铜绿假单胞菌中群体感应系统研究进展

群体感应系统(Quorum-sensing system,QS)是一个依赖于细胞数量的基因调控系统。系统中的自诱导物(Autoinducer或AI)随细胞的数量增加而变化,当细胞数达到一定数量时,系统中的自诱导物达到一定的域值时可以与一类转录调节蛋白结合,开始诱导或抑制数量众多的基因表达,使细菌表现多细胞特性的群体行为。同时,群体感应系统受到许多外界环境因素的影响,其调节途径是一个极其复杂的级联过程。此外,以群体感应系统为药物靶点来筛选新型抗菌药物越来越受到人们的重视。结合作者本人的工作及铜绿假单胞菌中群体感应系统的最新研究进展,对该系统在铜绿假单胞菌中的作用及其调控途径进行分析、探讨和总结。     

烫伤创面绿脓杆菌定植动态的实验研究

本文从细菌以多细胞生理活动观点出发,以认识定植稳定过程为目的。进行了实验大白鼠烫伤创面绿脓杆菌定植与抗定植动态观察。通过用铁浸染色法对细菌群体结构定量化研究,用糖包被负染法对群体结构内部结构观察,对粘附在组织表面细菌数量的测定,反映结构与粘附力的关系。进一步结合电镜观察及细菌生长状态的分析,证明了烫伤创面上绿脓杆菌群体结构的形成是细菌分裂繁殖所致。通过群体结构,糖包被,粘附力及生长状态的动态观察,表现出与定植的稳定程度呈平行关系,显示其重要性。联系抗定植力研究,表明定植与抗定植的一致性。最后分析了定植三个主要条件,和稳定性定植的三要素。     

Plasmid-determined resistance to chromate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Resistance to chromate in five independent Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates was transferred by conjugation to P. aeruginosa strain PU21. All chromate-resistant transconjugants contained large plasmids that also conferred resistance to inorganic mercury. One of these plasmids, pUM505, increased the resistance to CrO₄²⁻ and decreased the accumulation of intracellular ⁵¹CrO₄²⁻ by the host cells as compared to the plasmidless strain PU21.     

铜绿假单胞菌色素代谢相关基因的研究

首次应用Mu转座重组技术研究铜绿假单胞菌色素合成与调控的机制。通过一系列的表型筛选,得到8株色素合成能力改变的突变子。经基因克隆、核苷酸测序研究,证明转座子分别插入到hmgA、ptsP、sucC、phzS、phzF1五个基因中。hmgA基因转座失活导致酪氨酸分解代谢中间产物尿黑酸的积累,后四种情况转座突变显著地影响了铜绿假单胞菌最重要的色素绿脓素（pyocyanin）的合成,其中PhzS和phzF1是绿脓素合成过程中的结构基因,ptsP基因是1个磷酸转移酶系统的重要组分,sucC基因的产物是三羧酸循环中的琥珀酰辅酶A合成酶,对后两个基因在色素合成的调控方面可能起到重要作用的报道尚属首例。     

茶多酚对金黄色葡萄球菌和铜绿假单胞菌的抑菌机理

以革兰氏阳性的金黄色葡萄球菌和革兰氏阴性的铜绿假单胞菌为试验菌,通过测定茶多酚与两种菌作用前后细菌培养液的电导率和可溶性总糖的变化,以及菌体在磷代谢和蛋白质表达方面的变化,初步阐明了茶多酚对这两种菌的抑菌机理。研究结果表明,茶多酚对金黄色葡萄球菌和铜绿假单胞菌均有抑菌活性,但对金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌活性更强。经茶多酚处理后,细菌培养液的电导率和总糖浓度均增大,表明了茶多酚可破坏细胞膜的结构、导致细胞通透性增加,进而使细胞内容物外泄。另一方面,经茶多酚处理后的两种菌对磷的消耗量降低,以致严重影响了核酸、磷脂等细胞重要成分的合成以及能量代谢;通过SDS-PAGE分析,证实茶多酚可以阻碍细菌蛋白质的正常表达,以致影响其细胞的结构组成以及酶的催化活性,最终导致细菌正常生理功能的丧失。     

Gene cloning and properties of the RND-type multidrug efflux pumps MexPQ-OpmE and MexMN-OprM from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We cloned two operons for putative RND-type multidrug efflux pumps from Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a PCR method. We designated the genes in one operon mexPQ(-opmE) and in another operon mexMN. Introduction of the mexPQ-opmE into drug hypersensitive cells resulted in elevated MICs of macrolides, fluoroquinolones and some other drugs. Introduction of the mexMN into the hypersensitive cells possessing oprM, but not into cells not possessing oprM, resulted in elevated MICs of chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol. Thus, we conclude that MexPQ-OpmE and MexMN-OprM are functional multidrug efflux pumps when expressed in P. aeruginosa.     

Characterization of the GO system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The mutT, mutM, and mutY genes of the GO system of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 strain have been characterized by cloning, sequencing, and complementation analysis. The three genes, when cloned in a plasmid, were able to complement the high mutation frequency of the corresponding Escherichia coli deficient strains. Our results demonstrate that the putative mutT, mutM, and mutY gene products from P. aeruginosa are able to perform the expected activity. In addition, the sequence of the P. aeruginosa mutT gene strongly suggested that the product of this gene has a bifunctional activity in P. aeruginosa, being the C-terminal part 40% identical to a consensus sequence of thiamine monophosphate synthases. Our results also demonstrated that the N-terminal part of the protein is necessary and sufficient for the 8-oxodGTP hydrolase activity.     

Functional interaction sites of OprM with MexAB in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa multidrug efflux pump

Subunit-swapping between Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexAB-OprM and MexEF-OprN efflux pumps has shown that OprM can interact with MexEF to produce a functional efflux pump, but that OprN cannot functionally interact with MexAB. Taking advantage of this subunit selectivity, we carried out experiments using chimeric proteins composed of OprM and OprN to determine which regions of OprM are necessary for functional interaction with MexAB. We constructed two types of chimeric proteins: one with the N-terminal half of OprM and the C-terminal half of OprN (OprMN), and the second with these halves reversed (OprNM). Introduction of either of the chimeric protein genes into a mutant expressing MexEF alone restored the functionality of the efflux pump. However, expression of OprMN or OprNM in the presence of MexAB did not restore the pump functionality, indicating that the both the N- and C-terminal halves of OprM are necessary for a functional interaction with MexAB.     

铜绿假单胞菌生物被膜与宿主免疫的关系

铜绿假单胞菌(Pseudomonas aeruginosa,P.aeruginosa)是一种常见的革兰阴性条件致病菌,能引起严重的院内感染,可从支气管扩张、肺囊性纤维化(CF)等患者体内分离。机体免疫系统可以通过识别不同的病原体相关分子模式(PAMPs)来抵御P.aeruginosa的感染,但P.aeruginosa生物被膜(BF)的形成可以导致这些成分被遮蔽从而引起免疫逃逸,导致疾病的迁延难愈。BF是一种与游离细菌相对立的生活方式,能帮助细菌有效适应外部环境,其可以通过藻酸盐的屏障作用,抵抗吞噬细胞的吞噬,干扰多核白细胞(PMNs)的激活,从而逃避宿主免疫。研究P.aeruginosa-BF的免疫逃逸机制,发现有效清除P.aeruginosa-BF的方法,从而为临床治疗P.aeruginosa引起的感染性疾病提供科学依据。现以P.aeruginosa为例对近年来国内外BF的免疫逃逸机制的研究进展进行综述。     

Bifunctional silica nanoparticles for the exploration of biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Luminescent silica nanoparticles are frequently employed for biotechnology applications mainly because of their easy functionalization, photo-stability, and biocompatibility. Bifunctional silica nanoparticles (BSNPs) are described here as new efficient tools for investigating complex biological systems such as biofilms. Photoluminescence is brought about by the incorporation of a silylated ruthenium(II) complex. The surface properties of the silica particles were designed by reaction with amino-organosilanes, quaternary ammonium-organosilanes, carboxylate-organosilanes and hexamethyldisilazane. BSNPs were characterized extensively by DRIFT, ¹³C and ²⁹Si solid state NMR, XPS, and photoluminescence. Zeta potential and contact angle measurements exhibited various surface properties (hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and electric charge) according to the functional groups. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) measurements showed that the spatial distribution of these nanoparticles inside a biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 depends more on their hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics than on their size. CLSM observations using two nanosized particles (25 and 68?nm) suggest that narrow diffusion paths exist through the extracellular polymeric substances matrix.     

铜绿假单胞菌二氢硫辛酸酰胺脱氢酶的重组表达及其与脂蛋白(a)的相互作用

【目的】二氢硫辛酸酰胺脱氢酶(Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase,Lpd)是铜绿假单胞菌(Pseudomonas aeruginosa)表面的一种纤溶酶原(Plasminogen,Plg)受体,旨在研究Lpd与脂蛋白(a)[Lipoprotein(a),Lp(a)]以及Plg之间的相互作用。【方法】用大肠杆菌表达rLpd及其突变分子(rLpd K476A、rLpd K477A、rLpdΔKKR),用酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)、亲和色谱层析及Western blot等技术检测rLpd及其突变分子与Lp(a)、Plg的相互作用。【结果】ELISA及亲和色谱层析实验结果表明,rLpd可以与Lp(a)结合但不与LDL结合,Lp(a)与rLpdΔKKR的结合能力显著低于其与rLpd的结合能力。1 mmol/L的赖氨酸类似物6-氨基己酸(EACA)对rLpd与Lp(a)的结合有显著的抑制作用。1 000μg/L的Lp(a)对rLpd与Plg的结合起到显著的抑制作用。【结论】Lpd能够与Lp(a)特异性结合,其476和477两个相邻的赖氨酸残基是与Lp(a)结合的主要位点,Lp(a)可以竞争性地抑制rLpd与Plg的结合。     

Destruction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pre-formed biofilms by cationic polymer micelles bearing silver nanoparticles

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen often associated with biofilm infections. This study evaluated the capacity for biofilm destruction of a novel combination of cationic polymer micelles formed from poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA-PCL-PDMAEMA) triblock copolymer either alone, or loaded with silver nanoparticles (M_AgNPs). Pre-formed P. aeruginosa biofilms were incubated with either blank micelles, AgNO₃, or M_AgNPs. Biofilm biomass (crystal violet assay), metabolic activity (Alamar blue reduction), structure (SEM) and viability (CLSM after Live/Dead staining, or plating for CFU) were checked. The results showed that the micelles alone loosened the biofilm matrix, and caused some alterations in the bacterial surface. AgNO₃ killed the bacteria in situ leaving dead biofilm bacteria on the surface. M_AgNPs combined the two types of activities causing significant biofilm reduction, and alteration and death of biofilm bacteria. Therefore, the applied PDMAEMA-based micelles appear to be a successful candidate for the treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilm infections.     

The effects of human tear electrolytes on the viability and hydrogel colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the inorganic electrolytes present in human tear film on the viability and colonization of bacteria to hydrogels. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were used in these experiments. A D-value test was performed to investigate any bacteriostatic effect by measuring the reduction of viable test microorganisms over time when exposed to the inorganic electrolyte solution. No D-value was calculable for S. aureus in electrolyte solution whereas a D-value of 8.1 h was obtained for P. aeruginosa in electrolyte solution. The D-value data indicate that staphylococci have a greater survivability potential in a hypertonic environment than do pseudomonads. Bacterial adhesion to high water, ionic hydrogels was studied using the Modified Robbins Device (MRD). The data for P. aeruginosa recovered from the lenses showed an 82% decrease in bacterial counts in electrolyte solution as compared to bacteria incubated in control solution. In contrast there were slight increases in S. aureus counts recovered from the lenses. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 25, 17–19. Received 12 August 1999/ Accepted in revised form 05 January 2000     

Activity of disinfectants against multispecies biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus,Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Microbial biofilms are a serious threat to human health. Recent studies have indicated that many clinically relevant biofilms are polymicrobial. In the present study, multispecies biofilms were grown in a reproducible manner in a 96-well microtiter plate. The efficacy of nine commercially available disinfectants against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in multispecies biofilms was determined and compared. The results showed that the direction and the magnitude of the effect in a multispecies biofilm depend on the strain and the disinfectant used and challenge the common belief that organisms in multispecies biofilms are always less susceptible than in monospecies biofilms.     

The Cysteine Dioxygenase Homologue from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is a 3-Mercaptopropionate Dioxygenase

Thiol dioxygenation is the initial oxidation step that commits a thiol to important catabolic or biosynthetic pathways. The reaction is catalyzed by a family of specific non-heme mononuclear iron proteins each of which is reported to react efficiently with only one substrate. This family of enzymes includes cysteine dioxygenase, cysteamine dioxygenase, mercaptosuccinate dioxygenase, and 3-mercaptopropionate dioxygenase. Using sequence alignment to infer cysteine dioxygenase activity, a cysteine dioxygenase homologue from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p3MDO) has been identified. Mass spectrometry of P. aeruginosa under standard growth conditions showed that p3MDO is expressed in low levels, suggesting that this metabolic pathway is available to the organism. Purified recombinant p3MDO is able to oxidize both cysteine and 3-mercaptopropionic acid in vitro, with a marked preference for 3-mercaptopropionic acid. We therefore describe this enzyme as a 3-mercaptopropionate dioxygenase. Mössbauer spectroscopy suggests that substrate binding to the ferrous iron is through the thiol but indicates that each substrate could adopt different coordination geometries. Crystallographic comparison with mammalian cysteine dioxygenase shows that the overall active site geometry is conserved but suggests that the different substrate specificity can be related to replacement of an arginine by a glutamine in the active site.     

Structural and Functional Studies of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Minor Pilin,PilE

Many bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, use type IVa pili (T4aP) for attachment and twitching motility. T4aP are composed primarily of major pilin subunits, which are repeatedly assembled and disassembled to mediate function. A group of pilin-like proteins, the minor pilins FimU and PilVWXE, prime pilus assembly and are incorporated into the pilus. We showed previously that minor pilin PilE depends on the putative priming subcomplex PilVWX and the non-pilin protein PilY1 for incorporation into pili, and that with FimU, PilE may couple the priming subcomplex to the major pilin PilA, allowing for efficient pilus assembly. Here we provide further support for this model, showing interaction of PilE with other minor pilins and the major pilin. A 1.25 Å crystal structure of PilE_Δ1–28 shows a typical type IV pilin fold, demonstrating how it may be incorporated into the pilus. Despite limited sequence identity, PilE is structurally similar to Neisseria meningitidis minor pilins PilX_Nm and PilV_Nm, recently suggested via characterization of mCherry fusions to modulate pilus assembly from within the periplasm. A P. aeruginosa PilE-mCherry fusion failed to complement twitching motility or piliation of a pilE mutant. However, in a retraction-deficient strain where surface piliation depends solely on PilE, the fusion construct restored some surface piliation. PilE-mCherry was present in sheared surface fractions, suggesting that it was incorporated into pili. Together, these data provide evidence that PilE, the sole P. aeruginosa equivalent of PilX_Nm and PilV_Nm, likely connects a priming subcomplex to the major pilin, promoting efficient assembly of T4aP.