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Pharmaceutics Jul 2023produces several classes of antimicrobial substances, including bacteriocins, which are peptides or proteins with different structural composition and molecular mass:... (Review)
Review
produces several classes of antimicrobial substances, including bacteriocins, which are peptides or proteins with different structural composition and molecular mass: ribosomally synthesized by bacteria (1.4-20 kDa), non-ribosomally synthesized peptides and cyclic lipopeptides (0.8-42 kDa) and exopolysaccharides (>1000 kDa). Different bacteriocins act against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, fungal pathogens and amoeba cells. The main mechanisms of bacteriocin lytic activity include interaction of peptides with membranes of target cells resulting in structural alterations, pore-forming, and inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis. DNase and RNase activity for some bacteriocines are also postulated. Non-ribosomal peptides are synthesized by special non-ribosomal multimodular peptide synthetases and contain unnatural amino acids or fatty acids. Their harmful effect is due to their ability to form pores in biological membranes, destabilize lipid packaging, and disrupt the peptidoglycan layer. Lipopeptides, as biosurfactants, are able to destroy bacterial biofilms. Secreted polysaccharides are high molecular weight compounds, composed of repeated units of sugar moieties attached to a carrier lipid. Their antagonistic action was revealed in relation to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Exopolysaccharides also inhibit the formation of biofilms by pathogenic bacteria and prevent their colonization on various surfaces. However, mechanism of the harmful effect for many secreted antibacterial substances remains unknown. The antimicrobial activity for most substances has been studied in vitro only, but some substances have been characterized in vivo and they have found practical applications in medicine and veterinary. The cyclic lipopeptides that have surfactant properties are used in some industries. In this review, special attention is paid to the antimycobacterials produced by as a possible approach to combat multidrug-resistant and latent tuberculosis. In particular, licheniformins and bacitracins have shown strong antimycobacterial activity. However, the medical application of some antibacterials with promising in vitro antimycobacterial activity has been limited by their toxicity to animals and humans. As such, similar to the enhancement in the antimycobacterial activity of natural bacteriocins achieved using genetic engineering, the reduction in toxicity using the same approach appears feasible. The unique capability of to synthesize and produce a range of different antibacterial compounds means that this organism can act as a natural universal vehicle for antibiotic substances in the form of probiotic cultures and strains to combat various types of pathogens, including mycobacteria.
PubMed: 37514078
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071893 -
RSC Advances Feb 2024Antimicrobial thin films are types of protective coatings that are applied to surfaces such as medical devices, food packaging materials, water-resistant coatings, and... (Review)
Review
Antimicrobial thin films are types of protective coatings that are applied to surfaces such as medical devices, food packaging materials, water-resistant coatings, and other systems. These films prevent and reduce the spread of microbial organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Antimicrobial thin films can be prepared from a variety of nanostructured materials including metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, plant materials, enzymes, bacteriocins and polymers. Their antimicrobial mechanism varies mostly based on the types of active agents from which the film is made of. Antimicrobial thin films are becoming increasingly popular microbial treatment methods due to their advantages such as enhanced stability, reduced toxicity levels, extended effectiveness over time and broad spectrum antimicrobial action without side effects on human health or the environment. This popularity and enhanced performance is mainly due to the extended possibility of film designs. Thin films offer convenient formulation methods which makes them suitable for commercial practices aiming at high turnover rates along with residential applications requiring frequent application cycles. This review focuses on recent developments in the possible processing methods and design approaches for assembling the various types of antimicrobial materials into nanostructured thin film-based delivery systems, along with mechanisms of action against microbes.
PubMed: 38357038
DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07884a -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023
PubMed: 37469431
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1242253 -
BMC Bioinformatics Aug 2023Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern around the globe. As a result, researchers always look for new compounds to develop new antibiotic drugs for...
BACKGROUND
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern around the globe. As a result, researchers always look for new compounds to develop new antibiotic drugs for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bacteriocin becomes a promising antimicrobial agent to fight against antibiotic resistance, due to cases of both broad and narrow killing spectra. Sequence matching methods are widely used to identify bacteriocins by comparing them with the known bacteriocin sequences; however, these methods often fail to detect new bacteriocin sequences due to their high diversity. The ability to use a machine learning approach can help find new highly dissimilar bacteriocins for developing highly effective antibiotic drugs. The aim of this work is to develop a machine learning-based software tool called BaPreS (Bacteriocin Prediction Software) using an optimal set of features for detecting bacteriocin protein sequences with high accuracy. We extracted potential features from known bacteriocin and non-bacteriocin sequences by considering the physicochemical and structural properties of the protein sequences. Then we reduced the feature set using statistical justifications and recursive feature elimination technique. Finally, we built support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) models using the selected features and utilized the best machine learning model to implement the software tool.
RESULTS
We applied BaPreS to an established dataset and evaluated its prediction performance. Acquired results show that the software tool can achieve a prediction accuracy of 95.54% for testing protein sequences. This tool allows users to add new bacteriocin or non-bacteriocin sequences in the training dataset to further enhance the predictive power of the tool. We compared the prediction performance of the BaPreS with a popular sequence matching-based tool and a deep learning-based method, and our software tool outperformed both.
CONCLUSIONS
BaPreS is a bacteriocin prediction tool that can be used to discover new highly dissimilar bacteriocins for developing highly effective antibiotic drugs. This software tool can be used with Windows, Linux and macOS operating systems. The open-source software package and its user manual are available at https://github.com/suraiya14/BaPreS .
Topics: Bacteriocins; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Amino Acid Sequence; Machine Learning; Software
PubMed: 37592230
DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05330-z -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Jan 2024Prophages integrated into bacterial genomes can become cryptic or defective prophages, which may evolve to provide various traits to bacterial cells. Previous research...
Prophages integrated into bacterial genomes can become cryptic or defective prophages, which may evolve to provide various traits to bacterial cells. Previous research on MMB-1 demonstrated the production of defective particles. In this study, an analysis of the genomes of three different strains (MMB-1, MMB-2, and MMB-3) revealed the presence of a region named MEDPRO1, spanning approximately 52 kb, coding for a defective prophage in strains MMB-1 and MMB-2. This prophage seems to have been lost in strain MMB-3, possibly due to the presence of spacers recognizing this region in an I-F CRISPR array in this strain. However, all three strains produce remarkably similar defective particles. Using strain MMB-1 as a model, mass spectrometry analyses indicated that the structural proteins of the defective particles are encoded by a second defective prophage situated within the MEDPRO2 region, spanning approximately 13 kb. This finding was further validated through the deletion of this second defective prophage. Genomic region analyses and the detection of antimicrobial activity of the defective prophage against other species suggest that it is an R-type bacteriocin. synthesizes antimicrobial proteins with lysine oxidase activity, and the synthesis of an R-type bacteriocin constitutes an additional mechanism in microbial competition for the colonization of habitats such as the surface of marine plants.IMPORTANCEThe interactions between bacterial strains inhabiting the same environment determine the final composition of the microbiome. In this study, it is shown that some extracellular defective phage particles previously observed in are in fact R-type bacteriocins showing antimicrobial activity against other strains. The operon coding for the R-type bacteriocin has been identified.
Topics: Marinomonas; Bacteriocins; Oxidoreductases; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 38169292
DOI: 10.1128/aem.01273-23 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023With the antibiotic crisis and the rise in antimicrobial resistance worldwide, new therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Phage therapy represents one of the most... (Review)
Review
With the antibiotic crisis and the rise in antimicrobial resistance worldwide, new therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Phage therapy represents one of the most promising alternatives but for some pathogens, such as , important challenges are being faced. The perspective of phage therapy to treat infections is complicated by the fact that no strictly lytic phages have been identified so far, and current temperate phages generally have a narrow host range. also harbors multiple antiphage mechanisms, and the bacterial genome is often a host of one or multiple prophages that can interfere with lytic phage infection. Nevertheless, due to recent advances in phage host receptor recognition and improvements in genetic tools to manipulate phage genomes, it is now conceivable to genetically engineer phages to make them suitable for phage therapy. Other phage-based alternatives such as phage endolysins and phage tail-like bacteriocins (avidocins) are also being investigated but these approaches also have their own limitations and challenges. Last but not least, produces spores that are resistant to phage attacks and all current antibiotics, and this complicates therapeutic interventions. This mini-review gives a brief historical overview of phage work that has been carried out in , presents recent advances in the field, and addresses the most important challenges that are being faced, with potential solutions.
PubMed: 37680620
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1259427 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Sep 2023is the dominant genus, particularly in the intestinal tract niche of healthy breast-fed infants, and many of these strains have been proven to elicit positive effects...
is the dominant genus, particularly in the intestinal tract niche of healthy breast-fed infants, and many of these strains have been proven to elicit positive effects on infant development. In addition to its effective antimicrobial activity against detrimental microorganisms, it helps to improve the intestinal microbiota balance. The isolation and identification of bacteriocins from have been limited since the mid-1980s, leading to an underestimation of its ability for bacteriocin production. Here, we employed a silicon-based search strategy to mine 354 putative bacteriocin gene clusters (BGCs), most of which have never been reported, from the genomes of 759 strains distributed across 9 species. Consistent with previous reports, most strains did not carry or carry only a single BGC; however, subsp. , in contrast to other species, carried numerous BGCs, including lanthipeptides, lasso peptides, thiopeptides, and class IId bacteriocins. The antimicrobial activity of the crude bacteriocins and transcription analysis confirmed its potential for bacteriocin biosynthesis. Additionally, we investigated the association of bacteriocins with the phylogenetic positions of their homologs from other genera and niches. In conclusion, this study re-examines a few species traditionally regarded as a poor source of bacteriocins. These bacteriocin genes impart a competitive advantage to in colonizing the infant intestinal tract. IMPORTANCE Development of the human gut microbiota commences from birth, with bifidobacteria being among the first colonizers of the newborn intestinal tract and dominating it for a considerable period. To date, the genetic basis for the successful adaptation of bifidobacteria to this particular niche remains unclear since studies have mainly focused on glycoside hydrolase and adhesion-related genes. Bacteriocins are competitive factors that help producers maintain colonization advantages without destroying the niche balance; however, they have rarely been reported in . The advancement in sequencing methods and bacteriocin databases enables the use of a silicon-based search strategy for the comprehensive and rapid re-evaluation of the bacteriocin distribution of . Our study revealed that carries abundant bacteriocin biosynthetic gene clusters for the first time, presenting new evidence regarding the competitive interactions of in the infant intestinal tract.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Child; Female; Humans; Bifidobacterium; Bacteriocins; Phylogeny; Silicon; Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis; Multigene Family; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37681950
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00979-23 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2023The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic features of a carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) isolate (K-2157) collected in...
The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic features of a carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) isolate (K-2157) collected in Chile. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and hybrid assembly were performed, using data generated on the Illumina and Nanopore platforms. The mucoid phenotype was analyzed using both the string test and sedimentation profile. The genomic features of K-2157 (e.g., sequence type, K locus, and mobile genetic elements) were retrieved using different bioinformatic tools. Strain K-2157 exhibited resistance to carbapenems and was identified as a high-risk virulent clone belonging to capsular serotype K1 and sequence type 23 (ST23). Strikingly, K-2157 displayed a resistome composed of β-lactam resistance genes (, , , and ), the fosfomycin resistance gene , and the fluoroquinolones resistance genes and . Moreover, several genes involved in siderophore biosynthesis (, , and ), bacteriocins (), and capsule hyperproduction (plasmid-borne [] and ) were found, which is congruent with the positive string test displayed by K-2157. In addition, K-2157 harbored two plasmids: one of 113,644 bp (KPC+) and another of 230,602 bp, containing virulence genes, in addition to an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) embedded on its chromosome, revealing that the presence of these mobile genetic elements mediates the convergence between virulence and antibiotic resistance. Our report is the first genomic characterization of a hypervirulent and highly resistant K. pneumoniae isolate in Chile, which was collected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to their global dissemination and public health impact, genomic surveillance of the spread of convergent high-risk K1-ST23 K. pneumoniae clones should be highly prioritized. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a resistant pathogen involved primarily in hospital-acquired infections. This pathogen is characterized by its notorious resistance to last-line antibiotics, such as carbapenems. Moreover, hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) isolates, first identified in Southeast Asia, have emerged globally and are able to cause infections in healthy people. Alarmingly, isolates displaying a convergence phenotype of carbapenem resistance and hypervirulence have been detected in several countries, representing a serious threat to public health. In this work, we analyzed the genomic characteristics of a carbapenem-resistant hvKp isolate recovered in 2022 from a patient with COVID-19 in Chile, representing the first analysis of this type in the country. Our results will provide a baseline for the study of these isolates in Chile, which will support the adoption of local measures aimed at controlling their dissemination.
Topics: Humans; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Carbapenems; Pandemics; Chile; Klebsiella Infections; COVID-19; Plasmids; Anti-Bacterial Agents; beta-Lactamases
PubMed: 37191539
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00540-23 -
Microbiology (Reading, England) Aug 2023is a human gut symbiont, part of the infant and adult gut microbiota and associated with intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. mechanisms of adaptation to the gut...
is a human gut symbiont, part of the infant and adult gut microbiota and associated with intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. mechanisms of adaptation to the gut are strain-specific and underpinned by the capacity of strains to utilize mucin and dietary glycans and produce bacteriocins and adhesins. Several potential mediators underpinning the association between strains and diseases have been identified, including the capacity to elicit a pro- or anti-inflammatory host response and modulate host metabolism, secondary bile acids and tryptophan metabolic pathways. Based on increasing evidence from metagenomics studies in humans and functional investigations and in mouse models, is emerging as a main player in influencing health and disease outcomes from infants to the elderly.
Topics: Humans; Ruminococcus; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Symbiosis
PubMed: 37622435
DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001383 -
Microbial Ecology Feb 2024Bacteriocins are gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria. These peptides are heterogeneous in terms of structure, antimicrobial activities, biosynthetic... (Review)
Review
Bacteriocins are gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria. These peptides are heterogeneous in terms of structure, antimicrobial activities, biosynthetic clusters, and regulatory mechanisms. Bacteriocins are widespread in nature and may contribute to microbial diversity due to their capacity to target specific bacteria. Primarily studied as food preservatives and therapeutic agents, their function in natural settings is however less known. This review emphasizes the ecological significance of bacteriocins as multifunctional peptides by exploring bacteriocin distribution, mobility, and their impact on bacterial population dynamics and biofilms.
Topics: Bacteriocins; Biofilms; Bacteria; Peptides; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38351266
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02357-4