1
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Levy IK, Salustro D, Battaglini F, Lizarraga L, Murgida DH, Agusti R, D’Accorso N, Raventos Segura D, González Palmén L, Negri RM. Quantification of Enzymatic Biofilm Removal Using the Sauerbrey Equation: Application to the Case of Pseudomonas protegens. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:10445-10458. [PMID: 38463305 PMCID: PMC10918834 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
A methodology for the quantitative analysis of enzymatic removal of biofilms (BF) was developed, based on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) under stationary conditions. This was applied to the case of Pseudomonas protegens (PP) BFs, through a series of five enzymes, whose removal activity was screened using the presented methodology. The procedure is based on the following: when BFs can be modeled as rigid materials, QCM can be used as a balance under stationary conditions for determining the BFs mass reduction by enzymatic removal. For considering a BF as a rigid model, energy dissipation effects, associated with viscoelastic properties of the BF, must be negligible. Hence, a QCM system with detection of dissipation (referred to as QCM with dissipation) was used for evaluating the energy losses, which, in fact, resulted in negligible energy losses in the case of dehydrated PP BFs, validating the application of the Sauerbrey equation for the change of mass calculations. The stationary methodology reduces operating times and simplifies data analysis in comparison to dynamic approaches based on flow setups, which requires the incorporation of dissipation effects due to the liquid media. By carrying out QCM, glycosidase-type enzymes showed BF removal higher than 80% at enzyme concentration 50 ppm, reaching removal over 90% in the cases of amylase and cellulase/xylanase enzymes. The highest removal percentage produced a reduction from about 15 to 1 μg in the BF mass. Amylase enzyme was tested from below 50 to 1 ppm, reaching around 60% of removal at 1 ppm. The obtained results were supported by other instrumental techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, high performance anion exchange chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The removal quantifications obtained with QCM were compared with those obtained by well-established screening techniques (UV-vis spectrophotometry using crystal violet and agar diffusion test). The proposed methodology expands the possibility of using a quartz microbalance to perform enzymatic activity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana K. Levy
- Instituto
de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente
y Energía (INQUIMAE). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas
y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Débora Salustro
- Instituto
de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente
y Energía (INQUIMAE). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas
y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Fernando Battaglini
- Instituto
de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente
y Energía (INQUIMAE). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas
y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Universidad
de Buenos Aires (UBA), Departamento de Química Inorgánica,
Analítica y Química Física. Facultad de Ciencias
Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Lizarraga
- Universidad
de Buenos Aires (UBA), Departamento de Química Inorgánica,
Analítica y Química Física. Facultad de Ciencias
Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Centro
de Investigación en Bionanociencias (CIBION), Consejo Nacional
de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425FQD, Argentina
| | - Daniel H. Murgida
- Instituto
de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente
y Energía (INQUIMAE). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas
y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Universidad
de Buenos Aires (UBA), Departamento de Química Inorgánica,
Analítica y Química Física. Facultad de Ciencias
Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Rosalía Agusti
- Centro
de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono (CIHIDECAR), Consejo Nacional
de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET),
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos
Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Universidad
de Buenos Aires (UBA), Departamento de Química Orgánica,
Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Norma D’Accorso
- Centro
de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono (CIHIDECAR), Consejo Nacional
de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET),
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos
Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Universidad
de Buenos Aires (UBA), Departamento de Química Orgánica,
Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | | | | | - R. Martín Negri
- Instituto
de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente
y Energía (INQUIMAE). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas
y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Universidad
de Buenos Aires (UBA), Departamento de Química Inorgánica,
Analítica y Química Física. Facultad de Ciencias
Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
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2
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Gheorghita AA, Wozniak DJ, Parsek MR, Howell PL. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm exopolysaccharides: assembly, function, and degradation. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad060. [PMID: 37884397 PMCID: PMC10644985 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad060] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The biofilm matrix is a fortress; sheltering bacteria in a protective and nourishing barrier that allows for growth and adaptation to various surroundings. A variety of different components are found within the matrix including water, lipids, proteins, extracellular DNA, RNA, membrane vesicles, phages, and exopolysaccharides. As part of its biofilm matrix, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is genetically capable of producing three chemically distinct exopolysaccharides - alginate, Pel, and Psl - each of which has a distinct role in biofilm formation and immune evasion during infection. The polymers are produced by highly conserved mechanisms of secretion, involving many proteins that span both the inner and outer bacterial membranes. Experimentally determined structures, predictive modelling of proteins whose structures are yet to be solved, and structural homology comparisons give us insight into the molecular mechanisms of these secretion systems, from polymer synthesis to modification and export. Here, we review recent advances that enhance our understanding of P. aeruginosa multiprotein exopolysaccharide biosynthetic complexes, and how the glycoside hydrolases/lyases within these systems have been commandeered for antimicrobial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea A Gheorghita
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 776 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University College, Biological Sciences Bldg, 105, 484 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Health Sciences Bldg, 1705 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195-7735, United States
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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3
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Low KE, Gheorghita AA, Tammam SD, Whitfield GB, Li YE, Riley LM, Weadge JT, Caldwell SJ, Chong PA, Walvoort MTC, Kitova EN, Klassen JS, Codée JDC, Howell PL. Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgF is a protein-protein interaction mediator required for acetylation of the alginate exopolysaccharide. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105314. [PMID: 37797696 PMCID: PMC10641220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic modifications of bacterial exopolysaccharides enhance immune evasion and persistence during infection. In the Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, acetylation of alginate reduces opsonic killing by phagocytes and improves reactive oxygen species scavenging. Although it is well known that alginate acetylation in P. aeruginosa requires AlgI, AlgJ, AlgF, and AlgX, how these proteins coordinate polymer modification at a molecular level remains unclear. Here, we describe the structural characterization of AlgF and its protein interaction network. We characterize direct interactions between AlgF and both AlgJ and AlgX in vitro and demonstrate an association between AlgF and AlgX, as well as AlgJ and AlgI, in P. aeruginosa. We determine that AlgF does not exhibit acetylesterase activity and is unable to bind to polymannuronate in vitro. Therefore, we propose that AlgF functions to mediate protein-protein interactions between alginate acetylation enzymes, forming the periplasmic AlgJFXK (AlgJ-AlgF-AlgX-AlgK) acetylation and export complex required for robust biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E Low
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andreea A Gheorghita
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie D Tammam
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory B Whitfield
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yancheng E Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura M Riley
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel T Weadge
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shane J Caldwell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - P Andrew Chong
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Elena N Kitova
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John S Klassen
- Alberta Glycomics Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeroen D C Codée
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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4
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Choi V, Rohn JL, Stoodley P, Carugo D, Stride E. Drug delivery strategies for antibiofilm therapy. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:555-572. [PMID: 37258686 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Although new antibiofilm agents have been developed to prevent and eliminate pathogenic biofilms, their widespread clinical use is hindered by poor biocompatibility and bioavailability, unspecific interactions and insufficient local concentrations. The development of innovative drug delivery strategies can facilitate penetration of antimicrobials through biofilms, promote drug dispersal and synergistic bactericidal effects, and provide novel paradigms for clinical application. In this Review, we discuss the potential benefits of such emerging techniques for improving the clinical efficacy of antibiofilm agents, as well as highlighting the existing limitations and future prospects for these therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Choi
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer L Rohn
- Department of Renal Medicine, Centre for Urological Biology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Microbiology and Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS) and National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Dario Carugo
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eleanor Stride
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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5
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Vo LH, Hong S, Stepler KE, Liyanaarachchi SM, Yang J, Nemes P, Poulin MB. Mapping protein-exopolysaccharide binding interaction in Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms by live cell proximity labeling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555326. [PMID: 37693546 PMCID: PMC10491226 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms consist of cells encased in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) composed of exopolysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and proteins that are critical for cell-cell adhesion and protect the cells from environmental stress, antibiotic treatments, and the host immune response. Degrading EPS components or blocking their production have emerged as promising strategies for prevention or dispersal of bacterial biofilms, but we still have little information about the specific biomolecular interactions that occur between cells and EPS components and how those interactions contribute to biofilm production. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading cause of nosocomial infections as a result of producing biofilms that use the exopolysaccharide poly-(1→6)-β-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) as a major structural component. In this study, we have developed a live cell proximity labeling approach combined with quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to map the PNAG interactome of live S. epidermidis biofilms. Through these measurements we discovered elastin-binding protein (EbpS) as a major PNAG-interacting protein. Using live cell binding measurements, we found that the lysin motif (LysM) domain of EbpS specifically binds to PNAG present in S. epidermidis biofilms. Our work provides a novel method for the rapid identification of exopolysaccharide-binding proteins in live biofilms that will help to extend our understanding of the biomolecular interactions that are required for bacterial biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan H. Vo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Steven Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Kaitlyn E. Stepler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Sureshee M. Liyanaarachchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Jack Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Peter Nemes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Myles B. Poulin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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6
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Tsumori C, Matsuo S, Murai Y, Kai K. Quorum Sensing-Dependent Invasion of Ralstonia solanacearum into Fusarium oxysporum Chlamydospores. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0003623. [PMID: 37367297 PMCID: PMC10433826 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00036-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Strains of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), although known as the causative agent of bacterial wilt disease in plants, induce the chlamydospores of many fungal species and invade them through the spores. The lipopeptide ralstonins are the chlamydospore inducers produced by RSSC and are essential for this invasion. However, no mechanistic investigation of this interaction has been conducted. In this study, we report that quorum sensing (QS), which is a bacterial cell-cell communication, is important for RSSC to invade the fungus Fusarium oxysporum (Fo). ΔphcB, a deletion mutant of QS signal synthase, lost the ability to both produce ralstonins and invade Fo chlamydospores. The QS signal methyl 3-hydroxymyristate rescued these disabilities. In contrast, exogenous ralstonin A, while inducing Fo chlamydospores, failed to rescue the invasive ability. Gene-deletion and -complementation experiments revealed that the QS-dependent production of extracellular polysaccharide I (EPS I) is essential for this invasion. The RSSC cells adhered to Fo hyphae and formed biofilms there before inducing chlamydospores. This biofilm formation was not observed in the EPS I- or ralstonin-deficient mutant. Microscopic analysis showed that RSSC infection resulted in the death of Fo chlamydospores. Altogether, we report that the RSSC QS system is important for this lethal endoparasitism. Among the factors regulated by the QS system, ralstonins, EPS I, and biofilm are important parasitic factors. IMPORTANCE Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) strains infect both plants and fungi. The phc quorum-sensing (QS) system of RSSC is important for parasitism on plants, because it allows them to invade and proliferate within the hosts by causing appropriate activation of the system at each infection step. In this study, we confirm that ralstonin A is important not only for Fusarium oxysporum (Fo) chlamydospore induction but also for RSSC biofilm formation on Fo hyphae. Extracellular polysaccharide I (EPS I) is also essential for biofilm formation, while the phc QS system controls these factors in terms of production. The present results advocate a new QS-dependent mechanism for the process by which a bacterium invades a fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Tsumori
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shoma Matsuo
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Murai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenji Kai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Razvi E, DiFrancesco BR, Wasney GA, Morrison ZA, Tam J, Auger A, Baker P, Alnabelseya N, Rich JD, Sivarajah P, Whitfield GB, Harrison JJ, Melnyk RA, Nitz M, Howell PL. Small Molecule Inhibition of an Exopolysaccharide Modification Enzyme is a Viable Strategy To Block Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pel Biofilm Formation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0029623. [PMID: 37098898 PMCID: PMC10269871 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00296-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosynthesis of the Pel exopolysaccharide in Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires all seven genes of the pelABCDEFG operon. The periplasmic modification enzyme PelA contains a C-terminal deacetylase domain that is necessary for Pel-dependent biofilm formation. Herein, we show that extracellular Pel is not produced by a P. aeruginosa PelA deacetylase mutant. This positions PelA deacetylase activity as an attractive target to prevent Pel-dependent biofilm formation. Using a high-throughput screen (n = 69,360), we identified 56 compounds that potentially inhibit PelA esterase activity, the first enzymatic step in the deacetylase reaction. A secondary biofilm inhibition assay identified methyl 2-(2-pyridinylmethylene) hydrazinecarbodithioate (SK-017154-O) as a specific Pel-dependent biofilm inhibitor. Structure-activity relationship studies identified the thiocarbazate as a necessary functional group and that the pyridyl ring could be replaced with a phenyl substituent (compound 1). Both SK-017154-O and compound 1 inhibit Pel-dependent biofilm formation in Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987, which has a predicted extracellular PelA deacetylase in its pel operon. Michaelis-Menten kinetics determined SK-017154-O to be a noncompetitive inhibitor of PelA, while compound 1 did not directly inhibit PelA esterase activity. Cytotoxicity assays using human lung fibroblast cells showed that compound 1 is less cytotoxic than SK-017154-O. This work provides proof of concept that biofilm exopolysaccharide modification enzymes are important for biofilm formation and can serve as useful antibiofilm targets. IMPORTANCE Present in more than 500 diverse Gram-negative and 900 Gram-positive organisms, the Pel polysaccharide is one of the most phylogenetically widespread biofilm matrix determinants found to date. Partial de-N-acetylation of this α-1,4 linked N-acetylgalactosamine polymer by the carbohydrate modification enzyme PelA is required for Pel-dependent biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Given this and our observation that extracellular Pel is not produced by a P. aeruginosa PelA deactylase mutant, we developed an enzyme-based high-throughput screen and identified methyl 2-(2-pyridinylmethylene) hydrazinecarbodithioate (SK-017154-O) and its phenyl derivative as specific Pel-dependent biofilm inhibitors. Michaelis-Menten kinetics revealed SK-017154-O is a noncompetitive inhibitor and that its noncytotoxic, phenyl derivative does not directly inhibit P. aeruginosa PelA esterase activity. We provide proof of concept that exopolysaccharide modification enzymes can be targeted with small molecule inhibitors to block Pel-dependent biofilm development in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erum Razvi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Gregory A. Wasney
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Structural & Biophysical Core Facility, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John Tam
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anick Auger
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- SPARC BioCentre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Perrin Baker
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noor Alnabelseya
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn D. Rich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Piyanka Sivarajah
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory B. Whitfield
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joe J. Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Roman A. Melnyk
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Nitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - P. Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Burnett AJN, Rodriguez E, Constable S, Lowrance B, Fish M, Weadge JT. WssI from the Gram-Negative Bacterial Cellulose Synthase is an O-acetyltransferase that Acts on Cello-oligomers with Several Acetyl Donor Substrates. J Biol Chem 2023:104849. [PMID: 37224964 PMCID: PMC10302187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104849] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In microbial biofilms, bacterial cells are encased in a self-produced matrix of polymers (e.g., exopolysaccharides) that enable surface adherence and protect against environmental stressors. For example, the wrinkly spreader phenotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens colonizes food/water sources and human tissue to form robust biofilms that can spread across surfaces. This biofilm largely consists of bacterial cellulose produced by the cellulose synthase proteins encoded by the wss operon, which also occurs in other species, including pathogenic Achromobacter species. Although phenotypic mutant analysis of the wssFGHI genes has previously shown that they are responsible for acetylation of bacterial cellulose, their specific roles remain unknown and distinct from the recently identified cellulose phosphoethanolamine modification found in other species. Here we have purified the C-terminal soluble form of WssI from P. fluorescens and A. insuavis and demonstrated acetyl-esterase activity with chromogenic substrates. The kinetic parameters (kcat/KM values of 13 and 8.0 M-1∙ s-1, respectively) indicate that these enzymes are up to four times more catalytically efficient than the closest characterized homolog, AlgJ from the alginate synthase. Unlike AlgJ and its cognate alginate polymer, WssI also demonstrated acetyltransferase activity onto cellulose oligomers (e.g., cellotetraose to cellohexaose) with multiple acetyl-donor substrates (pNP-Ac, MU-Ac and acetyl-CoA). Finally, a high-throughput screen identified three low micromolar WssI inhibitors that may be useful for chemically interrogating cellulose acetylation and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Shirley Constable
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Lowrance
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Fish
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Joel T Weadge
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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9
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Sethi S, Gupta R, Bharshankh A, Sahu R, Biswas R. Celebrating 50 years of microbial granulation technologies: From canonical wastewater management to bio-product recovery. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162213. [PMID: 36796691 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbial granulation technologies (MGT) in wastewater management are widely practised for more than fifty years. MGT can be considered a fine example of human innovativeness-driven nature wherein the manmade forces applied during operational controls in the biological process of wastewater treatment drive the microbial communities to modify their biofilms into granules. Mankind, over the past half a century, has been refining the knowledge of triggering biofilm into granules with some definite success. This review captures the journey of MGT from inception to maturation providing meaningful insights into the process development of MGT-based wastewater management. The full-scale application of MGT-based wastewater management is discussed with an understanding of functional microbial interactions within the granule. The molecular mechanism of granulation through the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and signal molecules is also highlighted in detail. The recent research interest in the recovery of useful bioproducts from the granular EPS is also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradhanjali Sethi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020, India
| | - Rohan Gupta
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020, India
| | - Ankita Bharshankh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020, India
| | - Rojalin Sahu
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020, India
| | - Rima Biswas
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India; Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020, India.
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10
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Yahya AH, Harston SR, Colton WL, Cabeen MT. Distinct Screening Approaches Uncover PA14_36820 and RecA as Negative Regulators of Biofilm Phenotypes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0377422. [PMID: 36971546 PMCID: PMC10100956 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03774-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly infects hospitalized patients and the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis. This species is known for forming biofilms, which are communities of bacterial cells held together and encapsulated by a self-produced extracellular matrix. The matrix provides extra protection to the constituent cells, making P. aeruginosa infections challenging to treat. We previously identified a gene, PA14_16550, which encodes a DNA-binding TetR-type repressor and whose deletion reduced biofilm formation. Here, we assessed the transcriptional impact of the 16550 deletion and found six differentially regulated genes. Among them, our results implicated PA14_36820 as a negative regulator of biofilm matrix production, while the remaining 5 had modest effects on swarming motility. We also screened a transposon library in a biofilm-impaired ΔamrZ Δ16550 strain for restoration of matrix production. Surprisingly, we found that disruption or deletion of recA increased biofilm matrix production, both in biofilm-impaired and wild-type strains. Because RecA functions both in recombination and in the DNA damage response, we asked which function of RecA is important with respect to biofilm formation by using point mutations in recA and lexA to specifically disable each function. Our results implied that loss of either function of RecA impacts biofilm formation, suggesting that enhanced biofilm formation may be one physiological response of P. aeruginosa cells to loss of either RecA function. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a notorious human pathogen well known for forming biofilms, communities of bacteria that protect themselves within a self-secreted matrix. Here, we sought to find genetic determinants that impacted biofilm matrix production in P. aeruginosa strains. We identified a largely uncharacterized protein (PA14_36820) and, surprisingly, RecA, a widely conserved bacterial DNA recombination and repair protein, as negatively regulating biofilm matrix production. Because RecA has two main functions, we used specific mutations to isolate each function and found that both functions influenced matrix production. Identifying negative regulators of biofilm production may suggest future strategies to reduce the formation of treatment-resistant biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal H. Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Sophie R. Harston
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - William L. Colton
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Matthew T. Cabeen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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11
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Deletion of pbpC Enhances Bacterial Pathogenicity on Tomato by Affecting Biofilm Formation, Exopolysaccharides Production, and Exoenzyme Activities in Clavibacter michiganensis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065324. [PMID: 36982399 PMCID: PMC10049144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are considered essential for bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis and cell wall assembly. Clavibacter michiganensis is a representative Gram-positive bacterial species that causes bacterial canker in tomato. pbpC plays a significant role in maintaining cell morphological characteristics and stress responses in C. michiganensis. The current study demonstrated that the deletion of pbpC commonly enhances bacterial pathogenicity in C. michiganensis and revealed the mechanisms through which this occurs. The expression of interrelated virulence genes, including celA, xysA, xysB, and pelA, were significantly upregulated in △pbpC mutants. Compared with those in wild-type strains, exoenzyme activities, the formation of biofilm, and the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) were significantly increased in △pbpC mutants. It is noteworthy that EPS were responsible for the enhancement in bacterial pathogenicity, with the degree of necrotic tomato stem cankers intensifying with the injection of a gradient of EPS from C. michiganensis. These findings highlight new insights into the role of pbpC affecting bacterial pathogenicity, with an emphasis on EPS, advancing the current understanding of phytopathogenic infection strategies for Gram-positive bacteria.
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12
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Razvi E, Whitfield GB, Reichhardt C, Dreifus JE, Willis AR, Gluscencova OB, Gloag ES, Awad TS, Rich JD, da Silva DP, Bond W, Le Mauff F, Sheppard DC, Hatton BD, Stoodley P, Reinke AW, Boulianne GL, Wozniak DJ, Harrison JJ, Parsek MR, Howell PL. Glycoside hydrolase processing of the Pel polysaccharide alters biofilm biomechanics and Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36732330 PMCID: PMC9894940 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00375-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pel exopolysaccharide biosynthetic loci are phylogenetically widespread biofilm matrix determinants in bacteria. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pel is crucial for cell-to-cell interactions and reducing susceptibility to antibiotic and mucolytic treatments. While genes encoding glycoside hydrolases have long been linked to biofilm exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, their physiological role in biofilm development is unclear. Here we demonstrate that the glycoside hydrolase activity of P. aeruginosa PelA decreases adherent biofilm biomass and is responsible for generating the low molecular weight secreted form of the Pel exopolysaccharide. We show that the generation of secreted Pel contributes to the biomechanical properties of the biofilm and decreases the virulence of P. aeruginosa in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Our results reveal that glycoside hydrolases found in exopolysaccharide biosynthetic systems can help shape the soft matter attributes of a biofilm and propose that secreted matrix components be referred to as matrix associated to better reflect their influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erum Razvi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Whitfield
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie, et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julia E Dreifus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexandra R Willis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Oxana B Gluscencova
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin S Gloag
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Tarek S Awad
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn D Rich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Passos da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- BioVectra Inc. 11 Aviation, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Whitney Bond
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - François Le Mauff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin D Hatton
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC) and National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabrielle L Boulianne
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Joe J Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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13
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Gheorghita AA, Li YE, Kitova EN, Bui DT, Pfoh R, Low KE, Whitfield GB, Walvoort MTC, Zhang Q, Codée JDC, Klassen JS, Howell PL. Structure of the AlgKX modification and secretion complex required for alginate production and biofilm attachment in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7631. [PMID: 36494359 PMCID: PMC9734138 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthase-dependent secretion systems are a conserved mechanism for producing exopolysaccharides in Gram-negative bacteria. Although widely studied, it is not well understood how these systems are organized to coordinate polymer biosynthesis, modification, and export across both membranes and the peptidoglycan. To investigate how synthase-dependent secretion systems produce polymer at a molecular level, we determined the crystal structure of the AlgK-AlgX (AlgKX) complex involved in Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate exopolysaccharide acetylation and export. We demonstrate that AlgKX directly binds alginate oligosaccharides and that formation of the complex is vital for polymer production and biofilm attachment. Finally, we propose a structural model for the AlgEKX outer membrane modification and secretion complex. Together, our study provides insight into how alginate biosynthesis proteins coordinate production of a key exopolysaccharide involved in establishing persistent Pseudomonas lung infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea A. Gheorghita
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Yancheng E. Li
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.20861.3d0000000107068890Present Address: Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Elena N. Kitova
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Duong T. Bui
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Roland Pfoh
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Kristin E. Low
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.55614.330000 0001 1302 4958Present Address: Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB Canada
| | - Gregory B. Whitfield
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Present Address: Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Marthe T. C. Walvoort
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands ,grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Present Address: Department of Chemical Biology, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Qingju Zhang
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands ,grid.411862.80000 0000 8732 9757Present Address: National Research Centre for Carbohydrate Synthesis, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jeroen D. C. Codée
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - John S. Klassen
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - P. Lynne Howell
- grid.42327.300000 0004 0473 9646Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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14
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Theillet FX, Luchinat E. In-cell NMR: Why and how? PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 132-133:1-112. [PMID: 36496255 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
NMR spectroscopy has been applied to cells and tissues analysis since its beginnings, as early as 1950. We have attempted to gather here in a didactic fashion the broad diversity of data and ideas that emerged from NMR investigations on living cells. Covering a large proportion of the periodic table, NMR spectroscopy permits scrutiny of a great variety of atomic nuclei in all living organisms non-invasively. It has thus provided quantitative information on cellular atoms and their chemical environment, dynamics, or interactions. We will show that NMR studies have generated valuable knowledge on a vast array of cellular molecules and events, from water, salts, metabolites, cell walls, proteins, nucleic acids, drugs and drug targets, to pH, redox equilibria and chemical reactions. The characterization of such a multitude of objects at the atomic scale has thus shaped our mental representation of cellular life at multiple levels, together with major techniques like mass-spectrometry or microscopies. NMR studies on cells has accompanied the developments of MRI and metabolomics, and various subfields have flourished, coined with appealing names: fluxomics, foodomics, MRI and MRS (i.e. imaging and localized spectroscopy of living tissues, respectively), whole-cell NMR, on-cell ligand-based NMR, systems NMR, cellular structural biology, in-cell NMR… All these have not grown separately, but rather by reinforcing each other like a braided trunk. Hence, we try here to provide an analytical account of a large ensemble of intricately linked approaches, whose integration has been and will be key to their success. We present extensive overviews, firstly on the various types of information provided by NMR in a cellular environment (the "why", oriented towards a broad readership), and secondly on the employed NMR techniques and setups (the "how", where we discuss the past, current and future methods). Each subsection is constructed as a historical anthology, showing how the intrinsic properties of NMR spectroscopy and its developments structured the accessible knowledge on cellular phenomena. Using this systematic approach, we sought i) to make this review accessible to the broadest audience and ii) to highlight some early techniques that may find renewed interest. Finally, we present a brief discussion on what may be potential and desirable developments in the context of integrative studies in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois-Xavier Theillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Enrico Luchinat
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, 47521 Cesena, Italy; CERM - Magnetic Resonance Center, and Neurofarba Department, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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15
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Anderson AC, Stangherlin S, Pimentel KN, Weadge JT, Clarke AJ. The SGNH hydrolase family: a template for carbohydrate diversity. Glycobiology 2022; 32:826-848. [PMID: 35871440 PMCID: PMC9487903 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The substitution and de-substitution of carbohydrate materials are important steps in the biosynthesis and/or breakdown of a wide variety of biologically important polymers. The SGNH hydrolase superfamily is a group of related and well-studied proteins with a highly conserved catalytic fold and mechanism composed of 16 member families. SGNH hydrolases can be found in vertebrates, plants, fungi, bacteria, and archaea, and play a variety of important biological roles related to biomass conversion, pathogenesis, and cell signaling. The SGNH hydrolase superfamily is chiefly composed of a diverse range of carbohydrate-modifying enzymes, including but not limited to the carbohydrate esterase families 2, 3, 6, 12 and 17 under the carbohydrate-active enzyme classification system and database (CAZy.org). In this review, we summarize the structural and functional features that delineate these subfamilies of SGNH hydrolases, and which generate the wide variety of substrate preferences and enzymatic activities observed of these proteins to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Anderson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Stefen Stangherlin
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo N2L3C5, Canada
| | - Kyle N Pimentel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Joel T Weadge
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo N2L3C5, Canada
| | - Anthony J Clarke
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G2W1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo N2L3C5, Canada
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16
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Misic C, Rafael A, Covazzi Harriague A. Organic matter production and recycling in marine biofilm developing on common and new plastics. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 180:105729. [PMID: 36007343 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105729] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To face the recent pandemic and comply with international legislation, new plastic objects (surgical masks, nitrile gloves, compostable plastics) have been produced, with a significant increase of their input into the marine environment, together with other common plastics. Given that floating plastic provides a suitable surface for settlement of micro-organism, biofilm accretion was studied in laboratory experiments. The characteristics of biofilm in terms of organic matter production and recycling were evaluated under natural and forced conditions, some of them resembling anthropogenic-affected states (eutrophication) and others environmental variability (darkness and oligotrophy). Under natural conditions, the different plastics, due to their structure and composition, hosted different biofilms. Thicker biofilm was observed on surgical mask and compostable plastic (organic carbon maxima of 35.0 ± 4.7 μg cm-2 and 4.3 ± 0.8 μg cm-2, respectively). Compostable plastic hosted a higher carbohydrate quantity than polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene and nitrile (on average 8.0 ± 0.8 μg cm-2 vs 3.6 ± 1.6 μg cm-2 for the others). The multi-layer structure of masks and the composition of compostable plastic were the main factors responsible for these differences. Polystyrene and nitrile hosted a higher photoautotrophic biomass, with chlorophyll-a maxima higher than 50 μg cm-2 vs values lower than 10 μg cm-2 for compostable plastic. Inhibition of photosynthetic activity (darkness) allowed a greater biofilm mass, which in natural aphotic zone, may enhance the sinking of plastics. The large availability of carbon (eutrophication) allowed thicker biofilms, providing seawater of additional organic matter load. These biofilms could protect pathogenic organisms, especially on disposable protection equipment, allowing a larger spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Misic
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Italy.
| | - Adisy Rafael
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Italy
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17
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Ramakrishnan R, Singh AK, Singh S, Chakravortty D, Das D. Enzymatic Dispersion of Biofilms: An Emerging Biocatalytic Avenue to Combat Biofilm-Mediated Microbial Infections. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102352. [PMID: 35940306 PMCID: PMC9478923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance by pathogenic microbes has emerged as a matter of great concern to mankind. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi employ multiple defense mechanisms against drugs and the host immune system. A major line of microbial defense is the biofilm, which comprises extracellular polymeric substances that are produced by the population of microorganisms. Around 80% of chronic bacterial infections are associated with biofilms. The presence of biofilms can increase the necessity of doses of certain antibiotics up to 1000-fold to combat infection. Thus, there is an urgent need for strategies to eradicate biofilms. Although a few physicochemical methods have been developed to prevent and treat biofilms, these methods have poor efficacy and biocompatibility. In this review, we discuss the existing strategies to combat biofilms and their challenges. Subsequently, we spotlight the potential of enzymes, in particular, polysaccharide degrading enzymes, for biofilm dispersion, which might lead to facile antimicrobial treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Ramakrishnan
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Simran Singh
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Dipshikha Chakravortty
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Debasis Das
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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18
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Le Mauff F, Razvi E, Reichhardt C, Sivarajah P, Parsek MR, Howell PL, Sheppard DC. The Pel polysaccharide is predominantly composed of a dimeric repeat of α-1,4 linked galactosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine. Commun Biol 2022; 5:502. [PMID: 35618750 PMCID: PMC9135694 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03453-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic capacity to synthesize the biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide Pel is widespread among Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. However, its exact chemical structure has been challenging to determine. Using a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain engineered to overproduce Pel, improvements to the isolation procedure, and selective hydrolysis with the glycoside hydrolase PelAh, we demonstrate that Pel is a partially de-N-acetylated linear polymer of α-1,4-N-acetylgalactosamine comprised predominantly of dimeric repeats of galactosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine. The structure of the Pel exopolysaccharide from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is fully characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Le Mauff
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Erum Razvi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Piyanka Sivarajah
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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19
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Kaur H, Kaur A, Soni SK, Rishi P. Microbially-derived cocktail of carbohydrases as an anti-biofouling agents: a 'green approach'. BIOFOULING 2022; 38:455-481. [PMID: 35673761 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2022.2085566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes, also known as biocatalysts, display vital properties like high substrate specificity, an eco-friendly nature, low energy inputs, and cost-effectiveness. Among their numerous known applications, enzymes that can target biofilms or their components are increasingly being investigated for their anti-biofouling action, particularly in healthcare, food manufacturing units and environmental applications. Enzymes can target biofilms at different levels like during the attachment of microorganisms, formation of exopolymeric substances (EPS), and their disruption thereafter. In this regard, a consortium of carbohydrases that can target heterogeneous polysaccharides present in the EPS matrix may provide an effective alternative to conventional chemical anti-biofouling methods. Further, for complete annihilation of biofilms, enzymes can be used alone or in conjunction with other antimicrobial agents. Enzymes hold the promise to replace the conventional methods with greener, more economical, and more efficient alternatives. The present article explores the potential and future perspectives of using carbohydrases as effective anti-biofilm agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arashdeep Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Praveen Rishi
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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20
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Wang Y, Li T, Xue W, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Zhang N, Zhao Y, Wang J, Li Y, Wang C, Hu W. Physicochemical and Biological Insights Into the Molecular Interactions Between Extracellular DNA and Exopolysaccharides in Myxococcus xanthus Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:861865. [PMID: 35531272 PMCID: PMC9073016 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.861865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a critical component in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of bacterial biofilms, while little is known about the mechanisms underlying how eDNA integrates into the ECM through potential macromolecular interactions. Myxococcus xanthus biofilm was employed as a suitable model for the investigation due to the co-distribution of eDNA and exopolysaccharides (EPS) owing to their direct interactions in the ECM. DNA is able to combine with M. xanthus EPS to form a macromolecular conjugate, which is dominated by the electrostatic forces participating in the polymer-polymer interactions. Without intercalation binding, DNA-EPS interactions exhibit a certain degree of reversibility. Acting as a strong extracellular framework during biofilm formation process, the eDNA-EPS complex not only facilitates the initial cell adhesion and subsequent establishment of ECM architecture, but also renders cells within biofilms stress resistances that are relevant to the survival of M. xanthus in some hostile environments. Furthermore, the EPS protects the conjugated DNA from the degradation by nucleic acid hydrolases, which leads to the continuous and stable existence of eDNA in the native ECM of M. xanthus biofilms. These results will shed light on developing prevention and treatment strategies against biofilm-related risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tingyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuezhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuandong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Chuandong Wang,
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Wei Hu,
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21
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Pearson C, Tindall S, Potts JR, Thomas GH, van der Woude MW. Diverse functions for acyltransferase-3 proteins in the modification of bacterial cell surfaces. Microbiology (Reading) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35253642 PMCID: PMC9558356 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The acylation of sugars, most commonly via acetylation, is a widely used mechanism in bacteria that uses a simple chemical modification to confer useful traits. For structures like lipopolysaccharide, capsule and peptidoglycan, that function outside of the cytoplasm, their acylation during export or post-synthesis requires transport of an activated acyl group across the membrane. In bacteria this function is most commonly linked to a family of integral membrane proteins – acyltransferase-3 (AT3). Numerous studies examining production of diverse extracytoplasmic sugar-containing structures have identified roles for these proteins in O-acylation. Many of the phenotypes conferred by the action of AT3 proteins influence host colonisation and environmental survival, as well as controlling the properties of biotechnologically important polysaccharides and the modification of antibiotics and antitumour drugs by Actinobacteria. Herein we present the first systematic review, to our knowledge, of the functions of bacterial AT3 proteins, revealing an important protein family involved in a plethora of systems of importance to bacterial function that is still relatively poorly understood at the mechanistic level. By defining and comparing this set of functions we draw out common themes in the structure and mechanism of this fascinating family of membrane-bound enzymes, which, due to their role in host colonisation in many pathogens, could offer novel targets for the development of antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Tindall
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | | | - Gavin H. Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, UK
- York Biomedical Institute, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Marjan W. van der Woude
- Hull York Medical School, Heslington, UK
- York Biomedical Institute, University of York, Heslington, UK
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22
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Nguyen TT, Nguyen PT, Nguyen TBN, Bui NB, Nguyen HT. Efficacy of the incorporation between self-encapsulation and cryoprotectants on improving the freeze-dried survival of probiotic bacteria. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:3217-3225. [PMID: 35119770 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to improve the viability of probiotic bacteria during freeze-drying by the combination of self-encapsulation and cryoprotectants. METHODS AND RESULTS Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VAL6 and Lactobacillus acidophilus VAR1 were exposed to environmental stresses including temperature, pH, and increased CO2 concentration before performing freeze-drying with the addition of cryoprotectants. The results proved that tested stresses can stimulate the bacteria to synthesize more extracellular polymeric substances to form self-encapsulation that increases their freeze-dried viability. In combination with cryoprotectants to form double-layered microencapsulation, L. plantarum VAL6 stressed at pH 3.5 in combination with whey protein isolate could achieve the highest Improving Cell Viability of 4,361 fold, while L. acidophilus VAR1 stressed at 25o C in combination with alginate gave a maximum Improving Cell Viability of 73.33 fold. CONCLUSIONS The combination of self-encapsulation and cryoprotectants significantly improves the freeze-dried viability of probiotics. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This is the first report that uses environmental stress to stimulate EPS synthesis for self-encapsulation formation combined with the addition of cryoprotectants to enhance to the freeze-dried survival of probiotics. This could be a novel approach in improving the viability of probiotic strains for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phu-Tho Nguyen
- Graduate University of Sciences and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Biotechnology, An Giang University, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | -
- Can Tho Science and Technology Application Center, Can Tho City, Vietnam
| | | | - Nhi-Binh Bui
- Can Tho Science and Technology Application Center, Can Tho City, Vietnam
| | - Huu-Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Biotechnology, An Giang University, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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23
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Gheorghita AA, Wolfram F, Whitfield GB, Jacobs HM, Pfoh R, Wong SSY, Guitor AK, Goodyear MC, Berezuk AM, Khursigara CM, Parsek MR, Howell PL. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa homeostasis enzyme AlgL clears the periplasmic space of accumulated alginate during polymer biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101560. [PMID: 34990713 PMCID: PMC8829089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen and a leading cause of chronic infection in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis. After colonization, P. aeruginosa often undergoes a phenotypic conversion to mucoidy, characterized by overproduction of the alginate exopolysaccharide. This conversion is correlated with poorer patient prognoses. The majority of genes required for alginate synthesis, including the alginate lyase, algL, are located in a single operon. Previous investigations of AlgL have resulted in several divergent hypotheses regarding the protein’s role in alginate production. To address these discrepancies, we determined the structure of AlgL and, using multiple sequence alignments, identified key active site residues involved in alginate binding and catalysis. In vitro enzymatic analysis of active site mutants highlights R249 and Y256 as key residues required for alginate lyase activity. In a genetically engineered P. aeruginosa strain where alginate biosynthesis is under arabinose control, we found that AlgL is required for cell viability and maintaining membrane integrity during alginate production. We demonstrate that AlgL functions as a homeostasis enzyme to clear the periplasmic space of accumulated polymer. Constitutive expression of the AlgU/T sigma factor mitigates the effects of an algL deletion during alginate production, suggesting that an AlgU/T-regulated protein or proteins can compensate for an algL deletion. Together, our study demonstrates the role of AlgL in alginate biosynthesis, explains the discrepancies observed previously across other P. aeruginosa ΔalgL genetic backgrounds, and clarifies the existing divergent data regarding the function of AlgL as an alginate degrading enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea A Gheorghita
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francis Wolfram
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory B Whitfield
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holly M Jacobs
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Roland Pfoh
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven S Y Wong
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allison K Guitor
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mara C Goodyear
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alison M Berezuk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cezar M Khursigara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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24
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Pharmacodynamics of Moxifloxacin, Meropenem, Caspofungin and their Combinations Against In Vitro Polymicrobial Inter-kingdom Biofilms. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 66:e0214921. [PMID: 34930026 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02149-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms colonize medical devices and are often recalcitrant to antibiotics. Inter-kingdom biofilms, when at least a bacterium and a fungus are co-isolated, increase the likelihood of therapeutic failures. In this work, a three-species in vitro biofilm model including S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans was used to study the activity of the antibiotics moxifloxacin and meropenem, the antifungal caspofungin, and combinations of them against inter-kingdom biofilms. The culturable cells and total biomass were evaluated to determine the pharmacodynamic parameters of the drug response for the incubation with the drugs alone. The synergic or antagonistic effects (increased/decreased effects) of the combination of drugs were analysed with the highest single agent method. Biofilms were imaged in confocal microscopy after live/dead staining. The drugs had limited activity when used alone against single-, dual- or three-species biofilms. When used in combination, additive effects were observed against single- or dual-species biofilms, and increased effects (synergy) against biomass of three-species biofilms. In addition, the two antibiotics showed different patterns, moxifloxacin being more active when targeting S. aureus and meropenem when targeting E. coli. All these observations were confirmed by confocal microscopy images. Our findings highlight the interest in combining caspofungin with antibiotics against inter-kingdom biofilms.
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25
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Kumar M, Tierney J, Wilkinson M. Enzymatic Disruption of Biofilms During Cheese Manufacturing: A Mini Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:791061. [PMID: 34975813 PMCID: PMC8716882 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.791061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria are capable of colonizing industrial processing surfaces creating biofilms on them which may adversely affect the quality and safety of products. Traditional cleaning-in-place (CIP) treatments using caustic and nitric acid solutions have been known to exhibit variable efficiency in eliminating biofilm bacteria. Here, we introduce enzymes as an alternative to traditional CIP treatments and discuss their mechanism of action against bacterial biofilms in cheese manufacturing. In addition, we discuss research gaps namely thermal stability, substrate specificity and residual activity of enzymes that may play a vital role in the selection of enzymes with optimal effectiveness against multi species biofilms. The outcome of this mini review will aid in the development of a novel and sustainable enzyme-based CIP treatment during cheese manufacturing in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Murali Kumar,
| | | | - Martin Wilkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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26
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Anderson AC, Burnett AJN, Constable S, Hiscock L, Maly KE, Weadge JT. A Mechanistic Basis for Phosphoethanolamine Modification of the Cellulose Biofilm Matrix in Escherichia coli. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3659-3669. [PMID: 34762795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of self-enmeshed bacteria in a matrix of exopolysaccharides. The widely distributed human pathogen and commensal Escherichia coli produces a biofilm matrix composed of phosphoethanolamine (pEtN)-modified cellulose and amyloid protein fibers, termed curli. The addition of pEtN to the cellulose exopolysaccharide is accomplished by the action of the pEtN transferase, BcsG, and is essential for the overall integrity of the biofilm. Here, using the synthetic co-substrates p-nitrophenyl phosphoethanolamine and β-d-cellopentaose, we demonstrate using an in vitro pEtN transferase assay that full activity of the pEtN transferase domain of BcsG from E. coli (EcBcsGΔN) requires Zn2+ binding, a catalytic nucleophile/acid-base arrangement (Ser278/Cys243/His396), disulfide bond formation, and other newly uncovered essential residues. We further confirm that EcBcsGΔN catalysis proceeds by a ping-pong bisubstrate-biproduct reaction mechanism and displays inefficient kinetic behavior (kcat/KM = 1.81 × 10-4 ± 2.81 × 10-5 M-1 s-1), which is typical of exopolysaccharide-modifying enzymes in bacteria. Thus, the results presented, especially with respect to donor binding (as reflected by KM), have importantly broadened our understanding of the substrate profile and catalytic mechanism of this class of enzymes, which may aid in the development of inhibitors targeting BcsG or other characterized members of the pEtN transferase family, including the intrinsic and mobile colistin resistance factors.
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27
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Canarini A, Schmidt H, Fuchslueger L, Martin V, Herbold CW, Zezula D, Gündler P, Hasibeder R, Jecmenica M, Bahn M, Richter A. Ecological memory of recurrent drought modifies soil processes via changes in soil microbial community. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5308. [PMID: 34489463 PMCID: PMC8421443 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25675-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is altering the frequency and severity of drought events. Recent evidence indicates that drought may produce legacy effects on soil microbial communities. However, it is unclear whether precedent drought events lead to ecological memory formation, i.e., the capacity of past events to influence current ecosystem response trajectories. Here, we utilize a long-term field experiment in a mountain grassland in central Austria with an experimental layout comparing 10 years of recurrent drought events to a single drought event and ambient conditions. We show that recurrent droughts increase the dissimilarity of microbial communities compared to control and single drought events, and enhance soil multifunctionality during drought (calculated via measurements of potential enzymatic activities, soil nutrients, microbial biomass stoichiometry and belowground net primary productivity). Our results indicate that soil microbial community composition changes in concert with its functioning, with consequences for soil processes. The formation of ecological memory in soil under recurrent drought may enhance the resilience of ecosystem functioning against future drought events. Legacies of past ecological disturbances are expected but challenging to demonstrate. Here the authors report a 10-year field experiment in a mountain grassland that shows ecological memory of soil microbial community and functioning in response to recurrent drought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Canarini
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hannes Schmidt
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucia Fuchslueger
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Martin
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Craig W Herbold
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Zezula
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Gündler
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Hasibeder
- Department of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marina Jecmenica
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bahn
- Department of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Richter
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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28
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Simunović V. Genomic and molecular evidence reveals novel pathways associated with cell surface polysaccharides in bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6355432. [PMID: 34415013 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid (acyl carrier protein) ligases (AALs) are a relatively new family of bacterial amino acid adenylating enzymes with unknown function(s). Here, genomic enzymology tools that employ sequence similarity networks and genome context analyses were used to hypothesize the metabolic function(s) of AALs. In over 50% of species, aal and its cognate acyl carrier protein (acp) genes, along with three more genes, formed a highly conserved AAL cassette. AAL cassettes were strongly associated with surface polysaccharide gene clusters in Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, yet were prevalent among soil and rhizosphere-associated α- and β-Proteobacteria, including symbiotic α- and β-rhizobia and some Mycolata. Based on these associations, AAL cassettes were proposed to encode a noncanonical Acp-dependent polysaccharide modification route. Genomic-inferred predictions were substantiated by published experimental evidence, revealing a role for AAL cassettes in biosynthesis of biofilm-forming exopolysaccharide in pathogenic Burkholderia and expression of aal and acp genes in nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteroids. Aal and acp genes were associated with dltBD-like homologs that modify cell wall teichoic acids with d-alanine, including in Paenibacillus and certain other bacteria. Characterization of pathways that involve AAL and Acp may lead to developing new plant and human disease-controlling agents as well as strains with improved nitrogen fixation capacity.
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29
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Warrier A, Satyamoorthy K, Murali TS. Quorum-sensing regulation of virulence factors in bacterial biofilm. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:1003-1021. [PMID: 34414776 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic polymicrobial wound infections are often characterized by the presence of bacterial biofilms. They show considerable structural and functional heterogeneity, which influences the choice of antimicrobial therapy and wound healing dynamics. The hallmarks of biofilm-associated bacterial infections include elevated antibiotic resistance and extreme pathogenicity. Biofilm helps bacteria to evade the host defense mechanisms and persist longer in the host. Quorum-sensing (QS)-mediated cell signaling primarily regulates biofilm formation in chronic infections and plays a major role in eliciting virulence. This review focuses on the QS mechanisms of two major bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and explains how they interact in the wound microenvironment to regulate biofilm development and virulence. The review also provides an insight into the treatment modalities aimed at eradicating polymicrobial biofilms. This information will help us develop better diagnostic modalities and devise effective treatment regimens to successfully manage and overcome severe life-threatening bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Thokur Sreepathy Murali
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.,Manipal Center for Infectious Diseases (MAC ID), Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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30
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Zayed A, Mansour MK, Sedeek MS, Habib MH, Ulber R, Farag MA. Rediscovering bacterial exopolysaccharides of terrestrial and marine origins: novel insights on their distribution, biosynthesis, biotechnological production, and future perspectives. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:597-617. [PMID: 34320886 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1942779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria exist in colonies as aggregates or associated with surfaces forming biofilms rather than planktonic cells. Living in such a unique manner is always mediated via a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, which are composed mainly of polysaccharides or specifically exopolysaccharides (EPS). Biofilm formation and hence EPS production are affected by biotic and abiotic factors inducing/inhibiting several involved genes and other molecules. In addition, various aspects of bacterial EPS regarding: physiological functions, molecular weight, and chemical composition were demonstrated. Recent investigations have revealed a wide spectrum of EPS chemical and physicochemical properties showing promising applications in different industrial sectors. For instance, lactic acid bacteria (LAB)- and marine-derived EPS exhibit: immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, bioremediation of heavy metals, as well as thickening and viscosity modifiers in the food industry. However, bacterial EPS have not yet been commercially implemented, in contrast to plant-derived analogues. The current review aims to rediscover the EPS structural and biosynthetic features derived from marine and terrestrial bacteria, and applications as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Zayed
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.,Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Mai K Mansour
- Department of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Sedeek
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Habib
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Roland Ulber
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Mohamed A Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Chemistry Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
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31
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Comparative Pathogenomics of Escherichia coli: Polyvalent Vaccine Target Identification through Virulome Analysis. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0011521. [PMID: 33941580 PMCID: PMC8281228 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00115-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative genomics of bacterial pathogens has been useful for revealing potential virulence factors. Escherichia coli is a significant cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide but can also exist as a commensal in the human gastrointestinal tract. With many sequenced genomes, it has served as a model organism for comparative genomic studies to understand the link between genetic content and potential for virulence. To date, however, no comprehensive analysis of its complete “virulome” has been performed for the purpose of identifying universal or pathotype-specific targets for vaccine development. Here, we describe the construction of a pathotype database of 107 well-characterized completely sequenced pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. coli strains, which we annotated for major virulence factors (VFs). The data are cross referenced for patterns against pathotype, phylogroup, and sequence type, and the results were verified against all 1,348 complete E. coli chromosomes in the NCBI RefSeq database. Our results demonstrate that phylogroup drives many of the “pathotype-associated” VFs, and ExPEC-associated VFs are found predominantly within the B2/D/F/G phylogenetic clade, suggesting that these phylogroups are better adapted to infect human hosts. Finally, we used this information to propose polyvalent vaccine targets with specificity toward extraintestinal strains, targeting key invasive strategies, including immune evasion (group 2 capsule), iron acquisition (FyuA, IutA, and Sit), adherence (SinH, Afa, Pap, Sfa, and Iha), and toxins (Usp, Sat, Vat, Cdt, Cnf1, and HlyA). While many of these targets have been proposed before, this work is the first to examine their pathotype and phylogroup distribution and how they may be targeted together to prevent disease.
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32
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Pu H, Xu Y, Lin L, Sun D. Biofilm formation of
Pectobacterium
carotovorum
subsp.
carotovorum
on polypropylene surface during multiple cycles of vacuum cooling. Int J Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Pu
- School of Food Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou510641China
- Academy of Contemporary Food Engineering South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Guangzhou510006China
- Engineering and Technological Research Centre of Guangdong Province on Intelligent Sensing and Process Control of Cold Chain Foods, & Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Intelligent Cold Chain Logistics Equipment for Agricultural Products Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre Guangzhou510006China
| | - Yiwen Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou510641China
- Academy of Contemporary Food Engineering South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Guangzhou510006China
- Engineering and Technological Research Centre of Guangdong Province on Intelligent Sensing and Process Control of Cold Chain Foods, & Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Intelligent Cold Chain Logistics Equipment for Agricultural Products Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre Guangzhou510006China
| | - Lian Lin
- School of Food Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou510641China
- Academy of Contemporary Food Engineering South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Guangzhou510006China
- Engineering and Technological Research Centre of Guangdong Province on Intelligent Sensing and Process Control of Cold Chain Foods, & Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Intelligent Cold Chain Logistics Equipment for Agricultural Products Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre Guangzhou510006China
| | - Da‐Wen Sun
- School of Food Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou510641China
- Academy of Contemporary Food Engineering South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Guangzhou510006China
- Engineering and Technological Research Centre of Guangdong Province on Intelligent Sensing and Process Control of Cold Chain Foods, & Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Intelligent Cold Chain Logistics Equipment for Agricultural Products Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre Guangzhou510006China
- Food Refrigeration and Computerized Food Technology (FRCFT) Agriculture and Food Science Centre University College Dublin National University of Ireland Belfield, Dublin 4 Ireland
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Abbasi A, Rad AH, Ghasempour Z, Sabahi S, Kafil HS, Hasannezhad P, Rahbar Saadat Y, Shahbazi N. The biological activities of postbiotics in gastrointestinal disorders. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:5983-6004. [PMID: 33715539 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1895061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
According to outcomes from clinical studies, an intricate relationship occurs between the beneficial microbiota, gut homeostasis, and the host's health status. Numerous studies have confirmed the health-promoting effects of probiotics, particularly in gastrointestinal diseases. On the other hand, the safety issues regarding the consumption of some probiotics are still a matter of debate, thus to overcome the problems related to the application of live probiotic cells in terms of clinical, technological, and economic aspects, microbial-derived biomolecules (postbiotics) were introducing as a potential alternative agent. Presently scientific literature confirms that the postbiotic components can be used as promising tools for both prevention and treatment strategies in gastrointestinal disorders with less undesirable side-effects, particularly in infants and children. Future head-to-head trials are required to distinguish appropriate strains of parent cells, optimal dosages of postbiotics, and assessment of the cost-effectiveness of postbiotics compared to alternative drugs. This review provides an overview of the concept and safety issues regarding postbiotics, with emphasis on their biological role in the treatment of some important gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Abbasi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aziz Homayouni Rad
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghasempour
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahar Sabahi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Paniz Hasannezhad
- Department of Medical Engineering Science, University College of Rouzbahan, Sari, Iran
| | - Yalda Rahbar Saadat
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nayyer Shahbazi
- Faculty of Agriculture Engineering, Department of Food Science, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
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Whitfield GB, Howell PL. The Matrix Revisited: Opening Night for the Pel Polysaccharide Across Eubacterial Kingdoms. Microbiol Insights 2021; 14:1178636120988588. [PMID: 33642867 PMCID: PMC7890745 DOI: 10.1177/1178636120988588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria synthesize and export adhesive macromolecules to enable biofilm formation. These macromolecules, collectively called the biofilm matrix, are structurally varied and often unique to specific bacterial species or subspecies. This heterogeneity in matrix utilization makes it difficult to facilitate direct comparison between biofilm formation mechanisms of different bacterial species. Despite this, some matrix components, in particular the polysaccharides poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-glucosamine (PNAG) and bacterial cellulose, are utilized by many Gram-negative species for biofilm formation. However, there is a very narrow distribution of these components across Gram-positive organisms, whose biofilm matrix determinants remain largely undiscovered. We found that a genetic locus required for the production of a biofilm matrix component of P. aeruginosa, the Pel polysaccharide, is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and that there is a variant form of this cluster present in many Gram-positive bacterial species. We demonstrated that this locus is required for biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987, produces a polysaccharide that is similar to Pel, and is post-translationally regulated by cyclic-3′,5′-dimeric-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) in a manner identical to P. aeruginosa. However, while the proposed mechanism for Pel production appears remarkably similar between B. cereus and P. aeruginosa, we identified several key differences between Gram-negative and Gram-positive Pel biosynthetic components in other monoderms. In particular, 4 different architectural subtypes of the c-di-GMP-binding component PelD were identified, including 1 found only in Streptococci that has entirely lost the c-di-GMP recognition domain. These observations highlight how existing multi-component bacterial machines can be subtly tweaked to adapt to the unique physiology and regulatory mechanisms of Gram-positive organisms. Collectively, our analyses suggest that the Pel biosynthetic locus is one of the most phylogenetically widespread biofilm matrix determinants in bacteria, and that its mechanism of production and regulation is extraordinarily conserved across the majority of organisms that possess it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory B Whitfield
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie, et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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Athmika, Ghate SD, Arun AB, Rao SS, Kumar STA, Kandiyil MK, Saptami K, Rekha PD. Genome analysis of a halophilic bacterium Halomonas malpeensis YU-PRIM-29 T reveals its exopolysaccharide and pigment producing capabilities. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1749. [PMID: 33462335 PMCID: PMC7814019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81395-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Halomonas malpeensis strain YU-PRIM-29T is a yellow pigmented, exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing halophilic bacterium isolated from the coastal region. To understand the biosynthesis pathways involved in the EPS and pigment production, whole genome analysis was performed. The complete genome sequencing and the de novo assembly were carried out using Illumina sequencing and SPAdes genome assembler (ver 3.11.1) respectively followed by detailed genome annotation. The genome consists of 3,607,821 bp distributed in 18 contigs with 3337 protein coding genes and 53% of the annotated CDS are having putative functions. Gene annotation disclosed the presence of genes involved in ABC transporter-dependent pathway of EPS biosynthesis. As the ABC transporter-dependent pathway is also implicated in the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis, we employed extraction protocols for both EPS (from the culture supernatants) and CPS (from the cells) and found that the secreted polysaccharide i.e., EPS was predominant. The EPS showed good emulsifying activities against the petroleum hydrocarbons and its production was dependent on the carbon source supplied. The genome analysis also revealed genes involved in industrially important metabolites such as zeaxanthin pigment, ectoine and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis. To confirm the genome data, we extracted these metabolites from the cultures and successfully identified them. The pigment extracted from the cells showed the distinct UV-Vis spectra having characteristic absorption peak of zeaxanthin (λmax 448 nm) with potent antioxidant activities. The ability of H. malpeensis strain YU-PRIM-29T to produce important biomolecules makes it an industrially important bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athmika
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Sudeep D Ghate
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - A B Arun
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Sneha S Rao
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - S T Arun Kumar
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Mrudula Kinarulla Kandiyil
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - Kanekar Saptami
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - P D Rekha
- Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018, India.
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Irmscher T, Roske Y, Gayk I, Dunsing V, Chiantia S, Heinemann U, Barbirz S. Pantoea stewartii WceF is a glycan biofilm-modifying enzyme with a bacteriophage tailspike-like fold. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100286. [PMID: 33450228 PMCID: PMC7949094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic microorganisms often reside in glycan-based biofilms. Concentration and chain length distribution of these mostly anionic exopolysaccharides (EPS) determine the overall biophysical properties of a biofilm and result in a highly viscous environment. Bacterial communities regulate this biofilm state via intracellular small-molecule signaling to initiate EPS synthesis. Reorganization or degradation of this glycan matrix, however, requires the action of extracellular glycosidases. So far, these were mainly described for bacteriophages that must degrade biofilms for gaining access to host bacteria. The plant pathogen Pantoea stewartii (P. stewartii) encodes the protein WceF within its EPS synthesis cluster. WceF has homologs in various biofilm forming plant pathogens of the Erwinia family. In this work, we show that WceF is a glycosidase active on stewartan, the main P. stewartii EPS biofilm component. WceF has remarkable structural similarity with bacteriophage tailspike proteins (TSPs). Crystal structure analysis showed a native trimer of right-handed parallel β-helices. Despite its similar fold, WceF lacks the high stability found in bacteriophage TSPs. WceF is a stewartan hydrolase and produces oligosaccharides, corresponding to single stewartan repeat units. However, compared with a stewartan-specific glycan hydrolase of bacteriophage origin, WceF showed lectin-like autoagglutination with stewartan, resulting in notably slower EPS cleavage velocities. This emphasizes that the bacterial enzyme WceF has a role in P. stewartii biofilm glycan matrix reorganization clearly different from that of a bacteriophage exopolysaccharide depolymerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Irmscher
- Physikalische Biochemie, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany; Department Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Yvette Roske
- Crystallography, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Igor Gayk
- Physikalische Biochemie, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Valentin Dunsing
- Physikalische Zellbiochemie, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Udo Heinemann
- Crystallography, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany; Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany.
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Alves-Barroco C, Paquete-Ferreira J, Santos-Silva T, Fernandes AR. Singularities of Pyogenic Streptococcal Biofilms - From Formation to Health Implication. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:584947. [PMID: 33424785 PMCID: PMC7785724 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.584947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are generally defined as communities of cells involved in a self-produced extracellular matrix adhered to a surface. In biofilms, the bacteria are less sensitive to host defense mechanisms and antimicrobial agents, due to multiple strategies, that involve modulation of gene expression, controlled metabolic rate, intercellular communication, composition, and 3D architecture of the extracellular matrix. These factors play a key role in streptococci pathogenesis, contributing to therapy failure and promoting persistent infections. The species of the pyogenic group together with Streptococcus pneumoniae are the major pathogens belonging the genus Streptococcus, and its biofilm growth has been investigated, but insights in the genetic origin of biofilm formation are limited. This review summarizes pyogenic streptococci biofilms with details on constitution, formation, and virulence factors associated with formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Alves-Barroco
- UCIBIO, Departamento Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
| | - João Paquete-Ferreira
- UCIBIO, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Teresa Santos-Silva
- UCIBIO, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Alexandra R Fernandes
- UCIBIO, Departamento Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
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Scott W, Lowrance B, Anderson AC, Weadge JT. Identification of the Clostridial cellulose synthase and characterization of the cognate glycosyl hydrolase, CcsZ. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242686. [PMID: 33264329 PMCID: PMC7710045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are community structures of bacteria enmeshed in a self-produced matrix of exopolysaccharides. The biofilm matrix serves numerous roles, including resilience and persistence, making biofilms a subject of research interest among persistent clinical pathogens of global health importance. Our current understanding of the underlying biochemical pathways responsible for biosynthesis of these exopolysaccharides is largely limited to Gram-negative bacteria. Clostridia are a class of Gram-positive, anaerobic and spore-forming bacteria and include the important human pathogens Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum and Clostridioides difficile, among numerous others. Several species of Clostridia have been reported to produce a biofilm matrix that contains an acetylated glucan linked to a series of hypothetical genes. Here, we propose a model for the function of these hypothetical genes, which, using homology modelling, we show plausibly encode a synthase complex responsible for polymerization, modification and export of an O-acetylated cellulose exopolysaccharide. Specifically, the cellulose synthase is homologous to that of the known exopolysaccharide synthases in Gram-negative bacteria. The remaining proteins represent a mosaic of evolutionary lineages that differ from the described Gram-negative cellulose exopolysaccharide synthases, but their predicted functions satisfy all criteria required for a functional cellulose synthase operon. Accordingly, we named these hypothetical genes ccsZABHI, for the Clostridial cellulose synthase (Ccs), in keeping with naming conventions for exopolysaccharide synthase subunits and to distinguish it from the Gram-negative Bcs locus with which it shares only a single one-to-one ortholog. To test our model and assess the identity of the exopolysaccharide, we subcloned the putative glycoside hydrolase encoded by ccsZ and solved the X-ray crystal structure of both apo- and product-bound CcsZ, which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH-5). Although not homologous to the Gram-negative cellulose synthase, which instead encodes the structurally distinct BcsZ belonging to GH-8, we show CcsZ displays specificity for cellulosic materials. This specificity of the synthase-associated glycosyl hydrolase validates our proposal that these hypothetical genes are responsible for biosynthesis of a cellulose exopolysaccharide. The data we present here allowed us to propose a model for Clostridial cellulose synthesis and serves as an entry point to an understanding of cellulose biofilm formation among class Clostridia.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Scott
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Lowrance
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Joel T. Weadge
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Degraded Habitat Enhance Drought Tolerance of Acacia ( Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth.) Seedlings. Int J Microbiol 2020; 2020:8897998. [PMID: 33178283 PMCID: PMC7646561 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8897998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drought stress (DS) is the most impacting global phenomenon affecting the ecological balance of a particular habitat. The search for potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) capable of enhancing plant tolerance to drought stress is needed. Thus, this study was initiated to evaluate the effect of inoculating Acacia abyssinica seedlings with PGPR isolated from rhizosphere soil of Ethiopia to enhance DS tolerance. The strains were selected based on in vitro assays associated with tolerance to drought and other beneficial traits such as salinity, acidity, temperature, heavy metal tolerances, biofilm formation, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. The strains with the best DS tolerance ability were selected for the greenhouse trials with acacia plants. The results indicate that out of 73 strains, 10 (14%) were completely tolerant to 40% polyethylene glycol. Moreover, 37% of the strains were strong biofilm producers, while 66 (90.41%) were EPS producers with a better production in the medium containing sucrose at 28 ± 2°C and pH 7 ± 0.2. Strains PS-16 and RS-79 showed tolerance to 11% NaCl. All the strains were able to grow in wider ranges of pH (4–10) and temperature (15–45°C) and had high tolerance to heavy metals. The inoculated bacterial strains significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased root and shoot length and dry biomass of acacia plants. One of the strains identified as P. fluorescens strain FB-49 was outstanding in enhancing DS tolerance compared to the single inoculants and comparable to consortia. Stress-tolerant PGPR could be used to enhance acacia DS tolerance after testing other phytobeneficial traits.
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Gening ML, Pier GB, Nifantiev NE. Broadly protective semi-synthetic glycoconjugate vaccine against pathogens capable of producing poly-β-(1→6)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine exopolysaccharide. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2020; 35-36:13-21. [PMID: 33388124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Poly-β-(1→6)-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) was first discovered as a major component of biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and some other staphylococci but later this exopolysaccharide was also found to be produced by pathogens of various nature. This common antigen is considered as a promising target for construction of a broadly protective vaccine. Extensive studies of PNAG, its de-N-acetylated derivative (dPNAG, containing around 15% of residual N-acetates) and their conjugates with Tetanus Toxoid (TT) revealed the crucial role of de-N-acetylated glucosamine units for the induction of protective immunity. Conjugates of synthetic penta- (5GlcNH2) and nona-β-(1→6)-d-glucosamines (9GlcNH2) were tested in vitro and in different animal models and proved to be effective in passive and active protection against different microbial pathogens. Presently conjugate 5GlcNH2-TT is being produced under GMP conditions and undergoes safety and effectiveness evaluation in humans and economically important animals. Current review summarizes all stages of this long-termed study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Gening
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gerald B Pier
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Nikolay E Nifantiev
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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Cepas V, Soto SM. Relationship between Virulence and Resistance among Gram-Negative Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100719. [PMID: 33092201 PMCID: PMC7589547 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria present in the human body are innocuous, providing beneficial functions, some of which are necessary for correct body function. However, other bacteria are able to colonize, invade, and cause damage to different tissues, and these are categorised as pathogens. These pathogenic bacteria possess several factors that enable them to be more virulent and cause infection. Bacteria have a great capacity to adapt to different niches and environmental conditions (presence of antibiotics, iron depletion, etc.). Antibiotic pressure has favoured the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide. Several studies have reported the presence of a relationship (both positive and negative, and both direct and indirect) between antimicrobial resistance and virulence among bacterial pathogens. This review studies the relationship among the most important Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) taking into account two points of view: (i) the effect the acquisition of resistance has on virulence, and (ii) co-selection of resistance and virulence. The relationship between resistance and virulence among bacteria depends on the bacterial species, the specific mechanisms of resistance and virulence, the ecological niche, and the host.
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Hu W, Feng S, Tong Y, Zhang H, Yang H. Adaptive defensive mechanism of bioleaching microorganisms under extremely environmental acid stress: Advances and perspectives. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 42:107580. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Marmont LS, Whitfield GB, Pfoh R, Williams RJ, Randall TE, Ostaszewski A, Razvi E, Groves RA, Robinson H, Nitz M, Parsek MR, Lewis IA, Whitney JC, Harrison JJ, Howell PL. PelX is a UDP- N-acetylglucosamine C4-epimerase involved in Pel polysaccharide-dependent biofilm formation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:11949-11962. [PMID: 32601062 PMCID: PMC7443510 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pel is a GalNAc-rich bacterial polysaccharide that contributes to the structure and function of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. The pelABCDEFG operon is highly conserved among diverse bacterial species, and Pel may therefore be a widespread biofilm determinant. Previous annotation of pel gene clusters has helped us identify an additional gene, pelX, that is present adjacent to pelABCDEFG in >100 different bacterial species. The pelX gene is predicted to encode a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily, but its potential role in Pel-dependent biofilm formation is unknown. Herein, we have used Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 as a model to elucidate PelX function as Pseudomonas aeruginosa lacks a pelX homologue in its pel gene cluster. We found that P. protegens forms Pel-dependent biofilms; however, despite expression of pelX under these conditions, biofilm formation was unaffected in a ΔpelX strain. This observation led us to identify a pelX paralogue, PFL_5533, which we designate here PgnE, that appears to be functionally redundant to pelX In line with this, a ΔpelX ΔpgnE double mutant was substantially impaired in its ability to form Pel-dependent biofilms. To understand the molecular basis for this observation, we determined the structure of PelX to 2.1 Å resolution. The structure revealed that PelX resembles UDP-GlcNAc C4-epimerases. Using 1H NMR analysis, we show that PelX catalyzes the epimerization between UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc. Our results indicate that Pel-dependent biofilm formation requires a UDP-GlcNAc C4-epimerase that generates the UDP-GalNAc precursors required by the Pel synthase machinery for polymer production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey S Marmont
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory B Whitfield
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roland Pfoh
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rohan J Williams
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor E Randall
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Erum Razvi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan A Groves
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Howard Robinson
- Photon Science Division, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York, USA
| | - Mark Nitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ian A Lewis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John C Whitney
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joe J Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Biofilm reactors for value-added products production: An in-depth review. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2020.101662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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45
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Whitfield C, Wear SS, Sande C. Assembly of Bacterial Capsular Polysaccharides and Exopolysaccharides. Annu Rev Microbiol 2020; 74:521-543. [PMID: 32680453 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-011420-075607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Polysaccharides are dominant features of most bacterial surfaces and are displayed in different formats. Many bacteria produce abundant long-chain capsular polysaccharides, which can maintain a strong association and form a capsule structure enveloping the cell and/or take the form of exopolysaccharides that are mostly secreted into the immediate environment. These polymers afford the producing bacteria protection from a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological stresses, support biofilms, and play critical roles in interactions between bacteria and their immediate environments. Their biological and physical properties also drive a variety of industrial and biomedical applications. Despite the immense variation in capsular polysaccharide and exopolysaccharide structures, patterns are evident in strategies used for their assembly and export. This review describes recent advances in understanding those strategies, based on a wealth of biochemical investigations of select prototypes, supported by complementary insight from expanding structural biology initiatives. This provides a framework to identify and distinguish new systems emanating from genomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Whitfield
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Samantha S Wear
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Caitlin Sande
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada;
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Hou R, Luo C, Zhou S, Wang Y, Yuan Y, Zhou S. Anode potential-dependent protection of electroactive biofilms against metal ion shock via regulating extracellular polymeric substances. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 178:115845. [PMID: 32353609 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have been considered as a barrier for toxic species penetration into the cells, but their function in protecting electroactive biofilms (EABs) had been rarely revealed. In this study, the anode potential was used to regulate the EPS quantity and components in mixed-culture EABs, where their resistance to Ag+ shock was assessed. The results showed that the EAB grown at 0 V showed the highest anti-shock capability by the Ag+ exposure compared to those grown at -0.2, 0.2, and 0.4 V. The EAB produced at 0 V had both of the highest amounts of loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS; 61.9 mg-EPS/g-VSS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS; 74.8 mg-EPS/g-VSS) than those grown under other potentials, where proteins and humic acid were the predominated components. The abundance of genes associated with EPS biosynthesis were also confirmed to be related with the applied anode potentials, based on the metagenomic analysis. Considering proteins and humic acid in LB-EPS showed positive linearity with the current recovery and viability of the EABs, these two main components might play important roles in reducing the Ag+ toxicity. Synchronous fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy integrated two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analyses further confirmed that the oxygen and nitrogen moieties (i.e. amide, carbonyl CO, phenolic, and C-O-C) in proteins and humic acid of the LB-EPS were response for the binding with the Ag+ to prevent the penetration into the cells. The underlying molecular mechanisms of EPS in protecting EABs from the Ag+ shock explored in this study can provide implications for developing new methods to construct highly stable EABs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hou
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shaofeng Zhou
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, School of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry, Fuzhou, 350000, China
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Caffalette CA, Kuklewicz J, Spellmon N, Zimmer J. Biosynthesis and Export of Bacterial Glycolipids. Annu Rev Biochem 2020; 89:741-768. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-011520-104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Complex carbohydrates are essential for many biological processes, from protein quality control to cell recognition, energy storage, and cell wall formation. Many of these processes are performed in topologically extracellular compartments or on the cell surface; hence, diverse secretion systems evolved to transport the hydrophilic molecules to their sites of action. Polyprenyl lipids serve as ubiquitous anchors and facilitators of these transport processes. Here, we summarize and compare bacterial biosynthesis pathways relying on the recognition and transport of lipid-linked complex carbohydrates. In particular, we compare transporters implicated in O antigen and capsular polysaccharide biosyntheses with those facilitating teichoic acid and N-linked glycan transport. Further, we discuss recent insights into the generation, recognition, and recycling of polyprenyl lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Caffalette
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Jeremi Kuklewicz
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Nicholas Spellmon
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Jochen Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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48
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Structural and biochemical characterization of the exopolysaccharide deacetylase Agd3 required for Aspergillus fumigatus biofilm formation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2450. [PMID: 32415073 PMCID: PMC7229062 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16144-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) is an important virulence factor of the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Deletion of a gene encoding a putative deacetylase, Agd3, leads to defects in GAG deacetylation, biofilm formation, and virulence. Here, we show that Agd3 deacetylates GAG in a metal-dependent manner, and is the founding member of carbohydrate esterase family CE18. The active site is formed by four catalytic motifs that are essential for activity. The structure of Agd3 includes an elongated substrate-binding cleft formed by a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) that is the founding member of CBM family 87. Agd3 homologues are encoded in previously unidentified putative bacterial exopolysaccharide biosynthetic operons and in other fungal genomes.
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49
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Xu Y, Lu Y, Zheng L, Wang Z, Dai X. Perspective on enhancing the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 389:121847. [PMID: 31843416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of waste activated sludge (WAS) is an important bio-energy strategy that has been hindered by low conversion efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive review of research on the sludge's property and enhancing AD of WAS, and proposes two perspectives of material structure and microbial activity on improving AD efficiency. In the first part of this review, the key principle problems for hindering AD efficiency are identified based on the concept of AD. Then, the possibility that the complex microstructure and composition of WAS are responsible for poor biodegradability is considered and main methods for enhancing AD are summarized. In the third part, according to the published works, the main knowledge gaps in research are recognized as the identification and specific activity adjustment of functional microbes, the understanding of key constituents of WAS and their interactions, the deciphering of complex structure of sludge organic substance, and the revealing of relationships between complex nature of WAS and biodegradability. Further discussions reveal that to enhance AD more studies should be centered on the sludge's structure and properties in future. However, this review is expected to provide the clear and accurate research directions for enhancing AD efficiency of WAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yiqing Lu
- Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Linke Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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50
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Flannery A, Le Berre M, Pier GB, O’Gara JP, Kilcoyne M. Glycomics Microarrays Reveal Differential In Situ Presentation of the Biofilm Polysaccharide Poly- N-acetylglucosamine on Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus Cell Surfaces. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072465. [PMID: 32252300 PMCID: PMC7177611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The biofilm component poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) is an important virulence determinant in medical-device-related infections caused by ESKAPE group pathogens including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii. PNAG presentation on bacterial cell surfaces and its accessibility for host interactions are not fully understood. We employed a lectin microarray to examine PNAG surface presentation and interactions on methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and a clinical A. baumannii isolate. Purified PNAG bound to wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA) and succinylated WGA (sWGA) lectins only. PNAG was the main accessible surface component on MSSA but was relatively inaccessible on the A. baumannii surface, where it modulated the presentation of other surface molecules. Carbohydrate microarrays demonstrated similar specificities of S. aureus and A. baumannii for their most intensely binding carbohydrates, including 3' and 6'sialyllactose, but differences in moderately binding ligands, including blood groups A and B. An N-acetylglucosamine-binding lectin function which binds to PNAG identified on the A. baumannii cell surface may contribute to biofilm structure and PNAG surface presentation on A. baumannii. Overall, these data indicated differences in PNAG presentation and accessibility for interactions on Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell surfaces which may play an important role in biofilm-mediated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Flannery
- Carbohydrate Signalling Group, Discipline of Microbiology, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Discipline of Microbiology, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Marie Le Berre
- Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Gerald B. Pier
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - James P. O’Gara
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Discipline of Microbiology, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Michelle Kilcoyne
- Carbohydrate Signalling Group, Discipline of Microbiology, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- Correspondence:
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