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Huang J, Lei J, Ge A, Xiao W, Xin C, Song Z, Zhang J. Antifungal Effect of Vitamin D 3 against Cryptococcus neoformans Coincides with Reduced Biofilm Formation, Compromised Cell Wall Integrity, and Increased Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:772. [PMID: 37504760 PMCID: PMC10381739 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an invasive fungus that causes both acute and chronic infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Owing to the increase in the prevalence of drug-resistant pathogenic fungi and the limitations of current treatment strategies, drug repositioning has become a feasible strategy to accelerate the development of new drugs. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration of vitamin D3 (VD3) against C. neoformans was found to be 0.4 mg/mL by broth microdilution assay. The antifungal activities of VD3 were further verified by solid dilution assays and "time-kill" curves. The results showed that VD3 reduced fungal cell adhesion and hydrophobicity and inhibited biofilm formation at various developmental stages, as confirmed by crystal violet staining and the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assay. Fluorescence staining of cellular components and a stress susceptibility assay indicated that VD3 compromised cell integrity. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR demonstrated that VD3 treatment upregulated the expression of fungal genes related to cell wall synthesis (i.e., CDA3, CHS3, FKS1, and AGS1). Moreover, VD3 enhanced cell membrane permeability and caused the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Finally, VD3 significantly reduced the tissue fungal burden and prolonged the survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with C. neoformans. These results showed that VD3 could exert significant antifungal activities both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating its potential application in the treatment of cryptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Junwen Lei
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Anni Ge
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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Leal ALAB, da Silva MC, Silva AKFE, de Souza Mesquita AB, Bezerra CF, Dotto ARF, do Amaral W, de Araujo Abi-chacra É, da Silva LE, Barreto HM, dos Santos HS. Chemical composition of Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth essential oil and evaluation of its antimicrobial and modulatory effects on antibiotic resistance, antibiofilm, and cell dimorphism inhibitory activities. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:255. [PMID: 37396469 PMCID: PMC10310684 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03681-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oils extracted from many plant species have different biological activities, among which microbial activity stands out. Species of the genus Piper have antimicrobial potential against different species of bacteria and fungi. In this sense, the present study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Piper gaudichaudianum (EOPG), as well as to investigate their antimicrobial activity and their modulatory effect on the Norfloxacin resistance in the Staphylococcus aureus SA1199B strain overproducer of the NorA efflux pump. Furthermore, their inhibitory activities on the biofilm formation as well as on the cellular differentiation of C. albicans were evaluated. Gas chromatography analysis identified 24 compounds, such as hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (54.8%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (28.5%). To investigate the antimicrobial potential of EOPG against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans, a microdilution assay was performed, and no intrinsic antimicrobial activity was observed. On the other hand, the oil potentiated the activity of Norfloxacin against the SA1199B strain, indicating that EOPG could be used in association with Norfloxacin against S. aureus strains resistant to this antibiotic. EOPG also inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation, as evidenced by the crystal violet assay. In the dimorphism assay, EOPG was able to inhibit the cell differentiation process in C. albicans. Results indicate that EOPG could be used in association with Norfloxacin in the treatment of infections caused by resistant S. aureus strains overproducing the NorA efflux pump. Furthermore, its ability to inhibit the formation of hyphae by C. albicans suggests that EOPG could also be applied in the prevention and/or treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Linkoln Alves Borges Leal
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE Brazil
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Laboratory of Research in Microbiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI Brazil
| | - Matheus Carvalho da Silva
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Laboratory of Research in Microbiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI Brazil
| | - Andressa Kelly Ferreira e Silva
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Laboratory of Research in Microbiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI Brazil
| | - Avilnete Belem de Souza Mesquita
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Laboratory of Research in Microbiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI Brazil
| | - Camila Fonseca Bezerra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE Brazil
| | - Ana Rafaela Freitas Dotto
- Postgraduate Programme in Sustainable Territorial, Federal University of Paraná, Matinhos, PR Brazil
| | - Wanderlei do Amaral
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Érika de Araujo Abi-chacra
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Laboratory of Research in Microbiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI Brazil
| | - Luiz Everson da Silva
- Postgraduate Programme in Sustainable Territorial, Federal University of Paraná, Matinhos, PR Brazil
| | - Humberto Medeiros Barreto
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Laboratory of Research in Microbiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI Brazil
| | - Hélcio Silva dos Santos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE Brazil
- Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Vale Do Acarau State University, Sobral, CE Brazil
- Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Natural Products Chemistry Laboratory, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
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Qian W, Wang W, Zhang J, Fu Y, Liu Q, Li X, Wang T, Zhang Q. Exploitation of the antifungal and antibiofilm activities of plumbagin against Cryptococcus neoformans. BIOFOULING 2022; 38:558-574. [PMID: 35818738 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2022.2094260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes various infections. Here, the antifungal and antibiofilm activities of plumbagin against C. neoformans and the underlying mechanisms were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of plumbagin against C. neoformans H99 was 8 μg ml-1. Plumbagin disrupted the cell membrane integrity and reduced the metabolic activities of C. neoformans H99. C. neoformans H99 biofilm cells were damaged by plumbagin at a concentration of 64 μg ml-1, whereas 48-h mature biofilms were dispersed at a plumbagin concentration of 128 μg ml-1. Whole-transcriptome analysis of plumbagin-treated C. neoformans H99 in the biofilm and planktonic states identified differentially expressed genes enriched in several important cellular processes (cell membrane, ribosome biogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, melanin and capsule production). Notably, plumbagin damaged biofilm cells by downregulating FAS1 and FAS2 expression. Thus, plumbagin can be exploited as an antifungal agent to combat C. neoformans-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Qian
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Jianing Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yuting Fu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Qiming Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xinchen Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
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An Atypical ABC Transporter Is Involved in Antifungal Resistance and Host Interactions in the Pathogenic Fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. mBio 2022; 13:e0153922. [PMID: 35726920 PMCID: PMC9426558 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01539-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent one of the largest protein superfamilies. Functionally diverse, ABC transporters have been implicated in many aspects of microbial physiology. The genome of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans encodes 54 putative ABC transporters and most of them remain uncharacterized. In a previous genetic screen for fungal regulators of phagocytosis, we identified an uncharacterized gene, CNAG_06909, that modulates host interactions. This gene encoded a half-size ABC transporter of the PDR-type, and phenotypic studies of a strain with this gene deleted revealed an altered antifungal susceptibility profile, including hypersensitivity to fluconazole (FLC). This gene, which we named PDR6, localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane (PM), and when absent, less ergosterol was observed in the PM. Additionally, we observed that the pdr6Δ strain displayed a reduction in secreted polysaccharide capsular material. These changes to the cellular surface may explain the observed increased uptake by macrophages and the reduced intracellular survival. Finally, studies in mice demonstrated that Pdr6 function was required for the normal progression of cryptococcal infection. Taken together, this study demonstrates a novel dual role for PDR transporters in C. neoformans, which could represent a potential target for antifungal therapeutics. Furthermore, the atypical half-size transporter encoded by PDR6 is conserved in many fungal pathogens, but absent in model nonpathogenic fungi. Hence, this study provided a function for this unique group of fungal half-size PDR transporters that, although conserved, remain largely understudied.
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Meenakumari K, Bupesh G. Combined effect of furanone fluconazole and amphotericin B against biofilms formed from Cryptococcus neoformans. Bioinformation 2022; 17:536-540. [PMID: 35095227 PMCID: PMC8770408 DOI: 10.6026/97320630017536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is of interest to document the combined effect of furanone fluconazole and amphotericin B against the biofilm formed by Cryptococcus neoformans. The MIC values of amphotericine B and Fluconazole were observed as 20µg/ml and 60µg/ml, respectively. The MIC for the Combination (Amphotericin B/ Fluconazole) was found to be at (15/20) µg/ml drug concentration. Thus, data shows the combined effect of furanone fluconazole and amphotericine B derivative against C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirishnamoorthy Meenakumari
- Research & Development Wing, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Bharath University, BIHER, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Giridharan Bupesh
- Research & Development Wing, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Bharath University, BIHER, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, Tamil Nadu, India.,Department of Forest Science, Central University of Nagaland, Lumami, India
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Yang L, Tian Z, Zhou L, Zhu L, Sun C, Huang M, Peng J, Guo G. In vitro Antifungal Activity of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide AMP-17 Against Planktonic Cells and Biofilms of Cryptococcus neoformans. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:233-248. [PMID: 35115792 PMCID: PMC8800587 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s344246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcus neoformans is a common human fungal pathogen in immunocompromised people, as well as a prevalent cause of meningitis in HIV-infected individuals. With the emergence of clinical fungal resistance and the shortage of antifungal drugs, it is urgent to discover novel antifungal agents. AMP-17, a novel antimicrobial peptide from Musca domestica, has antifungal activity against C. neoformans. However, its antifungal and anti-biofilm activities remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of AMP-17 against planktonic cells and biofilms of C. neoformans. Methods The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the biofilm inhibitory and eradicating concentration (BIC and BEC) were determined by the broth microdilution assay or the 2, 3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay, respectively. The inhibitory and killing activities of AMP-17 against C. neoformans were investigated through the time-inhibition/killing kinetic curves. The potential antifungal mechanism of AMP-17 was detected by flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The efficiency of AMP-17 against biofilm formation or preformed biofilm was evaluated by crystal violet staining and XTT reduction assays. The morphology of pre-biofilms was tested by optical microscopy (OM) and CLSM. Results AMP-17 exhibited in vitro antifungal activity against C. neoformans planktonic cells and biofilms, with MICs of 4~16 μg/ml, BIC80 and BEC80 of 16~32 μg/ml, 64~128 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, the 2× and 4× MIC of AMP-17 exhibited similar inhibition levels compared to the 2× and 4× MIC of the clinical drugs FLC and AMB in C. neoformans growth. Moreover, the time-kill results showed that AMP-17 (8× MIC) did not significantly eliminate colony forming units (CFU) after 6 h of treatment; however, there was 2.9-log reduction in CFU of C. neoformans. Furthermore, increasing of the permeability of the fungal cell membrane was observed with the treatment of AMP-17, since the vast change as fungal leakage and cell membrane disruption. However, the DNA binding assay of AMP-17 indicated that the peptide did not target DNA. Besides, AMP-17 was superior in inhibiting and eradicating biofilms of C. neoformans compared with FLC. Conclusion AMP-17 exhibited potential in vitro antifungal activity against the planktonic cells and biofilms of C. neoformans, and it may disrupt fungal cell membranes through multi-target interactions, which provides a promising therapeutic strategy and experimental basis for Cryptococcus-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Tian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luoxiong Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoqin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingjiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Peng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Guo Guo, Building Wuben, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, College Town, Gui’an New District, Guiyang, 550025, People’s Republic of China, Tel/fax +86 851 882 59268, Email
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Leal AL, Pinheiro DP, Barros-Nepomuceno FW, da Silva PT, Pessoa C, Almeida-Neto FW, Marinho ES, Barreto AC, Julião MS, de Paiva AS, Bandeira PN, de Lima-Neto P, dos Santos HS, Teixeira AM. Structural and spectroscopic analysis and evaluation of cytotoxic activity of 2-hydroxychalcones against human cancer cell lines. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.131135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Villis PCM, de Macedo AT, Furtado HLA, Fontenelle PHC, Gonçalves IS, Mendes TL, Motta BLA, Marinho PLL, Pinheiro AJMCR, Lima-Neto LG, Monteiro CA, da Silva LCN, Ferreira GF, Holanda RA, Santos JRA. A Study of the Disruptive Effect of the Acetate Fraction of Punica granatum Extract on Cryptococcus Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:568258. [PMID: 33537008 PMCID: PMC7848026 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.568258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis, caused by yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus, is an infectious disease with a worldwide distribution. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the species that commonly cause this disease in humans; however, infections caused by Cryptococcus laurentii, especially in immunocompromised patients, are increasingly being reported. Owing to the increase in the resistance of fungi to antifungals, and a lack of treatment options, it is important to seek new therapeutic alternatives such as natural products. Among these are plant species such as Punica granatum, which is used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of the acetate fraction of P. granatum leaf extract against environmental and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus. Three environmental isolates of C. laurentii, PMN, PMA, and PJL II, isolated from soils of different municipalities in the state of Maranhão, a clinical isolate, C. gattii, from a patient with neurocryptococcosis, and a standard strain of C. gattii (ATCC 32068) were used. The minimum and fractional inhibitory concentrations (MIC and FIC, respectively) and time-kill curve of the extract and fluconazole were determined to assess the susceptibility profile of the fungal isolates. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor were infected with Cryptococcus strains, and the effects of acetate fraction of P. granatum extract and fluconazole on the survival and fungal burden were determined. The extract activity was tested against pre-formed biofilms. The acetate fraction of P. granatum extract showed promising antifungal activity against all the species of Cryptococcus evaluated in this study, with an MIC value lower than that of fluconazole. The indices obtained in the FIC test indicated that the antimicrobial effect of the combination of the extract and antifungal was indifferent for 80% of the isolates. The P. granatum acetate fraction reduced the pre-formed biofilm of some isolates, showing better activity than fluconazole, which is consistent with results from fluorescence microscopy. This is the first study on the use of P. granatum and its ability to inhibit Cryptococcus biofilms; therefore, further studies and tests are needed to investigate the components and mechanism of action of P. granatum against cryptococcosis agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo C. M. Villis
- Laboratório de Eletroquímica e Biotecnologia, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ingrid S. Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Eletroquímica e Biotecnologia, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Brazil
| | | | - Brenda L. A. Motta
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Pedro L. L. Marinho
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Brazil
| | | | - Lídio G. Lima-Neto
- Laboratório das Infecções do Trato Respiratório, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Brazil
| | | | - Luís C. N. da Silva
- Laboratório de Patogenicidade Microbiana, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Gabriella F. Ferreira
- Programa Multicêntrico de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (Campus Avançado Governador Valadares), Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A. Holanda
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos Patogênicos, Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Brazil
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The Transcription Factor SomA Synchronously Regulates Biofilm Formation and Cell Wall Homeostasis in Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02329-20. [PMID: 33173002 PMCID: PMC7667024 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02329-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell wall is essential for fungal viability and is absent from human hosts; thus, drugs disrupting cell wall biosynthesis have gained more attention. Caspofungin is a member of a new class of clinically approved echinocandin drugs to treat invasive aspergillosis by blocking β-1,3-glucan synthase, thus damaging the fungal cell wall. Here, we demonstrate that caspofungin and other cell wall stressors can induce galactosaminogalactan (GAG)-dependent biofilm formation in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. We further identified SomA as a master transcription factor playing a dual role in both biofilm formation and cell wall homeostasis. SomA plays this dual role by direct binding to a conserved motif upstream of GAG biosynthetic genes and genes involved in cell wall stress sensors, chitin synthases, and β-1,3-glucan synthase. Collectively, these findings reveal a transcriptional control pathway that integrates biofilm formation and cell wall homeostasis and suggest SomA as an attractive target for antifungal drug development. Polysaccharides are key components of both the fungal cell wall and biofilm matrix. Despite having distinct assembly and regulation pathways, matrix exopolysaccharide and cell wall polysaccharides share common substrates and intermediates in their biosynthetic pathways. It is not clear, however, if the biosynthetic pathways governing the production of these polysaccharides are cooperatively regulated. Here, we demonstrate that cell wall stress promotes production of the exopolysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG)-depend biofilm formation in the major fungal pathogen of humans Aspergillus fumigatus and that the transcription factor SomA plays a crucial role in mediating this process. A core set of SomA target genes were identified by transcriptome sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to sequencing (ChIP-Seq). We identified a novel SomA-binding site in the promoter regions of GAG biosynthetic genes agd3 and ega3, as well as its regulators medA and stuA. Strikingly, this SomA-binding site was also found in the upstream regions of genes encoding the cell wall stress sensors, chitin synthases, and β-1,3-glucan synthase. Thus, SomA plays a direct regulation of both GAG and cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis. Consistent with these findings, SomA is required for the maintenance of normal cell wall architecture and compositions in addition to its function in biofilm development. Moreover, SomA was found to globally regulate glucose uptake and utilization, as well as amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, which provides precursors for polysaccharide synthesis. Collectively, our work provides insight into fungal adaptive mechanisms in response to cell wall stress where biofilm formation and cell wall homeostasis were synchronously regulated.
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Garg A, Sharma GS, Goyal AK, Ghosh G, Si SC, Rath G. Recent advances in topical carriers of anti-fungal agents. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04663. [PMID: 32904164 PMCID: PMC7452444 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal skin infections are the most common global issue for skin health. Fungal infections are often treated by topical or systemic anti-fungal therapy. Topical fungal therapy is usually preferred because of their targeted therapy and fewer side effects. Advanced topical carriers because of their distinct structural and functional features, overcome biopharmaceutical challenges associated with conventional drug delivery systems like poor retention and low bioavailability. Literature evidence indicated topical nanocarriers loaded with anti-fungal agents display superior therapeutic response with minimum toxicity. Nanocarriers often used for topical anti-fungal medication includes Solid-Lipid nanoparticles, Microemulsions, Liposomes, Niosomes, Microsponge, Nanogel, Nanoemulsion, Micelles etc. This review summarizes recent advances in novel strategies employed in topical carriers to improve the therapeutic performance of anti-fungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinava Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, I.S.F.College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Ganti S. Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, I.S.F.College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Amit K. Goyal
- School of Chemical Sciences and. Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, India
| | - Goutam Ghosh
- Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sudam Chandra Si
- Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Goutam Rath
- Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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The contest of microbial pigeon neighbors: Interspecies competition between Serratia marcescens and the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:629-638. [PMID: 32540186 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In nature, microorganisms often exhibit competitive behavior for nutrients and limited space, allowing them to alter the virulence determinants of pathogens. The human pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans can be found organized in biofilms, a complex community composed of an extracellular matrix which confers protection against predation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize antagonistic interactions between two cohabiting microorganisms: C. neoformans and the bacteria Serratia marcescens. The interaction of S. marcescens with C. neoformans expressed a negative effect on biofilm formation, polysaccharide capsule, production of urease, and melanization of the yeast. These findings evidence that competition in mixed communities can result in dominance by one species, with direct impact on the physiological modulation of virulence determinants. Such an approach is key for understating the response of communities to the presence of competitors and, ultimately, rationally designing communities to prevent and treat certain diseases.
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Phenotypic characteristics and transcriptome profile of Cryptococcus gattii biofilm. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6438. [PMID: 31015652 PMCID: PMC6478838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we characterized Cryptococcus gattii biofilm formation in vitro. There was an increase in the density of metabolically active sessile cells up to 72 h of biofilm formation on polystyrene and glass surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis revealed that in the early stage of biofilm formation, yeast cells adhered to the abiotic surface as a monolayer. After 12 h, extracellular fibrils were observed projecting from C. gattii cells, connecting the yeast cells to each other and to the abiotic surface; mature biofilm consisted of a dense network of cells deeply encased in an extracellular polymeric matrix. These features were also observed in biofilms formed on polyvinyl chloride and silicone catheter surfaces. We used RNA-Seq-based transcriptome analysis to identify changes in gene expression associated with C. gattii biofilm at 48 h compared to the free-floating planktonic cells. Differential expression analysis showed that 97 and 224 transcripts were up-regulated and down-regulated in biofilm, respectively. Among the biological processes, the highest enriched term showed that the transcripts were associated with cellular metabolic processes, macromolecule biosynthetic processes and translation.
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Mayer FL, Sánchez-León E, Kronstad JW. A chemical genetic screen reveals a role for proteostasis in capsule and biofilm formation by Cryptococcus neoformans. MICROBIAL CELL 2018; 5:495-510. [PMID: 30483521 PMCID: PMC6244295 DOI: 10.15698/mic2018.11.656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic microorganisms employ specialized virulence factors to cause disease. Biofilm formation and the production of a polysaccharide capsule are two important virulence factors in Cryptococcus neoformans, the fungal pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis. Here, we show that the bipolar disorder drug lithium inhibits formation of both virulence factors by a mechanism involving dysregulation of the ubiquitin/proteasome system. By using a chemical genetics approach and bioinformatic analyses, we describe the cellular landscape affected by lithium treatment. We demonstrate that lithium affects many different pathways in C. neoformans, including the cAMP/protein kinase A, inositol biosynthesis, and ubiquitin/proteasome pathways. By analyzing mutants with defects in the ubiquitin/proteasome system, we uncover a role for proteostasis in both capsule and biofilm formation. Moreover, we demonstrate an additive influence of lithium and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in inhibiting capsule production, thus establishing a link between lithium activity and the proteasome system. Finally, we show that the lithium-mimetic drug ebselen potently blocks capsule and biofilm formation, and has additive activity with lithium or bortezomib. In summary, our results illuminate the impact of lithium on C. neoformans, and link dysregulation of the proteasome to capsule and biofilm inhibition in this important fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- François L Mayer
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eddy Sánchez-León
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James W Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Schlafer S, Kamp A, Garcia JE. A confocal microscopy based method to monitor extracellular pH in fungal biofilms. FEMS Yeast Res 2018; 18:4978430. [DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schlafer
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Vennelyst Boulevard 9, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Microbiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anja Kamp
- AIAS, Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Javier E Garcia
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Vennelyst Boulevard 9, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Sherrington SL, Kumwenda P, Kousser C, Hall RA. Host Sensing by Pathogenic Fungi. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2017; 102:159-221. [PMID: 29680125 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ability to cause disease extends from the ability to grow within the host environment. The human host provides a dynamic environment to which fungal pathogens must adapt to in order to survive. The ability to grow under a particular condition (i.e., the ability to grow at mammalian body temperature) is considered a fitness attribute and is essential for growth within the human host. On the other hand, some environmental conditions activate signaling mechanisms resulting in the expression of virulence factors, which aid pathogenicity. Therefore, pathogenic fungi have evolved fitness and virulence attributes to enable them to colonize and infect humans. This review highlights how some of the major pathogenic fungi respond and adapt to key environmental signals within the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Sherrington
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Pizga Kumwenda
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Courtney Kousser
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca A Hall
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Disarming Fungal Pathogens: Bacillus safensis Inhibits Virulence Factor Production and Biofilm Formation by Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.01537-17. [PMID: 28974618 PMCID: PMC5626971 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01537-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria interact with each other in nature and often compete for limited nutrient and space resources. However, it is largely unknown whether and how bacteria also interact with human fungal pathogens naturally found in the environment. Here, we identified a soil bacterium, Bacillus safensis, which potently blocked several key Cryptococcus neoformans virulence factors, including formation of the antioxidant pigment melanin and production of the antiphagocytic polysaccharide capsule. The bacterium also inhibited de novo cryptococcal biofilm formation but had only modest inhibitory effects on already formed biofilms or planktonic cell growth. The inhibition of fungal melanization was dependent on direct cell contact and live bacteria. B. safensis also had anti-virulence factor activity against another major human-associated fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Specifically, dual-species interaction studies revealed that the bacterium strongly inhibited C. albicans filamentation and biofilm formation. In particular, B. safensis physically attached to and degraded candidal filaments. Through genetic and phenotypic analyses, we demonstrated that bacterial chitinase activity against fungal cell wall chitin is a factor contributing to the antipathogen effect of B. safensis. Pathogenic fungi are estimated to contribute to as many human deaths as tuberculosis or malaria. Two of the most common fungal pathogens, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans, account for up to 1.4 million infections per year with very high mortality rates. Few antifungal drugs are available for treatment, and development of novel therapies is complicated by the need for pathogen-specific targets. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel drug targets and new drugs. Pathogens use virulence factors during infection, and it has recently been proposed that targeting these factors instead of the pathogen itself may represent a new approach to develop antimicrobials. Here, we identified a soil bacterium that specifically blocked virulence factor production and biofilm formation by C. neoformans and C. albicans. We demonstrate that the bacterial antipathogen mechanism is based in part on targeting the fungal cell wall, a structure not found in human cells.
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17
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Luo J, Lv P, Zhang J, Fane AG, McDougald D, Rice SA. Succession of biofilm communities responsible for biofouling of membrane bio-reactors (MBRs). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179855. [PMID: 28686622 PMCID: PMC5501448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is one of the main factors associated with membrane biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). As such, it is important to identify the responsible organisms to develop targeted strategies to control biofouling. This study investigated the composition and changes in the microbial communities fouling MBR membranes over time and correlated those changes with an increase in transmembrane pressure (TMP). Based on qPCR data, bacteria were the dominant taxa of the biofilm (92.9–98.4%) relative to fungi (1.5–6.9%) and archaea (0.03–0.07%). NMDS analysis indicated that during the initial stages of operation, the biofilm communities were indistinguishable from those found in the sludge. However, the biofilm community significantly diverged from the sludge over time and ultimately showed a unique biofilm profile. This suggested that there was strong selection for a group of organisms that were biofilm specialists. This pattern of succession and selection was correlated with the rapid increase in TMP, where bacteria including Rhodospirillales, Sphingomonadales and Rhizobiales dominated the biofilm at this time. While most of the identified fungal OTUs matched Candida sp., the majority of fungal communities were unclassified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Collectively, the data suggests that bacteria, primarily, along with fungi may play an important role in the rapid TMP increase and loss of system performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxue Luo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyi Lv
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anthony G. Fane
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Diane McDougald
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- The ithree Institute, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott A. Rice
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- The ithree Institute, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
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18
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Aslanyan L, Sanchez DA, Valdebenito S, Eugenin EA, Ramos RL, Martinez LR. The Crucial Role of Biofilms in Cryptococcus neoformans Survival within Macrophages and Colonization of the Central Nervous System. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:E10. [PMID: 29371529 PMCID: PMC5715963 DOI: 10.3390/jof3010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast-like fungus capable of causing life threatening meningoencephalitis in patients with impaired immunity. This microbe primarily infects the host via inhalation but has the ability to disseminate to the central nervous system (CNS) either as a single cell or inside of macrophages. Upon traversing the blood brain barrier, C. neoformans has the capacity to form biofilm-like structures known as cryptococcomas. Hence, we will discuss the C. neoformans elements contributing to biofilm formation including the fungus' ability to survive in the acidic environment of a macrophage phagosome and inside of the CNS. The purpose of this mini-review is to instill fresh interest in understanding the importance of biofilms on fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilit Aslanyan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000, USA.
| | - David A Sanchez
- Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059-1027, USA.
| | - Silvana Valdebenito
- Public Health Research Institute and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103-9998, USA.
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Public Health Research Institute and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103-9998, USA.
| | - Raddy L Ramos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000, USA.
| | - Luis R Martinez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000, USA.
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19
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Sidrim JJC, Carvalho VL, de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco D, Brilhante RSN, de Melo Guedes GM, Barbosa GR, Lazzarini SM, Oliveira DCR, de Meirelles ACO, Attademo FLN, da Bôaviagem Freire AC, de Aquino Pereira-Neto W, de Aguiar Cordeiro R, Moreira JLB, Rocha MFG. Antifungal Resistance and Virulence Among Candida spp. from Captive Amazonian manatees and West Indian Manatees: Potential Impacts on Animal and Environmental Health. ECOHEALTH 2016; 13:328-338. [PMID: 26813966 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1090-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This work aimed at evaluating the antifungal susceptibility and production of virulence factors by Candida spp. isolated from sirenians in Brazil. The isolates (n = 105) were recovered from the natural cavities of Amazonian and West Indian manatees and were tested for the susceptibility to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole and for the production of phospholipases, proteases, and biofilm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for amphotericin B ranged from 0.03 to 1 µg/mL, and no resistant isolates were detected. Itraconazole and fluconazole MICs ranged from 0.03 to 16 µg/mL and from 0.125 to 64 µg/mL, respectively, and 35.2% (37/105) of the isolates were resistant to at least one of these azole drugs. Concerning the production of virulence factors, phospholipase activity was observed in 67.6% (71/105) of the isolates, while protease activity and biofilm production were detected in 50.5% (53/105) and 32.4% (34/105) of the isolates, respectively. Since the natural cavities of manatees are colonized by resistant and virulent strains of Candida spp., these animals can act as sources of resistance and virulence genes for the environment, conspecifics and other animal species, demonstrating the potential environmental impacts associated with their release back into their natural habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil
| | - Vitor Luz Carvalho
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos (AQUASIS), Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil.
| | - Gláucia Morgana de Melo Guedes
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Riello Barbosa
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil
| | - Stella Maris Lazzarini
- Centro de Preservação e Pesquisa de Mamíferos Aquáticos (CPPMA) da Eletrobras Amazonas Energia, Distrito de Balbina, Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Daniella Carvalho Ribeiro Oliveira
- Centro de Preservação e Pesquisa de Mamíferos Aquáticos (CPPMA) da Eletrobras Amazonas Energia, Distrito de Balbina, Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil
| | - José Luciano Bezerra Moreira
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Centro Especializado em Micologia Médica (CEMM), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-27, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGCV), Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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20
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Luo J, Zhang J, Tan X, McDougald D, Zhuang G, Fane AG, Kjelleberg S, Cohen Y, Rice SA. Characterization of the archaeal community fouling a membrane bioreactor. J Environ Sci (China) 2015; 29:115-123. [PMID: 25766019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2014.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation, one of the primary causes of biofouling, results in reduced membrane flux or increased transmembrane pressure and thus represents a major impediment to the wider implementation of membrane bioreactor (MBR) technologies for water purification. Most studies have focused on the role of bacteria in membrane fouling as they are the most dominant and best studied organisms present in the MBR. In contrast, there is limited information on the role of the archaeal community in biofilm formation in MBRs. This study investigated the composition of the archaeal community during the process of biofouling in an MBR. The archaeal community was observed to have lower richness and diversity in the biofilm than the sludge during the establishment of biofilms at low transmembrane pressure (TMP). Clustering of the communities based on the Bray-Curtis similarity matrix indicated that a subset of the sludge archaeal community formed the initial biofilms. The archaeal community in the biofilm was mainly composed of Thermoprotei, Thermoplasmata, Thermococci, Methanopyri, Methanomicrobia and Halobacteria. Among them, the Thermoprotei and Thermoplasmata were present at higher relative proportions in the biofilms than they were in the sludge. Additionally, the Thermoprotei, Thermoplasmata and Thermococci were the dominant organisms detected in the initial biofilms at low TMP, while as the TMP increased, the Methanopyri, Methanomicrobia, Aciduliprofundum and Halobacteria were present at higher abundances in the biofilms at high TMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxue Luo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore.
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xiaohui Tan
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Diane McDougald
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Guoqiang Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Anthony G Fane
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yehuda Cohen
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - Scott A Rice
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore.
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21
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Antifungal susceptibility and virulence attributes of animal-derived isolates of Candida parapsilosis complex. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:1568-1572. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.076216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify strains of the Candida parapsilosis complex isolated from animals, as well as to assess their in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile and in vitro production of virulence attributes. We used 28 isolates of C. parapsilosis sensu lato recovered from clinically healthy animals. The strains were characterized phenotypically, followed by molecular identification of the species through PCR-restriction enzyme analysis. The susceptibility of the strains to amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole and caspofungin was assessed through broth microdilution. Additionally, the ability of the strains to produce biofilm, phospholipases and proteases was analysed. Molecular analysis showed 13 C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 10 Candida orthopsilosis and five Candida metapsilosis strains. In vitro resistance to fluconazole was observed in three strains of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and two C. metapsilosis. All tested strains were able to form biofilms and 23/28 isolates presented protease production, whilst none was able to produce phospholipases. Our study showed that C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. orthopsilosis are the most common species of the C. parapsilosis species complex and that these cryptic species present no significant phenotypical differences.
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22
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Cummins EP, Selfridge AC, Sporn PH, Sznajder JI, Taylor CT. Carbon dioxide-sensing in organisms and its implications for human disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 71:831-45. [PMID: 24045706 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of organisms to sense changes in the levels of internal and external gases and to respond accordingly is central to a range of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. Carbon dioxide, a primary product of oxidative metabolism is one such gas that can be sensed by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and in response to altered levels, elicit the activation of multiple adaptive pathways. The outcomes of activating CO2-sensitive pathways in various species include increased virulence of fungal and bacterial pathogens, prey-seeking behavior in insects as well as taste perception, lung function, and the control of immunity in mammals. In this review, we discuss what is known about the mechanisms underpinning CO2 sensing across a range of species and consider the implications of this for physiology, disease progression, and the possibility of developing new therapeutics for inflammatory and infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin P Cummins
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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23
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Pierce CG, Srinivasan A, Uppuluri P, Ramasubramanian AK, López-Ribot JL. Antifungal therapy with an emphasis on biofilms. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 13:726-30. [PMID: 24011516 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are on the rise as advances in modern medicine prolong the lives of severely ill patients. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms and there are a limited number of targets for antifungal drug development; as a result the antifungal arsenal is exceedingly limited. Azoles, polyenes and echinocandins constitute the mainstay of antifungal therapy for patients with life-threatening mycoses. One of the main factors complicating antifungal therapy is the formation of fungal biofilms, microbial communities displaying resistance to most antifungal agents. A better understanding of fungal biofilms provides for new opportunities for the development of urgently needed novel antifungal agents and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Pierce
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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24
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Cuéllar-Cruz M, López-Romero E, Villagómez-Castro JC, Ruiz-Baca E. Candida species: new insights into biofilm formation. Future Microbiol 2012; 7:755-71. [PMID: 22702528 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.12.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis are associated with high indices of hospital morbidity and mortality. Major factors involved in the formation and growth of Candida biofilms are the chemical composition of the medical implant and the cell wall adhesins responsible for mediating Candida-Candida, Candida-human host cell and Candida-medical device adhesion. Strategies for elucidating the mechanisms that regulate the formation of Candida biofilms combine tools from biology, chemistry, nanoscience, material science and physics. This review proposes the use of new technologies, such as synchrotron radiation, to study the mechanisms of biofilm formation. In the future, this information is expected to facilitate the design of new materials and antifungal compounds that can eradicate nosocomial Candida infections due to biofilm formation on medical implants. This will reduce dissemination of candidiasis and hopefully improve the quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Cuéllar-Cruz
- Unidad de Biotecnología Médica & Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación & Asistencia en Tecnología & Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
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Wang L, Zhai B, Lin X. The link between morphotype transition and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002765. [PMID: 22737071 PMCID: PMC3380952 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous human fungal pathogen. This pathogen can undergo morphotype transition between the yeast and the filamentous form and such morphological transition has been implicated in virulence for decades. Morphotype transition is typically observed during mating, which is governed by pheromone signaling. Paradoxically, components specific to the pheromone signaling pathways play no or minimal direct roles in virulence. Thus, the link between morphotype transition and virulence and the underlying molecular mechanism remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that filamentation can occur independent of pheromone signaling and mating, and both mating-dependent and mating-independent morphotype transition require the transcription factor Znf2. High expression of Znf2 is necessary and sufficient to initiate and maintain sex-independent filamentous growth under host-relevant conditions in vitro and during infection. Importantly, ZNF2 overexpression abolishes fungal virulence in murine models of cryptococcosis. Thus, Znf2 bridges the sex-independent morphotype transition and fungal pathogenicity. The impacts of Znf2 on morphological switch and pathogenicity are at least partly mediated through its effects on cell adhesion property. Cfl1, a Znf2 downstream factor, regulates morphogenesis, cell adhesion, biofilm formation, and virulence. Cfl1 is the first adhesin discovered in the phylum Basidiomycota of the Kingdom Fungi. Together with previous findings in other eukaryotic pathogens, our findings support a convergent evolution of plasticity in morphology and its impact on cell adhesion as a critical adaptive trait for pathogenesis. Although morphogenesis and virulence are commonly associated in many eukaryotic pathogens, the nature of such association is often unknown. For example, Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal pathogen that causes cryptococcal meningitis, typically undergoes morphological transition between the yeast and the filamentous form during mating. However, molecules that are critical for mating do not directly impact fungal virulence. Thus, the nature of the long observed association between morphotype and virulence in this microbe remains elusive despite decades of effort. Here we demonstrate that constitutively activated pheromone signaling is insufficient to drive morphological transition under mating-suppressing conditions, including those relevant to host physiology. Rather, we demonstrate that sex-independent morphological switching is driven by the transcription factor Znf2 and this regulator controls the ability of this fungus to cause disease. Znf2 governs Cryptococcus morphotype and virulence potential at least partly through its effects on cell surface proteins. One novel adhesin Cfl1functions downstream of Znf2 and it orchestrates morphological switch, cell adhesion, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity. Thus, cell adhesion at least partly underlies the link between morphological transition and pathogenicity in C. neoformans. Our findings provide a platform for further elucidation of the impact of morphotype on virulence in this ubiquitous pathogen. The discovery of Cfl1 and other novel adhesins in Cryptococcus could lay a foundation for the development of vaccines or alternative therapies to combat the fatal diseases caused by this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqi Wang
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Olszewski MA, Zhang Y, Huffnagle GB. Mechanisms of cryptococcal virulence and persistence. Future Microbiol 2010; 5:1269-88. [PMID: 20722603 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.10.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental yeast that is a leading cause of fatal mycosis in AIDS patients and a major cause of meningoencephalitis and CNS-related mortality around the globe. Although C. neoformans infection is mostly a manifestation of immune deficiency, up to 25% of cases reported in the USA occur in patients without recognizable immune defects, indicating that C. neoformans can develop mechanisms that allow it to evade immune defenses and persist in noncompromised hosts. This article discusses mechanisms and routes of infection and the most important elements of host response as well as the mechanisms that promote cryptococcal survival within the host. Metabolic adaptation to physiological host conditions and the mechanisms limiting immune recognition, interfering with phagocytosis and extending intracellular survival of C. neoformans are highlighted. We describe the mechanisms by which C. neoformans can alter adaptive host responses, especially cell-mediated immunity, which is required for clearance of this microbe. We also review cryptococcal strategies of survival in the CNS and briefly discuss adaptations developing in response to medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal A Olszewski
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Health System (11R), 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
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Martinez LR, Fries BC. Fungal Biofilms: Relevance in the Setting of Human Disease. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2010; 4:266-275. [PMID: 21660222 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-010-0035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of indwelling medical devices is rapidly growing and is often complicated by infections with biofilm-forming microbes that are resistant to antimicrobial agents and host defense mechanisms. Fungal biofilms have emerged as a clinical problem associated with these medical device infections, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This review discusses the recent advances in the understanding of fungal biofilms, including the role of fungal surface components in adherence, gene expression, and quorum sensing in biofilm formation. We propose novel strategies for the prevention or eradication of microbial colonization of medical prosthetic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis R Martinez
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, Morris Park, NY 10461, USA
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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