Article
Microbiology
Dahee Choi, Minsuk Kong
Summary: In this study, a bacteriophage GR1 infecting G. stearothermophilus was isolated and its endolysin LysGR1 was characterized. LysGR1 showed lytic activity against various bacteria and effectively removed G. stearothermophilus biofilms. These findings suggest that LysGR1 could be a promising biocontrol agent against G. stearothermophilus and foodborne pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Ramos-Vivas, Maria Elexpuru-Zabaleta, Maria Luisa Samano, Alina Pascual Barrera, Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez, Francesca Giampieri, Maurizio Battino
Summary: Biopreservation methods such as protective bacterial cultures, antimicrobial products, plant-derived antibacterial compounds, bacteriophages, and their antibacterial enzymes are proposed to maintain the long shelf-life of food products. These alternatives to antimicrobials show great potential in reducing antibiotic use and combating antibiotic resistance in various sectors of the food industry.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yanhua Jiang, Dongqin Xu, Lianzhu Wang, Meng Qu, Fengling Li, Zhijun Tan, Lin Yao
Summary: The recombinant endolysin LysSP1 encoded by Salmonella Typhimurium lytic bacteriophage SLMP1 was obtained in this study, and EDTA was found to enhance its bactericidal activity. LysSP1 showed strong bactericidal activity against Salmonella Typhimurium, exhibited good stability, and demonstrated broad-spectrum bactericidal ability.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Zebrowska, Olga Zolnierkiewicz, Malgorzata Ponikowska, Michal Puchalski, Natalia Krawczun, Joanna Makowska, Piotr Skowron
Summary: In this study, the TP84_28 endolysin of bacteriophage TP-84 was cloned and investigated. The endolysin exhibited thermostability and strong bacterial wall digestion activity, particularly on thermophilic Gram-positive bacteria. The thermostable TP84_28 endolysin shows promise as a mild agent for disinfecting surfaces exposed to high temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Chad W. Euler, Assaf Raz, Anaise Hernandez, Anna Serrano, Siyue Xu, Martin Andersson, Geng Zou, Yue Zhang, Vincent A. Fischetti, Jinquan Li
Summary: Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are leading causes of various infections, often resistant to multiple drugs. Discovering alternative antimicrobials, such as bacteriophage lysins, is crucial in combating these pathogens.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jieon Lee, Doyeon Kim, Minsik Kim
Summary: Bacteriophages are being reconsidered as a potential alternative to control bacterial pathogens in the food industry. By implementing an adaptive laboratory evolution approach, the heat stability of a newly isolated Salmonella-infecting phage was improved and demonstrated its efficacy in the poultry scalding process.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daeun Shin, Eunsu Ha, Minsuk Kong, Sangryeol Ryu
Summary: In this study, a thermostable C. perfringens bacteriophage CPD2 and its endolysin LysCPD2 were isolated from retail chicken samples. Both CPD2 and LysCPD2 showed significant antimicrobial activity against C. perfringens during thermal processing of foods.
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Evan J. Burke, Samuel S. Rodda, Sean R. Lund, Zhiyi Sun, Malcolm R. Zeroka, Katherine H. O'Toole, Mackenzie J. Parker, Dharit S. Doshi, Chudi Guan, Yan-Jiun Lee, Nan Dai, David M. Hough, Daria A. Shnider, Ivan R. Correa, Peter R. Weigele, Lana Saleh
Summary: TET/JBP enzymes are iron(II)-and 2-oxo-glutarate-dependent dioxygenases found across all kingdoms of life, playing roles in epigenetic regulation through oxidation of 5-methylpyrimidines. Phage-encoded TETs have been shown to favor Gp5mC dinucleotides and complex cytosine modifications important for DNA packaging and evasion of host restriction. The sequence specificity of phage TETs correlates with their genomically cooccurring cytosine C5-methyltransferases.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yeweon Choi, Eunsu Ha, Minsuk Kong, Sangryeol Ryu
Summary: Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium that causes diseases in humans and livestock. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, necessitating the search for alternative biocontrol agents. In this study, a C. perfringens-infecting bacteriophage and its endolysin were isolated and characterized. Through domain shuffling, a chimeric endolysin was generated with higher antimicrobial activity than the parental endolysin.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yoon Jung Hwang, Jaehak Jo, Eunsuk Kim, Hyunjin Yoon, Hyewon Hong, Min Soo Kim, Heejoon Myung
Summary: Recombinant endolysin LysPA90 exhibited intrinsic antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli in vitro and induced the upregulation of flagella-related genes in commensal E. coli strain. Treatment of adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) strains with subinhibitory concentrations of the endolysin resulted in increased bacterial adhesion and invasion into intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, along with enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes. These findings highlight the need for further exploration of possible unanticipated and unintended effects.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Edel Stone, Vincenzo Pennone, Kerri Reilly, Irene R. Grant, Katrina Campbell, Eric Altermann, Olivia McAuliffe
Summary: The study demonstrated that tailored polyhydroxyalkanoate bionanoparticles (PHA BNPs) displaying recombinant listeriophage enzymes have the ability to lysine and inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. In laboratory conditions, BNPs displaying only the amidase domain of the phage endolysin were more effective than BNPs displaying the full-length endolysin. However, under conditions that better represent those found in food processing environments, BNPs displaying the full-length endolysin showed a greater inhibitory effect.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Chanyoung Lee, Hyeongsoon Kim, Sangryeol Ryu
Summary: This article reviews the application of bacteriophages and endolysins in food, as well as the latest genetic and protein engineering tools. The aim of engineering is to overcome the limitations of antimicrobial agents and enhance antibacterial ability against different types of bacteria.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amal Senevirathne, Jehee Lee, Mahanama De Zoysa, Chamilani Nikapitiya
Summary: Bacteriophage KPP-1 is highly effective against multidrug-resistant K. variicola and can significantly suppress its growth, working synergistically with ampicillin. Further research is needed to develop a strategy for controlling the emerging pathogen K. variicola using bacteriophages such as KPP-1.
Article
Microbiology
Fritz Eichenseher, Bjorn L. Herpers, Paul Badoux, Juan M. Leyva-Castillo, Raif S. Geha, Mathijs van der Zwart, James McKellar, Ferd Janssen, Bob de Rooij, Lavanja Selvakumar, Christian Roehrig, Johan Frieling, Mark Offerhaus, Martin J. Loessner, Mathias Schmelcher
Summary: In this study, two chimeric enzymes were constructed to selectively kill Staphylococcus aureus without affecting commensal skin bacteria. One of the enzymes showed higher activity in multiple in vitro assays. The formulated enzyme was effective at killing S. aureus on reconstituted human epidermis and significantly reduced bacterial numbers in a mouse model.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Michael J. Love, David Coombes, Sarah H. Manners, Gayan S. Abeysekera, Craig Billington, Renwick C. J. Dobson
Summary: Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins are considered as potential antibacterial agents, but their development requires a thorough biochemical understanding. In this study, the atomic structure and enzymatic function of Escherichia coli O157:H7 phage FAHEc1 endolysin, LysF1, were defined. The protein architecture of LysF1 is conserved between T4 Lysozyme and related endolysins, and mutating a single residue can increase its thermal stability without affecting enzymatic activity. This characterization of LysF1 provides insights into endolysins and may contribute to the development of new antibacterial agents through rational engineering.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Agata Dorotkiewicz-Jach, Pawel Markwitz, Jaroslaw Rachuna, Michal Arabski, Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
Summary: The implementation of non-traditional antibacterials, such as lytic phages combined with established and new antibacterials, is currently being extensively explored in medical and biological sciences. This study investigates the potential of agarose-based biocomposites containing phages and chemicals as antibacterials for wound dressings. The results show that the combination of phages and a triple-chemical mixture significantly reduces bacterial count and inhibits biofilm production. However, the bioavailability and diffusion of phages are impaired by the agarose scaffold, and the lytic activity of phages is affected by the chemical mixture. The optimal administration method is found to separate antibacterials both physically and temporally. Overall, the additive effect of phages and chemicals makes biocomposites a promising solution for designing new wound dressings.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Allison K. Daitch, Benjamin C. Orsburn, Zan Chen, Laura Alvarez, Colten D. Eberhard, Kousik Sundararajan, Rilee Zeinert, Dale F. Kreitler, Jean Jakoncic, Peter Chien, Felipe Cava, Sandra B. Gabelli, Erin D. Goley
Summary: Proper regulation of the bacterial cell envelope is crucial for cell survival. In this study, a novel enzyme called EstG was identified, which protects cells from various lethal assaults. EstG is genetically connected to the periplasmic enzymes OpgH and BglX, and it demonstrates esterase activity and acts on cyclic OPGs, providing resistance to cellular stresses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brandon Sit, Veerasak Srisuknimit, Emilio Bueno, Franz G. Zingl, Karthik Hullahalli, Felipe Cava, Matthew K. Waldor
Summary: The microbial cell wall, primarily composed of peptidoglycan, plays a crucial role in maintaining cell shape and resistance to external stressors. The biosynthesis and structure of peptidoglycan are responsive to environmental changes, however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, DUF368 and DedA protein families were identified as candidate C55-P translocases, filling a critical gap in the knowledge of proteins involved in the biogenesis of microbial cell surface polymers. The activity of C55-P transporter was found to be essential for the growth and maintenance of cell shape in pathogenic bacteria, such as cholera.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Julia Wigren Bystrom, Linnea Vikstrom, Ebba Rosendal, Remigius Groning, Yong-Dae Gwon, Emma Nilsson, Atin Sharma, Akbar Espaillat, Leo Hanke, Gerald McInerney, Andrea Puhar, Felipe Cava, Gunilla B. Karlsson Hedestam, Therese Thunberg, Tor Monsen, Fredrik Elgh, Magnus Evander, Anders F. Johansson, Anna K. Overby, Clas Ahim, Johan Normark, Mattias N. E. Forsell
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to develop a strategy for at-home testing in a rural region of Sweden and assess its role in providing equal healthcare. The study demonstrated comparable results between capillary blood and serum samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing, and implementation of the strategy shifted testing towards rural areas.
Article
Cell Biology
Wanda M. Figueroa-Cuilan, Oihane Irazoki, Marissa Feeley, Erika Smith, Trung Nguyen, Felipe Cava, Erin D. Goley
Summary: The researchers developed a toolkit to study the biology of R. parkeri, an important human pathogen. They analyzed the cell wall composition and morphology of R. parkeri and found unique features. Using fluorescence microscopy, they quantified R. parkeri morphology in live host cells and demonstrated the localization of fluorescence fusions. They also developed an imaging-based assay to evaluate population growth kinetics and showed that the actin homologue MreB is required for R. parkeri growth and shape.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Boamah, Michael C. Gilmore, Sarah Bourget, Anushka Ghosh, Mohammad J. Hossain, Joseph P. Vogel, Felipe Cava, Tamara J. O'Connor
Summary: Peptidoglycan is an important component of the bacterial cell envelope and its remodeling is linked to bacterial pathogenicity. This study identifies a polysaccharide deacetylase in Legionella pneumophila, which plays a dual role in bacterial pathogenesis and persistence. The deacetylase modulates host cellular processes through peptidoglycan editing and affects the intracellular fate of the bacterium through its impact on the Type IVb secretion system and sensitivity to lysozyme-mediated degradation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Philipp Aurass, Seongok Kim, Victor Pinedo, Felipe Cava, Ralph R. Isberg
Summary: Water is the primary mode of transmission for Legionella pneumophila to humans, and the pathogen is well adapted to survive in water for extended periods. Prevention of L. pneumophila survival in water is crucial for preventing Legionnaires' disease. Understanding the determinants that facilitate survival in water can help in developing effective prevention strategies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brent W. Simpson, Michael C. Gilmore, Amanda Briann Mclean, Felipe Cava, M. Stephen Trent
Summary: Bacteria produce a layer of peptidoglycan to protect and maintain cell shape, and as they grow and divide, this layer is remodeled and fragments are released. Escherichia coli utilizes different strategies to internalize and reuse these fragments, with two transporters, AmpG and MppA/Opp, playing key roles. The regulation and function of these transporters are influenced by carbon source and growth phase, and their scavenging capabilities contribute to the recycling of peptidoglycan fragments.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Caroline Midonet, Sean Bisset, Irina Shlosman, Felipe Cava, David Z. Rudner, Thomas G. Bernhardt
Summary: The peptidoglycan layer protects bacteria and defines their shape. How class A penicillin-binding proteins (aPBPs) are controlled in Gram-positive bacteria is unclear. MacP, a regulator in Streptococcus pneumoniae, promotes PG polymerization by altering the TM-polymerase domain interface in PBP2a. Proper aPBP regulation is important for cell morphogenesis.
Article
Microbiology
Barbara Maciejewska, Flavia Squeglia, Agnieszka Latka, Mario Privitera, Sebastian Olejniczak, Paulina Switala, Alessia Ruggiero, Daniela Marasco, Eliza Kramarska, Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa, Rita Berisio
Summary: This study investigates the structure and function of the capsular depolymerase KP34gp57 from Klebsiella phage KP34. The key catalytic residues were determined and the role of each domain in stability and catalytic activity was dissected. Surprisingly, C-terminally trimmed KP34gp57 variants were found to exist as monomers with full catalytic activity. This finding is innovative as it has not been observed before in phage depolymerases.
Article
Microbiology
Merve Zeden, Laura Gallagher, Emilio Bueno, Aaron Nolan, Jongsam D. Ahn, Dhananjay Shinde, Fareha C. Razvi, Margaret P. Sladek, Orla A. Burke, Eoghan O'Neill, Paul A. Fey, Felipe Cava, Vinai A. Thomas, James O'Gara
Summary: Central metabolic pathways play a crucial role in controlling the virulence and antibiotic resistance of bacteria. In Staphylococcus aureus, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) gene pgl mutation increases MRSA resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. This mutation leads to metabolic reprogramming, increased flux to glycolysis and the TCA cycle, and alterations in cell envelope precursors, resulting in enhanced antibiotic resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Oihane Irazoki, Josy ter Beek, Laura Alvarez, Andre Mateus, Remy Colin, Athanasios Typas, Mikhail M. Savitski, Victor Sourjik, Ronnie P. -A. Berntsson, Felipe Cava
Summary: To explore suitable habitats and avoid dangers, many bacteria use a chemotaxis navigation system. However, the signals and sensory proteins involved in chemotaxis are still largely unknown. This study shows that d-arginine and d-lysine act as chemotactic repellent signals for Vibrio cholerae, and that a specific chemoreceptor MCPDRK senses these d-amino acids. The results suggest that d-amino acids can play a role in shaping microbial communities under adverse conditions. Rating: 9/10.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica Duarte da Silva, Lene Bens, Adriele J. do Carmo Santos, Rob Lavigne, Jose Soares, Luis D. R. Melo, Marta Vallino, Roberto Sousa Dias, Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa, Sergio Oliveira de Paula, Jeroen Wagemans
Summary: Proteus mirabilis is a significant pathogen causing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Two phages, BigMira and MidiMira, were studied and found to have similarities with four missense mutations impacting their depolymerase activity. Analysis of clinical P. mirabilis strains revealed differences in antibiotic resistance profiles and lipopolysaccharide locus, explaining phages' host range. The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes poses challenges for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Article
Microbiology
Carmen Gomez-Arrebola, Sara B. Hernandez, Elizabeth J. Culp, Gerard D. Wright, Cristina Solano, Felipe Cava, Inigo Lasa
Summary: The overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, stimulating the search for novel antibiotics. This study investigates the role of the VraSR sensory system in Staphylococcus aureus susceptibility to Complestatin and Corbomycin, revealing the important role of spdC and sagB genes in antibiotic resistance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brandon Sit, Veerasak Srisuknimit, Emilio Bueno, Franz G. Zingl, Karthik Hullahalli, Felipe Cava, Matthew K. Waldor
Summary: The microbial cell wall is important for maintaining cell shape and resistance to external stressors. Peptidoglycan is the primary structural component of the cell wall and its synthesis and structure are responsive to environmental conditions. The DUF368 and DedA protein families have been identified as candidate C55-P translocases, playing a critical role in the biogenesis of microbial cell surface polymers.
