@misc{SchmidtKammelTanneretal., author = {Schmidt, Carsten and Kammel, Anne and Tanner, Julian A. and Kinghorn, Andrew B. and Khan, Muhammad Moman and Lehmann, Werner and Menger, Marcus and Schedler, Uwe and Schierack, Peter and R{\"o}diger, Stefan}, title = {A Multiparametic Fluorescence Assay for Screening Aptamer-Protein Interactions Based on Microbeads}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {12}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-06817-0}, pages = {10}, language = {en} } @misc{SydowEgerSchwabeetal., author = {Sydow, Katharina and Eger, Elias and Schwabe, Michael and Heiden, Stefan E. and Bohnert, J{\"u}rgen A. and Franzenburg, S{\"o}ren and Jurischka, Christoph and Schierack, Peter and Schaufler, Katharina}, title = {Geno- and Phenotypic Characteristics of a Klebsiella pneumoniae ST20 Isolate with Unusual Colony Morphology}, series = {Microorganisms}, volume = {10}, journal = {Microorganisms}, number = {10}, issn = {2076-2607}, doi = {10.3390/microorganisms10102063}, abstract = {Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common member of the intestinal flora of vertebrates. In addition to opportunistic representatives, hypervirulent (hvKp) and antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae (ABR-Kp) occur. While ABR-Kp isolates often cause difficult-to-treat diseases due to limited therapeutic options, hvKp is a pathotype that can infect healthy individuals often leading to recurrent infection. Here, we investigated the clinical K. pneumoniae isolate PBIO3459 obtained from a blood sample, which showed an unusual colony morphology. By combining whole-genome and RNA sequencing with multiple in vitro and in vivo virulence-associated assays, we aimed to define the respective Klebsiella subtype and explore the unusual phenotypic appearance. We demonstrate that PBIO3459 belongs to sequence type (ST)20 and carries no acquired resistance genes, consistent with phenotypic susceptibility tests. In addition, the isolate showed low-level virulence, both at genetic and phenotypic levels. We thus suggest that PBIO3459 is an opportunistic (commensal) K. pneumoniae isolate. Genomic comparison of PBIO3459 with closely related ABR-Kp ST20 isolates revealed that they differed only in resistance genes. Finally, the unusual colony morphology was mainly associated with carbohydrate and amino acid transport and metabolism. In conclusion, our study reveals the characteristics of a Klebsiella sepsis isolate and suggests that opportunistic representatives likely acquire and accumulate antibiotic resistances that subsequently enable their emergence as ABR-Kp pathogens.}, language = {en} } @misc{KhanSidorczukBeckeretal., author = {Khan, Muhammad Moman and Sidorczuk, Katarzyna and Becker, Juliane and Aleksandrowicz, Adrianna and Baraniewicz, Karolina and Ludwig, Christina and Ali, Aamir and Kingsley, Robert A. and Schierack, Peter and Kolenda, Rafał}, title = {Characterization of clumpy adhesion of Escherichia coli to human cells and associated factors influencing antibiotic sensitivity}, series = {Microbiology Spectrum}, journal = {Microbiology Spectrum}, issn = {2165-0497}, doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02606-23}, abstract = {Escherichia coli intestinal infection pathotypes are characterized by distinct adhesion patterns, including the recently described clumpy adhesion phenotype. Here, we identify and characterize the genetic factors contributing to the clumpy adhesion of E. coli strain 4972. In this strain, the transcriptome and proteome of adhered bacteria were found to be distinct from planktonic bacteria in the supernatant. A total of 622 genes in the transcriptome were differentially expressed in bacteria present in clumps relative to the planktonic bacteria. Seven genes targeted for disruption had variable distribution in different pathotypes and nonpathogenic E. coli, with the pilV and spnT genes being the least frequent or absent from most groups. Deletion (Δ) of five differentially expressed genes, flgH, ffp, pilV, spnT, and yggT, affected motility, adhesion, or antibiotic stress. ΔflgH exhibited 80\% decrease and ΔyggT depicted 184\% increase in adhesion, and upon complementation, adhesion was significantly reduced to 13\%. ΔflgH lost motility and was regenerated when complemented, whereas Δffp had significantly increased motility, and reintroduction of the same gene reduced it to the wild-type level. The clumps produced by Δffp and ΔspnT were more resistant and protected the bacteria, with ΔspnT showing the best clump formation in terms of ampicillin stress protection. ΔyggT had the lowest tolerance to gentamicin, where the antibiotic stress completely eliminated the bacteria. Overall, we were able to investigate the influence of clump formation on cell surface adhesion and antimicrobial tolerance, with the contribution of several factors crucial to clump formation on susceptibility to the selected antibiotics.}, language = {en} } @misc{AzamRoesslingGeitheetal., author = {Azam, Hafiz Muhammad Husnain and R{\"o}ßling, Rosa Ilse and Geithe, Christiane and Khan, Muhammad Moman and Dinter, Franziska and Hanack, Katja and Pr{\"u}ß, Harald and Husse, Britta and Roggenbuck, Dirk and Schierack, Peter and R{\"o}diger, Stefan}, title = {MicroRNA biomarkers as next-generation diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases: a comprehensive review}, series = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, volume = {17}, journal = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {1662-5099}, doi = {10.3389/fnmol.2024.1386735}, pages = {35}, abstract = {Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by abnormalities within neurons of the brain or spinal cord that gradually lose function, eventually leading to cell death. Upon examination of affected tissue, pathological changes reveal a loss of synapses, misfolded proteins, and activation of immune cells—all indicative of disease progression—before severe clinical symptoms become apparent. Early detection of NDs is crucial for potentially administering targeted medications that may delay disease advancement. Given their complex pathophysiological features and diverse clinical symptoms, there is a pressing need for sensitive and effective diagnostic methods for NDs. Biomarkers such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as potential tools for detecting these diseases. We explore the pivotal role of miRNAs in the context of NDs, focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The review delves into the intricate relationship between aging and NDs, highlighting structural and functional alterations in the aging brain and their implications for disease development. It elucidates how miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins are implicated in the pathogenesis of NDs and underscores the importance of investigating their expression and function in aging. Significantly, miRNAs exert substantial influence on post-translational modifications (PTMs), impacting not just the nervous system but a wide array of tissues and cell types as well. Specific miRNAs have been found to target proteins involved in ubiquitination or de-ubiquitination processes, which play a significant role in regulating protein function and stability. We discuss the link between miRNA, PTM, and NDs. Additionally, the review discusses the significance of miRNAs as biomarkers for early disease detection, offering insights into diagnostic strategies.}, language = {en} } @misc{FrostWeissHerteletal., author = {Frost, Fabian and Weiss, Stefan and Hertel, Johannes and R{\"u}hlemann, Malte and Bang, Corinna and Franke, Andre and Nauck, Matthias and D{\"o}rr, Marcus and V{\"o}lzke, Henry and Roggenbuck, Dirk and Schierack, Peter and V{\"o}lker, Uwe and Homuth, Georg and Aghdassi, Ali A. and Sendler, Matthias and Lerch, Markus M. and Weiss, Frank U.}, title = {Fecal glycoprotein 2 is a marker of gut microbiota dysbiosis and systemic inflammation}, series = {Gut Pathogens}, volume = {16}, journal = {Gut Pathogens}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, issn = {1757-4749}, doi = {10.1186/s13099-024-00657-1}, pages = {1 -- 11}, abstract = {Background autoantigenic glycoprotein 2 (GP2) is an important component of the innate immune system which originates from the exocrine pancreas as well as from the small intestines. The relationship of GP2 with the intestinal microbiome as well as the systemic implications of increased fecal GP2 levels are, however, still unclear. Therefore, fecal samples from 2,812 individuals of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were collected to determine GP2 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and gut microbiota profiles (16 S rRNA gene sequencing). These data were correlated and associated with highly standardised and comprehensive phenotypic data of the study participants. Results Fecal GP2 levels were increased in individuals with higher body mass index and smokers, whereas lower levels were found in case of preserved exocrine pancreatic function, female sex or a healthier diet. Moreover, higher GP2 levels were associated with increased serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, loss of gut microbial diversity and an increase of potentially detrimental bacteria (Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Clostridium XIVa, or Collinsella). At the same time, predicted microbial pathways for the biosynthesis of beneficial short-chain fatty acids or lactic acid were depleted in individuals with high fecal GP2. Of note, GP2 exhibited a stronger association to overall microbiome variation than calprotectin. Conclusion Fecal GP2 is a biomarker of gut microbiota dysbiosis and associated with increased systemic inflammation. The intestines may be more important as origin for GP2 than pancreatic acinar cells. Future studies need to investigate the potential clinical value in disease specific patient cohorts.}, language = {en} } @misc{SidorczukBurdukiewiczCerketal., author = {Sidorczuk, Katarzyna and Burdukiewicz, Michał and Cerk, Klara and Fritscher, Joachim and Kingsley, Robert A. and Schierack, Peter and Hildebrand, Falk and Kolenda, Rafał}, title = {AdhesiomeR: a tool for Escherichia coli adhesin classification and analysis}, series = {BMC Genomics}, volume = {25}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, issn = {1471-2164}, doi = {10.1186/s12864-024-10525-6}, pages = {1 -- 10}, abstract = {AbstractAdhesins are crucial factors in the virulence of bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli. However, to date no resources have been dedicated to the detailed analysis of E. coli adhesins. Here, we provide adhesiomeR software that enables characterization of the complete adhesin repertoire, termed the adhesiome. AdhesiomeR incorporates the most comprehensive database of E. coli adhesins and facilitates an extensive analysis of adhesiome. We demonstrate that adhesiomeR achieves 98\% accuracy when compared with experimental analyses. Based on analysis of 15,000 E. coli genomes, we define novel adhesiome profiles and clusters, providing a nomenclature for a unified comparison of E. coli adhesiomes.}, language = {en} } @misc{KittlFreyBrodardetal., author = {Kittl, Sonja and Frey, Caroline F. and Brodard, Isabelle and Scalisi, Nadia and Vargas Amado, Maria Elena and Thomann, Andreas and Schierack, Peter and Jores, Joerg}, title = {Zoonotic bacterial and parasitic intestinal pathogens in foxes, raccoons and other predators from eastern Germany}, series = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, volume = {16}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.13261}, pages = {1 -- 7}, abstract = {AbstractIn this study, we investigated faecal specimens from legally hunted and road-killed red foxes, raccoons, raccoon dogs, badgers and martens in Germany for parasites and selected zoonotic bacteria. We found that Baylisascaris procyonis, a zoonotic parasite of raccoons, had spread to northeastern Germany, an area previously presumed to be free of this parasite. We detected various pathogenic bacterial species from the genera Listeria, Clostridium (including baratii), Yersinia and Salmonella, which were analysed using whole-genome sequencing. One isolate of Yersinia enterocolitica contained a virulence plasmid. The Salmonella Cholerasuis isolate encoded an aminoglycoside resistance gene and a parC point mutation, conferring resistance to ciprofloxacin. We also found tetracycline resistance genes in Paeniclostridium sordellii and Clostridium baratii. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolates were polyclonal, indicating the absence of specific wildlife-adapted clones. Predators, which scavenge from various sources including human settlements, acquire and spread zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, their role should not be overlooked in the One Health context.}, language = {en} } @misc{LopensSchierackKrauseetal., author = {Lopens, Steffi and Schierack, Peter and Krause, Jenny and Piaszczyński, Michał and Kr{\´o}l, Robert and Staroń, Robert and Krupa, Łukasz and Gutkowski, Krzysztof and Kruk, Beata and Grąt, Michał and Krawczyk, Marek and Patkowski, Waldemar and Glaser, Fabian and R{\"o}diger, Stefan and Grossmann, Kai and Pająk, Jacek and Milkiewicz, Piotr and Lammert, Frank and Zieniewicz, Krzysztof and Schramm, Christoph and Roggenbuck, Dirk and Krawczyk, Marcin}, title = {Antimicrobial glycoprotein 2 (GP2) in gallstones, bile fluid and peribiliary glands of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis}, series = {Clinica Chimica Acta}, volume = {562}, journal = {Clinica Chimica Acta}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {0009-8981}, doi = {10.1016/j.cca.2024.119841}, pages = {1 -- 8}, language = {en} } @misc{GeitheZengSchmidtetal., author = {Geithe, Christiane and Zeng, Bo and Schmidt, Carsten and Dinter, Franziska and Roggenbuck, Dirk and Lehmann, Werner and Dame, Gregory and Schierack, Peter and Hanack, Katja and R{\"o}diger, Stefan}, title = {A multiplex microchamber diffusion assay for the antibody-based detection of microRNAs on randomly ordered microbeads}, series = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X}, volume = {18 (2024)}, journal = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {2590-1370}, doi = {10.1016/j.biosx.2024.100484}, pages = {1 -- 7}, language = {en} } @misc{NazAhmadSarwaretal., author = {Naz, Fizza and Ahmad, Abrar and Sarwar, Yasra and Khan, Muhammad Moman and Schierack, Peter and Rauf, Waqar and Ali, Aamir}, title = {Characterization of Salmonella enterica Biofilms and Antibiofilm Effect of Carvacrol and 2-Aminobenzimidazole}, series = {Foodborne Pathogens and Disease}, volume = {21}, journal = {Foodborne Pathogens and Disease}, number = {1}, publisher = {Mary Ann Liebert Inc.}, issn = {1535-3141}, doi = {10.1089/fpd.2023.0044}, pages = {52 -- 60}, language = {en} } @misc{KhanMushtaqAbbasetal., author = {Khan, Muhammad Moman and Mushtaq, Muhammad Ahmed and Abbas, Nayyar and Fatima, Fariha and Gibbon, Marjorie J. and Schierack, Peter and Mohsin, Mashkoor}, title = {Occurrence, antimicrobial resistance and genomic features of Klebsiella pneumoniae from broiler chicken in Faisalabad, Pakistan}, series = {Frontiers in Veterinary Science}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Veterinary Science}, publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.}, issn = {2297-1769}, doi = {10.3389/fvets.2024.1433124}, pages = {7}, abstract = {IntroductionThe dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in critical priority pathogens is a significant threat. Non-clinical reservoirs of AMR, such as agriculture and food production facilities, may contribute to the transmission of clinically relevant pathogens such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae. There is currently very limited knowledge regarding the population structure and genomic diversity of K. pneumoniae in poultry production in Pakistan.MethodsWe explored healthy broilers in a commercial farm from Faisalabad, Pakistan, and identified six K. pneumoniae strains from 100 broiler birds. We characterized the strains, determining clonality, virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes using next generation sequencing.ResultsThe evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility revealed that all the strains were MDR. Genomic analysis showed that 3/6 strains belonged to ST152, harbouring acquired resistance aminoglycosides [aadA2, aph(4′)-Ia], β-lactams (blaSHV-187, blaLAP2), fosfomycin (fosA6), tetracycline (tetA), trimethoprim (dfrA12), quinolone (qnrS1), sulphonamides (sul2) and phenicol (floR). All the strains harboured the efflux pump genes oqxA, oqxB, emrR, kpnG, kpnH, kpnF, baeR, mtdB and mtdC. All six strains encoded identical virulence profiles possessing six genes, i.e., ureA, iutA, entB, allS, fimH and mrkD. Phylogenomic analysis of the dominant sequence type (ST152) present in our dataset with publicly available genomes showed that the isolates clustered to strains mainly from human sources and could pose a potential threat to food safety and public health.DiscussionThe combination of these findings with antimicrobial use data would allow a better understanding of the selective pressures that may be driving the spread of AMR. This is the first report of MDR K. pneumoniae isolated from broiler hens in Pakistan, and the finding suggests that routine surveillance of WHO critical priority pathogens in such settings would be beneficial to the development of effective control strategies to reduce AMR.}, language = {en} } @misc{FotangDuttonBroeringetal., author = {Fotang, Chefor and Dutton, Paul and Br{\"o}ring, Udo and Roos, Christian and Willie, Jacob and Angwafo, Tsi Evaristus and Chuo, Mvo Denis and Kamgang, Serge Alexis and Enoguanbhor, Evidence Chinedu and Schierack, Peter and Birkhofer, Klaus}, title = {Tool use by Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees for driver ant predation in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North-West Region Cameroon}, series = {Folia Primatologica}, volume = {94}, journal = {Folia Primatologica}, number = {1}, issn = {1421-9980}, doi = {10.1163/14219980-bja10006}, pages = {73 -- 85}, abstract = {Chimpanzees feed on driver ants (Dorylus sp.) using different tools and predation techniques that vary among populations and can be affected by availability of ant species as well as ecological and social-learning factors. At the Kom-Wum Forest Reserve (KWFR) in Cameroon, we investigated tool use behavior in Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti), examining the characteristics of tools used in driver ant predation, looking for possible seasonal patterns and comparing our results to those from other study sites. We recovered 83 tools along line transects and recces (reconnaissance) during two seasons. We found that chimpanzees used tools with blunting and dirty ends (possible digging and probing tools) and tools without (dipping tools), in driver ant predation. Tools with dirty ends tended to be thicker (N = 52), and thinner tools were less likely to have dirt (N = 31). Tools recovered in the wet season (N = 62), were significantly shorter and thicker than those recovered in the dry season (N = 21). Furthermore, driver ant tools recovered at KWFR are on average the longest yet recorded insect dipping tools for chimpanzees comparable to those used in North Uele. We found no evidence of nut-cracking, tool use for honey bee nor termite consumption and did not observe the potential prey remains in chimpanzee faeces despite their presence in the reserve. Our results suggest that seasonality significantly contributes to a divergence in the form of tools selected for driver ant predation.}, language = {en} } @misc{FotangBroeringRoosetal., author = {Fotang, Chefor and Br{\"o}ring, Udo and Roos, Christian and Dutton, Paul and T{\´e}donzong, Luc R. D. and Willie, Jacob and Angwafo, Tsi Evaristus and Yuh, Yisa Ginath and Schierack, Peter and Birkhofer, Klaus}, title = {Mapping suitable habitat for Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North-Western Cameroon}, series = {Primates}, journal = {Primates}, number = {25}, issn = {1610-7365}, doi = {10.1007/s10329-023-01054-z}, abstract = {Great apes lose suitable habitats required for their reproduction and survival due to human activities across their distribution range in Africa. Little is known about habitat suitability of the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee [Pan troglodytes ellioti (Matschie, 1914)], particularly for populations inhabiting forest reserves in North-West Cameroon. To address this knowledge gap, we employed a common species distribution model (MaxEnt) to map and predict suitable habitats for the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North-West Cameroon, based on environmental factors that potentially affect habitat suitability. We related these environmental factors to a dataset of chimpanzee occurrence points recorded during line transect and reconnaissance (recce) surveys in the forest reserve and surrounding forests. Up to 91\% of the study area is unsuitable for chimpanzees. Suitable habitats only represented 9\% of the study area, with a high proportion of highly suitable habitats located outside the forest reserve. Elevation, secondary forests density, distance to villages and primary forests density were the most important predictors of habitat suitability for the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. The probability of chimpanzee occurrence increased with elevation, secondary forest density and distance from villages and roads. Our study provides evidence that suitable chimpanzee habitat in the reserve is degraded, suggesting that efforts to maintain protected areas are insufficient. The reserve management plan needs to be improved to conserve the remaining suitable habitat and to avoid local extinction of this endangered subspecies.}, language = {en} } @misc{LiedtkeRoseHiemannetal., author = {Liedtke, Victoria and Rose, Laura and Hiemann, Rico and Nasser, Abdullah and R{\"o}diger, Stefan and Bonaventura, Alena and Winkler, Laura and Sowa, Mandy and St{\"o}ckle, Michael and Schierack, Peter and Junker, Kerstin and Roggenbuck, Dirk}, title = {Over-Expression of LEDGF/p75 in HEp-2 Cells Enhances Autoimmune IgG Response in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia—A Novel Diagnostic Approach with Therapeutic Consequence?}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {24}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {7}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24076166}, abstract = {Lens epithelium-derived growth factor splice variant of 75 kDa (LEDGF/p75) is an autoantigen over-expressed in solid tumors and acts as a stress-related transcriptional co-activator. Participation of autoimmune responses in the pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (PBH) and a corresponding immunosuppressive therapy by TNFalpha antagonists has been recently suggested. Thus, autoAb testing could aid in the diagnosis of BPH patients profiting from such therapy. We generated CRISPR/Cas9 modified HEp-2 LEDGF knock-out (KO) and HEp-2 LEDGF/p75 over-expressing (OE) cells and examined IgG autoantibody reactivity to LEDGF/p75 in patients with prostate cancer (PCa, n = 89), bladder cancer (BCa, n = 116), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, n = 103), and blood donors (BD, n = 60) by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Surprisingly, we could not detect elevated binding of autoAbs against LEDGF/p75 in cancer patients, but autoAb reactivity to LEDGF/p75 OE cells in about 50\% of patients with BPH was unexpectedly significantly increased. Furthermore, a line immunoassay enabling the detection of 18 different autoAbs revealed a significantly increased occurrence of anti-dsDNA autoAbs in 34\% of BPH patients in contrast to tumor patients and BD. This finding was confirmed by anti-mitochondrial (mDNA) autoAb detection with the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test, which also showed a significantly higher prevalence (34\%) of anti-mDNA autoAbs in BPH. In summary, our study provided further evidence for the occurrence of autoimmune responses in BPH. Furthermore, LEDGF/p75 over-expression renders HEp-2 cells more autoantigenic and an ideal target for autoAb analysis in BPH with a potential therapy consequence.}, language = {en} }