scholarly journals Sanguinarine Inhibits the 2-Ketogluconate Pathway of Glucose Utilization in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica A. Falchi ◽  
Giorgia Borlotti ◽  
Francesco Ferretti ◽  
Gianvito Pellegrino ◽  
Matteo Raneri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Glucose Utilization ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Experimental Protocol ◽  
Chemical Library ◽  
Primary Screening ◽  
Glucose Derivatives ◽  
Specific Inhibitors

Interfering with the ability of pathogenic bacteria to import glucose may represent a new promising antibacterial strategy, especially for the treatment of infections occurring in diabetic and other hyperglycemic patients. Such patients are particularly susceptible to infections caused by a variety of bacteria, among which opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In P. aeruginosa, glucose can be directly imported into the cytoplasm or after its periplasmic oxidation into gluconate and 2-ketogluconate (2-KG). We recently demonstrated that a P. aeruginosa mutant lacking the 2-KG transporter KguT is less virulent than its kguT+ parental strain in an insect infection model, pointing to 2-KG branch of glucose utilization as a possible target for anti-Pseudomonas drugs. In this work, we devised an experimental protocol to find specific inhibitors of the 2-KG pathway of P. aeruginosa glucose utilization and applied it to the screening of the Prestwick Chemical Library. By exploiting mutants lacking genes involved in the transport of glucose derivatives in the primary screening and in the secondary assays, we could identify sanguinarine as an inhibitor of 2-KG utilization. We also demonstrated that sanguinarine does not prevent 2-KG formation by gluconate oxidation or its transport, suggesting that either KguD or KguK is the target of sanguinarine in P. Aeruginosa.

scholarly journals Light Modulates Important Pathogenic Determinants and Virulence in Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus ESKAPE Pathogens

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Tuttobene ◽  
J. F. Pérez ◽  
E. Pavesi ◽  
B. Perez Mora ◽  
D. Biancotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Pathogens ◽  
General Concept ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Sense And Respond ◽  
Human Infections

Light sensing has been extensively characterized in the human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii at environmental temperatures. However, the influence of light on the physiology and pathogenicity of human bacterial pathogens at temperatures found in warm-blooded hosts is still poorly understand. In this work, we show that ESKAPE priority pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter spp., which have been recognized by the WHO and the CDC as critical, can also sense and respond to light at temperatures found in human hosts. Most interestingly, in these pathogens light modulates important pathogenicity determinants as well as virulence in an epithelial infection model, which could have implications in human infections. In fact, we found that alpha-toxin-dependent hemolysis, motility and growth under iron deprived conditions are modulated by light in S. aureus. Light also regulates persistence, metabolism and the ability to kill competitors, in some of these microorganisms. Finally, light exerts a profound effect on the virulence of these pathogens in an epithelial infection model, though the response is not the same in the different species: virulence was enhanced by light in A. baumannii and S. aureus, while in A. nosocomialis and P. aeruginosa it was reduced. Neither the BlsA photoreceptor nor the type VI secretion system (T6SS) are involved in virulence modulation by light in A. baumannii. Overall, this fundamental knowledge highlights the potential use of light to control pathogen's virulence, either directly or by manipulating the light regulatory switch toward the lowest virulence/persistence configuration. IMPORTANCE Pathogenic bacteria are microorganisms capable of producing disease. Dangerous bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are responsible for serious intrahospital and community infections in humans. Therapeutics is often complicated due to resistance to multiple antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. In this work, we show that these pathogens sense natural light and respond to it by modulating aspects related to their ability to cause disease: in the presence of light some of them become more aggressive while others show an opposite response. Overall, we provide new understanding on the behavior of these pathogens, which could contribute to control infections caused by them. Since the response is distributed in diverse pathogens, this notion could prove a general concept.

scholarly journals Identification of novel anti-bacterial compounds from a chemically highly diverse pathways-based library using phenotypic screens in amoebae host models

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastien Kicka ◽  
Nabil Hanna ◽  
Gianpaolo Chiriano ◽  
Christopher Harrison ◽  
Hajer Ouertatani Sakouhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Plaque Assay ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Intracellular Growth ◽  
Chemical Library

Legionella pneumophila and tubercular Mycobacteria are the causative agents of potentially fatal diseases due to their pathogenesis but also to the emergence of antibiotic resistance that limits treatment strategies. The aim of our study is to explore the antimicrobial activity of a small ligand-based chemical library of 1,255 structurally diverse compounds. These compounds were screened in a combination of three assays, two monitoring the intracellular growth of the pathogenic bacteria, Mycobacterium marinum and L. pneumophila, and an additional anti-virulence plaque assay for M. marinum. We set up these assays using two amoeba strains, the genetically tractable Dictyostelium discoideum and the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. In summary, sixty-four compounds showed anti-infective/anti-virulence activity in at least one of the 3 assays. The intracellular assays hit rate varied between 1.7% (n=22) for M. marinum and 2.8% (n=35) for L pneumophila with 7 compounds in common between both pathogens. In parallel, 1.2 % (n= 15) of the tested compounds were able to restore D. discoideum growth in presence of M. marinum spiked in a lawn of Klebsiella pneumoniae. We also validated the generality of the hit compounds identified using the A. castellanii-M. marinum anti-infective screen in the powerful D. discoideum-M. marinum host-pathogen model. The characterization of anti-infective and antibacterial hits in the latter infection model revealed compounds able to reduce intracellular growth more than 50% at 30 μM. Our studies underline the relevance of using a combination of low-cost and low-complexity assays with full 3R compliance associated with a rationalized focused library of compounds to help identifying new chemical scaffolds and dissect some of their properties prior to run further compounds development steps.

Inhibitory effect of biofilm-forming Lactobacillus kunkeei strains against virulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro and in honeycomb moth (Galleria mellonella) infection model

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Berríos ◽  
J.A. Fuentes ◽  
D. Salas ◽  
A. Carreño ◽  
P. Aldea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Lactobacillus Kunkeei

Biofilms correspond to complex communities of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix. Biofilm lifestyle predominates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram negative pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of infections in humans, plants and animals. In this context, anti-biofilm can be considered a key strategy to control P. aeruginosa infections, thereby more research in the field is required. On the other hand, Lactobacillus species have been described as beneficial due to their anti-biofilm properties and their consequent effect against a wide spectrum of pathogens. In fact, biofilm-forming Lactobacilli seem to be more efficient than their planktonic counterpart to antagonise pathogenic bacteria. In this work, we demonstrated that Lactobacillus kunkeei, a novel Lactobacillus species isolated from honeybee guts, can form biofilms in vitro. In addition, the L. kunkeei biofilm can, in turn, inhibit the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms. Finally, we found that L. kunkeei strains attenuate infection of P. aeruginosa in the Galleria mellonella model, presumably by affecting P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and/or their stability. Since L. kunkeei presents characteristics of a probiotic, this work provides evidence arguing that the use of this Lactobacillus species in both animals (including insects) and humans could contribute to impair P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.

Microbiological quality of residues from drinking water preparation

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Würzer ◽  
A. Wiedenmann ◽  
K. Botzenhart
Keyword(s):  
Waste Water ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Waste Water Treatment ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Detection Limits

In Germany the application of procedures such as flocculation and filtration in the preparation of drinking water results in the annual production of an estimated 500,000 t of sediments and sludges. Some of these residues have a potential for being reused, for example in agriculture, forestry, brickworks or waste water treatment. To assess the microbiological quality of residues from waterworks methods for the detection of enterobacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella, poliovirus, Ascaris suis eggs and Cryptosporidium have been evaluated regarding their detection limits and were applied to various residues from German waterworks. Results show that sediments and sludges may contain pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protista. When residues from waterworks are intended to be reused in agriculture or forestry the microbiological quality should therefore be considered.

Confocal and SEM imaging to demonstrate food pathogen- biofilm biocontrol by pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa BTRY1

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (01) ◽  
pp. 5218
Author(s):  
Laxmi Mohandas ◽  
Anju T. R. ◽  
Sarita G. Bhat*
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Redox Active ◽  
Sem Imaging ◽  
The Impact

An assortment of redox-active phenazine compounds like pyocyanin with their characteristic blue-green colour are synthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gram-negative opportunistic pathogens, which are also considered one of the most commercially valuable microorganisms. In this study, pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa BTRY1 from food sample was assessed for its antibiofilm activity by micro titer plate assay against strong biofilm producers belonging to the genera Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium and Micrococcus. Pyocyanin inhibited biofilm activity in very minute concentrations. This was also confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Both SEM and CLSM helped to visualize the biocontrol of biofilm formation by eight pathogens. The imaging and quantification by CLSM also established the impact of pyocyanin on biofilm-biocontrol mainly in the food industry.

scholarly journals Assessing the Molecular Targets and Mode of Action of Furanone C-30 on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1620
Author(s):  
Victor Markus ◽  
Karina Golberg ◽  
Kerem Teralı ◽  
Nazmi Ozer ◽  
Esti Kramarsky-Winter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
C 30

Quorum sensing (QS), a sophisticated system of bacterial communication that depends on population density, is employed by many pathogenic bacteria to regulate virulence. In view of the current reality of antibiotic resistance, it is expected that interfering with QS can address bacterial pathogenicity without stimulating the incidence of resistance. Thus, harnessing QS inhibitors has been considered a promising approach to overriding bacterial infections and combating antibiotic resistance that has become a major threat to public healthcare around the globe. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most frequent multidrug-resistant bacteria that utilize QS to control virulence. Many natural compounds, including furanones, have demonstrated strong inhibitory effects on several pathogens via blocking or attenuating QS. While the natural furanones show no activity against P. aeruginosa, furanone C-30, a brominated derivative of natural furanone compounds, has been reported to be a potent inhibitor of the QS system of the notorious opportunistic pathogen. In the present study, we assess the molecular targets and mode of action of furanone C-30 on P. aeruginosa QS system. Our results suggest that furanone C-30 binds to LasR at the ligand-binding site but fails to establish interactions with the residues crucial for the protein’s productive conformational changes and folding, thus rendering the protein dysfunctional. We also show that furanone C-30 inhibits RhlR, independent of LasR, suggesting a complex mechanism for the agent beyond what is known to date.

scholarly journals Baicalin Represses Type Three Secretion System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through PQS System

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1497
Author(s):  
Pansong Zhang ◽  
Qiao Guo ◽  
Zhihua Wei ◽  
Qin Yang ◽  
Zisheng Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Chinese Herbs ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
The Impact

Therapeutics that target the virulence of pathogens rather than their viability offer a promising alternative for treating infectious diseases and circumventing antibiotic resistance. In this study, we searched for anti-virulence compounds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Chinese herbs and investigated baicalin from Scutellariae radix as such an active anti-virulence compound. The effect of baicalin on a range of important virulence factors in P. aeruginosa was assessed using luxCDABE-based reporters and by phenotypical assays. The molecular mechanism of the virulence inhibition by baicalin was investigated using genetic approaches. The impact of baicalin on P. aeruginosa pathogenicity was evaluated by both in vitro assays and in vivo animal models. The results show that baicalin diminished a plenty of important virulence factors in P. aeruginosa, including the Type III secretion system (T3SS). Baicalin treatment reduced the cellular toxicity of P. aeruginosa on the mammalian cells and attenuated in vivo pathogenicity in a Drosophila melanogaster infection model. In a rat pulmonary infection model, baicalin significantly reduced the severity of lung pathology and accelerated lung bacterial clearance. The PqsR of the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) system was found to be required for baicalin’s impact on T3SS. These findings indicate that baicalin is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating P. aeruginosa infections.

scholarly journals Interactions between Rainbow Trout Eyed Eggs and Flavobacterium spp. Using a Bath Challenge Model: Preliminary Evaluation of Bacteriophages as Pathogen Control Agents

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 971
Author(s):  
Valentina L. Donati ◽  
Inger Dalsgaard ◽  
Anniina Runtuvuori-Salmela ◽  
Heidi Kunttu ◽  
Johanna Jørgensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Fish Eggs ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Pathogen Control ◽  
Number Of Bacteria ◽  
Bath Challenge

The microbial community surrounding fish eyed eggs can harbor pathogenic bacteria. In this study we focused on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eyed eggs and the potential of bacteriophages against the pathogenic bacteria Flavobacterium psychrophilum and F. columnare. An infection bath method was first established, and the effects of singular phages on fish eggs was assessed (survival of eyed eggs, interaction of phages with eyed eggs). Subsequently, bacteria-challenged eyed eggs were exposed to phages to evaluate their effects in controlling the bacterial population. Culture-based methods were used to enumerate the number of bacteria and/or phages associated with eyed eggs and in the surrounding environment. The results of the study showed that, with our infection model, it was possible to re-isolate F. psychrophilum associated with eyed eggs after the infection procedure, without affecting the survival of the eggs in the short term. However, this was not possible for F. columnare, as this bacterium grows at higher temperatures than the ones recommended for incubation of rainbow trout eyed eggs. Bacteriophages do not appear to negatively affect the survival of rainbow trout eyed eggs and they do not seem to strongly adhere to the surface of eyed eggs either. Finally, the results demonstrated a strong potential for short term (24 h) phage control of F. psychrophilum. However, further studies are needed to explore if phage control can be maintained for a longer period and to further elucidate the mechanisms of interactions between Flavobacteria and their phages in association with fish eggs.

scholarly journals High-density transposon libraries utilising outward-oriented promoters identify mechanisms of action and resistance to antimicrobials

2020 ◽  
Vol 367 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Coward ◽  
Gopujara Dharmalingham ◽  
Omar Abdulle ◽  
Tim Avis ◽  
Stephan Beisken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Synthase Inhibitor ◽  
Established Technique ◽  
Bacterial Transposon

ABSTRACT The use of bacterial transposon mutant libraries in phenotypic screens is a well-established technique for determining which genes are essential or advantageous for growth in conditions of interest. Standard, inactivating, transposon libraries cannot give direct information about genes whose over-expression gives a selective advantage. We report the development of a system wherein outward-oriented promoters are included in mini-transposons, generation of transposon mutant libraries in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their use to probe genes important for growth under selection with the antimicrobial fosfomycin, and a recently-developed leucyl-tRNA synthase inhibitor. In addition to the identification of known mechanisms of action and resistance, we identify the carbon–phosphorous lyase complex as a potential resistance liability for fosfomycin in E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The use of this technology can facilitate the development of novel mechanism-of-action antimicrobials that are urgently required to combat the increasing threat worldwide from antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria.

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