required for rescue and that colocalization came at a cost to L. pneumophila fitness. These findings were not completely expected based on known temporal and qualitative differences in the intracellular life cycles of these two pathogens. Taken together, we have developed a new system for studying in vitroBrucella pathogenesis and found a remarkable T4SS-dependent interplay between Brucella and Legionella during macrophage coinfection.
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24
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Cameron DR, Lin YH, Trouillet-Assant S, Tafani V, Kostoulias X, Mouhtouris E, Skinner N, Visvanathan K, Baines SL, Howden B, Monk IR, Laurent F, Stinear TP, Howden BP, Peleg AY. Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus isolates are attenuated for virulence when compared with susceptible progenitors. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 23:767-773. [PMID: 28396035 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) is associated with genetic changes that may also impact upon pathogenicity. In the current study, we compared the virulence of clinical VISA strains with their isogenic vancomycin-susceptible progenitors (VSSA). METHODS Production of the critical virulence protein, α toxin, was assessed using Western blot analysis and was correlated to agr activity using a bioluminescent agr-reporter. Cytotoxicity and intracellular persistence were compared ex vivo for VSSA and VISA within non-professional phagocytes (NPP). Virulence and host immune responses were further explored in vivo using a murine model of bacteraemia. RESULTS VISA isolates produced up to 20-fold less α toxin compared with VSSA, and this was corroborated by either loss of agr activity due to agr mutation, or altered agr activity in the absence of mutation. VISA were less cytotoxic towards NPP and were associated with enhanced intracellular persistence, suggesting that NPP may act as a reservoir for VISA. Infection with VSSA strains produced higher mortality in a murine bacteraemia model (≥90% 7-day mortality) compared with infection with VISA isolates (20% to 50%, p <0.001). Mice infected with VISA produced a dampened immune response (4.6-fold reduction in interleukin-6, p <0.001) and persistent organ bacterial growth was observed for VISA strains out to 7 days. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the remarkable adaptability of S. aureus, whereby, in addition to having reduced antibiotic susceptibility, VISA alter the expression of pathogenic factors to circumvent the host immune response to favour persistent infection over acute virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Cameron
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Australia
| | - Y-H Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute of Infection & Immunity, Australia
| | - S Trouillet-Assant
- Department of Microbiology, French National Reference Centre for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, International Centre of Infectiology Research, France
| | - V Tafani
- Department of Microbiology, French National Reference Centre for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, International Centre of Infectiology Research, France
| | - X Kostoulias
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Australia
| | - E Mouhtouris
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - N Skinner
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - K Visvanathan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - S L Baines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute of Infection & Immunity, Australia
| | - B Howden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute of Infection & Immunity, Australia
| | - I R Monk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute of Infection & Immunity, Australia
| | - F Laurent
- Department of Microbiology, French National Reference Centre for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, International Centre of Infectiology Research, France
| | - T P Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute of Infection & Immunity, Australia
| | - B P Howden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute of Infection & Immunity, Australia; Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Departments, Austin Health, Australia.
| | - A Y Peleg
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Australia.
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25
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Keane SM, Culligan EP, Hoffmann RF, Gahan CGM, Hill C, Snelling WJ, Sleator RD. Shedding light on betL*: pPL2-lux mediated real-time analysis of betL* expression in Listeria monocytogenes. Bioengineered 2016; 7:116-9. [PMID: 27212260 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2016.1171438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose a mechanism of action for the betL* mutation which is based on DNA topology. Removing a single thymine residue from the betL σ(A) promoter's -10 and -35 spacer results in a 'twist'-mediated activation of transcription which accounts for the osmotolerance phenotype observed for strains expressing betL*.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna M Keane
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Cork Institute of Technology , Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork , Ireland
| | - Eamonn P Culligan
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Cork Institute of Technology , Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork , Ireland
| | - Roland F Hoffmann
- b APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork , College Road, Cork , Ireland
| | - Cormac G M Gahan
- b APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork , College Road, Cork , Ireland.,c School of Microbiology, University College Cork , College Road, Cork , Ireland.,d School of Pharmacy, University College Cork , College Road, Cork , Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- b APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork , College Road, Cork , Ireland.,c School of Microbiology, University College Cork , College Road, Cork , Ireland
| | - William J Snelling
- e Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University , Northern Ireland
| | - Roy D Sleator
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Cork Institute of Technology , Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork , Ireland.,b APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork , College Road, Cork , Ireland
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26
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Xayarath B, Freitag NE. When being alone is enough: noncanonical functions of canonical bacterial quorum-sensing systems. Future Microbiol 2016; 11:1447-1459. [PMID: 27750441 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of bacterial pathogens are capable of detecting the presence of other bacteria located within their surrounding niche through a process of bacterial signaling and cell-to-cell communication commonly referred to as quorum sensing (QS). QS systems are commonly now described in the context of collective behaviors exhibited by groups of bacteria coordinating diverse arrays of physiological functions to enhance survival of the community. However, QS systems have also been implicated in a variety of processes distinct from the measure of bacterial cell density. This review will highlight noncanonical adaptations of canonical QS systems that have evolved to enable bacteria to detect nonself individuals within a population or to detect occupation of confined spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi Xayarath
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7344, USA
| | - Nancy E Freitag
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7344, USA
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27
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Blättner S, Das S, Paprotka K, Eilers U, Krischke M, Kretschmer D, Remmele CW, Dittrich M, Müller T, Schuelein-Voelk C, Hertlein T, Mueller MJ, Huettel B, Reinhardt R, Ohlsen K, Rudel T, Fraunholz MJ. Staphylococcus aureus Exploits a Non-ribosomal Cyclic Dipeptide to Modulate Survival within Epithelial Cells and Phagocytes. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005857. [PMID: 27632173 PMCID: PMC5025175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-acquired (CA) Staphylococcus aureus cause various diseases even in healthy individuals. Enhanced virulence of CA-strains is partly attributed to increased production of toxins such as phenol-soluble modulins (PSM). The pathogen is internalized efficiently by mammalian host cells and intracellular S. aureus has recently been shown to contribute to disease. Upon internalization, cytotoxic S. aureus strains can disrupt phagosomal membranes and kill host cells in a PSM-dependent manner. However, PSM are not sufficient for these processes. Here we screened for factors required for intracellular S. aureus virulence. We infected escape reporter host cells with strains from an established transposon mutant library and detected phagosomal escape rates using automated microscopy. We thereby, among other factors, identified a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) to be required for efficient phagosomal escape and intracellular survival of S. aureus as well as induction of host cell death. By genetic complementation as well as supplementation with the synthetic NRPS product, the cyclic dipeptide phevalin, wild-type phenotypes were restored. We further demonstrate that the NRPS is contributing to virulence in a mouse pneumonia model. Together, our data illustrate a hitherto unrecognized function of the S. aureus NRPS and its dipeptide product during S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Blättner
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sudip Das
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Paprotka
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Eilers
- Core Unit Functional Genomics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Krischke
- Biocenter, Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Kretschmer
- Department of Infection Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Dittrich
- Biocenter, Chair of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Biocenter, Chair of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Hertlein
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin J. Mueller
- Biocenter, Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Knut Ohlsen
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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28
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Gao P, Wang Y, Villanueva I, Ho PL, Davies J, Kao RYT. Construction of a Multiplex Promoter Reporter Platform to Monitor Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Gene Expression and the Identification of Usnic Acid as a Potent Suppressor of psm Gene Expression. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1344. [PMID: 27625639 PMCID: PMC5004274 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
As antibiotic resistance becomes phenomenal, alternative therapeutic strategies for bacterial infections such as anti-virulence treatments have been advocated. We have constructed a total of 20 gfp-luxABCDE dual-reporter plasmids with selected promoters from S. aureus virulence-associated genes. The plasmids were introduced into various S. aureus strains to establish a gfp-lux based multiplex promoter reporter platform for monitoring S. aureus virulence gene expressions in real time to identify factors or compounds that may perturb virulence of S. aureus. The gene expression profiles monitored by luminescence correlated well with qRT-PCR results and extrinsic factors including carbon dioxide and some antibiotics were shown to suppress or induce the expression of virulence factors in this platform. Using this platform, sub-inhibitory ampicillin was shown to be a potent inducer for the expression of many virulence factors in S. aureus. Bacterial adherence and invasion assays using mammalian cells were employed to measure S. aureus virulence induced by ampicillin. The platform was used for screening of natural extracts that perturb the virulence of S. aureus and usnic acid was identified to be a potent repressor for the expression of psm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yanli Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Iván Villanueva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pak Leung Ho
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Julian Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Richard Yi Tsun Kao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, The University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
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29
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Oyama T, Miyazaki M, Yoshimura M, Takata T, Ohjimi H, Jimi S. Biofilm-Forming Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Survive in Kupffer Cells and Exhibit High Virulence in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8070198. [PMID: 27376326 PMCID: PMC4963831 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8070198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Staphylococcus aureus is part of the normal body flora, heavy usage of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). MRSA can form biofilms and cause indwelling foreign body infections, bacteremia, soft tissue infections, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. Using an in vitro assay, we screened 173 clinical blood isolates of MRSA and selected 20 high-biofilm formers (H-BF) and low-biofilm formers (L-BF). These were intravenously administered to mice and the general condition of mice, the distribution of bacteria, and biofilm in the liver, lung, spleen, and kidney were investigated. MRSA count was the highest in the liver, especially within Kupffer cells, which were positive for acid polysaccharides that are associated with intracellular biofilm. After 24 h, the general condition of the mice worsened significantly in the H-BF group. In the liver, bacterial deposition and aggregation and the biofilm-forming spot number were all significantly greater for H-BF group than for L-BF. CFU analysis revealed that bacteria in the H-BF group survived for long periods in the liver. These results indicate that the biofilm-forming ability of MRSA is a crucial factor for intracellular persistence, which could lead to chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuto Oyama
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Motoyasu Miyazaki
- Department of Pharmacy, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital, Chikusino 818-8502, Japan.
| | - Michinobu Yoshimura
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Tohru Takata
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Ohjimi
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Shiro Jimi
- Central Laboratory for Pathology and Morphology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
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30
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RpiRc Is a Pleiotropic Effector of Virulence Determinant Synthesis and Attenuates Pathogenicity in Staphylococcus aureus. Infect Immun 2016; 84:2031-2041. [PMID: 27113358 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00285-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In Staphylococcus aureus, metabolism is intimately linked with virulence determinant biosynthesis, and several metabolite-responsive regulators have been reported to mediate this linkage. S. aureus possesses at least three members of the RpiR family of transcriptional regulators. Of the three RpiR homologs, RpiRc is a potential regulator of the pentose phosphate pathway, which also regulates RNAIII levels. RNAIII is the regulatory RNA of the agr quorum-sensing system that controls virulence determinant synthesis. The effect of RpiRc on RNAIII likely involves other regulators, as the regulators that bind the RNAIII promoter have been intensely studied. To determine which regulators might bridge the gap between RpiRc and RNAIII, sarA, sigB, mgrA, and acnA mutations were introduced into an rpiRc mutant background, and the effects on RNAIII were determined. Additionally, phenotypic and genotypic differences were examined in the single and double mutant strains, and the virulence of select strains was examined using two different murine infection models. The data suggest that RpiRc affects RNAIII transcription and the synthesis of virulence determinants in concert with σ(B), SarA, and the bacterial metabolic status to negatively affect virulence.
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31
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McGonigle JE, Purves J, Rolff J. Intracellular survival of Staphylococcus aureus during persistent infection in the insect Tenebrio molitor. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 59:34-38. [PMID: 26778297 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Survival of bacteria within host cells and tissues presents a challenge to the immune systems of higher organisms. Escape from phagocytic immune cells compounds this issue, as immune cells become potential vehicles for pathogen dissemination. However, the duration of persistence within phagocytes and its contribution to pathogen load has yet to be determined. We investigate the immunological significance of intracellular persistence within the insect model Tenebrio molitor, assessing the extent, duration and location of bacterial recovery during a persistent infection. Relative abundance of Staphylococcus aureus in both intracellular and extracellular fractions was determined over 21 days, and live S. aureus were successfully recovered from both the hemolymph and within phagocytic immune cells across the entire time course. The proportion of bacteria recovered from within phagocytes also increased over time. Our results show that to accurately estimate pathogen load it is vital to account for bacteria persisting within immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E McGonigle
- Sheffield Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK; Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Joanne Purves
- Sheffield Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK; School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Rolff
- Sheffield Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK; Institute of Biology, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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32
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Stevens CS, Rosado H, Harvey RJ, Taylor PW. Epicatechin gallate, a naturally occurring polyphenol, alters the course of infection with β-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the zebrafish embryo. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1043. [PMID: 26441953 PMCID: PMC4585009 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(-)-epicatechin gallate (ECg) substantially modifies the properties of Staphylococcus aureus and reversibly abrogates β-lactam resistance in methicillin/oxacillin resistant (MRSA) isolates. We have determined the capacity of ECg to alter the course of infection in zebrafish embryos challenged with epidemic clinical isolate EMRSA-16. At 30 h post fertilization (hpf), embryos were infected by injection of 1–5 × 103 colony forming units (CFU) of EMRSA-16 into the circulation valley or yolk sac. Infection by yolk sac injection was lethal with a challenge dose above 3 × 103 CFU, with no survivors at 70 hpf. In contrast, survival at 70 hpf after injection into the circulation was 83 and 44% following challenge with 3 × 103 and 1–5 × 103 CFU, respectively. No significant increases in survival were noted when infected embryos were maintained in medium containing 12.5–100 μg/mL ECg with or without 4 or 16 μg/mL oxacillin. However, when EMRSA-16 was grown in medium containing 12.5 μg/mL ECg and the bacteria used to infect embryos by either the circulation valley or yolk sac, there were significant increases in embryo survival in both the presence and absence of oxacillin. ECg-modified and unmodified, GFP-transformed EMRSA-16 bacteria were visualized within phagocytic cells in the circulation and yolk sac; pre-treatment with ECg also significantly increased induction of the respiratory burst and suppressed increases in IL-1β expression typical of infection with untreated EMRSA-16. We conclude that exposure to ECg prior to infection reduces the lethality of EMRSA-16, renders cells more susceptible to elimination by immune processes and compromises their capacity to establish an inflammatory response in comparison to non-exposed bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Rosado
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London, UK
| | - Robert J Harvey
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London, UK
| | - Peter W Taylor
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London, UK
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33
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Louzao I, Sui C, Winzer K, Fernandez-Trillo F, Alexander C. Cationic polymer mediated bacterial clustering: Cell-adhesive properties of homo- and copolymers. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 95:47-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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34
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Desouky SE, Shojima A, Singh RP, Matsufuji T, Igarashi Y, Suzuki T, Yamagaki T, Okubo KI, Ohtani K, Sonomoto K, Nakayama J. Cyclodepsipeptides produced by actinomycetes inhibit cyclic-peptide-mediated quorum sensing in Gram-positive bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2015; 362:fnv109. [PMID: 26149266 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnv109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are commonly used as quorum-sensing autoinducers in Gram-positive Firmicutes bacteria. Well-studied examples of such molecules are thiolactone and lactone, used to regulate the expression of a series of virulence genes in the agr system of Staphylococcus aureus and the fsr system of Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. Three cyclodepsipeptides WS9326A, WS9326B and cochinmicin II/III were identified as a result of screening actinomycetes culture extracts for activity against the agr/fsr system. These molecules are already known as receptor antagonists, the first two for tachykinin and the last one for endothelin. WS9326A also inhibited the transcription of pfoA regulated by the VirSR two-component system in Clostridium perfringens. Receptor-binding assays using a fluorescence-labeled autoinducer (FITC-GBAP) showed that WS9326A and WS9326B act as receptor antagonists in this system. In addition, an ex vivo assay showed that WS9326B substantially attenuated the toxicity of S. aureus for human corneal epithelial cells. These results suggest that these three natural cyclodepsipeptides have therapeutic potential for targeting the cyclic peptide-mediated quorum sensing of Gram-positive pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said E Desouky
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Al-azhar University, 11884 Nasr, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Akane Shojima
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Ravindra Pal Singh
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Takahisa Matsufuji
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Igarashi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Tohru Yamagaki
- Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Bioorganic Research Institute, 1-1-1 Wakayamadai, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-8503, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Okubo
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Kaori Ohtani
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Kanazawa, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8203, Japan
| | - Kenji Sonomoto
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan Laboratory of Functional Food Design, Department of Functional Metabolic Design, Bio-Architecture Center, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Jiro Nakayama
- Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
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35
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Libby EA, Goss LA, Dworkin J. The Eukaryotic-Like Ser/Thr Kinase PrkC Regulates the Essential WalRK Two-Component System in Bacillus subtilis. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005275. [PMID: 26102633 PMCID: PMC4478028 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most bacteria contain both eukaryotic-like Ser/Thr kinases (eSTKs) and eukaryotic-like Ser/Thr phosphatases (eSTPs). Their role in bacterial physiology is not currently well understood in large part because the conditions where the eSTKs are active are generally not known. However, all sequenced Gram-positive bacteria have a highly conserved eSTK with extracellular PASTA repeats that bind cell wall derived muropeptides. Here, we report that in the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, the PASTA-containing eSTK PrkC and its cognate eSTP PrpC converge with the essential WalRK two-component system to regulate WalR regulon genes involved in cell wall metabolism. By continuously monitoring gene expression throughout growth, we consistently find a large PrkC-dependent effect on expression of several different WalR regulon genes in early stationary phase, including both those that are activated by WalR (yocH) as well as those that are repressed (iseA, pdaC). We demonstrate that PrkC phosphorylates WalR in vitro and in vivo on a single Thr residue located in the receiver domain. Although the phosphorylated region of the receiver domain is highly conserved among several B. subtilis response regulators, PrkC displays specificity for WalR in vitro. Consistently, strains expressing a nonphosphorylatable WalR point mutant strongly reduce both PrkC dependent activation and repression of yocH, iseA, and pdaC. This suggests a model where the eSTK PrkC regulates the essential WalRK two-component signaling system by direct phosphorylation of WalR Thr101, resulting in the regulation of WalR regulon genes involved in cell wall metabolism in stationary phase. As both the eSTK PrkC and the essential WalRK two-component system are highly conserved in Gram-positive bacteria, these results may be applicable to further understanding the role of eSTKs in Gram-positive physiology and cell wall metabolism. A central question in bacterial physiology is how bacteria sense and respond to their environment. The archetype of bacterial signaling systems is the two-component signaling system composed of a sensor protein histidine kinase that activates a transcription factor response regulator in response to a specific signal. In addition, bacteria also have signaling systems composed of eukaryotic-like Ser/Thr kinases and phosphatases. Even though these systems do not have dedicated transcription factors, they are capable of affecting gene expression. Here we show that a eukaryotic-like Ser/Thr kinase conserved in all sequenced Gram-positive bacteria converges with an essential two-component signaling system to regulate gene expression in the model organism Bacillus subtilis. We show that this eukaryotic-like Ser/Thr kinase phosphorylates the response regulator of a highly conserved and essential two-component signaling system, thereby increasing its activity. This phosphorylation results in the regulation of genes involved in the essential process of cell wall metabolism. Given that bacterial cell wall metabolism is the target of many known antibiotics, and mutations in both of these signaling systems change the antibiotic sensitivity of a number of important Gram-positive pathogens, we expect that our analysis will suggest novel insight into the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Libby
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lindsie A. Goss
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Dworkin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Hartmann T, Baronian G, Nippe N, Voss M, Schulthess B, Wolz C, Eisenbeis J, Schmidt-Hohagen K, Gaupp R, Sunderkötter C, Beisswenger C, Bals R, Somerville GA, Herrmann M, Molle V, Bischoff M. The catabolite control protein E (CcpE) affects virulence determinant production and pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:29701-11. [PMID: 25193664 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.584979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon metabolism and virulence determinant production are often linked in pathogenic bacteria, and several regulatory elements have been reported to mediate this linkage in Staphylococcus aureus. Previously, we described a novel protein, catabolite control protein E (CcpE) that functions as a regulator of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Here we demonstrate that CcpE also regulates virulence determinant biosynthesis and pathogenesis. Specifically, deletion of ccpE in S. aureus strain Newman revealed that CcpE affects transcription of virulence factors such as capA, the first gene in the capsule biosynthetic operon; hla, encoding α-toxin; and psmα, encoding the phenol-soluble modulin cluster α. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that CcpE binds to the hla promoter. Mice challenged with S. aureus strain Newman or its isogenic ΔccpE derivative revealed increased disease severity in the ΔccpE mutant using two animal models; an acute lung infection model and a skin infection model. Complementation of the mutant with the ccpE wild-type allele restored all phenotypes, demonstrating that CcpE is negative regulator of virulence in S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Hartmann
- From the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Grégory Baronian
- the Laboratoire de Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques, Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, UMR 5235, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Nadine Nippe
- the Institute of Immunology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Meike Voss
- the Department of Internal Medicine V-Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University Medical Centre, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Bettina Schulthess
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Wolz
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Janina Eisenbeis
- From the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Kerstin Schmidt-Hohagen
- the Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rosmarie Gaupp
- From the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Cord Sunderkötter
- the Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany, and
| | - Christoph Beisswenger
- the Department of Internal Medicine V-Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University Medical Centre, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Robert Bals
- the Department of Internal Medicine V-Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University Medical Centre, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Greg A Somerville
- the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0903
| | - Mathias Herrmann
- From the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Virginie Molle
- the Laboratoire de Dynamique des Interactions Membranaires Normales et Pathologiques, Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, UMR 5235, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Markus Bischoff
- From the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany,
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Shojima A, Nakayama J. Quorum sensing in gram-positive bacteria: assay protocols for staphylococcal agr and enterococcal fsr systems. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1147:33-41. [PMID: 24664824 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0467-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A thiolactone/lactone peptide-mediated quorum sensing (QS) system is commonly employed in gram-positive bacteria to control the expression of a variety of phenotypes, including the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Here, we describe assay protocols for the well-studied QS systems (agr and fsr) of two representative gram-positive pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. These convenient assay systems are useful for the screening of QS inhibitors as well as for basic research to address the mechanism of these QS systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akane Shojima
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8581, Japan
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Cooperation, quorum sensing, and evolution of virulence in Staphylococcus aureus. Infect Immun 2013; 82:1045-51. [PMID: 24343650 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01216-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The virulence and fitness in vivo of the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus are associated with a cell-to-cell signaling mechanism known as quorum sensing (QS). QS coordinates the production of virulence factors via the production and sensing of autoinducing peptide (AIP) signal molecules by the agr locus. Here we show, in a wax moth larva virulence model, that (i) QS in S. aureus is a cooperative social trait that provides a benefit to the local population of cells, (ii) agr mutants, which do not produce or respond to QS signal, are able to exploit the benefits provided by the QS of others ("cheat"), allowing them to increase in frequency when in mixed populations with cooperators, (iii) these social interactions between cells determine virulence, with the host mortality rate being negatively correlated to the percentage of agr mutants ("cheats") in a population, and (iv) a higher within-host relatedness (lower strain diversity) selects for QS and hence higher virulence. Our results provide an explanation for why agr mutants show reduced virulence in animal models but can be isolated from infections of humans. More generally, by providing the first evidence that QS is a cooperative social behavior in a Gram-positive bacterium, our results suggest convergent, and potentially widespread, evolution for signaling to coordinate cooperation in bacteria.
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Terwagne M, Mirabella A, Lemaire J, Deschamps C, De Bolle X, Letesson JJ. Quorum sensing and self-quorum quenching in the intracellular pathogen Brucellamelitensis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82514. [PMID: 24349302 PMCID: PMC3859601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella quorum sensing has been described as an important regulatory system controlling crucial virulence determinants such as the VirB type IV secretion system and the flagellar genes. However, the basis of quorum sensing, namely the production of autoinducers in Brucella has been questioned. Here, we report data obtained from the use of a genetic tool allowing the in situ detection of long-chain N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) activity at single bacterium level in Brucella melitensis. These data are consistent with an intrinsic production of AHL by B. melitensis in low concentration both during in vitro growth and macrophage infection. Moreover, we identified a protein, named AibP, which is homologous to the AHL-acylases of various bacterial species. In vitro and during infection, expression of aibP coincided with a decrease in endogenous AHL activity within B. melitensis, suggesting that AibP could efficiently impair AHL accumulation. Furthermore, we showed that deletion of aibP in B. melitensis resulted in enhanced virB genes expression and VirB8 production as well as in a reduced flagellar genes expression and production of FlgE (hook protein) and FliC (flagellin) in vitro. Altogether, these results suggest that AHL-dependent quorum sensing and AHL-quorum quenching coexist in Brucella, at least to regulate its virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julien Lemaire
- URBM, Department of Biology, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | | | - Xavier De Bolle
- URBM, Department of Biology, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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Grosz M, Kolter J, Paprotka K, Winkler AC, Schäfer D, Chatterjee SS, Geiger T, Wolz C, Ohlsen K, Otto M, Rudel T, Sinha B, Fraunholz M. Cytoplasmic replication of Staphylococcus aureus upon phagosomal escape triggered by phenol-soluble modulin α. Cell Microbiol 2013; 16:451-65. [PMID: 24164701 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive human pathogen that is readily internalized by professional phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils but also by non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial or endothelial cells. Intracellular bacteria have been proposed to play a role in evasion of the innate immune system and may also lead to dissemination within migrating phagocytes. Further, S. aureus efficiently lyses host cells with a battery of cytolytic toxins. Recently, phenol-soluble modulins (PSM) have been identified to comprise a genus-specific family of cytolytic peptides. Of these the PSMα peptides have been implicated in killing polymorphonuclear leucocytes after phagocytosis. We questioned if the peptides were active in destroying endosomal membranes to avoid lysosomal killing of the pathogen and monitored integrity of infected host cell endosomes by measuring the acidity of the intracellular bacterial microenvironment via flow cytometry and by a reporter recruitment technique. Isogenic mutants of the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains USA300 LAC, USA400 MW2 as well as the strongly cytolytic methicillin-sensitive strain 6850 were compared with their respective wild type strains. In all three genetic backgrounds, PSMα mutants were unable to escape from phagosomes in non-professional (293, HeLa, EAhy.926) and professional phagocytes (THP-1), whereas mutants in PSMβ and δ-toxin as well as β-toxin, phosphatidyl inositol-dependent phospholipase C and Panton Valentine leucotoxin escaped with efficiencies of the parental strains. S. aureus replicated intracellularly only in presence of a functional PSMα operon thereby illustrating that bacteria grow in the host cell cytoplasm upon phagosomal escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Grosz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Am Hubland, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, Bldg. E1, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Marchand N, Collins CH. Peptide-based communication system enablesEscherichia colitoBacillus megateriuminterspecies signaling. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 110:3003-12. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.24975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Marchand
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; 110 8th Street Troy New York 12180
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Troy New York
| | - Cynthia H. Collins
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; 110 8th Street Troy New York 12180
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Troy New York
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42
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Shining light on food microbiology; applications of Lux-tagged microorganisms in the food industry. Trends Food Sci Technol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Mitchell G, Fugère A, Pépin Gaudreau K, Brouillette E, Frost EH, Cantin AM, Malouin F. SigB is a dominant regulator of virulence in Staphylococcus aureus small-colony variants. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65018. [PMID: 23705029 PMCID: PMC3660380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus small-colony variants (SCVs) are persistent pathogenic bacteria characterized by slow growth and, for many of these strains, an increased ability to form biofilms and to persist within host cells. The virulence-associated gene expression profile of SCVs clearly differs from that of prototypical strains and is often influenced by SigB rather than by the agr system. One objective of this work was to confirm the role of SigB in the control of the expression of virulence factors involved in biofilm formation and intracellular persistence of SCVs. This study shows that extracellular proteins are involved in the formation of biofilm by three SCV strains, which, additionally, have a low biofilm-dispersing activity. It was determined that SigB activity modulates biofilm formation by strain SCV CF07-S and is dominant over that of the agr system without being solely responsible for the repression of proteolytic activity. On the other hand, the expression of fnbA and the control of nuclease activity contributed to the SigB-dependent formation of biofilm of this SCV strain. SigB was also required for the replication of CF07-S within epithelial cells and may be involved in the colonization of lungs by SCVs in a mouse infection model. This study methodically investigated SigB activity and associated mechanisms in the various aspects of SCV pathogenesis. Results confirm that SigB activity importantly influences the production of virulence factors, biofilm formation and intracellular persistence for some clinical SCV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Mitchell
- Centre d'étude et de valorisation de la diversité microbienne, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Fugère
- Centre d'étude et de valorisation de la diversité microbienne, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karine Pépin Gaudreau
- Centre d'étude et de valorisation de la diversité microbienne, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Brouillette
- Centre d'étude et de valorisation de la diversité microbienne, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric H. Frost
- Département de microbiologie et d'infectiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - André M. Cantin
- Unité de recherche pulmonaire, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - François Malouin
- Centre d'étude et de valorisation de la diversité microbienne, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Rasigade JP, Trouillet-Assant S, Ferry T, Diep BA, Sapin A, Lhoste Y, Ranfaing J, Badiou C, Benito Y, Bes M, Couzon F, Tigaud S, Lina G, Etienne J, Vandenesch F, Laurent F. PSMs of hypervirulent Staphylococcus aureus act as intracellular toxins that kill infected osteoblasts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63176. [PMID: 23690994 PMCID: PMC3653922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemic community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is associated with more severe and acute forms of osteomyelitis than healthcare-associated (HA-) MRSA. Although S. aureus is now recognized as a facultative intracellular pathogen, the contribution of osteoblast invasion by CA-MRSA to the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis is unknown. Using an ex vivo model of intracellular infection of human osteoblasts, we demonstrated that CA-MRSA strains of diverse lineages share an enhanced ability to kill infected osteoblasts compared to HA-MRSA. Cytotoxicity comparisons of CA-MRSA isogenic deletion mutants revealed that phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), a class of membrane-damaging exoproteins that are expressed at higher levels in CA-MRSA than in HA-MRSA, are involved in this osteoblast killing, whereas other major CA-MRSA virulence determinants, the Panton-Valentine leukocidin and alpha-toxin, are not involved. Similarly, functional agr and sarA regulators, which control the expression of PSMs and alpha-toxin, were required for the expression of the intracellular cytotoxic phenotype by CA-MRSA, whereas the saeRS regulator, which controls the expression of alpha-toxin but not PSMs, had no impact on cytotoxicity. Finally, PSM transcript levels determined by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR were significantly higher in CA-MRSA than in HA-MRSA strains and associated with cell damage in MRSA-infected osteoblasts. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of severe CA-MRSA osteomyelitis and unravel a novel virulence strategy of CA-MRSA, based on the invasion and subsequent killing of osteoblasts by PSMs acting as intracellular toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Rasigade
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Northern Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Trouillet-Assant
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Tristan Ferry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Binh An Diep
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Anaïs Sapin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Northern Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Yannick Lhoste
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Northern Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jérémy Ranfaing
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Cédric Badiou
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Yvonne Benito
- National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Michèle Bes
- National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Florence Couzon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvestre Tigaud
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Northern Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Gérard Lina
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Jérôme Etienne
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - François Vandenesch
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Frédéric Laurent
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1111, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- National Reference Center for Staphylococci, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Northern Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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45
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Hall PR, Elmore BO, Spang CH, Alexander SM, Manifold-Wheeler BC, Castleman MJ, Daly SM, Peterson MM, Sully EK, Femling JK, Otto M, Horswill AR, Timmins GS, Gresham HD. Nox2 modification of LDL is essential for optimal apolipoprotein B-mediated control of agr type III Staphylococcus aureus quorum-sensing. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003166. [PMID: 23459693 PMCID: PMC3573103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus contains an autoinducing quorum-sensing system encoded within the agr operon that coordinates expression of virulence genes required for invasive infection. Allelic variation within agr has generated four agr specific groups, agr I–IV, each of which secretes a distinct autoinducing peptide pheromone (AIP1-4) that drives agr signaling. Because agr signaling mediates a phenotypic change in this pathogen from an adherent colonizing phenotype to one associated with considerable tissue injury and invasiveness, we postulated that a significant contribution to host defense against tissue damaging and invasive infections could be provided by innate immune mechanisms that antagonize agr signaling. We determined whether two host defense factors that inhibit AIP1-induced agrI signaling, Nox2 and apolipoprotein B (apoB), also contribute to innate control of AIP3-induced agrIII signaling. We hypothesized that apoB and Nox2 would function differently against AIP3, which differs from AIP1 in amino acid sequence and length. Here we show that unlike AIP1, AIP3 is resistant to direct oxidant inactivation by Nox2 characteristic ROS. Rather, the contribution of Nox2 to defense against agrIII signaling is through oxidation of LDL. ApoB in the context of oxLDL, and not LDL, provides optimal host defense against S. aureus agrIII infection by binding the secreted signaling peptide, AIP3, and preventing expression of the agr-driven virulence factors which mediate invasive infection. ApoB within the context of oxLDL also binds AIP 1-4 and oxLDL antagonizes agr signaling by all four agr alleles. Our results suggest that Nox2-mediated oxidation of LDL facilitates a conformational change in apoB to one sufficient for binding and sequestration of all four AIPs, demonstrating the interdependence of apoB and Nox2 in host defense against agr signaling. These data reveal a novel role for oxLDL in host defense against S. aureus quorum-sensing signaling. Staphylococcus aureus is a common colonizer of humans but can also cause severe, invasive infection. S. aureus uses a secreted peptide-based communication system, agr, to induce production of virulence factors needed for invasive infection. Allelic variation has generated four agr types, agr I–IV, and each secretes a distinct autoinducing peptide (AIP1-4) that differs in amino acid sequence and length. Understanding host factors that prevent signaling by each of the four agr specific groups (agrI–IV) could provide opportunities for prevention of infection or therapeutic intervention. We previously demonstrated that apolipoprotein B (apoB), the major structural protein of very low and low density lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL), binds to the secreted agrI peptide, AIP1, and prevents agr signaling. In addition, the NADPH oxidase Nox2 produces reactive oxygen species which directly modify and inactive AIP1. Here we examined the role of apoB and Nox2 in defense against agrIII-signaling. We found that apoB in oxidized LDL, but not in native LDL, mediated optimal binding of AIP3. Also, unlike AIP1, Nox2 did not directly inactivate AIP3. Rather Nox2 contributed to defense against agrIII-signaling by oxidizing LDL. Furthermore, we found that oxLDL bound all four AIPs and antagonized agr signaling by each agr allele in vitro. These results expand our understanding of host defense against S. aureus agr signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela R Hall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
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Prax M, Lee CY, Bertram R. An update on the molecular genetics toolbox for staphylococci. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2013; 159:421-435. [PMID: 23378573 PMCID: PMC3709823 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.061705-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococci are Gram-positive spherical bacteria of enormous clinical and biotechnological relevance. Staphylococcus aureus has been extensively studied as a model pathogen. A plethora of methods and molecular tools has been developed for genetic modification of at least ten different staphylococcal species to date. Here we review recent developments of various genetic tools and molecular methods for staphylococcal research, which include reporter systems and vectors for controllable gene expression, gene inactivation, gene essentiality testing, chromosomal integration and transposon delivery. It is furthermore illustrated how mutant strain construction by homologous or site-specific recombination benefits from sophisticated counterselection methods. The underlying genetic components have been shown to operate in wild-type staphylococci or modified chassis strains. Finally, possible future developments in the field of applied Staphylococcus genetics are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Prax
- Department of Microbial Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Waldhäuser Str. 70/8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chia Y Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Slot 511, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Ralph Bertram
- Department of Microbial Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen, Waldhäuser Str. 70/8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Benedetti IM, de Lorenzo V, Silva-Rocha R. Quantitative, non-disruptive monitoring of transcription in single cells with a broad-host range GFP-luxCDABE dual reporter system. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52000. [PMID: 23284849 PMCID: PMC3532404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A dual promoter probe system based on a tandem bi-cistronic GFP-luxCDABE reporter cassette is described and implemented. This system is assembled in two synthetic, modular, broad-host range plasmids based on pBBR1 and RK2 origins of replication, allowing its utilization in an extensive number of gram-negative bacteria. We analyze the performance of this dual cassette in two hosts, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, by examining the induction properties of the lacI(q)-Ptrc expression system in the first host and the Pb promoter of the benzoate degradation pathway in the second host. By quantifying the bioluminescence signal produced through the expression of the lux genes, we explore the dynamic range of induction for the two systems (Ptrc-based and Pb-based) in response to the two inducers. In addition, by quantifying the fluorescence signals produced by GFP expression, we were able to monitor the single-cell expression profile and to explore stochasticity of the same two promoters by flow cytometry. The results provided here demonstrate the power of the dual GFP-luxCDABE cassette as a new, single-step tool to assess promoter properties at both the population and single-cell levels in gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Maria Benedetti
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología CSIC, Cantoblanco-Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor de Lorenzo
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología CSIC, Cantoblanco-Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Rafael Silva-Rocha
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología CSIC, Cantoblanco-Madrid, Spain
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Liese J, Rooijakkers SHM, van Strijp JAG, Novick RP, Dustin ML. Intravital two-photon microscopy of host-pathogen interactions in a mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus skin abscess formation. Cell Microbiol 2012; 15:891-909. [PMID: 23217115 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is a frequent cause of severe skin infections. The ability to control the infection is largely dependent on the rapid recruitment of neutrophils (PMN). To gain more insight into the dynamics of PMN migration and host-pathogen interactions in vivo, we used intravital two-photon (2-P) microscopy to visualize S. aureus skin infections in the mouse. Reporter S. aureus strains expressing fluorescent proteins were developed, which allowed for detection of the bacteria in vivo. By employing LysM-EGFP mice to visualize PMN, we observed the rapid appearance of PMN in the extravascular space of the dermis and their directed movement towards the focus of infection, which led to the delineation of an abscess within 1 day. Moreover, tracking of transferred labelled bone-marrow neutrophils showed that PMN localization to the site of infection is dependent on the presence of G-protein-coupled receptors on the PMN, whereas Interleukin-1 receptor was required on host cells other than PMN. Furthermore, the S. aureus complement inhibitor Ecb could block PMN accumulation at thesite of infection. Our results establish that 2-P microscopy is a powerful tool to investigate the orchestration of the immune cells, S. aureus location and gene expression in vivo on a single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Liese
- Program of Molecular Pathogenesis, Helen L and Martin S. Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 540 First Avenue, New York City, NY 10016, USA.
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Atosuo J, Lehtinen J, Vojtek L, Lilius EM. Escherichia coli K-12 (pEGFPluxABCDEamp): a tool for analysis of bacterial killing by antibacterial agents and human complement activities on a real-time basis. LUMINESCENCE 2012; 28:771-9. [PMID: 23129448 DOI: 10.1002/bio.2435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Photorhabdus luminescens luxCDABE genes were integrated into E. coli K-12 using a high copy number plasmid containing modified luxABCDE genes under the control of the powerful Lac promoter. This strain emitted 10 times higher bioluminescence (BL) than P. luminescens. BL production under different growth conditions was studied. In both bacterial strains, the increase in BL signal correlated with the increase in optical density (OD) in a rich growth medium. However, at the logarithmic growth phase, the BL signal was roughly constant. By contrast, in minimal growth media, there was no substantial growth and the BL/cell was approximately five times higher than in the rich medium. The dynamic measurement range of BL was 10(2) -10(7) colony-forming units (CFU) in E. coli and 10(3) -10(7) CFU in P. luminescens. Because the decrease in the BL signal correlated with the decrease in CFU and OD, i.e. the number of bacterial cells killed, it proved to be very suitable for assessing the antibacterial effects of different antimicrobial agents. Unlike with plate counting, the kinetics of killing can be monitored on a real-time basis using BL measurements. Complement activities in different samples can be estimated using only one serum dilution. The transformed E. coli strain appeared to be superior to P. luminescens in these applications because E. coli was complement sensitive, the detection limit of E. coli was one order lower and the BL-producing system of P. luminescens appeared to be quite unstable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Atosuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, The University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Ninomiya K, Yamada R, Matsumoto M, Fukiya S, Katayama T, Ogino C, Shimizu N. Image analyzing method to evaluate in situ bioluminescence from an obligate anaerobe cultivated under various dissolved oxygen concentrations. J Biosci Bioeng 2012; 115:196-9. [PMID: 23040354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
An image analyzing method was developed to evaluate in situ bioluminescence expression, without exposing the culture sample to the ambient oxygen atmosphere. Using this method, we investigated the effect of dissolved oxygen concentration on bioluminescence from an obligate anaerobe Bifidobacterium longum expressing bacterial luciferase which catalyzes an oxygen-requiring bioluminescent reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Ninomiya
- Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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