A bacterial biosensor encoding a genetically modified LuxR receptor exhibits improved detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa's biomarker molecule 2-aminoacetophenone

Chem Commun (Camb). 2018 Aug 14;54(66):9218-9221. doi: 10.1039/c8cc03540g.

Abstract

2-Aminoacetophneone (2-AA) is a volatile molecule produced in high amounts by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We have previously shown that 2-AA activates the quorum sensing (QS) LuxR receptor of Aliivibrio fischeri. In the present study we were able to improve LuxR's affinity and detection limit for 2-AA by genetic modification of three amino acids within the binding pocket of the receptor. Expression of the modified LuxR receptor in a luminescent bacterial biosensor provided an efficient detection assay of 2-AA in clinical P. aeruginosa strains isolated from blood and lung infections, as well as in phlegm samples obtained from subjects suffering from lung infections.

MeSH terms

  • Acetophenones / blood*
  • Binding Sites
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Luminescence
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Mutation
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / chemistry
  • Quorum Sensing / physiology
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Sputum / microbiology
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Acetophenones
  • Biomarkers
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • LuxR autoinducer binding proteins
  • 2-aminoacetophenone