Copper KillsEscherichia coliPersister Cells

Author(s)

Moreira Martins, Paula Maria ^{[1, 2]} ; Gong, Ting ^[1] ; de Souza, Alessandra A. ^[2] ; Wood, Thomas K. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Penn State Univ, Dept Chem Engn, University Pk, PA 16802 - USA

^[2] Inst Agron Campinas, Ctr Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Biotechnol Lab, BR-13490970 Cordeiropolis, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL; v. 9, n. 8 AUG 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Due to their reduced metabolism, persister cells can survive most antimicrobial treatments, which usually rely on corrupting active biochemical pathways. Therefore, molecules that kill bacterial persisters should function in a metabolism-independent manner. Some anti-persister compounds have been found previously, such as the DNA-crosslinkers mitomycin C and cisplatin, but more effective and lower cost alternatives are needed. Copper alloys have been used since ancient times due to their antimicrobial properties, and they are still used in agriculture to control plant bacterial diseases. By stopping transcription with rifampicin and by treating with ampicillin to remove non-persister cells, we created a population that consists solely ofEscherichia colipersister cells. Using this population of persister cells, we demonstrate that cupric compounds killE. colipersister cells. Hence, copper ions may be used in controlling the spread of important bacterial strains that withstand treatment with conventional antimicrobials by forming persister cells. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/18550-0 - Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri and the persister cell phenotype: determinants to its occurrence and in-depth analysis of its biology
• Grantee: Paula Maria Moreira Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor