scholarly journals Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecules Positively Regulate c-di-GMP Effector PelD Encoding Gene and PEL Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis in Extremophile Bacterium Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Mauricio Díaz ◽  
Diego San Martin ◽  
Matías Castro ◽  
Mario Vera ◽  
Nicolás Guiliani
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Mechanical Analysis ◽  
Molecular Network ◽  
Epifluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Mechanical Resistance ◽  
Acidithiobacillus Thiooxidans ◽  
Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis ◽  
First Time

Acidithiobacillus species are fundamental players in biofilm formation by acidophile bioleaching communities. It has been previously reported that Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans possesses a functional quorum sensing mediated by acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL), involved in biofilm formation, and AHLs naturally produced by Acidithiobacillus species also induce biofilm formation in Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. A c-di-GMP pathway has been characterized in Acidithiobacillus species but it has been pointed out that the c-di-GMP effector PelD and pel-like operon are only present in the sulfur oxidizers such as A. thiooxidans. PEL exopolysaccharide has been recently involved in biofilm formation in this Acidithiobacillus species. Here, by comparing wild type and ΔpelD strains through mechanical analysis of biofilm-cells detachment, fluorescence microscopy and qPCR experiments, the structural role of PEL exopolysaccharide and the molecular network involved for its biosynthesis by A. thiooxidans were tackled. Besides, the effect of AHLs on PEL exopolysaccharide production was assessed. Mechanical resistance experiments indicated that the loss of PEL exopolysaccharide produces fragile A. thiooxidans biofilms. qRT-PCR analysis established that AHLs induce the transcription of pelA and pelD genes while epifluorescence microscopy studies revealed that PEL exopolysaccharide was required for the development of AHL-induced biofilms. Altogether these results reveal for the first time that AHLs positively regulate pel genes and participate in the molecular network for PEL exopolysaccharide biosynthesis by A. thiooxidans.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation of Esculetin on Aeromonas Hydrophila

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Sun ◽  
Huaizhi Luo ◽  
Huan Jiang ◽  
Zhennan Wang ◽  
Aiqun Jia
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Aeromonas Hydrophila ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Swarming Motility ◽  
Gene Expression Levels ◽  
Good Agreement

Quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm formation inhibition activity of esculetin on Aeromonas hydrophila SHAe 115 were evaluated. Exposure to esculetin at 25, 50, and 100μg/ml significantly inhibited the production of protease and hemolysin, the formation of biofilms and attenuated the swarming motility of A. hydrophila SHAe 115. Biofilm forming inhibition was also observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscope. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that genes positively related to QS and biofilm formation were downregulated to varying degrees, while gene (litR) negatively related to biofilm formation was significantly upregulated. The phenotypic results were in good agreement with gene expression levels. These results indicated that esculetin would be a potential QS inhibitor for A. hydrophila.

scholarly journals Conjugation of LasR Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors with Ciprofloxacin Decreases the Antibiotic Tolerance ofP. aeruginosaClinical Strains

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Bortolotti ◽  
Claudio Trapella ◽  
Alessandra Bragonzi ◽  
Paolo Marchetti ◽  
Vinicio Zanirato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Drug Dosage ◽  
Clinical Strains ◽  
Quorum Sensing Inhibitors ◽  
Antibiotic Drug ◽  
Bacterial Structure ◽  
First Time ◽  
Improve Patient

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a Gram-negative bacterium that commonly infects subjects with weakened immune system causing deadly infections above all at pulmonary level. During infection,P. aeruginosaproduces a well-organized bacterial structure, called biofilm, activating the quorum-sensing (QS) signaling, a mechanism of gene regulation. In this work, we synthesized already known QS inhibitors (QSi) designed on the scaffold of the N-(3-oxododecanoyl) homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL) QS molecule and conjugated them with ciprofloxacin to inhibitP. aeruginosabiofilm formation and increase the antibiotic susceptibility of clinical strains. We identified, for the first time, a QSi conjugated with ciprofloxacin (ET37), that is able to reduce the formation of biofilm and the onset of tolerant clones inP. aeruginosaclinical strains. This compound could have a wide application in clinical setting. The possibility to affect biofilm formation in chronically infected patients, such as patients affected by cystic fibrosis, and to reduce the onset of ciprofloxacin resistance would improve patient healing and allow to decrease antibiotic drug dosage.

scholarly journals Characterization of Type 2 Quorum Sensing in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Relationship with Biofilm Formation

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (8) ◽  
pp. 2870-2880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien Balestrino ◽  
Janus A. J. Haagensen ◽  
Chantal Rich ◽  
Christiane Forestier
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Signaling Molecules ◽  
Pcr Analysis

ABSTRACT Quorum sensing is a process by which bacteria communicate by using secreted chemical signaling molecules called autoinducers. Many bacterial species modulate the expression of a wide variety of physiological functions in response to changes in population density by this mechanism. In this study, the opportunistic pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed to secrete type 2 signaling molecules. A homologue of luxS, the gene required for AI-2 synthesis in Vibrio harveyi, was isolated from the K. pneumoniae genome. A V. harveyi bioassay showed the luxS functionality in K. pneumoniae and its ability to complement the luxS-negative phenotype of Escherichia coli DH5α. Autoinducer activity was detected in the supernatant, and maximum expression of specific messengers detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis occurred during the late exponential phase. The highest levels of AI-2 were observed in minimal medium supplemented with glycerol. To determine the potential role of luxS in colonization processes, a K. pneumoniae luxS isogenic mutant was constructed and tested for its capacity to form biofilms in vitro on an abiotic surface and to colonize the intestinal tract in a murine model. No difference was observed in the level of intestinal colonization between the wild-type strain and the luxS mutant. Microscopic analysis of biofilm structures revealed that the luxS mutant was able to form a mature biofilm but with reduced capacities in the development of microcolonies, mostly in the early steps of biofilm formation. These data suggest that a LuxS-dependent signal plays a role in the early stages of biofilm formation by K. pneumoniae.

Quorum Sensing – A Stratagem for Conquering Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison Tonkin ◽  
Shama Khan ◽  
Mohmmad Younus Wani ◽  
Aijaz Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Quorum Sensing Inhibitors ◽  
Communication Technique ◽  
Multicellular Organisms ◽  
Chemical Strategies

: Quorum sensing is defined as cell to cell communication between microorganisms, which enables microorganisms to behave as multicellular organisms. Quorum sensing enables many collaborative benefits such as synchronisation of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Both quorum sensing as well as biofilm formation encourage the development of drug resistance in microorganisms. Biofilm formation and quorum sensing are causally linked to each other and play role in the pathogenesis of microorganisms. With the increasing drug resistance against the available antibiotics and antifungal medications, scientists are combining different options to develop new strategies. Such strategies rely on the inhibition of the communication and virulence factors rather than on killing or inhibiting the growth of the microorganisms. This review encompasses the communication technique used by microorganisms, how microorganism resistance is linked to quorum sensing and various chemical strategies to combat quorum sensing and thereby drug resistance. Several compounds have been identified as quorum sensing inhibitors and are known to be effective in reducing resistance as they do not kill the pathogens but rather disrupt their communication. Natural compounds have been identified as anti-quorum sensing agents. However, natural compounds present several related disadvantages. Therefore, the need for the development of synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds has arisen. This review argues that anti-quorum sensing compounds are effective in disrupting quorum sensing and could therefore be effective in reducing microorganism drug resistance.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota through Dietary Phytochemicals as a Novel Anti-infective Strategy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavan K. Mujawdiya ◽  
Suman Kapur
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Chemical Interaction ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Gut Microbes

: Quorum Sensing (QS) is a phenomenon in which bacterial cells communicate with each other with the help of several low molecular weight compounds. QS is largely dependent on population density, and it triggers when the concentration of quorum sensing molecules accumulate in the environment and crosses a particular threshold. Once a certain population density is achieved and the concentration of molecules crosses a threshold, the bacterial cells show a collective behavior in response to various chemical stimuli referred to as “auto-inducers”. The QS signaling is crucial for several phenotypic characteristics responsible for bacterial survival such as motility, virulence, and biofilm formation. Biofilm formation is also responsible for making bacterial cells resistant to antibiotics. : The human gut is home to trillions of bacterial cells collectively called “gut microbiota” or “gut microbes”. Gut microbes are a consortium of more than 15,000 bacterial species and play a very crucial role in several body functions such as metabolism, development and maturation of the immune system, and the synthesis of several essential vitamins. Due to its critical role in shaping human survival and its modulating impact on body metabolisms, the gut microbial community has been referred to as “the forgotten organ” by O`Hara et al. (2006) [1]. Several studies have demonstrated that chemical interaction between the members of bacterial cells in the gut is responsible for shaping the overall microbial community. : Recent advances in phytochemical research have generated a lot of interest in finding new, effective, and safer alternatives to modern chemical-based medicines. In the context of antimicrobial research various plant extracts have been identified with Quorum Sensing Inhibitory (QSI) activities among bacterial cells. This review focuses on the mechanism of quorum sensing and quorum sensing inhibitors isolated from natural sources.

scholarly journals Interaction of Acinetobacter baumannii with Human Serum Albumin: Does the Host Determines the Outcome?

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 833
Author(s):  
Camila Pimentel ◽  
Casin Le ◽  
Marisel R. Tuttobene ◽  
Tomas Subils ◽  
Krisztina M. Papp-Wallace ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Human Serum Albumin ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Human Serum ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Multiple Drugs

Acinetobacter baumannii has become a serious threat to human health due to its extreme antibiotic resistance, environmental persistence, and capacity to survive within the host. Two A. baumannii strains, A118 and AB5075, commonly used as model systems, and three carbapenem-resistant strains, which are becoming ever more dangerous due to the multiple drugs they can resist, were exposed to 3.5% human serum albumin (HSA) and human serum (HS) to evaluate their response with respect to antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing, all features responsible for increasing survival and persistence in the environment and human body. Expression levels of antibiotic resistance genes were modified differently when examined in different strains. The cmlA gene was upregulated or downregulated in conditions of exposure to 3.5% HSA or HS depending on the strain. Expression levels of pbp1 and pbp3 tended to be increased by the presence of HSA and HS, but the effect was not seen in all strains. A. baumannii A118 growing in the presence of HS did not experience increased expression of these genes. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes were also expressed at higher or lower levels in the presence of HSA or HS. Still, the response was not uniform; in some cases, expression was enhanced, and in other cases, it was tapered. While A. baumannii AB5075 became more susceptible to rifampicin in the presence of 3.5% HSA or HS, strain A118 did not show any changes. Expression of arr2, a gene involved in resistance to rifampicin present in A. baumannii AMA16, was expressed at higher levels when HS was present in the culture medium. HSA and HS reduced biofilm formation and production of N-Acyl Homoserine Lactone, a compound intimately associated with quorum sensing. In conclusion, HSA, the main component of HS, stimulates a variety of adaptative responses in infecting A. baumannii strains.

scholarly journals Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Expression of Efflux Pump and Quorum-Sensing Genes in MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 625
Author(s):  
Fatma Y. Ahmed ◽  
Usama Farghaly Aly ◽  
Rehab Mahmoud Abd El-Baky ◽  
Nancy G. F. M. Waly
Keyword(s):  
Titanium Dioxide ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
Efflux Pumps ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
The Impact

Most of the infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strains are extremely difficult to be treated with conventional antibiotics. Biofilm formation and efflux pumps are recognized as the major antibiotic resistance mechanisms in MDR P. aeruginosa. Biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa depends mainly on the cell-to-cell communication quorum-sensing (QS) systems. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TDN) have been used as antimicrobial agents against several microorganisms but have not been reported as an anti-QS agent. This study aims to evaluate the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TDN) on QS and efflux pump genes expression in MDR P. aeruginosa isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 25 P. aeruginosa isolates were performed by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TDN) were prepared by the sol gel method and characterized by different techniques (DLS, HR-TEM, XRD, and FTIR). The expression of efflux pumps in the MDR isolates was detected by the determination of MICs of different antibiotics in the presence and absence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). Biofilm formation and the antibiofilm activity of TDN were determined using the tissue culture plate method. The effects of TDN on the expression of QS genes and efflux pump genes were tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The average size of the TDNs was 64.77 nm. It was found that TDN showed a significant reduction in biofilm formation (96%) and represented superior antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa strains in comparison to titanium dioxide powder. In addition, the use of TDN alone or in combination with antibiotics resulted in significant downregulation of the efflux pump genes (MexY, MexB, MexA) and QS-regulated genes (lasR, lasI, rhll, rhlR, pqsA, pqsR) in comparison to the untreated isolate. TDN can increase the therapeutic efficacy of traditional antibiotics by affecting efflux pump expression and quorum-sensing genes controlling biofilm production.

scholarly journals Virtual Screening and Biological Evaluation of Anti-Biofilm Agents Targeting LuxS in the Quorum Sensing System

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110196
Author(s):  
Zheng Liu ◽  
Lihua Zhang ◽  
Jincai Wang ◽  
Yanping Li ◽  
Yiqun Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Biological Evaluation ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Sensing System ◽  
Plaque Biofilm

Biofilm formation is considered as a crucial factor in various oral diseases, such as dental caries. The quorum sensing (QS) signaling system was proved to have a crucial role in the microbial dental plaque biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans). LuxS was critical to regulating the QS system and survival of the bacterium, and, therefore, compounds which target LuxS may be a potential therapy for dental caries. The binding activities of 37,170 natural compounds to LuxS were virtually screened in this study. Baicalein and paeonol were chosen for further research of the binding mode and ΔG values with LuxS. Both baicalein and paeonol inhibited the biofilm formation without influence on the growth of S. mutans. Baicalein also distinctly reduced the production of both rhamnolipids and acids. The results provide us with a new approach to combat dental caries instead of the traditional use of antibacterial chemicals.

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