scholarly journals c-di-AMP is essential for the virulence of Enterococcus faecalis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivani Kundra ◽  
Ling Ning Lam ◽  
Jessica K. Kajfasz ◽  
Leila G. Casella ◽  
Marissa J. Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Biological Significance ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Bacterial Fitness ◽  
Key Aspects

Second messenger nucleotides are produced by bacteria in response to environmental stimuli and play a major role in the regulation of processes associated with bacterial fitness, including but not limited to osmoregulation, envelope homeostasis, central metabolism, and biofilm formation. In this study, we uncovered the biological significance of c-di-AMP in the opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus faecalis by isolating and characterizing strains lacking genes responsible for c-di-AMP synthesis ( cdaA ) and degradation ( dhhP and gdpP ). Using complementary approaches, we demonstrated that either complete loss of c-di-AMP (Δ cdaA strain) or c-di-AMP accumulation (Δ dhhP , Δ gdpP and Δ dhhP Δ gdpP strains) drastically impaired general cell fitness and virulence of E. faecalis . In particular, the Δ cdaA strain was highly sensitive to envelope-targeting antibiotics, was unable to multiply and quickly lost viability in human serum or urine ex vivo , and was virtually avirulent in an invertebrate ( Galleria mellonella ) and in two catheter-associated mouse infection models that recapitulate key aspects of enterococcal infections in humans. In addition to evidence linking these phenotypes to altered activity of metabolite and peptide transporters and inability to maintain osmobalance, we found that the attenuated virulence of Δ cdaA could be also attributed to a defect in Ebp pilus production and activity that severely impaired biofilm formation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Collectively, these results demonstrate that c-di-AMP signaling is essential for E. faecalis pathogenesis and a desirable target for drug development.

scholarly journals c-di-AMP is essential for the virulence of Enterococcus faecalis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivani Kundra ◽  
Ling Ning Lam ◽  
Jessica K. Kajfasz ◽  
Leila Casella ◽  
Marissa J Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Biological Significance ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Bacterial Fitness ◽  
Key Aspects

Second messenger nucleotides are produced by bacteria in response to environmental stimuli and play a major role in the regulation of processes associated with bacterial fitness, including but not limited to osmoregulation, envelope homeostasis, central metabolism, and biofilm formation. In this study, we uncovered the biological significance of c-di-AMP in the opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus faecalis by isolating and characterizing strains lacking genes responsible for c-di-AMP synthesis (cdaA) and degradation (dhhP and gdpP). Using complementary approaches, we demonstrated that either complete loss of c-di-AMP (ΔcdaA strain) or c-di-AMP accumulation (ΔdhhP, ΔgdpP and ΔdhhPΔgdpP strains) drastically impaired general cell fitness and virulence of E. faecalis. In particular, the ΔcdaA strain was highly sensitive to envelope-targeting antibiotics, was unable to multiply and quickly lost viability in human serum or urine ex vivo, and was avirulent in an invertebrate (Galleria mellonella) and in two catheter-associated mouse infection models that recapitulate key aspects of enterococcal infections in humans. In addition to evidence linking these phenotypes to altered activity of metabolite and peptide transporters and inability to maintain osmobalance, we found that the attenuated virulence of ΔcdaA could be also attributed to a defect in Ebp pilus production and activity that severely impaired biofilm formation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Collectively, these results reveal that c-di-AMP signaling is essential for E. faecalis pathogenesis and a desirable target for drug development.

scholarly journals ace, Which Encodes an Adhesin in Enterococcus faecalis, Is Regulated by Ers and Is Involved in Virulence

2009 ◽  
Vol 77 (7) ◽  
pp. 2832-2839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Lebreton ◽  
Eliette Riboulet-Bisson ◽  
Pascale Serror ◽  
Maurizio Sanguinetti ◽  
Brunella Posteraro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Transcriptional Analysis ◽  
Binding Assays ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Reverse Transcription Quantitative Pcr

ABSTRACT Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen that causes numerous infectious diseases in humans and is a major agent of nosocomial infections. In this work, we showed that the recently identified transcriptional regulator Ers (PrfA like), known to be involved in the cellular metabolism and the virulence of E. faecalis, acts as a repressor of ace, which encodes a collagen-binding protein. We characterized the promoter region of ace, and transcriptional analysis by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and mobility shift protein-DNA binding assays revealed that Ers directly regulates the expression of ace. Transcription of ace appeared to be induced by the presence of bile salts, probably via the deregulation of ers. Moreover, with an ace deletion mutant and the complemented strain and by using an insect (Galleria mellonella) virulence model, as well as in vivo-in vitro murine macrophage models, we demonstrated for the first time that Ace can be considered a virulence factor for E. faecalis. Furthermore, animal experiments revealed that Ace is also involved in urinary tract infection by E. faecalis.

scholarly journals In Silico Predicted Antifungal Peptides: In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Candida Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 439
Author(s):  
Tecla Ciociola ◽  
Walter Magliani ◽  
Tiziano De Simone ◽  
Thelma A. Pertinhez ◽  
Stefania Conti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
In Silico Analysis ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Synthetic Antibody

It has been previously demonstrated that synthetic antibody-derived peptides could exert a significant activity in vitro, ex vivo, and/or in vivo against microorganisms and viruses, as well as immunomodulatory effects through the activation of immune cells. Based on the sequence of previously described antibody-derived peptides with recognized antifungal activity, an in silico analysis was conducted to identify novel antifungal candidates. The present study analyzed the candidacidal and structural properties of in silico designed peptides (ISDPs) derived by amino acid substitutions of the parent peptide KKVTMTCSAS. ISDPs proved to be more active in vitro than the parent peptide and all proved to be therapeutic in Galleria mellonella candidal infection, without showing toxic effects on mammalian cells. ISDPs were studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy, demonstrating different structural organization. These results allowed to validate a consensus sequence for the parent peptide KKVTMTCSAS that may be useful in the development of novel antimicrobial molecules.

scholarly journals Candida albicans forms biofilms on the vaginal mucosa

Microbiology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 156 (12) ◽  
pp. 3635-3644 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Harriott ◽  
E. A. Lilly ◽  
T. E. Rodriguez ◽  
P. L. Fidel ◽  
M. C. Noverr
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Vaginal Mucosa ◽  
First Time ◽  
Established Role ◽  
Type Strains

Current understanding of resistance and susceptibility to vulvovaginal candidiasis challenges existing paradigms of host defence against fungal infection. While abiotic biofilm formation has a clearly established role during systemic Candida infections, it is not known whether C. albicans forms biofilms on the vaginal mucosa and the possible role of biofilms in disease. In vivo and ex vivo murine vaginitis models were employed to examine biofilm formation by scanning electron and confocal microscopy. C. albicans strains included 3153A (lab strain), DAY185 (parental control strain), and mutants defective in morphogenesis and/or biofilm formation in vitro (efg1/efg1 and bcr1/bcr1). Both 3153A and DAY815 formed biofilms on the vaginal mucosa in vivo and ex vivo as indicated by high fungal burden and microscopic analysis demonstrating typical biofilm architecture and presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) co-localized with the presence of fungi. In contrast, efg1/efg1 and bcr1/bcr1 mutant strains exhibited weak or no biofilm formation/ECM production in both models compared to wild-type strains and complemented mutants despite comparable colonization levels. These data show for the first time that C. albicans forms biofilms in vivo on vaginal epithelium, and that in vivo biotic biofilm formation requires regulators of biofilm formation (BCR1) and morphogenesis (EFG1).

scholarly journals Models of tendon development and injury

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia K. Theodossiou ◽  
Nathan R. Schiele
Keyword(s):  
Computational Models ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Tendon Injury ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Tendon Development ◽  
Key Aspects

AbstractTendons link muscle to bone and transfer forces necessary for normal movement. Tendon injuries can be debilitating and their intrinsic healing potential is limited. These challenges have motivated the development of model systems to study the factors that regulate tendon formation and tendon injury. Recent advances in understanding of embryonic and postnatal tendon formation have inspired approaches that aimed to mimic key aspects of tendon development. Model systems have also been developed to explore factors that regulate tendon injury and healing. We highlight current model systems that explore developmentally inspired cellular, mechanical, and biochemical factors in tendon formation and tenogenic stem cell differentiation. Next, we discuss in vivo, in vitro, ex vivo, and computational models of tendon injury that examine how mechanical loading and biochemical factors contribute to tendon pathologies and healing. These tendon development and injury models show promise for identifying the factors guiding tendon formation and tendon pathologies, and will ultimately improve regenerative tissue engineering strategies and clinical outcomes.

scholarly journals Enterococcus faecalis persists and replicates within epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo during wound infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Hong Tay ◽  
Ronni A.G. da Silva ◽  
Foo Kiong Ho ◽  
Kelvin K.L. Chong ◽  
Alexander Ludwig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Infection ◽  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Robust Immune Response ◽  
Lysosomal Protease ◽  
The Face

Enterococcus faecalis is a frequent opportunistic pathogen of wounds, whose infections are associated with biofilm formation, persistence, and recalcitrance toward treatment. We have previously shown that E. faecalis wound infection persists for at least 7 days. Here we report that viable E. faecalis are present within both immune and non-immune cells at the wound site up to 5 days after infection, raising the prospect that intracellular persistence contributes to chronic E. faecalis infection. Using an in vitro keratinocyte infection model, we show that a subpopulation of E. faecalis becomes internalized via macropinocytosis into single membrane-bound compartments, where they can survive and replicate. These intracellular E. faecalis can persist in late endosomes up to 72 hours after infection in the absence of colocalization with the lysosomal protease cathepsin D or apparent fusion with the lysosome, suggesting that E. faecalis blocks endosomal maturation. Indeed, intracellular E. faecalis infection results in a marked reduction in Rab7 expression, a small GTPase required for endosome-lysosome fusion. Finally, we demonstrate that intracellular E. faecalis derived from infected keratinocytes are significantly more efficient in reinfecting new keratinocytes. Together, these data suggest that intracellular proliferation of E. faecalis may contribute to its persistence in the face of a robust immune response, providing a primed reservoir of bacteria for subsequent reinfection.

scholarly journals Function of BriC Peptide in the Pneumococcal Competence and Virulence Portfolio

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surya D. Aggarwal ◽  
Rory Eutsey ◽  
Jacob West-Roberts ◽  
Arnau Domenech ◽  
Wenjie Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Murine Model ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Colonization ◽  
Point Of Entry ◽  
Abiotic Surfaces ◽  
Biofilm Development

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. The progression to this pathogenic lifestyle is preceded by asymptomatic colonization of the nasopharynx. This colonization is associated with biofilm formation; the competence pathway influences the structure and stability of biofilms. However, the molecules that link the competence pathway to biofilm formation are unknown. Here, we describe a new competence-induced gene, called briC, and demonstrate that its product promotes biofilm development and stimulates colonization in a murine model. We show that expression of briC is induced by the master regulator of competence, ComE. Whereas briC does not substantially influence early biofilm development on abiotic surfaces, it significantly impacts later stages of biofilm development. Specifically, briC expression leads to increases in biofilm biomass and thickness at 72h. Consistent with the role of biofilms in colonization, briC promotes nasopharyngeal colonization in the murine model. The function of BriC appears to be conserved across pneumococci, as comparative genomics reveal that briC is widespread across isolates. Surprisingly, many isolates, including strains from clinically important PMEN1 and PMEN14 lineages, which are widely associated with colonization, encode a long briC promoter. This long form captures an instance of genomic plasticity and functions as a competence-independent expression enhancer that may serve as a precocious point of entry into this otherwise competence-regulated pathway. Moreover, overexpression of briC by the long promoter fully rescues the comE-deletion induced biofilm defect in vitro, and partially in vivo. These findings indicate that BriC may bypass the influence of competence in biofilm development and that such a pathway may be active in a subset of pneumococcal lineages. In conclusion, BriC is a part of the complex molecular network that connects signaling of the competence pathway to biofilm development and colonization.

scholarly journals Virulence of the emerging pathogen, Burkholderia pseudomallei, depends upon the O-linked oligosaccharyltransferase, PglL

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-257
Author(s):  
Samuel J Willcocks ◽  
Carmen Denman ◽  
Felipe Cia ◽  
Elizabeth McCarthy ◽  
Jon Cuccui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Burkholderia Pseudomallei ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Bacterial Fitness ◽  
Isogenic Mutants ◽  
Type Strains ◽  
Broad Role

Aim: We sought to characterize the contribution of the O-OTase, PglL, to virulence in two Burkholderia spp. by comparing isogenic mutants in Burkholderia pseudomallei with the related species, Burkholderia thailandensis. Materials & methods: We utilized an array of in vitro assays in addition to Galleria mellonella and murine in vivo models to assess virulence of the mutant and wild-type strains in each Burkholderia species. Results: We found that pglL contributes to biofilm and twitching motility in both species. PglL uniquely affected morphology; cell invasion; intracellular motility; plaque formation and intergenus competition in B. pseudomallei. This mutant was attenuated in the murine model, and extended survival in a vaccine-challenge experiment. Conclusion: Our data support a broad role for pglL in bacterial fitness and virulence, particularly in B. pseudomallei.

scholarly journals Biological significance of monoallelic and biallelic BIRC3 loss in del(11q) chronic lymphocytic leukemia progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Quijada-Álamo ◽  
María Hernández-Sánchez ◽  
Ana-Eugenia Rodríguez-Vicente ◽  
Claudia Pérez-Carretero ◽  
Alberto Rodríguez-Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Biological Significance ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Enhanced Sensitivity

AbstractBIRC3 is monoallelically deleted in up to 80% of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases harboring del(11q). In addition, truncating mutations in the remaining allele of this gene can lead to BIRC3 biallelic inactivation, which has been shown to be a marker for reduced survival in CLL. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms by which these lesions could contribute to del(11q) CLL pathogenesis and progression are partially unexplored. We implemented the CRISPR/Cas9-editing system to generate isogenic CLL cell lines harboring del(11q) and/or BIRC3 mutations, modeling monoallelic and biallelic BIRC3 loss. Our results reveal that monoallelic BIRC3 deletion in del(11q) cells promotes non-canonical NF-κB signaling activation via RelB-p52 nuclear translocation, being these effects allelic dose-dependent and therefore further enhanced in del(11q) cells with biallelic BIRC3 loss. Moreover, we demonstrate ex vivo in primary cells that del(11q) cases including BIRC3 within their deleted region show evidence of non-canonical NF-κB activation which correlates with high BCL2 levels and enhanced sensitivity to venetoclax. Furthermore, our results show that BIRC3 mutations in del(11q) cells promote clonal advantage in vitro and accelerate leukemic progression in an in vivo xenograft model. Altogether, this work highlights the biological bases underlying disease progression of del(11q) CLL patients harboring BIRC3 deletion and mutation.

scholarly journals Anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm activity of NC-E08. In vitro and in vivo study using Galleria mellonella infection model

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Fernanda Bombarda ◽  
Janaina de Cássia Orlandi Sardi ◽  
Pedro L. Rosalen ◽  
Josy G. Lazarini ◽  
Eder R. Paganini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Structural Analogues

Biofilms are organized microbial communities formed from an ecological succession. Biofilm formation functions as a mechanism of virulence and favors the development of diseases, including oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease, in which the microorganisms Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans are closely related. Previous studies have shown that interactions between S. mutans and C. albicans are associated with the pathogenesis of early childhood caries (ECC). Therefore, there is a great interest in finding new prototypes for antimicrobial drugs, mainly for the development of structural analogues of chalcones, which constitute one of the largest classes of natural products belonging to the flavonoid family and are considered strategic molecules for this purpose.

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