Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Maysaa El Sayed-Zaki, Amr Mohamed El-Sabbagh, Hala Hammam
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of psm-mec gene in MRSA isolates and its association with biofilm formation capacity in S. aureus. Results showed a significant association between the presence of PSM alpha gene and biofilm formation, which could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
CLINICAL LABORATORY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yujie Li, Ting Pan, Ruobing Cao, Wei Li, Zhien He, Baolin Sun
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous pathogen that poses a significant threat to human health, and drug-resistant strains have increased the difficulty of preventing and treating infections caused by this bacterium. This study demonstrates the role of the nitrate reductase NarGHJI in regulating the virulence of S. aureus, providing important theoretical insights for the prevention and control of these infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kunal Reshamwala, Gordon Y. C. Cheung, Roger C. Hsieh, Ryan Liu, Hwang-Soo Joo, Yue Zheng, Justin S. Bae, Thuan H. Nguyen, Amer E. Villaruz, Alfonso S. Gozalo, William R. Elkins, Michael Otto
Summary: This study identifies and characterizes the phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) of Staphylococcus xylosus, a usually harmless commensal on the skin, and investigates their potential involvement in atopic dermatitis (AD). It is found that S. xylosus produces two PSMs with lytic and pro-inflammatory capacities, but does not induce significant AD symptoms in wild-type mice, indicating that a predisposed host is required for AD promotion by S. xylosus.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Harshad Lade, Sung Hee Chung, Yeonhee Lee, Hwang-Soo Joo, Jae-Seok Kim
Summary: This study measured the production of PSMs in clinical isolates of S. aureus and found that MSSA isolates had higher levels of PSM alpha 1, PSM alpha 2, and PSM beta 1 compared to MRSA isolates. Additionally, SCCmec type II strains showed lower PSM production and most of them did not produce delta-toxin. The spa type and SCCmec type were important factors in determining PSM production.
Article
Immunology
Dorothee Kretschmer, Ricarda Breitmeyer, Cordula Gekeler, Marco Lebtig, Katja Schlatterer, Mulugeta Nega, Mark Stahl, Daphne Stapels, Suzan Rooijakkers, Andreas Peschel
Summary: Neutrophil serine proteases can effectively degrade some of the most potent staphylococcal toxins, while Staphylococcus aureus secretes proteins that inhibit the degradation of toxins by proteases. This helps the prominent human pathogen S. aureus to preserve the function of toxins and activate infection processes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhen Zhang, Zhujun Luo, Ying Sun, Duanyu Deng, Kaize Su, Jinxuan Li, Zhenping Yan, Xu Wang, Jifan Cao, Wende Zheng, Song Ang, Yanxian Feng, Kun Zhang, Hang Ma, Panpan Wu
Summary: This study designed and synthesized a series of novel CBD derivatives, among which derivative 21f showed enhanced antibacterial activity against MRSA without cytotoxic effect. Mechanistic studies further revealed that 21f inhibited biofilm formation, induced reactive oxygen species, and reduced bacterial metabolism, leading to accelerated bacterial death.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aron Dernovics, Gyorgy Seprenyi, Zsolt Razga, Ferhan Ayaydin, Zoltan Vereb, Klara Megyeri
Summary: The study found that PSM alpha 3 stimulates autophagy in HaCaT keratinocytes, increasing the number of autophagosomes and promoting the development of acidic vesicular organelles. The study also showed that PSM alpha 3 decreases the phosphorylation levels of Akt1/2/3 and mTOR, while increasing the phosphorylation levels of Erk1/2.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shreya Kanth, Akshatha Nagaraja, Yashoda Malgar Puttaiahgowda
Summary: The current global death rate is threatened by deadly unknown infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Combatting drug-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, has become a daunting challenge globally, with polymer synthesis being explored as a significant approach in preventing the spread of infections.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhimin Bai, Min Chen, Qiaofa Lin, Ying Ye, Hongmei Fan, Kaizhen Wen, Jianxing Zeng, Donghong Huang, Wenfei Mo, Ying Lei, Zhijun Liao
Summary: By extracting feature vectors from protein sequences and using classification tools, MRSA and MSSA were successfully distinguished. MRSA showed high resistance to penicillin and high pathogenic risk. Cross-infection between different types of MRSA was found in Quanzhou, and MRSA in traditional hospitals exhibited increasingly blurred molecular characteristics.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Joshua. B. Parsons, Annette. C. Westgeest, Brian. P. B. Conlon, Vance. G. Fowler
Summary: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a deadly pathogen that can persist in the bloodstream for days despite appropriate antibiotics. Persistent MRSA bacteremia is common and associated with poor clinical outcomes. This review explores the factors related to host-pathogen interaction and discusses the clinical relevance of each element. Treatment options and diagnostic approaches for managing persistent MRSA bacteremia are also discussed.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Feiteng Zhu, Hemu Zhuang, Shujuan Ji, Er Xu, Lingfang Di, Zhengan Wang, Shengnan Jiang, Haiping Wang, Lu Sun, Ping Shen, Yunsong Yu, Yan Chen
Summary: The study found that in households of CA-MRSA infected patients in China, most MRSA isolates belonged to epidemic CA-MRSA clones, while no MRSA was detected in the control group households. The research revealed that the home environment is an important reservoir for MRSA.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Elisabeth Hodille, Laetitia Beraud, Severine Perian, Valentine Berti, Michele Bes, Anne Tristan, Emilie Blond, Gerard Lina, Oana Dumitrescu
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus produces virulence factors that are affected differently by subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics, with oxacillin inhibiting the production of PSM alpha 1 and Hld, while the effects of other antibiotics vary depending on the strain or clone.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Melissa J. Karau, Suzannah M. Schmidt-Malan, Scott A. Cunningham, Jayawant N. Mandrekar, Bobbi S. Pritt, Tiffany R. Keepers, Alisa W. Serio, Surya Chitra, Robin Patel
Summary: Omadacycline, vancomycin, and rifampin, as well as rifampin combination therapies, were evaluated in an experimental rat model of MRSA osteomyelitis. The results showed that rifampin combination therapy was effective in reducing MRSA recovery without developing resistance. The combination of omadacycline and rifampin yielded negative MRSA detection, suggesting its potential as a treatment for osteomyelitis.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jian Peng, Biswajit Mishra, Rajamohammed Khader, LewisOscar Felix, Eleftherios Mylonakis
Summary: In this study, a smaller antimicrobial peptide C18 derived from cecropin 4 showed high antibacterial activity against various bacteria and yeasts, with a remarkable effect on drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. C18 also exhibited the capability to eliminate persister cells, reduce biofilm adherence, interact with DNA, and down-regulate virulence factor genes. Moreover, C18 showed promising results in a Galleria mellonella model, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for severe MRSA infections.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Martina Florianova, Kristyna Korena, Helena Juricova
Summary: This study evaluated the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in dry-fermented salami and found multidrug-resistant and virulent strains. The source of contamination was identified as raw pork and human carriers. Therefore, maintaining high standards of hygiene and manufacturing practices in food processing is crucial.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Trevor N. Purdy, Bradley S. Moore, April L. Lukowski
Summary: The utilization of ortho-quinone methide (o-QM) intermediates in complex molecule assembly is an efficient strategy designed by Nature and utilized by synthetic chemists. The biosynthetic enzymes that generate o-QMs have great potential for biocatalytic applications, enabling the selective production of desirable compounds that are otherwise difficult to achieve by traditional synthetic methods. Further characterization of these enzymes may lead to the discovery of new enzymes capable of similar chemistry on diverse substrates.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sanjoy Adak, April L. Lukowski, Rebecca J. B. Schafer, Bradley S. Moore
Summary: AETX is a neurotoxin that is deadly to bald eagles in the United States. A recently discovered biosynthetic pathway converts two molecules of tryptophan to AETX using five enzymes, including novel enzymes with unique biochemical functions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sydney P. Thomas, Erce Denizer, Simone Zuffa, Brookie M. Best, Lars Bode, Christina D. Chambers, Pieter C. Dorrestein, George Y. Liu, Jeremiah D. Momper, Victor Nizet, Shirley M. Tsunoda, Adriana H. Tremoulet
Summary: Antibiotics are crucial for perinatal care, but they can harm the host gut microbiota. Current studies mainly focus on the effects of antibiotics on infants directly or through maternal use, with limited knowledge about the risks of antibiotics in human milk to infants.
Article
Microbiology
Ericka Anderson, Bipin Nair, Victor Nizet, Geetha Kumar
Summary: The complexity of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis and its global impact on healthcare requires understanding of the underlying forces and implementation of innovative solutions. Future therapeutic interventions should focus on host-pathogen interactions to enhance the innate immune system and reduce pathogen virulence. Interrupting pathogen survival strategies and using clonotyping assays to identify 'super clones' can guide targeted antibiotic regimens. Innovative alternatives to traditional antibiotics, such as bacteriophage therapy and repurposing drugs, are being successfully used to combat AMR. Policy changes, including shorter durations of antibiotic treatment and increased surveillance measures, can enhance patient safety and global prevention and control programs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
E. Mauricio Barajas-Mora, Lindsay Lee, Hanbin Lu, J. Andres Valderrama, Elisabet Bjanes, Victor Nizet, Ann J. J. Feeney, Ming Hu, Cornelis Murre
Summary: Researchers have identified a specific enhancer, E34, within the Igk locus, which is crucial for chromatin remodeling and repositioning, and promotes the rearrangement of Igkv7-33 V-kappa-J(kappa) genes necessary for the production of anti-phosphorylcholine-specific antibodies. Mice lacking E34 are more susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae infections.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Elisabet Bjanes, Jiarong Zhou, Tariq Qayum, Nishta Krishnan, Raymond H. Zurich, Nitasha D. Menon, Alexandria Hoffman, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang, Victor Nizet
Summary: This study reports a vaccine platform that combines gold nanoparticles coated with immunogenic Acinetobacter baumannii outer membrane vesicles (Ab-OMVs). It induces high levels of IgG antibodies in rabbits, enhances neutrophil killing of A. baumannii, and provides passive protection against sepsis in mice. Active immunization with the Ab-NP vaccine in mice protects against sepsis and pneumonia, activates B cells and dendritic cells, improves neutrophil responses, and mitigates cytokine storm.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer H. Wisecaver, Robert P. Auber, Amanda L. Pendleton, Nathan F. Watervoort, Timothy R. Fallon, Olivia L. Riedling, Schonna R. Manning, Bradley S. Moore, William W. Driscoll
Summary: Harmful algal blooms of the toxic haptophyte Prymnesium parvum are a recurrent problem in many inland and estuarine waters around the world. Genomic analysis of 15 diverse strains of P. parvum revealed considerable DNA content variation and identified functional categories associated with metabolic and genome size variation. The results indicate the presence of multiple cryptic species within P. parvum and highlight the need for similar resources for other harmful algal-bloom-forming morphospecies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lucy Catteau, Yvan Diaz Iglesias, Hannah Tsunemoto, Joseph Pogliano, Francoise Van Bambeke, Victor Nizet, George Sakoulas
Summary: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) endocarditis, which does not respond to conventional therapy, can be effectively treated with the combination of nafcillin and daptomycin. In vitro studies have shown that nafcillin enhances the killing of MRSE by daptomycin, both in planktonic cells and biofilms. Nafcillin also sensitizes MRSE to killing by human neutrophils and cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37. Clinical studies are needed to determine the optimal timing for the use of these regimens to improve clinical outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tirthankar Mohanty, Christofer A. Q. Karlsson, Yashuan Chao, Erik Malmstrom, Eleni Bratanis, Andrietta Grentzmann, Martina Morch, Victor Nizet, Lars Malmstrom, Adam Linder, Oonagh Shannon, Johan Malmstrom
Summary: This study used pharmacoproteomics to evaluate the time-dependent treatment effects of meropenem and methylprednisolone on a murine Escherichia coli sepsis model. Three distinct proteome response patterns were identified, which depended on the underlying proteotype for each organ. The findings provide insights for guiding treatment timing, dosage, and potential combination therapies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lynne Eger, Morgan A. Pence
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
April L. Lukowski, Felix M. Hubert, Thuan-Ethan Ngo, Nicole E. Avalon, William H. Gerwick, Bradley S. Moore
Summary: We report the discovery and characterization of an alkynyl halogenase, JamD, which is capable of terminal alkyne halogenation and has broad substrate tolerance. This finding has significant implications for the development of chemoselective biocatalysts, such as the synthesis of haloalkynes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amanda T. Alker, Morgan V. Farrell, Alpher E. Aspiras, Tiffany L. Dunbar, Andriy Fedoriouk, Jeffrey E. Jones, Sama R. Mikhail, Gabriella Y. Salcedo, Bradley S. Moore, Nicholas J. Shikuma
Summary: In this study, a modular plasmid toolkit was adapted for use in 12 marine bacteria, and a marine Pseudoalteromonas bacterium was successfully engineered to study its association with its host animal. This work demonstrates the potential of modular genetic tools to be applied to diverse marine bacteria for basic science research and biotechnology innovations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jennifer L. L. Cordoza, Percival Yang-Ting Chen, Linnea R. R. Blaustein, Stella T. T. Lima, Marli F. F. Fiore, Jonathan R. R. Chekan, Bradley S. S. Moore, Shaun M. K. McKinnie
Summary: Researchers have discovered and characterized the biosynthetic pathway of guanitoxin, a neurotoxin containing a cyclic arginine derivative. By comparing the structures and activities, they have identified the amino acid residues that contribute to the catalytic mechanism. This study provides a better understanding of how nature produces cyclic arginine noncanonical amino acids and offers tools for their biocatalytic production and biological applications.
Article
Biology
Sarah R. Rudd, Leticia Silva Miranda, Hannah R. Curtis, Yves Bigot, Mercedes Diaz-Mendoza, Robert Hice, Victor Nizet, Hyun-Woo Park, Gregor Blaha, Brian A. Federici, Dennis K. Bideshi
Summary: This paper introduces three important commercial bacterial insecticides derived from different subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), including their sources and uses. It also explores the unique features of Bt subspecies israelensis, such as the structure of the parasporal body (PB) and the multilaminar fibrous matrix (MFM), as well as the functions and structural similarities of two proteins, Bt152 and Bt075. Additionally, a novel molecular process for targeting Cry and Cyt proteins has been identified.
Article
Ecology
Amanda T. Alker, Morgan V. Farrell, Alyssa M. Demko, Trevor N. Purdy, Sanjoy Adak, Bradley S. Moore, Jennifer M. Sneed, Valerie J. Paul, Nicholas J. Shikuma
Summary: The quality of bacteria associated with corals and coral reefs is crucial for coral fitness, as bacteria can stimulate the transition from larval to juvenile life cycle in corals. This study investigates the role of Tetrabromopyrrole (TBP), a small molecule produced by bacteria, in coral metamorphosis. The results show that the gene bmp2 is critical for TBP biosynthesis in the bacteria and its mutation affects the ability of the bacteria to stimulate coral metamorphosis. This study provides new genetic techniques to explore coral-bacteria interactions and has implications for coral restoration.
ISME COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)