Journal of Microbiology

Review

Reverse Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and Monkeypox Virus: A Comprehensive Review.: Chiranjib Chakraborty, Manojit Bhattacharya, Md Aminul Islam, Hatem Zayed, Elijah Ige Ohimain, Sang-Soo Lee, Prosun Bhattacharya, Kuldeep Dhama; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):337-354. Published online May 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00138-9

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Abstract: Reverse zoonosis reveals the process of transmission of a pathogen through the human-animal interface and the spillback of the zoonotic pathogen. In this article, we methodically demonstrate various aspects of reverse zoonosis, with a comprehensive discussion of SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV reverse zoonosis. First, different components of reverse zoonosis, such as humans, different pathogens, and numerous animals (poultry, livestock, pets, wild animals, and zoo animals), have been demonstrated. Second, it explains the present status of reverse zoonosis with different pathogens during previous occurrences of various outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Here, we present 25 examples from literature. Third, using several examples, we comprehensively illustrate the present status of the reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV. Here, we have provided 17 examples of SARS-CoV-2 reverse zoonosis and two examples of MPXV reverse zoonosis. Fourth, we have described two significant aspects of reverse zoonosis: understanding the fundamental aspects of spillback and awareness. These two aspects are required to prevent reverse zoonosis from the current infection with two significant viruses. Finally, the One Health approach was discussed vividly, where we urge scientists from different areas to work collaboratively to solve the issue of reverse zoonosis.

Journal Articles

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Flagellar‑Associated Genes in Salmonella Typhimurium and Its rnc Mutant: Seungmok Han , Ji-Won Byun , Minho Lee; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(1):33-48. Published online January 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00099-5

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Abstract: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a globally recognized foodborne pathogen that affects both animals and humans. Endoribonucleases mediate RNA processing and degradation in the adaptation of bacteria to environmental changes and have been linked to the pathogenicity of S. Typhimurium. Not much is known about the specific regulatory mechanisms of these enzymes in S. Typhimurium, particularly in the context of environmental adaptation. Thus, this study carried out a comparative transcriptomic analysis of wild-type S. Typhimurium SL1344 and its mutant (Δrnc), which lacks the rnc gene encoding RNase III, thereby elucidating the detailed regulatory characteristics that can be attributed to the rnc gene. Global gene expression analysis revealed that the Δrnc strain exhibited 410 upregulated and 301 downregulated genes (fold-change > 1.5 and p < 0.05), as compared to the wild-type strain. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes are involved in various physiological functions, in both the wild-type and Δrnc strains. This study provides evidence for the critical role of RNase III as a general positive regulator of flagellar-associated genes and its involvement in the pathogenicity of S. Typhimurium.

Effects of Phosphorus‑dissolving Dark Septate Endophytes on the Growth of Blueberry: Qixin Luo , Rui Hou , Xiaojing Shang , Si Li; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(9):837-851. Published online October 5, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00080-2

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Abstract: Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) are widely distributed and improve plant growth. DSEs secrete large amounts of enzymes to mineralize insoluble phosphorus in soil and convert it into soluble phosphorus, promoting plant uptake of phosphorus. However, the effects of DSEs with phosphate-solubilizing ability on host plants need further study. In this study, phosphorusdissolving DSEs were screened for growth-promoting effects. We isolated, identified and characterized three DSE species (Thozetella neonivea, Pezicula ericae and Hyaloscyphaceae sp.) showing phosphate-solubilizing ability. The impact of single, dual or triple inoculation of DSEs on blueberry plant characteristics was studied. Their effects on colonization intensity, seedling biomass, nutrients in plants and soil, and activities of plant resistance enzymes and soil enzymes were markedly upregulated relative to the control (P < 0.05). The available phosphorus and acid phosphatase levels in different combinations were significantly increased. These findings indicate that the application of the three DSEs may be valuable in facilitating the cultivation of blueberry with a higher biomass and improved plant quality.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus KBL2290 Ameliorates Gut Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Dextran Sulfate Sodium‑Induced Colitis: Woon-ki Kim , Sung-gyu Min , Heeun Kwon , SungJun Park , Min Jung Jo , GwangPyo Ko; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(7):673-682. Published online June 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00061-5

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2 Citations

Abstract: Ulcerative colitis, a major form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with chronic colonic inflammation, may be induced via overreactive innate and adaptive immune responses. Restoration of gut microbiota abundance and diversity is important to control the pathogenesis. Lactobacillus spp., well-known probiotics, ameliorate IBD symptoms via various mechanisms, including modulation of cytokine production, restoration of gut tight junction activity and normal mucosal thickness, and alterations in the gut microbiota. Here, we studied the effects of oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) KBL2290 from the feces of a healthy Korean individual to mice with DSS-induced colitis. Compared to the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) + phosphate-buffered saline control group, the DSS + L. rhamnosus KBL2290 group evidenced significant improvements in colitis symptoms, including restoration of body weight and colon length, and decreases in the disease activity and histological scores, particularly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an elevated level of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10. Lactobacillus rhamnosus KBL2290 modulated the levels of mRNAs encoding chemokines and markers of inflammation; increased regulatory T cell numbers; and restored tight junction activity in the mouse colon. The relative abundances of genera Akkermansia, Lactococcus, Bilophila, and Prevotella increased significantly, as did the levels of butyrate and propionate (the major short-chain fatty acids). Therefore, oral L. rhamnosus KBL2290 may be a useful novel probiotic.

Review

Membrane Proteins as a Regulator for Antibiotic Persistence in Gram‑Negative Bacteria: Jia Xin Yee , Juhyun Kim , Jinki Yeom; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(3):331-341. Published online February 17, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00024-w

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Abstract: Antibiotic treatment failure threatens our ability to control bacterial infections that can cause chronic diseases. Persister bacteria are a subpopulation of physiological variants that becomes highly tolerant to antibiotics. Membrane proteins play crucial roles in all living organisms to regulate cellular physiology. Although a diverse membrane component involved in persistence can result in antibiotic treatment failure, the regulations of antibiotic persistence by membrane proteins has not been fully understood. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding with regards to membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria as a regulator for antibiotic persistence, highlighting various physiological mechanisms in bacteria.

Journal Articles

Alpha‑Hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus Obstructs Yeast‑Hyphae Switching and Diminishes Pathogenicity in Candida albicans: Xiaoyu Yu , Yinhe Mao , Guangbo Li , Xianwei Wu , Qiankun Xuan , Simin Yang , Xiaoqing Chen , Qi Cao , Jian Guo , Jinhu Guo , Wenjuan Wu; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(2):233-243. Published online February 9, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-00006-4

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Abstract: The use of antibiotics can disrupt the body’s natural balance and increase the susteptibility of patients towards fungal infections. Candida albicans is a dimorphic opportunistic fungal pathogen with niches similar to those of bacteria. Our aim was to study the interaction between this pathogen and bacteria to facilitate the control of C. albicans infection. Alpha-hemolysin (Hla), a protein secreted from Staphylococcus aureus, causes cell wall damage and impedes the yeast–hyphae transition in C. albicans. Mechanistically, Hla stimulation triggered the formation of reactive oxygen species that damaged the cell wall and mitochondria of C. albicans. The cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase, CDC42 was downregulated, and Ywp1 was upregulated, disrupting yeast hyphae switching. Subsequently, hyphae development was inhibited. In mouse models, C. albicans pretreated with Hla reduced the C. albicans burden in skin and vaginal mucosal infections, suggesting that S. aureus Hla can inhibit hyphal development and reduce the pathogenicity of candidiasis in vivo.

Brachybacterium kimchii sp. nov. and Brachybacterium halotolerans subsp. kimchii subsp. nov., isolated from the Korean fermented vegetables, kimchi, and description of Brachybacterium halotolerans subsp. halotolerans subsp. nov.: Yujin Kim , Yeon Bee Kim , Juseok Kim , Joon Yong Kim , Tae Woong Whon , Won-Hyong Chung , Eun-Ji Song , Young-Do Nam , Se Hee Lee , Seong Woon Roh; J. Microbiol. 2022;60(7):678-688. Published online July 4, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-1581-6

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Abstract: Two Gram-stain-positive, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, and coccus-shaped bacterial strains, designated CBA3104T and CBA3105T, were isolated from kimchi. Strain CBA3104T and CBA3105T grew at 10–35°C (optimum, 25°C and 30°C, respectively), at pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum, pH 6.5), and in the presence of 0–15% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 5%). A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CBA3104T formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage within the genus Brachybacterium whereas strain CBA3105T was closely positioned with Brachybacterium halotolerans MASK1Z-5T. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains CBA3104T and CBA3105T was 99.9%, but ANI and dDDH values between strains CBA3104T and CBA3105T were 93.61% and 51.5%, respectively. Strain CBA3104T showed lower ANI and dDDH values than species delineation against three closely related strains and type species of the genus Brachybacterium, however, strain CBA3105T showed 96.63% ANI value and 69.6% dDDH value with Brachybacterium halotolerans MASK1Z-5T. Among biochemical analysis results, strain CBA3104T could uniquely utilize bromo-succinic acid whereas only strain CBA3105T was positive for alkaline phosphatase and α-fucosidase among two novel strains, closely related strains, and type species of the genus Brachybacterium. Compared with strain CBA3105T and Brachybacterium halotolerans JCM 34339T, strain CBA3105T was differentially positive for acid production of D-arabinose, D-adonitol, and potassium 5-ketogluconate and enzyme activity of β-glucuronidase. Both strains contained menaquinone-7 as the dominant quinone. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of two novel strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids of strains CBA3104T and CBA3105T were anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, and iso-C16:0. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Strain CBA3104T possessed a uniquely higher abundance of tRNA (97 tRNAs) than four Brachybacterium strains used for comparative taxonomic analysis (54–62 tRNAs). Both the CBA3104T and CBA3105T strain harbored various oxidoreductase, transferase, hydrolase, and lyase as strain-specific functional genes compared to closely related strains and Brachybacterium type species. The results of biochemical/physiological, chemotaxonomic, and genomic analyses demonstrated that strains CBA3104T and CBA3105T represent a novel species of the genus Brachybacterium and a novel subspecies of B. halotolerans, respectively, for which the names Brachybacterium kimchii sp. nov. and B. halotolerans subsp. kimchii subsp. nov. are proposed. The type strains of the novel species and the novel subspecies are CBA3104T (= KCCM 43417T = JCM 34759T) and CBA3105T (= KCCM 43418T = JCM 34760T), respectively.

Availability of polyamines affects virulence and survival of Neisseria meningitidis: Poonam Kanojiya , Riya Joshi , Sunil D. Saroj; J. Microbiol. 2022;60(6):640-648. Published online April 18, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-1589-y

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4 Citations

Abstract: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative human-restricted pathogen that asymptomatically resides in the human respiratory tract. Meningococcal meningitis and sepsis both are caused by N. meningitidis. The bacterium must adhere to host epithelial cells in order to colonize effectively. The factors that determine the initial attachment to the host and dispersal, are not well understood. Metabolites released by the host may aid in meningococcal colonization and dissemination. Polyamines are aliphatic polycations that assist in cell survival and proliferation. The virulence properties of N. meningitidis after exposure to polyamines were investigated. Adhesion to nasopharyngeal epithelial cells increased in the presence of spermine. Also, the relative expression of adhesin, pilE increased in the presence of spermine. Further, relative expression of ctrA, ctrB and lipB was upregulated in the presence of spermidine, indicating increased capsule formation. Upregulated capsule synthesis of N. meningitidis in the presence of spermidine allows it to survive in murine macrophages. The study suggests the importance of the extracellular pool of polyamines in promoting virulence in N. meningitidis.

The human symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron promotes diet-induced obesity by regulating host lipid metabolism: Sang-Hyun Cho , Yong-Joon Cho , Joo-Hong Park; J. Microbiol. 2022;60(1):118-127. Published online December 29, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-1614-1

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16 Citations

Abstract: The gut microbiome plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) alters the bacterial communities in the gut, leading to metabolic disorders. Several bacterial species have been associated with diet-induced obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. However, the mechanisms underlying the control of lipid metabolism by symbiotic bacteria remain elusive. Here, we show that the human symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron aggravates metabolic disorders by promoting lipid digestion and absorption. Administration of B. thetaiotaomicron to HFD-fed mice promoted weight gain, elevated fasting glucose levels, and impaired glucose tolerance. Furthermore, B. thetaiotaomicron treatment upregulated the gene expression of the fatty acid transporter and increased fatty acid accumulation in the liver. B. thetaiotaomicron inhibits expression of the gene encoding a lipoprotein lipase inhibitor, angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), thereby increasing lipase activity in the small intestine. In particular, we found that B. thetaiotaomicron induced the expression of hepcidin, the master regulator of iron metabolism and an antimicrobial peptide, in the liver. Hepcidin treatment resulted in a decrease in ANGPTL4 expression in Caco-2 cells, whereas treatment with an iron chelator restored ANGPTL4 expression in hepcidin- treated cells. These results indicate that B. thetaiotaomicron- mediated regulation of iron storage in intestinal epithelial cells may contribute to increased fat deposition and impaired glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice.

Antibacterial pathway of cefquinome against Staphylococcus aureus based on label-free quantitative proteomics analysis: Linglin Gao , Hao Zhu , Yun Chen , Yuhui Yang; J. Microbiol. 2021;59(12):1112-1124. Published online November 9, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-1201-x

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Abstract: Cefquinome (CEQ) is a novel β-lactam antibiotic that exhibits excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. However, the bacterial protein targets of CEQ are unclear. To evaluate the relationship between the pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters of CEQ and strains with varying degrees of resistance and to elucidate bacterial protein responses to CEQ treatment, label-free quantitative proteomics analysis was conducted. The sensitive S. aureus ATCC6538 and the resistant 2MIC and 8MIC were tested for differentially expressed proteins. An in vitro model was treated with different concentrations of CEQ (3, 5, or 10 μg/ml) with different terminal half-lives (2.5 or 5 h) at different intervals (12 or 24 h). Differentially expressed proteins were evaluated using Gene Ontology analysis followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and STRING network analysis. RT-qPCR was performed to validate the differentially expressed proteins at the molecular level. The results showed that the degree of resistance increased in a cumulative manner and increased gradually with the extension of administration time. The resistant strain would not have appeared in the model only if %T > mutant prevention concentration ≥ 50%. The expression of 45 proteins significantly changed following CEQ treatment, among which 42 proteins were obviously upregulated and 3 were downregulated. GO analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly present on cells and the cell membrane, participated in metabolic and intracellular processes, and had catalytic and binding activities. The RPSO, SDHB, CITZ, ADK, and SAOUHSC 00113 genes in S. aureus may play important roles in the development of resistance to CEQ. These results provided important reference candidate proteins as targets for overcoming S. aureus resistance to CEQ.

Review

Overview of bioinformatic methods for analysis of antibiotic resistome from genome and metagenome data: Kihyun Lee , Dae-Wi Kim , Chang-Jun Cha; J. Microbiol. 2021;59(3):270-280. Published online February 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-0652-4

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16 Citations

Abstract: Whole genome and metagenome sequencing are powerful approaches that enable comprehensive cataloging and profiling of antibiotic resistance genes at scales ranging from a single clinical isolate to ecosystems. Recent studies deal with genomic and metagenomic data sets at larger scales; therefore, designing computational workflows that provide high efficiency and accuracy is becoming more important. In this review, we summarize the computational workflows used in the research field of antibiotic resistome based on genome or metagenome sequencing. We introduce workflows, software tools, and data resources that have been successfully employed in this rapidly developing field. The workflow described in this review can be used to list the known antibiotic resistance genes from genomes and metagenomes, quantitatively profile them, and investigate the epidemiological and evolutionary contexts behind their emergence and transmission. We also discuss how novel antibiotic resistance genes can be discovered and how the association between the resistome and mobilome can be explored.

Journal Articles

iTRAQ-facilitated proteomic analysis of Bacillus cereus via degradation of malachite green: Bobo Wang , Jing Lu , Junfang Zheng , Zhisheng Yu; J. Microbiol. 2021;59(2):142-150. Published online February 1, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-0441-0

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Abstract: The wide use of malachite green (MG) as a dye has caused substantial concern owing to its toxicity. Bacillus cereus can against the toxic effect of MG and efficiently decolourise it. However, detailed information regarding its underlying adaptation and degradation mechanisms based on proteomic data is scarce. In this study, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-facilitated quantitative method was applied to analyse the molecular mechanisms by which B. cereus degrades MG. Based on this analysis, 209 upregulated proteins and 198 downregulated proteins were identified with a false discovery rate of 1% or less during MG biodegradation. Gene ontology and KEGG analysis determined that the differentially expressed proteins were enriched in metabolic processes, catalytic activity, antioxidant activity, and responses to stimuli. Furthermore, real-time qPCR was utilised to further confirm the regulated proteins involved in benzoate degradation. The proteins BCE_4076 (Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase), BCE_5143 (Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase), BCE_5144 (3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase), BCE_4651 (Enoyl-CoA hydratase), and BCE_5474 (3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase) involved in the benzoate degradation pathway may play an important role in the biodegradation of MG by B. cereus. The results of this study not only provide a comprehensive view of proteomic changes in B. cereus upon MG loading but also shed light on the mechanism underlying MG biodegradation by B. cereus.

Influences of genetically perturbing synthesis of the typical yellow pigment on conidiation, cell wall integrity, stress tolerance, and cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei: Weixin Zhang , Ning An , Junqi Guo , Zhixing Wang , Xiangfeng Meng , Weifeng Liu; J. Microbiol. 2021;59(4):426-434. Published online January 26, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-0433-0

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14 Citations

Abstract: The prominent protein producing workhorse Trichoderma reesei secretes a typical yellow pigment that is synthesized by a gene cluster including two polyketide synthase encoding genes sor1 and sor2. Two transcription factors (YPR1 and YPR2) that are encoded in the same cluster have been shown to regulate the expression of the sor genes. However, the physiological relevance of the yellow pigment synthesis in T. reesei is not completely clear. In this study, a yellow pigment hyper-producer OEypr1 and three yellow pigment non-producers, OEypr1-sor1, Δypr1, and OEypr2, were constructed. Their phenotypic features in mycelial growth, conidiation, cell wall integrity, stress tolerance, and cellulase production were determined. Whereas hyperproduction of the yellow pigment caused significant defects in all the physiological aspects tested, the non-producers showed similar colony growth, but improved conidiation, maintenance of cell wall integrity, and stress tolerance compared to the control strain. Moreover, in contrast to the severely compromised extracellular cellobiohydrolase production in the yellow pigment hyperproducer, loss of the yellow pigment hardly affected induced cellulase gene expression. Our results demonstrate that interfering with the yellow pigment synthesis constitutes an engineering strategy to endow T. reesei with preferred features for industrial application.

Impact of feeding regimens on the composition of gut microbiota and metabolite profiles of plasma and feces from Mongolian sheep: Bohui Wang , Yulong Luo , Rina Su , Duo Yao , Yanru Hou , Chang Liu , Rui Du , Ye Jin; J. Microbiol. 2020;58(6):472-482. Published online April 22, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-020-9501-0

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20 Citations

Abstract: Mongolian sheep are an indigenous ruminant raised for wool and meat production in China. The gut microbial community plays an important role in animal performance and metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two feeding regimens on the diversity and composition of gut microbiota and metabolite profiles of feces and plasma from Mongolian sheep. A total of 20 Mongolian sheep were assigned to one of two feeding regimens: free grazing (FG) and barn confinement (BC). When samples were collected, the average live weights of the sheep were 31.28 ± 1.56 kg and 34.18 ± 1.87 kg for the FG and BC groups, respectively. At the genus level, the FG group showed higher levels of Bacteroides, RC9_gut_group, Alistipes, Phocaeicola, Barnesiella, and Oscillibacter, and lower levels of Succinivibrio, Treponema, and Prevotella, compared to the BC group. The butyric acid content in feces was lower in the FG group (P < 0.05). Higher levels of palmitic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, L-carnitine, L-citrulline, and L-histidine, and lower levels of L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, and L-kynurenine were found in the plasma of the FG sheep. Moreover, there were substantial associations between several gut microbiota genera and alterations in feces and plasma metabolites especially those involved in the metabolism of butyric acid, linolenic acid, and L-tyrosine. Feeding regimens can not only influence the composition of gut microbiota, but also alter metabolic homeostasis in sheep.

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