The regulatory mechanism of Chryseobacterium sp. resistance mediated by montmorillonite upon cadmium stress. - Related Documents




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868101.0000The regulatory mechanism of Chryseobacterium sp. resistance mediated by montmorillonite upon cadmium stress. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal and its uptake by living organisms causes adverse effect, further resulting in cycle pollution of the biosphere. The specific regulatory mechanism between clays and microbes under Cd stress remains unclear. In this study, interface interactions among clays, microbes and Cd were confirmed. Comparative transcriptome was conducted to investigate how it regulated gene expression patterns of microbes (Chryseobacterium sp. WAL2), which exposed to a series of gradient concentrations of Cd (16, 32, 64 and 128 μg mL(-1)) for 12 d in the presence and absence of clay montmorillonite (Mt) (16 g L(-1)). Cd was highly enriched by the unique interface interactions between Mt and bacteria (67.6-82.1%), leading to a more hostile environment for bacterial cells. However, Mt ultimately enhanced bacterial resistance to Cd stress by stimulating the mechanism of bacterial resistance; namely: (i) Mt increased genes expression connected with ion transport, enhancing the uptake of Cd; (ii) Mt stimulated genes expression related to efflux pump and positively regulated cellular oxidative stress (e.g., glutathione) and Cd accumulation (e.g., cysteine) processes. Further, genes expression related to intracellular metabolic processes was enforced, which supplied a driving force and accelerated electron transfer; (iii) Mt improved genes expression involved in DNA replication and other biological processes (e.g., terpenoid backbone biosynthesis) to maintain bacterial vitality. Therefore, the study not only optimized a unique Cd resistance mechanism of Mt on Chryseobacterium sp., but also provided a novel insight for environmental mitigation of heavy metals from the perspective of molecular biology.202031546187
868210.9997Role of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) against Cr(III)-induced toxicity in bacteria. The toxicity of Cr(VI) was widely investigated, but the defense mechanism against Cr(III) in bacteria are seldom reported. Here, we found that Cr(III) inhibited bacterial growth and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). After exposure to Cr(III), loss of sodA not only led to the excessive generation of ROS, but also enhanced the level of lipid peroxidation and reduced the GSH level, indicating that the deficiency of Mn-SOD decreased the bacterial resistance ability against Cr(III). The adverse effects of oxidative stress caused by Cr(III) could be recovered by the rescue of Mn-SOD in the sodA-deficient strain. Besides the oxidative stress, Cr(III) could cause the bacterial morphology variation, which was distinct between the wild-type and the sodA-deficient strains due to the differential expressions of Z-ring division genes. Moreover, Mn-SOD might prevent Cr(III) from oxidation on the bacterial surface by combining with Cr(III). Taken together, our results indicated that the Mn-SOD played a vital role in regulating the stress resistance, expression of cell division-related genes, bacterial morphology, and chemistry valence state of Cr. Our findings firstly provided a more in-depth understanding of Cr(III) toxicity and bacterial defense mechanism against Cr(III).202132781281
881920.9997Responses of Bacillus sp. under Cu(II) stress in relation to extracellular polymeric substances and functional gene expression level. The production and composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), as well as the EPS-related functional resistance genes and metabolic levels of Bacillus sp. under Cu(II) stress, were investigated. EPS production increased by 2.73 ± 0.29 times compared to the control when the strain was treated with 30 mg L(-1) Cu(II). Specifically, the polysaccharide (PS) content in EPS increased by 2.26 ± 0.28 g CDW(-1) and the PN/PS (protein/polysaccharide) ratio value increased by 3.18 ± 0.33 times under 30 mg L(-1) Cu(II) compared to the control. The increased EPS secretion and higher PN/PS ratio in EPS strengthened the cells' ability to resist the toxic effect of Cu(II). Differential expression of functional genes under Cu(II) stress was revealed by Gene Ontology pathway enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. The enriched genes were most obviously upregulated in the UMP biosynthesis pathway, the pyrimidine metabolism pathway, and the TCS metabolism pathway. This indicates an enhancement of EPS regulation-related metabolic levels and their role as a defense mechanism for cells to adapt to Cu(II) stress. Additionally, seven copper resistance genes were upregulated while three were downregulated. The upregulated genes were related to the heavy metal resistance, while downregulated genes were related to cell differentiation, indicating that the strain had initiated an obvious resistance to Cu(II) despite its severe cell toxicity. These results provided a basis for promoting EPS-regulated associated functional genes and the application of gene-regulated bacteria in heavy metal-containing wastewater treatment.202337195605
868030.9997Environmental pH affects transcriptional responses to cadmium toxicity in Escherichia coli K-12 (MG1655). It has been widely reported that pH mediates cadmium toxicity to bacteria. We used a tripartite approach to investigate mechanisms by which pH affects cadmium toxicity that included analyses of: (1) growth kinetics, (2) global gene expression, and (3) cadmium speciation. Cadmium extended the lag phase at pH 7, but not at pH 5. DNA microarray analysis revealed that stress response genes including hdeA, otsA, and yjbJ were more highly expressed at pH 5 than at pH 7 after only 5 min of exposure to cadmium, suggesting that acidic pH more rapidly induced genes that confer cadmium resistance. In addition, genes involved in transport and many hypothetical genes were more highly expressed at pH 5 than at pH 7 in the presence of cadmium. Concentrations of two cadmium species, including one previously implicated in the mechanism by which pH mediates cadmium toxicity (CdOH+), increased with pH. Our data demonstrate that transcriptional responses of Escherichia coli to cadmium are substantially affected by pH and suggest that several stress response, transport, and hypothetical genes play roles in the mechanism by which pH mediates cadmium toxicity.200919220470
898240.9996Ampicillin Exposure and Glutathione Deficiency Synergistically Promote Conjugative Transfer of Plasmid-Borne Antibiotic Resistance Genes. Plasmid-mediated conjugation is an important pathway for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), posing a significant risk to global public health. It has been reported that the conjugative transfer of ARGs could be enhanced by oxidative stress. Whether endogenous glutathione (GSH), a major non-protein thiol compound involved in cellular redox homeostasis, influences conjugative transfer is unknown. In this study, we show that the deletion of the GSH biosynthesis gene gshA and ampicillin exposure synergistically promoted the conjugative transfer of plasmid RP4 bearing multiple ARGs from the soil bacterium Enterobacter sp. CZ-1 to Escherichia coli S17-1λπ in co-culture experiments and to diverse soil bacteria belonging to eight phyla, including some potential human pathogens, in a soil incubation experiment. The deletion of gshA increased ROS generation and cell membrane permeability, and upregulated the expression of the genes involved in intracellular oxidative stress regulation, membrane permeability, plasmid replication, and the SOS response process, especially under ampicillin exposure. These results suggest that endogenous GSH is an important factor affecting the spread of plasmid-borne ARGs. Exposure to antibiotics and environmental stresses that cause a depletion of endogenous GSH in vivo are likely to increase the risk of ARG dissemination in the environment.202540346915
869450.9996A genomic perspective of metal-resistant bacteria from gold particles: Possible survival mechanisms during gold biogeochemical cycling. A bacterial consortium was enriched from gold particles that 'experienced' ca. 80 years of biotransformation within waste-rock piles (Australia). This bacterial consortium was exposed to 10 µM AuCl3 to obtain Au-tolerant bacteria. From these isolates, Serratia sp. and Stenotrophomonas sp. were the most Au-tolerant and reduced soluble Au as pure gold nanoparticles, indicating that passive mineralisation is a mechanism for mediating the toxic effect of soluble Au produced during particle dissolution. Genome-wide analysis demonstrated that these isolates also possessed various genes that could provide cellular defence enabling survival under heavy-metal stressed condition by mediating the toxicity of heavy metals through active efflux/reduction. Diverse metal-resistant genes or genes clusters (cop, cus, czc, zntand ars) were detected, which could confer resistance to soluble Au. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the majority of detected heavy-metal resistant genes were similar (i.e. orthologous) to those genes of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34. The detection of heavy-metal resistance, nutrient cycling and biofilm formation genes (pgaABCD, bsmAandhmpS) may have indirect yet important roles when dealing with soluble Au during particle dissolution. In conclusion, the physiological and genomic results suggest that bacteria living on gold particles would likely use various genes to ensure survival during Au-biogeochemical cycling.202032495831
898360.9996Chlorine disinfectants promote microbial resistance in Pseudomonas sp. The substantial use of disinfectants has increased antibiotic resistance, thereby mediating serious ecological safety issues worldwide. Accumulating studies have reported the role of chlorine disinfectants in promoting disinfectant resistance. The present study sought to investigate the role of chlorine disinfectants in developing multiple resistance in Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the river through antioxidant enzyme measurement, global transcriptional analyses, Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The results demonstrated that 100 mg/L sodium hypochlorite could increase disinfectant resistance and antibiotic resistance. The SOS response (a conserved response to DNA damage) triggered by oxidative stress makes bacteria resistant to chlorine. An increase in antibiotic resistance could be attributed to a decreased membrane permeability, increased expression of MuxABC-OpmB efflux pump, beta-lactamase, and antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in the metabolic pathways. In summary, the study results revealed the impact of chlorine disinfectants in promoting microbial disinfectant resistance and antibiotic resistance. This study will provide insight into disinfectant resistance mechanisms.202134010624
675470.9996Real-time PCR based analysis of metal resistance genes in metal resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain J007. A uranium (U)-resistant and -accumulating Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was characterized to assess the response of toxic metals toward its growth and expression of metal resistance determinants. The bacterium showed MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of 6, 3, and 2 mM for Zn, Cu, and Cd, respectively; with resistance phenotype conferred by periplasmic Cu sequestering copA and RND type heavy metal efflux czcA genes. Real-time PCR-based expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of both these genes upon exposure to low concentrations of metals for short duration, whereas the global stress response gene sodA encoding superoxide dismutase enzyme was upregulated only at higher metal concentrations or longer exposure time. It could also be inferred that copA and czcA are involved in providing resistance only at low metal concentrations, whereas involvement of "global stress response" phenomenon (expression of sodA) at higher metal concentration or increased exposure was evident. This study provides significant understanding of the adaptive response of bacteria surviving in metal and radionuclide contaminated environments along with the development of real-time PCR-based quantification method of using metal resistance genes as biomarker for monitoring relevant bacteria in such habitats.201626662317
869580.9996Cadmium transport, resistance, and toxicity in bacteria, algae, and fungi. Cadmium is an important environmental pollutant and a potent toxicant to bacteria, algae, and fungi. Mechanisms of Cd toxicity and resistance are variable, depending on the organism. It is very clear that the form of the metal and the environment it is studied in, play an important role in how Cd exerts its effect and how the organism(s) responds. A wide range of Cd concentrations have been used to designate resistance in organisms. To date, no concentration has been specified that is applicable to all species studied under standardized conditions. Cadmium exerts its toxic effect(s) over a wide range of concentrations. In most cases, algae and cyanobacteria are the most sensitive organisms, whereas bacteria and fungi appear to be more resistant. In some bacteria, plasmid-encoded resistance can lead to reduced Cd2+ uptake. However, some Gram-negative bacteria without plasmids are just as resistant to Cd as are bacteria containing plasmids encoding for Cd resistance. According to Silver and Misra (1984), there is no evidence for enzymatic or chemical transformations associated with Cd resistance. Insufficient information is available on the genetics of Cd uptake and resistance in cyanobacteria and algae. Mechanisms remain largely unknown at this point in time. Cadmium is toxic to these organisms, causing severe inhibition of such physiological processes as growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogen fixation at concentrations less than 2 ppm, and often in the ppb range (Tables 2 and 3). Cadmium also causes pronounced morphological aberrations in these organisms, which are probably related to deleterious effects on cell division. This may be direct or indirect, as a result of Cd effects on protein synthesis and cellular organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts. Cadmium is accumulated internally in algae (Table 4) as a result of a two-phase uptake process. The first phase involves a rapid physicochemical adsorption of Cd onto cell wall binding sites, which are probably proteins and (or) polysaccharides. This is followed by a lag period and then a slow, steady intracellular uptake. This latter phase is energy dependent and may involve transport systems used to accumulate other divalent cations, such as Mn2+ and Ca2+. Some data indicate that Cd resistance, and possibly uptake, in algae and cyanobacteria is controlled by a plasmid-encoded gene(s). Although considerable information is available on Cd toxicity to, and uptake in fungi, further work is clearly needed in several areas. There is little information about Cd uptake by filamentous fungi, and even in yeasts, information on the specificity, kinetics, and mechanisms of Cd uptake is limited.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)19863089567
675590.9996Impact of lead (Pb(2+)) on the growth and biological activity of Serratia marcescens selected for wastewater treatment and identification of its zntR gene-a metal efflux regulator. Microorganisms isolated from contaminated areas play an important role in bioremediation processes. They promote heavy metal removal from the environment by adsorbing ions onto the cell wall surface, accumulating them inside the cells, or reducing, complexing, or precipitating these substances in the environment. Microorganism-based bioremediation processes can be highly efficient, low-cost and have low environmental impact. Thus, the present study aimed to select Pb(2+)-resistant bacteria and evaluate the growth rate, biological activity, and the presence of genes associated with metal resistance. Serratia marcescens CCMA 1010, that was previously isolated from coffee processing wastewater, was selected since was able to growth in Pb(2+) concentrations of up to 4.0 mM. The growth rate and generation time did not differ from those of the control (without Pb(2+)), although biological activity decreased in the first hour of exposure to these ions and stabilized after this period. The presence of the zntR, zntA and pbrA genes was analysed, and only zntR was detected. The zntR gene encodes a protein responsible for regulating the production of ZntA, a transmembrane protein that facilitates Pb(2+) extrusion out of the cell. S. marcescens CCMA 1010 demonstrated a potential for use as bioindicator that has potential to be used in bioremediation processes due to its resistance to high concentrations of Pb(2+), ability to grow until 24 h of exposure, and possession of a gene that indicates the existence of mechanisms associated with resistance to lead (Pb(2+)).202336752862
6742100.9996Influence of epiphytic bacteria on arsenic metabolism in Hydrilla verticillata. Microbial assemblages such as biofilms around aquatic plants play a major role in arsenic (As) cycling, which has often been overlooked in previous studies. In this study, arsenite (As(III))-oxidizing, arsenate (As(V))-reducing and As(III)-methylating bacteria were found to coexist in the phyllosphere of Hydrilla verticillata, and their relative activities were shown to determine As speciation, accumulation and efflux. When exposed to As(III), As(III) oxidation was not observed in treatment H(III)-B, whereas treatment H(III)+B showed a significant As(III) oxidation ability, thereby indicating that epiphytic bacteria displayed a substantial As(III) oxidation ability. When exposed to As(V), the medium only contained 5.89% As(III) after 48 h of treatment H(V)-B, while an As(III) content of 86.72% was observed after treatment H(V)+B, thereby indicating that the elevated As(III) in the medium probably originated from As(V) reduction by epiphytic bacteria. Our data also indicated that oxidizing bacteria decreased the As accumulation (by approximately 64.44% compared with that of treatment H(III)-B) in plants, while reducing bacteria played a critical role in increasing As accumulation (by approximately 3.31-fold compared with that of treatment H(V)-B) in plants. Regardless of whether As(III) or As(V) was supplied, As(III) was dominant in the plant tissue (over 75%). Furthermore, the presence of epiphytic bacteria enhanced As efflux by approximately 9-fold. Metagenomic analysis revealed highly diverse As metabolism genes in epiphytic bacterial community, particularly those related to energetic metabolism (aioAB), and As resistance (arsABCR, acr3, arsM). Phylogenetic analysis of As metabolism genes revealed evidence of both vertical inheritance and horizontal gene transfer, which might have contributed to the evolution of the As metabolism genes. Taken together, our research suggested that the diversity of As metabolism genes in epiphytic bacterial community is associated with aquatic submerged macrophytes which may play an important role in As biogeochemistry in aquatic environments.202032114122
8685110.9996Transcriptome analysis of an arsenite-/antimonite-oxidizer, Bosea sp. AS-1 reveals the importance of the type 4 secretion system in antimony resistance. Bosea sp. AS-1 is an arsenite [As(III)] and antimonite [Sb(III)] oxidizer previously isolated by our group from the Xikuangshan Antimony (Sb) Mine area. Our previous study showed that Bosea sp. AS-1 had a preference for oxidizing As(III) or Sb(III) with different carbon sources, which suggested that different metabolic mechanisms may be utilized by the bacteria to survive in As(III)- or Sb(III)-contaminated environments. Here, we conducted whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing to reveal the molecular mechanisms utilized by Bosea sp. AS-1 to resist As(III) or Sb(III). We discovered that AS-1 acquired various As- and Sb-resistant genes in its genome and might resist As(III) or Sb(III) through the regulation of multiple pathways, such as As and Sb metabolism, the bacterial secretion system, oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle and bacterial flagellar motility. Interestingly, we discovered that genes of the type IV secretion system (T4SS) were activated in response to Sb(III), and inhibiting T4SS activity in AS-1 dramatically reduced its oxidation efficiency and tolerance to Sb(III). To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the activation of T4SS genes by Sb and a direct involvement of T4SS in bacterial Sb resistance. Our findings establish the T4SS as an important Sb resistance factor in bacteria and may help us understand the spread of Sb resistance genes in the environment.202235231521
8684120.9996Multiple Transcriptional Mechanisms Collectively Mediate Copper Resistance in Cupriavidus gilardii CR3. Bacteria resist copper (Cu) stress by implementing several metabolic mechanisms. However, these mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated the mechanism of Cu resistance in Cupriavidus gilardii CR3, a Cu-resistant bacterium with a fully sequenced, annotated genome. The growth of CR3 was inhibited by higher Cu concentrations (≥1.0 mM) but not by lower ones (≤0.5 mM). CR3 accumulated Cu intracellularly (ratios of intercellular to extracellular Cu were 11.6, 4.24, and 3.9 in 0.1, 0.5, and 1.5 mM Cu treatments, respectively). A comparative transcriptome analysis of CR3 respectively revealed 310 and 413 differentially expressed genes under 0.5 and 1.5 mM Cu stress, most of which were up-regulated under Cu treatment. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analyses uncovered several genotype-specific biological processes related to Cu stress. Besides revealing known Cu resistance-related genes, our global transcriptomics approach indicated that sulfur metabolism, iron-sulfur cluster, and cell secretion systems are involved in mediating Cu resistance in strain CR3. These results suggest that bacteria collectively use multiple systems to cope with Cu stress. Our findings concerning the global transcriptome response to Cu stress in CR3 provide new information for understanding the intricate regulatory network of Cu homeostasis in prokaryotes.201930920814
6783130.9996Mechanism of earthworm coelomic fluid inhibits multidrug-resistant bacteria and blocks resistance transmission. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis, especially the spread of multi-drug resistance. In this study, the inhibitory effects of earthworm coelomic fluid (ECF) on multidrug-resistant bacteria (MRB) were investigated during employing vermicomposting to treat excess sludge generated from wastewater treatment. The results demonstrated that the ECF was able to inhibit, even completely decompose the MRB. Notably, when the ECF concentration reached 1.0 mg/mL, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level increased by 46.7 %, while cell viability decreased by 55.2 % compared to the control, demonstrating that ECF exerts strong antibacterial activity by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, ECF effectively degraded the DNA of MRB, with removal rates of aphA, KanR, and tetA reaching 51.8 %, 42.3 %, and 35.0 %, respectively, indicating its ability to eliminate resistance genes and hinder their potential transfer. Additionally, the upregulation of genes involved in signaling, DNA replication and repair, and energy metabolism pathways suggests a systemic stress response in MRB, further supporting the broad-spectrum inhibitory effects of ECF on bacterial viability and resistance maintenance. Taken together, these findings may open a door to naturally and ecologically combat antibiotic resistance in pollutants control in wastewater treatment.202540706790
8679140.9996Metal accumulation in cell wall: a possible mechanism of cadmium resistance by Pseudomonas stutzeri. A heavy metal resistant strain, Pseudomonas stutzeri (MTCC 101) has been investigated for its cadmium tolerance properties along with its antibiotic resistance. The organism could tolerate cadmium up to 1,200 μg/mL with LD50 value 700 μg/mL. The gene(s) involved in such high resistance appear(s) to be induced in the presence of the metal. Increasing concentrations of cadmium successively prolonged the lag phase of growth with delayed attainment of the stationary phase. Transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive analysis of X-ray spectroscope analysis showed cadmium adsorption on the bacterial surface with morphological distortion. Atomic absorption spectrometric study corroborated this data, showing highest cadmium accumulation in the cell wall fraction of the bacteria. Additionally, the cell wall fraction showed synthesis of new proteins when grown under metal stress.201323275974
6773150.9995Regulation of intracellular process by two-component systems: Exploring the mechanism of plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer. Plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer facilitates the dissemination of antibiotic resistance, yet the comprehensive regulatory mechanisms governing this process remain elusive. Herein, we established pure bacteria and activated sludge conjugation system to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of conjugative transfer, leveraging metformin as an exogenous agent. Transcriptomic analysis unveiled that substantial upregulation of genes associated with the two-component system (e.g., AcrB/AcrA, EnvZ/Omp, and CpxA/CpxR) upon exposure to metformin. Furthermore, downstream regulators of the two-component system, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytoplasmic membrane permeability, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, were enhanced by 1.7, 1.4 and 1.1 times, respectively, compared to the control group under 0.1 mg/L metformin exposure. Moreover, flow sorting and high-throughput sequencing revealed increased microbial community diversity among transconjugants in activated sludge systems. Notably, the antibacterial potential of human pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lactobacillus) was augmented, posing a potential threat to human health. Our findings shed light on the spread of antibiotic resistance bacteria and assess the ecological risks associated with plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer in wastewater treatment systems.202438838482
8303160.9995Spaceflight Modifies Escherichia coli Gene Expression in Response to Antibiotic Exposure and Reveals Role of Oxidative Stress Response. Bacteria grown in space experiments under microgravity conditions have been found to undergo unique physiological responses, ranging from modified cell morphology and growth dynamics to a putative increased tolerance to antibiotics. A common theory for this behavior is the loss of gravity-driven convection processes in the orbital environment, resulting in both reduction of extracellular nutrient availability and the accumulation of bacterial byproducts near the cell. To further characterize the responses, this study investigated the transcriptomic response of Escherichia coli to both microgravity and antibiotic concentration. E. coli was grown aboard International Space Station in the presence of increasing concentrations of the antibiotic gentamicin with identical ground controls conducted on Earth. Here we show that within 49 h of being cultured, E. coli adapted to grow at higher antibiotic concentrations in space compared to Earth, and demonstrated consistent changes in expression of 63 genes in response to an increase in drug concentration in both environments, including specific responses related to oxidative stress and starvation response. Additionally, we find 50 stress-response genes upregulated in response to the microgravity when compared directly to the equivalent concentration in the ground control. We conclude that the increased antibiotic tolerance in microgravity may be attributed not only to diminished transport processes, but also to a resultant antibiotic cross-resistance response conferred by an overlapping effect of stress response genes. Our data suggest that direct stresses of nutrient starvation and acid-shock conveyed by the microgravity environment can incidentally upregulate stress response pathways related to antibiotic stress and in doing so contribute to the increased antibiotic stress tolerance observed for bacteria in space experiments. These results provide insights into the ability of bacteria to adapt under extreme stress conditions and potential strategies to prevent antimicrobial-resistance in space and on Earth.201829615983
8514170.9995Graphene oxide influences transfer of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance genes into plants. As an emerging contaminant, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are raising concerns about its significant threat to public health. Meanwhile, graphene oxide (GO), which also has a potential ecological damage with increasingly entering the environment, has a great influence on the transfer of ARGs. However, little is known about the effects mechanisms of GO on the migration of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from bacteria into plants. In this study, we investigated the influence of GO on the transfer of ARGs carried by RP4 plasmids from Bacillus subtilis into rice plants. Our results showed that the presence of GO at concentrations ranging from 0 to 400 mg L(-1) significantly reduced the transfer of ARGs into rice roots by 13-71 %. Moreover, the migration of RP4 from the roots to aboveground parts was significantly impaired by GO. These effects may be attributed to several factors. First, higher GO concentrations led to low pH in the culture solution, resulting in a substantial decrease in the number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Second, GO induced oxidative stress in rice, as indicated by enhanced Evans blue dye staining, and elevated levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity. The oxidative stress negatively affected plant growth, as demonstrated by the reduced fresh weight and altered lignin content in the rice. Microscopic observations confirmed the entry of GO into root cells but not leaf mesophyll cells. Furthermore, potential recipients of RP4 plasmid strains in rice after co-cultivation experiments were identified, including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Bacillus cereus. These findings clarify the influence of GO on ARGs in the bacteria-plant system and emphasize the need to consider its potential ecological risks.202437979849
6781180.9995Antibiotic-resistance gene transfer in antibiotic-resistance bacteria under different light irradiation: Implications from oxidative stress and gene expression. Due to the significant public health risks, there is substantial scientific interest in the increasing abundance of antibiotic-resistance bacteria (ARB) and the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments. To clearly understand the mechanism of ARG transfer, this study examined the conjugative transfer of genes encoding resistance to cephalosporin (bla(CTX)) and polymyxin (mcr-1) from two antibiotic-resistant donor strains, namely E. coli DH5α (CTX) and E. coli DH5α (MCR), and to a streptomycin-resistant receptor strain (E. coli C600 (Sm)). Conjugative transfer was specifically studied under different light irradiation conditions including visible light (VL), simulated sunlight (SS) and ultraviolet light (UV(254nm)). Results show that the conjugative transfer frequency was not affected by VL irradiation, while it was slightly improved (2-10 fold) by SS irradiation and extremely accelerated (up to 100 fold) by UV irradiation. Furthermore, this study also explored the link between ARG transfer and stress conditions. This was done by studying physiological and biochemical changes; oxidative stress response; and functional gene expression of co-cultured AR-E. coli strains under stress conditions. When correlated with the transfer frequency results, we found that VL irradiation did not affect the physiological and biochemical characteristics of the bacteria, or induce oxidative stress and gene expression. For SS irradiation, oxidative stress occurred slowly, with a slight increase in the expression of target genes in the bacterial cells. In contrast, UV irradiation, rapidly inactivated the bacteria, the degree of oxidative stress was very severe and the expression of the target genes was markedly up-regulated. Our study could provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms and links between accelerated conjugative transfer and oxidative stress, as well as the altered expression of genes relevant to conjugation and other stress responses in bacterial cells.201930465986
6775190.9995Copper nanoparticles and copper ions promote horizontal transfer of plasmid-mediated multi-antibiotic resistance genes across bacterial genera. The spread of antibiotic resistance has become a major concern for public health. As emerging contaminants, various metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and ionic heavy metals have been ubiquitously detected in various environments. Although previous studies have indicated NPs and ionic heavy metals could exhibit co-selection effects for antibiotic resistance, little is known about whether and how they could promote antibiotic resistance spread via horizontal gene transfer across bacterial genera. This study, we report both CuO NPs and copper ions (Cu(2+)) could stimulate the conjugative transfer of multiple-drug resistance genes. When exposing bacteria to CuO NPs or Cu(2+) at environmental-relevant and sub-inhibitory concentrations (e.g., 1-100 μmol/L), conjugation frequencies of plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance genes across genera (i.e., from Escherichia coli to Pseudomonas putida) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). The over-production of reactive oxygen species played a crucial role in promoting conjugative transfer. Genome-wide RNA and protein sequencing suggested expressional levels of genes and proteins related to oxidative stress, cell membrane permeability, and pilus generation were significantly up-regulated under CuO NPs and Cu(2+) exposure (p < 0.05). This study provides insights in the contributions of NPs and heavy metals on the spread of antibiotic resistance.201931158594