scholarly journals Novel Drivers of Virulence in Clostridioides difficile Identified via Context-Specific Metabolic Network Analysis

mSystems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Jenior ◽  
Jhansi L. Leslie ◽  
Deborah A. Powers ◽  
Elizabeth M. Garrett ◽  
Kimberly A. Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Metabolic Network ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Metabolic Network Analysis ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Clostridioides difficile has become the leading single cause of hospital-acquired infections. Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of specific metabolic pathways in aspects of C. difficile pathophysiology, from initial colonization to regulation of virulence factors.

scholarly journals Identification of Two Regulators of Virulence That Are Conserved inKlebsiella pneumoniaeClassical and Hypervirulent Strains

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Palacios ◽  
Taryn A. Miner ◽  
Daniel R. Frederick ◽  
Victoria E. Sepulveda ◽  
Joshua D. Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Capsule Type ◽  
Capsule Production ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
Hospital Acquired

ABSTRACTKlebsiella pneumoniaeis widely recognized as a pathogen with a propensity for acquiring antibiotic resistance. It is capable of causing a range of hospital-acquired infections (urinary tract infections [UTI], pneumonia, sepsis) and community-acquired invasive infections. The genetic heterogeneity ofK. pneumoniaeisolates complicates our ability to understand the virulence ofK. pneumoniae. Characterization of virulence factors conserved between strains as well as strain-specific factors will improve our understanding of this important pathogen. The MarR family of regulatory proteins is widely distributed in bacteria and regulates cellular processes such as antibiotic resistance and the expression of virulence factors.Klebsiellaencodes numerous MarR-like proteins, and they likely contribute to the ability ofK. pneumoniaeto respond to and survive under a wide variety of environmental conditions, including those present in the human body. We tested loss-of-function mutations in all themarRhomologues in a murine pneumonia model and found that two (kvrAandkvrB) significantly impacted the virulence of K1 and K2 capsule type hypervirulent (hv) strains and thatkvrAaffected the virulence of a sequence type 258 (ST258) classical strain. In thehvstrains,kvrAandkvrBmutants displayed phenotypes associated with reduced capsule production, mucoviscosity, and transcription fromgalFandmanCpromoters that drive expression of capsule synthesis genes. In contrast,kvrAandkvrBmutants in the ST258 strain had no effect on capsule gene expression or capsule-related phenotypes. Thus, KvrA and KvrB affect virulence in classical andhvstrains but the effect on virulence may not be exclusively due to effects on capsule production.IMPORTANCEIn addition to having a reputation as the causative agent for hospital-acquired infections as well as community-acquired invasive infections,Klebsiella pneumoniaehas gained widespread attention as a pathogen with a propensity for acquiring antibiotic resistance. Due to the rapid emergence of carbapenem resistance amongK. pneumoniaestrains, a better understanding of virulence mechanisms and identification of new potential drug targets are needed. This study identified two novel regulators (KvrA and KvrB) of virulence inK. pneumoniaeand demonstrated that their effect on virulence in invasive strains is likely due in part to effects on capsule production (a major virulence determinant) and hypermucoviscosity. KvrA also impacts the virulence of classical strains but does not appear to affect capsule gene expression in this strain. KvrA and KvrB are conserved amongK. pneumoniaestrains and thus could regulate capsule expression and virulence in diverse strains regardless of capsule type.

scholarly journals The Entner-Doudoroff and Nonoxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathways Bypass Glycolysis and the Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Ralstonia solanacearum

mSystems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Poonam Jyoti ◽  
Manu Shree ◽  
Chandrakant Joshi ◽  
Tulika Prakash ◽  
Suvendra Kumar Ray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Metabolic Network ◽  
Pentose Phosphate Pathway ◽  
Ralstonia Solanacearum ◽  
Metabolic Flux ◽  
Pentose Phosphate ◽  
Flux Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Metabolic Network Analysis ◽  
Balance Analysis

ABSTRACT In Ralstonia solanacearum, a devastating phytopathogen whose metabolism is poorly understood, we observed that the Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway and nonoxidative pentose phosphate pathway (non-OxPPP) bypass glycolysis and OxPPP under glucose oxidation. Evidence derived from 13C stable isotope feeding and genome annotation-based comparative metabolic network analysis supported the observations. Comparative metabolic network analysis derived from the currently available 53 annotated R. solanacearum strains, including a recently reported strain (F1C1), representing the four phylotypes, confirmed the lack of key genes coding for phosphofructokinase (pfk-1) and phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (gnd) enzymes that are relevant for glycolysis and OxPPP, respectively. R. solanacearum F1C1 cells fed with [13C]glucose (99% [1-13C]glucose or 99% [1,2-13C]glucose or 40% [13C6]glucose) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based labeling analysis of fragments from amino acids, glycerol, and ribose provided clear evidence that rather than glycolysis and the OxPPP, the ED pathway and non-OxPPP are the main routes sustaining metabolism in R. solanacearum. The 13C incorporation in the mass ions of alanine (m/z 260 and m/z 232), valine (m/z 288 and m/z 260), glycine (m/z 218), serine (m/z 390 and m/z 362), histidine (m/z 440 and m/z 412), tyrosine (m/z 466 and m/z 438), phenylalanine (m/z 336 and m/z 308), glycerol (m/z 377), and ribose (m/z 160) mapped the pathways supporting the observations. The outcomes help better define the central carbon metabolic network of R. solanacearum that can be integrated with 13C metabolic flux analysis as well as flux balance analysis studies for defining the metabolic phenotypes. IMPORTANCE Understanding the metabolic versatility of Ralstonia solanacearum is important, as it regulates the trade-off between virulence and metabolism (1, 2) in a wide range of plant hosts. Due to a lack of clear evidence until this work, several published research papers reported on the potential roles of glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OxPPP) in R. solanacearum (3, 4). This work provided evidence from 13C stable isotope feeding and genome annotation-based comparative metabolic network analysis that the Entner-Doudoroff pathway and non-OxPPP bypass glycolysis and OxPPP during the oxidation of glucose, a component of the host xylem pool that serves as a potential carbon source (5). The outcomes help better define the central carbon metabolic network of R. solanacearum that can be integrated with 13C metabolic flux analysis as well as flux balance analysis studies for defining the metabolic phenotypes. The study highlights the need to critically examine phytopathogens whose metabolism is poorly understood.

scholarly journals Lysozyme Resistance in Clostridioides difficile Is Dependent on Two Peptidoglycan Deacetylases

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela M. Kaus ◽  
Lindsey F. Snyder ◽  
Ute Müh ◽  
Matthew J. Flores ◽  
David L. Popham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Mechanism ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Major Mechanism ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea ◽  
High Level ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
Very High

ABSTRACT Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. C. difficile exhibits a very high level of resistance to lysozyme. Bacteria commonly resist lysozyme through modification of the cell wall. In C. difficile, σV is required for lysozyme resistance, and σV is activated in response to lysozyme. Once activated, σV, encoded by csfV, directs transcription of genes necessary for lysozyme resistance. Here, we analyze the contribution of individual genes in the σV regulon to lysozyme resistance. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutagenesis we constructed in-frame deletions of single genes in the csfV operon. We find that pdaV, which encodes a peptidoglycan deacetylase, is partially responsible for lysozyme resistance. We then performed CRISPR inhibition (CRISPRi) to identify a second peptidoglycan deacetylase, encoded by pgdA, that is important for lysozyme resistance. Deletion of either pgdA or pdaV resulted in modest decreases in lysozyme resistance. However, deletion of both pgdA and pdaV resulted in a 1,000-fold decrease in lysozyme resistance. Further, muropeptide analysis revealed that loss of either PgdA or PdaV had modest effects on peptidoglycan deacetylation but that loss of both PgdA and PdaV resulted in almost complete loss of peptidoglycan deacetylation. This suggests that PgdA and PdaV are redundant peptidoglycan deacetylases. We also used CRISPRi to compare other lysozyme resistance mechanisms and conclude that peptidoglycan deacetylation is the major mechanism of lysozyme resistance in C. difficile. IMPORTANCE Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. C. difficile is highly resistant to lysozyme. We previously showed that the csfV operon is required for lysozyme resistance. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutagenesis and CRISPRi knockdown to show that peptidoglycan deacetylation is necessary for lysozyme resistance and is the major lysozyme resistance mechanism in C. difficile. We show that two peptidoglycan deacetylases in C. difficile are partially redundant and are required for lysozyme resistance. PgdA provides an intrinsic level of deacetylation, and PdaV, encoded by a part of the csfV operon, provides lysozyme-induced peptidoglycan deacetylation.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic and Metabolic Network Analysis of Metabolic Reprogramming and IGF-1 Modulation in SCA3 Transgenic Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7974
Author(s):  
Yu-Te Lin ◽  
Yong-Shiou Lin ◽  
Wen-Ling Cheng ◽  
Jui-Chih Chang ◽  
Yi-Chun Chao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Metabolic Network ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Metabolic Network Analysis ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Metabolic Remodeling

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease for which a cure is still needed. Growth hormone (GH) therapy has shown positive effects on the exercise behavior of mice with cerebellar atrophy, retains more Purkinje cells, and exhibits less DNA damage after GH intervention. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is the downstream mediator of GH that participates in signaling and metabolic regulation for cell growth and modulation pathways, including SCA3-affected pathways. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of GH or IGF-1 in SCA3 are not fully understood. In the present study, tissue-specific genome-scale metabolic network models for SCA3 transgenic mice were proposed based on RNA-seq. An integrative transcriptomic and metabolic network analysis of a SCA3 transgenic mouse model revealed that metabolic signaling pathways were activated to compensate for the metabolic remodeling caused by SCA3 genetic modifications. The effect of IGF-1 intervention on the pathology and balance of SCA3 disease was also explored. IGF-1 has been shown to invoke signaling pathways and improve mitochondrial function and glycolysis pathways to restore cellular functions. As one of the downregulated factors in SCA3 transgenic mice, IGF-1 could be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.

scholarly journals Lon Protease Has Multifaceted Biological Functions inAcinetobacter baumannii

2018 ◽  
Vol 201 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly Ching ◽  
Brendan Yang ◽  
Chineme Onwubueke ◽  
David Lazinski ◽  
Andrew Camilli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Lon Protease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Hospital Acquired

ABSTRACTAcinetobacter baumanniiis a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that is known to survive harsh environmental conditions and is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Specifically, multicellular communities (known as biofilms) ofA. baumanniican withstand desiccation and survive on hospital surfaces and equipment. Biofilms are bacteria embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix composed of proteins, sugars, and/or DNA. Bacteria in a biofilm are protected from environmental stresses, including antibiotics, which provides the bacteria with selective advantage for survival. Although some gene products are known to play roles in this developmental process inA. baumannii, mechanisms and signaling remain mostly unknown. Here, we find that Lon protease inA. baumanniiaffects biofilm development and has other important physiological roles, including motility and the cell envelope. Lon proteases are found in all domains of life, participating in regulatory processes and maintaining cellular homeostasis. These data reveal the importance of Lon protease in influencing keyA. baumanniiprocesses to survive stress and to maintain viability.IMPORTANCEAcinetobacter baumanniiis an opportunistic pathogen and is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.A. baumanniiis difficult to eradicate and to manage, because this bacterium is known to robustly survive desiccation and to quickly gain antibiotic resistance. We sought to investigate biofilm formation inA. baumannii, since much remains unknown about biofilm formation in this bacterium. Biofilms, which are multicellular communities of bacteria, are surface attached and difficult to eliminate from hospital equipment and implanted devices. Our research identifies multifaceted physiological roles for the conserved bacterial protease Lon inA. baumannii. These roles include biofilm formation, motility, and viability. This work broadly affects and expands understanding of the biology ofA. baumannii, which will permit us to find effective ways to eliminate the bacterium.

scholarly journals The interplay of SARS-CoV-2 and Clostridioides difficile infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 439-443
Author(s):  
Sahil Khanna ◽  
Colleen S Kraft
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Antibiotic Exposure ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile Infection ◽  
Hospital Acquired

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we practice medicine and lead our lives. In addition to pulmonary symptoms; COVID-19 as a syndrome has multisystemic involvement including frequent gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Due to microbiome alterations with COVID-19 and frequent antibiotic exposure, COVID-19 can be complicated by Clostridioides difficile infection. Co-infection with these two can be associated with a high risk of complications. Infection control measures in hospitals is enhanced due to the COVID-19 pandemic which in turn appears to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections such as C. difficile infection. Another implication of COVID-19 and its potential transmissibility by stool is microbiome-based therapies. Potential stool donors should be screened COVID-19 symptoms and be tested for COVID-19.

scholarly journals Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Phage Sweeny

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (39) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Martinez ◽  
Eric Williams ◽  
Heather Newkirk ◽  
Mei Liu ◽  
Jason J. Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Complete Genome Sequence ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Multidrug Resistant Bacterium ◽  
Protein Encoding ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
Encoding Genes

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multidrug-resistant bacterium causing many severe hospital-acquired infections. Here, we describe siphophage Sweeny that infects K. pneumoniae. Of its 78 predicted protein-encoding genes, a functional assignment was given to 36 of them. Sweeny is most closely related to T1-like phages at the protein level.

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