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Kumari K, Sharma PK, Singh RP. The transcriptome response of Enterobacter sp. S-33 is modulated by low pH-stress. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:671-687. [PMID: 38687436 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acidic environments naturally occur worldwide and uncontrolled use of agricultural practices may also cause acidification of soils. The development of acidic conditions disturbs the establishment of efficient microbial populations in their natural niches. The survival of Enterobacter species under acidic stress remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the survival of an environmental isolate Enterobacter sp. S-33 under acidic stress and to identify the various genes involved in stress protection at the global gene transcription level. The obtained results provide new targets that will allow understanding the in-depth mechanisms involved in the adaptation of bacteria to environmental pH changes. METHODS We used the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method to analyze the expression (up-regulation & down-regulation) of genes under varying pH conditions. RESULTS A total of 4214 genes were differentially expressed under acidic conditions (pH 5.0), with 294 up-regulated and 167 down-regulated. At pH 6.0, 50 genes were significantly expressed, of which 34 and 16 were identified as up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Many of the up-regulated genes were involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid transport & metabolism, and the most down-regulated genes were related to post-translational modification, lipid transport & metabolism, etc. The observed transcriptomic regulation of genes and pathways identified that Enterobacter reduced its post-translational modification, lipid transport & metabolism, and increased carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism & transport, energy production & conversion to adapt and grow in acidic stress. CONCLUSIONS The present work provides in-depth information on the characterization of genes associated with tolerance or adaptation to acidic stress of Enterobacter bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumari
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India
| | - Parva Kumar Sharma
- Department of Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Rajnish Prakash Singh
- Department of Biotechnlogy, Jaypee Insttute of Information Technology, Noida, 201309, India.
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Yin R, Cheng J, Lin J. The role of the type VI secretion system in the stress resistance of plant-associated bacteria. STRESS BIOLOGY 2024; 4:16. [PMID: 38376647 PMCID: PMC10879055 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-024-00151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a powerful bacterial molecular weapon that can inject effector proteins into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, thereby participating in the competition between bacteria and improving bacterial environmental adaptability. Although most current studies of the T6SS have focused on animal bacteria, this system is also significant for the adaptation of plant-associated bacteria. This paper briefly introduces the structure and biological functions of the T6SS. We summarize the role of plant-associated bacterial T6SS in adaptability to host plants and the external environment, including resistance to biotic stresses such as host defenses and competition from other bacteria. We review the role of the T6SS in response to abiotic factors such as acid stress, oxidation stress, and osmotic stress. This review provides an important reference for exploring the functions of the T6SS in plant-associated bacteria. In addition, characterizing these anti-stress functions of the T6SS may provide new pathways toward eliminating plant pathogens and controlling agricultural losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juanli Cheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinshui Lin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China.
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Ramamoorthy S, Pena M, Ghosh P, Liao YY, Paret M, Jones JB, Potnis N. Transcriptome profiling of type VI secretion system core gene tssM mutant of Xanthomonas perforans highlights regulators controlling diverse functions ranging from virulence to metabolism. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0285223. [PMID: 38018859 PMCID: PMC10782981 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02852-23] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE T6SS has received attention due to its significance in mediating interorganismal competition through contact-dependent release of effector molecules into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Reverse-genetic studies have indicated the role of T6SS in virulence in a variety of plant pathogenic bacteria, including the one studied here, Xanthomonas. However, it is not clear whether such effect on virulence is merely due to a shift in the microbiome-mediated protection or if T6SS is involved in a complex virulence regulatory network. In this study, we conducted in vitro transcriptome profiling in minimal medium to decipher the signaling pathways regulated by tssM-i3* in X. perforans AL65. We show that TssM-i3* regulates the expression of a suite of genes associated with virulence and metabolism either directly or indirectly by altering the transcription of several regulators. These findings further expand our knowledge on the intricate molecular circuits regulated by T6SS in phytopathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivakumar Ramamoorthy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Michelle Pena
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Palash Ghosh
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying-Yu Liao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mathews Paret
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Jones
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Neha Potnis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Shi X, Qiu S, Ji L, Lu H, Wu S, Chen Q, Zou X, Hu Q, Feng T, Chen S, Cui W, Xu S, Jiang M, Cai R, Geng Y, Bai Q, Huang D, Liu P. Pathogenetic characterization of a Micrococcus luteus strain isolated from an infant. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1303040. [PMID: 38188910 PMCID: PMC10770869 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1303040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the clinical characteristics of Micrococcus luteus bloodstream infection in an infant and characterize the phenotype and genotype of the isolated strains, as well as seek suitable infection models for assessing virulence. Methods Clinical data was collected from an infant patient diagnosed with M. luteus bloodstream infection. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on the isolated blood sample. The strain was isolated and underwent mass spectrometry, biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility assays, and whole-genome sequencing. The Galleria mellonella infection model was used to assess M. luteus virulence. Results Patient responded poorly to cephalosporins, but recovered after Linezolid treatment. Metagenomic sequencing identified M. luteus as the predominant species in the sample, confirming infection. They were identified as M. luteus with a high confidence level of 98.99% using mass spectrometry. The strain showed positive results for Catalase, Oxidase, and Urea tests, and negative results for Mannose, Xylose, Lactose, Mannitol, Arginine, and Galactose tests, consistent with the biochemical profile of M. luteus reference standards. M. luteus susceptibility to 15 antibiotics was demonstrated and no resistance genes were detected. Predicted virulence genes, including clpB, were associated with metabolic pathways and the type VI secretion system. The infection model demonstrated dose-dependent survival rates. Conclusion The infant likely developed a bloodstream infection with M. luteus due to compromised immunity. Although the isolated strain is sensitive to cephalosporin antibiotics and has low pathogenicity in infection models, clinical treatment with cephalosporins was ineffective. Linezolid proved to be effective, providing valuable guidance for future clinical management of such rare infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Shi
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuxiang Qiu
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liyin Ji
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huiqun Lu
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiongcheng Chen
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Research Center for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tiejian Feng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiting Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenkai Cui
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shiqin Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijie Geng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinqin Bai
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Dingjie Huang
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Peihui Liu
- Pediatric Department, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Liu W, Li M, Cao S, Ishaq HM, Zhao H, Yang F, Liu L. The Biological and Regulatory Role of Type VI Secretion System of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:6911-6922. [PMID: 37928603 PMCID: PMC10624183 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s426657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria communicate with their surroundings through diverse secretory systems, and the recently discovered Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) has gained significant attention. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), an opportunistic pathogen known for causing severe infections in both hospital and animal settings, possesses this intriguing T6SS. This system equips K. pneumoniae with a formidable armory of protein-based weaponry, enabling the delivery of toxins into neighboring cells, thus granting a substantial competitive advantage. Remarkably, the T6SS has also been associated with K. pneumoniae's ability to form biofilms and acquire resistance against antibiotics. However, the precise effects of the T6SS on K. pneumoniae's functions remain inadequately studied, despite research efforts to understand the intricacies of these mechanisms. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of the T6SS in K. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwen Cao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Huajie Zhao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, People’s Republic of China
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Wang Y, Ling N, Jiao R, Zhang X, Ren Y, Li H, Zhao W, Wu Q, Ye Y. Transcriptomic analysis reveals novel desiccation tolerance mechanism of Cronobacter based on type VI secretion system inhibition. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113143. [PMID: 37689845 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Cronobacter malonaticus (C. malonaticus) is a food-borne pathogen inducing severe infections both in infants and adults, and it could survive in dry powdered infant formula (PIF) for a long time, implying its strong tolerance to desiccation. However, the thorough molecular mechanism of resistance to desiccation remains elusive. When C. malonaticus was exposed to desiccation conditions (7, 15, and 30 d), transcriptomic analysis provided a universal adaptation strategy to withstand desiccation with the increased compatible solutes accumulation, activated stress resistance-related regulators, suppressed protein export and bacterial secretion system, and reduced other unessential survival functions including adhesion, invasion, virulence, and flagellar motility. Importantly, type VI secretion system (T6SS) genes exhibited significantly downregulated expressions, as well as markedly increased survival and viability of their mutants after desiccation treatment, revealing the negative regulation of T6SS in desiccation tolerance. Meanwhile, the decreased expressions of T6SS structure genes in other six species further confirmed the vital role of T6SS in desiccation tolerance of Cronobacter spp. Thus, our studies present a novel hypothesis of desiccation resistance in Cronobacter based on type VI secretion system inhibition, causing the reduction of macromolecule secretion such as effectors and hyperosmolality development within the cytomembrane, which allow Cronobacter to survive in desiccation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Na Ling
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Jiao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Xiyan Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Yuwei Ren
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Wenhua Zhao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Qingping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Guangdong Institute of Microbiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingwang Ye
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China.
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Fan Z, Fu T, Li Z, Du B, Cui X, Zhang R, Feng Y, Zhao H, Xue G, Cui J, Yan C, Gan L, Feng J, Xu Z, Yu Z, Tian Z, Ding Z, Chen J, Chen Y, Yuan J. The role of integration host factor in biofilm and virulence of high-alcohol-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0117023. [PMID: 37732783 PMCID: PMC10581059 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01170-23] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a well-known human nosocomial pathogen with an arsenal of virulence factors, including capsular polysaccharides (CPS), fimbriae, flagella, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Our previous study found that alcohol acted as an essential virulence factor for high-alcohol-producing K. pneumoniae (HiAlc Kpn). Integration host factor (IHF) is a nucleoid-associated protein that functions as a global virulence regulator in Escherichia coli. However, the regulatory role of IHF in K. pneumoniae remains unknown. In the present study, we found that deletion of ihfA or ihfB resulted in a slight defect in bacterial growth, a severe absence of biofilm formation and cytotoxicity, and a significant reduction in alcohol production. RNA sequencing differential gene expression analysis showed that compared with the wild-type control, the expression of many virulence factor genes was downregulated in ΔihfA and ΔihfB strains, such as those related to CPS (rcsA, galF, wzi, and iscR), LPS (rfbABCD), type I and type III fimbriae (fim and mrk operon), cellulose (bcs operon), iron transporter (feoABC, fhuA, fhuF, tonB, exbB, and exbD), quorum sensing (lsr operon and sdiA), type II secretion system (T2SS) and type VI secretion system (T6SS) (tssG, hcp, and gspE). Of these virulence factors, CPS, LPS, fimbriae, and cellulose are involved in biofilm formation. In addition, IHF could affect the alcohol production by regulating genes related to glucose intake (ptsG), pyruvate formate-lyase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Our data provided new insights into the importance of IHF in regulating the virulence of HiAlc Kpn. IMPORTANCE Klebsiella pneumoniae is a well-known human nosocomial pathogen that causes various infectious diseases, including urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia, bacteremia, and liver abscesses. Our previous studies demonstrated that HiAlc Kpn mediated the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by producing excess endogenous alcohol in vivo. However, the regulators regulating the expression of genes related to metabolism, biofilm formation, and virulence of HiAlc Kpn remain unclear. In this study, the regulator IHF was found to positively regulate biofilm formation and many virulence factors including CPS, LPS, type I and type III fimbriae, cellulose, iron transporter, AI-2 quorum sensing, T2SS, and T6SS in HiAlc Kpn. Furthermore, IHF positively regulated alcohol production in HiAlc Kpn. Our results suggested that IHF could be a potential drug target for treating various infectious diseases caused by K. pneumoniae. Hence, the regulation of different virulence factors by IHF in K. pneumoniae requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fan
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Fu
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zhoufei Li
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Du
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaohu Cui
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Feng
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Hanqing Zhao
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Guanhua Xue
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghua Cui
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Yan
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Junxia Feng
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ziying Xu
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zihui Yu
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyan Tian
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zanbo Ding
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jinfeng Chen
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
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Solar Venero EC, Galeano MB, Luqman A, Ricardi MM, Serral F, Fernandez Do Porto D, Robaldi SA, Ashari B, Munif TH, Egoburo DE, Nemirovsky S, Escalante J, Nishimura B, Ramirez MS, Götz F, Tribelli PM. Fever-like temperature impacts on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa interaction, physiology, and virulence both in vitro and in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.21.529514. [PMID: 36993402 PMCID: PMC10055263 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.21.529514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause a wide variety of bacterial infections and coinfections, showing a complex interaction that involves the production of different metabolites and metabolic changes. Temperature is a key factor for bacterial survival and virulence and within the host, bacteria could be exposed to an increment in temperature during fever development. We analyzed the previously unexplored effect of fever-like temperatures (39°C) on S. aureus USA300 and P. aeruginosa PAO1 microaerobic mono- and co-cultures compared with 37°C, by using RNAseq and physiological assays including in-vivo experiments. Results In general terms both temperature and co-culturing had a strong impact on both PA and SA with the exception of the temperature response of monocultured PA. We studied metabolic and virulence changes on both species. Altered metabolic features at 39°C included arginine biosynthesis and the periplasmic glucose oxidation in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa monocultures respectively. When PA co-cultures were exposed at 39°C they upregulated ethanol oxidation related genes along with an increment in organic acid accumulation. Regarding virulence factors, monocultured SA showed an increase in the mRNA expression of the agr operon and hld, pmsα and pmsβ genes at 39°C. Supported by mRNA data, we performed physiological experiments and detected and increment in hemolysis, staphylxantin production and a decrease in biofilm formation at 39°C. On the side of PA monocultures, we observed increase in extracellular lipase and protease and biofilm formation at 39°C along with a decrease in motility in correlation with changes observed at mRNA abundance. Additionally, we assessed host-pathogen interaction both in-vitro and in-vivo . S. aureus monocultured at 39°C showed a decrease in cellular invasion and an increase in IL-8 -but not in IL-6- production by A549 cell line. PA also decreased its cellular invasion when monocultured at 39°C and did not induce any change in IL-8 or IL-6 production. PA strongly increased cellular invasion when co-cultured at 37°C and 39°C. Finally, we observed increased lethality in mice intranasally inoculated with S. aureus monocultures pre-incubated at 39°C and even higher levels when inoculated with co-cultures. The bacterial burden for P. aeruginosa was higher in liver when the mice were infected with co-cultures previously incubated at 39°C comparing with 37°C. Conclusion Our results highlight a relevant change in the virulence of bacterial opportunistic pathogens exposed to fever-like temperatures in presence of competitors, opening new questions related to bacteria-bacteria and host-pathogen interactions and coevolution.
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Ghasemieshkaftaki M, Vasquez I, Eshraghi A, Gamperl AK, Santander J. Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Novel Vibrio sp. Isolated from an Ulcer Disease Event in Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar). Microorganisms 2023; 11:1736. [PMID: 37512908 PMCID: PMC10385127 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcer diseases are a recalcitrant issue at Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture cage-sites across the North Atlantic region. Classical ulcerative outbreaks (also called winter ulcer disease) refer to a skin infection caused by Moritella viscosa. However, several bacterial species are frequently isolated from ulcer disease events, and it is unclear if other undescribed pathogens are implicated in ulcer disease in Atlantic salmon. Although different polyvalent vaccines are used against M. viscosa, ulcerative outbreaks are continuously reported in Atlantic salmon in Canada. This study analyzed the phenotypical and genomic characteristics of Vibrio sp. J383 isolated from internal organs of vaccinated farmed Atlantic salmon displaying clinical signs of ulcer disease. Infection assays conducted on vaccinated farmed Atlantic salmon and revealed that Vibrio sp. J383 causes a low level of mortalities when administered intracelomic at doses ranging from 107-108 CFU/dose. Vibrio sp. J383 persisted in the blood of infected fish for at least 8 weeks at 10 and 12 °C. Clinical signs of this disease were greatest 12 °C, but no mortality and bacteremia were observed at 16 °C. The Vibrio sp. J383 genome (5,902,734 bp) has two chromosomes of 3,633,265 bp and 2,068,312 bp, respectively, and one large plasmid of 201,166 bp. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses indicated that Vibrio sp. J383 is related to V. splendidus, with 93% identity. Furthermore, the phenotypic analysis showed that there were significant differences between Vibrio sp. J383 and other Vibrio spp, suggesting J383 is a novel Vibrio species adapted to cold temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghasemieshkaftaki
- Marine Microbial Pathogenesis and Vaccinology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Ignacio Vasquez
- Marine Microbial Pathogenesis and Vaccinology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Aria Eshraghi
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Anthony Kurt Gamperl
- Fish Physiology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Javier Santander
- Marine Microbial Pathogenesis and Vaccinology Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
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10
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Prince A, Wong Fok Lung T. Immunometabolic control by Klebsiella pneumoniae. IMMUNOMETABOLISM (COBHAM, SURREY) 2023; 5:e00028. [PMID: 37492184 PMCID: PMC10364963 DOI: 10.1097/in9.0000000000000028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common Gram-negative pathogen associated with community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections. Its ability to acquire genetic elements resulted in its rapid development of resistance to virtually all antimicrobial agents. Once infection is established, K. pneumoniae is able to evade the host immune response and perhaps more importantly, undergo metabolic rewiring to optimize its ability to maintain infection. K. pneumoniae lipopolysaccharide and capsular polysaccharide are central factors in the induction and evasion of immune clearance. Less well understood is the importance of immunometabolism, the intersection between cellular metabolism and immune function, in the host response to K. pneumoniae infection. Bacterial metabolism itself is perceived as a metabolic stress to the host, altering the microenvironment at the site of infection. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic responses induced by K. pneumoniae, particularly in response to stimulation with the metabolically active bacteria versus pathogen-associated molecular patterns alone, and their implications in shaping the nature of the immune response and the infection outcome. A better understanding of the immunometabolic response to K. pneumoniae may help identify new targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Prince
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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11
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Shen Y, Gao S, Fan Q, Zuo J, Wang Y, Yi L, Wang Y. New antibacterial targets: Regulation of quorum sensing and secretory systems in zoonotic bacteria. Microbiol Res 2023; 274:127436. [PMID: 37343493 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127436] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication mechanism that controls bacterial communication and can influence the transcriptional expression of multiple genes through one or more signaling molecules, thereby coordinating the population response of multiple bacterial pathogens. Secretion systems (SS) play an equally important role in bacterial information exchange, relying on the secretory systems to secrete proteins that act as virulence factors to promote adhesion to host cells. Eight highly efficient SS have been described, all of which are involved in the secretion or transfer of virulence factors, and the effector proteins they secrete play a key role in the virulence and pathogenicity of bacteria. It has been shown that many bacterial SS are directly or indirectly regulated by QS and thus influence bacterial virulence and antibiotic resistance. This review describes the relationship between QS and SS of several common zoonotic pathogenic bacteria and outlines the molecular mechanisms of how QS systems regulate SS, to provide a theoretical basis for the study of bacterial pathogenicity and the development of novel antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Emerging Disease Detection and Control, Luoyang, China
| | - Shuji Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Qingying Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Emerging Disease Detection and Control, Luoyang, China
| | - Jing Zuo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Emerging Disease Detection and Control, Luoyang, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Emerging Disease Detection and Control, Luoyang, China
| | - Li Yi
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Emerging Disease Detection and Control, Luoyang, China; College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China; Henan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Emerging Disease Detection and Control, Luoyang, China.
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12
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Maia JCDS, Silva GADA, Cunha LSDB, Gouveia GV, Góes-Neto A, Brenig B, Araújo FA, Aburjaile F, Ramos RTJ, Soares SC, Azevedo VADC, Costa MMD, Gouveia JJDS. Genomic Characterization of Aeromonas veronii Provides Insights into Taxonomic Assignment and Reveals Widespread Virulence and Resistance Genes throughout the World. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1039. [PMID: 37370358 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061039] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas veronii is a Gram-negative bacterial species that causes disease in fish and is nowadays increasingly recurrent in enteric infections of humans. This study was performed to characterize newly sequenced isolates by comparing them with complete genomes deposited at the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). Nine isolates from fish, environments, and humans from the São Francisco Valley (Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil) were sequenced and compared with complete genomes available in public databases to gain insight into taxonomic assignment and to better understand virulence and resistance profiles of this species within the One Health context. One local genome and four NCBI genomes were misidentified as A. veronii. A total of 239 virulence genes were identified in the local genomes, with most encoding adhesion, motility, and secretion systems. In total, 60 genes involved with resistance to 22 classes of antibiotics were identified in the genomes, including mcr-7 and cphA. The results suggest that the use of methods such as ANI is essential to avoid misclassification of the genomes. The virulence content of A. veronii from local isolates is similar to those complete genomes deposited at the NCBI. Genes encoding colistin resistance are widespread in the species, requiring greater attention for surveillance systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Cleves da Silva Maia
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Campus, Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Center for Open Access Genomic Analysis (CALAnGO), Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Amorim de Albuquerque Silva
- Center for Open Access Genomic Analysis (CALAnGO), Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Letícia Stheffany de Barros Cunha
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Campus, Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Center for Open Access Genomic Analysis (CALAnGO), Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gisele Veneroni Gouveia
- Center for Open Access Genomic Analysis (CALAnGO), Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Laboratory of Molecular Computational Biology of Fungi (LBMCF), Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Fabrício Almeida Araújo
- Biological Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
| | - Flávia Aburjaile
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rommel Thiago Jucá Ramos
- Biological Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
| | - Siomar Castro Soares
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-180, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics (LGCM), Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mateus Matiuzzi da Costa
- Center for Open Access Genomic Analysis (CALAnGO), Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - João José de Simoni Gouveia
- Center for Open Access Genomic Analysis (CALAnGO), Federal University of Vale of São Francisco (Univasf), Petrolina 56304-917, Pernambuco, Brazil
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13
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Liu P, Yang A, Tang B, Wang Z, Jian Z, Liu Y, Wang J, Zhong B, Yan Q, Liu W. Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the type VI secretion system in Klebsiella pneumoniae causing abscesses. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1181701. [PMID: 37266024 PMCID: PMC10230222 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1181701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The type VI system (T6SS) has the potential to be a new virulence factor for hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) strains. This study aimed to characterize the molecular and clinical features of T6SS-positive and T6SS-negative K. pneumoniae isolates that cause abscesses. Patients and methods A total of 169 non-duplicate K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from patients with abscesses in a tertiary hospital in China from January 2018 to June 2022, and clinical data were collected. For all isolates, capsular serotypes, T6SS genes, virulence, and drug resistance genes, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biofilm formation assays were assessed. Multilocus sequence typing was used to analyze the genotypes of hvKp. T6SS-positive hvKp, T6SS-negative hvKp, T6SS-positive cKP, and T6SS-negative cKP (n = 4 strains for each group) were chosen for the in vivo Galleria mellonella infection model and in vitro competition experiments to further explore the microbiological characteristics of T6SS-positive K. pneumoniae isolates. Results The positive detection rate for T6SS was 36.1%. The rates of hvKp, seven virulence genes, K1 capsular serotype, and ST23 in T6SS-positive strains were all higher than those in T6SS-negative strains (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the carriage of aerobactin (OR 0.01) and wcaG (OR 33.53) were independent risk factors for T6SS-positive strains (p < 0.05). The T6SS-positive strains had a stronger biofilm-forming ability than T6SS-negative strains (p < 0.05). The T6SS-positive and T6SS-negative strains showed no significant differences in competitive ability (p = 0.06). In the in vivo G. mellonella infection model, the T6SS(+)/hvKP group had the worst prognosis. Except for cefazolin and tegacyclin, T6SS-positive isolates displayed a lower rate of antimicrobial resistance to other drugs (p < 0.05). The T6SS-positive isolates were more likely to be acquired from community infections (p < 0.05). Conclusion Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates causing abscesses have a high prevalence of T6SS genes. T6SS-positive K. pneumoniae isolates are associated with virulence, and the T6SS genes may be involved in the hvKp virulence mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Awen Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiqian Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zijuan Jian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Baiyun Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qun Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
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14
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Zuo Y, Li C, Yu D, Wang K, Liu Y, Wei Z, Yang Y, Wang Y, Shen X, Zhu L. A Fur-regulated type VI secretion system contributes to oxidative stress resistance and virulence in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. STRESS BIOLOGY 2023; 3:2. [PMID: 37676351 PMCID: PMC10441874 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-022-00081-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread protein secretion apparatus deployed by many Gram-negative bacterial species to interact with competitor bacteria, host organisms, and the environment. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis T6SS4 was recently reported to be involved in manganese acquisition; however, the underlying regulatory mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that T6SS4 is regulated by ferric uptake regulator (Fur) in response to manganese ions (Mn2+), and this negative regulation of Fur was proceeded by specifically recognizing the promoter region of T6SS4 in Y. pseudotuberculosis. Furthermore, T6SS4 is induced by low Mn2+ and oxidative stress conditions via Fur, acting as a Mn2+-responsive transcriptional regulator to maintain intracellular manganese homeostasis, which plays important role in the transport of Mn2+ for survival under oxidative stress. Our results provide evidence that T6SS4 can enhance the oxidative stress resistance and virulence for Y. pseudotuberculosis. This study provides new insights into the regulation of T6SS4 via the Mn2+-dependent transcriptional regulator Fur, and expands our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms and functions of T6SS from Y. pseudotuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Changfu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kenan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhiyan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yantao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xihui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Lingfang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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15
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Wang Y, Zeng M, Xia L, Valerie Olovo C, Su Z, Zhang Y. Bacterial strategies for immune systems - Role of the type VI secretion system. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109550. [PMID: 36525796 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109550] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The process of host infection by bacteria is complicated. Bacterial infections strongly induce the host immune system, which necessitates a robust clearance of the infection. However, bacteria have over time developed strategies that enable their evasion of attacks by the host immune system. One such strategy is the type VI secretion system (T6SS), a special needle-like secretion system that is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and is responsible for delivering effector proteins into the external bacterial environment or directly into the host cell cytosol. Bacterial T6SS and its secreted effector proteins play an important role in the interaction between bacteria and host immune system. They also serve as antigens that are employed in the development of vaccines for clinical trials as well as future vaccine candidates. This review focuses mainly on aspects of T6SS effectors that impact the strength of the host immune system, including inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis (silent programmed cell death). The T6SS-based vaccines are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurou Wang
- Institute for Medical Immunology of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Minmin Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Chinasa Valerie Olovo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Zhaoliang Su
- Institute for Medical Immunology of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute for Medical Immunology of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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16
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Liu M, Wang H, Liu Y, Tian M, Wang Z, Shu RD, Zhao MY, Chen WD, Wang H, Wang H, Fu Y. The phospholipase effector Tle1 Vc promotes Vibrio cholerae virulence by killing competitors and impacting gene expression. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2241204. [PMID: 37526354 PMCID: PMC10395195 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2241204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae utilizes the Type VI secretion system (T6SS) to gain an advantage in interbacterial competition by delivering anti-prokaryotic effectors in a contact-dependent manner. However, the impact of T6SS and its secreted effectors on physiological behavior remains poorly understood. In this study, we present Tle1Vc, a phospholipase effector in atypical pathogenic V. cholerae E1 that is secreted by T6SS via its interaction with VgrG1E1. Tle1Vc contains a DUF2235 domain and belongs to the Tle1 (type VI lipase effector) family. Bacterial toxicity assays, lipase activity assays and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that Tle1Vc possessed phospholipase A1 activity and phospholipase A2 activity, and that Tle1Vc-induced toxicity required a serine residue (S356) and two aspartic acid residues (D417 and D496). Cells intoxication with Tle1Vc lead to membrane depolarization and alter membrane permeability. Tli1tox-, a cognate immunity protein, directly interacts with Tle1Vc to neutralize its toxicity. Moreover, Tle1Vc can kill multiple microorganisms by T6SS and promote in vivo fitness of V. cholerae through mediating antibacterial activity. Tle1Vc induces bacterial motility by increasing the expression of flagellar-related genes independently of functional T6SS and the tit-for-tat (TFT) response, where Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses its T6SS-H1 cluster to counterattack other offensive attackers. Our study also demonstrated that the physical puncture of E1 T6SS can induce a moderate TFT response, which is essential to the Tle1Vc-mediated strong TFT response, maximizing effector functions. Overall, our study characterized the antibacterial mechanism of phospholipase effector Tle1Vc and its multiple physiological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Heng Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Tian
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Run-Dong Shu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Yu Zhao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei-Di Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Fu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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17
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Shao Y, Tang G, Huang Y, Ke W, Wang S, Zheng D, Ruan L. Transcriptional regulator Sar regulates the multiple secretion systems in Xanthomonas oryzae. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:16-27. [PMID: 36177860 PMCID: PMC9742495 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a notorious plant pathogen that causes leaf blight of rice cultivars. The pathogenic bacteria possess numerous transcriptional regulators to regulate various biological processes, such as pathogenicity in the host plant. Our previous study identified a new master regulator PXO_RS20790 that is involved in pathogenicity for Xoo against the host rice. However, the molecular functions of PXO_RS20790 are still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that transcriptional regulator Sar (PXO_RS20790) regulates multiple secretion systems. The RNA-sequencing analysis, bacterial one-hybrid assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that Sar enables binding of the promoters of the T1SS-related genes, the avirulence gene, raxX, and positively regulates these genes' expression. Meanwhile, we found that Sar positively regulated the T6SS-1 clusters but did not regulate the T6SS-2 clusters. Furthermore, we revealed that only T6SS-2 is involved in interbacterial competition. We also indicated that Sar could bind the promoters of the T3SS regulators, hrpG and hrpX, to activate these two genes' transcription. Our findings revealed that Sar is a crucial regulator of multiple secretion systems and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Guiyu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Wenli Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Shasha Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Dehong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Science Education, College of AgricultureGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Lifang Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- College of Resources and EnvironmentTibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry UniversityLinzhiChina
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18
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Yang Y, Pan D, Tang Y, Li J, Zhu K, Yu Z, Zhu L, Wang Y, Chen P, Li C. H3-T6SS of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 contributes to environmental adaptation via secretion of a biofilm-promoting effector. STRESS BIOLOGY 2022; 2:55. [PMID: 37676573 PMCID: PMC10442045 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-022-00078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbial species often occur in complex communities and exhibit intricate synergistic and antagonistic interactions. To avoid predation and compete for favorable niches, bacteria have evolved specialized protein secretion systems. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a versatile secretion system widely distributed among Gram-negative bacteria that translocates effectors into target cells or the extracellular milieu via various physiological processes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for many diseases, and it has three independent T6SSs (H1-, H2-, and H3-T6SS). In this study, we found that the H3-T6SS of highly virulent P. aeruginosa PA14 is negatively regulated by OxyR and OmpR, which are global regulatory proteins of bacterial oxidative and acid stress. In addition, we identified a H3-T6SS effector PA14_33970, which is located upstream of VgrG3. PA14_33970 interacted directly with VgrG3 and translocated into host cells. Moreover, we found that H3-T6SS and PA14_33970 play crucial roles in oxidative, acid, and osmotic stress resistance, as well as in motility and biofilm formation. PA14_33970 was identified as a new T6SS effector promoting biofilm formation and thus named TepB. Furthermore, we found that TepB contributes to the virulence of P. aeruginosa PA14 toward Caenorhabditis elegans. Overall, our study indicates that H3-T6SS and its biofilm-promoting effector TepB are regulated by OxyR and OmpR, both of which are important for adaptation of P. aeruginosa PA14 to multiple stressors, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms and roles of T6SSs in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Damin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiali Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kaixiang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zonglan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingfang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Changfu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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19
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Tighilt L, Boulila F, De Sousa BFS, Giraud E, Ruiz-Argüeso T, Palacios JM, Imperial J, Rey L. The Bradyrhizobium Sp. LmicA16 Type VI Secretion System Is Required for Efficient Nodulation of Lupinus Spp. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:844-855. [PMID: 34697646 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01892-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Many bacteria of the genus Bradyrhizobium are capable of inducing nodules in legumes. In this work, the importance of a type VI secretion system (T6SS) in a symbiotic strain of the genus Bradyrhizobium is described. T6SS of Bradyrhizobium sp. LmicA16 (A16) is necessary for efficient nodulation with Lupinus micranthus and Lupinus angustifolius. A mutant in the gene vgrG, coding for a component of the T6SS nanostructure, induced less nodules and smaller plants than the wild-type (wt) strain and was less competitive when co-inoculated with the wt strain. A16 T6SS genes are organized in a 26-kb DNA region in two divergent gene clusters of nine genes each. One of these genes codes for a protein (Tsb1) of unknown function but containing a methyltransferase domain. A tsb1 mutant showed an intermediate symbiotic phenotype regarding vgrG mutant and higher mucoidity than the wt strain in free-living conditions. T6SS promoter fusions to the lacZ reporter indicate expression in nodules but not in free-living cells grown in different media and conditions. The analysis of nodule structure revealed that the level of nodule colonization was significantly reduced in the mutants with respect to the wt strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Tighilt
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Faculté Des Sciences de La Nature Et de La Vie, Université de Bejaia, 06000, Bejaia, Algeria
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación Y Tecnología Agraria Y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Boulila
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Faculté Des Sciences de La Nature Et de La Vie, Université de Bejaia, 06000, Bejaia, Algeria
| | - B F S De Sousa
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación Y Tecnología Agraria Y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología Y Biología Vegetal, ETSI Agronómica, Alimentaria Y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Giraud
- IRD, Laboratoire Des Symbioses Tropicales Et Méditerranéennes (LSTM), UMR IRD/SupAgro/INRA/Université de Montpellier/CIRAD, TA-A82/J-Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - T Ruiz-Argüeso
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación Y Tecnología Agraria Y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología Y Biología Vegetal, ETSI Agronómica, Alimentaria Y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Palacios
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación Y Tecnología Agraria Y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología Y Biología Vegetal, ETSI Agronómica, Alimentaria Y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Imperial
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación Y Tecnología Agraria Y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, CSIC, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Rey
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación Y Tecnología Agraria Y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain.
- Departamento de Biotecnología Y Biología Vegetal, ETSI Agronómica, Alimentaria Y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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A Quorum Sensing-Regulated Type VI Secretion System Containing Multiple Nonredundant VgrG Proteins Is Required for Interbacterial Competition in Chromobacterium violaceum. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0157622. [PMID: 35876575 PMCID: PMC9430734 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01576-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental pathogenic bacterium Chromobacterium violaceum kills Gram-positive bacteria by delivering violacein packed into outer membrane vesicles, but nothing is known about its contact-dependent competition mechanisms. In this work, we demonstrate that C. violaceum utilizes a type VI secretion system (T6SS) containing multiple VgrG proteins primarily for interbacterial competition. The single T6SS of C. violaceum contains six vgrG genes, which are located in the main T6SS cluster and four vgrG islands. Using T6SS core component-null mutant strains, Western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, and competition assays, we showed that the C. violaceum T6SS is active and required for competition against Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa but dispensable for C. violaceum infection in mice. Characterization of single and multiple vgrG mutants revealed that, despite having high sequence similarity, the six VgrGs show little functional redundancy, with VgrG3 showing a major role in T6SS function. Our coimmunoprecipitation data support a model of VgrG3 interacting directly with the other VgrGs. Moreover, we determined that the promoter activities of T6SS genes increased at high cell density, but the produced Hcp protein was not secreted under such condition. This T6SS growth phase-dependent regulation was dependent on CviR but not on CviI, the components of a C. violaceum quorum sensing (QS) system. Indeed, a ΔcviR but not a ΔcviI mutant was completely defective in Hcp secretion, T6SS activity, and interbacterial competition. Overall, our data reveal that C. violaceum relies on a QS-regulated T6SS to outcompete other bacteria and expand our knowledge about the redundancy of multiple VgrGs. IMPORTANCE The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a contractile nanomachine used by many Gram-negative bacteria to inject toxic effectors into adjacent cells. The delivered effectors are bound to the components of a puncturing apparatus containing the protein VgrG. The T6SS has been implicated in pathogenesis and, more commonly, in competition among bacteria. Chromobacterium violaceum is an environmental bacterium that causes deadly infections in humans. In this work, we characterized the single T6SS of C. violaceum ATCC 12472, including its six VgrG proteins, regarding its function and regulation. This previously undescribed C. violaceum T6SS is active, regulated by QS, and required for interbacterial competition instead of acute infection in mice. Among the VgrGs, VgrG3, encoded outside the main T6SS cluster, showed a major contribution to T6SS function. These results shed light on a key contact-dependent killing mechanism used by C. violaceum to antagonize other bacteria.
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VfqI-VfqR quorum sensing circuit modulates type VI secretion system VflT6SS2 in Vibrio fluvialis. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 31:101282. [PMID: 35669988 PMCID: PMC9166416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
V. fluvialis is an emerging foodborne pathogen and could cause cholera-like gastroenteritis syndrome and poses a potential threat to public health. VflT6SS2 is a functionally active type VI secretion system (T6SS) in V. fluvialis which confers bactericidal activity. VflT6SS2 is composed of one major cluster and three hcp-vgrG orphan clusters. Previously, we identified two quorum sensing (QS) systems CqsA/LuxS-HapR and VfqI-VfqR in V. fluvialis and demonstrated that the former regulates VflT6SS2. However, whether VfqI-VfqR QS regulates VflT6SS2 is unknown. In this study, we showed that the mRNA abundances of VflT6SS2 tssD2 (hcp), tssI2 (vgrG) and tssB2 (vipA) were all significantly decreased in VfqI or/and VfqR deletion mutant(s). Consistently, Hcp expression/secretion was reduced too in these mutants. Complementation assay with VfqR mutant further confirmed that the reduced Hcp expression/secretion and impaired antibacterial virulence are restored by introducing VfqR-expressing plasmid. Reporter fusion analyses revealed that VfqR modulates the promoter activities of VflT6SS2. Bioinformatical prediction and further reporter fusion assay in E. coli supported that VfqR acts as a transcriptional factor to bind and regulate the gene expression of the VflT6SS2 major cluster. However, VfqR seems to promote transcription of hcp (tssD2) in the orphan clusters through elevating the expression of vasH which is encoded by the VflT6SS2 major cluster. Additionally, we found that the regulation intensity of VfqR on VflT6SS2 is weaker than that of HapR. In conclusion, our current study disclosed that in V. fluvialis, VfqI-VfqR circuit upregulates the expression and function of VflT6SS2 by directly or indirectly activating its transcription. These findings will enhance our understanding of the complicated regulatory network between QS and T6SS in V. fluvialis. VfqI-VfqR quorum sensing (QS) circuit positively modulates VflT6SS2 in V. fluvialis. VfqR directly activates VflT6SS2 major cluster while indirectly activates hcp orphan clusters. VfqR functions as a secondary QS regulator manipulating VflT6SS2 comparing with HapR.
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Li W, Liu X, Tsui W, Xu A, Li D, Zhang X, Li P, Bian X, Zhang J. Identification and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Type VI Secretion Systems and Effectors in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:853744. [PMID: 35633723 PMCID: PMC9134191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.853744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a nosocomial opportunistic pathogen that can cause pneumonia, liver abscesses, and infections of the bloodstream. The resistance and pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae pose major challenges to clinical practice. However, the ecology and pathogenic mechanisms of K. pneumoniae have not been fully elucidated. Among these mechanisms, the secretion systems encoded by strains of the bacteria confer adaptive advantages depending on the niche occupied. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a multi-protein complex that delivers effector proteins to the extracellular environment or directly to eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells. T6SSs are widely distributed in Gram-negative bacteria and play an important role in bacterial virulence and the interactions between bacteria and other microorganisms or the environment. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of the characteristics of T6SSs in K. pneumoniae through an in-depth comparative genomic analysis of the T6SS in 241 sequenced strains of K. pneumoniae. We identified the T6SS loci, the synteny of the loci in different species, as well as the effectors and core T6SS-related genes in K. pneumoniae. The presence of a T6SS was a common occurrence in K. pneumoniae, and two T6SS clusters are the most prevalent. The variable region downstream of the gene vgrG usually encodes effector proteins. Conserved domain analysis indicated that the identified putative effectors in K. pneumoniae had the functions of lipase, ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease, and polysaccharide hydrolase. However, some effectors did not contain predicted functional domains, and their specific functions have yet to be elucidated. This in silico study represents a detailed analysis of T6SS-associated genes in K. pneumoniae and provides a foundation for future studies on the mechanism(s) of T6SSs, especially effectors, which may generate new insights into pathogenicity and lead to the identification of proteins with novel antimicrobial properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofen Liu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Waitang Tsui
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - An Xu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefei Zhang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingchen Bian
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Phase I Unit, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Zhang,
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Martínez OF, Duque HM, Franco OL. Peptidomimetics as Potential Anti-Virulence Drugs Against Resistant Bacterial Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:831037. [PMID: 35516442 PMCID: PMC9062693 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.831037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The uncontrollable spread of superbugs calls for new approaches in dealing with microbial-antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, the anti-virulence approach has arisen as an attractive unconventional strategy to face multidrug-resistant pathogens. As an emergent strategy, there is an imperative demand for discovery, design, and development of anti-virulence drugs. In this regard, peptidomimetic compounds could be a valuable source of anti-virulence drugs, since these molecules circumvent several shortcomings of natural peptide-based drugs like proteolytic instability, immunogenicity, toxicity, and low bioavailability. Some emerging evidence points to the feasibility of peptidomimetics to impair pathogen virulence. Consequently, in this review, we shed some light on the potential of peptidomimetics as anti-virulence drugs to overcome antibiotic resistance. Specifically, we address the anti-virulence activity of peptidomimetics against pathogens' secretion systems, biofilms, and quorum-sensing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Harry Morales Duque
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
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Zhou J, Hu M, Hu A, Li C, Ren X, Tao M, Xue Y, Chen S, Tang C, Xu Y, Zhang L, Zhou X. Isolation and Genome Analysis of Pectobacterium colocasium sp. nov. and Pectobacterium aroidearum, Two New Pathogens of Taro. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:852750. [PMID: 35557713 PMCID: PMC9088014 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.852750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial soft rot is one of the most destructive diseases of taro (Colocasia esculenta) worldwide. In recent years, frequent outbreaks of soft rot disease have seriously affected taro production and became a major constraint to the development of taro planting in China. However, little is known about the causal agents of this disease, and the only reported pathogens are two Dickeya species and P. carotovorum. In this study, we report taro soft rot caused by two novel Pectobacterium strains, LJ1 and LJ2, isolated from taro corms in Ruyuan County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, China. We showed that LJ1 and LJ2 fulfill Koch's postulates for taro soft rot. The two pathogens can infect taro both individually and simultaneously, and neither synergistic nor antagonistic interaction was observed between the two pathogens. Genome sequencing of the two strains indicated that LJ1 represents a novel species of the genus Pectobacterium, for which the name "Pectobacterium colocasium sp. nov." is proposed, while LJ2 belongs to Pectobacterium aroidearum. Pan-genome analysis revealed multiple pathogenicity-related differences between LJ1, LJ2, and other Pectobacterium species, including unique virulence factors, variation in the copy number and organization of Type III, IV, and VI secretion systems, and differential production of plant cell wall degrading enzymes. This study identifies two new soft rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP) pathogens causing taro soft rot in China, reports a new case of co-infection of plant pathogens, and provides valuable resources for further investigation of the pathogenic mechanisms of SRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianuan Zhou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Hu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anqun Hu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuhao Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Ren
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Tao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Xue
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongzhi Tang
- Guangdong Tianhe Agricultural Means of Production Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwu Xu
- Guangdong Tianhe Agricultural Means of Production Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
- Qingyuan Agricultural Science and Technology Service Co., Ltd., Qingyuan, China
| | - Lianhui Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Maharajan AD, Hjerde E, Hansen H, Willassen NP. Quorum Sensing Controls the CRISPR and Type VI Secretion Systems in Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:799414. [PMID: 35211539 PMCID: PMC8861277 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.799414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
For bacteria to thrive in an environment with competitors, phages and environmental cues, they use different strategies, including Type VI Secretion Systems (T6SSs) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) to compete for space. Bacteria often use quorum sensing (QS), to coordinate their behavior as the cell density increases. Like other aliivibrios, Aliivibrio wodanis 06/09/139 harbors two QS systems, the main LuxS/LuxPQ system and an N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated AinS/AinR system and a master QS regulator, LitR. To explore the QS and survival strategies, we performed genome analysis and gene expression profiling on A. wodanis and two QS mutants (ΔainS and ΔlitR) at two cell densities (OD600 2.0 and 6.0) and temperatures (6 and 12°C). Genome analysis of A. wodanis revealed two CRISPR systems, one without a cas loci (CRISPR system 1) and a type I-F CRISPR system (CRISPR system 2). Our analysis also identified three main T6SS clusters (T6SS1, T6SS2, and T6SS3) and four auxiliary clusters, as well about 80 potential Type VI secretion effectors (T6SEs). When comparing the wildtype transcriptome data at different cell densities and temperatures, 13–18% of the genes were differentially expressed. The CRISPR system 2 was cell density and temperature-independent, whereas the CRISPR system 1 was temperature-dependent and cell density-independent. The primary and auxiliary clusters of T6SSs were both cell density and temperature-dependent. In the ΔlitR and ΔainS mutants, several CRISPR and T6SS related genes were differentially expressed. Deletion of litR resulted in decreased expression of CRISPR system 1 and increased expression of CRISPR system 2. The T6SS1 and T6SS2 gene clusters were less expressed while the T6SS3 cluster was highly expressed in ΔlitR. Moreover, in ΔlitR, the hcp1 gene was strongly activated at 6°C compared to 12°C. AinS positively affected the csy genes in the CRISPR system 2 but did not affect the CRISPR arrays. Although AinS did not significantly affect the expression of T6SSs, the hallmark genes of T6SS (hcp and vgrG) were AinS-dependent. The work demonstrates that T6SSs and CRISPR systems in A. wodanis are QS dependent and may play an essential role in survival in its natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amudha Deepalakshmi Maharajan
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- *Correspondence: Amudha Deepalakshmi Maharajan
| | - Erik Hjerde
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hilde Hansen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nils Peder Willassen
- Norwegian Structural Biology Center and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Nils Peder Willassen
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High Genomic Identity between Clinical and Environmental Strains of Herbaspirillum frisingense Suggests Pre-Adaptation to Different Hosts and Intrinsic Resistance to Multiple Drugs. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111409. [PMID: 34827347 PMCID: PMC8614823 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Herbaspirillum is widely studied for its ability to associate with grasses and to perform biological nitrogen fixation. However, the bacteria of the Herbaspirillum genus have frequently been isolated from clinical samples. Understanding the genomic characteristics that allow these bacteria to switch environments and become able to colonize human hosts is essential for monitoring emerging pathogens and predicting outbreaks. In this work, we describe the sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the genome of H. frisingense AU14559 isolated from the sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis, and its comparison with the genomes of the uropathogenic strain VT-16-41 and the environmental strains GSF30, BH-1, IAC152, and SG826. The genes responsible for biological nitrogen fixation were absent from all strains except for GSF30. On the other hand, genes encoding virulence and host interaction factors were mostly shared with environmental strains. We also identified a large set of intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes that were shared across all strains. Unlike other strains, in addition to unique genomic islands, AU14559 has a mutation that renders the biosynthesis of rhamnose and its incorporation into the exopolysaccharide unfeasible. These data suggest that H. frisingense has characteristics that provide it with the metabolic diversity needed to infect and colonize human hosts.
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Lin J, Xu L, Yang J, Wang Z, Shen X. Beyond dueling: roles of the type VI secretion system in microbiome modulation, pathogenesis and stress resistance. STRESS BIOLOGY 2021; 1:11. [PMID: 37676535 PMCID: PMC10441901 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-021-00008-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria inhabit diverse and dynamic environments, where nutrients may be limited and toxic chemicals can be prevalent. To adapt to these stressful conditions, bacteria have evolved specialized protein secretion systems, such as the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to facilitate their survival. As a molecular syringe, the T6SS expels various effectors into neighboring bacterial cells, eukaryotic cells, or the extracellular environment. These effectors improve the competitive fitness and environmental adaption of bacterial cells. Although primarily recognized as antibacterial weapons, recent studies have demonstrated that T6SSs have functions beyond interspecies competition. Here, we summarize recent research on the role of T6SSs in microbiome modulation, pathogenesis, and stress resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshui Lin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, 716000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianshe Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, 716000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xihui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China.
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Mou S, Jenkins CC, Okaro U, Dhummakupt ES, Mach PM, DeShazer D. The Burkholderia pseudomallei hmqA-G Locus Mediates Competitive Fitness against Environmental Gram-Positive Bacteria. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0010221. [PMID: 34160272 PMCID: PMC8552763 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00102-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is an opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for the disease melioidosis in humans and animals. The microbe is a tier 1 select agent because it is highly infectious by the aerosol route, it is inherently resistant to multiple antibiotics, and no licensed vaccine currently exists. Naturally acquired infections result from contact with contaminated soil or water sources in regions of endemicity. There have been few reports investigating the molecular mechanism(s) utilized by B. pseudomallei to survive and persist in ecological niches harboring microbial competitors. Here, we report the isolation of Gram-positive bacteria from multiple environmental sources and show that ∼45% of these isolates are inhibited by B. pseudomallei in head-to-head competition assays. Two competition-deficient B. pseudomallei transposon mutants were identified that contained insertion mutations in the hmqA-G operon. This large biosynthetic gene cluster encodes the enzymes that produce a family of secondary metabolites called 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-alkylquinolines (HMAQs). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry conducted on filter-sterilized culture supernatants revealed five HMAQs and N-oxide derivatives that were produced by the parental strain but were absent in an isogenic hmqD deletion mutant. The results demonstrate that B. pseudomallei inhibits the growth of environmental Gram-positive bacteria in a contact-independent manner via the production of HMAQs by the hmqA-G operon. IMPORTANCE Burkholderia pseudomallei naturally resides in water, soil, and the rhizosphere and its success as an opportunistic pathogen is dependent on the ability to persist in these harsh habitats long enough to come into contact with a susceptible host. In addition to adapting to limiting nutrients and diverse chemical and physical challenges, B. pseudomallei also has to interact with a variety of microbial competitors. Our research shows that one of the ways in which B. pseudomallei competes with Gram-positive environmental bacteria is by exporting a diverse array of closely related antimicrobial secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Mou
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Conor C. Jenkins
- Excet Inc., Springfield, Virginia, USA
- DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Udoka Okaro
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Phillip M. Mach
- DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - David DeShazer
- Foundational Sciences Directorate, Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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First Genome Description of Providencia vermicola Isolate Bearing NDM-1 from Blood Culture. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081751. [PMID: 34442831 PMCID: PMC8398168 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we describe the first complete genome sequence of Providencia vermicola species, a clinical multidrug-resistant strain harboring the New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) gene, isolated at the Kinshasa University Teaching Hospital, in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Whole genome sequencing of an imipenem-resistant clinical Gram-negative P. vermicola P8538 isolate was performed using MiSeq and Gridion, and then complete genome analysis, plasmid search, resistome analysis, and comparative genomics were performed. Genome assembly resulted in a circular chromosome sequence of 4,280,811-bp and 40.80% GC and a circular plasmid (pPV8538_NDM-1) of 151,684-bp and 51.93%GC, which was identified in an Escherichia coli P8540 strain isolated in the same hospital. Interestingly, comparative genomic analysis revealed multiple sequences acquisition within the P. vermicola P8538 chromosome, including three complete prophages, a siderophore biosynthesis NRPS cluster, a Type VI secretion system (T6SS), a urease gene cluster, and a complete Type-I-F CRISPR-Cas3 system. Β-lactamase genes, including blaCMY-6 and blaNDM-1, were found on the recombinant plasmid pPV8538_NDM-1, in addition to other antibiotic resistance genes such as rmtC, aac6’-Ib3, aacA4, catA1, sul1, aac6’-Ib-cr, tetA, and tetB. Genome comparison with Providencia species revealed 82.95% of average nucleotide identity (ANI), with P. stuartii species exhibiting 90.79% of proteome similarity. We report the first complete genome of P. vermicola species and for the first time the presence of the blaNDM-1 gene in this species. This work highlights the need to improve surveillance and clinical practices in DR Congo in order to reduce or prevent the spread of such resistance.
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