Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Parker Smith, Martin Schuster
Summary: Quorum sensing is a widespread cell density-dependent signaling mechanism in bacteria. This study demonstrates the role of antiactivators in preventing self-sensing in the quorum sensing system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sahana Vasudevan, Parthasarathy Srinivasan, Prasanna Neelakantan, John Bosco Balaguru Rayappan, Adline Princy Solomon
Summary: In this study, a novel photoluminescence-based assay using cysteamine-capped titanium oxide nanoparticles was developed for the rapid and sensitive diagnosis of microbial infections. The system showed a maximum relative response of 98% for AHLs produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a linear detection range of 10-160 nM in simulated host urine. The efficacy and specificity of the system in detecting AHLs produced by P. aeruginosa were confirmed in a temporal manner.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raman Pachaiappan, Tharun Prasanna Rajamuthu, Ananya Sarkar, Pradiksha Natrajan, Nagasathiya Krishnan, Meenakumari Sakthivelu, Palaniyandi Velusamy, Palaniappan Ramasamy, Subash C. B. Gopinath
Summary: Flavonoids and isoflavonoids are effective inhibitors of biofilm formation and virulence factor production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with acacetin exhibiting the strongest inhibition capacity. These compounds downregulate the expression of virulence genes, making them potential targets for anti-quorum sensing strategies.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nicole E. Smalley, Amy L. Schaefer, Kyle L. Asfahl, Crystal Perez, E. Peter Greenberg, Ajai A. Dandekar
Summary: In the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, quorum sensing (QS) can activate the expression of dozens to hundreds of genes. In this study, the researchers investigated how the size and content of the QS regulon can evolve during long-term growth of P. aeruginosa. They found that the QS regulon can undergo a reductive adaptation in response to continuous QS-dependent growth. These findings provide insights into the strain-to-strain variability in the size and content of the P. aeruginosa QS regulon.
Article
Microbiology
Nicole E. Smalley, Amy L. Schaefer, Kyle L. Asfahl, Crystal Perez, E. Peter Greenberg, Ajai A. Dandekar
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of the QS regulon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa during long-term growth when cells require some but not all the functions activated by QS. The research reveals that the QS-regulon in P. aeruginosa can undergo a reductive adaptation in response to continuous QS-dependent growth, providing insights into the variability in the size and content of the QS regulon in different strains.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bernadett Zara, Mate Polgar, Gyoergy Sipos, Gabor Doka, Parag Gogate, Vladimir Djokovic, Levente Csoka
Summary: Hydrodynamic cavitation treatment can induce the inactivation of bacterial signal molecules through shear effects and hydroxyl radicals, with the strongest effects achieved at speeds > 2000 rpm, consistent with literature data.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ankita Chopra, Dattatray Mongad, Surekha Satpute, Pranab Behari Mazumder, Praveen Rahi
Summary: The study aimed to isolate and characterize tea rhizobacteria that produce quorum sensing molecules and exhibit multiple plant growth-promoting activities. Thirty-one isolates were obtained from the tea rhizosphere, and two isolates (RTE1 and RTE4) were selected for their ability to inhibit tea fungal pathogens and produce AHL molecules. Genome-based analysis confirmed RTE1 as Burkholderia cepacia and RTE4 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Detailed characterization of the AHLs produced by the isolates revealed different chain lengths. Confocal microscopy showed biofilm formation by RTE1 and RTE4. Several genes involved in quorum sensing, plant growth promotion, and inducing systemic resistance were identified. Based on their functional traits, B. cepacia RTE1 and P. aeruginosa RTE4 are promising candidates for enhancing the health and growth of tea plantations.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. de Celis, L. Serrano-Aguirre, I Belda, R. Liebana-Garcia, M. Arroyo, D. Marquina, I de la Mata, A. Santos
Summary: The study indicates that the use of AHLs-degrading enzymes can reduce biofilm formation on WWTP membranes and ameliorate the virulence of Gram-negative bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Siqi Liu, Xixian Zhu, Zhenchen Yan, Hui Liu, Lianhui Zhang, Wenjuan Chen, Shaohua Chen
Summary: Quorum sensing is a communication mechanism used by microorganisms to regulate population density and behavior. Quorum quenching, which interferes with this communication, shows promise in plant disease control. In this study, a quenching strain of Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a was isolated, and it demonstrated excellent degradation ability against signaling molecules and reduced the severity of bacterial soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum.
Article
Immunology
Melanie Gonzales, Laure Plener, Jean Armengaud, Nicholas Armstrong, Eric Chabriere, David Daude
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of Quorum sensing in Burkholderia thailandensis using an enzyme-based quorum quenching strategy. The disruption of quorum sensing greatly affects bacterial behavior, including motility, proteolytic activity, and antimicrobial molecule production. Furthermore, the study shows that quorum sensing disruption significantly enhances the bactericidal activity against fungi and yeast. These findings are of prime interest for understanding the virulence of Burkholderia species and developing alternative treatments.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Federica Dal Bello, Michael Zorzi, Riccardo Aigotti, Davide Medica, Vito Fanelli, Vincenzo Cantaluppi, Eleonora Amante, Viviana Teresa Orlandi, Claudio Medana
Summary: This study aimed to develop new analytical methods based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the detection and quantification of QS signalling molecules in biological samples. Several unknown AHL and HQ compounds were identified and characterized, and the ability of MRM quantitation for virulence factors during sepsis was confirmed.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lara Serrano-Aguirre, Rodrigo Velasco-Bucheli, Begona Garcia-Alvarez, Ana Saborido, Miguel Arroyo, Isabel de la Mata
Summary: This study identified a novel N-acylhomoserine lactone acylase from Actinoplanes utahensis, which can hydrolyze and synthesize various natural compounds, showing potential as a quorum quenching agent. This enzyme inhibits quorum sensing processes and can efficiently synthesize AHLs, highlighting its potential for the development of new antimicrobials.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xueping Wang, Deshuang Yu, Guanghui Chen, Chengju Liu, Ao Xu, Zhihao Tang
Summary: This paper discusses the bacterial communication mechanism based on QS and the environmental factors affecting QS, compares QS inhibition strategies, and explores the role and prospects of QQ in long-term operation systems.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Megha Shah, Veronique L. Taylor, Diane Bona, Yvonne Tsao, Sabrina Y. Stanley, Sheila M. Pimentel-Elardo, Matthew McCallum, Joseph Bondy-Denomy, P. Lynne Howell, Justin R. Nodwell, Alan R. Davidson, Trevor F. Moraes, Karen L. Maxwell
Summary: The study identified a new phage anti-activator protein, Aqs1, which inhibits phage infection by suppressing the quorum-sensing master regulator LasR. Aqs1 also inhibits the bacterial type IV pilus assembly ATPase protein PilB, preventing phages from superinfecting host cells. This research highlights the potential of small phage proteins to disrupt key biological pathways and offers insights into the evolutionary dynamics between phages and their hosts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiyuan Xu, Shuai Wang, Chengxuan Li, Jingxi Li, Fenglei Gao, Li Zheng
Summary: Microplastics in the oceans are a new type of pollutant with complex biofilms. This study investigated the diversity and biological characteristics of quorum sensing bacteria in microplastic-associated biofilms, and found that these bacteria have strong biofilm-forming capacity and potential to exacerbate adverse environmental effects.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Garabed Antranikian, Wolfgang R. Streit
Summary: This article addresses the major global challenges of fossil fuel-driven climate change, global plastic pollution, and emerging plant, human, and animal infections. It emphasizes the need for a dramatic transformation in both science and society to meet these challenges and advocates for intense research and development in (bio)technology and industrial bioprocesses for a zero-carbon sustainable bioeconomy. The article highlights the significant role of microorganisms, especially extremophiles, as technology drivers in this transition, and outlines urgent areas of microbial research and technology advancements for a circular bioeconomy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick C. F. Buchholz, Golo Feuerriegel, Hongli Zhang, Pablo Perez-Garcia, Lena-Luisa Nover, Jennifer Chow, Wolfgang R. Streit, Juergen Pleiss
Summary: This article summarizes the current known enzymes that act on PET and PUR plastics, and integrates their activity data into a comprehensive database. Through analysis of homologs and conservation, common features of these active enzymes are identified.
PROTEINS-STRUCTURE FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Hongli Zhang, Pablo Perez-Garcia, Robert F. Dierkes, Violetta Applegate, Julia Schumacher, Cynthia Maria Chibani, Stefanie Sternagel, Lena Preuss, Sebastian Weigert, Christel Schmeisser, Dominik Danso, Juergen Pleiss, Alexandre Almeida, Birte Hoecker, Steven J. Hallam, Ruth A. Schmitz, Sander H. J. Smits, Jennifer Chow, Wolfgang R. Streit
Summary: This article reports the first functional PET-active enzymes from the Bacteroidetes phylum and describes the depolymerization ability of two promiscuous and cold-active esterases on polycaprolactone, amorphous PET foil, and polyester polyurethane. The crystal structure and microscopic analysis reveal the potential of these enzymes in PET degradation, suggesting their importance in aquatic habitats across different global climate zones.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea J. Weiler, Olivia Spitz, Mirja Gudzuhn, Stephan N. Schott-Verdugo, Michael Kamel, Wolfgang R. Streit, Alexej Kedrov, Lutz Schmitt, Holger Gohlke, Filip Kovacic
Summary: This study reveals the role of a novel phospholipase B, PaPlaB, in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PaPlaB is involved in biofilm formation and cell localization, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY OF LIPIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pascal Rath, Johanna Rapp, Klaus Brilisauer, Marvin Braun, Uener Kolukisaoglu, Karl Forchhammer, Stephanie Grond
Summary: This study establishes a powerful hybrid synthetic approach for efficiently obtaining various C-7 sugar analogues and applies them for structure-activity relationship studies. It reveals that 7dSh could serve as a valid target for herbicides and antimicrobial agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jochen Sieg, Chris Claudius Sandmeier, Julia Lieske, Alke Meents, Christian Lemmen, Wolfgang R. Streit, Matthias Rarey
Summary: Protein adaptations to extreme environments, such as high temperature and high pressure in the deep sea, are important for biotechnological process optimization and understanding the molecular limits of life. This study evaluates the differences in protein structures between deep-sea organisms and non-deep-sea organisms, aiming to uncover the molecular mechanisms of adaptations to high pressure. The results show characteristic differences in sequence and structure, indicating the presence of unique correlations and potential adaptations to high pressure.
PROTEINS-STRUCTURE FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ines Krohn, Simon Menanteau-Ledouble, Gunhild Hageskal, Yekaterina Astafyeva, Pierre Jouannais, Jeppe Lund Nielsen, Massimo Pizzol, Alexander Wentzel, Wolfgang R. Streit
Summary: This article provides an overview of the health benefits of microalgae and their associated microbiota, highlighting their potential as a source of antimicrobial and prebiotic substances. It suggests that microalgae could be a solution to the shortage of antibiotics for treating antimicrobial resistant bacteria and fungi in clinical settings.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jennifer Chow, Pablo Perez-Garcia, Robert Dierkes, Wolfgang R. Streit
Summary: Global economies heavily rely on fossil-fuel-based polymers, but a significant amount of these synthetic polymers are disposed into the environment. Over the past decade, microbiologists have been searching for enzymes that can degrade plastic, but there have been limited success in finding functional biocatalysts for most plastics. The main challenge now is to identify enzymes that can target the majority of fossil-fuel-based plastics. This emerging research field is still in its infancy.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Robert F. Dierkes, Alan Wypych, Pablo Perez-Garcia, Dominik Danso, Jennifer Chow, Wolfgang R. Streit
Summary: A fluorescent biosensor based on Comamonas thiooxidans strain S23 was constructed in this study. This biosensor has high sensitivity and can detect the PET breakdown product TPA at concentrations as low as 10 μM. Therefore, it can be used for the detection of enzymatic PET breakdown products.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sebastian Weigert, Pablo Perez-Garcia, Florian J. Gisdon, Andreas Gagsteiger, Kristine Schweinshaut, G. Matthias Ullmann, Jennifer Chow, Wolfgang R. Streit, Birte Hoecker
Summary: The handling of plastic waste and microplastic has become one of the greatest challenges of our time. Recent studies on plastic degrading enzymes have provided new prospects for biological decomposition and recycling. In this study, the candidate PET6 enzyme from Vibrio gazogenes was chosen for further investigation. The characterization of PET6 revealed its widespread occurrence in various Vibrio strains and its superior ability to degrade polyethylene terephthalate under high salt concentrations. Mutations from other PET degrading enzymes were introduced to PET6 to enhance its activity, demonstrating the evolutionary potential of the enzyme. The crystal structure and molecular dynamics simulations of PET6 provided insights into its adaptation to saline environments. The findings suggest that Vibrio and the PET6 enzyme are worthy subjects for studying PET degradation in marine environments.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Uwe Mamat, Manuel Hein, Doerte Grella, Claire S. Taylor, Thomas Scholzen, Ifey Alio, Wolfgang R. Streit, Pol Huedo, Xavier Coves, Oscar Conchillo-Sole, Andromeda-Celeste Gomez, Isidre Gibert, Daniel Yero, Ulrich E. Schaible
Summary: Using a Tn7-based genomic integration system, improved mini-Tn7 delivery plasmids were constructed to label S. maltophilia with sfGFP, mCherry, tdTomato, and mKate2. The transposition of mini-Tn7 transposons had no adverse effects on the fitness of fluorescently labeled S. maltophilia derivatives. The mini-Tn7 elements remained stably integrated in the genome of S. maltophilia over a prolonged period of time in the absence of antibiotic selection pressure.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Leon Klose, Neele Meyer-Heydecke, Sasipa Wongwattanarat, Jennifer Chow, Pablo Perez Garcia, Camille Carre, Wolfgang Streit, Garabed Antranikian, Ana Malvis Romero, Andreas Liese
Summary: Epoxy resins are highly valued for their properties and applications, but the challenge lies in their non-biodegradability and unsustainable recycling methods. Recent progress has been made in plastic biodegradation, but mainly focuses on other polymers, leaving epoxy underrepresented. This review examines the approaches and challenges in biodegradation and recycling of epoxy, and highlights the analytical techniques used.
Article
Virology
Melissa Stante, Nancy Weiland-Braeuer, Urska Repnik, Almut Werner, Marc Bramkamp, Cynthia M. M. Chibani, Ruth A. A. Schmitz
Summary: This study isolated and characterized four phages targeting bacteria associated with Aurelia aurita jellyfish in the Baltic Sea water column, demonstrating their broad host range and high infectivity.
Article
Microbiology
Nadin Jensen, Nancy Weiland-Braeuer, Shindhuja Joel, Cynthia Maria Chibani, Ruth Anne Schmitz
Summary: The native microbiome of Cnidarian Aurelia aurita is crucial for asexual reproduction by strobilation. The absence of the native microbiome results in a compromised strobilation process, which can be restored by recolonization with the native microbiota.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mandy Dittmer, Florian H. H. Brill, Andreas Kampe, Maria Geffken, Julian-Dario Rembe, Raphael Moll, Ifey Alio, Wolfgang R. Streit, Eike Sebastian Debus, Ralf Smeets, Ewa Klara Stuermer
Summary: Biofilms in hard-to-heal wounds are a significant issue, often composed of different species and resistant to antimicrobial agents. This study quantitatively analyzed the tolerance of dual-species wound biofilm models to antimicrobials and antimicrobial dressings, finding that the efficacy and tolerance were nearly species-independent.
