Journal of Microbiology

Journal Articles

Hydroxychloroquine an Antimalarial Drug, Exhibits Potent Antifungal Efficacy Against Candida albicans Through Multitargeting.: Sargun Tushar Basrani, Tanjila Chandsaheb Gavandi, Shivani Balasaheb Patil, Nandkumar Subhash Kadam, Dhairyasheel Vasantrao Yadav, Sayali Ashok Chougule, Sankunny Mohan Karuppayil, Ashwini Khanderao Jadhav; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):381-391. Published online April 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00111-6

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Abstract: Candida albicans is the primary etiological agent associated with candidiasis in humans. Unrestricted growth of C. albicans can progress to systemic infections in the worst situation. This study investigates the antifungal activity of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and mode of action against C. albicans. HCQ inhibited the planktonic growth and yeast to hyphal form morphogenesis of C. albicans significantly at 0.5 mg/ml concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC(50)) of HCQ for C. albicans adhesion and biofilm formation on the polystyrene surface was at 2 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml respectively. Various methods, such as scanning electron microscopy, exploration of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, cell cycle analysis, and assessment of S oxygen species (ROS) generation, were employed to investigate HCQ exerting its antifungal effects. HCQ was observed to reduce ergosterol levels in the cell membranes of C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HCQ treatment caused a substantial arrest of the C. albicans cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, which impeded normal cell growth. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of SOD2, SOD1, and CAT1 genes after HCQ treatment, while genes like HWP1, RAS1, TEC1, and CDC 35 were downregulated. The study also assessed the in vivo efficacy of HCQ in a mice model, revealing a reduction in the pathogenicity of C. albicans after HCQ treatment. These results indicate that HCQ holds for the development of novel antifungal therapies.

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.

Flavobacterium psychrotrophum sp. nov. and Flavobacterium panacagri sp. nov., Isolated from Freshwater and Soil: Yong-Seok Kim , Eun-Mi Hwang , Chang-Myeong Jeong , Chang-Jun Cha; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(10):891-901. Published online October 18, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00081-1

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Abstract: Two novel bacterial strains CJ74T and CJ75T belonging to the genus Flavobacterium were isolated from freshwater of Han River and ginseng soil, South Korea, respectively. Strain CJ74T was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, and non-flagellated, and did not produce flexirubin-type pigments. Strain CJ75T was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rodshaped, motile by gliding, and non-flagellated, and produced flexirubin-type pigments. Both strains were shown to grow optimally at 30 °C in the absence of NaCl on R2A medium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains CJ74T and CJ75T belonged to the genus Flavobacterium and were most closely related to Flavobacterium niveum TAPW14T and Flavobacterium foetidum CJ42T with 96.17% and 97.29% 16S rRNA sequence similarities, respectively. Genomic analyses including the reconstruction of phylogenomic tree, average nucleotide identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization suggested that they were novel species of the genus Flavobacterium. Both strains contained menaquinone 6 (MK-6) as the primary respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine as a major polar lipid. The predominant fatty acids of both strains were iso-C15:0 and summed feature 3 ( C16:1 ω7c and/or C16: 1 ω6c). Based on the polyphasic taxonomic study, strains CJ74T and CJ75T represent novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which names Flavobacterium psychrotrophum sp. nov. and Flavobacterium panacagri sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strains are CJ74T (=KACC 19819T =JCM 32889T) and CJ75T (=KACC 23149T =JCM 36132T).

Genetic Characteristics and Phylogeographic Dynamics of Echovirus: Yan Wang , Pir Tariq Shah , Yue Liu , Amina Nawal Bahoussi , Li Xing; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(9):865-877. Published online September 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00078-w

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Abstract: Echoviruses belong to the genus Enterovirus in the Picornaviridae family, forming a large group of Enterovirus B (EVB) within the Enteroviruses. Previously, Echoviruses were classified based on the coding sequence of VP1. In this study, we performed a reliable phylogenetic classification of 277 sequences isolated from 1992 to 2019 based on the full-length genomes of Echovirus. In this report, phylogenetic, phylogeographic, recombination, and amino acid variability landscape analyses were performed to reveal the evolutional characteristics of Echovirus worldwide. Echoviruses were clustered into nine major clades, e.g., G1–G9. Phylogeographic analysis showed that branches G2–G9 were linked to common strains, while the branch G1 was only linked to G5. In contrast, strains E12, E14, and E16 clustered separately from their G3 and G7 clades respectively, and became a separate branch. In addition, we identified a total of 93 recombination events, where most of the events occurred within the VP1-VP4 coding regions. Analysis of amino acid variation showed high variability in the a positions of VP2, VP1, and VP3. This study updates the phylogenetic and phylogeographic information of Echovirus and indicates that extensive recombination and significant amino acid variation in the capsid proteins drove the emergence of new strains.

Review

The Fatal Role of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli Shiga Toxin‑associated Extracellular Vesicles in Host Cells: Kyung-Soo Lee , Jun-Young Park , Yu-Jin Jeong , Moo-Seung Lee; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(8):715-727. Published online September 4, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00066-0

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Abstract: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a specific subset of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains that are characterized by their ability to cause bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis) and potentially life-threatening, extraintestinal complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is associated with acute renal failure., contributing to severe clinical outcomes. The Shiga toxins (Stxs), produced by EHEC, are primary virulence factors. These potent cytotoxins are composed of one enzymatically active A subunit (StxA) and five receptor-binding B subunits (StxB). Although the toxins are primarily associated with cytotoxic effects, they also elicit other pathogenic consequences due to their induction of a number of biological processes, including apoptosis through ER-stress, pro-inflammatory responses, autophagy, and post-translational modification (PTM). Moreover, several studies have reported the association between Stxs and extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles and exosomes, demonstrating that Stx-containing EVs secreted by intoxicated macrophages are taken up by recipient cells, such as toxin-sensitive renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. This mechanism likely contributes to the spreading of Stxs within the host, and may exacerbate gastrointestinal illnesses and kidney dysfunction. In this review, we summarize recent findings relating to the host responses, in different types of cells in vitro and in animal models, mediated by Stxs-containing exosomes. Due to their unique properties, EVs have been explored as therapeutic agents, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic tools. Thus, potential therapeutic applications of EVs in EHEC Stxs-mediated pathogenesis are also briefly reviewed.

Journal Articles

Ten Novel Species Belonging to the Genus Flavobacterium, Isolated from Freshwater Environments: F. praedii sp. nov., F. marginilacus sp. nov., F. aestivum sp. nov., F. flavigenum sp. nov., F. luteolum sp. nov., F. gelatinilyticum sp. nov., F. aquiphilum sp. nov., F. limnophilum sp. nov., F. lacustre: Hyunyoung Jo , Miri S. Park , Yeonjung Lim , Ilnam Kang , Jang-Cheon Cho; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(5):495-510. Published online May 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00054-4

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Abstract: Eleven bacterial strains were isolated from freshwater environments and identified as Flavobacterium based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Complete genome sequences of the 11 strains ranged from 3.45 to 5.83 Mb with G + C contents of 33.41–37.31%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values showed that strains IMCC34515T and IMCC34518 belonged to the same species, while the other nine strains represented each separate species. The ANI values between the strains and their closest Flavobacterium species exhibited ≤ 91.76%, indicating they represent each novel species. All strains had similar characteristics such as being Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, and contained iso-C15:0 as the predominant fatty acid, menaquinone-6 as the respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine and aminolipids as major polar lipids. Genomic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic characterization confirmed that the 11 strains were distinct from previously recognized Flavobacterium species. Therefore, Flavobacterium praedii sp. nov. (IMCC34515T = KACC 22282T = NBRC 114937T), Flavobacterium marginilacus sp. nov. (IMCC34673T = KACC 22284T = NBRC 114940T), Flavobacterium aestivum sp. nov. (IMCC34774T = KACC 22285T = NBRC 114941T), Flavobacterium flavigenum sp. nov. (IMCC34775T = KACC22286T = NBRC 114942T), Flavobacterium luteolum sp. nov. (IMCC34776T = KACC 22287T = NBRC 114943T), Flavobacterium gelatinilyticum sp. nov. (IMCC34777T = KACC 22288T = NBRC 114944T), Flavobacterium aquiphilum sp.nov. (IMCC34779T = KACC 22289T = NBRC 114945T), Flavobacterium limnophilum sp. nov. (IMCC36791T = KACC22290T = NBRC 114947T), Flavobacterium lacustre sp. nov. (IMCC36792T = KACC 22291T = NBRC 114948T), and Flavobacterium eburneipallidum sp. nov. (IMCC36793T = KACC 22292T = NBRC 114949T) are proposed as novel species.

Rhizosphere Microbial Community and Metabolites of Susceptible and Resistant Tobacco Cultivars to Bacterial Wilt: Wan Zhao , Yanyan Li , Chunlei Yang , Yong Yang , Yun Hu; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(4):389-402. Published online March 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00012-0

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Abstract: Soil-borne diseases are closely related to rhizosphere microecosystem. While, plant species and genotypes are important factors affected rhizosphere microecosystem. In this study, the rhizosphere soil microbial community and metabolites of susceptible and resistant tobacco cultivars were investigated. The results showed that there were significant differences in the rhizosphere microbial community and metabolites between susceptible cultivar Yunyan87 and resistant cultivar Fandi3. Furthermore, the rhizosphere soil of Fandi3 showed a higher microbial diversity than that of Yunyan87. The abundance of R. solanacearum was much higher in the rhizosphere soil of Yunyan87 than in the rhizosphere soil of Fandi3, resulting in a higher disease incidence and index. While the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere soil of Fandi3 were higher than that of Yunyan87. Additionally, there were significant differences in metabolites between Yunyan87 and Fandi3 cultivars, and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid, vamillic aldehyde, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and phthalic acid were notably high in Yunyan87. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that the rhizosphere microbial community of Fandi3 and Yunyan87 were highly correlated with various environmental factors and metabolites. Overall, susceptible and resistant tobacco cultivars had different impact on rhizosphere microbial community and metabolites. The results expand our understanding of the roles of tobacco cultivars in plant-micro-ecosystem interactions, and provide a basis for the control of tobacco bacterial wilt.

Transcriptome‑based Mining of the Constitutive Promoters for Tuning Gene Expression in Aspergillus oryzae: Kobkul Laoteng , Jutamas Anantayanon , Chanikul Chutrakul , Sarocha Panchanawaporn , Sukanya Jeennor; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(2):199-210. Published online February 6, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00020-0

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Abstract: Transcriptional regulation has been adopted for developing metabolic engineering tools. The regulatory promoter is a crucial genetic element for strain optimization. In this study, a gene set of Aspergillus oryzae with highly constitutive expression across different growth stages was identified through transcriptome data analysis. The candidate promoters were functionally characterized in A. oryzae by transcriptional control of β-glucuronidase (GUS) as a reporter. The results showed that the glyceraldehyde triphosphate dehydrogenase promoter (PgpdA1) of A. oryzae with a unique structure displayed the most robust strength in constitutively controlling the expression compared to the PgpdA2 and other putative promoters tested. In addition, the ubiquitin promoter (Pubi) of A. oryzae exhibited a moderate expression strength. The deletion analysis revealed that the 5' untranslated regions of gpdA1 and ubi with the length of 1028 and 811 nucleotides, counted from the putative translation start site (ATG), respectively, could efficiently drive the GUS expression. Interestingly, both promoters could function on various carbon sources for cell growth. Glucose was the best fermentable carbon source for allocating high constitutive expressions during cell growth, and the high concentrations (6–8% glucose, w/v) did not repress their functions. It was also demonstrated that the secondary metabolite gene coding for indigoidine could express under the control of PgpdA1 or Pubi promoter. These strong and moderate promoters of A. oryzae provided beneficial options in tuning the transcriptional expression for leveraging the metabolic control towards the targeted products.

Flavihumibacter fluminis sp. nov. and Flavihumibacter rivuli sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater stream: Miri S. Park , Hyeonuk Sa , Ilnam Kang , Jang-Cheon Cho; J. Microbiol. 2022;60(8):806-813. Published online July 29, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-2298-2

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Abstract: Two Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, nonmotile, rod-shaped, and yellow-pigmented bacterial strains, designated IMCC34837T and IMCC34838T, were isolated from a freshwater stream. Results of 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses showed that strains IMCC34837T and IMCC- 34838T shared 96.3% sequence similarity and were most closely related to Flavihumibacter profundi Chu64-6-1T (99.6%) and Flavihumibacter cheonanensis WS16T (96.4%), respectively. Complete whole-genome sequences of strains IMCC- 34837T and IMCC34838T were 5.0 Mbp and 4.3 Mbp of genome size with 44.5% and 47.9% of DNA G + C contents, respectively. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA- DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains were 70.0% and 17.9%, repectively, revealing that they are independent species. The two strains showed ≤ 75.2% ANI and ≤ 19.3% dDDH values to each closely related species of the genus Flavihumibacter, indicating that the two strains represent each novel species. Major fatty acid constituents of strain IMCC34837T were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and anteiso-C15:0 and those of strain IMCC34838T were iso-C15:0 and iso-C15:1 G. The predominant isoprenoid quinone detected in both strains was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylethanolamine, aminolipids, and glycolipids. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic characterization, strains IMCC34837T and IMCC34838T were considered to represent two novel species within the genus Flavihumibacter, for which the names Flavihumibacter fluminis sp. nov. and Flavihumibacter rivuli sp. nov. are proposed with IMCC34837T (= KACC 21752T = NBRC 115292T) and IMCC34838T (= KACC 21753T = NBRC 115293T) as the type strains, respectively.

Lysobacter ciconiae sp. nov., and Lysobacter avium sp. nov., isolated from the faeces of an Oriental stork: So-Yeon Lee , Pil Soo Kim , Hojun Sung , Dong-Wook Hyun , Jin-Woo Bae; J. Microbiol. 2022;60(5):469-477. Published online March 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-1647-5

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Abstract: Two Gram-stain-negative, mesophilic, strictly aerobic, nonspore forming, and yellow-pigmented strains with rod-shaped cells, designated H21R20T and H23M41T, were isolated from the faeces of an Oriental stork (Ciconia boyciana). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, both strains showed the highest similarity (98.3−98.4%) to the type strain of Lysobacter concretionis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA genes and 92 bacterial core genes showed that strains H21R20T and H23M41T were robustly clustered with L. concretionis Ko07T. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the genomes of both strains were approximately 2.9 Mb in size. The DNA G + C contents of the H21R20T and H23M41T strains were 67.3 and 66.6%, respectively. The two strains showed 80.1−81.7% average nucleotide identity with L. concretionis Ko07T. Strain H21R20T grew optimally at 30°C and pH 8.0 and in the presence of 0.5–3% (wt/vol) NaCl, while strain H23M41T grew optimally at 30°C and pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 0–3% (wt/vol) NaCl. Both strains possessed iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and summed feature 9 (iso-C17:1 ω9c and/or C16:0 10-methyl) as the major cellular fatty acids, ubiquinone Q-8 as a predominant quinone, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipids. A multifaceted investigation demonstrated that strains H21R20T and H23M41T represent novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which we propose the names Lysobacter ciconiae sp. nov. and Lysobacter avium sp. nov. for strains H21R20T (= KCTC 82316T = JCM 34832T) and H23M41T (= KCTC 62676T = JCM 33223T), respectively.

The novel antifungal agent AB-22 displays in vitro activity against hyphal growth and biofilm formation in Candida albicans and potency for treating systemic candidiasis: Kyung-Tae Lee , Dong-Gi Lee , Ji Won Choi , Jong-Hyun Park , Ki Duk Park , Jong-Seung Lee , Yong-Sun Bahn; J. Microbiol. 2022;60(4):438-443. Published online March 14, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-2016-0

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Abstract: Systemic candidiasis, which is mainly caused by Candida albicans, is a serious acute fungal infection in the clinical setting. In a previous study, we reported that compound 22h (designated as AB-22 in this study), a vinyl sulfate compound, is a fast-acting fungicidal agent against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens. In this study, we aimed to further analyze the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of AB-22 against filamentation, biofilm formation, and virulence of C. albicans. Under in vitro hyphal growth-inducing condition, AB-22 effectively inhibited germ tube formation and hyphal growth, which are required for the initiation of biofilm formation. Indeed, AB-22 significantly suppressed C. albicans biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AB-22 treatment inhibited the normal induction of ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, which are all required for hyphal transition in C. albicans. Furthermore, AB-22 treatment increased the survival of mice systemically infected with C. albicans. In conclusion, in addition to its fungicidal activity, AB-22 inhibits filamentation and biofilm formation in C. albicans, which could collectively contribute to its potent in vivo efficacy against systemic candidiasis.

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.

[PROTOCOL] Flow cytometric monitoring of the bacterial phenotypic diversity in aquatic ecosystems: Jin-Kyung Hong , Soo Bin Kim , Seok Hyun Ahn , Yongjoo Choi , Tae Kwon Lee; J. Microbiol. 2021;59(10):879-885. Published online September 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-1443-7

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Abstract: Flow cytometry is a promising tool used to identify the phenotypic features of bacterial communities in aquatic ecosystems by measuring the physical and chemical properties of cells based on their light scattering behavior and fluorescence. Compared to molecular or culture-based approaches, flow cytometry is suitable for the online monitoring of microbial water quality because of its relatively simple sample preparation process, rapid analysis time, and high-resolution phenotypic data. Advanced statistical techniques (e.g., denoising and binning) can be utilized to successfully calculate phenotypic diversity by processing the scatter data obtained from flow cytometry. These phenotypic diversities were well correlated with taxonomic-based diversity computed using nextgeneration 16S RNA gene sequencing. The protocol provided in this paper should be a useful guide for a fast and reliable flow cytometric monitoring of bacterial phenotypic diversity in aquatic ecosystems.

The small RNA RsaF regulates the expression of secreted virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus Newman: Niralee Patel , Mrinalini Nair; J. Microbiol. 2021;59(10):920-930. Published online September 23, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-1205-6

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Abstract: The pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus, from local infections to systemic dissemination, is mediated by a battery of virulence factors that are regulated by intricate mechanisms, which include regulatory proteins and small RNAs (sRNAs) as key regulatory molecules. We have investigated the involvement of sRNA RsaF, in the regulation of pathogenicity genes hyaluronate lyase (hysA) and serine proteaselike protein D (splD), by employing S. aureus strains with disruption and overexpression of rsaF. Staphylococcus aureus strain with disruption of rsaF exhibited marked down-regulation of hysA transcripts by 0.2 to 0.0002 fold, and hyaluronate lyase activity by 0.2–0.1 fold, as well as increased biofilm formation, during growth from log phase to stationery phase. These mutants also displayed down-regulation of splD transcripts by 0.8 to 0.005 fold, and reduced activity of multiple proteases by zymography. Conversely, overexpression of rsaF resulted in a 2- to 4- fold increase in hysA mRNA levels and hyaluronidase activity. Both hysA and splD mRNAs demonstrated an increased stability in RsaF+ strains. In silico RNA-RNA interaction indicated a direct base pairing of RsaF with hysA and splD mRNAs, which was established in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The findings demonstrate a positive regulatory role for small RNA RsaF in the expression of the virulence factors, HysA and SplD.

Lysobacter arenosi sp. nov. and Lysobacter solisilvae sp. nov. isolated from soil: Kyeong Ryeol Kim† , Kyung Hyun Kim† , Shehzad Abid Khan , Hyung Min Kim , Dong Min Han , Che Ok Jeon; J. Microbiol. 2021;59(8):709-718. Published online June 1, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-021-1156-y

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Abstract: Two Gram-stain negative, yellow-pigmented, and mesophilic bacteria, designated strains R7T and R19T, were isolated from sandy and forest soil, South Korea, respectively. Both strains were non-motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive activities. Both strains were shown to grow at 10–37°C and pH 6.0–9.0, and in the presence of 0–1.5% (w/v) NaCl. Strain R7T contained iso-C14:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and summed feature 9 (comprising C16:0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17:1 ω9c), whereas strain R19T contained iso-C11:0 3-OH, C16:1 ω7c alcohol, iso-C11:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and summed feature 9 (comprising C16:0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17:1 ω9c) as major cellular fatty acids (> 5%). Both strains contained ubiquinone- 8 as the sole isoprenoid quinone and phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and an unidentified phospholipid as the major polar lipids. The DNA G + C contents of strains R7T and R19T calculated from their genomes were 66.9 mol% and 68.9 mol%, respectively. Strains R7T and R19T were most closely related to Lysobacter panacisoli C8-1T and Lysobacter niabensis GH34-4T with 98.7% and 97.8% 16S rRNA sequence similarities, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains R7T and R19T formed distinct phylogenetic lineages within the genus Lysobacter. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular features, strains R7T and R19T represent novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the names Lysobacter arenosi sp. nov. and Lysobacter solisilvae sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains of L. arenosi and L. solisilvae are R7T (= KACC 21663T = JCM 34257T) and R19T (= KACC 21767T = JCM 34258T), respectively.

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