scholarly journals The role of fucose-containing glycan motifs across taxonomic kingdoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Thomès ◽  
Daniel Bojar
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Large Species ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Small Set ◽  
Recognition Systems ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

The extraordinary diversity of glycans leads to large differences in the glycomes of different kingdoms of life. Yet, while most monosaccharides are solely found in certain taxonomic groups, there is a small set of monosaccharides with widespread distribution across nearly all domains of life. These general monosaccharides are particularly relevant for glycan motifs, as they can readily be used by commensals and pathogens to mimic host glycans or hijack existing glycan recognition systems. Among these, the monosaccharide fucose is especially interesting, as it frequently presents itself as a terminal monosaccharide, primed for interaction with proteins. Here, we analyze fucose-containing glycan motifs across all taxonomic kingdoms. Using a hereby presented large species-specific glycan dataset and a plethora of methods for glycan-focused bioinformatics and machine learning, we identify characteristic as well as shared fucose-containing glycan motifs for various taxonomic groups, demonstrating clear differences in fucose usage. Even within domains, fucose is used differentially based on an organism's physiology and habitat. We particularly highlight differences in fucose-containing motifs between vertebrates and invertebrates. With the example of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, we also demonstrate the importance of fucose-containing motifs in molecular mimicry and thereby pathogenic potential. Finally, we also confirm and extend the role of fucosyltransferase-coding genes (FUT) in several important biological processes that include development, immunity, and diseases, especially cancer. We envision that this study will shed light on an important class of glycan motifs, with potential new insights into the role of fucosylated glycans in symbiosis, pathogenicity, and immunity.

scholarly journals The Role of Fucose-Containing Glycan Motifs Across Taxonomic Kingdoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Thomès ◽  
Daniel Bojar
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Large Species ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Small Set ◽  
Recognition Systems ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
Shed Light

The extraordinary diversity of glycans leads to large differences in the glycomes of different kingdoms of life. Yet, while most monosaccharides are solely found in certain taxonomic groups, there is a small set of monosaccharides with widespread distribution across nearly all domains of life. These general monosaccharides are particularly relevant for glycan motifs, as they can readily be used by commensals and pathogens to mimic host glycans or hijack existing glycan recognition systems. Among these, the monosaccharide fucose is especially interesting, as it frequently presents itself as a terminal monosaccharide, primed for interaction with proteins. Here, we analyze fucose-containing glycan motifs across all taxonomic kingdoms. Using a hereby presented large species-specific glycan dataset and a plethora of methods for glycan-focused bioinformatics and machine learning, we identify characteristic as well as shared fucose-containing glycan motifs for various taxonomic groups, demonstrating clear differences in fucose usage. Even within domains, fucose is used differentially based on an organism’s physiology and habitat. We particularly highlight differences in fucose-containing motifs between vertebrates and invertebrates. With the example of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, we also demonstrate the importance of fucose-containing motifs in molecular mimicry and thereby pathogenic potential. We envision that this study will shed light on an important class of glycan motifs, with potential new insights into the role of fucosylated glycans in symbiosis, pathogenicity, and immunity.

scholarly journals Paenarthrobacter sp. GOM3 Is a Novel Marine Species With Monoaromatic Degradation Relevance

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Rosas-Díaz ◽  
Alejandra Escobar-Zepeda ◽  
Libertad Adaya ◽  
Jorge Rojas-Vargas ◽  
Diego Humberto Cuervo-Amaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aromatic Compounds ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Degradation Pathway ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Gene Copies ◽  
Intermediate Metabolites ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Species Specific

Paenarthrobacter sp. GOM3, which is a strain that represents a new species-specific context within the genus Paenarthrobacter, is clearly a branched member independent of any group described thus far. This strain was recovered from marine sediments in the Gulf of Mexico, and despite being isolated from a consortium capable of growing with phenanthrene as a sole carbon source, this strain could not grow successfully in the presence of this substrate alone. We hypothesized that the GOM3 strain could participate in the assimilation of intermediate metabolites for the degradation of aromatic compounds. To date, there are no experimental reports of Paenarthrobacter species that degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or their intermediate metabolites. In this work, we report genomic and experimental evidence of metabolic benzoate, gentisate, and protocatechuate degradation by Paenarthrobacter sp. GOM3. Gentisate was the preferred substrate with the highest volumetric consumption rate, and genomic analysis revealed that this strain possesses multiple gene copies for the specific transport of gentisate. Furthermore, upon analyzing the GOM3 genome, we found five different dioxygenases involved in the activation of aromatic compounds, suggesting its potential for complete remediation of PAH-contaminated sites in combination with strains capable of assimilating the upper PAH degradation pathway. Additionally, this strain was characterized experimentally for its pathogenic potential and in silico for its antimicrobial resistance. An overview of the potential ecological role of this strain in the context of other members of this taxonomic clade is also reported.

scholarly journals Role of Deoxyribose Catabolism in Colonization of the Murine Intestine by Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains

2009 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 1442-1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Martinez-Jéhanne ◽  
Laurence du Merle ◽  
Christine Bernier-Fébreau ◽  
Codruta Usein ◽  
Amy Gassama-Sow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Intestinal Epithelia ◽  
Gut Colonization ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Evolutionary Step

ABSTRACT We previously suggested that the ability to metabolize deoxyribose, a phenotype encoded by the deoK operon, is associated with the pathogenic potential of Escherichia coli strains. Carbohydrate metabolism is thought to provide the nutritional support required for E. coli to colonize the intestine. We therefore investigated the role of deoxyribose catabolism in the colonization of the gut, which acts as a reservoir, by pathogenic E. coli strains. Molecular and biochemical characterization of 1,221 E. coli clones from various collections showed this biochemical trait to be common in the E. coli species (33.6%). However, multivariate analysis evidenced a higher prevalence of sugar-metabolizing E. coli clones in the stools of patients from countries in which intestinal diseases are endemic. Diarrhea processes frequently involve the destruction of intestinal epithelia, so it is plausible that such clones may be positively selected for in intestines containing abundant DNA, and consequently deoxyribose. Statistical analysis also indicated that symptomatic clinical disorders and the presence of virulence factors specific to extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli were significantly associated with an increased risk of biological samples and clones testing positive for deoxyribose. Using the streptomycin-treated-mouse model of intestinal colonization, we demonstrated the involvement of the deoK operon in gut colonization by two pathogenic isolates (one enteroaggregative and one uropathogenic strain). These results, indicating that deoxyribose availability promotes pathogenic E. coli growth during host colonization, suggest that the acquisition of this trait may be an evolutionary step enabling these pathogens to colonize and persist in the mammalian intestine.

Questions on the role of biofilms for the adaptation of microorganisms to unfavorable environmental factors by the example of P. aeruginosa

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-383
Author(s):  
Vasily N. Afonyushkin ◽  
N. A. Donchenko ◽  
Ju. N. Kozlova ◽  
N. A. Davidova ◽  
V. Yu. Koptev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Infectious Agent ◽  
Antagonistic Activity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
The Face

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely represented species of bacteria possessing of a pathogenic potential. This infectious agent is causing wound infections, fibrotic cystitis, fibrosing pneumonia, bacterial sepsis, etc. The microorganism is highly resistant to antiseptics, disinfectants, immune system responses of the body. The responses of a quorum sense of this kind of bacteria ensure the inclusion of many pathogenicity factors. The analysis of the scientific literature made it possible to formulate four questions concerning the role of biofilms for the adaptation of P. aeruginosa to adverse environmental factors: Is another person appears to be predominantly of a source an etiological agent or the source of P. aeruginosa infection in the environment? Does the formation of biofilms influence on the antibiotic resistance? How the antagonistic activity of microorganisms is realized in biofilm form? What is the main function of biofilms in the functioning of bacteria? A hypothesis has been put forward the effect of biofilms on the increase of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and, in particular, P. aeruginosa to be secondary in charcter. It is more likely a biofilmboth to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and provide topical competition in the face of food scarcity. In connection with the incompatibility of the molecular radii of most antibiotics and pores in biofilm, biofilm is doubtful to be capable of performing a barrier function for protecting against antibiotics. However, with respect to antibodies and immunocompetent cells, the barrier function is beyond doubt. The biofilm is more likely to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and providing topical competition in conditions of scarcity of food resources.

Pathogenic potential of Parabacteroides distasonis revealed in a splenic abscess case: a truth unfolded

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. e236701
Author(s):  
Anitha Gunalan ◽  
Rakhi Biswas ◽  
Balamurugan Sridharan ◽  
Thirthar Palanivelu Elamurugan
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Antimicrobial Therapy ◽  
Splenic Abscess ◽  
Rare Entity ◽  
Normal Flora ◽  
Pathogenic Role ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Open Splenectomy

Splenic abscess is a rare entity, however if unrecognised or left untreated, it is invariably fatal. We herein report a case of splenic abscess in a 40-year-old man presenting with fever, left-sided abdominal pain, altered sensorium and vomiting. On clinical examination, hepatosplenomegaly was noted and the ultrasound of the abdomen showed multiple hypoechoic regions in the upper pole of spleen, and the diagnosis of splenic abscess was made. The patient received antimicrobial therapy and underwent an open splenectomy with full recovery. Pus aspirated from the splenic abscess grew an unusual organism named Parabacteroides distasonis. In the literature, there are only a few recorded cases of P. distasonis causing splenic abscess. Through this case report, we would like to emphasise the pathogenic role of P. distasonis in causing clinical disease, as this organism is typically known to constitute a part of the normal flora.

scholarly journals Dietary Modulation of Bacteriophages as an Additional Player in Inflammation and Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2036
Author(s):  
Luigi Marongiu ◽  
Markus Burkard ◽  
Sascha Venturelli ◽  
Heike Allgayer
Keyword(s):  
Structural Damage ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Specific Phage ◽  
Microbial Network ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Species Specific

Natural compounds such as essential oils and tea have been used successfully in naturopathy and folk medicine for hundreds of years. Current research is unveiling the molecular role of their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Nevertheless, the effect of these compounds on bacteriophages is still poorly understood. The application of bacteriophages against bacteria has gained a particular interest in recent years due to, e.g., the constant rise of antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics, or an increasing awareness of different types of microbiota and their potential contribution to gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory and malignant conditions. Thus, a better knowledge of how dietary products can affect bacteriophages and, in turn, the whole gut microbiome can help maintain healthy homeostasis, reducing the risk of developing diseases such as diverse types of gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or even cancer. The present review summarizes the effect of dietary compounds on the physiology of bacteriophages. In a majority of works, the substance class of polyphenols showed a particular activity against bacteriophages, and the primary mechanism of action involved structural damage of the capsid, inhibiting bacteriophage activity and infectivity. Some further dietary compounds such as caffeine, salt or oregano have been shown to induce or suppress prophages, whereas others, such as the natural sweeter stevia, promoted species-specific phage responses. A better understanding of how dietary compounds could selectively, and specifically, modulate the activity of individual phages opens the possibility to reorganize the microbial network as an additional strategy to support in the combat, or in prevention, of gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammation and cancer.

scholarly journals A Global Review on Short Peptides: Frontiers and Perspectives

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 430
Author(s):  
Vasso Apostolopoulos ◽  
Joanna Bojarska ◽  
Tsun-Thai Chai ◽  
Sherif Elnagdy ◽  
Krzysztof Kaczmarek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Short Peptides ◽  
Altered Peptide Ligands ◽  
Short Peptide ◽  
Domains Of Life

Peptides are fragments of proteins that carry out biological functions. They act as signaling entities via all domains of life and interfere with protein-protein interactions, which are indispensable in bio-processes. Short peptides include fundamental molecular information for a prelude to the symphony of life. They have aroused considerable interest due to their unique features and great promise in innovative bio-therapies. This work focusing on the current state-of-the-art short peptide-based therapeutical developments is the first global review written by researchers from all continents, as a celebration of 100 years of peptide therapeutics since the commencement of insulin therapy in the 1920s. Peptide “drugs” initially played only the role of hormone analogs to balance disorders. Nowadays, they achieve numerous biomedical tasks, can cross membranes, or reach intracellular targets. The role of peptides in bio-processes can hardly be mimicked by other chemical substances. The article is divided into independent sections, which are related to either the progress in short peptide-based theranostics or the problems posing challenge to bio-medicine. In particular, the SWOT analysis of short peptides, their relevance in therapies of diverse diseases, improvements in (bio)synthesis platforms, advanced nano-supramolecular technologies, aptamers, altered peptide ligands and in silico methodologies to overcome peptide limitations, modern smart bio-functional materials, vaccines, and drug/gene-targeted delivery systems are discussed.

scholarly journals Species-Specific Regulation of TRPM2 by PI(4,5)P2 via the Membrane Interfacial Cavity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4637
Author(s):  
Daniel Barth ◽  
Andreas Lückhoff ◽  
Frank J. P. Kühn
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Complete Inactivation ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Activation Mechanisms ◽  
Specific Regulation ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Inside Out ◽  
Positively Charged

The human apoptosis channel TRPM2 is stimulated by intracellular ADR-ribose and calcium. Recent studies show pronounced species-specific activation mechanisms. Our aim was to analyse the functional effect of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), commonly referred to as PIP2, on different TRPM2 orthologues. Moreover, we wished to identify the interaction site between TRPM2 and PIP2. We demonstrate a crucial role of PIP2, in the activation of TRPM2 orthologues of man, zebrafish, and sea anemone. Utilizing inside-out patch clamp recordings of HEK-293 cells transfected with TRPM2, differential effects of PIP2 that were dependent on the species variant became apparent. While depletion of PIP2 via polylysine uniformly caused complete inactivation of TRPM2, restoration of channel activity by artificial PIP2 differed widely. Human TRPM2 was the least sensitive species variant, making it the most susceptible one for regulation by changes in intramembranous PIP2 content. Furthermore, mutations of highly conserved positively charged amino acid residues in the membrane interfacial cavity reduced the PIP2 sensitivity in all three TRPM2 orthologues to varying degrees. We conclude that the membrane interfacial cavity acts as a uniform PIP2 binding site of TRPM2, facilitating channel activation in the presence of ADPR and Ca2+ in a species-specific manner.

scholarly journals Anti-phospholipid syndrome and COVID-19 thrombosis: connecting the dots

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moon Ley Tung ◽  
Bryce Tan ◽  
Robin Cherian ◽  
Bharatendu Chandra
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
The Past ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Connecting The Dots ◽  
Anti Phospholipid Syndrome

Abstract As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is spreading rapidly worldwide, it has emerged as a leading cause of mortality, resulting in >1 million deaths over the past 10 months. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 remains unclear, posing a great challenge to the medical management of patients. Recent studies have reported an unusually high prevalence of thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients, although the mechanism remains elusive. Several studies have reported the presence of aPLs in COVID-19 patients. We have noticed similarities between COVID-19 and APS, which is an autoimmune prothrombotic disease that is often associated with an infective aetiology. Molecular mimicry and endothelial dysfunction could plausibly explain the mechanism of thrombogenesis in acquired APS. In this review, we discuss the clinicopathological similarities between COVID-19 and APS, and the potential role of therapeutic targets based on the anti-phospholipid model for COVID-19 disease.

scholarly journals Sialic Acids as Receptors for Pathogens

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 831
Author(s):  
Patrycja Burzyńska ◽  
Łukasz F. Sobala ◽  
Krzysztof Mikołajczyk ◽  
Marlena Jodłowska ◽  
Ewa Jaśkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Sialic Acids ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Disease Vectors ◽  
Animal Disease ◽  
Parasite Plasmodium ◽  
Parasite Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Infection Biology ◽  
Species Specific

Carbohydrates have long been known to mediate intracellular interactions, whether within one organism or between different organisms. Sialic acids (Sias) are carbohydrates that usually occupy the terminal positions in longer carbohydrate chains, which makes them common recognition targets mediating these interactions. In this review, we summarize the knowledge about animal disease-causing agents such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa (including the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum) in which Sias play a role in infection biology. While Sias may promote binding of, e.g., influenza viruses and SV40, they act as decoys for betacoronaviruses. The presence of two common forms of Sias, Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc, is species-specific, and in humans, the enzyme converting Neu5Ac to Neu5Gc (CMAH, CMP-Neu5Ac hydroxylase) is lost, most likely due to adaptation to pathogen regimes; we discuss the research about the influence of malaria on this trait. In addition, we present data suggesting the CMAH gene was probably present in the ancestor of animals, shedding light on its glycobiology. We predict that a better understanding of the role of Sias in disease vectors would lead to more effective clinical interventions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document