# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 5165 | 0 | 0.9168 | Transcription profiling of resistance to Bti toxins in the mosquito Aedes aegypti using next-generation sequencing. The control of mosquitoes transmitting infectious diseases relies mainly on the use of chemical insecticides. However, resistance to most chemical insecticides threatens mosquito control programs. In this context, the spraying of toxins produced by the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) in larval habitats represents an alternative to chemical insecticides and is now widely used for mosquito control. Recent studies suggest that resistance of mosquitoes to Bti toxin may occur locally but mechanisms have not been characterized so far. In the present study, we investigated gene transcription level variations associated with Bti toxin resistance in the mosquito Aedes aegypti using a next-generation sequencing approach. More than 6 million short cDNA tags were sequenced from larvae of two strains sharing the same genetic background: a Bti toxins-resistant strain and a susceptible strain. These cDNA tags were mapped with a high coverage (308 reads per position in average) to more than 6000 genes of Ae. aegypti genome and used to quantify and compare the transcription level of these genes between the two mosquito strains. Among them, 86 genes were significantly differentially transcribed more than 4-fold in the Bti toxins resistant strain comparatively to the susceptible strain. These included gene families previously associated with Bti toxins resistance such as serine proteases, alkaline phosphatase and alpha-amylase. These results are discussed in regards of potential Bti toxins resistance mechanisms in mosquitoes. | 2012 | 22115744 |
| 8460 | 1 | 0.9124 | Correlation Analysis of the Transcriptome and Gut Microbiota in Salmo trutta Resistance to Aeromonas salmonicida. Aeromonas salmonicida is a major pathogenic bacterium that poses a significant threat to salmonid fish. Yadong County, located in the Xizang Autonomous Region, is renowned for its characteristic industry of Salmo trutta aquaculture. In recent years, the outbreak of Bacterial Gill Disease (BGD) has led to substantial economic losses for S. trutta farmers. Our prior research identified A. salmonicida as one of the primary culprits behind BGD. To mitigate the impact of A. salmonicida on S. trutta, we conducted a comprehensive study aimed at identifying genes associated with resistance to A. salmonicida. This involved transcriptome sequencing and 16S rRNA sequencing of intestinal flora, providing valuable insights for the study of disease resistance in S. trutta. In this study, we identified 324 genera with 5171 ASVs in the susceptible group and 293 genera with 5669 ASVs in the resistant group. Notably, Methylobacterium and Sphingomonas were common bacteria present in the salmon's gut, and their proportions remained relatively stable before and after infection. Shewanella, with its antagonistic relationship with Aeromonas, may play a crucial role in the salmon's defense against A. salmonicida. Several related genes were identified, including angptl4, cipcb, grasp, ccr9a, sulf1, mtmr11, B3GNT3, mt2, PLXDC1, and ank1b. | 2024 | 39458292 |
| 59 | 2 | 0.9121 | Plant Ribosomal Proteins, RPL12 and RPL19, Play a Role in Nonhost Disease Resistance against Bacterial Pathogens. Characterizing the molecular mechanism involved in nonhost disease resistance is important to understand the adaptations of plant-pathogen interactions. In this study, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS)-based forward genetics screen was utilized to identify genes involved in nonhost resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana. Genes encoding ribosomal proteins, RPL12 and RPL19, were identified in the screening. These genes when silenced in N. benthamiana caused a delay in nonhost bacteria induced hypersensitive response (HR) with concurrent increase in nonhost bacterial multiplication. Arabidopsis mutants of AtRPL12 and AtRPL19 also compromised nonhost resistance. The studies on NbRPL12 and NbRPL19 double silenced plants suggested that both RPL12 and RPL19 act in the same pathway to confer nonhost resistance. Our work suggests a role for RPL12 and RPL19 in nonhost disease resistance in N. benthamiana and Arabidopsis. In addition, we show that these genes also play a minor role in basal resistance against virulent pathogens. | 2015 | 26779226 |
| 5167 | 3 | 0.9113 | Decreased Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Richness Following Fecal Microbiota, Live-jslm (REBYOTA®) Administration: Post Hoc Analysis of PUNCH CD3. BACKGROUND: The human gastrointestinal microbiome helps maintain vital functions related to overall health, including resistance to pathogen colonization. Disruption of the microbiome, leading to loss of colonization resistance, can be caused by multiple factors, including antimicrobial use. The loss of colonization resistance may lead to establishment or proliferation of opportunistic bacteria that carry genes associated with antimicrobial resistance, potentially increasing the risk of infection by such antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. A potential approach to mitigating this risk involves restoration of healthier microbiota and pathogen colonization resistance. METHODS: A metagenomic sequencing method was used to conduct a post hoc analysis of antibiotic resistance gene richness among fecal samples from participants administered fecal microbiota, live-jslm (REBYOTA; abbreviated as RBL) or placebo in the PUNCH CD3 study (NCT03244644) for the prevention of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. RESULTS: At baseline, participants had higher antibiotic resistance gene richness than a representative healthy cohort. Over time, RBL responders had lower antibiotic resistance gene richness at the class, group, and mechanism levels as compared with placebo responders. These differences were evident as early as 1 week after administration and sustained for at least 6 months. RBL responders also had decreased richness of antibiotic resistance genes deemed high risk based on designated bacterial public health threats. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a model in which microbiota-based products, including RBL, may reduce antibiotic resistance gene richness, thereby possibly reducing the risk of antimicrobial-resistant organism infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03244644 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03244644; 9 August 2017). | 2025 | 40672762 |
| 8727 | 4 | 0.9110 | Transcriptome Analysis of Rice Near-Isogenic Lines Inoculated with Two Strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, AH28 and PXO99(A). Rice bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a major threat to rice production and food security. Exploring new resistance genes and developing varieties with broad-spectrum and high resistance has been a key focus in rice disease resistance research. In a preliminary study, rice cultivar Fan3, exhibiting high resistance to PXO99(A) and susceptibility to AH28, was developed by enhancing the resistance of Yuehesimiao (YHSM) to BB. This study performed a transcriptome analysis on the leaves of Fan3 and YHSM following inoculation with Xoo strains AH28 and PXO99(A). The analysis revealed significant differential expression of 14,084 genes. Among the transcription factor (TF) families identified, bHLH, WRKY, and ERF were prominent, with notable differences in the expression of OsWRKY62, OsWRKY76, and OsbHLH6 across samples. Over 100 genes were directly linked to disease resistance, including nearly 30 NBS-LRR family genes. Additionally, 11 SWEET family protein genes, over 750 protein kinase genes, 63 peroxidase genes, and eight phenylalanine aminolysase genes were detected. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed significant enrichment in pathways related to defense response to bacteria and oxidative stress response. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and diterpenoid biosynthesis pathways. Gene expression results from qRT-PCR were consistent with those from RNA-Seq, underscoring the reliability of the findings. Candidate genes identified in this study that may be resistant to BB, such as NBS-LRR family genes LOC_Os11g11960 and LOC_Os11g12350, SWEET family genes LOC_Os01g50460 and LOC_Os01g12130, and protein kinase-expressing genes LOC_Os01g66860 and LOC_Os02g57700, will provide a theoretical basis for further experiments. These results suggest that the immune response of rice to the two strains may be more concentrated in the early stage, and there are more up-regulated genes in the immune response of the high-resistant to PXO99A and medium-resistant to AH28, respectively, compared with the highly susceptible rice. This study offers a foundation for further research on resistance genes and the molecular mechanisms in Fan3 and YHSM. | 2024 | 39599338 |
| 8443 | 5 | 0.9110 | Large-scale bioinformatic analysis of the regulation of the disease resistance NBS gene family by microRNAs in Poaceae. In the present study, we have screened 71, 713, 525, 119 and 241 mature miRNA variants from Hordeum vulgare, Oryza sativa, Brachypodium distachyon, Triticum aestivum, and Sorghum bicolor, respectively, and classified them with respect to their conservation status and expression levels. These Poaceae non-redundant miRNA species (1,669) were distributed over a total of 625 MIR families, among which only 54 were conserved across two or more plant species, confirming the relatively recent evolutionary differentiation of miRNAs in grasses. On the other hand, we have used 257 H. vulgare, 286T. aestivum, 119 B. distachyon, 269 O. sativa, and 139 S. bicolor NBS domains, which were either mined directly from the annotated proteomes, or predicted from whole genome sequence assemblies. The hybridization potential between miRNAs and their putative NBS genes targets was analyzed, revealing that at least 454 NBS genes from all five Poaceae were potentially regulated by 265 distinct miRNA species, most of them expressed in leaves and predominantly co-expressed in additional tissues. Based on gene ontology, we could assign these probable miRNA target genes to 16 functional groups, among which three conferring resistance to bacteria (Rpm1, Xa1 and Rps2), and 13 groups of resistance to fungi (Rpp8,13, Rp3, Tsn1, Lr10, Rps1-k-1, Pm3, Rpg5, and MLA1,6,10,12,13). The results of the present analysis provide a large-scale platform for a better understanding of biological control strategies of disease resistance genes in Poaceae, and will serve as an important starting point for enhancing crop disease resistance improvement by means of transgenic lines with artificial miRNAs. | 2016 | 27349470 |
| 5435 | 6 | 0.9109 | Distribution of fibronectin-binding protein genes (prtF1 and prtF2) and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin genes (spe) among Streptococcus pyogenes in Japan. Two hundred and seventy-two strains of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from patients with invasive and noninvasive infections in Japan were evaluated for the prevalence of fibronectin-binding protein genes (prtF1 and prtF2). The possible associations of the genes with streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin genes, macrolide resistance genes, and emm types were also evaluated. Overall, about 50% of S. pyogenes isolates carried fibronectin-binding protein genes. The prevalence of the prtF1 gene was significantly higher among isolates from noninvasive infections (71.4%) than among isolates from invasive infections (30.8%; P = 0.0037). Strains possessing both the prtF1 and prtF2 genes were more likely to be isolates from noninvasive infections than isolates from invasive infections (50.6% vs 15.4%; P = 0.019). S. pyogenes isolates with streptococcus pyrogenic exotoxin genes (speA and speZ) were more common among isolates without fibronectin-binding protein genes. The speC gene was more frequently identified among isolates with fibronectin-binding protein genes (P = 0.05). Strains belonging to emm75 or emm12 types more frequently harbored macrolide resistance genes than other emm types (P = 0.0094 and P = 0.043, respectively). Strains carrying more than one repeat at the RD2 region of the prtF1 gene and the FBRD region of the prtF2 gene were more prevalent among strains with macrolide resistance genes than among strains negative for macrolide resistance genes. These genes (i.e., the prtF1, prtF2, and spe genes) may enable host-bacteria interaction, and internalization in the host cell, but may not enable infection complications such as invasive diseases. | 2009 | 20012726 |
| 5184 | 7 | 0.9108 | In silico evaluation of genomic characteristics of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius for application in fermentations. This study aims to evaluate the in silico genomic characteristics of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius, isolated from Coalho cheese from Paraíba, Brazil, with a view to application in lactic fermentations. rRNA sequences from the 16S ribosomal region were used as input to GenBank, in the search for patterns that could reveal a non-pathogenic behavior of S. infantarius subsp. infantarius, comparing mobile genetic elements, antibiotic resistance genes, pan-genome analysis and multi-genome alignment among related species. S. infantarius subsp. infantarius CJ18 was the only complete genome reported by BLAST/NCBI with high similarity and after comparative genetics with complete genomes of Streptococcus agalactiae (SAG153, NJ1606) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST106, CS18, IDCC2201, APC151) revealed that CJ18 showed a low number of transposases and integrases, infection by phage bacteria of the Streptococcus genus, absence of antibiotic resistance genes and presence of bacteriocin, folate and riboflavin producing genes. The genome alignment revealed that the collinear blocks of S. thermophilus ST106 and S. agalactiae SAG153 have inverted blocks when compared to the CJ18 genome due to gene positioning, insertions and deletions. Therefore, the strains of S. infantarius subsp. infantarius isolated from Coalho cheese from Paraíba showed genomic similarity with CJ18 and the mobility of genes analyzed in silico showed absence of pathogenicity throughout the genome of CJ18, indicating the potential of these strains for the dairy industry. | 2022 | 36417612 |
| 8479 | 8 | 0.9108 | Identification and Genome Sequencing of Novel Virulent Strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Causing Rice Bacterial Blight in Zhejiang, China. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is the causative agent of rice bacterial blight (RBB), resulting in substantial harvest losses and posing a challenge to maintaining a stable global supply. In this study, Xoo strains isolated from Shaoxing, Quzhou, and Taizhou, where RBB occurred most frequently in Zhejiang Province in 2019, were selected as the subjects of research. Three isolated pathogenic bacteria of ZXooS (from Shaoxing), ZXooQ (from Quzhou), and ZXooT (from Taizhou) were all identified as novel Xoo strains. These novel strains demonstrate greater virulence compared to Zhe173, the previous epidemic Xoo strain from Zhejiang Province. Subsequent genomic sequencing and analysis revealed that there existed significant differences in the genome sequence, especially in effector genes corresponding to some known rice resistance (R) genes between the novel strains and Zhe173. The sequence alignment of avirulent genes (effector genes) indicated that nucleic and amino acid sequences of AvrXa5, AvrXa7, AvrXa10, and AvrXa23 in the novel strains varied prominently from those in Zhe173. Interestingly, it seemed that only the genome of ZXooQ might contain the AvrXa3 gene. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis of 61 Xoo strains revealed that the novel strains were situated in a distinct evolutionary clade separate from Zhe173. These results here suggest that the emergence of novel Xoo strains may lead to resistance loss of some R genes used in commercial rice varieties, potentially serving as one of the factors leading to RBB resurgence in Zhejiang Province, China. | 2024 | 39770343 |
| 9072 | 9 | 0.9106 | PanGeT: Pan-genomics tool. A decade after the concept of Pan-genome was first introduced; research in this field has spread its tentacles to areas such as pathogenesis of diseases, bacterial evolutionary studies and drug resistance. Gene content-based differentiation of virulent and a virulent strains of bacteria and identification of pathogen specific genes is imperative to understand their physiology and gain insights into the mechanism of genome evolution. Subsequently, this will aid in identifying diagnostic targets and in developing and selecting vaccines. The root of pan-genomic studies, however, is to identify the core genes, dispensable genes and strain specific genes across the genomes belonging to a clade. To this end, we have developed a tool, "PanGeT - Pan-genomics Tool" to compute the 'pan-genome' based on comparisons at the genome as well as the proteome levels. This automated tool is implemented using LaTeX libraries for effective visualization of overall pan-genome through graphical plots. Links to retrieve sequence information and functional annotations have also been provided. PanGeT can be downloaded from http://pranag.physics.iisc.ernet.in/PanGeT/ or https://github.com/PanGeTv1/PanGeT. | 2017 | 27851981 |
| 8153 | 10 | 0.9101 | Dominant, Heritable Resistance to Stewart's Wilt in Maize Is Associated with an Enhanced Vascular Defense Response to Infection with Pantoea stewartii. Vascular wilt bacteria such as Pantoea stewartii, the causal agent of Stewart's bacterial wilt of maize (SW), are destructive pathogens that are difficult to control. These bacteria colonize the xylem, where they form biofilms that block sap flow leading to characteristic wilting symptoms. Heritable forms of SW resistance exist and are used in maize breeding programs but the underlying genes and mechanisms are mostly unknown. Here, we show that seedlings of maize inbred lines with pan1 mutations are highly resistant to SW. However, current evidence suggests that other genes introgressed along with pan1 are responsible for resistance. Genomic analyses of pan1 lines were used to identify candidate resistance genes. In-depth comparison of P. stewartii interaction with susceptible and resistant maize lines revealed an enhanced vascular defense response in pan1 lines characterized by accumulation of electron-dense materials in xylem conduits visible by electron microscopy. We propose that this vascular defense response restricts P. stewartii spread through the vasculature, reducing both systemic bacterial colonization of the xylem network and consequent wilting. Though apparently unrelated to the resistance phenotype of pan1 lines, we also demonstrate that the effector WtsE is essential for P. stewartii xylem dissemination, show evidence for a nutritional immunity response to P. stewartii that alters xylem sap composition, and present the first analysis of maize transcriptional responses to P. stewartii infection. | 2019 | 31657672 |
| 8722 | 11 | 0.9096 | Symbiotic Fungus Affected the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Resistance to Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam. The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a notorious Rutaceae plant pest. Frequent and extensive use of pesticides has resulted in severe insecticide resistance in ACP populations. Fully understanding the mechanism of ACP resistance to pesticides is vital for us to control or delay the development of resistance. Therefore, we compared the difference in resistance to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam between Hunan (Yongzhou, Chenzhou) and Guangdong (Guangzhou) ACP populations and analyzed the correlations between the resistance level and genes and symbiotic fungi. The results showed that the resistance of the Guangdong ACP population to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam was lower than that of Hunan ACP population, and the relative expression of genes associated with P450 mono-oxygenase and acetylcholinesterase was significantly lower in the Guangdong ACP population than in Hunan ACP population. The differences of mean relative abundances of four symbiotic bacteria among three populations were marginally significant; however, the mean relative abundance of 16 fungi among three populations was significantly different, and positive linear correlations were observed between the resistance level and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Aureobasidium pullulans) and two genes (CYP4C70 and CYP4DB1). Negative correlations were only observed between the resistance level and two fungi (Golubevia pallescens and Acremonium sclerotigenum). Moreover, four fungi were unique to the Chenzhou population which was the highest resistance to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. These findings suggested the P450 mono-oxygenase and symbiotic fungi together affected ACP resistance to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. In the future, we may use environmental G. pallescens and A. sclerotigenum to control or delay ACP resistance. | 2020 | 33391190 |
| 8474 | 12 | 0.9096 | The NCK and ABI adaptor genes in catfish and their involvement in ESC disease response. Adaptor proteins non-catalytic region of tyrosine kinase (NCK) and Abelson interactor (ABI) are crucial for disease response. NCK1 was identified to be a candidate gene for enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) disease resistance, and was speculated to play similar roles during ESC and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) pathogenicity. ABI1 was reported as a positional candidate gene for bacterial cold water disease (BCWD) resistance in rainbow trout. In this study, three NCK genes and six ABI genes were identified in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) genome and blue catfish (I. furcatus) transcriptome, and annotated by domain structures, phylogenetic and syntenic analyses. Their expression patterns were examined in the intestine and liver of catfish after challenge with Edwardsiella ictaluri. In the intestine, NCK1, ABI2a, ABI2b, ABI3a were differentially expressed after E. ictaluri infection. In the liver, NCK2a, NCK2b, ABI1b, ABI2a, ABI2b were significantly upregulated in ESC susceptible fish. In general, the NCK and ABI genes, with exception of ABI3a gene and NCK1 gene, were expressed at higher levels in susceptible fish after infection than in control fish, but were expressed at lower levels in resistant fish than in the control fish. Taken together, these results support the notion that NCK and ABI genes are involved in disease processes facilitating pathogenesis of the E. ictaluri bacteria. | 2017 | 28341353 |
| 9976 | 13 | 0.9095 | New ΦBT1 site-specific integrative vectors with neutral phenotype in Streptomyces. Integrative plasmids are one of the best options to introduce genes in low copy and in a stable form into bacteria. The ΦC31-derived plasmids constitute the most common integrative vectors used in Streptomyces. They integrate at different positions (attB and pseudo-attB sites) generating different mutations. The less common ΦBT1-derived vectors integrate at the unique attB site localized in the SCO4848 gene (S. coelicolor genome) or their orthologues in other streptomycetes. This work demonstrates that disruption of SCO4848 generates a delay in spore germination. SCO4848 is co-transcribed with SCO4849, and the spore germination phenotype is complemented by SCO4849. Plasmids pNG1-4 were created by modifying the ΦBT1 integrative vector pMS82 by introducing a copy of SCO4849 under the control of the promoter region of SCO4848. pNG2 and pNG4 also included a copy of the P ermE * in order to facilitate gene overexpression. pNG3 and pNG4 harboured a copy of the bla gene (ampicillin resistance) to facilitate selection in E. coli. pNG1-4 are the only integrative vectors designed to produce a neutral phenotype when they are integrated into the Streptomyces genome. The experimental approach developed in this work can be applied to create phenotypically neutral integrative plasmids in other bacteria. | 2016 | 26758297 |
| 65 | 14 | 0.9095 | Isolation of phytoalexin-deficient mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana and characterization of their interactions with bacterial pathogens. A genetic approach was used to assess the extent to which a particular plant defense response, phytoalexin biosynthesis, contributes to Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pathogens. The A. thaliana phytoalexin, camalexin, accumulated in response to infection by various P. syringae strains. No correlation between pathogen avirulence and camalexin accumulation was observed. A biochemical screen was used to isolate three mutants of A. thaliana ecotype Columbia that were phytoalexin deficient (pad mutants). The mutations pad1, pad2, and pad3 were found to be recessive alleles of three different genes. pad1 and pad2 were mapped to chromosome IV and pad3 was mapped to chromosome III. Infection of pad mutant plants with strains carrying cloned avirulence genes revealed that the pad mutations did not affect the plants' ability to restrict the growth of these strains. This result strongly suggests that in A. thaliana, phytoalexin biosynthesis is not required for resistance to avirulent P. syringae pathogens. Two of the pad mutants displayed enhanced sensitivity to isogenic virulent P. syringae pathogens, suggesting that camalexin may serve to limit the growth of virulent bacteria. | 1994 | 8090752 |
| 8476 | 15 | 0.9095 | Identification of a Major QTL (qRRs-10.1) That Confers Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum in Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Using SLAF-BSA and QTL Mapping. The soilborne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum is the causal agent of bacterial wilt (BW), a major disease of pepper (Capsicum annuum). The genetic basis of resistance to this disease in pepper is not well known. This study aimed to identify BW resistance markers in pepper. Analysis of the dynamics of bioluminescent R. solanacearum colonization in reciprocal grafts of a resistant (BVRC 1) line and a susceptible (BVRC 25) line revealed that the resistant rootstock effectively suppressed the spreading of bacteria into the scion. The two clear-cut phenotypic distributions of the disease severity index in 440 F2 plants derived from BVRC 25 × BVRC 1 indicated that a major genetic factor as well as a few minor factors that control BW resistance. By specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing combined with bulked segregant analysis, two adjacent resistance-associated regions on chromosome 10 were identified. Quantitative trait (QTL) mapping revealed that these two regions belong to a single QTL, qRRs-10.1. The marker ID10-194305124, which reached a maximum log-likelihood value at 9.79 and accounted for 19.01% of the phenotypic variation, was located the closest to the QTL peak. A cluster of five predicted R genes and three defense-related genes, which are located in close proximity to the significant markers ID10-194305124 or ID10-196208712, are important candidate genes that may confer BW resistance in pepper. | 2019 | 31771239 |
| 9734 | 16 | 0.9094 | Combination of genetically diverse Pseudomonas phages enhances the cocktail efficiency against bacteria. Phage treatment has been used as an alternative to antibiotics since the early 1900s. However, bacteria may acquire phage resistance quickly, limiting the use of phage treatment. The combination of genetically diverse phages displaying distinct replication machinery in phage cocktails has therefore become a novel strategy to improve therapeutic outcomes. Here, we isolated and studied lytic phages (SPA01 and SPA05) that infect a wide range of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. These relatively small myophages have around 93 kbp genomes with no undesirable genes, have a 30-min latent period, and reproduce a relatively high number of progenies, ranging from 218 to 240 PFU per infected cell. Even though both phages lyse their hosts within 4 h, phage-resistant bacteria emerge during the treatment. Considering SPA01-resistant bacteria cross-resist phage SPA05 and vice versa, combining SPA01 and SPA05 for a cocktail would be ineffective. According to the decreased adsorption rate of the phages in the resistant isolates, one of the anti-phage mechanisms may occur through modification of phage receptors on the target cells. All resistant isolates, however, are susceptible to nucleus-forming jumbophages (PhiKZ and PhiPA3), which are genetically distinct from phages SPA01 and SPA05, suggesting that the jumbophages recognize a different receptor during phage entry. The combination of these phages with the jumbophage PhiKZ outperforms other tested combinations in terms of bactericidal activity and effectively suppresses the emergence of phage resistance. This finding reveals the effectiveness of the diverse phage-composed cocktail for reducing bacterial growth and prolonging the evolution of phage resistance. | 2023 | 37264114 |
| 5487 | 17 | 0.9093 | Rapid Transmission and Divergence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Sequence Type 80, China. We investigated genomic evolution of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) during an outbreak in Shenzhen, China. Whole-genome sequencing revealed 2 sequence type 80 VREF subpopulations diverging through insertion sequence-mediated recombination. One subpopulation acquired more antimicrobial resistance and carbohydrate metabolism genes. Persistent VREF transmission underscores the need for genomic surveillance to curb spread. | 2025 | 40305388 |
| 1797 | 18 | 0.9092 | Genetic Characteristics of the Transmissible Locus of Stress Tolerance (tLST) and tLST Harboring Escherichia coli as Revealed by Large-Scale Genomic Analysis. The transmissible locus of stress tolerance (tLST) confers resistance to multiple stresses in E. coli. Utilizing 18,959 E. coli genomes available in the NCBI database, we investigated the prevalence, phylogenetic distribution, and configuration patterns of tLST, and correlations between tLST, and virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in E. coli. Four tLST variants were found in 2.7% of E. coli, with the most prevalent (77.1%) variant being tLST1 followed by tLST2 (8.3%), tLST3b (8.3%) and tLST3a (6.3%). The majority (93%) of those tLST were in E. coli belonging to phylogroup A in which the prevalence was 10.4%. tLST was also found in phylogroup B1 (0.5%) and C (0.5%) but not found in B2 or D-G. An additional 1% of the 18,959 E. coli genomes harbored tLST fragments to various extent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed both intra- and interspecies transmission of both chromosomal and plasmid-borne tLST, with E. coli showing a preference of chromosomal over plasmid-borne tLST. The presence of tLST and virulence genes in E. coli was overall negatively correlated, but tLST was found in all genomes of a subgroup of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ST2332). Of note, no Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (n = 3,492) harbored tLST. The prevalence of tLST and AMR genes showed different temporal trends over the period 1985 to 2019. However, a substantial fraction of tLST positive E. coli harbor AMR genes, posing a threat to public health. In conclusion, this study improves our understanding of the genetic characteristics of tLST and E. coli harboring tLST. IMPORTANCE This study, through a large-scale genomic analysis, demonstrated that the genomic island tLST related to multiple stress resistance (such as extreme heat resistance and oxidative stress tolerance) in E. coli is differentially present in subgroups of E. coli and is strongly associated with certain phylogenetic background of the host strain. The study also shows the transmission mechanisms of tLST in E. coli and other bacterial species. The overall negative association of tLST, and virulence genes and antimicrobial (AMR) genes suggest the selective pressures for the acquisition and transmission of these traits likely differ. Even so, the high prevalence of tLST in the enterotoxigenic E. coli clone ST2332 and co-occurrence of tLST and AMR genes in E. coli are concerning. Thus, the findings better our understanding of tLST evolution and provide information for risk assessment of tLST harboring bacteria. | 2022 | 35285715 |
| 4356 | 19 | 0.9091 | Acquisition of Type I methyltransferase via horizontal gene transfer increases the drug resistance of Aeromonas veronii. Aeromonas veronii is an opportunistic pathogen that affects both fish and mammals, including humans, leading to bacteraemia, sepsis, meningitis and even death. The increasing virulence and drug resistance of A. veronii are of significant concern and pose a severe risk to public safety. The Type I restriction-modification (RM) system, which functions as a bacterial defence mechanism, can influence gene expression through DNA methylation. However, little research has been conducted to explore its origin, evolutionary path, and relationship to virulence and drug resistance in A. veronii. In this study, we analysed the pan-genome of 233 A. veronii strains, and the results indicated that it was 'open', meaning that A. veronii has acquired additional genes from other species. This suggested that A. veronii had the potential to adapt and evolve rapidly, which might have contributed to its drug resistance. One Type I methyltransferase (MTase) and two complete Type I RM systems were identified, namely AveC4I, AveC4II and AveC4III in A. veronii strain C4, respectively. Notably, AveC4I was exclusive to A. veronii C4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AveC4I was derived from horizontal gene transfer from Thiocystis violascens and exchanged genes with the human pathogen Comamonas kerstersii. Single molecule real-time sequencing was applied to identify the motif methylated by AveC4I, which was unique and not recognized by any reported MTases in the REBASE database. We also annotated the functions and pathways of the genes containing the motif, revealing that AveC4I may control drug resistance in A. veronii C4. Our findings provide new insight on the mechanisms underlying drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria. By identifying the specific genes and pathways affected by AveC4I, this study may aid in the development of new therapeutic approaches to combat A. veronii infections. | 2023 | 37754275 |