scholarly journals Nonnutritive sweeteners can promote the dissemination of antibiotic resistance through conjugative gene transfer

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhigang Yu ◽  
Yue Wang ◽  
Ji Lu ◽  
Philip L. Bond ◽  
Jianhua Guo
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Membrane Permeability ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Sos Response ◽  
Conjugative Plasmid ◽  
Cell Membrane Permeability

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide threat to human health and biosecurity. The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) via conjugative plasmid transfer is a major contributor to the evolution of this resistance. Although permitted as safe food additives, compounds such as saccharine, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium that are commonly used as nonnutritive sweeteners have recently been associated with shifts in the gut microbiota similar to those caused by antibiotics. As antibiotics can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), we hypothesize that these nonnutritive sweeteners could have a similar effect. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that saccharine, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium could promote plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer in three established conjugation models between the same and different phylogenetic strains. The real-time dynamic conjugation process was visualized at the single-cell level. Bacteria exposed to the tested compounds exhibited increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the SOS response, and gene transfer. In addition, cell membrane permeability increased in both parental bacteria under exposure to the tested compounds. The expression of genes involved in ROS detoxification, the SOS response, and cell membrane permeability was significantly upregulated under sweetener treatment. In conclusion, exposure to nonnutritive sweeteners enhances conjugation in bacteria. Our findings provide insight into AMR spread and indicate the potential risk associated with the presence of nonnutritive sweeteners.

scholarly journals Non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals can enhance the spread of antibiotic resistance via conjugation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Wang ◽  
Ji Lu ◽  
Shuai Zhang ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
Likai Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Membrane Permeability ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Protein Sequencing ◽  
Cell Membrane Permeability ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Potential Contribution

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a global threat for public health. It is widely acknowledged that antibiotics at sub-inhibitory concentrations are important in disseminating antibiotic resistance via horizontal gene transfer. While there is high use of non-antibiotic human-targeted pharmaceuticals in our societies, the potential contribution of these on the spread of antibiotic resistance has been overlooked so far. Here, we report that commonly consumed non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac), a lipid-lowering drug (gemfibrozil), and a β-blocker (propanolol), at clinically and environmentally relevant concentrations, significantly accelerated the conjugation of plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance genes. We looked at the response to these drugs by the bacteria involved in the gene transfer through various analyses that included monitoring reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell membrane permeability by flow cytometry, cell arrangement, and whole-genome RNA and protein sequencing. We found the enhanced conjugation correlated well with increased production of ROS and cell membrane permeability. We also detected closer cell-to-cell contact and upregulated conjugal genes. Additionally, these non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals caused the bacteria to have responses similar to those detected when exposed to antibiotics, such as inducing the SOS response, and enhancing efflux pumps. The findings advance our understanding of the bacterial transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, and importantly emphasize concerns of non-antibiotic human-targeted pharmaceuticals for enhancing the spread of antibiotic resistance.

scholarly journals Monitoring Bacterial Conjugation by Optical Microscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Carranza ◽  
Tamara Menguiano ◽  
Fernando Valenzuela-Gómez ◽  
Yolanda García-Cazorla ◽  
Elena Cabezón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Optical Microscopy ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Conjugative Plasmid ◽  
Bacterial Conjugation ◽  
Transfer Device

Bacterial conjugation is the main mechanism for horizontal gene transfer, conferring plasticity to the genome repertoire. This process is also the major instrument for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Hence, gathering primary information of the mechanism underlying this genetic transaction is of a capital interest. By using fluorescent protein fusions to the ATPases that power conjugation, we have been able to track the localization of these proteins in the presence and absence of recipient cells. Moreover, we have found that more than one copy of the conjugative plasmid is transferred during mating. Altogether, these findings provide new insights into the mechanism of such an important gene transfer device.

scholarly journals 702. Zinc Blockade of SOS Response Inhibits Horizontal Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Enteric Bacteria

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S253-S253
Author(s):  
John Crane ◽  
Mark Sutton ◽  
Muhammad Cheema ◽  
Michael Olyer
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Horizontal Transfer ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Sos Response ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
E Coli

Abstract Background The SOS response is a conserved response to DNA damage that is found in Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria. When DNA damage is sustained and severe, activation of error-prone DNA polymerases can induce a higher mutation rate then normally observed, which is called the mutator phenotype or hypermutation. We previously showed that zinc blocked the hypermutation response induced by quinolone antibiotics and mitomycin C in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Bunnell BE, Escobar JF, Bair KL, Sutton MD, Crane JK (2017). Zinc blocks SOS-induced antibiotic resistance via inhibition of RecA in Escherichia coli. PLoS ONE 12(5): e0178303. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178303.) In addition to causing copying errors in DNA replication, Beaber et al. showed that induction of the SOS response increased the frequency of horizontal gene transfer into Vibrio cholerae, an organism naturally competent at uptake of extracellular DNA. (Beaber JW, Hochhut B, Waldor MK. 2003. SOS response promotes horizontal dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Nature 427:72–74.) Methods. In this study, we tested whether induction of the SOS response could induce transfer of antibiotic resistance from Enterobacter cloacae into E. coli, and whether zinc could inhibit that inter-species transfer of antibiotic resistance. Results. Ciprofloxacin, an inducer of the SOS response, increased the rate of transfer of an extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene from Enterobacter into a susceptible E. coli strain. Zinc blocked SOS-induced horizontal transfer of §-lactamase into E. coli. Other divalent metals, such as iron and manganese, failed to inhibit these responses. Conclusion. In vitro assays showed that zinc blocked the ability of RecA to bind to ssDNA, an early step in the SOS response, suggesting the mechanism by which zinc blocks the SOS response. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Identification of a Novel Conjugative Plasmid in Mycobacteria That Requires Both Type IV and Type VII Secretion

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Ummels ◽  
Abdallah M. Abdallah ◽  
Vincent Kuiper ◽  
Anouar Aâjoud ◽  
Marion Sparrius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Conjugative Plasmid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conjugative Plasmids ◽  
Type Vii Secretion ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Slow Growing

ABSTRACTConjugative plasmids have been identified in a wide variety of different bacteria, ranging from proteobacteria to firmicutes, and conjugation is one of the most efficient routes for horizontal gene transfer. The most widespread mechanism of plasmid conjugation relies on different variants of the type IV secretion pathway. Here, we describe the identification of a novel type of conjugative plasmid that seems to be unique for mycobacteria. Interestingly, while this plasmid is efficiently exchanged between different species of slow-growing mycobacteria, includingMycobacterium tuberculosis, it could not be transferred to any of the fast-growing mycobacteria tested. Genetic analysis of the conjugative plasmid showed the presence of a locus containing homologues of three type IV secretion system components and a relaxase. In addition, a new type VII secretion locus was present. Using transposon insertion mutagenesis, we show that in fact both these secretion systems are essential for conjugation, indicating that this plasmid represents a new class of conjugative plasmids requiring two secretion machineries. This plasmid could form a useful new tool to exchange or introduce DNA in slow-growing mycobacteria.IMPORTANCEConjugative plasmids play an important role in horizontal gene transfer between different bacteria and, as such, in their adaptation and evolution. This effect is most obvious in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Thus far, conjugation of natural plasmids has been described only rarely for mycobacterial species. In fact, it is generally accepted thatM. tuberculosisdoes not show any recent sign of horizontal gene transfer. In this study, we describe the identification of a new widespread conjugative plasmid that can also be efficiently transferred toM. tuberculosis. This plasmid therefore poses both a threat and an opportunity. The threat is that, through the acquisition of antibiotic resistance markers, this plasmid could start a rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes between pathogenic mycobacteria. The opportunity is that we could use this plasmid to generate new tools for the efficient introduction of foreign DNA in slow-growing mycobacteria.

scholarly journals Synthetic Fatty Acids Prevent Plasmid-Mediated Horizontal Gene Transfer

mBio ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
María Getino ◽  
David J. Sanabria-Ríos ◽  
Raúl Fernández-López ◽  
Javier Campos-Gómez ◽  
José M. Sánchez-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Aliphatic Chain ◽  
Bacterial Conjugation ◽  
Human Pathogens

ABSTRACT Bacterial conjugation constitutes a major horizontal gene transfer mechanism for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes among human pathogens. Antibiotic resistance spread could be halted or diminished by molecules that interfere with the conjugation process. In this work, synthetic 2-alkynoic fatty acids were identified as a novel class of conjugation inhibitors. Their chemical properties were investigated by using the prototype 2-hexadecynoic acid and its derivatives. Essential features of effective inhibitors were the carboxylic group, an optimal long aliphatic chain of 16 carbon atoms, and one unsaturation. Chemical modification of these groups led to inactive or less-active derivatives. Conjugation inhibitors were found to act on the donor cell, affecting a wide number of pathogenic bacterial hosts, including Escherichia, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter spp. Conjugation inhibitors were active in inhibiting transfer of IncF, IncW, and IncH plasmids, moderately active against IncI, IncL/M, and IncX plasmids, and inactive against IncP and IncN plasmids. Importantly, the use of 2-hexadecynoic acid avoided the spread of a derepressed IncF plasmid into a recipient population, demonstrating the feasibility of abolishing the dissemination of antimicrobial resistances by blocking bacterial conjugation. IMPORTANCE Diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are taking an important toll with respect to human morbidity and mortality. The most relevant antibiotic resistance genes come to human pathogens carried by plasmids, mainly using conjugation as a transmission mechanism. Here, we identified and characterized a series of compounds that were active against several plasmid groups of clinical relevance, in a wide variety of bacterial hosts. These inhibitors might be used for fighting antibiotic-resistance dissemination by inhibiting conjugation. Potential inhibitors could be used in specific settings (e.g., farm, fish factory, or even clinical settings) to investigate their effect in the eradication of undesired resistances.

scholarly journals Conjugative delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 for the selective depletion of antibiotic-resistant enterococci

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marinelle Rodrigues ◽  
Sara W. McBride ◽  
Karthik Hullahalli ◽  
Kelli L. Palmer ◽  
Breck A. Duerkop
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Conjugative Plasmid ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Resistance Determinants

AbstractThe innovation of new therapies to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is being outpaced by the continued rise of MDR bacterial infections. Of particular concern are hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) recalcitrant to antibiotic therapies. The Gram-positive intestinal pathobiontEnterococcus faecalisis associated with HAIs and some strains are MDR. Therefore, novel strategies to controlE. faecalispopulations are needed. We previously characterized anE. faecalisType II CRISPR-Cas system and demonstrated its utility in the sequence-specific removal of antibiotic resistance determinants. Here we present work describing the adaption of this CRISPR-Cas system into a constitutively expressed module encoded on a pheromone-responsive conjugative plasmid that efficiently transfers toE. faecalisfor the selective removal of antibiotic resistance genes. Usingin vitrocompetition assays, we show that these CRISPR-Cas-encoding delivery plasmids, or CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials, can reduce the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in enterococcal populations in a sequence-specific manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that deployment of CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials in the murine intestine reduces the occurrence of antibiotic-resistantE. faecalisby several orders of magnitude. Finally, we show thatE. faecalisdonor strains harboring CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials are immune to uptake of antibiotic resistance determinantsin vivo. Our results demonstrate that conjugative delivery of CRISPR-Cas antimicrobials may be adaptable for future deployment from probiotic bacteria for exact targeting of defined MDR bacteria or for precision engineering of polymicrobial communities in the mammalian intestine.ImportanceCRISPR-Cas nucleic acid targeting systems hold promise for the amelioration of multidrug-resistant enterococci, yet the utility of such tools in the context of the intestinal environment where enterococci reside is understudied. We describe the development of a CRISPR-Cas antimicrobial, deployed on a conjugative plasmid, for the targeted removal of antibiotic resistance genes from intestinalEnterococcus faecalis. We demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas targeting reduces antibiotic resistance ofE. faecalisby several orders of magnitude in the intestine. Although barriers exist that influence the penetrance of the conjugative CRISPR-Cas antimicrobial among target recipientE. faecaliscells, the removal of antibiotic resistance genes inE. faecalisupon uptake of the CRISPR-Cas antimicrobial is absolute. In addition, cells that obtain the CRISPR-Cas antimicrobial are immunized against the acquisition of new antibiotic resistance genes. This study suggests a potential path toward plasmid based CRISPR-Cas therapies in the intestine.

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