Multi-faceted exploration of the novel active γ-carbonic anhydrase PaCAγ1 in the human pathogen Pseudomonas

Vincenzo Massimiliano Vivenzio1, Reygan Braga2, Alessandro Bonardi3

  • 1Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy.

Insights

Researchers identified a novel gamma-class carbonic anhydrase (PaCAγ1) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This enzyme is crucial for pathogen survival under nutrient-poor conditions and offers a potential new target for combating antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen causing significant nosocomial infections.
  • It belongs to the ESKAPE group, known for its antibiotic resistance.
  • Carbonic anhydrases are emerging as promising therapeutic targets against resistant bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel gamma-class carbonic anhydrase (PaCAγ1) from P. aeruginosa.
  • To explore PaCAγ1 as a potential target for developing new anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa strategies.
  • To investigate the role of PaCAγ1 in bacterial fitness and survival.

Main Methods:

  • Multidisciplinary approach including recombinant protein production.
  • Extensive biochemical and biophysical characterization of the enzyme.
  • Evaluation of various sulfonamide, sulfamide, and sulfamate derivatives as potential inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Discovery and detailed characterization of a previously unrecognized gamma-class carbonic anhydrase, PaCAγ1.
  • Demonstration of PaCAγ1's enzymatic function and high-temperature stability.
  • Evidence that PaCAγ1 is essential for P. aeruginosa fitness under carbon limitation and survival within macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • PaCAγ1 is a significant enzyme for P. aeruginosa physiology and virulence.
  • This study expands the understanding of carbonic anhydrases in human pathogens.
  • PaCAγ1 represents a novel potential target for antimicrobial drug development against P. aeruginosa infections.