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Microorganisms May 2024Root rot caused by spp. is the most destructive disease on , one of the large bulks and most common traditional herbal plants in China. In this study, we isolated a...
Root rot caused by spp. is the most destructive disease on , one of the large bulks and most common traditional herbal plants in China. In this study, we isolated a bacterial strain, CF3, from the rhizosphere soil of and determined its inhibitory effects on in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. To deeply explore the biocontrol potential of CF3, we sequenced the whole genome and investigated the key pathways for the biosynthesis of many antibiotic compounds. The results revealed that CF3 is a member of , harboring two chromosomes and one plasmid as other strains in this species. Five antibiotic compounds were found that could be synthesized due to the existence of the bio-synthesis pathways in the genome. Furthermore, the synthesis of antibiotic compounds should be confirmed by in vitro experiments and novel compounds should be purified and characterized in further studies.
PubMed: 38930425
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061043 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The paper presents the study concerning the preparation and physio-chemical and biological properties of wool-copper (WO-Cu) materials obtained by the sputter deposition...
The paper presents the study concerning the preparation and physio-chemical and biological properties of wool-copper (WO-Cu) materials obtained by the sputter deposition of copper onto the wool fibers. The WO-Cu material was subjected to physio-chemical and biological investigations. The physio-chemical investigations included the elemental analysis of materials (C, N, O, S, and Cu), their microscopic analysis, and surface properties analysis (specific surface area and total pore volume). The biological investigations consisted of the antimicrobial activity tests of the WO-Cu materials against colonies of Gram-positive () bacteria, Gram-negative () bacteria, and fungal mold species (). Biochemical-hematological tests included the evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time and pro-thrombin time. The tested wool-copper demonstrated the ability to interact with the DNA in a time-dependent manner. These interactions led to the DNA's breaking and degradation. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the WO-Cu materials suggest a potential application as an antibacterial/antifungal material. Wool-copper materials may be also used as customized materials where the blood coagulation process could be well controlled through the appropriate copper content.
PubMed: 38930247
DOI: 10.3390/ma17122878 -
Genes Jun 2024Currently, the species are responsible for a variety of serious infections and are already considered a global public health problem, especially in underdeveloped...
BACKGROUND
Currently, the species are responsible for a variety of serious infections and are already considered a global public health problem, especially in underdeveloped countries, where surveillance and monitoring programs are still scarce and limited. Analyses were performed on the complete genome of an extensively antibiotic-resistant strain of , which was isolated from a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, who had been admitted to a hospital in the city of Manaus, Brazil.
METHODS
Phenotypical identification and susceptibility tests were performed in automated equipment. Total DNA extraction was performed using the PureLink genomic DNA mini-Kit. The genomic DNA library was prepared with Illumina Microbial Amplicon Prep and sequenced in the MiSeq Illumina Platform. The assembly of the whole-genome and individual analyses of specific resistance genes extracted were carried out using online tools and the Geneious Prime software.
RESULTS
The analyses identified an extensively resistant ST90 clone of carrying different genes, including , , , , and , [], [, (qnrB1)], , and , , , and B, in addition to resistance to chlorhexidine, which is widely used in patient antisepsis.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the need for actions to control and monitor these pathogens in the hospital environment.
Topics: Humans; Enterobacter; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Genome, Bacterial; Whole Genome Sequencing; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Brazil
PubMed: 38927749
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060814 -
Genes Jun 2024Many enzymes in the Raetz pathway for lipid A biosynthesis in are essential. A homologous protein Pa1792|LpxH in is known to complement the loss of LpxH in ....
Many enzymes in the Raetz pathway for lipid A biosynthesis in are essential. A homologous protein Pa1792|LpxH in is known to complement the loss of LpxH in . Genome-wide transposon-insertion sequencing analysis indicates that is essential in . However, genetic analysis of in has not been carried out, partly because the conditional alleles of essential genes are not readily constructed. In this study, we first constructed a plasmid-based temperature-sensitive mutant or in PAO1. Spot-plating assay indicated that was lethal at a restrictive temperature, confirming its essentiality for growth. Microscopic analysis revealed that exhibited an oval-shaped morphology, suggesting that was required for rod-shape formation. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis showed that failed to synthesize lipid A, consistent with its function in lipid A biosynthesis. Strong expression of but not the non-homologous isoenzyme or impeded growth and caused cell lysis, implying that -specific cofactors were required for this toxic effect in . Together, our results demonstrate that is essential for lipid A biosynthesis, rod-shaped growth, and viability in . We propose that this plasmid-based conditional allele is a useful tool for the genetic study of essential genes in .
Topics: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Plasmids; Bacterial Proteins; Temperature; Mutation; Lipid A; Escherichia coli
PubMed: 38927720
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060784 -
Genes May 2024Several years of research into the small circular DNA molecules called SPHINX and BMMF (SPHINX/BMMF) have provided information on several areas of research, medicine,... (Review)
Review
Several years of research into the small circular DNA molecules called SPHINX and BMMF (SPHINX/BMMF) have provided information on several areas of research, medicine, microbiology and nutritional science. But there are still open questions that have not yet been addressed. Due to the unclear classification, evolution and sources of SPHINX/BMMF, a risk assessment is currently not possible. However, risk assessment is necessary as SPHINX/BMMF are suspected to be involved in the development of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In order to obtain an overview of the current state of research and to identify research gaps, a review of all the publications on this topic to date was carried out. The focus was primarily on the SPHINX/BMMF group 1 and 2 members, which is the topic of most of the research. It was discovered that the SPHINX/BMMF molecules could be integral components of mammalian cells, and are also inherited. However, their involvement in neurodegenerative and carcinogenic diseases is still unclear. Furthermore, they are probably ubiquitous in food and they resemble bacterial plasmids in parts of their DNA and protein (Rep) sequence. In addition, a connection with bacterial viruses is also suspected. Ultimately, it is still unclear whether SPHINX/BMMF have an infectious capacity and what their host or target is.
Topics: Humans; Animals; DNA, Circular; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38927614
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060678 -
Biology May 2024This work aimed to study the genome organization and the metabolic potential of strain SCPM-O-B-9993, a promising plant-protecting and plant-stimulating strain isolated...
This work aimed to study the genome organization and the metabolic potential of strain SCPM-O-B-9993, a promising plant-protecting and plant-stimulating strain isolated from brown semi-desert soils with very high salinity. The strain genome contains a linear chromosome 5,968,715 bp long and has no plasmids. The genome contains 5331 coding sequences among which 2139 (40.1%) are functionally annotated. Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) of secondary metabolites exhibiting antimicrobial properties (ohmyungsamycin, pellasoren, naringenin, and ansamycin) were identified in the genome. The most efficient period of SCPM-O-B-9993 strain cultivation was 72 h: during this period, the culture went from the exponential to the stationary growth phase as well as exhibited excellent phytostimulatory properties and antiviral activity against the cucumber mosaic virus in tomatoes under laboratory conditions. The SCPM-OB-9993 strain is a biotechnologically promising producer of secondary metabolites exhibiting antiviral and phytostimulatory properties.
PubMed: 38927268
DOI: 10.3390/biology13060388 -
Biology May 2024Mammary gland bioreactors are promising methods for recombinant protein production. Human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP1) exhibits antibacterial and immune-modulating...
Mammary gland bioreactors are promising methods for recombinant protein production. Human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP1) exhibits antibacterial and immune-modulating properties. This study aims to establish a method to generate goats secreting HNP1 using the mammary gland as bioreactors. HNP1 transgenic goats were generated by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock-in (KI) the HNP1 sequence into exon 7 of the goat β-casein (CSN2) gene under the control of the CSN2 promoter. One-cell stage embryos were cytoplasmically injected with a mixture of Cas9 mRNA, sgRNA, and a homologous plasmid including the T2A-HNP1 sequences, followed by transfer to recipient goats. A total of 22 live offspring goats were delivered, and 21 of these goats (95.45%) exhibited targeted edits at the locus, and 2 female goats (9.09%) demonstrated successful HNP1 integration. Western blot and ELISA analyses confirmed the presence of HNP1 protein at high levels in the milk of these HNP1-positive goats, with mean concentrations of 22.10 µg/mL and 0.0092 µg/mL during the initial 60 days of lactation. Furthermore, milk from these transgenic goats exhibited notable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating the functionality of the expressed HNP1 protein. In conclusion, we established an efficient method for developing new transgenic goat lines as a mammary gland bioreactor, and the bioactive HNP1 protein secreted by the transgenic goat has the potential to combat microbial resistance.
PubMed: 38927247
DOI: 10.3390/biology13060367 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024, and related subspecies remain the most clinically relevant among the complex (ECC). Carbapenemase-producing ECC strains are increasingly identified in...
BACKGROUND
, and related subspecies remain the most clinically relevant among the complex (ECC). Carbapenemase-producing ECC strains are increasingly identified in hospital-acquired infections and usually belong to four main multilocus sequence types (MLST STs) named ST114, ST93, ST90 and ST78. Instead, ST182 has been sporadically reported among strains, and recently, outbreaks of -producing ST182 clonal strains have emerged. Herein, we aimed to investigate the presence of ST182 and explore its evolution and modes of acquisition.
METHODS
A phylogenetic analysis of 646 MLST STs identified among 4685 whole-genome sequencing (WGS) assemblies deposited in public repositories was performed, as well as an in silico comparative and phylogenomic analyses for 55 WGS assemblies of ST182. -harboring contigs were also compared to published plasmid sequences.
RESULTS
ST182 strains were recovered from patients on five continents during 2011-2021. They were divided into three major genomic clusters, comprising a separate clonal complex with six other STs. In 30 out of 55 ST182 WGS assemblies, -harboring structures were identified that were similar to the plasmids predominant in Gram-negative bacteria, harboring resistance genes to multiple antibiotic classes and virulence genes. No associations between the genomic clusters and the country/continent of isolation or the presence and the plasmid types of the -harboring contigs were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that ST182 strains have been identified in the past decade worldwide; 54.5% of them carried diverse genetic structures, suggesting recent acquisition of the alleles. Thus, -harboring ST182 is an emerging multidrug-resistant and virulent lineage in ECC strains that requires close monitoring.
PubMed: 38927201
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060535 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Colistin is a last-resort antimicrobial for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin resistance is highly associated with...
Colistin is a last-resort antimicrobial for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin resistance is highly associated with plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance () genes. -bearing have been detected in many countries, with the emergence of colistin-resistant pathogens a global concern. This study assessed the distribution of , , , , and genes with phenotypic colistin resistance in isolates from diarrheal infants and children in Bangladesh. Bacteria were identified using the API-20E biochemical panel and 16s rDNA gene sequencing. Polymerase chain reactions detected gene variants in the isolates. Their susceptibilities to colistin were determined by agar dilution and E-test by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements. Over 31.6% (71/225) of isolates showed colistin resistance according to agar dilution assessment (MIC > 2 μg/mL). Overall, 15.5% of isolates carried genes (7, ; 17, ; 13, and , with co-occurrence occurring in two isolates). Clinical breakout MIC values (≥4 μg/mL) were associated with 91.3% of -positive isolates. The -positive pathogens included twenty spp., five , five spp., two , and three . The -genes appeared to be significantly associated with phenotypic colistin resistance phenomena ( = 0.000), with 100% colistin-resistant isolates showing MDR phenomena. The age and sex of patients showed no significant association with detected variants. Overall, -associated colistin-resistant bacteria have emerged in Bangladesh, which warrants further research to determine their spread and instigate activities to reduce resistance.
PubMed: 38927200
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060534 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Enterobacteriaceae pose significant threats to global public health. In this study, we conducted a...
Genomic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Clinical Isolates from Southern Thailand Hospitals: Unraveling Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Mechanisms.
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Enterobacteriaceae pose significant threats to global public health. In this study, we conducted a short-term surveillance effort in Southern Thailand hospitals to characterize the genomic diversity, AMR profiles, and virulence factors of Enterobacteriaceae strains. We identified 241 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, of which 12 were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and genome analysis. The strains included , , , , , , , , spp., and . The strains exhibited high levels of multidrug resistance, including resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a diverse array of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), with strains carrying genes for ß-lactamase, efflux pumps, and resistance to other antibiotic classes. Additionally, stress response, metal tolerance, and virulence-associated genes were identified, highlighting the adaptability and pathogenic potential of these strains. A plasmid analysis identified several plasmid replicons, including IncA/C2, IncFIB(K), and Col440I, as well as several plasmids identical to those found globally, indicating the potential for the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs. Importantly, this study also identified a novel species of spp. PSU27, adding to the understanding of the genetic diversity and resistance mechanisms of Enterobacteriaceae in Southern Thailand. The results reported in this study highlight the critical importance of implementing effective antimicrobial management programs and developing innovative treatment approaches to urgently tackle AMR.
PubMed: 38927197
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060531