Abstract
Bacteriocins of the LlpA family have previously been characterized in the γ-proteobacteria Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas. These proteins are composed of two MMBL (monocot mannose-binding lectin) domains, a module predominantly and abundantly found in lectins from monocot plants. Genes encoding four different types of LlpA-like proteins were identified in genomes from strains belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and the Burkholderia pseudomallei group. A selected recombinant LlpA-like protein from the human isolate Burkholderia cenocepacia AU1054 displayed narrow-spectrum genus-specific antibacterial activity, thus representing the first functionally characterized bacteriocin within this β-proteobacterial genus. Strain-specific killing was confined to other members of the Bcc, with mostly Burkholderia ambifaria strains being susceptible. In addition to killing planktonic cells, this bacteriocin also acted as an antibiofilm agent.Bacteriocins mediate highly selective antagonism among closely related bacteria but such antimicrobial proteins have not yet been reported in Burkholderia. We identified a lectin-like protein of the LlpA family in a Burkholderia cenocepacia human isolate that strain-specifically and selectively kills planktonic and biofilm cells of other Burkholderia cepacia complex members.
Highlights
While some members of the b-proteobacterial genus Burkholderia exhibit attractive properties for biodegradation of environmental pollutants or growth promotion of plants (Suarez-Moreno et al 2012), several species represent a threat to animal and human health
Lectin-like bacteriocins, called LlpAs, represent a novel class of antibacterial proteins identified in the c-proteobacterial genera Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas (Ghequire et al 2012b)
Through homology searches we identified several genes encoding potential new members of the LlpA family in genomic sequences of the genus Burkholderia
Summary
While some members of the b-proteobacterial genus Burkholderia exhibit attractive properties for biodegradation of environmental pollutants or growth promotion of plants (Suarez-Moreno et al 2012), several species represent a threat to animal and human health. The Burkholderia pseudomallei group includes the causative agents of human melioidosis, B. pseudomallei, and of animal glanders, Burkholderia mallei (Galyov et al 2010). The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), encompassing 17 species, is home to opportunistic pathogens, such as Burkholderia multivorans and Burkholderia cenocepacia, that cause respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients and immunocompromised individuals (Sousa et al 2011; Vial et al 2011; Suarez-Moreno et al 2012). Production of the polyketide enacyloxins by Burkholderia ambifaria AMMD enables inhibition of some other Bcc species (Burkholderia dolosa, B. multivorans)
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