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Ma T, Rothschild J, Halabeya F, Zilman A, Milstein JN. Mechanics limits ecological diversity and promotes heterogeneity in confined bacterial communities. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322321121. [PMID: 38728226 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322321121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multispecies bacterial populations often inhabit confined and densely packed environments where spatial competition determines the ecological diversity of the community. However, the role of mechanical interactions in shaping the ecology is still poorly understood. Here, we study a model system consisting of two populations of nonmotile Escherichia coli bacteria competing within open, monolayer microchannels. The competitive dynamics is observed to be biphasic: After seeding, either one strain rapidly fixates or both strains orient into spatially stratified, stable communities. We find that mechanical interactions with other cells and local spatial constraints influence the resulting community ecology in unexpected ways, severely limiting the overall diversity of the communities while simultaneously allowing for the establishment of stable, heterogeneous populations of bacteria displaying disparate growth rates. Surprisingly, the populations have a high probability of coexisting even when one strain has a significant growth advantage. A more coccus morphology is shown to provide a selective advantage, but agent-based simulations indicate this is due to hydrodynamic and adhesion effects within the microchannel and not from breaking of the nematic ordering. Our observations are qualitatively reproduced by a simple Pólya urn model, which suggests the generality of our findings for confined population dynamics and highlights the importance of early colonization conditions on the resulting diversity and ecology of bacterial communities. These results provide fundamental insights into the determinants of community diversity in dense confined ecosystems where spatial exclusion is central to competition as in organized biofilms or intestinal crypts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Ma
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3J1, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Jeremy Rothschild
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3J1, Canada
| | - Faisal Halabeya
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3J1, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Anton Zilman
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3J1, Canada
| | - Joshua N Milstein
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3J1, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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Sánchez-Peña A, Winans JB, Nadell CD, Limoli DH. Pseudomonas aeruginosa surface motility and invasion into competing communities enhances interspecies antagonism. bioRxiv 2024:2024.04.03.588010. [PMID: 38617332 PMCID: PMC11014535 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.588010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Chronic polymicrobial infections involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are prevalent, difficult to eradicate, and associated with poor health outcomes. Therefore, understanding interactions between these pathogens is important to inform improved treatment development. We previously demonstrated that P. aeruginosa is attracted to S. aureus using type IV pili-mediated chemotaxis, but the impact of attraction on S. aureus growth and physiology remained unknown. Using live single-cell confocal imaging to visualize microcolony structure, spatial organization, and survival of S. aureus during coculture, we found that interspecies chemotaxis provides P. aeruginosa a competitive advantage by promoting invasion into and disruption of S. aureus microcolonies. This behavior renders S. aureus susceptible to P. aeruginosa antimicrobials. Conversely, in the absence of type IV pilus motility, P. aeruginosa cells exhibit reduced invasion of S. aureus colonies. Instead, P. aeruginosa builds a cellular barrier adjacent to S. aureus and secretes diffusible, bacteriostatic antimicrobials like 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO) into the S. aureus colonies. P. aeruginosa reduced invasion leads to the formation of denser and thicker S. aureus colonies with significantly increased HQNO-mediated lactic acid fermentation, a physiological change that could complicate the effective treatment of infections. Finally, we show that P. aeruginosa motility modifications of spatial structure enhance competition against S. aureus. Overall, these studies build on our understanding of how P. aeruginosa type IV pili-mediated interspecies chemotaxis mediates polymicrobial interactions, highlighting the importance of spatial positioning in mixed-species communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sánchez-Peña
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - James B Winans
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Carey D Nadell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Dominique H Limoli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Zhang L, Guo L, Cui Z, Ju F. Exploiting predatory bacteria as biocontrol agents across ecosystems. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:398-409. [PMID: 37951768 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Predatory bacteria have been increasingly known for their ubiquity in environments and great functional potentials in controlling unwanted microorganisms. Fundamental understanding of the predation mechanisms, population dynamics, and interaction patterns underlying bacterial predation is required for wise exploitation of predatory bacteria for enhancing ecoenvironmental, animal, and human health. Here, we review the recent achievements on applying predatory bacteria in different systems as biocontrol agents and living antibiotics as well as new findings in their phylogenetic diversity and predation mechanisms. We finally propose critical issues that deserve priority research and highlight the necessity to combine classic culture-based and advanced culture-independent approaches to push research frontiers of bacterial predation across ecosystems for promising biocontrol and therapy strategies towards a sustainable ecoenvironment and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Center of Synthetic Biology and Integrated Bioengineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lingyun Guo
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Center of Synthetic Biology and Integrated Bioengineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhongli Cui
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Ju
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Center of Synthetic Biology and Integrated Bioengineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Winans JB, Garcia SL, Zeng L, Nadell CD. Spatial propagation of temperate phages within and among biofilms. bioRxiv 2024:2023.12.20.571119. [PMID: 38187755 PMCID: PMC10769212 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.571119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria form groups comprised of cells and secreted adhesive matrix that controls their spatial organization. These groups - termed biofilms - can act as refuges from environmental disturbance and from biotic threats, including phages. Despite the ubiquity of temperate phages and bacterial biofilms, temperate phage propagation within biofilms has never been characterized on multicellular spatial scales. Here, we leverage several approaches to track temperate phages and distinguish between lytic and lysogenic infections. We determine that lysogeny within E. coli biofilms most often occurs within a predictable region of cell group architecture. Because lysogens are generally found on the periphery of large groups, where lytic viral activity also reduces local structural integrity, lysogens are predisposed to disperse and are over-represented in biofilms formed downstream of the original biofilm-phage system. Comparing our results with those for virulent phages reveals that the temperate phages possess previously unknown advantages for propagation in architecturally heterogeneous biofilm communities.
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Pai L, Patil S, Liu S, Wen F. A growing battlefield in the war against biofilm-induced antimicrobial resistance: insights from reviews on antibiotic resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1327069. [PMID: 38188636 PMCID: PMC10770264 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1327069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are a common survival strategy employed by bacteria in healthcare settings, which enhances their resistance to antimicrobial and biocidal agents making infections difficult to treat. Mechanisms of biofilm-induced antimicrobial resistance involve reduced penetration of antimicrobial agents, increased expression of efflux pumps, altered microbial physiology, and genetic changes in the bacterial population. Factors contributing to the formation of biofilms include nutrient availability, temperature, pH, surface properties, and microbial interactions. Biofilm-associated infections can have serious consequences for patient outcomes, and standard antimicrobial therapies are often ineffective against biofilm-associated bacteria, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Novel strategies, including antibiotics combination therapies (such as daptomycin and vancomycin, colistin and azithromycin), biofilm-targeted agents (such as small molecules (LP3134, LP3145, LP4010, LP1062) target c-di-GMP), and immunomodulatory therapies (such as the anti-PcrV IgY antibodies which target Type IIIsecretion system), are being developed to combat biofilm-induced antimicrobial resistance. A multifaceted approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention is necessary to address this emerging problem in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Pai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Pediatric Research Institute, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sandip Patil
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Pediatric Research Institute, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sixi Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feiqiu Wen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Pediatric Research Institute, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Prabhukhot GS, Eggleton CD, Patel J. Multispecies Bacterial Biofilms and Their Evaluation Using Bioreactors. Foods 2023; 12:4495. [PMID: 38137299 PMCID: PMC10742677 DOI: 10.3390/foods12244495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic biofilm formation within food processing industries raises a serious public health and safety concern, and places burdens on the economy. Biofilm formation on equipment surfaces is a rather complex phenomenon, wherein multiple steps are involved in bacterial biofilm formation. In this review we discuss the stages of biofilm formation, the existing literature on the impact of surface properties and shear stress on biofilms, types of bioreactors, and antimicrobial coatings. The review underscores the significance of prioritizing biofilm prevention strategies as a first line of defense, followed by control measures. Utilizing specific biofilm eradication strategies as opposed to a uniform approach is crucial because biofilms exhibit different behavioral outcomes even amongst the same species when the environmental conditions change. This review is geared towards biofilm researchers and food safety experts, and seeks to derive insights into the scope of biofilm formation, prevention, and control. The use of suitable bioreactors is paramount to understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation. The findings provide useful information to researchers involved in bioreactor selection for biofilm investigation, and food processors in surfaces with novel antimicrobial coatings, which provide minimal bacterial attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grishma S. Prabhukhot
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (G.S.P.); (C.D.E.)
| | - Charles D. Eggleton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (G.S.P.); (C.D.E.)
| | - Jitendra Patel
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental and Microbial Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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Greenwich JL, Fleming D, Banin E, Häussler S, Kjellerup BV, Sauer K, Visick KL, Fuqua C. The biofilm community resurfaces: new findings and post-pandemic progress. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0016623. [PMID: 37756166 PMCID: PMC10601713 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00166-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The ninth American Society for Microbiology Conference on Biofilms was convened in-person on 13-17 November 2022 in Charlotte, NC. As the first of these conferences since prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy among the participants of the conference was clear, and the meeting was a tremendous success. The mixture of >330 oral and poster presentations resoundingly embodied the vitality of biofilm research across a wide range of topics and multiple scientific disciplines. Special activities, including a pre-conference symposium for early career researchers, further enhanced the attendee experience. As a general theme, the conference was deliberately structured to provide high levels of participation and engagement among early career scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek Fleming
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ehud Banin
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | - Birthe V. Kjellerup
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Karin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Karen L. Visick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Clay Fuqua
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Martínez-Calvo A, Trenado-Yuste C, Lee H, Gore J, Wingreen NS, Datta SS. Interfacial morphodynamics of proliferating microbial communities. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.23.563665. [PMID: 37961366 PMCID: PMC10634769 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In microbial communities, various cell types often coexist by occupying distinct spatial domains. What determines the shape of the interface between such domains-which in turn influences the interactions between cells and overall community function? Here, we address this question by developing a continuum model of a 2D spatially-structured microbial community with two distinct cell types. We find that, depending on the balance of the different cell proliferation rates and substrate friction coefficients, the interface between domains is either stable and smooth, or unstable and develops finger-like protrusions. We establish quantitative principles describing when these different interfacial behaviors arise, and find good agreement both with the results of previous experimental reports as well as new experiments performed here. Our work thus helps to provide a biophysical basis for understanding the interfacial morphodynamics of proliferating microbial communities, as well as a broader range of proliferating active systems.
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