Understanding the antimicrobial properties/activity of an 11-residue Lys homopeptide by alanine and proline scan.

Previous work demonstrated that lysine homopeptides adopt a polyproline II (PPII) structure. Lysine homopeptides with odd number of residues, especially with 11 residues (K11), were capable of inhibiting the growth of a broader spectrum of bacteria than those with an even number. Confocal studies also determined that K11 was able to localize exclusively in the bacterial membrane, leading to cell death. In this work, the mechanism of action of this peptide was further analyzed focused on examining the structural changes in bacterial membrane induced by K11, and in K11 itself when interacting with bacterial membrane lipids. Moreover, alanine and proline scans were performed for K11 to identify relevant positions in structure conformation and antibacterial activity. To do so, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) was conducted in saline phosphate buffer (PBS) and in lipidic vesicles, using large unilamellar vesicles (LUV), composed of 2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DMPG) or bacterial membrane lipid. Antimicrobial activity of K11 and their analogs was evaluated in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 exposed to the Lys homopeptide at MIC concentration showed blisters and bubbles formed on the bacterial surface, suggesting that K11 exerts its action by destabilizing the bacterial membrane. CD analysis revealed a remarkably enhanced PPII structure of K11 when replacing some of its central residues by proline in PBS. However, when such peptide analogs were confronted with either DMPG-LUV or membrane lipid extract-LUV, the tendency to form PPII structure was severely weakened. On the contrary, K11 peptide showed a remarkably enhanced PPII structure in the presence of DMPG-LUV. Antibacterial tests revealed that K11 was able to inhibit all tested bacteria with an MIC value of 5 µM, while proline and alanine analogs have a reduced activity on Listeria monocytogenes. Besides, the activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus was affected in most of the alanine-substituted analogs. However, lysine substitutions by alanine or proline at position 7 did not alter the activity against all tested bacterial strains, suggesting that this position can be screened to find a substitute amino acid yielding a peptide with increased antibacterial activity. These results also indicate that the PPII secondary structure of K11 is stabilized by the interaction of the peptide with negatively charged phospholipids in the bacterial membrane, though not being the sole determinant for its antimicrobial activity.

Identification and characterization of two variants of the Hfq-sRNA-chaperone in the fish pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis.

Small RNA and chaperone proteins form synergistic duos that play pivotal roles in controlling gene expression in bacteria. This is the case for Hfq, a highly pleiotropic pretranslational modulator of general protein expression, which responds to harsh environmental conditions and influences fitness and virulence in a wide range of pathogenic Enterobacteria. Given this relevancy, we evaluated the presence and potential role of Hfq in the fish pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis, a Gram-negative bacterium that threatens the sustainability of Chilean salmon production. Using bioinformatics tools were identified and characterized two variants of Hfq, which share the consensus RNA-binding domains and the active sites described functional Hfq other bacteria. Additionally, we demonstrated that hfq-1 and hfq-2 were transcriptionally active when growing in cell-free media and in infected susceptible fish cell line. Expression of both genes differed under different growth conditions and under stress, suggesting that their roles might be independent and different, depending on the bacterial physiological status. In conclusion, we demonstrate the existence of two different and functional ORF coding for the hfq marker in marine bacteria and a preliminary analysis indicating that these two novel proteins might have relevant roles in the biology and pathogenic potential of P. salmonis.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates: a zone of high heterogeneity (HHZ) as a tool for epidemiological studies.

Comparison of genome-wide, high-resolution restriction maps of Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates, including an NDM-1 producer, and in silico-generated restriction maps of sequenced genomes revealed a highly heterogeneous region we designated the 'high heterogeneity zone' (HHZ). The HHZ consists of several regions, including a 'hot spot' prone to insertions and other rearrangements. The HHZ is a characteristic genomic area that can be used in the identification and tracking of outbreak-causing strains.

Determination of minimal concentration of Piscirickettsia salmonis in water columns to establish a fallowing period in salmon farms.

Abstract A highly sensitive real-time PCR procedure to detect and quantify the number of Pisciricketsia salmonis units in seawater samples from affected farm sites has been developed. The purpose was to determine a fallowing period that would allow safe restocking of the target farm with new fish. Bacterial load was determined in water samples by comparing the obtained amplification values against a standard curve generated by the amplification of known concentrations of the ITS-ribosomal component of P. salmonis DNA, cloned in a suitable vector. The standard curve was linear over the range of 10(1)-10(10) log units. Target samples were taken every 10 days over a 40-day period, at 5 m depth and at the surface. In a highly affected area of southern Chile, the number of bacterial units in farm water decreased to zero at day 50. Therefore, a fallowing period of 50 days post-removal of cages of affected fish appears to be appropriate before restocking. This procedure could be adapted to control disease problems because of other pathogens in fish farm waters.

Gene dosage and linezolid resistance in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis.

Resistance to linezolid has been associated with a G2576U mutation in domain V of the 23S rRNA. We analyzed nine clinical isolates of linezolid-resistant enterococci and showed a clear association between the number of 23S rRNA genes containing this mutation and the level of linezolid resistance expressed.

Sequences found on staphylococcal beta-lactamase plasmids integrated into the chromosome of Enterococcus faecalis CH116.

We have previously reported the presence of the staphylococcal beta-lactamase gene in chromosomes of Enterococcus faecalis strains CH19 and CH116. CH116 also harbors a 26-kb mobile element, designated Tn5384, which confers resistance to erythromycin and gentamicin. Sequence analysis of the rightmost 9 kb of Tn5384 indicates that this element lies immediately upstream of the beta-lactamase determinant in E. faecalis CH116. This 9-kb region consists of sequences highly homologous to those previously described in staphylococcal beta-lactamase plasmids, including a beta-lactamase transposon indistinguishable from Tn552, an open reading frame encoding a deduced amino acid sequence 94% identical to a previously described potential staphylococcal invertase, an intact copy of staphylococcal insertion-like element IS257, and the major portion of the staphylococcal organomercurial lyase (merB) gene. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that several of the resistance genes encoded within the large transferable region of the CH116 chromosome were originally components of a staphylococcal beta-lactamase plasmid.

Tn5384, a composite enterococcal mobile element conferring resistance to erythromycin and gentamicin whose ends are directly repeated copies of IS256.

We have identified a 26-kb mobile element from Enterococcus faecalis CH116, designated Tn5384, which confers resistance to erythromycin and to high levels of gentamicin. Tn5384 is a composite element containing three copies of insertion element IS256. Two of the IS256 copies flank the aac6'-aph2" bifunctional aminoglycoside-modifying-enzyme gene in the inverted orientation, forming a structure similar to staphylococcal gentamicin resistance transposon Tn4001. One of the IS256 elements involved in the Tn4001-like structure also forms the left end of Tn5384, the right end of which is a directly repeated insertion of IS256 approximately 23 kb downstream of the leftmost insertion. Insertions of Tn5384 into enterococcal plasmid pLRM1 have been found associated with 8- and 9-bp duplications of the target sequence.

Bacterial aspartate kinase-like activity in human platelet.

One form of a group of enzymes known as aspartate kinases, primarily reported in prokaryotes and plants, might also exist in animal cells. Here we report the immunodetection of an aspartate kinase-like activity in human platelets using antibodies against the pure form of the enzyme purified from Escherichia coli. Moreover, the enrichment of platelet extracts with the bacterial kinase results in the phosphorylation of discrete forms mainly of membrane-bound endogenous polypeptides.

IS6770, an enterococcal insertion-like sequence useful for determining the clonal relationship of clinical enterococcal isolates.

Enterococci expressing resistance to antimicrobial agents are increasingly important nosocomial pathogens. Effective strategies to prevent or abort outbreaks of resistant enterococcal infection will rely on an accurate understanding of the mechanisms by which these organisms spread. A 1065-bp insertion-like sequence (IS6770) is present in varying copy numbers in > 90% of enterococcal strains thus far examined. Hybridization patterns resulting from hybridization of enterococcal genomic DNA with an internal IS6770 probe vary considerably between unrelated strains and correlate well with results of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and field-inversion gel electrophoresis in identifying clonal relationships among enterococcal isolates. IS6770 analysis of several outbreaks of resistant enterococci has confirmed the spread of single resistant clones rather than the emergence of resistance within the resident flora. These results suggest that IS6770 hybridization will be a useful tool for tracing the epidemiology of nosocomial enterococcal infections.

Insertions of IS256-like element flanking the chromosomal beta-lactamase gene of Enterococcus faecalis CX19.

We have previously identified an inverted repeat characteristic of staphylococcal beta-lactamase transposons adjacent to the chromosomal beta-lactamase genes of Enterococcus faecalis CH19 and its beta-lactamase-producing transconjugant CX19. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the CH19 beta-lactamase structural gene (blaZ) reveals it to be identical to the blaZ gene from E. faecalis HH22 and to the blaZ gene from the staphylococcal beta-lactamase transposon Tn552. We also report the presence of nucleotide sequence identical to a 317-bp region of the staphylococcal insertion sequence IS256 upstream of the blaZ gene in both CH19 and CX19. The identical segment of IS256 is present downstream of the blaZ gene of CX19, suggesting a second insertion of the element (in the inverted orientation) accompanying transfer to the recipient strain. Restriction analysis of the areas beyond the ClaI sites used to clone these regions suggests that full copies of the IS256-like element (designated IS256E) are present in all positions but that these elements were not directly involved in the transfer of the beta-lactamase gene to the recipient strain. We have also identified a region downstream of the second IS256E insertion site which exhibits substantial homology to ISSIW, an iso-ISSI insertion originally identified in Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris. These data suggest that the two enterococcal blaZ genes sequenced to date evolved from a common ancestor and may at one time have been incorporated into a transposon similar to Tn552. They also suggest that IS256-like elements are mobile in E. faecalis and capable of inserting in a manner consistent with the formation of novel composite transposons. Finally, they provide the first confirmation of the presence of an ISSI-like element in enterococci, raising the possibility that these elements play a role in the exchange of chromosomal antimicrobial resistance determinants.

Sequences of MGH-1, YOU-1, and YOU-2 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes.

Genes for MGH-1, YOU-1, and YOU-2 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases have been cloned and sequenced. The gene for MGH-1 has the sequence of blaTEM-10, YOU-2 has that of blaTEM-12, and YOU-1 has that of blaTEM-26. All have evolved from blaTEM-1b but have the strong dual promoter sequence of blaTEM-2.

Biochemical evidence associating membrane-encapsidated particles with reverse transcription in human gastric cancer.

We provide biochemical evidence demonstrating that membrane encapsidated structures present in terminal gastric patients share similar features with retrovirus-like particles. Purified particles reveal few polypeptides, one of them glycosylated. A ribonucleoprotein core-like component is recovered which retains the DNA-polymerizing activity and contains at least one RNA component which can be efficiently translated in vitro.

Exogenously added free phosphotyrosine induces aggregation of circulating platelets in rabbits.

When free phosphotyrosine is injected into rabbits, circulating aggregated platelets are readily observed in concomitance with altered electrocardiographic profiles. Since phosphotyrosine is also able to induce platelet aggregation in vitro, altogether these results suggest that free phosphotyrosine in blood could be meaningful for in vivo platelet activation.

Further characterization of RNA-dependent-DNA polymerase activity in human gastric cancer.

Based upon our previous report indicating the presence of retrovirus-like particles in human gastric cancer cells, we analyzed the putative endogenous reverse transcriptase activity these particles should have. To evaluate the specificity of reverse transcription over that displayed by normal cellular DNA polymerases, the following discriminatory criteria were used: 1) resistance to high concentrations of Actinomycin D; 2) sensitivity to preincubation with ribonuclease A; 3) behavior in cesium sulfate isopycnic gradients and 4) size-shifting of putative template-product complexes after RNase exposure in agarose gel electrophoresis. We report a significant endogenous reverse transcriptase activity associated with membrane-encapsidated particles from terminally-illed patients but not in normal counterparts. Although these structures closely resemble retro viruses, a new model is proposed to explain our findings.

Tn5381, a conjugative transposon identifiable as a circular form in Enterococcus faecalis.

We have identified two 19-kb conjugative transposons (Tn5381 and Tn5383) in separate strains of multiply resistant Enterococcus faecalis. These transposons confer resistance to tetracycline and minocycline via a tetM gene, are capable of both chromosomal and plasmid integration in a Rec- environment, and transfer between strains in the absence of detectable plasmid DNA at frequencies ranging from < 1 x 10(-9) to 2 x 10(-5) per donor CFU, depending on the donor strain and the growth conditions. Hybridization studies indicate that these transposons are closely related to Tn916. We have identified bands of ca. 19 kb on agarose gel separations of alkaline lysis preparations from E. faecalis strains containing chromosomal copies of Tn5381, which we have confirmed to be a circularized form of this transposon. This phenomenon has previously been observed only when Tn916 has been cloned in Escherichia coli. Overnight growth of donor strains in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of tetracycline results in an approximately 10-fold increase in transfer frequency of Tn5381 into enterococcal recipients and an increase in the amount of the circular form of Tn5381 as detectable by hybridization. These results suggest that Tn5381 is a Tn916-related conjugative transposon for which the appearance of a circular form and the conjugative-transfer frequency are regulated by a mechanism(s) affected by the presence of tetracycline in the growth medium.

Evidence of incorporation of the chromosomal beta-lactamase gene of Enterococcus faecalis CH19 into a transposon derived from staphylococci.

We recently reported the chromosomal location of the staphylococcal beta-lactamase gene in four strains of Enterococcus faecalis. Transfer of this gene from strain CH19 to an enterococcal recipient was accompanied by transfer of numerous other antimicrobial resistance determinants in the absence of detectable plasmid DNA. A restriction map developed by comparing digestions of the regions surrounding the beta-lactamase gene in donor and recipient chromosomes resembles published maps of previously described staphylococcal beta-lactamase transposons, particularly in the area of the structural gene and its downstream region. In addition, DNA sequence analysis of the region immediately downstream of the beta-lactamase gene from both CH19 and its transcipient, CX19, revealed the presence of a 121-bp inverted repeat region found in Tn552 and Tn4002, two previously described staphylococcal beta-lactamase transposons. These results suggest that the chromosomal beta-lactamase gene of E. faecalis CH19 is incorporated into a transposonlike element derived from staphylococci.

Free L-phosphotyrosine activates human platelets: molecular evidence for a new signal transducer.

Human platelets, either purified or plasma-enriched, are activated when exposed to free L-phosphotyrosine. Physical aggregation is similar to that induced by collagen, although with distinctive biochemical features. Among these, a mobility shift of a GTP-binding protein specifically recognized by an anti-Ki-v-ras monoclonal antibody and an altered pattern of low molecular weight phosphorylated polypeptides are the most outstanding features. Since free phosphotyrosine is detected in platelets extracts, its role as a new signal transducer as well as its putative modulating action over protein phosphorylation are discussed.

Naturally occurring free phosphotyrosine in human liver.

We report an endogenous tyrosine-driven phosphorylating activity in human liver extracts. The detection is achieved after selective enrichment of soluble components present in a post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction (PMS) while measuring in vitro kinase activity. A putative functional role is inferred from the competence displayed by exogenous free target amino acids when added to the reaction. We demonstrate that exogenous tyrosine is specifically phosphorylated. In view of the close association between protein phosphorylation and cell function, our observations broader the scope of interpretation for the pivotal role phosphoamino acids might have in cell metabolism.