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Thormann K, Lüthi AS, Deniau F, Heider A, Cazzaniga S, Radonjic-Hoesli S, Lehmann M, Schlapbach C, Herzog EL, Kreuzer M, Zinkernagel MS, Akdis CA, Zysset-Burri DC, Simon HU, Simon D. Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease is characterized by a shift from Th2/Th17 toward Th1/Th17 inflammation. Allergy 2024; 79:937-948. [PMID: 38317432 DOI: 10.1111/all.16045] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dupilumab is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Approximately one third of AD patients develop a dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease (DAOSD), of which the pathomechanism is poorly understood. This study aimed at investigating inflammatory markers in tear fluids of patients on dupilumab therapy. METHODS Tear fluids were collected from AD patients with DAOSD (ADwDAOSD), AD patients without DAOSD (ADw/oDAOSD), and non-AD patients before and during dupilumab therapy, and analyzed using a specialized proteomic approach quantifying inflammatory markers. The ocular surface microbiome was determined by next generation sequencing technology. RESULTS Upon dupilumab therapy, an upregulation of 31 inflammatory markers was observed in DAOSD tear fluids compared to baseline in AD patients. While IL-12B was upregulated in both ADwDAOSD and ADw/oDAOSD groups, the pattern of inflammatory markers significantly differed between groups and over time. In the ADwDAOSD group, a shift from a mixed Th2/Th17 pattern at baseline toward a Th1/Th17 profile under dupilumab was observed. Furthermore, an upregulation of remodeling and fibrosis markers was seen in DAOSD. Semantic map and hierarchical cluster analyses of baseline marker expression revealed four clusters distinguishing between AD and non-AD as well as ADwDAOSD and ADw/oDAOSD patient groups. In a pilot study, dupilumab therapy was associated with a decrease in richness of the ocular surface microbiome. CONCLUSIONS DAOSD is characterized by a Th1/Th17 cytokine profile and an upregulation of markers known to promote remodeling and fibrosis. The expression pattern of inflammatory markers in tear fluids at baseline might serve as a prognostic factor for DAOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Thormann
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Sophie Lüthi
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Felix Deniau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anja Heider
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Simone Cazzaniga
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centro Studi GISED, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Susanne Radonjic-Hoesli
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Lehmann
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Schlapbach
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elio L Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Kreuzer
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cezmi A Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Biochemistry, Brandenburg Medical School, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Simon
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Lincke JB, Christe L, Unterlauft JD, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. Microbiome and Retinal Vascular Diseases. Am J Pathol 2023; 193:1675-1682. [PMID: 36963629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome consists of more than a thousand different microbes and their associated genes and microbial metabolites. It influences various host metabolic pathways and is therefore important for homeostasis. In recent years, its influence on health and disease has been extensively researched. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in the gut microbiome, is associated with several diseases. Consequent chronic inflammation may lead to or promote inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other diseases. The pathogenesis of the three most common retinal vascular diseases, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal artery occlusion, may also be influenced by an altered microbiome and associated risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and obesity. Direct cause-effect relationships remain less well understood. A potential prevention or treatment modality for these diseases could be targeting and modulating the individual's gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel-Benjamin Lincke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Lucine Christe
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Darius Unterlauft
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Schlegel I, De Goüyon Matignon de Pontourade CMF, Lincke JB, Keller I, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. The Human Ocular Surface Microbiome and Its Associations with the Tear Proteome in Dry Eye Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14091. [PMID: 37762390 PMCID: PMC10531978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814091] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common ocular surface diseases worldwide, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood, and treatment options are limited. There is growing evidence that complex interactions between the ocular surface microbiome (OSM) and tear fluid constituents, potentially leading to inflammatory processes, are associated with ocular surface diseases such as DED. In this study, we aimed to find unique compositional and functional features of the OSM associated with human and microbial tear proteins in patients with DED. Applying whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of forty lid and conjunctival swabs, we identified 229 taxa, with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria being the most abundant phyla and Propionibacterium acnes the dominating species in the cohort. When DED patients were compared to controls, the species Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum was more abundant in conjunctival samples, whereas the family Propionibacteriaceae was more abundant in lid samples. Functional analysis showed that genes of L-lysine biosynthesis, tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide biosynthesis, and the super pathway of L-threonine biosynthesis were enriched in conjunctival samples of controls. The relative abundances of Acinetobacter johnsonii correlated with seven human tear proteins, including mucin-16. The three most abundant microbial tear proteins were the chaperone protein DnaK, the arsenical resistance protein ArsH, and helicase. Compositional and functional features of the OSM and the tear proteome are altered in patients with DED. Ultimately, this may help to design novel interventional therapeutics to target DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Schlegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (I.S.); (C.M.F.D.G.M.d.P.); (J.-B.L.); (M.S.Z.)
| | | | - Joel-Benjamin Lincke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (I.S.); (C.M.F.D.G.M.d.P.); (J.-B.L.); (M.S.Z.)
| | - Irene Keller
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S. Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (I.S.); (C.M.F.D.G.M.d.P.); (J.-B.L.); (M.S.Z.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Denise C. Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (I.S.); (C.M.F.D.G.M.d.P.); (J.-B.L.); (M.S.Z.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
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4
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Herzog EL, Kreuzer M, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. Challenges and insights in the exploration of the low abundance human ocular surface microbiome. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1232147. [PMID: 37727808 PMCID: PMC10505673 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1232147] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The low microbial abundance on the ocular surface results in challenges in the characterization of its microbiome. The purpose of this study was to reveal factors introducing bias in the pipeline from sample collection to data analysis of low-abundant microbiomes. Methods Lower conjunctiva and lower lid swabs were collected from six participants using either standard cotton or flocked nylon swabs. Microbial DNA was isolated with two different kits (with or without prior host DNA depletion and mechanical lysis), followed by whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing with a high sequencing depth set at 60 million reads per sample. The relative microbial compositions were generated using the two different tools MetaPhlan3 and Kraken2. Results The total amount of extracted DNA was increased by using nylon flocked swabs on the lower conjunctiva. In total, 269 microbial species were detected. The most abundant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Depending on the DNA extraction kit and tool used for profiling, the microbial composition and the relative abundance of viruses varied. Conclusion The microbial composition on the ocular surface is not dependent on the swab type, but on the DNA extraction method and profiling tool. These factors have to be considered in further studies about the ocular surface microbiome and other sparsely colonized microbiomes in order to improve data reproducibility. Understanding challenges and biases in the characterization of the ocular surface microbiome may set the basis for microbiome-altering interventions for treatment of ocular surface associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio L. Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Kreuzer
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S. Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denise C. Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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5
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Peter VG, Morandi SC, Herzog EL, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. Investigating the Ocular Surface Microbiome: What Can It Tell Us? Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:259-271. [PMID: 36698849 PMCID: PMC9870096 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s359304] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
While pathogens of the eye have been studied for a very long time, the existence of resident microbes on the surface of healthy eyes has gained interest only recently. It appears that commensal microbes are a normal feature of the healthy eye, whose role and properties are currently the subject of extensive research. This review provides an overview of studies that have used 16s rRNA gene sequencing and whole metagenome shotgun sequencing to characterize microbial communities associated with the healthy ocular surface from kingdom to genus level. Bacteria are the primary colonizers of the healthy ocular surface, with three predominant phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, regardless of the host, environment, and method used. Refining the microbial classification to the genus level reveals a highly variable distribution from one individual and study to another. Factors accounting for this variability are intriguing - it is currently unknown to what extent this is attributable to the individuals and their environment and how much is artifactual. Clearly, it is technically challenging to accurately describe the microorganisms of the ocular surface because their abundance is relatively low, thus, permitting substantial contaminations. More research is needed, including better experimental standards to prevent biases, and the exploration of the ocular surface microbiome's role in a spectrum of healthy to pathological states. Outcomes from such research include the opportunity for therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie G Peter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Correspondence: Virginie G Peter, Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, Bern, 3010, Switzerland, Email
| | - Sophia C Morandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elio L Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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6
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Zysset-Burri DC, Morandi S, Herzog EL, Berger LE, Zinkernagel MS. The role of the gut microbiome in eye diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101117. [PMID: 36075807 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms and their genetic entities colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. When in balanced composition, the gut microbiome is in symbiotic interaction with its host and maintains intestinal homeostasis. It is involved in essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, inhibition of pathogens and regulation of immune function. Through translocation of microbes and their metabolites along the epithelial barrier, microbial dysbiosis induces systemic inflammation that may lead to tissue destruction and promote the onset of various diseases. Using whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing, several studies have shown that the composition and associated functional capacities of the gut microbiome are associated with age-related macular degeneration, retinal artery occlusion, central serous chorioretinopathy and uveitis. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the gut microbiome in eye diseases, with a focus on interactions between the microbiome, specific microbial-derived metabolites and the immune system. We explain how these interactions may be involved in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration, retinal artery occlusion, central serous chorioretinopathy and uveitis and guide the development of new therapeutic approaches by microbiome-altering interventions for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Sophia Morandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Elio L Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Lieselotte E Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
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7
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Herzog EL, Wäfler M, Keller I, Wolf S, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. The importance of age in compositional and functional profiling of the human intestinal microbiome. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258505. [PMID: 34662347 PMCID: PMC8523055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiome plays a central role in human health and disease. While its composition is relatively stable throughout adulthood, the microbial balance starts to decrease in later life stages. Thus, in order to maintain a good quality of life, including the prevention of age-associated diseases in the elderly, it is important to understand the dynamics of the intestinal microbiome. In this study, stool samples of 278 participants were sequenced by whole metagenome shotgun sequencing and their taxonomic and functional profiles characterized. The two age groups, below65 and above65, could be separated based on taxonomic and associated functional features using Multivariate Association of Linear Models. In a second approach, through machine learning, biomarkers connecting the intestinal microbiome with age were identified. These results reflect the importance to select age-matched study groups for unbiased metagenomic data analysis and the possibility to generate robust data by applying independent algorithms for data analysis. Furthermore, since the intestinal microbiome can be modulated by antibiotics and probiotics, the data of this study may have implications on preventive strategies of age-associated degradation processes and diseases by microbiome-altering interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio L. Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melania Wäfler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irene Keller
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S. Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denise C. Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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8
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Zysset-Burri DC, Schlegel I, Lincke JB, Jaggi D, Keller I, Heller M, Lagache SB, Wolf S, Zinkernagel MS. Understanding the Interactions Between the Ocular Surface Microbiome and the Tear Proteome. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:8. [PMID: 34369983 PMCID: PMC8354087 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.10.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the interplay between the ocular surface microbiome and the tear proteome in humans in order to better understand the pathogenesis of ocular surface-associated diseases. Methods Twenty eyes from 20 participants were included in the study. The ocular surface microbiome was sequenced by whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing using lid and conjunctival swabs. Furthermore, the tear proteome was identified using chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. After compositional and functional profiling of the metagenome and functional characterization of the proteome by gene ontology, association studies between the ocular microbiome and tear proteome were assessed. Results Two hundred twenty-nine taxa were identified with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria being the most abundant phyla with significantly more Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis in lid compared to conjunctival swabs. The lid metagenomes were enriched in genes of the glycolysis lll and adenosine nucleotides de novo and L-isoleucine biosynthesis. Correlations between the phylum Firmicutes and fatty acid metabolism, between the genus Agrobacterium as well as vitamin B1 synthesis and antimicrobial activity, and between biosynthesis of heme, L-arginine, as well as L-citrulline and human vision were detected. Conclusions The ocular surface microbiome was found to be associated with the tear proteome with a role in human immune defense. This study has a potential impact on the development of treatment strategies for ocular surface-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irina Schlegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joel-Benjamin Lincke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Damian Jaggi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irene Keller
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Braga Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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9
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Herman EK, Greninger A, van der Giezen M, Ginger ML, Ramirez-Macias I, Miller HC, Morgan MJ, Tsaousis AD, Velle K, Vargová R, Záhonová K, Najle SR, MacIntyre G, Muller N, Wittwer M, Zysset-Burri DC, Eliáš M, Slamovits CH, Weirauch MT, Fritz-Laylin L, Marciano-Cabral F, Puzon GJ, Walsh T, Chiu C, Dacks JB. Genomics and transcriptomics yields a system-level view of the biology of the pathogen Naegleria fowleri. BMC Biol 2021; 19:142. [PMID: 34294116 PMCID: PMC8296547 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01078-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opportunistic pathogen Naegleria fowleri establishes infection in the human brain, killing almost invariably within 2 weeks. The amoeba performs piece-meal ingestion, or trogocytosis, of brain material causing direct tissue damage and massive inflammation. The cellular basis distinguishing N. fowleri from other Naegleria species, which are all non-pathogenic, is not known. Yet, with the geographic range of N. fowleri advancing, potentially due to climate change, understanding how this pathogen invades and kills is both important and timely. RESULTS Here, we report an -omics approach to understanding N. fowleri biology and infection at the system level. We sequenced two new strains of N. fowleri and performed a transcriptomic analysis of low- versus high-pathogenicity N. fowleri cultured in a mouse infection model. Comparative analysis provides an in-depth assessment of encoded protein complement between strains, finding high conservation. Molecular evolutionary analyses of multiple diverse cellular systems demonstrate that the N. fowleri genome encodes a similarly complete cellular repertoire to that found in free-living N. gruberi. From transcriptomics, neither stress responses nor traits conferred from lateral gene transfer are suggested as critical for pathogenicity. By contrast, cellular systems such as proteases, lysosomal machinery, and motility, together with metabolic reprogramming and novel N. fowleri proteins, are all implicated in facilitating pathogenicity within the host. Upregulation in mouse-passaged N. fowleri of genes associated with glutamate metabolism and ammonia transport suggests adaptation to available carbon sources in the central nervous system. CONCLUSIONS In-depth analysis of Naegleria genomes and transcriptomes provides a model of cellular systems involved in opportunistic pathogenicity, uncovering new angles to understanding the biology of a rare but highly fatal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Herman
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Alex Greninger
- Laboratory Medicine and Medicine / Infectious Diseases, UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, UCSF Clinical Microbiology Laboratory UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Montlake, USA
| | - Mark van der Giezen
- Centre for Organelle Research, Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Michael L Ginger
- School of Applied Sciences, Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Inmaculada Ramirez-Macias
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca. Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria. Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Haylea C Miller
- CSIRO Land and Water, Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Private Bag No.5, Wembley, Western Australia 6913, Australia
- CSIRO, Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre, Environomics Future Science Platform, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Matthew J Morgan
- CSIRO Land and Water, Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Katrina Velle
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, UK
| | - Romana Vargová
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Kristína Záhonová
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sebastian Rodrigo Najle
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (UPF-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Georgina MacIntyre
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Norbert Muller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mattias Wittwer
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Eliáš
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Claudio H Slamovits
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology and Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | | | - Francine Marciano-Cabral
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Geoffrey J Puzon
- CSIRO Land and Water, Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Private Bag No.5, Wembley, Western Australia 6913, Australia
| | - Tom Walsh
- CSIRO Land and Water, Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra, Australia
| | - Charles Chiu
- Laboratory Medicine and Medicine / Infectious Diseases, UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, UCSF Clinical Microbiology Laboratory UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, UK.
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Zysset-Burri DC, Keller I, Berger LE, Neyer PJ, Steuer C, Wolf S, Zinkernagel MS. Retinal artery occlusion is associated with compositional and functional shifts in the gut microbiome and altered trimethylamine-N-oxide levels. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15303. [PMID: 31653902 PMCID: PMC6814871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is a sight threatening complication of cardiovascular disease and commonly occurs due to underlying atherosclerosis. As cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis in particular has been associated with compositional alterations in the gut microbiome, we investigated this association in patients with clinically confirmed non-arteritic RAO compared to age- and sex-matched controls. On the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was decreased in patients with RAO compared to controls, whereas the opposite applied for the phylum of Proteobacteria. Several genera and species such as Actinobacter, Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides stercoris, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were relatively enriched in patients with RAO, whereas others such as Odoribacter, Parasutterella or Lachnospiraceae were significantly lower. Patient's gut microbiomes were enriched in genes of the cholesterol metabolism pathway. The gut derived, pro-atherogenic metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) was significantly higher in patients with RAO compared to controls (p = 0.023) and a negative correlation between relative abundances of genera Parasutterella and Lachnospiraceae and TMAO levels and a positive correlation between relative abundance of genus Akkermansia and TMAO levels was found in study subjects. Our findings proposes that RAO is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome and with elevated TMAO levels, suggesting that RAO could be targeted by microbiome-altering interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Irene Keller
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lieselotte E Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter J Neyer
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, CH-5001, Aarau, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular & Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Steuer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
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Zysset-Burri DC, Müller N, Beuret C, Heller M, Schürch N, Gottstein B, Wittwer M. Genome-wide identification of pathogenicity factors of the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:496. [PMID: 24950717 PMCID: PMC4082629 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of the rapidly progressing and typically fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Despite the devastating nature of this disease, which results in > 97% mortality, knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of the amoeba is incomplete. This work presents a comparative proteomic approach based on an experimental model in which the pathogenic potential of N. fowleri trophozoites is influenced by the compositions of different media. RESULTS As a scaffold for proteomic analysis, we sequenced the genome and transcriptome of N. fowleri. Since the sequence similarity of the recently published genome of Naegleria gruberi was far lower than the close taxonomic relationship of these species would suggest, a de novo sequencing approach was chosen. After excluding cell regulatory mechanisms originating from different media compositions, we identified 22 proteins with a potential role in the pathogenesis of PAM. Functional annotation of these proteins revealed, that the membrane is the major location where the amoeba exerts its pathogenic potential, possibly involving actin-dependent processes such as intracellular trafficking via vesicles. CONCLUSION This study describes for the first time the 30 Mb-genome and the transcriptome sequence of N. fowleri and provides the basis for the further definition of effective intervention strategies against the rare but highly fatal form of amoebic meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Matthias Wittwer
- Biology Division, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, CH-3700 Spiez, Switzerland.
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Zysset-Burri DC, Bellac CL, Leib SL, Wittwer M. Vitamin B6 reduces hippocampal apoptosis in experimental pneumococcal meningitis. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:393. [PMID: 23977941 PMCID: PMC3765858 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae leads to death in up to 30% of patients and leaves up to half of the survivors with neurological sequelae. The inflammatory host reaction initiates the induction of the kynurenine pathway and contributes to hippocampal apoptosis, a form of brain damage that is associated with learning and memory deficits in experimental paradigms. Vitamin B6 is an enzymatic cofactor in the kynurenine pathway and may thus limit the accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites and preserve the cellular energy status. The aim of this study in a pneumococcal meningitis model was to investigate the effect of vitamin B6 on hippocampal apoptosis by histomorphology, by transcriptomics and by measurement of cellular nicotine amide adenine dinucleotide content. METHODS AND RESULTS Eleven day old Wistar rats were infected with 1x10(6) cfu/ml of S. pneumoniae and randomized for treatment with vitamin B6 or saline as controls. Vitamin B6 led to a significant (p > 0.02) reduction of hippocampal apoptosis. According to functional annotation based clustering, vitamin B6 led to down-regulation of genes involved in processes of inflammatory response, while genes encoding for processes related to circadian rhythm, neuronal signaling and apoptotic cell death were mostly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence that attenuation of apoptosis by vitamin B6 is multi-factorial including down-modulation of inflammation, up-regulation of the neuroprotective brain-derived neurotrophic factor and prevention of the exhaustion of cellular energy stores. The neuroprotective effect identifies vitamin B6 as a potential target for the development of strategies to attenuate brain injury in bacterial meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Biology Division, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, CH-3700, Spiez, Switzerland.
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