1
|
Jáger O, Szebenyi C, Abu Saleem TKS, Molnár A, Kovács V, Kiss K, Homa M, Vágó B, Kiss-Vetráb S, Varga M, Sinka R, Vágvölgyi C, Nagy G, Papp T. Functional characterization of two survival factor 1 genes in Mucor lusitanicus. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0110324. [PMID: 39189757 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01103-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Survival factor 1 (Svf1) protein has been described in some ascomycetous fungi where it was found to be contributing to several essential physiological processes, such as response to osmotic, oxidative and cold stresses, sphingolipid biosynthesis, morphogenesis, sporulation, antifungal resistance, and pathogenicity. It was also suggested that it can be a novel central regulator affecting the expression of various genes. In the present study, function of this protein and the encoding genes is described for the first time in a fungus (i.e., in Mucor lusitanicus) belonging to the order Mucorales. M. lusitanicus has two putative svf1 genes named svf1a and svf1b. Expression of both genes was proven. Although the expression of svf1a was affected by several environmental stresses and knocking out the gene affected adaptation to low temperatures and the sporulation ability, the main survival factor functions, such as participation in the maintenance of the viability, the response to oxidative and cold stresses, and the sphingolipid biosynthesis, could be associated with Svf1b, suggesting a central regulatory role to this protein. Interestingly, knockout of both genes affected the pathogenicity of the fungus in a Drosophila model. IMPORTANCE Mucor lusitanicus is a widely used model organism to study various biological processes in the basal fungal group Mucorales. Several members of this group can be agents of mucormycosis, an opportunistic fungal infection, which is associated with high mortality, rapid progression, and wide resistance to the commonly used antifungal agents. Svf1 proteins have so far only been identified in fungi, where they have been involved in pathogenicity and resistance to antifungal agents in many cases. Only a limited number of factors affecting the stress response, antifungal resistance, and virulence of Mucorales fungi have been revealed. Elucidating the function of a fungus-specific protein that may regulate these processes may bring us closer to understanding the pathogenesis of these fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivér Jáger
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csilla Szebenyi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Anna Molnár
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Vanda Kovács
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Karina Kiss
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mónika Homa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Vágó
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Kiss-Vetráb
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mónika Varga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nagy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- University of Szeged, Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation (SZTE IKIKK), Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- University of Szeged, Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation (SZTE IKIKK), Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li F, Thananusak R, Raethong N, Yang J, Wei M, Zhao X, Laoteng K, Song Y, Vongsangnak W. Dissecting Holistic Metabolic Acclimatization of Mucor circinelloides WJ11 Defective in Carotenoid Biosynthesis. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:276. [PMID: 38666888 PMCID: PMC11048425 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mucor circinelloides WJ11 is a lipid-producing strain with industrial potential. A holistic approach using gene manipulation and bioprocessing development has improved lipid production and the strain's economic viability. However, the systematic regulation of lipid accumulation and carotenoid biosynthesis in M. circinelloides remains unknown. To dissect the metabolic mechanism underlying lipid and carotenoid biosynthesis, transcriptome analysis and reporter metabolites identification were implemented between the wild-type (WJ11) and ΔcarRP WJ11 strains of M. circinelloides. As a result, transcriptome analysis revealed 10,287 expressed genes, with 657 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily involved in amino acid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism. Integration with a genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) identified reporter metabolites in the ΔcarRP WJ11 strain, highlighting metabolic pathways crucial for amino acid, energy, and nitrogen metabolism. Notably, the downregulation of genes associated with carotenoid biosynthesis and acetyl-CoA generation suggests a coordinated relationship between the carotenoid and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. Despite disruptions in the carotenoid pathway, lipid production remains stagnant due to reduced acetyl-CoA availability, emphasizing the intricate metabolic interplay. These findings provide insights into the coordinated relationship between carotenoid and fatty acid biosynthesis in M. circinelloides that are valuable in applied research to design optimized strains for producing desired bioproducts through emerging technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanyue Li
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
- Colin Rateledge Center for Microbial Lipids, School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Roypim Thananusak
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food, and Health Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Nachon Raethong
- Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Junhuan Yang
- Department of Food Sciences, College of Food Science and Engineering, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China;
| | - Mingyue Wei
- College of Ecology, Resources and Environment, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253000, China;
| | - Xingtang Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China;
| | - Kobkul Laoteng
- Industrial Bioprocess Technology Research Team, Functional Ingredient and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Yuanda Song
- Colin Rateledge Center for Microbial Lipids, School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, 266 Xincun West Road, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Wanwipa Vongsangnak
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food, and Health Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bauer K, Rafael B, Vágó B, Kiss-Vetráb S, Molnár A, Szebenyi C, Varga M, Szekeres A, Vágvölgyi C, Papp T, Nagy G. Characterization of the Sterol 24-C-Methyltransferase Genes Reveals a Network of Alternative Sterol Biosynthetic Pathways in Mucor lusitanicus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0031523. [PMID: 37036336 PMCID: PMC10269636 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00315-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain members of the order Mucorales can cause a life-threatening, often-fatal systemic infection called mucormycosis. Mucormycosis has a high mortality rate, which can reach 96 to 100% depending on the underlying condition of the patient. Mucorales species are intrinsically resistant to most antifungal agents, such as most of the azoles, which makes mucormycosis treatment challenging. The main target of azoles is the lanosterol 14α-demethylase (Erg11), which is responsible for an essential step in the biosynthesis of ergosterol, the main sterol component of the fungal membrane. Mutations in the erg11 gene can be associated with azole resistance; however, resistance can also be mediated by loss of function or mutation of other ergosterol biosynthetic enzymes, such as the sterol 24-C-methyltransferase (Erg6). The genome of Mucor lusitanicus encodes three putative erg6 genes (i.e., erg6a, erg6b, and erg6c). In this study, the role of erg6 genes in azole resistance of Mucor was analyzed by generating and analyzing knockout mutants constructed using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. Susceptibility testing of the mutants suggested that one of the three genes, erg6b, plays a crucial role in the azole resistance of Mucor. The sterol composition of erg6b knockout mutants was significantly altered compared to that of the original strain, and it revealed the presence of at least four alternative sterol biosynthesis pathways leading to formation of ergosterol and other alternative, nontoxic sterol products. Dynamic operation of these pathways and the switching of biosynthesis from one to the other in response to azole treatment could significantly contribute to avoiding the effects of azoles by these fungi. IMPORTANCE The fungal membrane contains ergosterol instead of cholesterol, which offers a specific point of attack for the defense against pathogenic fungi. Indeed, most antifungal agents target ergosterol or its biosynthesis. Mucormycoses-causing fungi are resistant to most antifungal agents, including most of the azoles. For this reason, the drugs of choice to treat such infections are limited. The exploration of ergosterol biosynthesis is therefore of fundamental importance to understand the azole resistance of mucormycosis-causing fungi and to develop possible new control strategies. Characterization of sterol 24-C-methyltransferase demonstrated its role in the azole resistance and virulence of M. lusitanicus. Moreover, our experiments suggest that there are at least four alternative pathways for the biosynthesis of sterols in Mucor. Switching between pathways may contribute to the maintenance of azole resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kitti Bauer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bence Rafael
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Vágó
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Kiss-Vetráb
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Molnár
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csilla Szebenyi
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mónika Varga
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Szekeres
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Papp
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nagy
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Fungal Pathomechanisms Research Group, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li M, Xia Q, Zhang H, Zhang R, Yang J. Metabolic Engineering of Different Microbial Hosts for Lycopene Production. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:14104-14122. [PMID: 33207118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As a result of the extensive use of lycopene in a variety of fields, especially the dietary supplement and health food industries, the production of lycopene has attracted considerable interest. Lycopene can be obtained through extraction from vegetables and chemical synthesis. Alternatively, the microbial production of lycopene has been extensively researched in recent years. Various types of microbial hosts have been evaluated for their potential to accumulate a high level of lycopene. Metabolic engineering of the hosts and optimization of culture conditions are performed to enhance lycopene production. After years of research, great progress has been made in lycopene production. In this review, strategies used to improve lycopene production in different microbial hosts and the advantages and disadvantages of each microbial host are summarized. In addition, future perspectives of lycopene production in different microbial hosts are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Li
- Energy-Rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changchen Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Xia
- Energy-Rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changchen Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 135 Songling Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, People's Republic of China
| | - Rubing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 135 Songling Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianming Yang
- Energy-Rich Compound Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changchen Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|