scholarly journals Roles of 3-Deoxy-d-manno-2-Octulosonic Acid Transferase from Moraxella catarrhalis in Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis and Virulence

2005 ◽  
Vol 73 (7) ◽  
pp. 4222-4230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daxin Peng ◽  
Biswa P. Choudhury ◽  
Ronald S. Petralia ◽  
Russell W. Carlson ◽  
Xin-Xing Gu
Keyword(s):  
Moraxella Catarrhalis ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Core Oligosaccharide ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Oligosaccharide Moiety ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Human Infections

ABSTRACT Lipooligosaccharide (LOS), a major outer membrane component of Moraxella catarrhalis, is a possible virulence factor in the pathogenesis of human infections caused by the organism. However, information about the roles of the oligosaccharide chain from LOS in bacterial infection remains limited. Here, a kdtA gene encoding 3-deoxy-d-manno-2-octulosonic acid (Kdo) transferase, which is responsible for adding Kdo residues to the lipid A portion of the LOS, was identified by transposon mutagenesis and construction of an isogenic kdtA mutant in strain O35E. The resulting O35EkdtA mutant produced only lipid A without any core oligosaccharide, and it was viable. Physicochemical and biological analysis revealed that the mutant was susceptible to hydrophobic reagents and a hydrophilic glycopeptide and was sensitive to bactericidal activity of normal human serum. Importantly, the mutant showed decreased toxicity by the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay, reduced adherence to human epithelial cells, and enhanced clearance in lungs and nasopharynx in a mouse aerosol challenge model. These data suggest that the oligosaccharide moiety of the LOS is important for the biological activity of the LOS and the virulence capability of the bacteria in vitro and in vivo. This study may bring new insights into novel vaccines or therapeutic interventions against M. catarrhalis infections.

scholarly journals Moraxella catarrhalis Bacterium without Endotoxin, a Potential Vaccine Candidate

2005 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 7569-7577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daxin Peng ◽  
Wenzhou Hong ◽  
Biswa P. Choudhury ◽  
Russell W. Carlson ◽  
Xin-Xing Gu
Keyword(s):  
Moraxella Catarrhalis ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Potential Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Whole Cells ◽  
Potential Vaccine ◽  
Major Surface ◽  
Membrane Components ◽  
Human Infections

ABSTRACT Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is a major surface component of Moraxella catarrhalis and a possible virulence factor in the pathogenesis of human infections caused by this organism. The presence of LOS on the bacterium is an obstacle to the development of vaccines derived from whole cells or outer membrane components of the bacterium. An lpxA gene encoding UDP-N-acetylglucosamine acyltransferase responsible for the first step of lipid A biosynthesis was identified by the construction and characterization of an isogenic M. catarrhalis lpxA mutant in strain O35E. The resulting mutant was viable despite the complete loss of LOS. The mutant strain showed significantly decreased toxicity by the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay, reduced resistance to normal human serum, reduced adherence to human epithelial cells, and enhanced clearance in lungs and nasopharynx in a mouse aerosol challenge model. Importantly, the mutant elicited high levels of antibodies with bactericidal activity and provided protection against a challenge with the wild-type strain. These data suggest that the null LOS mutant is attenuated and may be a potential vaccine candidate against M. catarrhalis.

scholarly journals Near-Infrared Optical Spectroscopy In Vivo Distinguishes Subjects with Alzheimer’s Disease from Age-Matched Controls

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Frank A. Greco ◽  
Ann C. McKee ◽  
Neil W. Kowall ◽  
Eugene B. Hanlon
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Optical Spectroscopy ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Feature Selection Approach

Background: Medical imaging methods such as PET and MRI aid clinical assessment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Less expensive, less technically demanding, and more widely deployable technologies are needed to expand objective screening for diagnosis, treatment, and research. We previously reported brain tissue near-infrared optical spectroscopy (NIR) in vitro indicating the potential to meet this need. Objective: To determine whether completely non-invasive, clinical, NIR in vivo can distinguish AD patients from age-matched controls and to show the potential of NIR as a clinical screen and monitor of therapeutic efficacy. Methods: NIR spectra were acquired in vivo. Three groups were studied: autopsy-confirmed AD, control and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A feature selection approach using the first derivative of the intensity normalized spectra was used to discover spectral regions that best distinguished “AD-alone” (i.e., without other significant neuropathology) from controls. The approach was then applied to other autopsy-confirmed AD cases and to clinically diagnosed MCI cases. Results: Two regions about 860 and 895 nm completely separate AD patients from controls and differentiate MCI subjects according to the degree of impairment. The 895 nm feature is more important in separating MCI subjects from controls (ratio-of-weights: 1.3); the 860 nm feature is more important for distinguishing MCI from AD (ratio-of-weights: 8.2). Conclusion: These results form a proof of the concept that near-infrared spectroscopy can detect and classify diseased and normal human brain in vivo. A clinical trial is needed to determine whether the two features can track disease progression and monitor potential therapeutic interventions.

scholarly journals Identification and Characterization of a Glycosyltransferase Involved in Acinetobacter baumannii Lipopolysaccharide Core Biosynthesis

2010 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 2017-2023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole R. Luke ◽  
Shauna L. Sauberan ◽  
Thomas A. Russo ◽  
Janet M. Beanan ◽  
Ruth Olson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Genetic Approach ◽  
Core Oligosaccharide ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Identification And Characterization

ABSTRACT Although Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a significant cause of nosocomial infections worldwide, there have been few investigations describing the factors important for A. baumannii persistence and pathogenesis. This paper describes the first reported identification of a glycosyltransferase, LpsB, involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis in A. baumannii. Mutational, structural, and complementation analyses indicated that LpsB is a core oligosaccharide glycosyl transferase. Using a genetic approach, lpsB was compared with the lpsB homologues of several A. baumannii strains. These analyses indicated that LpsB is highly conserved among A. baumannii isolates. Furthermore, we developed a monoclonal antibody, monoclonal antibody 13C11, which reacts to an LPS core epitope expressed by approximately one-third of the A. baumannii clinical isolates evaluated to date. Previous studies describing the heterogeneity of A. baumannii LPS were limited primarily to structural analyses; therefore, studies evaluating the correlation between these surface glycolipids and pathogenesis were warranted. Our data from an evaluation of LpsB mutant 307::TN17, which expresses a deeply truncated LPS glycoform consisting of only two 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid residues and lipid A, suggest that A. baumannii LPS is important for resistance to normal human serum and confers a competitive advantage for survival in vivo. These results have important implications for the role of LPS in A. baumannii infections.

scholarly journals The UspA1 Protein and a Second Type of UspA2 Protein Mediate Adherence of Moraxella catarrhalis to Human Epithelial Cells In Vitro

2000 ◽  
Vol 182 (5) ◽  
pp. 1364-1373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric R. Lafontaine ◽  
Leslie D. Cope ◽  
Christoph Aebi ◽  
Jo L. Latimer ◽  
George H. McCracken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Moraxella Catarrhalis ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Nucleotide Sequence Analysis ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Attachment Ability ◽  
Chang Cells

ABSTRACT The UspA1 and UspA2 proteins of Moraxella catarrhalisare structurally related, are exposed on the bacterial cell surface, and migrate as very high-molecular-weight complexes in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Previous analysis ofuspA1 and uspA2 mutants of M. catarrhalis strain 035E indicated that UspA1 was involved in adherence of this organism to Chang conjunctival epithelial cells in vitro and that expression of UspA2 was essential for resistance of this strain to killing by normal human serum (C. Aebi, E. R. Lafontaine, L. D. Cope, J. L. Latimer, S. R. Lumbley, G. H. McCracken, Jr., and E. J. Hansen, Infect. Immun. 66:3113–3119, 1998). In the present study, isogenic uspA1,uspA2, and uspA1 uspA2 mutations were constructed in three additional M. catarrhalis strains: 012E, TTA37, and 046E. The uspA1 mutant of strain 012E had a decreased ability to attach to Chang cells. However, inactivation of the uspA1 gene in both strain TTA37 and strain 046E did not cause a significant decrease in attachment ability. Inactivation of theuspA2 gene of strain TTA37 did result in a loss of attachment ability. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the predicted protein encoded by the uspA2 genes of both strains TTA37 and 046E had a N-terminal half that resembled the N-terminal half of UspA1 proteins, whereas the C-terminal half of this protein was nearly identical to those of previously characterized UspA2 proteins. The gene encoding this “hybrid” protein was designateduspA2H. PCR-based analysis revealed that approximately 20% of M. catarrhalis strains apparently possess auspA2H gene instead of a uspA2 gene. TheM. catarrhalis uspA1, uspA2, anduspA2H genes were cloned and expressed in Haemophilus influenzae cells, which were used to prove that both the UspA1 and UspA2H proteins can function as adhesins in vitro.

scholarly journals Multiple Roles for BordetellaLipopolysaccharide Molecules during Respiratory Tract Infection

2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 6720-6728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric T. Harvill ◽  
Andrew Preston ◽  
Peggy A. Cotter ◽  
Andrew G. Allen ◽  
Duncan J. Maskell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tract Infection ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infection ◽  
Adaptive Immunity ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Core Oligosaccharide ◽  
O Antigen ◽  
Tract Infections

ABSTRACT Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica are closely related subspecies that cause respiratory tract infections in humans and other mammals and express many similar virulence factors. Their lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules differ, containing either a complex trisaccharide (B. pertussis), a trisaccharide plus an O-antigen-like repeat (B. bronchiseptica), or an altered trisaccharide plus an O-antigen-like repeat (B. parapertussis). Deletion of the wlb locus results in the loss of membrane-distal polysaccharide domains in the three subspecies of bordetellae, leaving LPS molecules consisting of lipid A and core oligosaccharide. We have used wlb deletion (Δwlb) mutants to investigate the roles of distal LPS structures in respiratory tract infection by bordetellae. Each mutant was defective compared to its parent strain in colonization of the respiratory tracts of BALB/c mice, but the location in the respiratory tract and the time point at which defects were observed differed significantly. Although the Δwlb mutants were much more sensitive to complement-mediated killing in vitro, they displayed similar defects in respiratory tract colonization in C5−/− mice compared with wild-type (wt) mice, indicating that increased sensitivity to complement-mediated lysis is not sufficient to explain the in vivo defects. B. pertussis andB. parapertussis Δwlb mutants were also defective compared to wt strains in colonization of SCID-beige mice, indicating that the defects were not limited to interactions with adaptive immunity. Interestingly, the B. bronchiseptica Δwlbstrain was defective, compared to the wt strain, in colonization of the respiratory tracts of BALB/c mice beginning 1 week postinoculation but did not differ from the wt strain in its ability to colonize the respiratory tracts of B-cell- and T-cell-deficient mice, suggesting that wlb-dependent LPS modifications in B. bronchiseptica modulate interactions with adaptive immunity. These data show that biosynthesis of a full-length LPS molecule by these three bordetellae is essential for the expression of full virulence for mice. In addition, the data indicate that the different distal structures modifying the LPS molecules on these three closely related subspecies serve different purposes in respiratory tract infection, highlighting the diversity of functions attributable to LPS of gram-negative bacteria.

scholarly journals A Continuous Battle for Host-Derived Glycans Between a Mucus Specialist and a Glycan Generalist in vitro and in vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Kostopoulos ◽  
Steven Aalvink ◽  
Petia Kovatcheva-Datchary ◽  
Bart Nijsse ◽  
Fredrik Bäckhed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Membrane Attack Complex ◽  
Glycoside Hydrolases ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Macpf Domain ◽  
Upregulated Genes

The human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by a diverse microbial community, which plays a crucial role in human health. In the gut, a protective mucus layer that consists of glycan structures separates the bacteria from the host epithelial cells. These host-derived glycans are utilized by bacteria that have adapted to this specific compound in the gastrointestinal tract. Our study investigated the close interaction between two distinct gut microbiota members known to use mucus glycans, the generalist Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and the specialist Akkermansia muciniphila in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro study, in which mucin was the only nutrient source, indicated that B. thetaiotaomicron significantly upregulated genes coding for Glycoside Hydrolases (GHs) and mucin degradation activity when cultured in the presence of A. muciniphila. Furthermore, B. thetaiotaomicron significantly upregulated the expression of a gene encoding for membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain in co-culture. The transcriptome analysis also indicated that A. muciniphila was less affected by the environmental changes and was able to sustain its abundance in the presence of B. thetaiotaomicron while increasing the expression of LPS core biosynthesis activity encoding genes (O-antigen ligase, Lipid A and Glycosyl transferases) as well as ABC transporters. Using germ-free mice colonized with B. thetaiotaomicron and/or A. muciniphila, we observed a more general glycan degrading profile in B. thetaiotaomicron while the expression profile of A. muciniphila was not significantly affected when colonizing together, indicating that two different nutritional niches were established in mice gut. Thus, our results indicate that a mucin degrading generalist adapts to its changing environment, depending on available carbohydrates while a mucin degrading specialist adapts by coping with competing microorganism through upregulation of defense related genes.

scholarly journals Connexin hemichannel inhibition ameliorates epidermal pathology in a mouse model of keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Sellitto ◽  
Leping Li ◽  
Thomas W. White
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Childhood Mortality ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Flufenamic Acid ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Connexin Hemichannel

AbstractMutations in five different genes encoding connexin channels cause eleven clinically defined human skin diseases. Keratitis ichthyosis deafness (KID) syndrome is caused by point mutations in the GJB2 gene encoding Connexin 26 (Cx26) which result in aberrant activation of connexin hemichannels. KID syndrome has no cure and is associated with bilateral hearing loss, blinding keratitis, palmoplantar keratoderma, ichthyosiform erythroderma and a high incidence of childhood mortality. Here, we have tested whether a topically applied hemichhanel inhibitor (flufenamic acid, FFA) could ameliorate the skin pathology associated with KID syndrome in a transgenic mouse model expressing the lethal Cx26-G45E mutation. We found that FFA blocked the hemichannel activity of Cx26-G45E in vitro, and substantially reduced epidermal pathology in vivo, compared to untreated, or vehicle treated control animals. FFA did not reduce the expression of mutant connexin hemichannel protein, and cessation of FFA treatment allowed disease progression to continue. These results suggested that aberrant hemichannel activity is a major driver of skin disease in KID syndrome, and that the inhibition of mutant hemichannel activity could provide an attractive target to develop novel therapeutic interventions to treat this incurable disease.

scholarly journals Effect of Deletion of Genes Involved in Lipopolysaccharide Core and O-Antigen Synthesis on Virulence and Immunogenicity of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

2011 ◽  
Vol 79 (10) ◽  
pp. 4227-4239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingke Kong ◽  
Jiseon Yang ◽  
Qing Liu ◽  
Praveen Alamuri ◽  
Kenneth L. Roland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Outer Core ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Core Oligosaccharide ◽  
Content Type ◽  
O Antigen ◽  
Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACTLipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major virulence factor ofSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium and is composed of lipid A, core oligosaccharide (C-OS), and O-antigen polysaccharide (O-PS). While the functions of the gene products involved in synthesis of core and O-antigen have been elucidated, the effect of removing O-antigen and core sugars on the virulence and immunogenicity ofSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium has not been systematically studied. We introduced nonpolar, defined deletion mutations inwaaG(rfaG),waaI(rfaI),rfaH,waaJ(rfaJ),wbaP(rfbP),waaL(rfaL), orwzy(rfc) into wild-typeS.Typhimurium. The LPS structure was confirmed, and a number ofin vitroandin vivoproperties of each mutant were analyzed. All mutants were significantly attenuated compared to the wild-type parent when administered orally to BALB/c mice and were less invasive in host tissues. Strains with ΔwaaGand ΔwaaImutations, in particular, were deficient in colonization of Peyer's patches and liver. This deficiency could be partially overcome in the ΔwaaImutant when it was administered intranasally. In the context of an attenuated vaccine strain delivering the pneumococcal antigen PspA, all of the mutations tested resulted in reduced immune responses against PspA andSalmonellaantigens. Our results indicate that nonreversible truncation of the outer core is not a viable option for developing a live oralSalmonellavaccine, while awzymutant that retains one O-antigen unit is adequate for stimulating the optimal protective immunity to homologous or heterologous antigens by oral, intranasal, or intraperitoneal routes of administration.

Presence and Possible Origin of ɛ(γ-Glutamyl)Lysine Isodipeptide in Human Plasma

1992 ◽  
Vol 67 (01) ◽  
pp. 060-062 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Harsfalvi ◽  
E Tarcsa ◽  
M Udvardy ◽  
G Zajka ◽  
T Szarvas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Plasma ◽  
Fibrinolytic Therapy ◽  
Normal Human Plasma ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Hplc Technique ◽  
Significant Change

Summaryɛ(γ-glutamyl)lysine isodipeptide has been detected in normal human plasma by a sensitive HPLC technique in a concentration of 1.9-3.6 μmol/1. Incubation of in vitro clotted plasma at 37° C for 12 h resulted in an increased amount of isodipeptide, and there was no further significant change when streptokinase was also present. Increased in vivo isodipeptide concentrations were also observed in hypercoagulable states and during fibrinolytic therapy.

Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Potential of Helenalin

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-142
Author(s):  
Priyanka Kriplani ◽  
Kumar Guarve
Keyword(s):  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Active Constituent ◽  
Scientific Impact ◽  
Isolation Techniques ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Prevention Of Cancer ◽  
Synthetic Derivatives

Background: Arnica montana, containing helenalin as its principal active constituent, is the most widely used plant to treat various ailments. Recent studies indicate that Arnica and helenalin provide significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory, and most important, anti-cancer properties. Objective: The objective of the present study is to overview the recent patents of Arnica and its principal constituent helenalin, including new methods of isolation, and their use in the prevention of cancer and other ailments. Methods: Current prose and patents emphasizing the anti-cancer potential of helenalin and Arnica, incorporated as anti-inflammary agents in anti-cancer preparations, have been identified and reviewed with particular emphasis on their scientific impact and novelty. Results: Helenalin has shown its anti-cancer potential to treat multiple types of tumors, both in vitro and in vivo. It has also portrayed synergistic effects when given in combination with other anti- cancer drugs or natural compounds. New purification/isolation techniques are also developing with novel helenalin formulations and its synthetic derivatives have been developed to increase its solubility and bioavailability. Conclusion: The promising anti-cancer potential of helenalin in various preclinical studies may open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus clinical trials validating its tumor suppressing and chemopreventive activities, particularly in conjunction with standard therapies, are immediately required.

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