scholarly journals The complex quorum sensing circuitry ofBurkholderia thailandensisis both hierarchically and homeostatically organized

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Servane Le Guillouzer ◽  
Marie-Christine Groleau ◽  
Eric Déziel
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Burkholderia Thailandensis ◽  
In The Wild

AbstractThe genome of the bacteriumBurkholderia thailandensisencodes for three complete LuxI/LuxR-type quorum sensing (QS) systems: BtaI1/BtaR1 (QS-1), BtaI2/BtaR2 (QS-2), and BtaI3/BtaR3 (QS-3). The LuxR-type transcriptional regulators BtaR1, BtaR2, and BtaR3 modulate the expression of target genes in association with variousN-acyl-L-homoserine lactones (AHLs) as signaling molecules produced by the LuxI-type synthases BtaI1, BtaI2, and BtaI3. We have systematically dissected the complex QS circuitry ofB. thailandensisstrain E264. Direct quantification of octanoyl-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL),N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC10-HSL), andN-3-hydroxy-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC8-HSL), the primary AHLs produced by this bacterium, was performed in the wild-type strain and in QS deletion mutants. This was compared to the expression ofbtaI1,btaI2, andbtaI3 using chromosomal mini-CTX-luxtranscriptional reporters. Furthermore, transcription ofbtaR1,btaR2, andbtaR3 was monitored by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). We observed that C8-HSL, 3OHC10-HSL, and 3OHC8-HSL are differentially produced over time during bacterial growth and correlate with thebtaI1,btaI2, andbtaI3 genes expression profiles, revealing a sequential activation of the corresponding QS systems. Moreover, transcription of thebtaR1,btaR2, andbtaR3 genes is modulated by AHLs, showing that their regulation depend on themselves, and on other systems. We conclude that the three QS systems inB. thailandensisare interdependent, suggesting that they cooperate dynamically and function in a concerted manner in modulating the expression of QS target genes through a sequential regulatory network.ImportanceQuorum sensing (QS) is a widespread bacterial communication system coordinating the expression of specific genes in a cell density-dependent manner and allowing bacteria to synchronize their activities and to function as multicellular communities. QS plays a crucial role in bacterial pathogenicity by regulating the expression of a wide spectrum of virulence/survival factors and is essential to environmental adaptation. The results presented here demonstrate that the multiple QS systems coexisting in the bacteriumBurkholderia thailandensis, considered as the avirulent version of the human pathogenBurkholderia pseudomalleiand thus commonly used as an alternative study model, are hierarchically and homeostatically organized. We found these QS systems finely integrated into a complex regulatory network, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional interactions, and further incorporating growth stages and temporal expression. These results provide a unique, comprehensive illustration of a sophisticated QS network and will contribute to a better comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms that can be involved in the expression of QS-controlled genes, in particular those associated with the establishment of host-pathogen interactions and acclimatization to the environment.

scholarly journals The Complex Quorum Sensing Circuitry of Burkholderia thailandensis Is Both Hierarchically and Homeostatically Organized

mBio ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Servane Le Guillouzer ◽  
Marie-Christine Groleau ◽  
Eric Déziel
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Burkholderia Thailandensis ◽  
Bacterial Communication ◽  
A Cell

ABSTRACT The genome of the bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis encodes three complete LuxI/LuxR-type quorum sensing (QS) systems: BtaI1/BtaR1 (QS-1), BtaI2/BtaR2 (QS-2), and BtaI3/BtaR3 (QS-3). The LuxR-type transcriptional regulators BtaR1, BtaR2, and BtaR3 modulate the expression of target genes in association with various N-acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs) as signaling molecules produced by the LuxI-type synthases BtaI1, BtaI2, and BtaI3. We have systematically dissected the complex QS circuitry of B. thailandensis strain E264. Direct quantification of N-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL), N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC10-HSL), and N-3-hydroxy-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC8-HSL), the primary AHLs produced by this bacterium, was performed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the wild-type strain and in QS deletion mutants. This was compared to the transcription of btaI1, btaI2, and btaI3 using chromosomal mini-CTX-lux transcriptional reporters. Furthermore, the levels of expression of btaR1, btaR2, and btaR3 were monitored by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). We observed that C8-HSL, 3OHC10-HSL, and 3OHC8-HSL are differentially produced over time during bacterial growth and correlate with the btaI1, btaI2, and btaI3 gene expression profiles, revealing a successive activation of the corresponding QS systems. Moreover, the transcription of the btaR1, btaR2, and btaR3 genes is modulated by cognate and noncognate AHLs, showing that their regulation depends on themselves and on other QS systems. We conclude that the three QS systems in B. thailandensis are interdependent, suggesting that they cooperate dynamically and function in a concerted manner in modulating the expression of QS target genes through a successive regulatory network. IMPORTANCE Quorum sensing (QS) is a widespread bacterial communication system coordinating the expression of specific genes in a cell density-dependent manner and allowing bacteria to synchronize their activities and to function as multicellular communities. QS plays a crucial role in bacterial pathogenicity by regulating the expression of a wide spectrum of virulence/survival factors and is essential to environmental adaptation. The results presented here demonstrate that the multiple QS systems coexisting in the bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis, which is considered the avirulent version of the human pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei and thus commonly used as an alternative study model, are hierarchically and homeostatically organized. We found these QS systems to be finely integrated into a complex regulatory network, including transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions, and further incorporating growth stages and temporal expression. These results provide a unique, comprehensive illustration of a sophisticated QS network and will contribute to a better comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms that can be involved in the expression of QS-controlled genes, in particular those associated with the establishment of host-pathogen interactions and acclimatization to the environment. IMPORTANCE Quorum sensing (QS) is a widespread bacterial communication system coordinating the expression of specific genes in a cell density-dependent manner and allowing bacteria to synchronize their activities and to function as multicellular communities. QS plays a crucial role in bacterial pathogenicity by regulating the expression of a wide spectrum of virulence/survival factors and is essential to environmental adaptation. The results presented here demonstrate that the multiple QS systems coexisting in the bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis, which is considered the avirulent version of the human pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei and thus commonly used as an alternative study model, are hierarchically and homeostatically organized. We found these QS systems to be finely integrated into a complex regulatory network, including transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions, and further incorporating growth stages and temporal expression. These results provide a unique, comprehensive illustration of a sophisticated QS network and will contribute to a better comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms that can be involved in the expression of QS-controlled genes, in particular those associated with the establishment of host-pathogen interactions and acclimatization to the environment.

scholarly journals TworsaMhomologues encode central regulatory elements modulating quorum sensing expression inBurkholderia thailandensis

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Servane Le Guillouzer ◽  
Marie-Christine Groleau ◽  
Eric Déziel
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Burkholderia Thailandensis ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Genes Expression ◽  
In The Wild

AbstractThe bacteriumBurkholderia thailandensispossesses three conservedN-acyl-L-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing (QS) systems designated BtaI1/BtaR1 (QS-1), BtaI2/BtaR2 (QS-2), and BtaI3/BtaR3 (QS-3). These QS-systems are associated with the biosynthesis ofN-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL),N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC10-HSL), as well asN-3-hydroxy-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC8-HSL), which are produced by the LuxI-type synthase BtaI1, BtaI2, and BtaI3, and modulated by the LuxR-type transcriptional regulators BtaR1, BtaR2, and BtaR3. BothbtaR1/btaI1andbtaR2/btaI2gene clusters contain an additional gene that is conserved in theBurkholderiagenus, homologous to a gene coding for the negative AHL biosynthesis modulatory protein RsaM originally identified in the phytopathogenPseudomonas fuscovaginae, and hence designatedrsaM1andrsaM2. We have characterized the function of these tworsaMhomologues and demonstrated their involvement in the regulation of AHLs biosynthesis inB. thailandensisstrain E264. We measured the production of C8-HSL, 3OHC10-HSL, and 3OHC8-HSL by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the wild-type strain and in thersaM1-andrsaM2-mutants, and monitored the transcription ofbtaI1,btaI2, andbtaI3 using chromosomal mini-CTX-luxtranscriptional reporters. The expression ofbtaR1,btaR2, andbtaR3 was also measured by quantitative everse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). We demonstrate that the QS-1 system is repressed by RsaM1, whereas RsaM2 principally represses the QS-2 system. We also found that bothrsaM1andrsaM2are QS-controlled, as well as negatively auto-regulated. We conclude that RsaM1 and RsaM2 are an integral part of the QS modulatory circuitry ofB. thailandensis, and play a major role in the hierarchical and homeostatic organization of the QS-1, QS-2, and QS-3 systems.ImportanceQuorum sensing (QS) is a global regulatory mechanism of genes expression depending on bacterial density. QS is commonly involved in the coordination of genes expression associated with the establishment of host-pathogen interactions and acclimatization to the environment. We present the functional characterization of the tworsaMhomologues designatedrsaM1andrsaM2in the regulation of the multiple QS systems coexisting in the non-pathogenic bacteriumBurkholderia thailandensis, widely used as a model system for the study of the pathogenBurkholderia pseudomallei. We found that inactivation of thesersaMhomologues, which are clustered with the other QS genes, profoundly affects the QS regulatory circuity ofB. thailandensis. It is proposed that these genes code for QS repressors and we conclude that they constitute essential regulatory components of the QS modulatory network ofB. thailandensis, and provide additional layers of regulation to modulate the expression of QS-controlled genes, including those encoding virulence/survival factors and linked to environmental adaptation inB. pseudomallei.

scholarly journals TworsaMHomologues Encode Central Regulatory Elements Modulating Quorum Sensing inBurkholderia thailandensis

2018 ◽  
Vol 200 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Servane Le Guillouzer ◽  
Marie-Christine Groleau ◽  
Eric Déziel
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Burkholderia Thailandensis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
In The Wild

ABSTRACTThe bacteriumBurkholderia thailandensispossesses threeN-acyl-l-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing (QS) systems designated BtaI1/BtaR1 (QS-1), BtaI2/BtaR2 (QS-2), and BtaI3/BtaR3 (QS-3). These QS systems are associated with the biosynthesis ofN-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL),N-3-hydroxy-decanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC10-HSL), andN-3-hydroxy-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OHC8-HSL), which are produced by the LuxI-type synthases BtaI1, BtaI2, and BtaI3 and modulated by the LuxR-type transcriptional regulators BtaR1, BtaR2, and BtaR3. ThebtaR1-btaI1andbtaR2-btaI2gene clusters each carry an additional gene encoding a homologue of the QS repressor RsaM originally identified in the phytopathogenPseudomonas fuscovaginaeand thus here namedrsaM1andrsaM2, respectively. We have characterized the functions of these two conservedrsaMhomologues and demonstrated their involvement in the regulation of AHL biosynthesis inB. thailandensisstrain E264. We quantified the production of C8-HSL, 3OHC10-HSL, and 3OHC8-HSL by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the wild-type strain and in thersaM1andrsaM2mutants, and we monitoredbtaI1,btaI2, andbtaI3expression using chromosomal mini-CTX-luxtranscriptional reporters. The transcription ofbtaR1,btaR2, andbtaR3was also measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). We observed that RsaM1 mainly represses the QS-1 system, whereas RsaM2 principally represses the QS-2 system. We also found that bothrsaM1andrsaM2are QS controlled and negatively autoregulated. We conclude that RsaM1 and RsaM2 are an integral part of the QS circuitry ofB. thailandensisand play a major role in the hierarchical and homeostatic organization of the QS-1, QS-2, and QS-3 systems.IMPORTANCEQuorum sensing (QS) is commonly involved in the coordination of gene transcription associated with the establishment of host-pathogen interactions and acclimatization to the environment. We present the functional characterization of tworsaMhomologues in the regulation of the multiple QS systems coexisting in the nonpathogenic bacteriumBurkholderia thailandensis, which is widely used as a model system for the study of the human pathogenBurkholderia pseudomallei. We found that inactivation of thesersaMhomologues, which are clustered with the other QS genes, profoundly affects the QS circuitry ofB. thailandensis. We conclude that they constitute essential regulatory components of the QS modulatory network and provide additional layers of regulation to modulate the transcription of QS-controlled genes, particularly those linked to environmental adaptation.

scholarly journals Comprehensive analysis of IgA nephropathy expression profiles: identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alieh Gholaminejad ◽  
Yousof Gheisari ◽  
Sedigheh Jalali ◽  
Amir Roointan
Keyword(s):  
Iga Nephropathy ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Gene Signature ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Ngf Signaling ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Background IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease recognized by the presence of IgA antibody depositions in kidneys. The underlying mechanisms of this complicated disease are remained to be explored and still, there is an urgent need for the discovery of noninvasive biomarkers for its diagnosis. In this investigation, an integrative approach was applied to mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in PBMCs to discover a gene signature and novel potential targets/biomarkers in IgAN. Methods Datasets were selected from gene expression omnibus database. After quality control checking, two datasets were analyzed by Limma to identify differentially expressed genes/miRNAs (DEGs and DEmiRs). Following identification of DEmiR-target genes and data integration, intersecting mRNAs were subjected to different bioinformatic analyses. The intersecting mRNAs, DEmiRs, related transcription factors (from TRRUST database), and long-non coding RNAs (from LncTarD database) were used for the construction of a multilayer regulatory network via Cytoscape. Result “GSE25590” (miRNA) and “GSE73953” (mRNA) datasets were analyzed and after integration, 628 intersecting mRNAs were identified. The mRNAs were mainly associated with “Innate immune system”, “Apoptosis”, as well as “NGF signaling” pathways. A multilayer regulatory network was constructed and several hub-DEGs (Tp53, STAT3, Jun, etc.), DEmiRs (miR-124, let-7b, etc.), TFs (NF-kB, etc.), and lncRNAs (HOTAIR, etc.) were introduced as potential factors in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Conclusion Integration of two different expression datasets and construction of a multilayer regulatory network not only provided a deeper insight into the pathogenesis of IgAN, but also introduced several key molecules as potential therapeutic target/non-invasive biomarkers.

scholarly journals Screening Driving Transcription Factors in the Processing of Gastric Cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangzhong Xu ◽  
Kai Li ◽  
Nengwei Zhang ◽  
Bin Zhu ◽  
Guosheng Feng
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory Network ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory

Background. Construction of the transcriptional regulatory network can provide additional clues on the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic applications in gastric cancer.Methods. Gene expression profiles of gastric cancer were downloaded from GEO database for integrated analysis. All of DEGs were analyzed by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment. Transcription factors were further identified and then a global transcriptional regulatory network was constructed.Results. By integrated analysis of the six eligible datasets (340 cases and 43 controls), a bunch of 2327 DEGs were identified, including 2100 upregulated and 227 downregulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that digestion was a significantly enriched GO term for biological process. Moreover, there were two important enriched KEGG pathways: cell cycle and homologous recombination. Furthermore, a total of 70 differentially expressed TFs were identified and the transcriptional regulatory network was constructed, which consisted of 566 TF-target interactions. The top ten TFs regulating most downstream target genes were BRCA1, ARID3A, EHF, SOX10, ZNF263, FOXL1, FEV, GATA3, FOXC1, and FOXD1. Most of them were involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.Conclusion. The transcriptional regulatory network can help researchers to further clarify the underlying regulatory mechanisms of gastric cancer tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals Horizontally Acquired Quorum-Sensing Regulators Recruited by the PhoP Regulatory Network Expand the Host Adaptation Repertoire in the Phytopathogen Pectobacterium brasiliense

mSystems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Bellieny-Rabelo ◽  
Ntombikayise Precious Nkomo ◽  
Divine Yufetar Shyntum ◽  
Lucy Novungayo Moleleki
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Carbohydrate Metabolism ◽  
Plant Cell ◽  
Horizontal Transfer ◽  
Regulatory Network ◽  
Host Adaptation ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Transcriptional Pattern ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT In this study, we examine the impact of transcriptional network rearrangements driven by horizontal gene acquisition in PhoP and SlyA regulons using as a case study a phytopathosystem comprised of potato tubers and the soft-rot pathogen Pectobacterium brasiliense 1692 (Pb1692). Genome simulations and statistical analyses uncovered the tendency of PhoP and SlyA networks to mobilize lineage-specific traits predicted as horizontal gene transfer at late infection, highlighting the prominence of regulatory network rearrangements in this stage of infection. The evidence further supports the circumscription of two horizontally acquired quorum-sensing regulators (carR and expR1) by the PhoP network. By recruiting carR and expR1, the PhoP network also impacts certain host adaptation- and bacterial competition-related systems, seemingly in a quorum sensing-dependent manner, such as the type VI secretion system, carbapenem biosynthesis, and plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDE) like cellulases and pectate lyases. Conversely, polygalacturonases and the type III secretion system (T3SS) exhibit a transcriptional pattern that suggests quorum-sensing-independent regulation by the PhoP network. This includes an uncharacterized novel phage-related gene family within the T3SS gene cluster that has been recently acquired by two Pectobacterium species. The evidence further suggests a PhoP-dependent regulation of carbapenem- and PCWDE-encoding genes based on the synthesized products’ optimum pH. The PhoP network also controls slyA expression in planta, which seems to impact carbohydrate metabolism regulation, especially at early infection, when 76.2% of the SlyA-regulated genes from that category also require PhoP to achieve normal expression levels. IMPORTANCE Exchanging genetic material through horizontal transfer is a critical mechanism that drives bacteria to efficiently adapt to host defenses. In this report, we demonstrate that a specific plant-pathogenic species (from the Pectobacterium genus) successfully integrated a population density-based behavior system (quorum sensing) acquired through horizontal transfer into a resident stress-response gene regulatory network controlled by the PhoP protein. Evidence found here underscores that subsets of bacterial weaponry critical for colonization, typically known to respond to quorum sensing, are also controlled by PhoP. Some of these traits include different types of enzymes that can efficiently break down plant cell walls depending on the environmental acidity level. Thus, we hypothesize that PhoP’s ability to elicit regulatory responses based on acidity and nutrient availability fluctuations has strongly impacted the fixation of its regulatory connection with quorum sensing. In addition, another global gene regulator, known as SlyA, was found under the PhoP regulatory network. The SlyA regulator controls a series of carbohydrate metabolism-related traits, which also seem to be regulated by PhoP. By centralizing quorum sensing and slyA under PhoP scrutiny, Pectobacterium cells added an advantageous layer of control over those two networks that potentially enhances colonization efficiency.

scholarly journals The Streptomyces filipinensis Gamma-Butyrolactone System Reveals Novel Clues for Understanding the Control of Secondary Metabolism

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva G. Barreales ◽  
Tamara D. Payero ◽  
Ester Jambrina ◽  
Jesús F. Aparicio
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Secondary Metabolism ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Antibiotic Production ◽  
The Other ◽  
Antimycin A ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Biosynthetic Genes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Signals

ABSTRACT Streptomyces γ-butyrolactones (GBLs) are quorum sensing communication signals triggering antibiotic production. The GBL system of Streptomyces filipinensis, the producer of the antifungal agent filipin, has been investigated. Inactivation of sfbR (for S. filipinensis γ-butyrolactone receptor), a GBL receptor, resulted in a strong decrease in production of filipin, and deletion of sfbR2, a pseudo-receptor, boosted it, in agreement with lower and higher levels of transcription of filipin biosynthetic genes, respectively. It is noteworthy that none of the mutations affected growth or morphological development. While no ARE (autoregulatory element)-like sequences were found in the promoters of filipin genes, suggesting indirect control of production, five ARE sequences were found in five genes of the GBL cluster, whose transcription has been shown to be controlled by both S. filipinensis SfbR and SfbR2. In vitro binding of recombinant SfbR and SfbR2 to such sequences indicated that such control is direct. Transcription start points were identified by 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and precise binding regions were investigated by the use of DNase I protection studies. Binding of both regulators took place in the promoter of target genes and at the same sites. Information content analysis of protected sequences in target promoters yielded an 18-nucleotide consensus ARE sequence. Quantitative transcriptional analyses revealed that both regulators are self-regulated and that each represses the transcription of the other as well as that of the remaining target genes. Unlike other GBL receptor homologues, SfbR activates its own transcription whereas SfbR2 has a canonical autorepression profile. Additionally, SfbR2 was found here to bind the antifungal antimycin A as a way to modulate its DNA-binding activity. IMPORTANCE Streptomyces GBLs are important signaling molecules that trigger antibiotic production in a quorum sensing-dependent manner. We have characterized the GBL system from S. filipinensis, finding that two key players of this system, the GBL receptor and the pseudo-receptor, each counteracts the transcription of the other for the modulation of filipin production and that such control over antifungal production involves an indirect effect on the transcription of filipin biosynthetic genes. Additionally, the two regulators bind the same sites, are self-regulated, and repress the transcription of three other genes of the GBL cluster, including that encoding the GBL synthase. In contrast to all the GBL receptors known, SfbR activates its own synthesis. Moreover, the pseudo-receptor was identified as the receptor of antimycin A, thus extending the range of examples supporting the idea of signaling effects of antibiotics in Streptomyces. The intricate regulatory network depicted here should provide important clues for understanding the regulatory mechanism governing secondary metabolism.

A role for rhamnolipid in biofilm dispersion

Biofilms ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Schooling ◽  
U. K. Charaf ◽  
D. G. Allison ◽  
P. Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
High Cell Density ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Biofilm Dispersion

Biofilms are often considered as localized zones of high cell density. Quorum sensing provides a means for control of population processes and has been implicated in the regulation of biofilm activities. We present a role for quorum sensing in programmed detachment and dispersal processes. Biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and its isogenic homoserine lactone (HSL) mutant P. aeruginosa PAO-JP2 were grown in batch culture on glass substrata; differences were found in the rate and extent of formation of biofilm. Climax communities were observed for PAO1 at 24 h. These were later accompanied by foaming, a drop in the surface tension of culture media and dispersal of the biofilm, after which no subsequent biofilm accretion occurred. PAO-JP2 cultures reformed biofilm post-detachment and did not foam. Prevention of biofilm reformation in the wild type was related to some component excreted into the culture medium. Rhamnolipid, a biosurfactant regulated by quorum sensing, was detected in PAO1 cultures. When rhamnolipid was added to freshly inoculated substrata, biofilm formation was inhibited. At 20 h, PAO1 biofilms were transferred to medium with added rhamnolipid: biofilm was relatively unaffected. Biofilm events were also studied in medium supplemented with N-butyryl-L-homoserine lactone, which is involved in the regulation of rhamnolipid synthesis. Both strains exhibited similar trends of rapid biofilm formation and dramatic changes in the rate and extent of biofilm accretion. In both cases, there was premature foaming, lowered surface tension and elevated rhamnolipid levels. A role for HSLs in maintenance of biofilm and events leading to dispersion of cells is proposed. This role would encompass dispersion but not necessarily detachment of cells from biofilm and supports a new function for rhamnolipid in pathogenesis, whereby rhamnolipid would promote the dissemination of cells from a nidus of infection.

First-in-human clinical, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) phase I study of the first-in-class spliceosome inhibitor E7107 administered IV (bolus) on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days to patients with solid tumors

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3508-3508
Author(s):  
F. A. Eskens ◽  
F. J. Ramos ◽  
H. Burger ◽  
M. J. de Jonge ◽  
J. Wanders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Systemic Exposure ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Analysis ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Dose Dependent

3508 Background: E7107 is a potent first-in-class inhibitor of the spliceosome, most likely by interacting with spliceosome-associated protein-130 (SAP 130). Splicing removes intron sequences from pre-mRNA and exons are fused resulting in the formation of mature mRNA. Alternative splicing frequently encodes oncoproteins. E7107 interferes the maturation process of pre-mRNA to mRNA, with consequent changes in protein expression profiles. Methods: Objectives of this study were to explore (1) tolerability and safety profile, (2) PK, (3) PD effects on pre-mRNA splicing, and (4) anti tumor activity of E7107 administered as bolus infusion on days 1, 8, 15 of a 28-day schedule Results: 36 patients (21M/15F, median age 61yrs (45–79)) received E7107 doses of 0.6 mg/m2 (n=4), 0.9 mg/m2 (n=3), 1.3 mg/m2 (n=3), 2.0 mg/m2 (n=3), 3.0 mg/m2 (n=4), 4.5 mg/m2 (n=3) and 4.0 mg/m2 (n=16). At 4.5 mg/m2 two episodes of DLT (grade 3 and 4 diarrhea) and at 4.0 mg/m2 one episode of DLT (a combination of grade 3 nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps) were observed. Other frequently occurring side effects were mainly gastrointestinal. The maximum tolerable dose (MTD) is 4.0 mg/m2. No complete or partial responses were observed. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed large volume of distribution (Vss: 279 to 1369 L), high systemic clearance (CL: 111 to 253 L/hr), and moderate elimination half-life (t1/2: 5.3 to 15.1 hr). Systemic exposure on Days 1 and 15 (Cmax, AUC0-∞) increased in a dose-dependent manner. At the MTD, mRNA levels of selected target genes (TRAPPC4, SLC25A19, GTF2H1), monitored in PBMC's, showed a 15–25-fold decrease, whereas unspliced pre-mRNA levels of DNAJB1 and EIF4A1 showed a 10–25-fold increase. Notably, at days 1 and 15, modulations generally peaked at 2–6 hr after end of the infusion and almost completely recovered to base-line levels at 24–48 hr. Conclusions: The MTD for E7107 using this schedule is 4.0 mg/m2. PK is dose-dependent and reproducible within subjects. PD analysis revealed dose-dependent reversible inhibition of pre-mRNA processing of target genes, confirming proof-of-principle activity of E7107. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Transgenic Plants Producing the Bacterial Pheromone N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Exhibit Enhanced Resistance to the Bacterial Phytopathogen Erwinia carotovora

2001 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 1035-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andres Mäe ◽  
Marcos Montesano ◽  
Viia Koiv ◽  
E. Tapio Palva
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Transgenic Tobacco ◽  
Plant Cell Wall ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Erwinia Carotovora ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Enhanced Resistance

Bacterial pheromones, mainly different homoserine lactones, are central to a number of bacterial signaling processes, including those involved in plant pathogenicity. We previously demonstrated that N-oxoacyl-homoserine lactone (OHL) is essential for quorum sensing in the soft-rot phytopathogen Erwinia carotovora. In this pathogen, OHL controls the coordinate activation of genes encoding the main virulence determinants, extracellular plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), in a cell density-dependent manner. We suggest that E. carotovora employ quorum sensing to avoid the premature production of PCWDEs and subsequent activation of plant defense responses. To test whether modulating this sensory system would affect the outcome of a plant-pathogen interaction, we generated transgenic tobacco, producing OHL. This was accomplished by ectopic expression in tobacco of the E. carotovora gene expI, which is responsible for OHL biosynthesis. We show that expI-positive transgenic tobacco lines produced the active pheromone and partially complemented the avirulent phenotype of expI mutants. The OHL-producing tobacco lines exhibited enhanced resistance to infection by wild-type E. carotovora. The results were confirmed by exogenous addition of OHL to wild-type plants, which also resulted in increased resistance to E. carotovora.

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