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Pitocchi R, Cicatiello P, Illiano A, Fontanarosa C, Spina F, Varese GC, Amoresano A, Piscitelli A, Giardina P. The essential role of aggregation for the emulsifying ability of a fungal CYS-rich protein. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:358. [PMID: 38829381 PMCID: PMC11147851 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13182-7] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Biosurfactants are in demand by the global market as natural commodities suitable for incorporation into commercial products or utilization in environmental applications. Fungi are promising producers of these molecules and have garnered interest also for their metabolic capabilities in efficiently utilizing recalcitrant and complex substrates, like hydrocarbons, plastic, etc. Within this framework, biosurfactants produced by two Fusarium solani fungal strains, isolated from plastic waste-contaminated landfill soils, were analyzed. Mycelia of these fungi were grown in the presence of 5% olive oil to drive biosurfactant production. The characterization of the emulsifying and surfactant capacity of these extracts highlighted that two different components are involved. A protein was purified and identified as a CFEM (common in fungal extracellular membrane) containing domain, revealing a good propensity to stabilize emulsions only in its aggregate form. On the other hand, an unidentified cationic smaller molecule exhibits the ability to reduce surface tension. Based on the 3D structural model of the protein, a plausible mechanism for the formation of very stable aggregates, endowed with the emulsifying ability, is proposed. KEY POINTS: • Two Fusarium solani strains are analyzed for their surfactant production. • A cationic surfactant is produced, exhibiting the ability to remarkably reduce surface tension. • An identified protein reveals a good propensity to stabilize emulsions only in its aggregate form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Pitocchi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - Paola Cicatiello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Anna Illiano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - Carolina Fontanarosa
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - Federica Spina
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale P.A. Mattioli 25, Turin, 10125, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale P.A. Mattioli 25, Turin, 10125, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piscitelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - Paola Giardina
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
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2
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Yu F, Wang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Li J, Chen J, Du G, Zhao X. Biosynthesis, acquisition, regulation, and upcycling of heme: recent advances. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38228501 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2291339] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Heme, an iron-containing tetrapyrrole in hemoproteins, including: hemoglobin, myoglobin, catalase, cytochrome c, and cytochrome P450, plays critical physiological roles in different organisms. Heme-derived chemicals, such as biliverdin, bilirubin, and phycocyanobilin, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have shown great potential in fighting viruses and diseases. Therefore, more and more attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of hemoproteins and heme derivatives, which depends on the adequate heme supply in various microbial cell factories. The enhancement of endogenous biosynthesis and exogenous uptake can improve the intracellular heme supply, but the excess free heme is toxic to the cells. Therefore, based on the heme-responsive regulators, several sensitive biosensors were developed to fine-tune the intracellular levels of heme. In this review, recent advances in the: biosynthesis, acquisition, regulation, and upcycling of heme were summarized to provide a solid foundation for the efficient production and application of high-value-added hemoproteins and heme derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xinrui Zhao
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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3
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Tian T, Wu X, Wu P, Lu X, Wang Q, Lin Y, Liu C, Zhou J, Yu Y, Lu H. High-level expression of leghemoglobin in Kluyveromyces marxianus by remodeling the heme metabolism pathway. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1329016. [PMID: 38264583 PMCID: PMC10804453 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1329016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Soy leghemoglobin, when bound to heme, imparts a meat-like color and flavor and can serve as a substitute for animal-derived proteins. Enhancing cellular heme synthesis improves the recombinant expression of leghemoglobin in yeast. To achieve high-level expression of leghemoglobin A (LBA) in Kluyveromyces marxianus, a food-safe yeast, large-scale heme synthesis modules were transferred into K. marxianus using yeast artificial chromosomes (KmYACs). These modules contained up to 8 native and heterologous genes to promote the supply of heme precursors and downstream synthesis. Next, eight genes inhibiting heme or LBA synthesis were individually or combinatorially deleted, with the lsc1Δssn3Δ mutant yielding the best results. Subsequently, heme synthesis modules were combined with the lsc1Δssn3Δ mutant. In the resulting strains, the module genes were all actively expressed. Among these module genes, heterologous S. cerevisiae genes in the downstream heme synthesis pathway significantly enhanced the expression of their counterparts in K. marxianus, resulting in high heme content and LBA yield. After optimizing the medium recipe by adjusting the concentrations of glucose, glycine, and FeSO4·7H2O, a heme content of 66.32 mg/L and an intracellular LBA titer of 7.27 g/L were achieved in the engineered strain in a 5 L fermentor. This represents the highest intracellular expression of leghemoglobin in microorganisms to date. The leghemoglobin produced by K. marxianus can be utilized as a safe ingredient for plant-based protein products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Canjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Jungang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
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Pijuan J, Moreno DF, Yahya G, Moisa M, Ul Haq I, Krukiewicz K, Mosbah R, Metwally K, Cavalu S. Regulatory and pathogenic mechanisms in response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:2053-2071. [PMID: 37804207 PMCID: PMC10616654 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for all eukaryote organisms because of its redox properties, which are important for many biological processes such as DNA synthesis, mitochondrial respiration, oxygen transport, lipid, and carbon metabolism. For this reason, living organisms have developed different strategies and mechanisms to optimally regulate iron acquisition, transport, storage, and uptake in different environmental responses. Moreover, iron plays an essential role during microbial infections. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been of key importance for decrypting iron homeostasis and regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes. Specifically, the transcription factors Aft1/Aft2 and Yap5 regulate the expression of genes to control iron metabolism in response to its deficiency or excess, adapting to the cell's iron requirements and its availability in the environment. We also review which iron-related virulence factors have the most common fungal human pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans). These factors are essential for adaptation in different host niches during pathogenesis, including different fungal-specific iron-uptake mechanisms. While being necessary for virulence, they provide hope for developing novel antifungal treatments, which are currently scarce and usually toxic for patients. In this review, we provide a compilation of the current knowledge about the metabolic response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Pijuan
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Molecular MedicineInstitut de Recerca Sant Joan de DéuBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - David F. Moreno
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental BiologyYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Systems Biology InstituteYale UniversityWest HavenConnecticutUSA
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et CellulaireIllkirchFrance
| | - Galal Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of PharmacyZagazig UniversityAl SharqiaEgypt
| | - Mihaela Moisa
- Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyUniversity of OradeaOradeaRomania
| | - Ihtisham Ul Haq
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Polymers TechnologySilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Inovação TecnológicaUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Katarzyna Krukiewicz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Polymers TechnologySilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
- Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid ElectronicsSilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
| | - Rasha Mosbah
- Infection Control UnitHospitals of Zagazig UniversityZagazigEgypt
| | - Kamel Metwally
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TabukTabukSaudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyZagazig UniversityZagazigEgypt
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyUniversity of OradeaOradeaRomania
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5
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Happacher I, Aguiar M, Yap A, Decristoforo C, Haas H. Fungal siderophore metabolism with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus: impact on biotic interactions and potential translational applications. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:829-842. [PMID: 37313590 PMCID: PMC10500206 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220252] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element that is limiting in most habitats including hosts for fungal pathogens. Siderophores are iron-chelators synthesized by most fungal species for high-affinity uptake and intracellular handling of iron. Moreover, virtually all fungal species including those lacking siderophore biosynthesis appear to be able to utilize siderophores produced by other species. Siderophore biosynthesis has been shown to be crucial for virulence of several fungal pathogens infecting animals and plants revealing induction of this iron acquisition system during virulence, which offers translational potential of this fungal-specific system. The present article summarizes the current knowledge on the fungal siderophore system with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus and its potential translational application including noninvasive diagnosis of fungal infections via urine samples, imaging of fungal infections via labeling of siderophores with radionuclides such as Gallium-68 for detection with positron emission tomography, conjugation of siderophores with fluorescent probes, and development of novel antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidor Happacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Aguiar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annie Yap
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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6
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XUE P, SÁNCHEZ-LEÓN E, DAMOO D, HU G, JUNG WH, KRONSTAD JW. Heme sensing and trafficking in fungi. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2023; 43:100286. [PMID: 37781717 PMCID: PMC10540271 DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.09.002] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens cause life-threatening diseases in humans, and the increasing prevalence of these diseases emphasizes the need for new targets for therapeutic intervention. Nutrient acquisition during infection is a promising target, and recent studies highlight the contributions of endomembrane trafficking, mitochondria, and vacuoles in the sensing and acquisition of heme by fungi. These studies have been facilitated by genetically encoded biosensors and other tools to quantitate heme in subcellular compartments and to investigate the dynamics of trafficking in living cells. In particular, the applications of biosensors in fungi have been extended beyond the detection of metabolites, cofactors, pH, and redox status to include the detection of heme. Here, we focus on studies that make use of biosensors to examine mechanisms of heme uptake and degradation, with guidance from the model fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae and an emphasis on the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans that threaten human health. These studies emphasize a role for endocytosis in heme uptake, and highlight membrane contact sites involving mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum and vacuoles as mediators of intracellular iron and heme trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng XUE
- 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
| | - Djihane DAMOO
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Guanggan HU
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Won Hee JUNG
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Korea
| | - James W. KRONSTAD
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Petersen C, Sørensen T, Nielsen MR, Sondergaard TE, Sørensen JL, Fitzpatrick DA, Frisvad JC, Nielsen KL. Comparative genomic study of the Penicillium genus elucidates a diverse pangenome and 15 lateral gene transfer events. IMA Fungus 2023; 14:3. [PMID: 36726175 PMCID: PMC9893605 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-023-00108-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Penicillia are known to produce a wide range natural products-some with devastating outcome for the agricultural industry and others with unexploited potential in different applications. However, a large-scale overview of the biosynthetic potential of different species has been lacking. In this study, we sequenced 93 Penicillium isolates and, together with eleven published genomes that hold similar assembly characteristics, we established a species phylogeny as well as defining a Penicillium pangenome. A total of 5612 genes were shared between ≥ 98 isolates corresponding to approximately half of the average number of genes a Penicillium genome holds. We further identified 15 lateral gene transfer events that have occurred in this collection of Penicillium isolates, which might have played an important role, such as niche adaption, in the evolution of these fungi. The comprehensive characterization of the genomic diversity in the Penicillium genus supersedes single-reference genomes, which do not necessarily capture the entire genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Petersen
- grid.5117.20000 0001 0742 471XDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Ålborg, Denmark
| | - Trine Sørensen
- grid.5117.20000 0001 0742 471XDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Ålborg, Denmark
| | - Mikkel R. Nielsen
- grid.5117.20000 0001 0742 471XDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Niels-Bohrs Vej 8, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Teis E. Sondergaard
- grid.5117.20000 0001 0742 471XDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Ålborg, Denmark
| | - Jens L. Sørensen
- grid.5117.20000 0001 0742 471XDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Niels-Bohrs Vej 8, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - David A. Fitzpatrick
- grid.95004.380000 0000 9331 9029Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, W23 F2K8 Ireland
| | - Jens C. Frisvad
- grid.5170.30000 0001 2181 8870Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads B221, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kåre L. Nielsen
- grid.5117.20000 0001 0742 471XDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Ålborg, Denmark
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8
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Castillo O, Mancillas J, Hughes W, Brancaleon L. Characterization of the interaction of metal-protoporphyrins photosensitizers with β- lactoglobulin. Biophys Chem 2023; 292:106918. [PMID: 36399946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106918] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the interaction of a series of metal-protoporphyrins (PPIXs) with bovine β- lactoglobulin (BLG) using a combination of optical spectroscopy and computational simulations. Unlike other studies, the simulations were not merely used to rationalize the experimental data but were employed to refine the experimental data itself. The study was carried out at two pH values, 5 and 9, where BLG is known to have different conformation dictated by the so-called Tanford transition which occurs near pH 7.5. The transition is postulated to regulate access to the interior binding cavity of the protein, thus the pH variation was used as a parameter to investigate whether PPIXs access the central cavity of BLG. The results of our study show that indeed binding increases significantly at alkaline pH, however, the increased affinity is not due to the accessibility of the central cavity. Instead, binding appears to be determined by the tendency of PPIXs to form large inhomogeneous aggregates at acidic pH which hinders interactions with proteins. The binding site determined through a combination of experimental and computational methods is located at the interface between two BLG monomers where the long α-helix segment of the protein face each other. This region is rich in positively charged Lys residues that interact with the propionic acid chains of the protoporphyrins. Establishing the modality of binding between protoporphyrins and BLG would have important consequences for the use of BLG:PPIX complexes in applications such as artificial photoreceptors, artificial metallo-enzymes, delivery of photosensitizers for phototherapy and even solar energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Castillo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - James Mancillas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - William Hughes
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Lorenzo Brancaleon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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9
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Candidalysin Is the Hemolytic Factor of Candida albicans. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120874. [PMID: 36548771 PMCID: PMC9785678 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans produces an important virulence factor, the hypha-associated Ece1-derived secreted peptide toxin candidalysin, which is crucial for the establishment of mucosal and systemic infections. C. albicans has also long been known to be hemolytic, yet the hemolytic factor has not been clearly identified. Here, we show that candidalysin is the hemolytic factor of C. albicans. Its hemolytic activity is modulated by fragments of another Ece1 peptide, P7. Hemolysis by candidalysin can be neutralized by the purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS). PPADS also affects candidalysin's ability to intercalate into synthetic membranes. We also describe the neutralization potential of two anti-candidalysin nanobodies, which are promising candidates for future anti-Candida therapy. This work provides evidence that the historically proposed hemolytic factor of C. albicans is in fact candidalysin and sheds more light on the complex roles of this toxin in C. albicans biology and pathogenicity.
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10
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Souza RAC, Cunha VL, de Souza JH, Martins CHG, Franca EDF, Pivatto M, Ellena JA, Faustino LA, Patrocinio AODT, Deflon VM, Maia PIDS, Oliveira CG. Zinc(II) complexes bearing N,N,S ligands: Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic analysis, molecular docking and biological investigations about its antifungal activity. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 237:111995. [PMID: 36152470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, the synthesis, characterization, antifungal activity, molecular docking study and in silico approach of five thiosemicarbazone derivatives and their corresponding zinc(II) complexes are described. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopic measurements, molar conductivity measurements, emission spectra, high-resolution mass spectrometry and X ray study. The antifungal activity of the free ligands and synthesized compounds was preliminarily evaluated against Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803) and Candida glabrata (ATCC 2001), by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Two complexes, 4 (MIC = 3.18 to 6.37 μM) and 5 (MIC = 25.95 μM for all) showed promising results, being highly active against all strains evaluated. The X-ray analyses shown that the complex 2 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P21/c of the monoclinic system and the coordination sphere around zinc(II) atom is better described as slightly distorted octahedral. The Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis showed that non-classical H···H and C···H/H···C contacts contribute with 65.9% while the S···H and N···H (21%) and Cl···H and O···H interactions (12%) complete the HS area. The molecular docking results, performed against CYP51 enzyme (sterol 14α-demethylase) of C. albicans and C. glabrata shows that the complexes 4 (ΔG = -10.75 and - 12.90 kcal/ mol) and 5 (ΔG = -11.12 and - 14.53 kcal/ mol) showed the highest binding free energies of all compounds. The ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) in silico parameters evaluated showed promising results for all compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A C Souza
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Vito L Cunha
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos H G Martins
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, 38408-100 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Eduardo de F Franca
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Pivatto
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Javier A Ellena
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, 13560-970 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro A Faustino
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Victor M Deflon
- São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, 13560-970 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ivo da S Maia
- Departament of Chemistry, Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro, 38025-440 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Carolina G Oliveira
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil.
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11
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van Wijlick L, Znaidi S, Hernández-Cervantes A, Basso V, Bachellier-Bassi S, d’Enfert C. Functional Portrait of Irf1 (Orf19.217), a Regulator of Morphogenesis and Iron Homeostasis in Candida albicans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:960884. [PMID: 36004328 PMCID: PMC9393397 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.960884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The alternate growth of Candida albicans between a unicellular yeast form and a multicellular hyphal form is crucial for its ability to cause disease. Interestingly, both morphological forms support distinct functions during proliferation in the human host. We previously identified ORF19.217 (C2_08890W_A), encoding a zinc-finger transcription factor of the C2H2 family, in a systematic screen of genes whose overexpression contributes to C. albicans' morphological changes. Conditional overexpression of ORF19.217 with the strong tetracycline-inducible promoter (P TET ) resulted in a hyperfilamentous phenotype. We examined growth of the orf19.217 knockout-mutant in different hypha-inducing conditions and found that the mutant still formed hyphae under standard hypha-inducing conditions. To further investigate the function of Orf19.217 in C. albicans, we combined genome-wide expression (RNA-Seq) and location (ChIP-Seq) analyses. We found that Orf19.217 is involved in regulatory processes comprising hyphal morphogenesis and iron acquisition. Comparative analysis with existing C. albicans hyphal transcriptomes indicates that Orf19.217-mediated filamentation is distinct from a true hyphal program. Further, the orf19.217 knockout-mutant did not show increased sensitivity to iron deprivation, but ORF19.217 overexpression was able to rescue the growth of a hap5-mutant, defective in a subunit of the CCAAT-complex, which is essential for iron acquisition. This suggested that Orf19.217 is involved in regulation of iron acquisition genes during iron deprivation and acts in a parallel pathway to the established CCAAT-complex. Interestingly, the orf19.217-mutant turned out to be defective in its ability to form filaments under iron-deficiency. Taken together our findings propose that the transcription factor Orf19.217 stimulates expression of the hyphal regulators EFG1 and BRG1 to promote filamentous growth under iron deprivation conditions, allowing the fungus to escape these iron-depleted conditions. The transcription factor therefore appears to be particularly important for adaptation of C. albicans to diverse environmental conditions in the human host. In regard to the newly identified functions, we have given the regulator the name Irf1, Iron-dependent Regulator of Filamentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse van Wijlick
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
| | - Arturo Hernández-Cervantes
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Virginia Basso
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Christophe d’Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
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12
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Ansari I, Basak R, Mukhopadhyay A. Hemoglobin Endocytosis and Intracellular Trafficking: A Novel Way of Heme Acquisition by Leishmania. Pathogens 2022; 11:585. [PMID: 35631106 PMCID: PMC9143042 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania species are causative agents of human leishmaniasis, affecting 12 million people annually. Drugs available for leishmaniasis are toxic, and no vaccine is available. Thus, the major thrust is to identify new therapeutic targets. Leishmania is an auxotroph for heme and must acquire heme from the host for its survival. Thus, the major focus has been to understand the heme acquisition process by the parasites in the last few decades. It is conceivable that the parasite is possibly obtaining heme from host hemoprotein, as free heme is not available in the host. Current understanding indicates that Leishmania internalizes hemoglobin (Hb) through a specific receptor by a clathrin-mediated endocytic process and targets it to the parasite lysosomes via the Rab5 and Rab7 regulated endocytic pathway, where it is degraded to generate intracellular heme that is used by the parasite. Subsequently, intra-lysosomal heme is initially transported to the cytosol and is finally delivered to the mitochondria via different heme transporters. Studies using different null mutant parasites showed that these receptors and transporters are essential for the survival of the parasite. Thus, the heme acquisition process in Leishmania may be exploited for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amitabha Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India; (I.A.); (R.B.)
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A Velvet Transcription Factor Specifically Activates Mating through a Novel Mating-Responsive Protein in the Human Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus deneoformans. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0265321. [PMID: 35471092 PMCID: PMC9241590 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02653-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction facilitates infection by the production of both a lineage advantage and infectious sexual spores in the ubiquitous human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus deneoformans. However, the regulatory determinants specific for initiating mating remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a velvet family regulator, Cva1, that strongly promotes sexual reproduction in C. deneoformans. This regulation was determined to be specific, based on a comprehensive phenotypic analysis of cva1Δ under 26 distinct in vitro and in vivo growth conditions. We further revealed that Cva1 plays a critical role in the initiation of early mating events, including sexual cell-cell fusion, but is not important for the late sexual development stages or meiosis. Thus, Cva1 specifically contributes to mating activation. Importantly, a novel mating-responsive protein, Cfs1, serves as the key target of Cva1 during mating, since its absence nearly blocks cell-cell fusion in C. deneoformans and its sister species C. neoformans. Together, our findings provide insight into how C. deneoformans ensures the regulatory specificity of mating. IMPORTANCE The human fungal pathogen C. deneoformans is a model organism for studying fungal sexual reproduction, which is considered to be important to infection. However, the specific regulatory determinants for activation of sexual reproduction remain poorly understood. In this study, by combining transcriptomic and comprehensive phenotypic analysis, we identified a velvet family regulator Cva1 that specifically and critically elicits early mating events, including sexual cell-cell fusion. Significantly, Cva1 induces mating through the novel mating-responsive protein Cfs1, which is essential for cell-cell fusion in C. deneoformans and its sister species C. neoformans. Considering that Cva1 and Cfs1 are highly conserved in species belonging to Cryptococcaeceae, they may play conserved and specific roles in the initiation of sexual reproduction in this important fungal clade, which includes multiple human fungal pathogens.
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Pseudomonas Synergizes with Fluconazole against Candida during Treatment of Polymicrobial Infection. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0062621. [PMID: 35289633 PMCID: PMC9022521 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00626-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymicrobial infections are challenging to treat because we don’t fully understand how pathogens interact during infection and how these interactions affect drug efficacy. Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are opportunistic pathogens that can be found in similar sites of infection such as in burn wounds and most importantly in the lungs of CF and mechanically ventilated patients. C. albicans is particularly difficult to treat because of the paucity of antifungal agents, some of which lack fungicidal activity. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of anti-fungal treatment during C. albicans-P. aeruginosa coculture in vitro and co-infection in the mucosal zebrafish infection model analogous to the lung. We find that P. aeruginosa enhances the activity of fluconazole (FLC), an anti-fungal drug that is fungistatic in vitro, to promote both clearance of C. albicans during co-infection in vivo and fungal killing in vitro. This synergy between FLC treatment and bacterial antagonism is partly due to iron piracy, as it is reduced upon iron supplementation and knockout of bacterial siderophores. Our work demonstrates that FLC has enhanced activity in clinically relevant contexts and highlights the need to understand antimicrobial effectiveness in the complex environment of the host with its associated microbial communities.
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