Simultaneous Discrimination between 15 Fish Pathogens by Using 16S Ribosomal DNA PCR and DNA Microarrays

We developed a DNA microarray suitable for simultaneous detection and discrimination between multiple bacterial species based on 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) polymorphisms using glass slides. Microarray probes (22- to 31-mer oligonucleotides) were spotted onto Teflon-masked, epoxy-silane-derivatized glass slides using a robotic arrayer. PCR products (ca. 199 bp) were generated using biotinylated, universal primer sequences, and these products were hybridized overnight (55°C) to the microarray. Targets that annealed to microarray probes were detected using a combination of Tyramide Signal Amplification and Alexa Fluor 546. This methodology permitted 100% specificity for detection of 18 microbes, 15 of which were fish pathogens. With universal 16S rDNA PCR (limited to 28 cycles), detection sensitivity for purified control DNA was equivalent to <150 genomes (675 fg), and this sensitivity was not adversely impacted either by the presence of competing bacterial DNA (1.1 × 10⁶ genomes; 5 ng) or by the addition of up to 500 ng of fish DNA. Consequently, coupling 16S rDNA PCR with a microarray detector appears suitable for diagnostic detection and surveillance for commercially important fish pathogens.     

Rapid distinction between Leptonema and Leptospira by PCR amplification of 16S-23S ribosomal DNA spacer

Abstract The protein-D2 porin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is lacking in carbapenem or fluoroquinolone-resistant strains and hence was thought to facilitate the diffusion of these antibiotics. We examined the effect of several antibiotics on the single channel conductivity of protein-D2 in planar lipid bilayers and found that fluoroquinolones and carbapenems at concentrations of around 1 mM caused closure of the protein-D2 channel. Tetracycline, ampicillin, piperacillin, and latamoxef did not exert any detectable effect on the protein-D2 channel activity.     

Detection of Leptospiraceae by amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to detect Leptospiraceae. Primers were used to amplify 1 631 base-pair (bp) 5'-region of 16S rDNA. Representative strains from the species, Leptospira interrogans sensu stricto, L. borgpetersenii, L. noguchii, L. santarosai, L. weilii, L. inadai, L. meyeri and the single member strain of Leptonema were amplified. In contrast, strains representing the saprophytic species. L. biflexa, L. wolbachii and L. parva were not amplified. There was no PCR product from 23 phylogenetically unrelated species of bacteria. As little as 10-1 pg of purified DNA and as few as 10-1 leptospires could be detected using the PCR analysis. Isolates of leptospires from clinical sources gave a positive PCR band, but those from surface waters did not.     

Rapid distinction between Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira biflexa by PCR amplification of 23S ribosomal DNA

Bacterial specific primers were used to amplify 23S rRNA genes from a representative strain from each of the 23 serogroups of the pathogenic Leptospira interrogans and 8 strains from 6 serogroups of the non-pathogenic Leptospira biflexa. Only regions of extreme variability, which had been identified on the basis of homology-based search of all the 23S rRNA sequences available in GenBank database, were sequenced from the amplified products. PCR primers that had the potential to distinguish L. interrogans from L. biflexa species were designed from the derived sequences and a sensitive PCR protocol developed. The PCR method enabled the differentiation of the 59 strains of the 23 serogroups of L. interrogans from the 8 strains of 6 serogroups of L. biflexa. Further investigation by 16S rDNA sequencing of two strains of L. interrogans, which gave unexpected PCR results, provided evidence that they had been misclassified and hence we propose to reassign them to L. biflexa.     

Detection of bacterial pathogens in environmental samples using DNA microarrays

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an important tool for pathogen detection, but historically, it has not been possible to accurately identify PCR products without sequencing, Southern blots, or dot-blots. Microarrays can be coupled with PCR where they serve as a set of parallel dot-blots to enhance product detection and identification. Microarrays are composed of many discretely located probes on a solid substrate such as glass. Each probe is composed of a sequence that is complimentary to a pathogen-specific gene sequence. PCR is used to amplify one or more genes and the products are then hybridized to the array to identify species-specific polymorphism within one or more genes. We illustrate this type of array using 16S rDNA probes suitable for distinguishing between several salmonid pathogens. We also describe the use of microarrays for direct detection of either RNA or DNA without the aid of PCR, although the sensitivity of these systems currently limits their application for pathogen detection. Finally, microarrays can also be used to "fingerprint" bacterial isolates and they can be used to identify diagnostic markers suitable for developing new PCR-based detection assays. We illustrate this type of array for subtyping an important food-borne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes.     

Binding interactions between the core central domain of 16S rRNA and the ribosomal protein S15 determined by molecular dynamics simulations

The goal of the current study is to utilize molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to investigate the dynamic behavior of 16S rRNA in the presence and absence of S15 and to identify the binding interactions between these two molecules. The simulations show that: (i) 16S rRNA remains in a highly folded structure when it is bound to S15; (ii) in the absence of S15, 16S rRNA significantly alters its conformation and transiently forms conformations that are similar to the bound structure that make it available for binding with S15; (iii) the unbound rRNA spends the majority of its time in extended conformations. The formation of the extended conformations is a result of the molecule reaching a lower electrostatic energy and the formation of the highly folded, crystal-like conformation is a result of achieving a lower solvation energy. In addition, our MD simulations show that 16S rRNA and S15 bind across the major groove of helix 22 (H22) via electrostatic interactions. The negatively charged phosphate groups of G658, U740, G741 and G742 bind to the positively charged S15 residues Lys7, Arg34 and Arg37. The current study provides a dynamic view of the binding of 16S rRNA with S15.     

Design and evaluation of PCR primers to amplify bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA fragments used for community fingerprinting

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragments has frequently been applied to the fingerprinting of natural bacterial populations (PCR/DGGE). In this study, sequences of bacterial universal primers frequently used in PCR/DGGE were compared with 16S rDNA sequences that represent recently proposed divisions in the domain Bacteria. We found mismatches in 16S rDNA sequences from some groups of bacteria. Inosine residues were then introduced into the bacterial universal primers to reduce amplification biases caused by these mismatches. Using the improved primers, phylotypes affiliated with Verrucomicrobia and candidate division OP11, were detected in DGGE fingerprints of groundwater populations, which have not been detected by PCR/DGGE with conventional universal primers.     

Resolution of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus ecotypes by using 16S-23S ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequences

Cultured isolates of the marine cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus vary widely in their pigment compositions and growth responses to light and nutrients, yet show greater than 96% identity in their 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences. In order to better define the genetic variation that accompanies their physiological diversity, sequences for the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were determined in 32 Prochlorococcus isolates and 25 Synechococcus isolates from around the globe. Each strain examined yielded one ITS sequence that contained two tRNA genes. Dramatic variations in the length and G+C content of the spacer were observed among the strains, particularly among Prochlorococcus strains. Secondary-structure models of the ITS were predicted in order to facilitate alignment of the sequences for phylogenetic analyses. The previously observed division of Prochlorococcus into two ecotypes (called high and low-B/A after their differences in chlorophyll content) were supported, as was the subdivision of the high-B/A ecotype into four genetically distinct clades. ITS-based phylogenies partitioned marine cluster A Synechococcus into six clades, three of which can be associated with a particular phenotype (motility, chromatic adaptation, and lack of phycourobilin). The pattern of sequence divergence within and between clades is suggestive of a mode of evolution driven by adaptive sweeps and implies that each clade represents an ecologically distinct population. Furthermore, many of the clades consist of strains isolated from disparate regions of the world's oceans, implying that they are geographically widely distributed. These results provide further evidence that natural populations of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus consist of multiple coexisting ecotypes, genetically closely related but physiologically distinct, which may vary in relative abundance with changing environmental conditions.     

Direct detection of 16S rRNA in soil extracts by using oligonucleotide microarrays

We report on the development and validation of a simple microarray method for the direct detection of intact 16S rRNA from unpurified soil extracts. Total RNAs from Geobacter chapellei and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans were hybridized to an oligonucleotide array consisting of universal and species-specific 16S rRNA probes. PCR-amplified products from Geobacter and Desulfovibrio were easily and specifically detected under a range of hybridization times, temperatures, and buffers. However, reproducible, specific hybridization and detection of intact rRNA could be accomplished only by using a chaperone-detector probe strategy. With this knowledge, assay conditions were developed for rRNA detection using a 2-h hybridization time at room temperature. Hybridization specificity and signal intensity were enhanced using fragmented RNA. Formamide was required in the hybridization buffer in order to achieve species-specific detection of intact rRNA. With the chaperone detection strategy, we were able to specifically hybridize and detect G. chapellei 16S rRNA directly from a total-RNA soil extract, without further purification or removal of soluble soil constituents. The detection sensitivity for G. chapellei 16S rRNA in soil extracts was at least 0.5 microg of total RNA, representing approximately 7.5 x 10(6) Geobacter cell equivalents of RNA. These results suggest that it is now possible to apply microarray technology to the direct detection of microorganisms in environmental samples, without using PCR.     

PCR primers for metazoan mitochondrial 12S ribosomal DNA sequences

Background

Assessment of the biodiversity of communities of small organisms is most readily done using PCR-based analysis of environmental samples consisting of mixtures of individuals. Known as metagenetics, this approach has transformed understanding of microbial communities and is beginning to be applied to metazoans as well. Unlike microbial studies, where analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA sequence is standard, the best gene for metazoan metagenetics is less clear. In this study we designed a set of PCR primers for the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal DNA sequence based on 64 complete mitochondrial genomes and then tested their efficacy.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A total of the 64 complete mitochondrial genome sequences representing all metazoan classes available in GenBank were downloaded using the NCBI Taxonomy Browser. Alignment of sequences was performed for the excised mitochondrial 12S ribosomal DNA sequences, and conserved regions were identified for all 64 mitochondrial genomes. These regions were used to design a primer pair that flanks a more variable region in the gene. Then all of the complete metazoan mitochondrial genomes available in NCBI''s Organelle Genome Resources database were used to determine the percentage of taxa that would likely be amplified using these primers. Results suggest that these primers will amplify target sequences for many metazoans.

Conclusions/Significance

Newly designed 12S ribosomal DNA primers have considerable potential for metazoan metagenetic analysis because of their ability to amplify sequences from many metazoans.     

Detection of pathogenic Vibrio spp. in shellfish by using multiplex PCR and DNA microarrays

This study describes the development of a gene-specific DNA microarray coupled with multiplex PCR for the comprehensive detection of pathogenic vibrios that are natural inhabitants of warm coastal waters and shellfish. Multiplex PCR with vvh and viuB for Vibrio vulnificus, with ompU, toxR, tcpI, and hlyA for V. cholerae, and with tlh, tdh, trh, and open reading frame 8 for V. parahaemolyticus helped to ensure that total and pathogenic strains, including subtypes of the three Vibrio spp., could be detected and discriminated. For DNA microarrays, oligonucleotide probes for these targeted genes were deposited onto epoxysilane-derivatized, 12-well, Teflon-masked slides by using a MicroGrid II arrayer. Amplified PCR products were hybridized to arrays at 50 degrees C and detected by using tyramide signal amplification with Alexa Fluor 546 fluorescent dye. Slides were imaged by using an arrayWoRx scanner. The detection sensitivity for pure cultures without enrichment was 10(2) to 10(3) CFU/ml, and the specificity was 100%. However, 5 h of sample enrichment followed by DNA extraction with Instagene matrix and multiplex PCR with microarray hybridization resulted in the detection of 1 CFU in 1 g of oyster tissue homogenate. Thus, enrichment of the bacterial pathogens permitted higher sensitivity in compliance with the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference guideline. Application of the DNA microarray methodology to natural oysters revealed the presence of V. vulnificus (100%) and V. parahaemolyticus (83%). However, V. cholerae was not detected in natural oysters. An assay involving a combination of multiplex PCR and DNA microarray hybridization would help to ensure rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic vibrios in shellfish, thereby improving the microbiological safety of shellfish for consumers.     

Species identification of five penaeid shrimps using PCR-RFLP and SSCP analyses of 16S ribosomal DNA

DNA-based molecular markers for differentiation of five penaeid shrimps (Penaeus monodon, P. semisulcatus, Feneropenaeus merguiensis, Litopenaeus vannamei and Marsupenaeus japonicus) were developed based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) of 16S ribosomal (r) DNA. Differentiation of P. monodon, P. semisulcatus and L. vannamei can be unambiguously carried out by PCRRFLP of 16S rDNA(560) whereas P. semisulcatus and M. japonicus shared a BABB mitotype. These shrimps were successfully discriminated by SSCP analysis of 16S rDNA(560). Nevertheless, the amplification success for L. vannamei and F. merguiensis was not consistent when tested against larger sample sizes. As a result, 16S rDNA(560) of an individual representing the most common mitotype of each species was cloned and sequenced. The new primer pair was designed and tested against the large sample sizes (312 bp product, N = 185). The amplification success was consistent across all species. PCR-RFLP of 16S rDNA(312) was as effective as that of 16S rDNA(560). Differentiation of all shrimp species were successfully carried out by SSCP analysis.     

Mathematical modeling of 16S ribosomal DNA amplification reveals optimal conditions for the interrogation of complex microbial communities with phylogenetic microarrays

MOTIVATION: Many current studies of complex microbial communities rely on the isolation of community genomic DNA, amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and subsequent examination of community structure through interrogation of the amplified 16S rDNA pool by high-throughput sequencing, phylogenetic microarrays or quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Here we describe the development of a mathematical model aimed to simulate multitemplate amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA sample and subsequent detection of these amplified 16S rDNA species by phylogenetic microarray. Using parameters estimated from the experimental results obtained in the analysis of intestinal microbial communities with Microbiota Array, we show that both species detection and the accuracy of species abundance estimates depended heavily on the number of PCR cycles used to amplify 16S rDNA. Both parameters initially improved with each additional PCR cycle and reached optimum between 15 and 20 cycles of amplification. The use of more than 20 cycles of PCR amplification and/or more than 50 ng of starting genomic DNA template was, however, detrimental to both the fraction of detected community members and the accuracy of abundance estimates. Overall, the outcomes of the model simulations matched well available experimental data. Our simulations also showed that species detection and the accuracy of abundance measurements correlated positively with the higher sample-wide PCR amplification rate, lower template-to-template PCR bias and lower number of species in the interrogated community. The developed model can be easily modified to simulate other multitemplate DNA mixtures as well as other microarray designs and PCR amplification protocols.     

Interaction of ribosomal proteins, S6, S8, S15 and S18 with the central domain of 16 S ribosomal RNA

We have constructed complexes of ribosomal proteins S8, S15, S8 + S15 and S8 + S15 + S6 + S18 with 16 S ribosomal RNA, and probed the RNA moiety with a set of structure-specific chemical and enzymatic probes. Our results show the following effects of assembly of proteins on the reactivity of specific nucleotides in 16 S rRNA. (1) In agreement with earlier work, S8 protects nucleotides in and around the 588-606/632-651 stem from attack by chemical probes; this is supported by protection in and around these same regions from nucleases. In addition, we observe protection of positions 573-575, 583, 812, 858-861 and 865. Several S8-dependent enhancements of reactivity are found, indicating that assembly of this protein is accompanied by conformational changes in 16 S rRNA. These results imply that protein S8 influences a much larger region of the central domain than was previously suspected. (2) Protein S15 protects nucleotides in the 655-672/734-751 stem, in agreement with previous findings. We also find S15-dependent protection of nucleotides in the 724-730 region. Assembly of S15 causes several enhancements of reactivity, the most striking of which are found at G664, A665, G674, and A718. (3) The effects of proteins S6 and S18 are dependent on the simultaneous presence of both proteins, and on the presence of protein S15. S6 + S18-dependent protections are located in the 673-730 and 777-803 regions. We observed some variability in our results with these proteins, depending on the ratio of protein to RNA used, and in different trials using enzymatic probes, possibly due to the limited solubility of protein S18. Consistently reproducible was protection of nucleotides in the 664-676 and 715-729 regions. Among the latter are three of the nucleotides (G664, G674 and A718) that are strongly enhanced by assembly of protein S15. This result suggests that an S15-induced conformational change involving these nucleotides may play a role in the co-operative assembly of proteins S6 and S18.     

Role of N-terminal helix in interaction of ribosomal protein S15 with 16S rRNA

The position and conformation of the N-terminal helix of free ribosomal protein S15 was earlier found to be modified under various conditions. This variability was supposed to provide the recognition by the protein of its specific site on 16S rRNA. To test this hypothesis, we substituted some amino acid residues in this helix and assessed effects of these substitutions on the affinity of the protein for 16S rRNA. The crystal structure of the complex of one of these mutants (Thr3Cys S15) with the 16S rRNA fragment was determined, and a computer model of the complex containing another mutant (Gln8Met S15) was designed. The available and new information was analyzed in detail, and the N-terminal helix was concluded to play no significant role in the specific binding of the S15 protein to its target on 16S rRNA.     

First successful amplification of 18S ribosomal DNA ofCordyceps spp. by the PCR method

The 18S ribosomal DNAs ofCordyceps spp. were amplified for the first time by the PCR method. New primers were designed based on the sequence of the 18S ribosomal DNA ofSclerotinia sclerotiorum.     

Fingerprinting of prokaryotic 16S rRNA genes using oligodeoxyribonucleotide microarrays and virtual hybridization

An oligonucleotide microarray hybridization system to differentiate microbial species was designed and tested. Seven microbial species were studied, including one Bacillus and six Pseudomonas strains. DNA sequences near the 5′ end of 16S rRNA genes were aligned and two contiguous regions of high variability, flanked by highly conserved sequences, were found. The conserved sequences were used to design PCR primers which efficiently amplified these polymorphic regions from all seven species. The amplicon sequences were used to design 88 9mer hybridization probes which were arrayed onto glass slides. Single-stranded, fluorescence-tagged PCR products were hybridized to the microarrays at 15°C. The experimental results were compared with the ΔG° values for all matched and mismatched duplexes possible between the synthetic probes and the 16S target sequences of the seven test species, calculated using a ‘virtual hybridization’ software program. Although the observed hybridization patterns differed significantly from patterns predicted solely on the basis of perfect sequence matches, a unique hybridization fingerprint was obtained for each of the species, including closely related Pseudomonas species, and there was a reasonable correlation between the intensity of observed hybridization signals and the calculated ΔG° values. The results suggest that both perfect and mismatched pairings can contribute to microbial identification by hybridization fingerprinting.     

Specific detection of Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium strains colonizing rice (Oryza sativa) roots by 16S-23S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer-targeted PCR

In addition to forming symbiotic nodules on legumes, rhizobial strains are members of soil or rhizosphere communities or occur as endophytes, e.g., in rice. Two rhizobial strains which have been isolated from root nodules of the aquatic legumes Aeschynomene fluminensis (IRBG271) and Sesbania aculeata (IRBG74) were previously found to promote rice growth. In addition to analyzing their phylogenetic positions, we assessed the suitability of the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer (IGS) sequences for the differentiation of closely related rhizobial taxa and for the development of PCR protocols allowing the specific detection of strains in the environment. 16S rDNA sequence analysis (sequence identity, 99%) and phylogenetic analysis of IGS sequences showed that strain IRBG271 was related to but distinct from Bradyrhizobium elkanii. Rhizobium sp. (Sesbania) strain IRBG74 was located in the Rhizobium-Agrobacterium cluster as a novel lineage according to phylogenetic 16S rDNA analysis (96.8 to 98.9% sequence identity with Agrobacterium tumefaciens; emended name, Rhizobium radiobacter). Strain IRBG74 harbored four copies of rRNA operons whose IGS sequences varied only slightly (2 to 9 nucleotides). The IGS sequence analyses allowed intraspecies differentiation, especially in the genus Bradyrhizobium, as illustrated here for strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, B. elkanii, Bradyrhizobium liaoningense, and Bradyrhizobium sp. (Chamaecytisus) strain BTA-1. It also clearly differentiated fast-growing rhizobial species and strains, albeit with lower statistical significance. Moreover, the high sequence variability allowed the development of highly specific IGS-targeted nested-PCR assays. Strains IRBG74 and IRBG271 were specifically detected in complex DNA mixtures of numerous related bacteria and in the DNA of roots of gnotobiotically cultured or even of soil-grown rice plants after inoculation. Thus, IGS sequence analysis is an attractive technique for both microbial ecology and systematics.