# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 8725 | 0 | 0.9065 | CuO nanoparticles facilitate soybean suppression of Fusarium root rot by regulating antioxidant enzymes, isoflavone genes, and rhizosphere microbiome. BACKGROUND: Fusarium root rot is a widespread soil-borne disease severely impacting soybean yield and quality. Compared to traditional fertilizers' biological and environmental toxicity, CuO nanoparticles (NPs) hold promise for disease control in a low dose and high efficiency manner. METHODS: We conducted both greenhouse and field experiments, employing enzymatic assays, elemental analysis, qRT-PCR, and microbial sequencing (16S rRNA, ITS) to explore the potential of CuO NPs for sustainable controlling Fusarium-induced soybean disease. RESULTS: Greenhouse experiments showed that foliar spraying of CuO NPs (10, 100, and 500 mg L(-1)) promoted soybean growth more effectively than EDTA-CuNa(2) at the same dose, though 500 CuO NPs caused mild phytotoxicity. CuO NPs effectively controlled root rot, while EDTA-CuNa(2) worsened the disease severity by 0.85-34.04 %. CuO NPs exhibited more substantial antimicrobial effects, inhibiting F. oxysporum mycelial growth and spore germination by 5.04-17.55 % and 10.24-14.41 %, respectively. 100 mg L(-1) CuO NPs was the optimal concentration for balancing soybean growth and disease resistance. Additionally, CuO NPs boosted antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, POD, and SOD) in leaves and roots, aiding in ROS clearance during pathogen invasion. Compared to the pathogen control, 100 mg L(-1) CuO NPs upregulated the relative expression of seven isoflavone-related genes (Gm4CL, GmCHS8, GmCHR, GmCHI1a, GmIFS1, GmUGT1, and GmMYB176) by 1.18-4.51 fold, thereby enhancing soybean disease resistance in place of progesterone-receptor (PR) genes. Field trials revealed that CuO NPs' high leaf-to-root translocation modulated soybean rhizosphere microecology. Compared to the pathogen control, 100 mg L(-1) CuO NPs increased nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter) and restored disease-resistant bacteria (Pseudomonas, Burkholderia) and fungi (Trichoderma, Penicillium) to healthy levels. Furthermore, 100 mg L(-1) CuO NPs increased beneficial bacteria (Pedosphaeraceae, Xanthobacteraceae, SCI84, etc.) and fungi (Trichoderma, Curvularia, Hypocreales, etc.), which negatively correlated with F. oxysporum, while recruiting functional microbes to enhance soybean yield. CONCLUSION: 100 mg L(-1) CuO NPs effectively promoting soybean growth and providing strong resistance against root rot disease by improving antioxidant enzyme activity, regulating the relative expression of isoflavone-related genes, increasing beneficial bacteria and fungi and restoring disease-resistant. Our findings suggest that CuO NPs offer an environmentally sustainable strategy for managing soybean disease, with great potential for green production. | 2025 | 40096759 |
| 6779 | 1 | 0.9065 | Intestinal flora metabolites indole-3-butyric acid and disodium succinate promote IncI2 mcr-1-carrying plasmid transfer. INTRODUCTION: Plasmid-driven horizontal transfer of resistance genes in bacterial communities is a major factor in the spread of resistance worldwide. The gut microbiome, teeming with billions of microorganisms, serves as a reservoir for resistance genes. The metabolites of gut microorganisms strongly influence the physiology of their microbial community, but the role of the metabolites in the transfer of resistance genes remains unclear. METHODS: A dual-fluorescence conjugation model was established. We assessed the effects of different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and disodium succinate (DS) on plasmid transfer using conjugation assays. The growth of bacteria (donors, recipients, and transconjugants), the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and membrane permeability were measured under IBA and DS exposure. The plasmid copy number, and transcriptional levels of conjugation-related genes (including the related genes of the regulation of ROS production, the SOS response, cell membrane permeability, pilus generation, ATP synthesis, and the type IV secretion system (T4SS) ) were evaluated by qPCR. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated that IBA and DS at low concentrations, which can also be ingested through diet, enhance the interspecies transfer ratio of IncI2 mcr-1-carrying plasmid in Escherichia coli. At 20 mg/L, the transfer ratios in the presence of IBA or DS increased by 2.5- and 2.7-fold compared to that of the control, respectively. Exposure to this concentration of IBA or DS increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the SOS response, cell membrane permeability, and plasmid copy number. The transcription of genes of the related pathways and of pilus, ATP, and the T4SS was upregulated. DISCUSSION: Our findings revealed that low-dose gut microbiota metabolites-particularly those with dietary origins-promote plasmid-mediated resistance gene dissemination through multifaceted mechanisms involving oxidative stress, SOS activation, and conjugation machinery enhancement. This highlights potential public health risks associated with microbiota metabolites, especially those utilized in food production. | 2025 | 40529306 |
| 8486 | 2 | 0.9043 | Multidrug-resistant plasmid modulates ammonia oxidation efficiency in Nitrosomonas europaea through cyclic di-guanylate and acyl-homoserine lactones pathways. Antibiotic resistance genes present a major public health challenge and have potential implications for global biogeochemical cycles. However, their impacts on biological nitrogen removal systems remain poorly understood. In the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718 harboring the multidrug-resistant plasmid RP4, a significant decrease in ammonia oxidation efficiency was observed, accompanied by markedly elevated levels of cyclic di-guanylate (c-di-GMP) and acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), compared to plasmid-free controls. The results demonstrated that c-di-GMP facilitates the secretion of AHLs, while elevated levels of AHLs inhibit the ammonia oxidation efficiency of Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718. These results revealed that RP4 plasmid significantly impaired ammonia oxidation efficiency through the c-di-GMP and AHLs pathways. Our findings indicate that the multidrug-resistant plasmid RP4 adversely affects the nitrogen metabolism of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, potentially disrupting the nitrogen biogeochemical cycle and posing substantial ecological and environmental risks. | 2026 | 40945801 |
| 8487 | 3 | 0.9042 | Mechanisms of nano zero-valent iron in enhancing dibenzofuran degradation by a Rhodococcus sp.: Trade-offs between ATP production and protection against reactive oxygen species. Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) can enhance pollutants biodegradation, but it displays toxicity towards microorganisms. Gram-positive (G(+)) bacteria exhibit greater resistance to nZVI than Gram-negative bacteria. However, mechanisms of nZVI accelerating pollutants degradation by G(+) bacteria remain unclear. Herein, we explored effects of nZVI on a G(+) bacterium, Rhodococcus sp. strain p52, and mechanisms by which nZVI accelerates biodegradation of dibenzofuran, a typical polycyclic aromatic compound. Electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed that nZVI could penetrate cell membranes, which caused damage and growth inhibition. nZVI promoted dibenzofuran biodegradation at certain concentrations, while higher concentration functioned later due to the delayed reactive oxygen species (ROS) mitigation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that cells adopted response mechanisms to handle the elevated ROS induced by nZVI. ATP production was enhanced by accelerated dibenzofuran degradation, providing energy for protein synthesis related to antioxidant stress and damage repair. Meanwhile, electron transport chain (ETC) was adjusted to mitigate ROS accumulation, which involved downregulating expression of ETC complex I-related genes, as well as upregulating expression of the genes for the ROS-scavenging cytochrome bd complex and ETC complex II. These findings revealed the mechanisms underlying nZVI-enhanced biodegradation by G(+) bacteria, offering insights into optimizing bioremediation strategies involving nZVI. | 2025 | 39549579 |
| 508 | 4 | 0.9041 | Insights into the chaotropic tolerance of the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029 (Chroococcidiopsales, Cyanobacteria). The mechanism of perchlorate resistance of the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 was investigated by assessing whether the pathways associated with its desiccation tolerance might play a role against the destabilizing effects of this chaotropic agent. During 3 weeks of growth in the presence of 2.4 mM perchlorate, an upregulation of trehalose and sucrose biosynthetic pathways was detected. This suggested that in response to the water stress triggered by perchlorate salts, these two compatible solutes play a role in the stabilization of macromolecules and membranes as they do in response to dehydration. During the perchlorate exposure, the production of oxidizing species was observed by using an oxidant-sensing fluorochrome and determining the expression of the antioxidant defense genes, namely superoxide dismutases and catalases, while the presence of oxidative DNA damage was highlighted by the over-expression of genes of the base excision repair. The involvement of desiccation-tolerance mechanisms in the perchlorate resistance of this desert cyanobacterium is interesting since, so far, chaotropic-tolerant bacteria have been identified among halophiles. Hence, it is anticipated that desert microorganisms might possess an unrevealed capability of adapting to perchlorate concentrations exceeding those naturally occurring in dry environments. Furthermore, in the endeavor of supporting future human outposts on Mars, the identified mechanisms might contribute to enhance the perchlorate resistance of microorganisms relevant for biologically driven utilization of the perchlorate-rich soil of the red planet. | 2024 | 38156502 |
| 8433 | 5 | 0.9037 | Thermoresponsive Nanostructures: From Mechano-Bactericidal Action to Bacteria Release. Overuse of antibiotics can increase the risk of notorious antibiotic resistance in bacteria, which has become a growing public health concern worldwide. Featured with the merit of mechanical rupture of bacterial cells, the bioinspired nanopillars are promising alternatives to antibiotics for combating bacterial infections while avoiding antibacterial resistance. However, the resident dead bacterial cells on nanopillars may greatly impair their bactericidal capability and ultimately impede their translational potential toward long-term applications. Here, we show that the functions of bactericidal nanopillars can be significantly broadened by developing a hybrid thermoresponsive polymer@nanopillar-structured surface, which retains all of the attributes of pristine nanopillars and adds one more: releasing dead bacteria. We fabricate this surface through coaxially decorating mechano-bactericidal ZnO nanopillars with thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) brushes. Combining the benefits of ZnO nanopillars and PNIPAAm chains, the antibacterial performances can be controllably regulated between ultrarobust mechano-bactericidal action (∼99%) and remarkable bacteria-releasing efficiency (∼98%). Notably, both the mechanical sterilization against the live bacteria and the controllable release for the pinned dead bacteria solely stem from physical actions, stimulating the exploration of intelligent structure-based bactericidal surfaces with persistent antibacterial properties without the risk of triggering drug resistance. | 2021 | 34905683 |
| 7893 | 6 | 0.9037 | Removal of ofloxacin and inhibition of antibiotic resistance gene spread during the aerobic biofilm treatment of rural domestic sewage through the micro-nano aeration technology. Micro-nano aeration (MNA) has great potential for emerging contaminant removal. However, the mechanism of antibiotic removal and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) spread, and the impact of the different aeration conditions remain unclear. This study investigated the adsorption and biodegradation of ofloxacin (OFL) and the spread of ARGs in aerobic biofilm systems under MNA and conventional aeration (CVA) conditions. Results showed that the MNA increased OFL removal by 17.27 %-40.54 % and decreased total ARG abundance by 36.37 %-54.98 %, compared with CVA. MNA-induced biofilm rough morphology, high zeta potential, and reduced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion enhanced OFL adsorption. High dissolved oxygen and temperature, induced by MNA-enriched aerobic bacteria and their carrying OFL-degrading genes, enhanced OFL biodegradation. MNA inhibited the enrichment of ARG host bacteria, which acquired ARGs possibly via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Functional profiles involved in the HGT process, including reactive oxygen species production, membrane permeability, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and EPS secretion, were down-regulated by MNA, inhibiting ARG spread. Partial least-squares path modeling revealed that MGEs might be the main factor inhibiting ARG spread. This study provides insights into the mechanisms by which MNA enhances antibiotic removal and inhibits ARG spread in aerobic biofilm systems. | 2025 | 39733752 |
| 8765 | 7 | 0.9036 | Pseudomonas chlororaphis IRHB3 assemblies beneficial microbes and activates JA-mediated resistance to promote nutrient utilization and inhibit pathogen attack. INTRODUCTION: The rhizosphere microbiome is critical to plant health and resistance. PGPR are well known as plant-beneficial bacteria and generally regulate nutrient utilization as well as plant responses to environmental stimuli. In our previous work, one typical PGPR strain, Pseudomonas chlororaphis IRHB3, isolated from the soybean rhizosphere, had positive impacts on soil-borne disease suppression and growth promotion in the greenhouse, but its biocontrol mechanism and application in the field are not unclear. METHODS: In the current study, IRHB3 was introduced into field soil, and its effects on the local rhizosphere microbiome, disease resistance, and soybean growth were comprehensively analyzed through high-throughput sequencing and physiological and molecular methods. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We found that IRHB3 significantly increased the richness of the bacterial community but not the structure of the soybean rhizosphere. Functional bacteria related to phosphorus solubilization and nitrogen fixation, such as Geobacter, Geomonas, Candidatus Solibacter, Occallatibacter, and Candidatus Koribacter, were recruited in rich abundance by IRHB3 to the soybean rhizosphere as compared to those without IRHB3. In addition, the IRHB3 supplement obviously maintained the homeostasis of the rhizosphere microbiome that was disturbed by F. oxysporum, resulting in a lower disease index of root rot when compared with F. oxysporum. Furthermore, JA-mediated induced resistance was rapidly activated by IRHB3 following PDF1.2 and LOX2 expression, and meanwhile, a set of nodulation genes, GmENOD40b, GmNIN-2b, and GmRIC1, were also considerably induced by IRHB3 to improve nitrogen fixation ability and promote soybean yield, even when plants were infected by F. oxysporum. Thus, IRHB3 tends to synergistically interact with local rhizosphere microbes to promote host growth and induce host resistance in the field. | 2024 | 38380096 |
| 520 | 8 | 0.9035 | Respiratory chain components are required for peptidoglycan recognition protein-induced thiol depletion and killing in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Mammalian peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs or PGLYRPs) kill bacteria through induction of synergistic oxidative, thiol, and metal stress. Tn-seq screening of Bacillus subtilis transposon insertion library revealed that mutants in the shikimate pathway of chorismate synthesis had high survival following PGLYRP4 treatment. Deletion mutants for these genes had decreased amounts of menaquinone (MK), increased resistance to killing, and attenuated depletion of thiols following PGLYRP4 treatment. These effects were reversed by MK or reproduced by inhibiting MK synthesis. Deletion of cytochrome aa(3)-600 or NADH dehydrogenase (NDH) genes also increased B. subtilis resistance to PGLYRP4-induced killing and attenuated thiol depletion. PGLYRP4 treatment also inhibited B. subtilis respiration. Similarly in Escherichia coli, deletion of ubiquinone (UQ) synthesis, formate dehydrogenases (FDH), NDH-1, or cytochrome bd-I genes attenuated PGLYRP4-induced thiol depletion. PGLYRP4-induced low level of cytoplasmic membrane depolarization in B. subtilis and E. coli was likely not responsible for thiol depletion. Thus, our results show that the respiratory electron transport chain components, cytochrome aa(3)-600, MK, and NDH in B. subtilis, and cytochrome bd-I, UQ, FDH-O, and NDH-1 in E. coli, are required for both PGLYRP4-induced killing and thiol depletion and indicate conservation of the PGLYRP4-induced thiol depletion and killing mechanisms in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. | 2021 | 33420211 |
| 7985 | 9 | 0.9030 | Differential response of nonadapted ammonia-oxidising archaea and bacteria to drying-rewetting stress. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of severe drought events followed by heavy rainfall, which will influence growth and activity of soil microorganisms, through osmotic stress and changes in nutrient concentration. There is evidence of rapid recovery of processes and adaptation of communities in soils regularly experiencing drying/rewetting and lower resistance and resilience in nonadapted soils. A microcosm-based study of ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB), employing a grassland soil that rarely experiences drought, was used to test this hypothesis and also whether AOB were more resistant and resilient, through greater tolerance of high ammonia concentrations produced during drought and rewetting. Treated soils were dried, incubated for 3 weeks, rewetted, incubated for a further 3 weeks and compared to untreated soils, maintained at a constant moisture content. Nitrate accumulation and AOA and AOB abundance (abundance of respective amoA genes) and community composition (DGGE analysis of AOA amoA and AOB 16S rRNA genes) were poorly adapted to drying-rewetting. AOA abundance and community composition were less resistant than AOB during drought and less resilient after rewetting, at times when ammonium concentration was higher. Data provide evidence for poor adaptation of microbial communities and processes to drying-rewetting in soils with no history of drought and indicate niche differentiation of AOA and AOB associated with high ammonia concentration. | 2014 | 25070168 |
| 8488 | 10 | 0.9029 | Antihistamine drug loratadine at environmentally relevant concentrations promotes conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes: Coeffect of oxidative stress and ion transport. Due to the widespread use of loratadine (LOR) as an antihistamine, it is widely distributed in the environment as an emerging contaminant. However, its impact on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of LOR on the conjugative transfer of ARGs and elucidated the potential mechanisms through transcriptome analysis. The results showed that LOR significantly promoted the frequency of conjugative transfer up to 1.5- to 8.6-fold higher compared with the control group. Exposure to LOR increased reactive oxidative species (ROS) and intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, leading to the upregulation of expression of genes related to transmembrane transport and SOS response. Meanwhile, it stimulated the increase of cell membrane permeability. Moreover, LOR exposure could enhance H(+) efflux in donor bacteria, resulting in the decrease of intracellular pH and the elevation of transmembrane potential, which could induce the increase of ion transport, thereby promoting plasmid efflux from the cell membrane. Based on this, we inferred that LOR can induce an increase in ROS level and intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, and promoted the efflux of intracellular H(+). This, in turn, triggered the intensification of various ion transport processes on the cell membrane, thereby increasing membrane permeability and accelerating plasmid efflux. Ultimately, the coeffect of oxidative stress response and ion transport promoted conjugative transfer. This study demonstrated that LOR significantly promotes plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of ARGs, providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying this process. | 2025 | 39919578 |
| 8815 | 11 | 0.9029 | Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria Enhance Cadmium Immobilization and Gene Expression in Wheat Roots to Reduce Cadmium Uptake. The application of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria is an effective method for increasing the available phosphorus content and inhibiting wheat uptake of heavy metals. However, further research is needed on the mechanism by which phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria inhibit cadmium (Cd) uptake in wheat roots and its impact on the expression of root-related genes. Here, the effects of strain Klebsiella aerogenes M2 on Cd absorption in wheat and the expression of root-related Cd detoxification and immobilization genes were determined. Compared with the control, strain M2 reduced (64.1-64.6%) Cd uptake by wheat roots. Cd fluorescence staining revealed that strain M2 blocked the entry of exogenous Cd into the root interior and enhanced the immobilization of Cd by cell walls. Forty-seven genes related to Cd detoxification, including genes encoding peroxidase, chalcone synthase, and naringenin 3-dioxygenase, were upregulated in the Cd+M2 treatment. Strain M2 enhanced the Cd resistance and detoxification activity of wheat roots through the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, strain M2 regulated the expression of genes related to phenylalanine metabolism and the MAPK signaling pathway to enhance Cd immobilization in roots. These results provide a theoretical basis for the use of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria to remediate Cd-contaminated fields and reduce Cd uptake in wheat. | 2024 | 39065516 |
| 7877 | 12 | 0.9026 | External circuit loading mode regulates anode biofilm electrochemistry and pollutants removal in microbial fuel cells. This study investigated the effects of different external circuit loading mode on pollutants removal and power generation in microbial fuel cells (MFC). The results indicated that MFC exhibited distinct characteristics of higher maximum power density (P(max)) (named MFC-HP) and lower P(max) (named MFC-LP). And the capacitive properties of bioanodes may affect anodic electrochemistry. Reducing external load to align with the internal resistance increased P(max) of MFC-LP by 54.47 %, without no obvious effect on MFC-HP. However, intermittent external resistance loading (IER) mitigated the biotoxic effects of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) (a persistent organic pollutant) on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH(4)(+)-N removal and maintained high P(max) (424.33 mW/m(2)) in MFC-HP. Meanwhile, IER mode enriched electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) and environmental adaptive bacteria Advenella, which may reduce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) accumulation. This study suggested that the external circuit control can be effective means to regulate electrochemical characteristics and pollutants removal performance of MFC. | 2024 | 39153696 |
| 8802 | 13 | 0.9026 | The Transcription Factor CsgD Contributes to Engineered Escherichia coli Resistance by Regulating Biofilm Formation and Stress Responses. The high cell density, immobilization and stability of biofilms are ideal characteristics for bacteria in resisting antibiotic therapy. CsgD is a transcription activating factor that regulates the synthesis of curly fimbriae and cellulose in Escherichia coli, thereby enhancing bacterial adhesion and promoting biofilm formation. To investigate the role of CsgD in biofilm formation and stress resistance in bacteria, the csgD deletion mutant ΔcsgD was successfully constructed from the engineered strain E. coli BL21(DE3) using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system. The results demonstrated that the biofilm of ΔcsgD decreased by 70.07% (p < 0.05). Additionally, the mobility and adhesion of ΔcsgD were inhibited due to the decrease in curly fimbriae and extracellular polymeric substances. Furthermore, ΔcsgD exhibited a significantly decreased resistance to acid, alkali and osmotic stress conditions (p < 0.05). RNA-Seq results revealed 491 differentially expressed genes between the parent strain and ΔcsgD, with enrichment primarily observed in metabolism-related processes as well as cell membrane structure and catalytic activity categories. Moreover, CsgD influenced the expression of biofilm and stress response genes pgaA, motB, fimA, fimC, iraP, ompA, osmC, sufE and elaB, indicating that the CsgD participated in the resistance of E. coli by regulating the expression of biofilm and stress response. In brief, the transcription factor CsgD plays a key role in the stress resistance of E. coli, and is a potential target for treating and controlling biofilm. | 2023 | 37761984 |
| 8833 | 14 | 0.9025 | "One for All": Functional Transfer of OMV-Mediated Polymyxin B Resistance From Salmonella enterica sv. Typhi ΔtolR and ΔdegS to Susceptible Bacteria. The appearance of multi-resistant strains has contributed to reintroducing polymyxin as the last-line therapy. Although polymyxin resistance is based on bacterial envelope changes, other resistance mechanisms are being reported. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanosized proteoliposomes secreted from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. In some bacteria, OMVs have shown to provide resistance to diverse antimicrobial agents either by sequestering and/or expelling the harmful agent from the bacterial envelope. Nevertheless, the participation of OMVs in polymyxin resistance has not yet been explored in S. Typhi, and neither OMVs derived from hypervesiculating mutants. In this work, we explored whether OMVs produced by the hypervesiculating strains Salmonella Typhi ΔrfaE (LPS synthesis), ΔtolR (bacterial envelope) and ΔdegS (misfolded proteins and σ (E) activation) exhibit protective properties against polymyxin B. We found that the OMVs extracted from S. Typhi ΔtolR and ΔdegS protect S. Typhi WT from polymyxin B in a concentration-depending manner. By contrast, the protective effect exerted by OMVs from S. Typhi WT and S. Typhi ΔrfaE is much lower. This effect is achieved by the sequestration of polymyxin B, as assessed by the more positive Zeta potential of OMVs with polymyxin B and the diminished antibiotic's availability when coincubated with OMVs. We also found that S. Typhi ΔtolR exhibited an increased MIC of polymyxin B. Finally, we determined that S. Typhi ΔtolR and S. Typhi ΔdegS, at a lesser level, can functionally and transiently transfer the OMV-mediated polymyxin B resistance to susceptible bacteria in cocultures. This work shows that mutants in genes related to OMVs biogenesis can release vesicles with improved abilities to protect bacteria against membrane-active agents. Since mutations affecting OMV biogenesis can involve the bacterial envelope, mutants with increased resistance to membrane-acting agents that, in turn, produce protective OMVs with a high vesiculation rate (e.g., S. Typhi ΔtolR) can arise. Such mutants can functionally transfer the resistance to surrounding bacteria via OMVs, diminishing the effective concentration of the antimicrobial agent and potentially favoring the selection of spontaneous resistant strains in the environment. This phenomenon might be considered the source for the emergence of polymyxin resistance in an entire bacterial community. | 2021 | 34025627 |
| 8598 | 15 | 0.9024 | Nonnutritive sweeteners can promote the dissemination of antibiotic resistance through conjugative gene transfer. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide threat to human health and biosecurity. The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) via conjugative plasmid transfer is a major contributor to the evolution of this resistance. Although permitted as safe food additives, compounds such as saccharine, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium that are commonly used as nonnutritive sweeteners have recently been associated with shifts in the gut microbiota similar to those caused by antibiotics. As antibiotics can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), we hypothesize that these nonnutritive sweeteners could have a similar effect. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that saccharine, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium could promote plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer in three established conjugation models between the same and different phylogenetic strains. The real-time dynamic conjugation process was visualized at the single-cell level. Bacteria exposed to the tested compounds exhibited increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the SOS response, and gene transfer. In addition, cell membrane permeability increased in both parental bacteria under exposure to the tested compounds. The expression of genes involved in ROS detoxification, the SOS response, and cell membrane permeability was significantly upregulated under sweetener treatment. In conclusion, exposure to nonnutritive sweeteners enhances conjugation in bacteria. Our findings provide insight into AMR spread and indicate the potential risk associated with the presence of nonnutritive sweeteners. | 2021 | 33589766 |
| 7947 | 16 | 0.9023 | Molecular insights into linkages among free-floating macrophyte-derived organic matter, the fate of antibiotic residues, and antibiotic resistance genes. Macrophyte rhizospheric dissolved organic matter (ROM) served as widespread abiotic components in aquatic ecosystems, and its effects on antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) could not be ignored. However, specific influencing mechanisms for ROM on the fate of antibiotic residues and expression of ARGs still remained unclear. Herein, laboratory hydroponic experiments for water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) were carried out to explore mutual interactions among ROM, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), bacterial community, and ARGs expression. Results showed ROM directly affect SMX concentrations through the binding process, while CO and N-H groups were main binding sites for ROM. Dynamic changes of ROM molecular composition diversified the DOM pool due to microbe-mediated oxidoreduction, with enrichment of heteroatoms (N, S, P) and decreased aromaticity. Microbial community analysis showed SMX pressure significantly stimulated the succession of bacterial structure in both bulk water and rhizospheric biofilms. Furthermore, network analysis further confirmed ROM bio-labile compositions as energy sources and electron shuttles directly influenced microbial structure, thereby facilitating proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria (Methylotenera, Sphingobium, Az spirillum) and ARGs (sul1, sul2, intl1). This investigation will provide scientific supports for the control of antibiotic residues and corresponding ARGs in aquatic ecosystems. | 2024 | 38653136 |
| 8485 | 17 | 0.9023 | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac accelerates the emergence of antibiotic resistance via mutagenesis. Overuse of antimicrobial agents are generally considered to be a key factor in the occurrence of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB). Nevertheless, it is unclear whether ARB can be induced by non-antibiotic chemicals such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate whether NSAID diclofenac (DCF) promote the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli K12 MG1655. Our results suggested that DCF induced the occurrence of ARB which showed hereditary stability of resistance. Meanwhile, gene variation was identified on chromosome of the ARB, and DCF can cause bacterial oxidative stress and SOS response. Subsequently, transcriptional levels of antioxidant (soxS, sodA, sodC, gor, katG, ahpF) and SOS (recA, lexA, uvrA, uvrB, ruvA, ruvB, dinB, umuC, polB) system-related genes were enhanced. However, the expression of related genes cannot be increased in high-dosage treatment compared with low-dosage samples because of cytotoxicity and cellular damage. Simultaneously, high-dosage DCF decreased the mutation frequency but enhanced the resistance of mutants. Our findings expand our knowledge of the promoting effect on the emergence of ARB caused by DCF. More attention and regulations should be given to these potential ecological and health risks for widespread DCF. | 2023 | 36958653 |
| 8561 | 18 | 0.9023 | Three-dimensional synergistic mechanism ofphysical injury, microbiota dysbiosis, and gene transfer in the gut of Cipangopaludina cathayensisunder microplastics and roxithromycin exposure. Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics pose a combined threat to aquatic organisms by impairing gut health and promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, Cipangopaludina cathayensis was exposed for 28 days to polystyrene MPs, roxithromycin (ROX), and their combination to assess impacts on intestinal barrier integrity, microbiota composition, and ARG proliferation. MPs alone caused significant mucosal damage, villus atrophy, epithelial shedding, and reduced digestive enzyme activities. ROX exposure altered microbiota structure by increasing Bacteroidetes and reducing Firmicutes. Co-exposure (CM group) exacerbated epithelial injury and enzyme inhibition but partially restored balance through enrichment of SCFA-producing, anti-inflammatory bacteria. ARG levels in the CM group rose by over 1000 %, with notable increases in multidrug resistance genes (e.g., blaOXA10) and integrons (e.g., cIntI-1), mainly linked to Bacteroides and Proteobacteria. Transcriptomic data indicated oxidative stress and epithelial disruption under MPs, and upregulation of efflux and integron genes with ROX. Combined exposure triggered DNA repair and SOS pathways, facilitating horizontal gene transfer. These findings highlight a three-dimensional synergistic mechanism-physical damage, microbial dysbiosis, and gene transfer-that amplifies ARG dissemination and intestinal toxicity, underscoring the need to assess ecological risks of composite pollutants in freshwater systems.These processes form a self-reinforcing loop in which physical epithelial damage promotes microbial dysbiosis, which in turn facilitates ARG proliferation through increased permeability and immune disruption. | 2025 | 41067103 |
| 8493 | 19 | 0.9023 | Effects and mechanisms of plant growth regulators on horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes through plasmid-mediated conjugation. A vast number of bacteria occur in both soil and plants, with some of them harboring antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). When bacteria congregate on the interface of soil particles or on plant root surfaces, these ARGs can be transferred between bacteria via conjugation, leading to the formation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that threaten human health. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used in agricultural production, promoting plant growth and increasing crop yields. However, until now, little information has been known about the effects of PGRs on the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs. In this study, with Escherichia coli DH5α (carrying RP4 plasmid with Tet(R), Amp(R), Kan(R)) as the donor and E. coli HB101 as the recipient, a series of diparental conjugation experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of indoleacetic acid (IAA), ethel (ETH) and gibberellin (GA(3)) on HGT of ARGs via plasmid-mediated conjugation. Furthermore, the mechanisms involved were also clarified. The results showed that all three PGRs affected the ARG transfer frequency by inducing the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, changing the cell membrane permeability, and regulating the gene transcription of traA, traL, trfAp, trbBp, kilA, and korA in plasmid RP4. In detail, 50-100 mg⋅L(-1) IAA, 20-50 mg⋅L(-1) ETH and 1500-2500 mg⋅L(-1) GA(3) all significantly promoted the ARG conjugation. This study indicated that widespread use of PGRs in agricultural production could affect the HGT of ARGs via plasmid-mediated conjugation, and the application of reasonable concentrations of PGRs could reduce the ARG transmission in both soil environments and plants. | 2023 | 36720410 |