| 1. |
- Behra, Phani Rama Krishna, et al.
(författare)
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Comparative genomics of Mycobacterium mucogenicum and Mycobacterium neoaurum clade members emphasizing tRNA and non-coding RNA
- 2019
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Ingår i: BMC Evolutionary Biology. - : BMC. - 1471-2148. ; 19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Mycobacteria occupy various ecological niches and can be isolated from soil, tap water and ground water. Several cause diseases in humans and animals. To get deeper insight into our understanding of mycobacterial evolution focusing on tRNA and non-coding (nc)RNA, we conducted a comparative genome analysis of Mycobacterium mucogenicum (Mmuc) and Mycobacterium neoaurum (Mneo) clade members.Results: Genome sizes for Mmuc- and Mneo-clade members vary between 5.4 and 6.5 Mbps with the complete Mmuc(T) (type strain) genome encompassing 6.1 Mbp. The number of tRNA genes range between 46 and 79 (including one pseudo tRNA gene) with 39 tRNA genes common among the members of these clades, while additional tRNA genes were probably acquired through horizontal gene transfer. Selected tRNAs and ncRNAs (RNase P RNA, tmRNA, 4.5S RNA, Ms1 RNA and 6C RNA) are expressed, and the levels for several of these are higher in stationary phase compared to exponentially growing cells. The rare tRNA(Ile)TAT isoacceptor and two for mycobacteria novel ncRNAs: the Lactobacillales-derived GOLLD RNA and a homolog to the antisense Salmonella typhimurium phage Sar RNA, were shown to be present and expressed in certain Mmuc-clade members.Conclusions: Phages, IS elements, horizontally transferred tRNA gene clusters, and phage-derived ncRNAs appears to have influenced the evolution of the Mmuc- and Mneo-clades. While the number of predicted coding sequences correlates with genome size, the number of tRNA coding genes does not. The majority of the tRNA genes in mycobacteria are transcribed mainly from single genes and the levels of certain ncRNAs, including RNase P RNA (essential for the processing of tRNAs), are higher at stationary phase compared to exponentially growing cells. We provide supporting evidence that Ms1 RNA represents a mycobacterial 6S RNA variant. The evolutionary routes for the ncRNAs RNase P RNA, tmRNA and Ms1 RNA are different from that of the core genes.
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| 2. |
- Behra, Phani Rama Krishna, et al.
(författare)
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Extended insight into the Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus complex through whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum outbreak and Mycobacterium salmoniphilum-like strains
- 2019
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Members of the Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus complex (MCAC) are close to the mycobacterial ancestor and includes both human, animal and fish pathogens. We present the genomes of 14 members of this complex: the complete genomes of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum and Mycobacterium chelonae type strains, seven M. salmoniphilum isolates, and five M. salmoniphilum-like strains including strains isolated during an outbreak in an animal facility at Uppsala University. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis and core gene phylogeny revealed that the M. salmoniphilum-like strains are variants of the human pathogen Mycobacterium franklinii and phylogenetically close to Mycobacterium abscessus. Our data further suggested that M. salmoniphilum separates into three branches named group I, II and III with the M. salmoniphilum type strain belonging to group II. Among predicted virulence factors, the presence of phospholipase C (plcC), which is a major virulence factor that makes M. abscessus highly cytotoxic to mouse macrophages, and that M. franklinii originally was isolated from infected humans make it plausible that the outbreak in the animal facility was caused by a M. salmoniphilum-like strain. Interestingly, M. salmoniphilum-like was isolated from tap water suggesting that it can be present in the environment. Moreover, we predicted the presence of mutational hotspots in the M. salmoniphilum isolates and 26% of these hotspots overlap with genes categorized as having roles in virulence, disease and defense. We also provide data about key genes involved in transcription and translation such as sigma factor, ribosomal protein and tRNA genes.
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| 3. |
- Behra, Phani Rama Krishna, et al.
(författare)
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Insight into the biology of Mycobacterium mucogenicum and Mycobacterium neoaurum Glade members
- 2019
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. - 2045-2322. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria, NTM, are of growing concern and among these members of the Mycobacterium mucogenicum (Mmuc) and Mycobacterium neoaurum (Mneo) clades can cause infections in humans and they are resistant to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. They can be isolated from different ecological niches such as soil, tap water and ground water. Mycobacteria, such as Mmuc and Mneo, are classified as rapid growing mycobacteria, RGM, while the most familiar, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belongs to the slow growing mycobacteria, SGM. Modern "omics" approaches have provided new insights into our understanding of the biology and evolution of this group of bacteria. Here we present comparative genomics data for seventeen NTM of which sixteen belong to the Mmuc- and Mneo-clades. Focusing on virulence genes, including genes encoding sigma/anti-sigma factors, serine threonine protein kinases (STPK), type VII (ESX genes) secretion systems and mammalian cell entry (Mce) factors we provide insight into their presence as well as phylogenetic relationship in the case of the sigma/anti-sigma factors and STPKs. Our data further suggest that these NTM lack ESX-5 and Mce2 genes, which are known to affect virulence. In this context, Mmuc- and Mneo-clade members lack several of the genes in the glycopeptidolipid (GLP) locus, which have roles in colony morphotype appearance and virulence. For the M. mucogenicum type strain, Mmuc(T), we provide RNASeq data focusing on mRNA levels for sigma factors, STPK, ESX proteins and Mce proteins. These data are discussed and compared to in particular the SGM and fish pathogen Mycobacterium marinum. Finally, we provide insight into as to why members of the Mmuc- and Mneo-clades show resistance to rifampin and isoniazid, and why Mmuc(T) forms a rough colony morphotype.
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| 4. |
- Das, Sarbashis, et al.
(författare)
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Characterization of three Mycobacterium spp. with potential use in bioremediation by genome sequencing and comparative genomics
- 2015
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Ingår i: Genome Biology and Evolution. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1759-6653. ; 7:7, s. 1871-1886
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We provide the genome sequences of the type strains of the polychlorophenol-degrading Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum (DSM43826), the degrader of chlorinated aliphatics Mycobacterium chubuense (DSM44219) and Mycobacterium obuense (DSM44075) that has been tested for use in cancer immunotherapy. The genome sizes of M. chlorophenolicum, M. chubuense and M. obuense are 6.93, 5.95 and 5.58 Mbps with GC-contents of 68.4, 69.2 and 67.9%, respectively. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that 3254 genes are common and we predicted approximately 250 genes acquired through horizontal gene transfer from different sources including proteobacteria. The data also showed that the biodegrading Mycobacterium spp. NBB4, also referred to as M. chubuense NBB4, is distantly related to the M. chubuense type strain and should be considered as a separate species, we suggest it to be named M. ethylenense NBB4. Among different categories we identified genes with potential roles in: biodegradation of aromatic compounds, and copper homeostasis. These are the first non-pathogenic Mycobacterium spp. found harboring genes involved in copper homeostasis. These findings would therefore provide insight into the role of this group of Mycobacterium spp. in bioremediation as well as the evolution of copper homeostasis within the Mycobacterium genus.
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| 5. |
- Das, Sarbashis, et al.
(författare)
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Extensive genomic diversity among Mycobacterium marinum strains revealed by whole genome sequencing
- 2018
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mycobacterium marinum is the causative agent for the tuberculosis-like disease mycobacteriosis in fish and skin lesions in humans. Ubiquitous in its geographical distribution, M. marinum is known to occupy diverse fish as hosts. However, information about its genomic diversity is limited. Here, we provide the genome sequences for 15 M. marinum strains isolated from infected humans and fish. Comparative genomic analysis of these and four available genomes of the M. marinum strains M, E11, MB2 and Europe reveal high genomic diversity among the strains, leading to the conclusion that M. marinum should be divided into two different clusters, the "M"- and the "Aronson"-type. We suggest that these two clusters should be considered to represent two M. marinum subspecies. Our data also show that the M. marinum pan-genome for both groups is open and expanding and we provide data showing high number of mutational hotspots in M. marinum relative to other mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This high genomic diversity might be related to the ability of M. marinum to occupy different ecological niches.
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| 6. |
- Das, Sarbashis, et al.
(författare)
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The Mycobacterium phlei Genome : Expectations and Surprises
- 2016
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Ingår i: Genome Biology and Evolution. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1759-6653. ; 8:4, s. 975-985
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mycobacterium phlei, a nontuberculosis mycobacterial species, was first described in 1898-1899. We present the complete genome sequence for the IV, phlei CCUG21000(T) type strain and the draft genomes for four additional strains. The genome size for all five is 5.3 Mb with 69.4% Guanine-Cytosine content. This is approximate to 0.35 Mbp smaller than the previously reported M. phlei RIVM draft genome. The size difference is attributed partly to large bacteriophage sequence fragments in the M. phlei RIVM genome. Comparative analysis revealed the following: 1) A CRISPR system similar to Type 1E (cas3) in M. phiei RIVM; 2) genes involved in polyamine metabolism and transport (potAD, potT) that are absent in other mycobacteria, and 3) strain specific variations in the number of sigma-factor genes. Moreover, M. phlei has as many as 82 mce (mammalian cell entry) homologs and many of the horizontally acquired genes in M. phlei are present in other environmental bacteria including mycobacteria that share similar habitat. Phylogenetic analysis based on 693 Mycobacterium core genes present in all complete mycobacterial genomes suggested that its closest neighbor is Mycobacterium smegmatis JS623 and Mycobacterium rhodesiae NBB3, while it is more distant to M. smegmatis mc2 155.
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| 7. |
- Koshla, Oksana, et al.
(författare)
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Gene miaA for post-transcriptional modification of tRNAXXA is important for morphological and metabolic differentiation in Streptomyces
- 2019
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Ingår i: Molecular Microbiology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0950-382X .- 1365-2958. ; 112:1, s. 249-265
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Members of actinobacterial genus Streptomyces possess a sophisticated life cycle and are the deepest source of bioactive secondary metabolites. Although morphogenesis and secondary metabolism are subject to transcriptional co-regulation, streptomycetes employ an additional mechanism to initiate the aforementioned processes. This mechanism is based on delayed translation of rare leucyl codon UUA by the only cognate tRNA(UAA)(Leu) (encoded by bldA). The bldA-based genetic switch is an extensively documented example of translational regulation in Streptomyces. Yet, after five decades since the discovery of bldA, factors that shape its function and peculiar conditionality remained elusive. Here we address the hypothesis that post-transcriptional tRNA modifications play a role in tRNA-based mechanisms of translational control in Streptomyces. Particularly, we studied two Streptomyces albus J1074 genes, XNR_1074 (miaA) and XNR_1078 (miaB), encoding tRNA (adenosine(37)-N6)-dimethylallyltransferase and tRNA (N6-isopentenyl adenosine(37)-C2)-methylthiotransferase respectively. These enzymes produce, in a sequential manner, a hypermodified ms(2)i(6)A37 residue in most of the A36-A37-containing tRNAs. We show that miaB and especially miaA null mutant of S. albus possess altered morphogenesis and secondary metabolism. We provide genetic evidence that miaA deficiency impacts translational level of gene expression, most likely through impaired decoding of codons UXX and UUA in particular.
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| 8. |
- Mao, Guanzhong, et al.
(författare)
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Cleavage of Model Substrates by Arabidopsis thaliana PRORP1 Reveals New Insights into Its Substrate Requirements
- 2016
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 11:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Two broad classes of RNase P trim the 5' leader of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs): ribonucleoprotein (RNP)- and proteinaceous (PRORP)-variants. These two RNase P types, which use different scaffolds for catalysis, reflect independent evolutionary paths. While the catalytic RNA-based RNP form is present in all three domains of life, the PRORP family is restricted to eukaryotes. To obtain insights on substrate recognition by PRORPs, we examined the 5' processing ability of recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana PRORP1 (AtPRORP1) using a panel of pre-tRNA(Ser) variants and model hairpin-loop derivatives (pATSer type) that consist of the acceptor-T-stem stack and the T-/D-loop. Our data indicate the importance of the identity of N-1 (the residue immediately 5' to the cleavage site) and the N-1: N+73 base pair for cleavage rate and site selection of pre-tRNA(Ser) and pATSer. The nucleobase preferences that we observed mirror the frequency of occurrence in the complete suite of organellar pre-tRNAs in eight algae/plants that we analyzed. The importance of the T-/D-loop in pre-tRNA(Ser) for tight binding to AtPRORP1 is indicated by the 200-fold weaker binding of pATSer compared to pre-tRNA(Ser), while the essentiality of the T-loop for cleavage is reflected by the near-complete loss of activity when a GAAA-tetraloop replaced the T-loop in pATSer. Substituting the 2'-OH at N-1 with 2'-H also resulted in no detectable cleavage, hinting at the possible role of this 2'-OH in coordinating Mg2+ ions critical for catalysis. Collectively, our results indicate similarities but also key differences in substrate recognition by the bacterial RNase P RNP and AtPRORP1: while both forms exploit the acceptor-T-stem stack and the elbow region in the pre-tRNA, the RNP form appears to require more recognition determinants for cleavage-site selection.
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| 9. |
- Mao, Guanzhong, 1985-, et al.
(författare)
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Critical domain interactions for type A RNase P RNA catalysis with and without the specificity domain
- 2018
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 13:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The natural trans-acting ribozyme RNase P RNA (RPR) is composed of two domains in which the catalytic (C-) domain mediates cleavage of various substrates. The C-domain alone, after removal of the second specificity (S-) domain, catalyzes this reaction as well, albeit with reduced efficiency. Here we provide experimental evidence indicating that efficient cleavage mediated by the Escherichia coli C-domain (Eco CP RPR) with and without the C5 protein likely depends on an interaction referred to as the "P6-mimic". Moreover, the P18 helix connects the C-and S-domains between its loop and the P8 helix in the S-domain (the P8/P18-interaction). In contrast to the "P6-mimic", the presence of P18 does not contribute to the catalytic performance by the C-domain lacking the S-domain in cleavage of an all ribo model hairpin loop substrate while deletion or disruption of the P8/P18-interaction in full-size RPR lowers the catalytic efficiency in cleavage of the same model hairpin loop substrate in keeping with previously reported data using precursor tRNAs. Consistent with that P18 is not required for cleavage mediated by the C-domain we show that the archaeal Pyrococcus furiosus RPR C-domain, which lacks the P18 helix, is catalytically active in trans without the S-domain and any protein. Our data also suggest that the S-domain has a larger impact on catalysis for E. coli RPR compared to P. furiosus RPR. Finally, we provide data indicating that the absence of the S-domain and P18, or the P8/P18-interaction in full-length RPR influences the charge distribution near the cleavage site in the RPR-substrate complex to a small but reproducible extent.
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| 10. |
- Mao, Guanzhong, 1985-
(författare)
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Investigation of RNase P active site residues and catalytic domain interaction
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- RNase P is an essential endoribonuclease responsible for the maturation of the tRNA 5’end. The RNase P family encompasses the ribozyme based, RNase P RNP, and proteinaceous RNase P (PRORP). The ribozyme based RNase P is widely distributed in most species while PRORP has so far mainly been found in some eukaryotic cells.The RNase P RNP contains one RNA subunit (RPR), which is the catalytic moiety, and one or more protein subunits. The structural topology of the RPR is crucial for RNase P RNP to correctly and efficiently maintain its function. The RPR is composed of domains such as the specificity (S) and catalytic (C) domains, and structural elements that connect these.The objectives of my thesis were to study the importance of structural elements in the C-domain of the RPR with respect to substrate interaction and catalysis. Another objective was to study substrate interaction in PRORP-mediated catalysis, and to compare RNase P RNP- and PRORP-mediated cleavage. To achieve this I have studied cleavage of both pre-tRNA and model hairpin loop substrates with RPR variants carrying deletions and base substitutions, and PRORP1 from Arabidopsis thaliana.My data provide evidence for an intra domain interaction, referred to as the P6-mimic, in the RPR C-domain. The P6-mimic forms when the S-domain of the RPR is deleted and it contributes to catalysis. The inter domain P8/P18 interaction, which connects the S- and the C-domains, plays an important role for catalysis. My data suggest that, in the absence of the S-domain, P18 does not contribute to catalysis raising the possibility that the P8/ P18-interaction acts as a structural mediator between the TSL/ TBS-interaction site in the S-domain and the active center that ensures correct and efficient cleavage. This is consistent with that RNase P RNP operates through an induced fit mechanism. Furthermore, on the basis of biochemical and genetic data the well-conserved A248 in the RPR has been proposed to form a cis Watson-Crick/Watson-Crick (cis WC/WC) pair with the residue immediately 5' of the cleavage site, N-1, in the substrate. My data does not support this cis WC/WC pairing. Rather, the data are consistent with a model where the structural topology of the active site varies and depends on the identity of the nucleobases at, and in proximity to, the cleavage site and their potential to interact. As a consequence, this affects the positioning of Mg2+ that activates the water that acts as the nucleophile resulting in efficient and correct cleavage. In this scenario it is suggested that the role of A248 is to exclude bulk water from accessing the amino acid acceptor stem and thereby prevent non-specific hydrolysis of the pre-tRNA. In a broader perspective, base stacking might be a way to prevent access of water to functionally important base pairing interactions, and thereby ensuring high fidelity during RNA processing and decoding of mRNA.As for RNase P RNP, my studies on PRORP1 indicate the importance of the identity of N-1 and the N-1: N+73 base pair in the substrate for efficient and correct cleavage. Although, the data indicate similarities they also provide key differences in substrate recognition by RNase P RNP and PRORP1 where the RNP form appears to require more recognition determinants for cleavage site selection.
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| 11. |
- Pettersson, B. M. Fredrik, et al.
(författare)
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Comparative Sigma Factor-mRNA Levels in Mycobacterium marinum under Stress Conditions and during Host Infection
- 2015
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 10:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have used RNASeq and qRT-PCR to study mRNA levels for all s-factors in different Mycobacterium marinum strains under various growth and stress conditions. We also studied their levels in M. marinum from infected fish and mosquito larvae. The annotated s-factors were expressed and transcripts varied in relation to growth and stress conditions. Some were highly abundant such as sigA, sigB, sigC, sigD, sigE and sigH while others were not. The s-factor mRNA profiles were similar after heat stress, during infection of fish and mosquito larvae. The similarity also applies to some of the known heat shock genes such as the a-crystallin gene. Therefore, it seems probable that the physiological state of M. marinum is similar when exposed to these different conditions. Moreover, the mosquito larvae data suggest that this is the state that the fish encounter when infected, at least with respect to s-factor mRNA levels. Comparative genomic analysis of s-factor gene localizations in three M. marinum strains and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv revealed chromosomal rearrangements that changed the localization of especially sigA, sigB, sigD, sigE, sigF and sigJ after the divergence of these two species. This may explain the variation in species-specific expression upon exposure to different growth conditions.
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| 12. |
- Wu, Shiying, et al.
(författare)
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Inhibition of Bacterial RNase P RNA by Phenothiazine Derivatives
- 2016
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Ingår i: Biomolecules. - : MDPI AG. - 2218-273X. ; 6:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is a need to identify novel scaffolds and targets to develop new antibiotics. Methylene blue is a phenothiazine derivative, and it has been shown to possess anti-malarial and anti-trypanosomal activities. Here, we show that different phenothiazine derivatives and pyronine G inhibited the activities of three structurally different bacterial RNase P RNAs (RPRs), including that from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with K-i values in the lower mu M range. Interestingly, three antipsychotic phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, thioridazine, and trifluoperazine), which are known to have antibacterial activities, also inhibited the activity of bacterial RPRs, albeit with higher Ki values than methylene blue. Phenothiazines also affected lead(II)-induced cleavage of bacterial RPR and inhibited yeast tRNAPhe, indicating binding of these drugs to functionally important regions. Collectively, our findings provide the first experimental data showing that long, noncoding RNAs could be targeted by different phenothiazine derivatives.
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