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MSphere May 2024Hyperuricemia has become the second most prevalent metabolic disease after diabetes, but the limitations of urate-lowering treatment (ULT) drugs and patient nonadherence...
UNLABELLED
Hyperuricemia has become the second most prevalent metabolic disease after diabetes, but the limitations of urate-lowering treatment (ULT) drugs and patient nonadherence make ULT far less successful. Thus, more ULT approaches urgently need to be explored. Uric acid-degrading bacteria have potential application value in ULT. In this study, we isolated 44XB, a uric acid-degrading bacterium, from black-headed gull () feces. Using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, strain 44XB was identified as a novel genus within the family ; subsequently, the name was proposed. Strain 44XB had a unique uric acid-dependent phenotype and utilized uric acid and allantoin as the sole carbon and nitrogen sources, but not common carbon sources or complex media. In the genome, multiple copies of genes involved in uric acid metabolic pathway (, , , and ) were found. Six copies of (encoding urate oxidase) were detected. Of these, five copies were in a tandem arrangement and shared 70.42%-99.70% amino acid identity. experiments revealed that 44XB reduced serum uric acid levels and attenuated kidney damage in hyperuricemic mice through uric acid catalysis in the gut and gut microbiota remodeling. In conclusion, our findings discover a strain for studying bacterial uric acid metabolism and may provide valuable insights into ULT.
IMPORTANCE
The increasing disease burden of hyperuricemia highlights the need for new therapeutic drugs and treatment strategies. Our study describes the developmental and application values of natural uric acid-degrading bacteria found in the gut of birds and broadened the source of bacteria with potential therapeutic value. Furthermore, the special physiology characteristics and genomic features of strain 44XB are valuable for further study.
PubMed: 38814072
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00025-24 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Apr 2024The antibiotic resistance of microorganisms is escalating rapidly. Infections caused by opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals have prompted...
BACKGROUND
The antibiotic resistance of microorganisms is escalating rapidly. Infections caused by opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals have prompted researchers to seek for potent and safe antibacterial agents. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the suppression of virulence gene expression, specifically the operon genes responsible in biofilm formation in , through the utilization of metabolites obtained from probiotic bacteria.
METHODS
To assess the antimicrobial properties, standard strains of five probiotic bacteria were tested against a standard strain of multidrug-resistant (MDR) employing the agar gel diffusion technique. Following the identification of the most potent probiotic strain (), the existence of its and genes was confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were employed to identify the intended metabolite, which was found to be a lipopeptide nature. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and anti-biofilm activity of the targeted metabolite were determined using a dilution method in 96-well microplates and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Real-time PCR (qPCR) was utilized for comparing the expression of operon genes, including , in pre- and post-exposure to the derived lipopeptide.
RESULTS
The MIC results indicated that the probiotic product inhibited the growth of at concentrations lower than those needed for conventional antibiotics. Furthermore, it was observed that the desired genes' expression decreased due to the effect of this substance.
CONCLUSIONS
This research concludes that the probiotic product could be a viable alternative for combating drug resistance in .
Topics: Acinetobacter baumannii; Probiotics; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Biofilms; Lipopeptides; Bacillus licheniformis; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
PubMed: 38812307
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2905171 -
Microbial Cell Factories May 2024This study explores the biosynthesis, characteristics, and functional properties of exopolysaccharide produced by the strain Liquorilactobacillus mali T6-52. The strain...
BACKGROUND
This study explores the biosynthesis, characteristics, and functional properties of exopolysaccharide produced by the strain Liquorilactobacillus mali T6-52. The strain demonstrated significant EPS production with a non-ropy phenotype.
RESULTS
The genomic analysis unveiled genes associated with EPS biosynthesis, shedding light on the mechanism behind EPS production. These genes suggest a robust EPS production mechanism, providing insights into the strain's adaptability and ecological niche. Chemical composition analysis identified the EPS as a homopolysaccharide primarily composed of glucose, confirming its dextran nature. Furthermore, it demonstrated notable functional properties, including antioxidant activity, fat absorption capacity, and emulsifying activity. Moreover, the EPS displayed promising cryoprotective activities, showing notable performance comparable to standard cryoprotective agents. The EPS concentration also demonstrated significant freeze-drying protective effects, presenting it as a potential alternative cryoprotectant for bacterial storage.
CONCLUSIONS
The functional properties of L. mali T6-52 EPS reveal promising opportunities across various industrial domains. The strain's safety profile, antioxidant prowess, and exceptional cryoprotective and freeze-drying characteristics position it as an asset in food processing and pharmaceuticals.
Topics: Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Bacillaceae; Freeze Drying; Antioxidants; Genomics; Cryoprotective Agents; Genome, Bacterial
PubMed: 38812023
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02431-z -
Malaria Journal May 2024The recent reduction in malaria burden in Côte d'Ivoire is largely attributable to the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). However, this progress is...
Combined use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis larviciding, a promising integrated approach against malaria transmission in northern Côte d'Ivoire.
BACKGROUND
The recent reduction in malaria burden in Côte d'Ivoire is largely attributable to the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). However, this progress is threatened by insecticide resistance and behavioral changes in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) populations and residual malaria transmission, and complementary tools are required. Thus, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of the combined use of LLINs and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), in comparison with LLINs.
METHODS
This study was conducted in the health district of Korhogo, northern Côte d'Ivoire, within two study arms (LLIN + Bti arm and LLIN-only arm) from March 2019 to February 2020. In the LLIN + Bti arm, Anopheles larval habitats were treated every fortnight with Bti in addition to the use of LLINs. Mosquito larvae and adults were sampled and identified morphologically to genus and species using standard methods. The members of the An. gambiae complex were determined using a polymerase chain reaction technique. Plasmodium infection in An. gambiae s.l. and malaria incidence in local people was also assessed.
RESULTS
Overall, Anopheles spp. larval density was lower in the LLIN + Bti arm 0.61 [95% CI 0.41-0.81] larva/dip (l/dip) compared with the LLIN-only arm 3.97 [95% CI 3.56-4.38] l/dip (RR = 6.50; 95% CI 5.81-7.29; P < 0.001). The overall biting rate of An. gambiae s.l. was 0.59 [95% CI 0.43-0.75] biting/person/night in the LLIN + Bti arm against 2.97 [95% CI 2.02-3.93] biting/person/night in LLIN-only arm (P < 0.001). Anopheles gambiae s.l. was predominantly identified as An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) (95.1%, n = 293), followed by Anopheles coluzzii (4.9%; n = 15). The human-blood index was 80.5% (n = 389) in study area. EIR was 1.36 infected bites/person/year (ib/p/y) in the LLIN + Bti arm against 47.71 ib/p/y in the LLIN-only arm. Malaria incidence dramatically declined from 291.8‰ (n = 765) to 111.4‰ (n = 292) in LLIN + Bti arm (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The combined use of LLINs with Bti significantly reduced the incidence of malaria. The LLINs and Bti duo could be a promising integrated approach for effective vector control of An. gambiae for elimination of malaria.
Topics: Cote d'Ivoire; Bacillus thuringiensis; Animals; Anopheles; Larva; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Female; Mosquito Vectors; Humans; Male; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Young Adult; Child; Adult
PubMed: 38812003
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04953-8 -
Communications Biology May 2024The gut microbiota influences human health and the development of chronic diseases. However, our understanding of potentially protective or harmful microbe-host...
The gut microbiota influences human health and the development of chronic diseases. However, our understanding of potentially protective or harmful microbe-host interactions at the molecular level is still in its infancy. To gain further insights into the hidden gut metabolome and its impact, we identified a cryptic non-ribosomal peptide BGC in the genome of Bacillus cereus DSM 28590 from the mouse intestine ( www.dsmz.de/miBC ), which was predicted to encode a thiazol(in)e substructure. Cloning and heterologous expression of this BGC revealed that it produces bacillamide D. In-depth functional evaluation showed potent cytotoxicity and inhibition of cell migration using the human cell lines HCT116 and HEK293, which was validated using primary mouse organoids. This work establishes the bacillamides as selective cytotoxins from a bacterial gut isolate that affect mammalian cells. Our targeted structure-function-predictive approach is demonstrated to be a streamlined method to discover deleterious gut microbial metabolites with potential effects on human health.
Topics: Bacillus cereus; Animals; Mice; Humans; HEK293 Cells; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Cytotoxins; HCT116 Cells; Intestines; Cell Movement; Organoids
PubMed: 38806706
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06208-3 -
Nature Communications May 2024Bacterial-fungal interactions influence microbial community performance of most ecosystems and elicit specific microbial behaviours, including stimulating specialised...
Bacterial-fungal interactions influence microbial community performance of most ecosystems and elicit specific microbial behaviours, including stimulating specialised metabolite production. Here, we use a co-culture experimental evolution approach to investigate bacterial adaptation to the presence of a fungus, using a simple model of bacterial-fungal interactions encompassing the bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the fungus Aspergillus niger. We find in one evolving population that B. subtilis was selected for enhanced production of the lipopeptide surfactin and accelerated surface spreading ability, leading to inhibition of fungal expansion and acidification of the environment. These phenotypes were explained by specific mutations in the DegS-DegU two-component system. In the presence of surfactin, fungal hyphae exhibited bulging cells with delocalised secretory vesicles possibly provoking an RlmA-dependent cell wall stress. Thus, our results indicate that the presence of the fungus selects for increased surfactin production, which inhibits fungal growth and facilitates the competitive success of the bacterium.
Topics: Bacillus subtilis; Aspergillus niger; Lipopeptides; Adaptation, Physiological; Peptides, Cyclic; Hyphae; Microbial Interactions; Bacterial Proteins; Coculture Techniques; Mutation; Cell Wall
PubMed: 38802389
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48812-1 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology May 2024Modulating the soil microbiome by applying microbial inoculants has gained increasing attention as eco-friendly option to improve soil disease suppressiveness....
Modulating the soil microbiome by applying microbial inoculants has gained increasing attention as eco-friendly option to improve soil disease suppressiveness. Currently, studies unraveling the interplay of inoculants, root-associated microbiome, and plant response are lacking for apple trees. Here, we provide insights into the ability of Bacillus velezensis FZB42 or Pseudomonas sp. RU47 to colonize apple root-associated microhabitats and to modulate their microbiome. We applied the two strains to apple plants grown in soils from the same site either affected by apple replant disease (ARD) or not (grass), screened their establishment by selective plating, and measured phytoalexins in roots 3, 16, and 28 days post inoculation (dpi). Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS fragments amplified from DNA extracted 28 dpi from different microhabitat samples revealed significant inoculation effects on fungal β-diversity in root-affected soil and rhizoplane. Interestingly, only in ARD soil, most abundant bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) changed significantly in relative abundance. Relative abundances of ASVs affiliated with Enterobacteriaceae were higher in rhizoplane of apple grown in ARD soil and reduced by both inoculants. Bacterial communities in the root endosphere were not affected by the inoculants but their presence was indicated. Interestingly and previously unobserved, apple plants responded to the inoculants with increased phytoalexin content in roots, more pronounced in grass than ARD soil. Altogether, our results indicate that FZB42 and RU47 were rhizosphere competent, modulated the root-associated microbiome, and were perceived by the apple plants, which could make them interesting candidates for an eco-friendly mitigation strategy of ARD. KEY POINTS: • Rhizosphere competent inoculants modulated the microbiome (mainly fungi) • Inoculants reduced relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae in the ARD rhizoplane • Inoculants increased phytoalexin content in roots, stronger in grass than ARD soil.
Topics: Malus; Plant Roots; Rhizosphere; Phytoalexins; Microbiota; Soil Microbiology; Bacillus; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sesquiterpenes; Pseudomonas; Agricultural Inoculants; Fungi; Plant Diseases
PubMed: 38801472
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13181-8 -
Microbial Ecology May 2024Modern crop production relies on the application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers causing environmental and economic challenges. In response, less environmentally...
Modern crop production relies on the application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers causing environmental and economic challenges. In response, less environmentally impactful alternatives have emerged such as the use of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms, particularly plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), have demonstrated their ability to enhance plant growth, protect against various stresses, and reduce the need for chemical inputs. Among the PGPB, Bacillus species have garnered attention due to their adaptability and commercial potential. Recent reports have highlighted Bacillus strains as biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic bacteria while concurrently promoting plant growth. We also examined Bacillus plant growth-promoting abilities in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. In this study, we assessed the potential of various Bacillus strains to control diverse phytopathogenic bacteria and inhibit quorum sensing using Chromobacterium violaceum as a model system. In conclusion, our results suggest that bacteria of the genus Bacillus hold significant potential for biotechnological applications. This includes developments aimed at reducing agrochemical use, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing crop yield and protection.
Topics: Bacillus; Arabidopsis; Plant Diseases; Quorum Sensing; Chromobacterium; Biological Control Agents; Plant Development; Seedlings; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 38801423
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02384-1 -
New Microbes and New Infections Jun 2024
PubMed: 38799954
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2024.101367 -
Nutrients May 2024Maintaining the balance and stability of the gut microbiota is crucial for the gut health and growth development of humans and animals. () has been reported to be...
Maintaining the balance and stability of the gut microbiota is crucial for the gut health and growth development of humans and animals. () has been reported to be beneficial to the gut health of humans and animals, whereas the probiotic effects of a new strain, HD173, remain uncertain. In this study, nursery piglets were utilized as animal models to investigate the extensive impact of HD173 on gut microbiota, metabolites, and host health. The major findings were that this probiotic enhanced the growth performance and improved the health status of the nursery piglets. Specifically, it reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum while increasing the level of IL-10 and SOD. In the gut, HD173 reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as , , and , while it increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, including , , and , leading to an enhanced production of butyric acid. Furthermore, HD173 effectively improved the gut metabolic status, enabling the gut microbiota to provide the host with stronger metabolic abilities for nutrients. In summary, these findings provide scientific evidence for the utilization of HD173 in the development and production of probiotic products for maintaining gut health in humans and animals.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Probiotics; Swine; Bacillus licheniformis; Models, Animal; Bacteria
PubMed: 38794735
DOI: 10.3390/nu16101497