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Tuttobene MR, Arango Gil BS, Di Venanzio G, Mariscotti JF, Sieira R, Feldman MF, Ramirez MS, García Véscovi E. Unraveling the role of UilS, a urea-induced acyl-homoserine lactonase that enhances Serratia marcescens fitness, interbacterial competition, and urinary tract infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0250524. [PMID: 39475236 PMCID: PMC11633161 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02505-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Serratia marcescens, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, is an opportunistic human pathogen and a frequent cause of urinary tract infections. Clinical isolates often exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing challenges for successful treatment. Understanding its pathogenic mechanisms is crucial for elucidating new potential targets to develop effective therapeutic interventions and manage S. marcescens infections. This work identifies urea-induced lactonase of Serratia (UilS), a lactonase encoded in the S. marcescens RM66262 strain isolated from a patient with a urinary tract infection. The study explores the bacterium's response to urea, a major component of urine, and its impact on uilS expression. We found that UilS degrades acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) autoinducers traditionally associated with quorum sensing mechanisms. Surprisingly, UilS is able to degrade self and non-self AHL, exhibiting quorum-quenching activity toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that LuxR regulates uilS expression that is enhanced in the presence of AHL. In addition, urea-dependent induction of UilS expression is controlled by the transcriptional response regulator CpxR. UilS confers fitness advantage to S. marcescens, especially in the presence of urea, emphasizing the adaptive plasticity of strains to modulate gene expression based on environmental signals and population density. We also discovered a novel bacterial killing capacity of S. marcescens that involves UilS, indicating its importance in the interspecies interaction of Serratia. Finally, we found that a uilS mutant strain displays attenuated colonization in a mouse model of catheter-associated urinary tract infection. uilS is present in clinical but absent in environmental isolates, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to host-specific selective pressures. IMPORTANCE This work reveals the acyl-homoserine lactonase urea-induced lactonase of Serratia as a novel virulence factor of Serratia marcescens, unraveling a potential target to develop antimicrobial strategies and shedding light on the complex regulatory network governing pathogenicity and adaptation to host environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisel R. Tuttobene
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Brayan S. Arango Gil
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Gisela Di Venanzio
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Javier F. Mariscotti
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Sieira
- Fundación Instituto Leloir—IIBBA CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario F. Feldman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - María Soledad Ramirez
- Department of Biological Science, Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California, USA
| | - Eleonora García Véscovi
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
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Jung JM, Rahman A, Schiffer AM, Weisberg AJ. Beav: a bacterial genome and mobile element annotation pipeline. mSphere 2024; 9:e0020924. [PMID: 39037262 PMCID: PMC11351099 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00209-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive and accurate genome annotation is crucial for inferring the predicted functions of an organism. Numerous tools exist to annotate genes, gene clusters, mobile genetic elements, and other diverse features. However, these tools and pipelines can be difficult to install and run, be specialized for a particular element or feature, or lack annotations for larger elements that provide important genomic context. Integrating results across analyses is also important for understanding gene function. To address these challenges, we present the Beav annotation pipeline. Beav is a command-line tool that automates the annotation of bacterial genome sequences, mobile genetic elements, molecular systems and gene clusters, key regulatory features, and other elements. Beav uses existing tools in addition to custom models, scripts, and databases to annotate diverse elements, systems, and sequence features. Custom databases for plant-associated microbes are incorporated to improve annotation of key virulence and symbiosis genes in agriculturally important pathogens and mutualists. Beav includes an optional Agrobacterium-specific pipeline that identifies and classifies oncogenic plasmids and annotates plasmid-specific features. Following the completion of all analyses, annotations are consolidated to produce a single comprehensive output. Finally, Beav generates publication-quality genome and plasmid maps. Beav is on Bioconda and is available for download at https://github.com/weisberglab/beav. IMPORTANCE Annotation of genome features, such as the presence of genes and their predicted function, or larger loci encoding secretion systems or biosynthetic gene clusters, is necessary for understanding the functions encoded by an organism. Genomes can also host diverse mobile genetic elements, such as integrative and conjugative elements and/or phages, that are often not annotated by existing pipelines. These elements can horizontally mobilize genes encoding for virulence, antimicrobial resistance, or other adaptive functions and alter the phenotype of an organism. We developed a software pipeline, called Beav, that combines new and existing tools for the comprehensive annotation of these and other major features. Existing pipelines often misannotate loci important for virulence or mutualism in plant-associated bacteria. Beav includes custom databases and optional workflows for the improved annotation of plant-associated bacteria. Beav is designed to be easy to install and run, making comprehensive genome annotation broadly available to the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jewell M. Jung
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Arafat Rahman
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrea M. Schiffer
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexandra J. Weisberg
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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Zhang Y, Zhao X, Wang J, Liao L, Qin H, Zhang R, Li C, He Y, Huang S. VmsR, a LuxR-Type Regulator, Contributes to Virulence, Cell Motility, Extracellular Polysaccharide Production and Biofilm Formation in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7595. [PMID: 39062838 PMCID: PMC11277528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
LuxR-type regulators play pivotal roles in regulating numerous bacterial processes, including bacterial motility and virulence, thereby exerting a significant influence on bacterial behavior and pathogenicity. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola, a rice pathogen, causes bacterial leaf streak. Our research has identified VmsR, which is a response regulator of the two-component system (TCS) that belongs to the LuxR family. These findings of the experiment reveal that VmsR plays a crucial role in regulating pathogenicity, motility, biofilm formation, and the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) in Xoc GX01. Notably, our study shows that the vmsR mutant exhibits a reduced swimming motility but an enhanced swarming motility. Furthermore, this mutant displays decreased virulence while significantly increasing EPS production and biofilm formation. We have uncovered that VmsR directly interacts with the promoter regions of fliC and fliS, promoting their expression. In contrast, VmsR specifically binds to the promoter of gumB, resulting in its downregulation. These findings indicate that the knockout of vmsR has profound effects on virulence, motility, biofilm formation, and EPS production in Xoc GX01, providing insights into the intricate regulatory network of Xoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Xiyao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Jiuxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Lindong Liao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Huajun Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Rongbo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Changyu Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Yongqiang He
- College of Agronomy, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (J.W.); (L.L.); (H.Q.); (R.Z.); (C.L.)
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Park J, Park H, Jang JU, Kim H, Park H, Iqbal T, Oh HS, Choo KH, Lee K. Benefits of fungal-to-bacterial quorum quenching as anti-biofouling strategy in membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment and water reuse. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 403:130848. [PMID: 38761868 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130848] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This study addresses membrane biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) by exploring fungal-to-bacterial quorum quenching (QQ) strategies. While most research has been focused on bacterial-to-bacterial QQ tactics, this study identified fungal strain Vanrija sp. MS1, which is capable of degrading N-acyl-homoserine lactones (signaling molecules of Gram-negative bacteria). To determine the benefits of fungal over bacterial strains, after immobilization on fluidizing spherical beads in an MBR, MS1 significantly reduced the fouling rate by 1.8-fold compared to control MBR, decreased extracellular polymeric substance levels in the biofilm during MBR operation, and favorably changed microbial community and bacterial network, resulting in biofouling mitigation. It is noteworthy that, unlike Rhodococcus sp. BH4, MS1 enhanced QQ activity when switching from neutral to acidic conditions. These results suggest that MS1 has the potential for the effective treatment of acidic industrial wastewater sources such as semiconductor and secondary battery wastewater using MBRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmi Park
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyeon Park
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-U Jang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeona Park
- School of Architectural, Civil, Environmental, and Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Tahir Iqbal
- School of Architectural, Civil, Environmental, and Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Hyun-Suk Oh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Choo
- Advanced Institute of Water Industry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; School of Architectural, Civil, Environmental, and Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Kibaek Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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Ham S, Ryoo HS, Jang Y, Lee SH, Lee JY, Kim HS, Lee JH, Park HD. Isolation of a quorum quenching bacterium effective to various acyl-homoserine lactones: Its quorum quenching mechanism and application to a membrane bioreactor. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 347:140735. [PMID: 37977541 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140735] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Biofouling, caused by microbial biofilm formation on the membrane surface and in pores, is a major operational problem in membrane bioreactors (MBR). Many quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria have been isolated and applied to MBR to reduce biofouling. However, for more effective MBR biofouling control, novel approaches for isolating QQ bacteria and applying them in MBR are needed. Therefore, Listeria grayi (HEMM-2) was isolated using a mixture of different N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). HEMM-2 degraded various AHLs, regardless of the length and oxo group in the carbon chain, with quorum sensing (QS) inhibition ratios of 47-61%. This QQ activity was attributed to extracellular substances in HEMM-2 cell-free supernatant (CFS). Furthermore, the HEMM-2 CFS negatively regulated QS-related gene expression, inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and activated sludge-biofilm formation by 53-75%. Surprisingly, when the HEMM-2 CFS was directly injected into a laboratory-scale MBR system, biofouling was not significantly affected. Biofouling was only controlled by cell suspension (CS) of HEMM-2, indicating the importance of QQ bacteria in MBR. The HEMM-2 CS increased operation time to reach 0.4 bar, a threshold transmembrane pressure for complete biofouling, from 315 h to 371 h. Taken together, HEMM-2, which is effective in the degradation of various AHLs, and its applicable method to MBR may be considered a potent approach for controlling biofouling and understanding the behavior of QQ bacteria in MBR systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Ham
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 94-96, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Hwa-Soo Ryoo
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongsun Jang
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Lee
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Shin Kim
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Eco Lab Center, SK Ecoplant Co.,Ltd., 19, Yulgok-ro 2-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03143, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Deung Park
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Kim Y, Anburajan P, Kim H, Oh HS. Inhibiting Biofilm Formation via Simultaneous Application of Nitric Oxide and Quorum Quenching Bacteria. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:836. [PMID: 37888008 PMCID: PMC10608578 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Membrane biofouling is an inevitable challenge in membrane-based water treatment systems such as membrane bioreactors. Recent studies have shown that biological approaches based on bacterial signaling can effectively control biofilm formation. Quorum quenching (QQ) is known to inhibit biofilm growth by disrupting quorum sensing (QS) signaling, while nitric oxide (NO) signaling helps to disperse biofilms. In this study, batch biofilm experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of simultaneously applying NO signaling and QQ for biofilm control using Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 as a model microorganism. The NO treatment involved the injection of NONOates (NO donor compounds) into mature biofilms, while QQ was implemented by immobilizing QQ bacteria (Escherichia coli TOP10-AiiO or Rhodococcus sp. BH4) in alginate or polyvinyl alcohol/alginate beads to preserve the QQ activity. When QQ beads were applied together with (Z)-1-[N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-(n-propyl) amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PAPA NONOate), they achieved a 39.0% to 71.3% reduction in biofilm formation, which was substantially higher compared to their individual applications (16.0% to 54.4%). These findings highlight the significant potential of combining QQ and NO technologies for effective biofilm control across a variety of processes that require enhanced biofilm inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youkyoung Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
| | - Parthiban Anburajan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
| | - Hyun-Suk Oh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
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Brown PJB, Chang JH, Fuqua C. Agrobacterium tumefaciens: a Transformative Agent for Fundamental Insights into Host-Microbe Interactions, Genome Biology, Chemical Signaling, and Cell Biology. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0000523. [PMID: 36892285 PMCID: PMC10127608 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00005-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Agrobacterium tumefaciens incites the formation of readily visible macroscopic structures known as crown galls on plant tissues that it infects. Records from biologists as early as the 17th century noted these unusual plant growths and began examining the basis for their formation. These studies eventually led to isolation of the infectious agent, A. tumefaciens, and decades of study revealed the remarkable mechanisms by which A. tumefaciens causes crown gall through stable horizontal genetic transfer to plants. This fundamental discovery generated a barrage of applications in the genetic manipulation of plants that is still under way. As a consequence of the intense study of A. tumefaciens and its role in plant disease, this pathogen was developed as a model for the study of critical processes that are shared by many bacteria, including host perception during pathogenesis, DNA transfer and toxin secretion, bacterial cell-cell communication, plasmid biology, and more recently, asymmetric cell biology and composite genome coordination and evolution. As such, studies of A. tumefaciens have had an outsized impact on diverse areas within microbiology and plant biology that extend far beyond its remarkable agricultural applications. In this review, we attempt to highlight the colorful history of A. tumefaciens as a study system, as well as current areas that are actively demonstrating its value and utility as a model microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J. B. Brown
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jeff H. Chang
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Clay Fuqua
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Diversity of Bacteria with Quorum Sensing and Quenching Activities from Hydrothermal Vents in the Okinawa Trough. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030748. [PMID: 36985321 PMCID: PMC10052519 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a chemical communication system by which bacteria coordinate gene expression and social behaviors. Quorum quenching (QQ) refers to processes of inhibiting the QS pathway. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are extreme marine environments, where abundant and diverse microbial communities live. However, the nature of chemical communication in bacteria inhabiting the hydrothermal vent is poorly understood. In this study, the QS and QQ activities with N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as the autoinducer were detected in bacteria isolated from hydrothermal vents in the Okinawa Trough. A total of 18 and 108 isolates possessed AHL-producing and AHL-degrading abilities, respectively. Bacteria mainly affiliated with Rhodobacterales, Hyphomicrobiales, Enterobacterales and Sphingomonadales showed QS activities; QQ was mainly associated with Bacillales, Rhodospirillales and Sphingomonadales. The results showed that the bacterial QS and QQ processes are prevalent in hydrothermal environments in the Okinawa Trough. Furthermore, QS significantly affected the activities of extracellular enzymes represented by β-glucosidase, aminopeptidase and phosphatase in the four isolates with higher QS activities. Our results increase the current knowledge of the diversity of QS and QQ bacteria in extreme marine environments and shed light on the interspecific relationships to better investigate their dynamics and ecological roles in biogeochemical cycling.
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Kashyap S, Sidhu H, Sharma P, Capalash N. 3-indoleacetonitrile attenuates biofilm formation and enhances sensitivity to imipenem in Acinetobacter baumannii. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6648707. [PMID: 35867872 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii poses a global danger due to its ability to resist most of the currently available antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, the rise of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates has limited the treatment options available. In the present study, plant auxin 3-indoleacetonitrile was found to inhibit biofilm formation and motility of A. baumannii at sub-lethal concentration. Mechanistically, 3-indoleacetonitrile inhibited the synthesis of the quorum sensing signal 3-OH-C12-HSL by downregulating the expression of the abaI autoinducer synthase gene. 3-indoleacetonitrile was found to reduce MIC of A. baumannii ATCC 17 978 against imipenem, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, and levofloxacin, and significantly decreased persistence against imipenem. Inhibition of efflux pumps by down-regulating genes expression may be responsible for enhanced sensitivity and low persistence. 3-indoleacetonitrile reduced the resistance to imipenem in carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates by down-regulating the expression of OXA β-lactamases (blaoxa-51 and blaoxa-23), outer membrane protein carO and transporter protein adeB. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of 3-indoleacetonitrile which could be explored as an adjuvant with antibiotics for controlling A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Kashyap
- Department of Biotechnology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, India
| | - Harsimran Sidhu
- Department of Biotechnology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, India
| | - Prince Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, India
| | - Neena Capalash
- Department of Biotechnology, South Campus, Basic Medical Science (Block I), Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, India
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Noori A, Kim H, Kim MH, Kim K, Lee K, Oh HS. Quorum quenching bacteria isolated from industrial wastewater sludge to control membrane biofouling. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 352:127077. [PMID: 35378282 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-based bacterial communication through quorum sensing (QS) is one of the main causes of biofouling. Although quorum quenching (QQ) has proven to be an effective strategy against biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for municipal wastewater treatment, its applicability for industrial wastewater treatment has rarely been studied. This is the first study to isolate QQ strains from the activated sludge used to treat industrial wastewater containing toxic tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. The two QQ strains from genus Bacillus (SDC-U1 and SDC-A8) survived and effectively degraded QS signals in the presence of TMAH. They also showed resistance to toxic byproducts of TMAH degradation such as ammonium and formaldehyde. They effectively reduced the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and mixed community of activated sludge. The strains isolated in this study thus have the potential to be employed to reduce membrane biofouling in MBRs during the treatment of TMAH-containing wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolvahed Noori
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Hee Kim
- Facility Team, Samsung Display Co. Ltd, Asan 31454, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Keumyong Kim
- Facility Team, Samsung Display Co. Ltd, Asan 31454, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kibaek Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Suk Oh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea.
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Taşkan B, Taşkan E. Inhibition of AHL-mediated quorum sensing to control biofilm thickness in microbial fuel cell by using Rhodococcus sp. BH4. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131538. [PMID: 34273699 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anode biofilm thickness is a key point for high and sustainable power generation in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Over time, the formation of a thicker biofilm on anode electrode hinders the power generation performance of MFC by causing a longer electron transfer path and the accumulation of undesirable components in anode biofilm. To overcome these limitations, we used a novel strategy named quorum quenching (QQ) for the first time in order to control the biofilm thickness on the anode surface by inactivation of signal molecules among microorganisms. For this purpose, the isolated QQ bacteria (Rhodococcus sp. BH4) were immobilized into alginate beads (20, 40, and 80 mg/10 ml sodium alginate) and added to the anode chamber of MFCs. The MFC exhibited the best electrochemical activity (1924 mW m-2) with a biofilm thickness of 26 μm at 40 mg Rhodococcus sp. BH4/10 ml sodium alginate. The inhibition of signal molecules in anode chamber reduced the production of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) by preventing microbial communication amonganode microorganisms. Microscopic observations revealed that anode biofilm thickness and the abundance of dead bacteria significantly decreased with an increase in Rhodococcus sp. BH4 concentration in MFCs. Microbiome diversity showed an apparent difference among the microbial community structures of anode biofilms in MFCs containing vacant and Rhodococcus sp. BH4 beads. The data revealed that the QQ strategy is an efficient application for improving MFC performance and may shed light on future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banu Taşkan
- Firat University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Elazig, 23119, Turkey.
| | - Ergin Taşkan
- Firat University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Elazig, 23119, Turkey.
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Yamabe K, Arakawa Y, Shoji M, Onda M, Miyamoto K, Tsuchiya T, Akeda Y, Terada K, Tomono K. Direct anti-biofilm effects of macrolides on Acinetobacter baumannii: comprehensive and comparative demonstration by a simple assay using microtiter plate combined with peg-lid. Biomed Res 2021; 41:259-268. [PMID: 33268670 DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.41.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, opportunistic nosocomial infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii have become increasingly prevalent worldwide. The pathogen often establishes biofilms that adhere to medical devices, causing chronic infections refractory to antimicrobial therapy. Clinical reports have indicated that some macrolide antibiotics are effective against chronic biofilm-related infections. In this study, we examined the direct anti-biofilm effects of seven macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, josamycin, spiramycin, fidaxomicin, and ivermectin) on A. baumannii using a simple and newly established in vitro assay system for the swift and serial spectrophotometric determinations of two biofilm-amount indexes of viability and biomass. These macrolides were found to possess direct anti-biofilm effects exerting specific anti-biofilm effects not exclusively depending on their bacteriostatic/bactericidal effects. The anti-biofilm effect of azithromycin was found to be the strongest, while those of fidaxomicin and ivermectin were weak and limited. These results provide insights into possible adjunctive chemotherapy with macrolides for A. baumannii infection. Common five macrolides also interfered with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens NTL(pCF218) (pCF372) bioassay system of N-acyl homoserine lactones, providing insights into sample preparation for the bioassay, and putatively suggesting the actions of macrolides as remote signals in bacterial quorum sensing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Yamabe
- Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo
| | - Yukio Arakawa
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Masaki Shoji
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Mitsuko Onda
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Katsushiro Miyamoto
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Takahiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Yukihiro Akeda
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
| | | | - Kazunori Tomono
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
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Singh S, Bhatia S. Quorum Sensing Inhibitors: Curbing Pathogenic Infections through Inhibition of Bacterial Communication. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:486-514. [PMID: 34567177 PMCID: PMC8457738 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2020.113470.14318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Currently, most of the developed and developing countries are facing the problem of infectious diseases. The genius way of an exaggerated application of antibiotics led the infectious agents to respond by bringing a regime of persisters to resist antibiotics attacks prolonging their survival. Persisters have the dexterity to communicate among themself using signal molecules via the process of Quorum Sensing (QS), which regulates virulence gene expression and biofilms formation, making them more vulnerable to antibiotic attack. Our review aims at the different approaches applied in the ordeal to solve the riddle for QS inhibitors. QS inhibitors, their origin, structures and key interactions for QS inhibitory activity have been summarized. Solicitation of a potent QS inhibitor molecule would be beneficial, giving new life to the simplest antibiotics in adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaminder Singh
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3 Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad - 121 001, Haryana, India
| | - Sonam Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, SHALOM Institute of Health and Allied Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Naini-211007, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
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14
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Involvement of a Quorum Sensing Signal Molecule in the Extracellular Amylase Activity of the Thermophilic Anoxybacillus amylolyticus. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040819. [PMID: 33924442 PMCID: PMC8068869 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anoxybacillus amylolyticus is a moderate thermophilic microorganism producing an exopolysaccharide and an extracellular α-amylase able to hydrolyze starch. The synthesis of several biomolecules is often regulated by a quorum sensing (QS) mechanism, a chemical cell-to-cell communication based on the production and diffusion of small molecules named “autoinducers”, most of which belonging to the N-acyl homoserine lactones’ (AHLs) family. There are few reports about this mechanism in extremophiles, in particular thermophiles. Here, we report the identification of a signal molecule, the N-butanoyl-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), from the milieu of A. amylolyticus. Moreover, investigations performed by supplementing a known QS inhibitor, trans-cinnamaldehyde, or exogenous C4-HSL in the growth medium of A. amylolyticus suggested the involvement of QS signaling in the modulation of extracellular α-amylase activity. The data showed that the presence of the QS inhibitor trans-cinnamaldehyde in the medium decreased amylolytic activity, which, conversely, was increased by the effect of exogenous C4-HSL. Overall, these results represent the first evidence of the production of AHLs in thermophilic microorganisms, which could be responsible for a communication system regulating thermostable α-amylase activity.
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Barton IS, Eagan JL, Nieves-Otero PA, Reynolds IP, Platt TG, Fuqua C. Co-dependent and Interdigitated: Dual Quorum Sensing Systems Regulate Conjugative Transfer of the Ti Plasmid and the At Megaplasmid in Agrobacterium tumefaciens 15955. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:605896. [PMID: 33552018 PMCID: PMC7856919 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.605896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Rhizobiaceae, often carry multiple secondary replicons in addition to the primary chromosome with compatible repABC-based replication systems. Unlike secondary chromosomes and chromids, repABC-based megaplasmids and plasmids can undergo copy number fluctuations and are capable of conjugative transfer in response to environmental signals. Several Agrobacterium tumefaciens lineages harbor three secondary repABC-based replicons, including a secondary chromosome (often linear), the Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid and the At megaplasmid. The Ti plasmid is required for virulence and encodes a conjugative transfer (tra) system that is strictly regulated by a subset of plant-tumor released opines and a well-described acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-based quorum-sensing mechanism. The At plasmids are generally not required for virulence, but carry genes that enhance rhizosphere survival, and these plasmids are often conjugatively proficient. We report that the At megaplasmid of the octopine-type strain A. tumefaciens 15955 encodes a quorum-controlled conjugation system that directly interacts with the paralogous quorum sensing system on the co-resident Ti plasmid. Both the pAt15955 and pTi15955 plasmids carry homologs of a TraI-type AHL synthase, a TraR-type AHL-responsive transcription activator, and a TraM-type anti-activator. The traI genes from both pTi15955 and pAt15955 can direct production of the inducing AHL (3-octanoyl-L-homoserine lactone) and together contribute to the overall AHL pool. The TraR protein encoded on each plasmid activates AHL-responsive transcription of target tra gene promoters. The pAt15955 TraR can cross-activate tra genes on the Ti plasmid as strongly as its cognate tra genes, whereas the pTi15955 TraR is preferentially biased toward its own tra genes. Putative tra box elements are located upstream of target promoters, and comparing between plasmids, they are in similar locations and share an inverted repeat structure, but have distinct consensus sequences. The two AHL quorum sensing systems have a combinatorial effect on conjugative transfer of both plasmids. Overall, the interactions described here have implications for the horizontal transfer and evolutionary stability of both plasmids and, in a broad sense, are consistent with other repABC systems that often have multiple quorum-sensing controlled secondary replicons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Barton
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Justin L Eagan
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Ian P Reynolds
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Thomas G Platt
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Clay Fuqua
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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16
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Lee S, Xu H, Rice SA, Chong TH, Oh HS. Development of a quorum quenching-column to control biofouling in reverse osmosis water treatment processes. J IND ENG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2020.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Shah SSA, Choo KH. Isolation and characterization of novel indigenous facultative quorum quenching bacterial strains for ambidextrous biofouling control. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 308:123269. [PMID: 32251857 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Quorum quenching (QQ), the disruption of microbial communication, has proven to be effective as an innovative anti-biofouling strategy for membrane bioreactors (MBRs). However, QQ bacteria for anaerobic environments have not been extensively analyzed in previous research. This study thus investigated facultative QQ bacterial strains that exhibit potential for use in aerobic and anaerobic MBRs. Two novel QQ strains from the genus Pseudomonas (KS2 and KS10) were isolated from anaerobic digester sludge using signal molecules as the sole carbon source. The two QQ strains exhibited significant signal molecule degradation depending on the oxygen levels and demonstrated endogenous QQ activity, with KS2 producing lactonase and KS10 producing acylase. The QQ strains significantly reduced the formation of the biofilm generated by both Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) and real sludge. Facultative QQ strains have the potential to offer a more flexible option for effective biofouling control in both aerobic and anaerobic MBRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Salman Ali Shah
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Choo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Advanced Institute of Water Industry, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Barton IS, Platt TG, Rusch DB, Fuqua C. Destabilization of the Tumor-Inducing Plasmid from an Octopine-Type Agrobacterium tumefaciens Lineage Drives a Large Deletion in the Co-resident At Megaplasmid. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:3489-3500. [PMID: 31451548 PMCID: PMC6778807 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria with multi-replicon genome organizations, including members of the family Rhizobiaceae, often carry a variety of niche-associated functions on large plasmids. While evidence exists for cross-replicon interactions and co-evolution between replicons in many of these systems, remarkable strain-to-strain variation is also observed for extrachromosomal elements, suggesting increased genetic plasticity. Here, we show that curing of the tumor-inducing virulence plasmid (pTi) of an octopine-type Agrobacterium tumefaciens lineage leads to a large deletion in the co-resident At megaplasmid (pAt). The deletion event is mediated by a repetitive IS-element, IS66, and results in a variety of environment-dependent fitness consequences, including loss of independent conjugal transfer of the plasmid. Interestingly, a related and otherwise wild-type A. tumefaciens strain is missing exactly the same large pAt segment as the pAt deletion derivatives, suggesting a similar event over its natural history. Overall, the findings presented here uncover a novel genetic interaction between the two large plasmids of A. tumefaciens and provide evidence for cross-replicon integration and co-evolution of these plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Barton
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Thomas G Platt
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, and
| | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Clay Fuqua
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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19
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Yu Z, Yu D, Mao Y, Zhang M, Ding M, Zhang J, Wu S, Qiu J, Yin J. Identification and characterization of a LuxI/R-type quorum sensing system in Pseudoalteromonas. Res Microbiol 2019; 170:243-255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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20
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Liu LP, Huang LH, Ding XT, Yan L, Jia SR, Dai YJ, Xie YY, Zhong C. Identification of Quorum-Sensing Molecules of N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone in Gluconacetobacter Strains by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24152694. [PMID: 31344938 PMCID: PMC6695853 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Many Gram-negative bacteria can regulate gene expression in a cell density-dependent manner via quorum-sensing systems using N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are typical quorum-sensing signaling molecules, and thus modulate physiological characteristics. N-acyl-homoserine lactones are small chemical molecules produced at low concentrations by bacteria and are, therefore, difficult to detect. Here, a biosensor system method and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were combined to detect and assay AHL production. As demonstrated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, Gluconacetobacter xylinus CGMCC No. 2955, a Gram-negative acetic acid-producing bacterium and a typical bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis strain, produces six different AHLs, including N-acetyl-homoserine lactone, N-butanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-3-oxo-decanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone, and N-tetradecanoyl-homoserine lactone. Gluconacetobacter sp. strain SX-1, another Gram-negative acetic acid-producing bacterium, which can synthesize BC, produces seven different AHLs including N-acetyl-homoserine lactone, N-butanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-3-oxo-octanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-decanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone, and N-tetradecanoyl-homoserine lactone. These results lay the foundation for investigating the relationship between BC biosynthesis and quorum-sensing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Pu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Long-Hui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Lin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Shi-Ru Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yu-Jie Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yan-Yan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition & Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
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21
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Tang X, Guo Y, Zhu T, Tao H, Liu S. Identification of quorum sensing signal AHLs synthases in Candidatus Jettenia caeni and their roles in anammox activity. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 225:608-617. [PMID: 30901654 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-based quorum sensing (QS) in the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (anammox) consortia has attracted increasing attention. However, AHL synthase in anammox bacteria and the relationship between AHL synthetic genes and anammox activity are still not clear because anammox bacteria have not been isolated from the consortia. Two novel synthases of AHLs (JqsI-1 and JqsI-2), which are HdtS-type rather than the widely studied LuxI-type, were identified in anammox bacteria Candidatus Jettenia caeni and synthesized four AHLs. There was a correlation between AHL concentration, in situ transcriptional expression of the AHL synthase genes (jqsI-1 and jqsI-2) and genetic marker of anammox activity (hydrazine synthase gene, hzsA). And AHL add-back studies demonstrated that AHL influence the expression of hzsA to regulate anammox bacterial activity. This study provides insight into the QS communication pathway of anammox bacteria for wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yongzhao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Management and Technology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Emerging Contaminants Detection & Control in Water Environment, Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shenzhen, 518001, China
| | - Huchun Tao
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sitong Liu
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Huang J, Yang Y, Zeng G, Gu Y, Shi Y, Yi K, Ouyang Y, Hu J, Shi L. Membrane layers intensifying quorum quenching alginate cores and its potential for membrane biofouling control. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 279:195-201. [PMID: 30735928 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.01.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Quorum quenching (QQ) has been proved to be an efficient method to mitigate biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). In this paper, in order to enhance practicability of QQ microcapsules, we prepared three types microcapsules with same alginate cores (SAs). The microcapsules with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) layer showed excellent performance in preventing cell leakage from the microcapsules, increasing service life and improving mechanical strength. And confocal laser scanning microscopy images demonstrated that there were very little dead bacteria in the microcapsules with both chitosan and PAN layer than microcapsules with only PAN layer because chitosan layer can protect bacteria entrapped in cores from the hurt caused by poisonous PAN solution. At the same time, the microcapsules with PAN layer presented more efficient anti-biofouling ability in the physical washing test. At last, the bacterial microcapsules coated with both chitosan and PAN layer showed an obvious biofouling mitigation during the MBRs operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yanling Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yahui Shi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Kaixin Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yichen Ouyang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jianglin Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Lixiu Shi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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Characterization and Transcriptome Studies of Autoinducer Synthase Gene from Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strain 863. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10040282. [PMID: 30965610 PMCID: PMC6523755 DOI: 10.3390/genes10040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system that uses autoinducers as signaling molecules to enable inter-species and intra-species interactions in response to external stimuli according to the population density. QS allows bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii to react rapidly in response to environmental changes and hence, increase the chances of survival. A. baumannii is one of the causative agents in hospital-acquired infections and the number of cases has increased remarkably in the past decade. In this study, A. baumannii strain 863, a multidrug-resistant pathogen, was found to exhibit QS activity by producing N-acyl homoserine lactone. We identified the autoinducer synthase gene, which we named abaI, by performing whole genome sequencing analysis of A. baumannii strain 863. Using high resolution tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, we reported that abaI of A. baumannii strain 863 produced 3-hydroxy-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone. A gene deletion mutant was constructed, which confirmed the functionality of abaI. A growth defect was observed in the QS-deficient mutant strain. Transcriptome profiling was performed to determine the possible genes regulated by QS. Four groups of genes that showed differential expression were discovered, namely those involved in carbon source metabolism, energy production, stress response and the translation process.
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Wetzel ME, Asenstorfer RE, Tate ME, Farrand SK. Quorum-dependent transfer of the opine-catabolic plasmid pAoF64/95 is regulated by a novel mechanism involving inhibition of the TraR antiactivator TraM. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e00625. [PMID: 29635848 PMCID: PMC6341043 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously described a plasmid of Agrobacterium spp., pAoF64/95, in which the quorum-sensing system that controls conjugative transfer is induced by the opine mannopine. We also showed that the quorum-sensing regulators TraR, TraM, and TraI function similarly to their counterparts in other repABC plasmids. However, traR, unlike its counterpart on Ti plasmids, is monocistronic and not located in an operon that is inducible by the conjugative opine. Here, we report that both traR and traM are expressed constitutively and not regulated by growth with mannopine. We report two additional regulatory genes, mrtR and tmsP, that are involved in a novel mechanism of control of TraR activity. Both genes are located in the distantly linked region of pAoF64/95 encoding mannopine utilization. MrtR, in the absence of mannopine, represses the four-gene mocC operon as well as tmsP, which is the distal gene of the eight-gene motA operon. As judged by a bacterial two-hybrid analysis, TmsP, which shows amino acid sequence relatedness with the TraM-binding domain of TraR, interacts with the antiactivator. We propose a model in which mannopine, acting through the repressor MrtR, induces expression of TmsP which then titrates the levels of TraM thereby freeing TraR to activate the tra regulon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Wetzel
- Department of MicrobiologyThe University of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | | | - Max E. Tate
- School of Agriculture, Food and WineThe University of AdelaideOsmondSAAustralia
| | - Stephen K. Farrand
- Department of MicrobiologyThe University of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
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Martins ML, Pinto UM, Riedel K, Vanetti MCD. Quorum Sensing and Spoilage Potential of Psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Milk. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2723157. [PMID: 30426005 PMCID: PMC6217898 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2723157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The 16S rDNA of six psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae isolated from cold raw milk were sequenced and the isolate 039 was identified as Pantoea sp., isolates 059, 068, and 071 were identified as Hafnia alvei, 067 was identified as Enterobacter sp., and 099 was identified as Aeromonas hydrophila. They presented different spoilage potentials in milk with A. hydrophila 099 being the most deteriorative. Only Pantoea sp. 039 was not able to induce the quorum sensing monitor strains of acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). The halI gene, which encodes the AHL synthase in H. alvei, was identified in the isolates 059, 067, 068, and 071. After initial sequencing characterization and cloning, this gene showed its function by the heterologous synthesis of N-hexanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone and N-3-oxohexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone in Escherichia coli. In addition to producing AHLs, A. hydrophila 099 produced AI-2 in higher level than the assay's positive control Vibrio harveyi BB120. Therefore, Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from cooled raw milk produce a rich array of signaling molecules that may influence bacterial traits in the milk environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurilio Lopes Martins
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal Institute of Southeast of Minas Gerais, 36180-000 Rio Pomba, MG, Brazil
| | - Uelinton Manoel Pinto
- Food Research Center, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Katharina Riedel
- Institute of Microbiology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald, 17489, Germany
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Sun Y, He K, Yin Q, Echigo S, Wu G, Guan Y. Determination of quorum-sensing signal substances in water and solid phases of activated sludge systems using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 69:85-94. [PMID: 29941272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The detection of acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) in activated sludge is essential for clarifying their function in wastewater treatment processes. An LC-MS/MS method was developed for the detection of AHLs in both the aqueous and solid phases of activated sludge. In addition, the effects of proteases and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on the detection of AHLs were evaluated by adding protease inhibitors and extracting EPS, respectively. Recoveries of each AHL were improved by adding 50μL of protease inhibitor, and recoveries were also improved from 0 to 56.9% to 24.2%-105.8% by EPS extraction. Applying the developed method to determine the type and concentration of AHLs showed that C4-HSL, C6-HSL, C8-HSL and 3-oxo-C8-HSL were widely detected in a suspended activated sludge system. The dominant AHL was C8-HSL, with a highest concentration of 304.3ng/L. C4-HSL was mainly distributed in the aqueous phase, whereas C6-HSL, C8-HSL and 3-oxo-C8-HSL were preferentially distributed in the sludge phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuepeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control (MARC) of Shenzhen, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Kai He
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Qidong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control (MARC) of Shenzhen, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shinya Echigo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Guangxue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control (MARC) of Shenzhen, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yuntao Guan
- Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control (MARC) of Shenzhen, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
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27
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Lee K, Kim YW, Lee S, Lee SH, Nahm CH, Kwon H, Park PK, Choo KH, Koyuncu I, Drews A, Lee CH, Lee JK. Stopping Autoinducer-2 Chatter by Means of an Indigenous Bacterium ( Acinetobacter sp. DKY-1): A New Antibiofouling Strategy in a Membrane Bioreactor for Wastewater Treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:6237-6245. [PMID: 29714471 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial quorum quenching (QQ) by means of degrading signaling molecules has been applied to antibiofouling strategies in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for wastewater treatment. However, the target signaling molecules have been limited to N-acyl homoserine lactones participating in intraspecies quorum sensing. Here, an approach to disrupting autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling molecules participating in interspecies quorum sensing was pursued as a next-generation antibiofouling strategy in an MBR for wastewater treatment. We isolated an indigenous QQ bacterium ( Acinetobacter sp. DKY-1) that can attenuate the expression of the quorum-sensing (QS) response through the inactivation of an autoinducer-2 signaling molecule, 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione (DPD), among four kinds of autoinducer-2 QS bacteria. DKY-1 released AI-2 QQ compounds, which were verified to be hydrophilic with a molecular weight of <400 Da. The addition of DKY-1 entrapping beads into an MBR significantly decreased DPD concentration and remarkably reduced membrane biofouling. This new approach, combining molecular biology with wastewater engineering, could enlarge the range of QQ-MBR for antibiofouling and energy savings in the field of wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kibaek Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institute of Water Industry , Kyungpook National University , Daegu 41566 , Republic of Korea
| | - Yea-Won Kim
- Department of Biomedicinal Science and Biotechnology , Paichai University , Daejeon 35345 , Republic of Korea
| | - Seonki Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyun Nahm
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeokpil Kwon
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Pyung-Kyu Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Yonsei University , Wonju 26493 , Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Choo
- Advanced Institute of Water Industry , Kyungpook National University , Daegu 41566 , Republic of Korea
| | - Ismail Koyuncu
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Istanbul Technical University , Istanbul 34469 , Turkey
| | - Anja Drews
- School of Life Science Engineering (Engineering II) , HTW Berlin-University of Applied Sciences , Berlin 12459 , Germany
| | - Chung-Hak Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kee Lee
- Department of Biomedicinal Science and Biotechnology , Paichai University , Daejeon 35345 , Republic of Korea
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Yang Y, Zhou M, Hardwidge PR, Cui H, Zhu G. Isolation and Characterization of N-acyl Homoserine Lactone-Producing Bacteria From Cattle Rumen and Swine Intestines. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:155. [PMID: 29868511 PMCID: PMC5954215 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing systems regulate gene expression in response to bacterial population density. Acyl-homoserine lactones are a class of quorum sensing molecules found in cattle rumen that are thought to regulate the gene expression of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and thus help this pathogen survive in animal gastrointestinal tracts. However, the specific bacteria that produce these signaling molecules in bovine and porcine gastrointestinal tracts are unknown. Here we developed methods to concentrate gastrointestinal fluids and screen the bacteria that produce acyl-homoserine lactones. We isolated a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain YZ1 from cattle rumen, and an Aeromonas hydrophila strain YZ2 from pig intestine. Mass spectrometry analysis of culture supernatants indicated at least three specific classes of acyl-homoserine lactones produced by YZ1, and a C4-acyl-homoserine lactone produced by YZ2. Transformation of E. coli with P. aeruginosa or A. hydrophila luxI homologs,which can produce short- or long-chain acyl-homoserine lactones conferred upon E. coli the ability to synthesize acyl-homoserine lactones and affected gene expression, motility, and acid tolerance of E. coli. This is the first study reporting the isolation and characterization of acyl-homoserine lactone synthase-positive bacteria from cattle rumen and swine intestines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics and College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Mingxu Zhou
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Philip R Hardwidge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Hengmi Cui
- Institute of Epigenetics and Epigenomics and College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Yu S, Zhu X, Zhou J, Cai Z. Biofilm inhibition and pathogenicity attenuation in bacteria by Proteus mirabilis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:170702. [PMID: 29765621 PMCID: PMC5936886 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms play an important role in the antibiotic resistance of encased bacteria, and biofilm formation is regulated by quorum sensing (QS). Inhibiting the QS system may, therefore, degrade the integrity of a biofilm and expose the bacterial pathogens within it to the deleterious effects of molecules such as antibiotics. Moreover, the use of QS inhibitors (QSIs) may provide a novel approach for treating bacterial infections of aquacultures. In the present study, the bacterium Proteus mirabilis was identified as a potential producer of QSIs. Varying concentrations (0.1-1.1%) of filtrates prepared from the culture of P. mirabilis inhibited biofilm formation by the pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio harveyi and Staphylococcus aureus by as much as 58.9%, 41.5% and 41.9%, respectively. These filtrates as well as the crude aqueous extracts prepared from them increased the sensitivities of pathogens to the inhibitory effects of kanamycin. The filtrates also showed pathogenicity attenuation potential in P. aeruginosa by decreasing the production of virulence factors. Moreover, the filtrates did not influence the planktonic growth of these pathogens. The results indicate that P. mirabilis may act as a non-specific (or broad-spectrum) inhibitor of biofilm formation that will help control infectious diseases that adversely affect the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichen Yu
- Shenzhen Public Service Platforms of Marine Microbial Resource Screening and Exploitation, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Shenzhen Public Service Platforms of Marine Microbial Resource Screening and Exploitation, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen Public Service Platforms of Marine Microbial Resource Screening and Exploitation, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen Public Service Platforms of Marine Microbial Resource Screening and Exploitation, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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30
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Barton IS, Fuqua C, Platt TG. Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of a model facultative pathogen: Agrobacterium and crown gall disease of plants. Environ Microbiol 2018; 20:16-29. [PMID: 29105274 PMCID: PMC5764771 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Many important pathogens maintain significant populations in highly disparate disease and non-disease environments. The consequences of this environmental heterogeneity in shaping the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of these facultative pathogens are incompletely understood. Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the causative agent for crown gall disease of plants has proven a productive model for many aspects of interactions between pathogens and their hosts and with other microbes. In this review, we highlight how this past work provides valuable context for the use of this system to examine how heterogeneity and transitions between disease and non-disease environments influence the ecology and evolution of facultative pathogens. We focus on several features common among facultative pathogens, such as the physiological remodelling required to colonize hosts from environmental reservoirs and the consequences of competition with host and non-host associated microbiota. In addition, we discuss how the life history of facultative pathogens likely often results in ecological tradeoffs associated with performance in disease and non-disease environments. These pathogens may therefore have different competitive dynamics in disease and non-disease environments and are subject to shifting selective pressures that can result in pathoadaptation or the within-host spread of avirulent phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S. Barton
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Clay Fuqua
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Thomas G. Platt
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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31
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Thornhill SG, McLean RJC. Use of Whole-Cell Bioassays for Screening Quorum Signaling, Quorum Interference, and Biofilm Dispersion. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1673:3-24. [PMID: 29130160 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7309-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In most bacteria, a global level of regulation, termed quorum sensing (QS), exists involving intercellular communication via the production and response to cell density-dependent signal molecules. QS has been associated with a number of important features in bacteria including virulence regulation and biofilm formation. Consequently, there is considerable interest in understanding, detecting, and inhibiting QS. N-acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs) are used as extracellular QS signals by a variety of Gram-negative bacteria. Chromobacterium violaceum, commonly found in soil and water, produces the characteristic purple pigment violacein, regulated by AHL-mediated QS. Based on this readily observed pigmentation phenotype, C. violaceum strains can be used to detect various aspects of AHL-mediated QS activity. In another commonly used bioassay organism, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, QS can be detected by the use of a reporter gene such as lacZ. Here, we describe several commonly used approaches incorporating C. violaceum and A. tumefaciens that can be used to detect AHL and QS inhibitors. Due to the inherent low susceptibility of biofilm bacteria to antimicrobial agents, biofilm dispersion, whereby bacteria reenter the planktonic community, is another increasingly important area of research. At least one signal, distinct from traditional QS, has been identified and there are a variety of other environmental factors that also trigger dispersion. We describe a microtiter-based experimental strategy whereby potential biofilm dispersion compounds can be screened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Starla G Thornhill
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Robert J C McLean
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
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32
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Yavuztürk Gül B, Koyuncu I. Assessment of new environmental quorum quenching bacteria as a solution for membrane biofouling. Process Biochem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2017.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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33
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Host modification of a bacterial quorum-sensing signal induces a phenotypic switch in bacterial symbionts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E8488-E8497. [PMID: 28923926 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706879114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial communities colonize epithelial surfaces of most animals. Several factors, including the innate immune system, mucus composition, and diet, have been identified as determinants of host-associated bacterial communities. Here we show that the early branching metazoan Hydra is able to modify bacterial quorum-sensing signals. We identified a eukaryotic mechanism that enables Hydra to specifically modify long-chain 3-oxo-homoserine lactones into their 3-hydroxy-HSL counterparts. Expression data revealed that Hydra's main bacterial colonizer, Curvibacter sp., responds differentially to N-(3-hydroxydodecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3OHC12-HSL) and N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3OC12-HSL). Investigating the impacts of the different N-acyl-HSLs on host colonization elucidated that 3OHC12-HSL allows and 3OC12-HSL represses host colonization of Curvibacter sp. These results show that an animal manipulates bacterial quorum-sensing signals and that this modification leads to a phenotypic switch in the bacterial colonizers. This mechanism may enable the host to manipulate the gene expression and thereby the behavior of its bacterial colonizers.
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34
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Oh HS, Tan CH, Low JH, Rzechowicz M, Siddiqui MF, Winters H, Kjelleberg S, Fane AG, Rice SA. Quorum quenching bacteria can be used to inhibit the biofouling of reverse osmosis membranes. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 112:29-37. [PMID: 28129553 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, significant efforts have concentrated on mitigating biofouling in reverse osmosis (RO) systems, with a focus on non-toxic and sustainable strategies. Here, we explored the potential of applying quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria to control biofouling in a laboratory-scale RO system. For these experiments, Pantoea stewartii was used as a model biofilm forming organism because it was previously shown to be a relevant wastewater isolate that also forms biofilms in a quorum sensing (QS) dependent fashion. A recombinant Escherichia coli strain, which can produce a QQ enzyme, was first tested in batch biofilm assays and significantly reduced biofilm formation by P. stewartii. Subsequently, RO membranes were fouled with P. stewartii and the QQ bacterium was introduced into the RO system using two different strategies, direct injection and immobilization within a cartridge microfilter. When the QQ bacterial cells were directly injected into the system, N-acylhomoserine lactone signals were degraded, resulting in the reduction of biofouling. Similarly, the QQ bacteria controlled biofouling when immobilized within a microfilter placed downstream of the RO module to remove QS signals circulating in the system. These results demonstrate the proof-of-principle that QQ can be applied to control biofouling of RO membranes and may be applicable for use in full-scale plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Suk Oh
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Chuan Hao Tan
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jiun Hui Low
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Miles Rzechowicz
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Muhammad Faisal Siddiqui
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Harvey Winters
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, Teaneck, NJ, USA
| | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; The School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony G Fane
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Scott A Rice
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; The School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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35
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Leonard S, Hommais F, Nasser W, Reverchon S. Plant-phytopathogen interactions: bacterial responses to environmental and plant stimuli. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:1689-1716. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Leonard
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; INSA-Lyon, CNRS, UMR5240, Microbiologie, Adaptation, Pathogénie, 10 rue Raphaël Dubois Villeurbanne F-69622 France
| | - Florence Hommais
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; INSA-Lyon, CNRS, UMR5240, Microbiologie, Adaptation, Pathogénie, 10 rue Raphaël Dubois Villeurbanne F-69622 France
| | - William Nasser
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; INSA-Lyon, CNRS, UMR5240, Microbiologie, Adaptation, Pathogénie, 10 rue Raphaël Dubois Villeurbanne F-69622 France
| | - Sylvie Reverchon
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; INSA-Lyon, CNRS, UMR5240, Microbiologie, Adaptation, Pathogénie, 10 rue Raphaël Dubois Villeurbanne F-69622 France
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Abstract
The power of a single engineered organism is limited by its capacity for genetic modification. To circumvent the constraints of any singular microbe, a new frontier in synthetic biology is emerging: synthetic ecology, or the engineering of microbial consortia. Here we develop communication systems for such consortia in an effort to allow for complex social behavior across different members of a community. We posit that such communities will outpace monocultures in their ability to perform complicated tasks if communication among and between members of the community is well regulated. Quorum sensing was identified as the most promising candidate for precise control of engineered microbial ecosystems, due to its large diversity and established utility in synthetic biology. Through promoter and protein modification, we engineered two quorum sensing systems (rpa and tra) to add to the extensively used lux and las systems. By testing the cross-talk between all systems, we thoroughly characterized many new inducible systems for versatile control of engineered communities. Furthermore, we've identified several system pairs that exhibit useful types of orthogonality. Most notably, the tra and rpa systems were shown to have neither signal crosstalk nor promoter crosstalk for each other, making them completely orthogonal in operation. Overall, by characterizing the interactions between all four systems and their components, these circuits should lend themselves to higher-level genetic circuitry for use in microbial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer R. Scott
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Jeff Hasty
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- BioCircuits Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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37
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Huang J, Shi Y, Zeng G, Gu Y, Chen G, Shi L, Hu Y, Tang B, Zhou J. Acyl-homoserine lactone-based quorum sensing and quorum quenching hold promise to determine the performance of biological wastewater treatments: An overview. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 157:137-151. [PMID: 27213243 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication process between cells, in which bacteria secrete and sense the specific chemicals, and regulate gene expression in response to population density. Quorum quenching (QQ) blocks QS system, and inhibits gene expression mediating bacterial behaviors. Given the extensive research of acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signals, existences and effects of AHL-based QS and QQ in biological wastewater treatments are being subject to high concern. This review summarizes AHL structure, synthesis mode, degradation mechanisms, analytical methods, environmental factors, AHL-based QS and QQ mechanisms. The existences and roles of AHL-based QS and QQ in biomembrane processes, activated sludge processes and membrane bioreactors are summarized and discussed, and corresponding exogenous regulation strategy by selective enhancement of AHL-based QS or QQ coexisting in biological wastewater treatments is suggested. Such strategies including the addition of AHL signals, AHL-producing bacteria as well as quorum quenching enzyme or bacteria can effectively improve wastewater treatment performance without killing or limiting bacterial survival and growth. This review will present the theoretical and practical cognition for bacterial AHL-based QS and QQ, suggest the feasibility of exogenous regulation strategies in biological wastewater treatments, and provide useful information to scientists and engineers who work in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.
| | - Yahui Shi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Yanling Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Guiqiu Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Lixiu Shi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Yi Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Bi Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Jianxin Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
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Antagonistic Donor Density Effect Conserved in Multiple Enterococcal Conjugative Plasmids. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:4537-45. [PMID: 27208137 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00363-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Enterococcus faecalis, a common causative agent of hospital-acquired infections, is resistant to many known antibiotics. Its ability to acquire and transfer resistance genes and virulence determinants through conjugative plasmids poses a serious concern for public health. In some cases, induction of transfer of E. faecalis plasmids results from peptide pheromones produced by plasmid-free recipient cells, which are sensed by the plasmid-bearing donor cells. These plasmids generally encode an inhibitory peptide that competes with the pheromone and suppresses self-induction of donors. We recently demonstrated that the inhibitor peptide encoded on plasmid pCF10 is part of a unique quorum-sensing system in which it functions as a "self-sensing signal," reducing the response to the pheromone in a density-dependent fashion. Based on the similarities between regulatory features controlling conjugation in pAD1 and pAM373 and those controlling conjugation in pCF10, we hypothesized that these plasmids are likely to exhibit similar quorum-sensing behaviors. Experimental findings indicate that for both pAD1 and pAM373, high donor densities indeed resulted in decreased induction of the conjugation operon and reduced conjugation frequencies. This effect was restored by the addition of exogenous inhibitor, confirming that the inhibitor serves as an indicator for donor density. Donor density also affects cross-species conjugative plasmid transfer. Based on our experimental results, we propose models for induction and shutdown of the conjugation operon in pAD1 and pAM373. IMPORTANCE Enterococcus faecalis is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Its ability to transfer antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants by sharing its genetic material with other bacteria through direct cell-cell contact via conjugation poses a serious threat. Two antagonistic signaling peptides control the transfer of plasmids pAD1 and pAM373: a peptide pheromone produced by plasmid-free recipients triggers the conjugative transfer in plasmid-containing donors, and an inhibitor peptide encoded on the plasmid and produced by donor cells serves to modulate the donor response in accordance with the relative abundance of donors and recipients. We demonstrate that high donor density reduces the conjugation frequency of both of these plasmids, which is a consequence of increased inhibitor concentration in high-donor-density cultures. While most antibiotic strategies end up selecting resistant strains and disrupting the community balance, manipulating bacterial signaling mechanisms can serve as an alternate strategy to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Valera MJ, Mas A, Streit WR, Mateo E. GqqA, a novel protein in Komagataeibacter europaeus involved in bacterial quorum quenching and cellulose formation. Microb Cell Fact 2016; 15:88. [PMID: 27221658 PMCID: PMC4879726 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-016-0482-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We report on the functional screening and identification of an active quorum quenching (QQ) gene in the Komagataeibacter europaeus strain CECT 8546, which is a member of the acetic acid bacteria (AAB). Results Using a previously published screening protocol (Schipper et al., in Appl Environ Microbiol 75:224–233, 2009. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01389-08) for QQ genes, we identified a single gene, designated gqqA, that interfered strongly with bacterial quorum sensing (QS) in various reporter strains. It encodes for a 281-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 30 kDa. Although the GqqA protein is similar to predicted prephenate dehydratases, it does not complement Escherichia coli mutants of the pheA gene, thus indicating a potentially different function. Recombinant GqqA protein attenuated QS-dependent pyocyanin production and swarming motility in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1. Moreover, GqqA quenched the QS response of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens NTL4 and the Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 reporter strains. Interestingly, the addition of recombinant GqqA protein to growing cultures of the Komagataeibacter europaeus strain CECT 8546 altered the cellulose production phenotype of CECT 8546 and other AAB strains. In the presence of GqqA protein, cells were planktonic, and no visible cellulose biofilms formed. The addition of low levels of N-acylhomoserine lactones maintained the biofilm formation phenotype. Conclusions Our data provide evidence for an interconnection between QS and AAB cellulose biofilm formation as well as QQ activity of the GqqA protein. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-016-0482-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Valera
- Biotecnología Enológica. Dept. Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat d'Enologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo s/n., 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Albert Mas
- Biotecnología Enológica. Dept. Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat d'Enologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo s/n., 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Wolfgang R Streit
- Abteilung für Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Biozentrum Klein Flottbek, Universität Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Estibaliz Mateo
- Biotecnología Enológica. Dept. Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat d'Enologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo s/n., 43007, Tarragona, Spain. .,Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940, Leioa, Spain.
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Abbamondi GR, Suner S, Cutignano A, Grauso L, Nicolaus B, Toksoy Oner E, Tommonaro G. Identification of N-Hexadecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C16-AHL) as signal molecule in halophilic bacterium Halomonas smyrnensis AAD6. ANN MICROBIOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-016-1206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Lee S, Park SK, Kwon H, Lee SH, Lee K, Nahm CH, Jo SJ, Oh HS, Park PK, Choo KH, Lee CH, Yi T. Crossing the Border between Laboratory and Field: Bacterial Quorum Quenching for Anti-Biofouling Strategy in an MBR. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:1788-95. [PMID: 26771993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b04795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Quorum quenching (QQ) has recently been acknowledged to be a sustainable antifouling strategy and has been investigated widely using lab-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems. This study attempted to bring this QQ-MBR closer to potential practical application. Two types of pilot-scale QQ-MBRs with QQ bacteria entrapping beads (QQ-beads) were installed and run at a wastewater treatment plant, feeding real municipal wastewater to test the systems' effectiveness for membrane fouling control and thus the amount of energy savings, even under harsh environmental conditions. The rate of transmembrane pressure (TMP) build-up was significantly mitigated in QQ-MBR compared to that in a conventional-MBR. Consequently, QQ-MBR can substantially reduce energy consumption by reducing coarse bubble aeration without compromising the effluent water quality. The addition of QQ-beads to a conventional MBR substantially affected the EPS concentrations, as well as microbial floc size in the mixed liquor. Furthermore, the QQ activity and mechanical stability of QQ-beads were well maintained for at least four months, indicating QQ-MBR has good potential for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonki Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Kook Park
- Hanwha Engineering and Construction , 76, Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 305-804, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeokpil Kwon
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kibaek Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyun Nahm
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jun Jo
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Suk Oh
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Pyung-Kyu Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University , Wonju, 220-710, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Choo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, 702-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung-Hak Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Taewoo Yi
- Hanwha Engineering and Construction , 76, Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 305-804, Republic of Korea
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Gao R, Krysciak D, Petersen K, Utpatel C, Knapp A, Schmeisser C, Daniel R, Voget S, Jaeger KE, Streit WR. Genome-wide RNA sequencing analysis of quorum sensing-controlled regulons in the plant-associated Burkholderia glumae PG1 strain. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:7993-8007. [PMID: 26362987 PMCID: PMC4651095 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01043-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia glumae PG1 is a soil-associated motile plant-pathogenic bacterium possessing a cell density-dependent regulation system called quorum sensing (QS). Its genome contains three genes, here designated bgaI1 to bgaI3, encoding distinct autoinducer-1 (AI-1) synthases, which are capable of synthesizing QS signaling molecules. Here, we report on the construction of B. glumae PG1 ΔbgaI1, ΔbgaI2, and ΔbgaI3 mutants, their phenotypic characterization, and genome-wide transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Knockout of each of these bgaI genes resulted in strongly decreased motility, reduced extracellular lipase activity, a reduced ability to cause plant tissue maceration, and decreased pathogenicity. RNA-seq analysis of all three B. glumae PG1 AI-1 synthase mutants performed in the transition from exponential to stationary growth phase revealed differential expression of a significant number of predicted genes. In comparison with the levels of gene expression by wild-type strain B. glumae PG1, 481 genes were differentially expressed in the ΔbgaI1 mutant, 213 were differentially expressed in the ΔbgaI2 mutant, and 367 were differentially expressed in the ΔbgaI3 mutant. Interestingly, only a minor set of 78 genes was coregulated in all three mutants. The majority of the QS-regulated genes were linked to metabolic activities, and the most pronounced regulation was observed for genes involved in rhamnolipid and Flp pilus biosynthesis and the type VI secretion system and genes linked to a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-cas gene cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Gao
- Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Krysciak
- Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Petersen
- Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Utpatel
- Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Knapp
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christel Schmeisser
- Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja Voget
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang R Streit
- Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Wetzel ME, Olsen GJ, Chakravartty V, Farrand SK. The repABC Plasmids with Quorum-Regulated Transfer Systems in Members of the Rhizobiales Divide into Two Structurally and Separately Evolving Groups. Genome Biol Evol 2015; 7:3337-57. [PMID: 26590210 PMCID: PMC4700958 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evv227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The large repABC plasmids of the order Rhizobiales with Class I quorum-regulated conjugative transfer systems often define the nature of the bacterium that harbors them. These otherwise diverse plasmids contain a core of highly conserved genes for replication and conjugation raising the question of their evolutionary relationships. In an analysis of 18 such plasmids these elements fall into two organizational classes, Group I and Group II, based on the sites at which cargo DNA is located. Cladograms constructed from proteins of the transfer and quorum-sensing components indicated that those of the Group I plasmids, while coevolving, have diverged from those coevolving proteins of the Group II plasmids. Moreover, within these groups the phylogenies of the proteins usually occupy similar, if not identical, tree topologies. Remarkably, such relationships were not seen among proteins of the replication system; although RepA and RepB coevolve, RepC does not. Nor do the replication proteins coevolve with the proteins of the transfer and quorum-sensing systems. Functional analysis was mostly consistent with phylogenies. TraR activated promoters from plasmids within its group, but not between groups and dimerized with TraR proteins from within but not between groups. However, oriT sequences, which are highly conserved, were processed by the transfer system of plasmids regardless of group. We conclude that these plasmids diverged into two classes based on the locations at which cargo DNA is inserted, that the quorum-sensing and transfer functions are coevolving within but not between the two groups, and that this divergent evolution extends to function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Wetzel
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | - Gary J Olsen
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | | | - Stephen K Farrand
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Bhargava N, Singh SP, Sharma A, Sharma P, Capalash N. Attenuation of quorum sensing-mediated virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii by Glycyrrhiza glabra flavonoids. Future Microbiol 2015; 10:1953-68. [PMID: 26582430 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To develop an alternative quorum quenching therapy against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. METHODS & RESULTS Activity-guided partially purified fraction (F1) from Glycyrrhiza glabra significantly (p < 0.05) reduced quorum sensing regulated virulence factors of A. baumannii viz. motility, biofilm formation and production of antioxidant enzymes. Mechanistically, F1 downregulated the expression of autoinducer synthase gene, abaI, and consequently reduced (92%) the production of 3-OH-C12-HSL as determined by ESI-MS. Q-TOF and Q-TRAP analyses suggested the presence of flavonoids viz. licoricone, glycyrin and glyzarin as the active ingredients. CONCLUSION This is the first report on quorum quenching activity of G. glabra linked to its flavonoids that downregulated the expression of abaI and attenuated quorum sensing regulated virulence of A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Bhargava
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Sukhvinder P Singh
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Central Coast Primary Industries Centre, Locked Bag 26, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
| | - Anupam Sharma
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Prince Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Neena Capalash
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
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Xu H, Zhao Y, Qian G, Liu F. XocR, a LuxR solo required for virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2015; 5:37. [PMID: 25932456 PMCID: PMC4399327 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2015.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) causes bacterial leaf streak (BLS) in rice, a serious bacterial disease of rice in Asia and parts of Africa. The virulence mechanisms of Xoc are not entirely clear and control measures for BLS are poorly developed. The solo LuxR proteins are widespread and shown to be involved in virulence in some plant associated bacteria (PAB). Here, we have cloned and characterized a PAB LuxR solo from Xoc, named as XocR. Mutation of xocR almost completely impaired the virulence ability of Xoc on host rice, but did not alter the ability to trigger HR (hypersensitive response, a programmed cell death) on non-host (plant) tobacco, suggesting the diversity of function of xocR in host and non-host plants. We also provide evidence to show that xocR is involved in the regulation of growth-independent cell motility in response to a yet-to-be-identified rice signal, as mutation of xocR impaired cell swimming motility of wild-type Rs105 in the presence but not absence of rice macerate. We further found that xocR regulated the transcription of two characterized virulence-associated genes (recN and trpE) in the presence of rice macerate. The promoter regions of recN and trpE possessed a potential binding motif (an imperfect pip box-like element) of XocR, raising the possibility that XocR might directly bind the promoter regions of these two genes to regulate their transcriptional activity. Our studies add a new member of PAB LuxR solos and also provide new insights into the role of PAB LuxR solo in the virulence of Xanthomonas species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyong Xu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural ScienceNanjing, China
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Nanjing Agricultural University), Ministry of EducationNanjing, China
| | - Yancun Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural ScienceNanjing, China
| | - Guoliang Qian
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Nanjing Agricultural University), Ministry of EducationNanjing, China
| | - Fengquan Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural ScienceNanjing, China
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Nanjing Agricultural University), Ministry of EducationNanjing, China
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Kim SR, Lee KB, Kim JE, Won YJ, Yeon KM, Lee CH, Lim DJ. Macroencapsulation of quorum quenching bacteria by polymeric membrane layer and its application to MBR for biofouling control. J Memb Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Subramoni S, Nathoo N, Klimov E, Yuan ZC. Agrobacterium tumefaciens responses to plant-derived signaling molecules. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:322. [PMID: 25071805 PMCID: PMC4086400 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As a special phytopathogen, Agrobacterium tumefaciens infects a wide range of plant hosts and causes plant tumors also known as crown galls. The complexity of Agrobacterium-plant interaction has been studied for several decades. Agrobacterium pathogenicity is largely attributed to its evolved capabilities of precise recognition and response to plant-derived chemical signals. Agrobacterium perceives plant-derived signals to activate its virulence genes, which are responsible for transferring and integrating its Transferred DNA (T-DNA) from its Tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid into the plant nucleus. The expression of T-DNA in plant hosts leads to the production of a large amount of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), cytokinin (CK), and opines. IAA and CK stimulate plant growth, resulting in tumor formation. Agrobacterium utilizes opines as nutrient sources as well as signals in order to activate its quorum sensing (QS) to further promote virulence and opine metabolism. Intriguingly, Agrobacterium also recognizes plant-derived signals including γ-amino butyric acid and salicylic acid (SA) to activate quorum quenching that reduces the level of QS signals, thereby avoiding the elicitation of plant defense and preserving energy. In addition, Agrobacterium hijacks plant-derived signals including SA, IAA, and ethylene to down-regulate its virulence genes located on the Ti plasmid. Moreover, certain metabolites from corn (Zea mays) also inhibit the expression of Agrobacterium virulence genes. Here we outline the responses of Agrobacterium to major plant-derived signals that impact Agrobacterium-plant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha Subramoni
- Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food CanadaLondon, ON, Canada
| | - Naeem Nathoo
- Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food CanadaLondon, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western OntarioLondon, ON, Canada
| | - Eugene Klimov
- Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food CanadaLondon, ON, Canada
| | - Ze-Chun Yuan
- Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food CanadaLondon, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western OntarioLondon, ON, Canada
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RNA sequencing analysis of the broad-host-range strain Sinorhizobium fredii NGR234 identifies a large set of genes linked to quorum sensing-dependent regulation in the background of a traI and ngrI deletion mutant. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:5655-71. [PMID: 25002423 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01835-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The alphaproteobacterium Sinorhizobium fredii NGR234 has an exceptionally wide host range, as it forms nitrogen-fixing nodules with more legumes than any other known microsymbiont. Within its 6.9-Mbp genome, it encodes two N-acyl-homoserine-lactone synthase genes (i.e., traI and ngrI) involved in the biosynthesis of two distinct autoinducer I-type molecules. Here, we report on the construction of an NGR234-ΔtraI and an NGR234-ΔngrI mutant and their genome-wide transcriptome analysis. A high-resolution RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of early-stationary-phase cultures in the NGR234-ΔtraI background suggested that up to 316 genes were differentially expressed in the NGR234-ΔtraI mutant versus the parent strain. Similarly, in the background of NGR234-ΔngrI 466 differentially regulated genes were identified. Accordingly, a common set of 186 genes was regulated by the TraI/R and NgrI/R regulon. Coregulated genes included 42 flagellar biosynthesis genes and 22 genes linked to exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis. Among the genes and open reading frames (ORFs) that were differentially regulated in NGR234-ΔtraI were those linked to replication of the pNGR234a symbiotic plasmid and cytochrome c oxidases. Biotin and pyrroloquinoline quinone biosynthesis genes were differentially expressed in the NGR234-ΔngrI mutant as well as the entire cluster of 21 genes linked to assembly of the NGR234 type III secretion system (T3SS-II). Further, we also discovered that genes responsible for rhizopine catabolism in NGR234 were strongly repressed in the presence of high levels of N-acyl-homoserine-lactones. Together with nodulation assays, the RNA-seq-based findings suggested that quorum sensing (QS)-dependent gene regulation appears to be of higher relevance during nonsymbiotic growth rather than for life within root nodules.
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Vega LM, Alvarez PJ, McLean RJC. Bacterial signaling ecology and potential applications during aquatic biofilm construction. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2014; 68:24-34. [PMID: 24276538 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-013-0321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In their natural environment, bacteria and other microorganisms typically grow as surface-adherent biofilm communities. Cell signal processes, including quorum signaling, are now recognized as being intimately involved in the development and function of biofilms. In contrast to their planktonic (unattached) counterparts, bacteria within biofilms are notoriously resistant to many traditional antimicrobial agents and so represent a major challenge in industry and medicine. Although biofilms impact many human activities, they actually represent an ancient mode of bacterial growth as shown in the fossil record. Consequently, many aquatic organisms have evolved strategies involving signal manipulation to control or co-exist with biofilms. Here, we review the chemical ecology of biofilms and propose mechanisms whereby signal manipulation can be used to promote or control biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia M Vega
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
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Inhibition of biofilm formation by T7 bacteriophages producing quorum-quenching enzymes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:5340-8. [PMID: 24951790 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01434-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial growth in biofilms is the major cause of recalcitrant biofouling in industrial processes and of persistent infections in clinical settings. The use of bacteriophage treatment to lyse bacteria in biofilms has attracted growing interest. In particular, many natural or engineered phages produce depolymerases to degrade polysaccharides in the biofilm matrix and allow access to host bacteria. However, the phage-produced depolymerases are highly specific for only the host-derived polysaccharides and may have limited effects on natural multispecies biofilms. In this study, an engineered T7 bacteriophage was constructed to encode a lactonase enzyme with broad-range activity for quenching of quorum sensing, a form of bacterial cell-cell communication via small chemical molecules (acyl homoserine lactones [AHLs]) that is necessary for biofilm formation. Our results demonstrated that the engineered T7 phage expressed the AiiA lactonase to effectively degrade AHLs from many bacteria. Addition of the engineered T7 phage to mixed-species biofilms containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli resulted in inhibition of biofilm formation. Such quorum-quenching phages that can lyse host bacteria and express quorum-quenching enzymes to affect diverse bacteria in biofilm communities may become novel antifouling and antibiofilm agents in industrial and clinical settings.
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