Phenotypic changes contributing to Enterobacter gergoviae biocide resistance.

UNLABELLED: Enterobacter gergoviae is a recurrent contaminant of cosmetic and hygiene products. To understand how this bacterium adapts to biocides, we studied Ent. gergoviae CIP 76.01 and its triclosan and Methylisothiazolinone-chloromethylisothiazolinone (MIT-CMIT) tolerant isogenic mutants. They were compared with others also isolated from contaminated cosmetics. Phenotypic differences were noted and these included changes in the bacterial envelope and flagella along with differences in motility, and biofilm growth rates. Triclosan and MIT-CMIT derivatives expressed flagella and other MIT-CMIT derivatives exhibited some external appendages. Those bacteria expressing a high-level minimal inhibitory concentration to MIT-CMIT, expressed a strong biofilm formation. No differential phenotypes were noted for carbon source utilisation. Enterobacter gergoviae demonstrated a diverse response to both of these preservatives contained in cosmetic preparations, depending on their concentrations. Interestingly, this adaptive response is associated with modifications of filament structure-related proteins contributing to increase the organism motility and the production of biofilm. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Recurrent contaminations of cosmetics products by Ent. gergoviae, needed a better understanding concerning the bacterial adaptation to preservative agents, with particular concern to triclosan and MIT-CMIT. We demonstrated that bacteria response is associated to various mechanisms represented by expression of external appendages (pili or fimbriae) that control cell motility and biofilm formation and evolving as the concentration of biocides adaptation increased. Such mechanisms which are not chemical specific can also promote a cross-resistance to other biocidal agents. The characterization of Ent. gergoviae adaptability to biocides allows industry to adjust the ranges of concentrations and composition of preservatives in formula.

Natural extracts stimulate membrane-associated mechanisms of resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.

UNLABELLED: Several mechanisms are involved in the bacterial resistance towards antimicrobial agents. The membrane-associated mechanisms of resistance were studied in Escherichia coli strains after incubation with Thymus maroccanus essential oil, its major components (carvacrol and thymol) or with certain antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the expression of membrane proteins, porins and efflux pumps were determined in wild type and derivative strains. Derivative strains adapted to different compounds displayed a high level of resistance to all tested antibiotics. The MIC increase is associated with an overexpression of an efflux pump immunorelated to AcrAB-TolC in various variants. Interestingly, the expression of outer membrane proteins slightly decreases in these strains. We demonstrate that the increase in antibiotic resistance correlates with membrane changes observed in the variants. This type of bacterial adaptation to natural compounds can occur in vivo providing the emergence/selection of bacteria less susceptible to clinically used antibiotics. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Thymus maroccanus essential oil and some major components are able to select variants that modify the expression of transporters involved in the influx (porins) and in the efflux (AcrAB family) of various drugs. Importantly, these membrane proteins are involved in the transport of natural compounds and several antibiotic families. This special 'membrane adaptation' can explain the persistence of less susceptible/tolerant bacteria in the environment where natural compounds are present and the continuous stimulation of efflux systems in these bacteria.

Enterobacter gergoviae adaptation to preservatives commonly used in cosmetic industry.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding regarding the origin of recurrent contamination by Enterobacter gergoviae in diverse cosmetic formula. We studied 65 isolates collected from various sources (clinical, food, cosmetics). METHODS: RAPD analysis using AP12H, REP and ERIC-PCR was carried out for epidemiological typing. Evaluation of susceptibility to preservatives currently used in cosmetics for a representative panel of collection strains was measured. Preservative efficacy was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). RESULTS: Eighty per cent of isolates was unrelated. E. gergoviae showed significant levels of resistance to preservatives. MBC was higher than maximum permitted concentrations imposed by European Commission (EC). Association of preservatives showed in rare case additive effects, and no synergic effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Most of the cosmetic formulations are contaminated with unrelated E. gergoviae strains. Maximum allowed concentrations for sodium benzoate are inefficient to limit proliferation and control adaptability to this bacterium in cosmetic products. Efflux mechanisms should be involved in methylisothiazolinone-chloromethylisothiazolinone and triclosan adaptation.

Thymus maroccanus essential oil, a membranotropic compound active on Gram-negative bacteria and resistant isolates.

AIMS: The effects of Thymus maroccanus essential oil (EO) on the integrity of the cell membranes and the permeability of the outer membrane (OM) and inner membrane (IM) of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: The bacterial release of intracellular proteins, cytoplasmic ß-galactosidase and periplasmic ß-lactamase induced by T. maroccanus EO was compared to the membranotropic activity of polymyxin B (PB) known as an effective permeabilizer of the membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Results showed that T. maroccanus EO increased the permeability of the OM and IM of studied bacteria and induced the release of intracellular proteins into the external medium. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of T. maroccanus EO on the outer membrane was comparable to that of PB, and both T. maroccanus EO and PB induce similar levels of ß-lactamase release. In addition, it also promoted the release of the cytoplasmic ß-galactosidase. Moreover, the lipopolysaccharide molecules and the overexpression of efflux pumps seem to play a crucial role in the level of susceptibility of studied bacteria to the permeabilizing effect of T. maroccanus EO. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: These results demonstrate that T. maroccanus EO can restore antibiotic activity by targeting the two bacterial membranes and would be attractive candidates for developing new adjuvants for combating resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Cross-resistance between biocides and antimicrobials: an emerging question.

The widespread use of biocides, and their resulting dissemination in the environment, can contribute to adaptations in bacteria leading to the development of low-level susceptibility to antibacterial agents. The mechanisms of resistance in bacteria are similar for both antimicrobials and biocides, and exposure to biocides can result in cross-resistance to antibacterial agents. Resistance mechanisms altering the activity of biocide and antibiotic molecules are discussed with regard to regulation and mode of action in the light of laboratory studies of induced resistance. It is clear that in order to preserve their activity and avoid the development of possible cross-resistance, prudent use of antibacterial agents is to be strongly recommended, not only in clinical settings but also in veterinary and agricultural and other applications.

The orientation of porin OmpF in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli.

The in vivo orientation of the channel forming porin OmpF from the outer membrane of Escherichia coli was assessed by immunological, biochemical and structural techniques. Porin OmpF exists as a trimer of channels formed by 16 antiparallel beta-strands. These are connected by long hydrophilic loops on one side of the bilayer and short loops or beta-turns on the other. The former constitute the rough side of the porin channel, the latter the smooth side. Epitopes at the cell surface have all been mapped within the long loops, suggesting a rough-side-out orientation of OmpF in the membrane. We analyzed detergent solubilized OmpF trimers, reconstituted 2-D OmpF crystals, OmpF containing outer membranes (sacculi) and intact cells of an E. coli strain overexpressing OmpF. Both solubilized OmpF and OmpF containing sacculi were exposed to proteases, and distinct cleavage sites were identified by protein sequencing. Solubilized OmpF, reconstituted 2-D OmpF crystals and detergent extracted sacculi were tested for their capacity to adsorb colicin N. We used antibodies directed against surface exposed epitopes for immunogold labeling of reconstituted 2-D OmpF crystals and sacculi. The surfaces of intact cells and extracted sacculi were analyzed by electron microscopy and image processing. Finally, a full 3-D reconstruction of negatively stained OmpF containing sacculi revealed the OmpF trimer in its native conformation within the outer membrane. Colicin N and antibody experiments, as well as the 3-D map of the sacculi demonstrated that OmpF exposes the long loops to the extracellular space. In contrast, reconstituted crystalline OmpF vesicles and double layered sheets were found to be in an inside-out conformation, hence hiding colicin or antibody binding epitopes. Two proteinase K cleavage sites were identified, one on a protruding loop and the other inside the channel on the loop penetrating the pore.

Immunological analysis of porin polymorphism in Escherichia coli B and K-12.

Two sets of monoclonal antibodies (MoF type I and MoF type II) directed against the OmpF protein were used to analyze the immunological reactivity of the major outer membrane porins of E. coli B and K-12. All these antibodies present a specificity to the native OmpF protein. In addition, among the type II antibodies, MoF 18, 19 and 20 could recognize an epitope present on both monomeric and trimeric forms of the porin as demonstrated by immunoblotting analyses. The use of two different screening methods led to the isolation of two different sets of MoF, one specific for a native conformation accessible only on E. coli B strain and the second directed against epitopes present on OmpF of the two strains, B and K-12. These various responses are discussed in relation to the lipopolysaccharide binding to OmpF and with respect to the screening test used.

Immunological evidence for differences in the exposed regions of OmpF porins from Escherichia coli B and K-12.

Nine monoclonal antibodies (MoF 0-8) directed against the native form (trimeric) of outer membrane protein OmpF of Escherichia coli B were obtained and characterized. All these antibodies bind to OmpF porin in intact E. coli B cells but not OmpF from E. coli K-12 cells which only differ at positions 66, 117 and 262 in the sequence. These antibodies exhibit a specificity to the native form, failing to recognize the denatured form in a liquid immunorecognition assay. Four tested antibodies are able to protect against colicin A, a bacteriotoxin using OmpF as receptor. One monoclonal antibody (MoF 0) is specific to the external topology of native porin in the outer membrane and three antibodies could recognize epitopes present in each conformation of subunits of trimer form. It is concluded that the region around the 66th and more probably around the 262nd amino acids are involved in cell-surface exposed epitopes. Moreover, these results support the assumption that the conformation of protruding regions of OmpF from E. coli B and K-12 are different.

Expression vector promoting the synthesis and export of the human growth-hormone-releasing factor in Escherichia coli.

We have studied the synthesis, processing and export of human growth-hormone-releasing factor (hGRF) in Escherichia coli transformed with a plasmid constructed for the expression of hGRF as a hybrid protein. A DNA fragment containing the entire sequence of phosphate-binding protein gene (phoS) is fused to a modified hGRF-coding sequence (phoS-mhGRF). The hybrid protein, PhoS-mhGRF, was recovered in the supernatant fluid after spheroplasting treatment indicating correct export to the periplasmic space. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that the hybrid protein was similarly processed as the PhoS precursor.

Membrane potential (delta psi) depolarizing agents inhibit maturation.

Precursor forms of exported proteins were first accumulated in the envelope of phenethyl alcohol (PEA)-treated cells. After removal of PEA, a complete processing could be obtained in a few minutes. In this work, we demonstrate that colicins A and E1, that act on the electrical gradient in the cytoplasmic membrane, prevent the processing of precursor forms previously accumulated. Concentrations of colicins accounting for approximately 1 killing unit (50--3000 molecules/cell) were found to be sufficient for inhibition of processing. Therefore our results strongly suggest that in intact cells the electrical gradient across the cytoplasmic membrane is required for maturation of exported proteins.

Direct evidence for a coupling between synthesis and export of PhoS in E. coli.

The accumulation of pre-PhoS under conditions of PhoS overproduction has been previously described. It is now demonstrated that during the induction of PhoS, a delay in the completion of polypeptide chain elongation can be detected. This delay is related to the extent of jamming of export sites by pre-PhoS or by other exported proteins. These results suggest that a component required for completion of pre-PhoS polypeptide becomes limiting, being titrated by the excess of nascent chains bearing signal peptides. This component thus probably acts at an early step in the export pathway.

Export and secretion of overproduced OmpA-beta-lactamase in Escherichia coli.

The export of beta-lactamase to the periplasm of Escherichia coli can be directed by the OmpA signal peptide in the secretion cloning vector pIN-III. The overproduction of the hybrid precursor specifically induces a delay in the onset of processing of newly synthesized polypeptide chains. However, when the processing starts, no alteration in the rate of cleavage itself is observed. Our results suggest that the temporal mode of processing (which reflects translocation) does not depend on the nature of the signal peptide but rather depends on the nature of the polypeptide chain exported.

MOMP (major outer membrane protein) of Campylobacter jejuni; a versatile pore-forming protein.

The great majority of trimeric porins of Gram-negative bacteria cannot be dissociated into monomers without disrupting their folded conformation. The porin of Campylobacter jejuni, however, displays two folded structures, a classical oligomer and a monomer resistant to detergent denaturation. We probed the transition of trimer to monomer using light scattering experiments and examined the secondary structures of these two molecular states by infra-red spectroscopy. The channel-forming properties of both trimer and monomer were studied after incorporation into artificial lipid bilayers. In these conditions, the trimer induced ion channels with a conductance value of 1200 pS in 1 M NaCl. The pores showed marked cationic selectivity and sensitivity to low voltage. Analysis of the isolated monomer showed nearly the same single-channel conductance and the same selectivity and sensitivity to voltage. These results indicate that the folded monomer form of C. jejuni MOMP displays essentially the same pore-forming properties as the native trimer.

[Biosynthesis and transport of envelope proteins of Escherichia coli]. / Biosynthèse et exportation des protéines de l'enveloppe d'Escherichia coli.

Bacterial protein synthesis takes place in the cytoplasm, thus periplasmic and outer membrane proteins pass through the cytoplasmic membrane during their dispatch to the cell envelope. The exported proteins are synthesized as precursor that contains an extra amino-terminal sequence of amino-acids. This sequence, termed "signal sequence", is essential for transport of the envelope proteins through the inner membrane and is cleaved during the exportation process. Various hypotheses for the mechanism have been presented, and it is likely that no signal model will be suitable to the export of all cell envelope proteins. This review is focused on the relationship between the cytoplasmic membrane and the precursor form. The physiological state of the membrane - fluidity, membrane potential for instance - is the strategic requirement of exportation process. Precursors can be accumulated in whole cells with various treatments which alter the cytoplasmic membrane. This inhibition of processing is obtained by modification of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio or with phenylethyl alcohol which perturbs the membrane fluidity, with uncoupler agents such as carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone which dissipate the proton motive force, or with hybrid proteins which get jamming in the membrane. However, little is known about the early steps of translocation process across the cytoplasmic membrane ; for instance, it is not clear yet whether energy is required for either or both of the first interaction membrane-precursor and the crossing through the membrane. Several studies have recently shown the presence of exportation sites and of proteins which might play a prominent role in the export process, but the mechanism of discrimination between outer membrane proteins and periplasmic proteins is unknown. Considerable work has been done by genetic or biochemical methods and we have now the first lights of the expert mechanism.

Improving the stability of a foreign protein in the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli.

An efficient expression/export vector comprising the entire phoS (phosphate binding protein) gene fused to a synthetic gene encoding the human growth hormone releasing factor (mhGRF) has recently been constructed [1]. The hybrid protein (PhoS-mhGRF) was exported to the periplasmic space. However, in this location proteolytic degradation occurred at the C-terminal region. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) increased the stability of the hybrid protein indicating that a serine protease may be involved in the proteolytic cleavage. The correct export and subsequent degradation of the recombinant protein in the periplasmic space were demonstrated in situ using double immunogold labeling on ultrathin sections. Using a phoS-based expression/export vector in the presence of PMSF, 2-4 mg of hybrid protein per liter of culture could be obtained.

Immunological approach of assembly and topology of OmpF, an outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli.

Various monoclonal antibodies (MoF) directed against cell-surface-exposed epitopes of OmpF, one major outer membrane pore protein of Escherichia coli B and K-12, have been used to study the assembly and the topology of the protein. This paper firstly describes the characterization of the OmpF epitopes recognized by the various monoclonal antibodies. A comparison between OmpC, OmpF and PhoE porins with respect to their primary amino acid sequence and their cell-surface exposed regions allows us to propose a rough model including 2 antigenic sites. The second part is focused on the assembly of the OmpF protein in the outer membrane. Various forms, precursor, unassembled monomer, metastable oligomer (pre-trimer) and trimer are detected with immunological probes directed against OmpF during a kinetic analysis of the process. The requirement for a concomitant lipid synthesis during the trimerization has been demonstrated by investigating the presence of a specific native epitope. The role of lipopolysaccharide during the stabilization of the conformation is discussed with regard to the various steps of assembly.

A genetic engineering approach to study the mode of assembly of the OmpF porin in the envelope of E coli.

Inducible hybrid genes encoding two large domains, a periplasmic domain consisting of the PhoS sequence and an outer membrane domain corresponding to various lengths of the OmpF mature sequence were constructed. The synthesized hybrid polypeptides are correctly processed during the early times of induction, their precursor forms being accumulated at later times. These hybrids restore sensitivity toward colicin A to ompF E coli B strain which suggests an outer membrane location. At least 2 of them are indeed localized in the outer membrane after immunogold labelling on ultrathin cryosections. Insertion of a hydrophobic sequence between PhoS and OmpF improves the trimerization and the assembly of the OmpF part. Only the hybrids presenting the last C-terminal 29 residues of OmpF are able to promote the colicin N killing action and to exhibit a trimeric conformation which is recognized by specific antibodies. Moreover, the deletion of the C-terminal region impairs the functional insertion of the OmpF domain; this indicates that the last membrane-spanning region of OmpF is necessary for the correct folding and orientation of the protein in the outer membrane.

On the control of septation in Escherichia coli.

Mutants of E. coli defective in cell septation (ftsA to ftsG, conditional thermosensitive mutants isolated by Ricard and Hirota) were studied with respect to their membrane protein composition, murein hydrolase activities and rates of synthesis of murein and phospholipids. Three classes of mutants have been distinguished: 1) those affected in both murein and phospholipid synthesis; 2) those affected in either murein or phospholipid synthesis and 3) those affected in neither of these parameters. Overall murein hydrolase activities, after activation, is of the same order in all the mutants screened. In addition to soluble products of murein splitting, we have found insoluble products that appear to be in dynamic equilibrium with the murein of the sacculus. Endogenous levels of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate measured after blocking septation showed no variation. This suggests that the cyclic nucleotide is not involved in the metabolic control of septation.

Cytoplasmic and periplasmic expression of a synthetic gene for ferredoxin in Escherichia coli.

A synthetic gene coding for a modified ferredoxin II of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Norway strain was assembled from 10 oligonucleotides. This gene was cloned into various expression vectors allowing either cytoplasmic expression or export to the periplasmic space. In the latter case, two different constructs were made, each of which contained the OmpA signal peptide: one of these constructs contained 3 additional N-terminal amino acids as compared to the wild-type ferredoxin (56 amino acid residues). The expression of proteins encoded by the 3 constructs was assayed in E coli and the proteins were localized by cell fractionation and immunogold labelling. A low percentage of the periplasmic ferredoxin (approximately 5%) was secreted to the medium in the absence of cell lysis. The recombinant ferredoxin was purified and found to be correctly processed by the leader peptidase. However, due to the high cysteine content intramolecular and intermolecular disulfide bonds were formed and prevented binding of [4Fe-4S] clusters. Reconstitution experiments using these recombinant proteins are in progress.

New pyridoquinoline derivatives as potential inhibitors of the fluoroquinolone efflux pump in resistant Enterobacter aerogenes strains.

Enterobacter aerogenes, one of the most frequently isolated nosocomial pathogens in France, is exhibiting increasing multidrug resistance mechanisms associated with a change in membrane permeability. For drugs of the quinolone family, mutations in the target and active efflux play a prominent role in the resistance. We report here the effect of several pyridoquinoline derivatives that restore a noticeable fluoroquinolone accumulation to resistant strains that overexpress the MarA activator. Studies of the energy-dependent quinolone efflux indicate that the most efficient derivatives tested probably inhibit the resistance process by acting as substrate competitors on the pump extruding intracellular norfloxacin.