Molecular Mechanisms of Colistin Resistance Among Klebsiella Pneumoniae Strains.

BACKGROUND: The increasing rate of infections caused by multiple drug resistant gram-negative bacteria has led to resuscitation of colistin. As a result, colistin resistance, mainly among Klebsiella pneumoniae strains has also been increased. The aim of this study was to investigate molecular mechanisms behind colistin resistance. METHODS: Twenty colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae strains isolated from clinical samples of different patients were involved in this study. VITEK2 automated ID/AST system (Biomeriux, France) was used for the identification and also the susceptibility testing for antibiotics other than colistin. Colistin susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution method. To identify the mechanisms of resistance, mutations on mgrB genes, expression levels of pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, pmrD, pmrE, pmrK, phoQ, and phoP genes, and the presence of plasmid mediated colistin resistance genes, mcr-1 and mcr-2 were investigated. RESULTS: As a result of the study, increased expression levels of the pmrA, pmrB, pmrD, pmrK, phoP, and phoQ genes were observed. All colistin resistant strains were found wild type for the mgrB gene which is thought to be esponsible for colistin resistance. Also, no mcr-1 or mcr-2 genes which are the causes of plasmid mediated colistin resistance have been detected in any of the strains. CONCLUSIONS: Among the colistin resistant K. pneumoniae strains included in our study, increased expression Levels of the genes responsible for cell membrane modifications related with colistin resistance were the most common mechanisms.

EPIKOL, a chromatin-focused CRISPR/Cas9-based screening platform, to identify cancer-specific epigenetic vulnerabilities.

Dysregulation of the epigenome due to alterations in chromatin modifier proteins commonly contribute to malignant transformation. To interrogate the roles of epigenetic modifiers in cancer cells, we generated an epigenome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout library (EPIKOL) that targets a wide-range of epigenetic modifiers and their cofactors. We conducted eight screens in two different cancer types and showed that EPIKOL performs with high efficiency in terms of sgRNA distribution and depletion of essential genes. We discovered novel epigenetic modifiers that regulate triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and prostate cancer cell fitness. We confirmed the growth-regulatory functions of individual candidates, including SS18L2 and members of the NSL complex (KANSL2, KANSL3, KAT8) in TNBC cells. Overall, we show that EPIKOL, a focused sgRNA library targeting ~800 genes, can reveal epigenetic modifiers that are essential for cancer cell fitness under in vitro and in vivo conditions and enable the identification of novel anti-cancer targets. Due to its comprehensive epigenome-wide targets and relatively high number of sgRNAs per gene, EPIKOL will facilitate studies examining functional roles of epigenetic modifiers in a wide range of contexts, such as screens in primary cells, patient-derived xenografts as well as in vivo models.

Milestones of CRISPR/Cas9 system, promises and roadblocks.

In this issue of Cancer Treatment and Research Communications, Sarkar et al. describe CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing from its discovery to current views. Originally a bacterial adaptive immune system, CRISPR/Cas9 was adapted to mammalian cells as a tool to perform a wide range of actions given its capability of accurately targeting specific DNA loci. While the CRISPR/Cas9 system is readily used in laboratories as a research tool for a few years now, the first clinical trials have recently started utilizing this system in translational medicine. Although several obstacles have been resolved related to the usage of CRISPR/Cas9 on mammalian cells, the scientific community is facing new challenges with this technology.

Roles of adiponectin and leptin signaling-related microRNAs in the preventive effects of calorie restriction in mammary tumor development.

Calorie restriction (CR) is suggested to prevent the development of mammary tumors (MTs); however, the mechanism remains to be clarified. We aimed to determine the microRNA (miRNA) profile in mice applied to 2 different CR protocols; chronic (CCR) and intermittent (ICR) and follow the MT development. In addition, the roles of miRNAs involved in adiponectin and/or leptin signaling pathways were investigated. Mice were divided into 3 groups: ad-libitum (AL), CCR, or ICR, which comprised 3 weeks of AL feeding followed by 1 week of 60% CR in a cyclic manner. Blood and tissue collection were performed at weeks 10, 17/18, 49/50 and 81/82. Long-term CCR provided better protection compared with ICR for MT development with a delay in the MT occurrence. Adiponectin expression in mammary fat pad were significantly higher in CCR group compared with AL. Using GeneChip Array, 250 of 3195 miRNAs were differentially expressed among the dietary groups. Thirteen of 250 miRNAs were related to adiponectin and/or leptin signaling genes. Results were verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Specifically, miR-326-3p, miR-500-3p and miR-129-5p, which are related to adiponectin and/or leptin signaling, may play important roles in the preventive effects of CR in MT development and in ageing. Thus, these miRNAs might be putative biomarkers to target for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Novelty: Type of CR and micro RNA interaction is related to ageing. miR-326-3p, miR-500-3p and miR-129-5p expression levels were differentially expressed in MT development and in ageing. The genes associated with adiponectin and/or leptin signaling pathways are regulated by certain miRNAs in the protective effects of CR.