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Guarnizo ÁL, Marqués-Gálvez JE, Arenas F, Navarro-Ródenas A, Morte A. Morphological and molecular development of Terfezia claveryi ectendomycorrhizae exhibits three well-defined stages. MYCORRHIZA 2025; 35:31. [PMID: 40232537 PMCID: PMC12000269 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-025-01205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025]
Abstract
The normal development of mycorrhizal symbiosis is a dynamic process, requiring elaborately regulated interactions between plant roots and compatible fungi, mandatory for both partners´ survival. In the present study, we further elucidated the mycorrhizal development of the desert truffles Terfezia claveryi with the host plant Helianthemum almeriense as an ectendomycorrhizal symbiosis model under greenhouse conditions. To investigate this, we evaluated the morphology of mycorrhizal colonization, concomitantly with the dynamic expression of selected marker genes (6 fungal and 11 plant genes) measured every week until mycorrhiza maturation (three months). We were able to determine 3 main stages in the mycorrhization process, 1) pre-symbiosis stage where mycelium is growing in the soil with no direct interaction with roots, 2) early symbiosis stage when the fungus spreads along the roots intercellularly and plant-fungal signaling is proceeding, and 3) late symbiosis stage where the fungus consolidates and matures with intracellular hyphal colonization; this is characterized by the regulation of cell-wall remodeling processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Luigi Guarnizo
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Eduardo Marqués-Gálvez
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Arenas
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfonso Navarro-Ródenas
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Asunción Morte
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Biología, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum (CMN), Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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Zhang M, Zhao Y, Cui H, Huang W, Xiong K, Yang S, Duan Y, He Y, Yang L, Su C, Lu Y. CO 2 potentiates echinocandin efficacy during invasive candidiasis therapy via dephosphorylation of Hsp90 by Ptc2 in condensates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2025; 122:e2417721122. [PMID: 39908105 PMCID: PMC11831212 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2417721122] [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: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is a signaling cue critical for fungal pathogenesis. Ptc2, a type 2C protein phosphatase (PP2C), serves as a conserved CO2 sensor in fungi. By combining phosphoproteomic and biochemical assays, we identified Hsp90 as a direct target of Ptc2 at host CO2 concentrations and Ssb1 as a Ptc2 target protein regardless of CO2 levels in Candida albicans, the most prevalent human fungal pathogen. Ptc2 forms reversible condensates at elevated CO2, which enables the recruitment of Hsp90, but not Ssb1, to condensates, allowing efficient dephosphorylation. This process confers an enhanced susceptibility to caspofungin in vitro and during in vivo infection therapy. Importantly, we demonstrate this phenomenon in non-albicans Candida species. Sequential passages of C. albicans in mice with caspofungin treatment readily induce in vivo drug tolerance, causing therapeutic failure. These evolved strains display increased resistance to caspofungin under host concentrations of CO2 but remain susceptible in air. Collectively, our study reveals a profound impact of host concentrations of CO2 on antifungal drug susceptibility and connects this phenotype to therapeutic outcomes and highlights condensate formation as an efficient means that enables selective recruitment of substrates for certain signaling events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei230032, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei230032, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
| | - Youzhi Zhao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
| | - Hao Cui
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
| | - Wenqiang Huang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei230032, China
| | - Kang Xiong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
| | - Shan Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
| | - Yuanyuan Duan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei230032, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei230032, China
| | - Lianjuan Yang
- Shanghai Dermatology Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai200443, China
| | - Chang Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan430072, China
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3
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Yue H, Hu J, Xu X, Liu Q. Carbon dioxide suppresses filamentous growth in the human fungal pathogen Candida tropicalis. Microb Pathog 2025; 199:107255. [PMID: 39719163 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.107255] [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: 08/04/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/26/2024]
Abstract
A striking characteristic of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is its ability to switch between budding yeast morphology and the filamentous form, facilitating its adaptation to changing host environments. The filamentous growth of C. albicans is mediated by various environmental factors, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), serum, and high temperature. Despite extensive studies in C. albicans, the regulatory mechanism of filamentation in Candida tropicalis, a fungal species that is closely related to C. albicans, has not been well characterized. In this study, we reveal opposite roles of CO2 in regulating filamentation among Candida species: CO2 promotes filamentous growth in C. albicans and Candida dubliniensis, whereas it inhibits filamentation in C. tropicalis. Despite the critical role of the canonical cAMP pathway in filamentation, it is dispensable in CO2-regulated filamentation in C. tropicalis. A CO2-specific signaling is involved in the regulation of filamentous growth in C. tropicalis. Additionally, we identify two key elements involved in CO2 sensing in C. tropicalis: a single carbonic anhydrase (CA) Nce103 and the bZIP transcription factor Rca1. Both Nce103 and Rca1 are important for cellular growth in ambient air and negatively regulate filamentous development in response to CO2 in C. tropicalis. These findings reveal a distinct mechanism underlying CO2-regulated filamentation in C. tropicalis, contributing to a deeper understanding of its unique survival strategies in diverse environmental niches and providing new insights into the adaptive evolution of CO2 sensing mechanisms among various fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Yue
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qingquan Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Bende G, Zsindely N, Laczi K, Kristóffy Z, Papp C, Farkas A, Tóth L, Sáringer S, Bodai L, Rákhely G, Marx F, Galgóczy L. The Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri antifungal protein NFAP2 has low potential to trigger resistance development in Candida albicans in vitro. Microbiol Spectr 2025; 13:e0127324. [PMID: 39560388 PMCID: PMC11705825 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01273-24] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the increase in the number of drug-resistant Candida albicans strains, new antifungal compounds with limited potential for the development of resistance are urgently needed. NFAP2, an antifungal protein (AFP) secreted by Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri, is a promising candidate. We investigated the ability of C. albicans to develop resistance to NFAP2 in a microevolution experiment compared with generic fluconazole (FLC). C. albicans adapted to only 1× minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NFAP2, which can be considered tolerance rather than resistance, compared with 32× MIC of FLC. Genome analysis revealed non-silent mutations in only two genes in NFAP2-tolerant strains and in several genes in FLC-resistant strains. Tolerance development to NFAP2 did not influence cell morphology. The susceptibility of NFAP2-tolerant strains did not change to FLC, amphotericin B, micafungin, and terbinafine. These strains did not show altered susceptibility to AFPs from Penicillium chrysogenum, except one which had less susceptibility to Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein B. FLC-resistant strains had decreased susceptibility to terbinafine and NFAP2, but not to other drugs and AFPs from P. chrysogenum. NFAP2-tolerant and FLC-resistant strains showed decreased and increased NFAP2 binding and uptake, respectively. The development of tolerance to NFAP2 decreased tolerance to cell wall, heat, and UV stresses. The development of FLC resistance increased tolerance to cell wall stress and decreased tolerance to heat and UV stresses. Tolerance to NFAP2 did not have significant metabolic fitness cost and could not increase virulence, compared with resistance to FLC.IMPORTANCEDue to the increasing number of (multi)drug-resistant strains, only a few effective antifungal drugs are available to treat infections caused by opportunistic Candida species. Therefore, the incidence of hard-to-treat candidiasis has increased dramatically in the past decade, and the demand to identify antifungal compounds with minimal potential to trigger resistance is substantial. The features of NFAP2 make it a promising candidate for the topical treatment of Candida infection. Data on the development of resistance to antifungal proteins in Candida albicans are lacking. In this study, we provide evidence that NFAP2 has a low potential to trigger resistance in C. albicans in vitro, and the developed tolerance to NFAP2 is not associated with severe phenotypic changes compared with development of resistance to generic fluconazole. These results suggest the slow emergence of NFAP2-resistant Candida strains, and NFAP2 can reliably be used long-term in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Bende
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nóra Zsindely
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Laczi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Plant Biology, HUN-REN Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kristóffy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Farkas
- Institute of Plant Biology, HUN-REN Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Liliána Tóth
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Sáringer
- Department of Physiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Bodai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rákhely
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Florentine Marx
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary
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Li Y, Chadwick B, Pham T, Xie X, Lin X. Aspartyl peptidase May1 induces host inflammatory response by altering cell wall composition in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. mBio 2024; 15:e0092024. [PMID: 38742885 PMCID: PMC11237595 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00920-24] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a disease that kills more than 180,000 people annually. Contributing to its success as a fungal pathogen is its cell wall surrounded by a capsule. When the cryptococcal cell wall is compromised, exposed pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules (PAMPs) could trigger host recognition and initiate attack against this fungus. Thus, cell wall composition and structure are tightly regulated. The cryptococcal cell wall is unusual in that chitosan, the acetylated form of chitin, is predominant over chitin and is essential for virulence. Recently, it was shown that acidic pH weakens the cell wall and increases exposure of PAMPs partly due to decreased chitosan levels. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for the cell wall remodeling in acidic pH is unknown. In this study, by screening for genes involved in cryptococcal tolerance to high levels of CO2, we serendipitously discovered that the aspartyl peptidase May1 contributes to cryptococcal sensitivity to high levels of CO2 due to acidification of unbuffered media. Overexpression of MAY1 increases the cryptococcal cell size and elevates PAMP exposure, causing a hyper-inflammatory response in the host while MAY1 deletion does the opposite. We discovered that May1 weakens the cell wall and reduces the chitosan level, partly due to its involvement in the degradation of Chs3, the sole chitin synthase that supplies chitin to be converted to chitosan. Consistently, overexpression of CHS3 largely rescues the phenotype of MAY1oe in acidic media. Collectively, we demonstrate that May1 remodels the cryptococcal cell wall in acidic pH by reducing chitosan levels through its influence on Chs3. IMPORTANCE The fungal cell wall is a dynamic structure, monitoring and responding to internal and external stimuli. It provides a formidable armor to the fungus. However, in a weakened state, the cell wall also triggers host immune attack when PAMPs, including glucan, chitin, and mannoproteins, are exposed. In this work, we found that the aspartyl peptidase May1 impairs the cell wall of Cryptococcus neoformans and increases the exposure of PAMPs in the acidic environment by reducing the chitosan level. Under acidic conditions, May1 is involved in the degradation of the chitin synthase Chs3, which supplies chitin to be deacetylated to chitosan. Consistently, the severe deficiency of chitosan in acidic pH can be rescued by overexpressing CHS3. These findings improve our understanding of cell wall remodeling and reveal a potential target to compromise the cell wall integrity in this important fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqi Li
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Benjamin Chadwick
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Tuyetnhu Pham
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Xie
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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6
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Chadwick BJ, Lin X. Effects of CO 2 in fungi. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102488. [PMID: 38759247 PMCID: PMC11162916 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102488] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide supplies carbon for photosynthetic species and is a major product of respiration for all life forms. Inside the human body where CO2 is a by-product of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, its level reaches 5% or higher. In the ambient atmosphere, ∼.04% of the air is CO2. Different organisms can tolerate different CO2 levels to various degrees, and experiencing higher CO2 is toxic and can lead to death. The fungal kingdom shows great variations in response to CO2 that has been documented by different researchers at different time periods. This literature review aims to connect these studies, highlight mechanisms underlying tolerance to high levels of CO2, and emphasize the effects of CO2 on fungal metabolism and morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Shen N, Xie H, Liu K, Li X, Wang L, Deng Y, Chen L, Bian Y, Xiao Y. Near-gapless genome and transcriptome analyses provide insights into fruiting body development in Lentinula edodes. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130610. [PMID: 38447851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130610] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Fruiting body development in macrofungi is an intensive research subject. In this study, high-quality genomes were assembled for two sexually compatible monokaryons from a heterokaryotic Lentinula edodes strain WX1, and variations in L. edodes genomes were analyzed. Specifically, differential gene expression and allele-specific expression (ASE) were analyzed using the two monokaryotic genomes and transcriptome data from four different stages of fruiting body development in WX1. Results revealed that after aeration, mycelia sensed cell wall stress, pheromones, and a decrease in CO2 concentration, leading to up-regulated expression in genes related to cell adhesion, cell wall remodeling, proteolysis, and lipid metabolism, which may promote primordium differentiation. Aquaporin genes and those related to proteolysis, mitosis, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism may play important roles in primordium development, while genes related to tissue differentiation and sexual reproduction were active in fruiting body. Several essential genes for fruiting body development were allele-specifically expressed and the two nuclear types could synergistically regulate fruiting body development by dominantly expressing genes with different functions. ASE was probably induced by long terminal repeat-retrotransposons. Findings here contribute to the further understanding of the mechanism of fruiting body development in macrofungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Haoyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Xinru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Youjin Deng
- College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Lianfu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yinbing Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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Ristow LC, Jezewski AJ, Chadwick BJ, Stamnes MA, Lin X, Krysan DJ. Cryptococcus neoformans adapts to the host environment through TOR-mediated remodeling of phospholipid asymmetry. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6587. [PMID: 37852972 PMCID: PMC10584969 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42318-y] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus spp. are environmental fungi that first must adapt to the host environment before they can cause life-threatening meningitis in immunocompromised patients. Host CO2 concentrations are 100-fold higher than the external environment and strains unable to grow at host CO2 concentrations are not pathogenic. Using a genetic screening and transcriptional profiling approach, we report that the TOR pathway is critical for C. neoformans adaptation to host CO2 partly through Ypk1-dependent remodeling of phosphatidylserine asymmetry at the plasma membrane. We also describe a C. neoformans ABC/PDR transporter (PDR9) that is highly expressed in CO2-sensitive environmental strains, suppresses CO2-induced phosphatidylserine/phospholipid remodeling, and increases susceptibility to host concentrations of CO2. Interestingly, regulation of plasma membrane lipid asymmetry by the TOR-Ypk1 axis is distinct in C. neoformans compared to S. cerevisiae. Finally, host CO2 concentrations suppress the C. neoformans pathways that respond to host temperature (Mpk1) and pH (Rim101), indicating that host adaptation requires a stringent balance among distinct stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Ristow
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Andrew J Jezewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Mark A Stamnes
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Caver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Damian J Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Caver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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9
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Valle M, Nguyen Van Long N, Jany JL, Koullen L, Rigalma K, Vasseur V, Huchet V, Coroller L. Impact of sodium chloride and carbon dioxide on conidial germination and radial growth of Penicillium camemberti. Food Microbiol 2023; 115:104309. [PMID: 37567615 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2023.104309] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Penicillium camemberti is a domesticated species adapted to the dairy environment, which is used as adjunct cultures to ripen soft cheeses. A recent population genomics analysis on P. camemberti revealed that P. camemberti is a clonal lineage with two varieties almost identical genetically but with contrasting phenotypes in terms of growth, color, mycotoxin production and inhibition of contaminants. P. camemberti variety camemberti is found on Camembert and Brie cheeses, and P. camemberti variety caseifulvum is mainly found on other cheeses like Saint-Marcellin and Rigotte de Condrieu. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of water activity (aw) reduced by sodium chloride (NaCl) and the increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure, on conidial germination and growth of two varieties of P. camemberti: var. Camemberti and var. Caseifulvum. Mathematical models were used to describe the responses of P. camemberti strains to both abiotic factors. The results showed that these genetically distant strains had similar responses to increase in NaCl and CO2 partial pressure. The estimated cardinal values were very close between the strains although all estimated cardinal values were significantly different (Likelihood ratio tests, pvalue = 0.05%). These results suggest that intraspecific variability could be more exacerbated during fungal growth compared with conidial germination, especially in terms of macroscopic morphology. Indeed, var. Caseifulvum seemed to be more sensitive to an increase of CO2 partial pressure, as shown by the fungal morphology, with the occurrence of irregular outgrowths, while the morphology of var. Camemberti remains circular. These data could make it possible to improve the control of fungal development as a function of salt and carbon dioxide partial pressure. These abiotic factors could serve as technological barriers to prevent spoilage and increase the shelf life of cheeses. The present data will allow more precise predictions of fungal proliferation as a function of salt and carbon dioxide partial pressure, which are significant technological hurdles in cheese production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Valle
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, UMT ACTIA 19.03 ALTER'IX, F-29000, Quimper, France; ADRIA Développement, UMT ACTIA 19.03 ALTER'IX, Quimper, France
| | | | - Jean-Luc Jany
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, UMT ACTIA 19.03 ALTER'IX, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Loona Koullen
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, UMT ACTIA 19.03 ALTER'IX, F-29000, Quimper, France
| | - Karim Rigalma
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, UMT ACTIA 19.03 ALTER'IX, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Valérie Vasseur
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, UMT ACTIA 19.03 ALTER'IX, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | | | - Louis Coroller
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, UMT ACTIA 19.03 ALTER'IX, F-29000, Quimper, France.
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10
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Reich HG, Camp EF, Roger LM, Putnam HM. The trace metal economy of the coral holobiont: supplies, demands and exchanges. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:623-642. [PMID: 36897260 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The juxtaposition of highly productive coral reef ecosystems in oligotrophic waters has spurred substantial interest and progress in our understanding of macronutrient uptake, exchange, and recycling among coral holobiont partners (host coral, dinoflagellate endosymbiont, endolithic algae, fungi, viruses, bacterial communities). By contrast, the contribution of trace metals to the physiological performance of the coral holobiont and, in turn, the functional ecology of reef-building corals remains unclear. The coral holobiont's trace metal economy is a network of supply, demand, and exchanges upheld by cross-kingdom symbiotic partnerships. Each partner has unique trace metal requirements that are central to their biochemical functions and the metabolic stability of the holobiont. Organismal homeostasis and the exchanges among partners determine the ability of the coral holobiont to adjust to fluctuating trace metal supplies in heterogeneous reef environments. This review details the requirements for trace metals in core biological processes and describes how metal exchanges among holobiont partners are key to sustaining complex nutritional symbioses in oligotrophic environments. Specifically, we discuss how trace metals contribute to partner compatibility, ability to cope with stress, and thereby to organismal fitness and distribution. Beyond holobiont trace metal cycling, we outline how the dynamic nature of the availability of environmental trace metal supplies can be influenced by a variability of abiotic factors (e.g. temperature, light, pH, etc.). Climate change will have profound consequences on the availability of trace metals and further intensify the myriad stressors that influence coral survival. Lastly, we suggest future research directions necessary for understanding the impacts of trace metals on the coral holobiont symbioses spanning subcellular to organismal levels, which will inform nutrient cycling in coral ecosystems more broadly. Collectively, this cross-scale elucidation of the role of trace metals for the coral holobiont will allow us to improve forecasts of future coral reef function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G Reich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Emma F Camp
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Liza M Roger
- Chemical & Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 601 W. Main Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Hollie M Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
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11
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Lin R, Zhang L, Yang X, Li Q, Zhang C, Guo L, Yu H, Yu H. Responses of the Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus under Different CO 2 Concentration by Comparative Proteomic Analyses. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:652. [PMID: 35887408 PMCID: PMC9321156 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pleurotus ostreatus is a popular edible mushroom in East Asian markets. Research on the responses of P. ostreatus under different carbon dioxide concentrations is limited. METHODS Label-free LC-MS/MS quantitative proteomics analysis technique was adopted to obtain the protein expression profiles of P. ostreatus fruiting body pileus collected under different carbon dioxide concentrations. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and principal component analysis were performed to reveal the correlation among samples. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were organized. Gene ontology analysis was performed to divide the DEPs into different metabolic processes and pathways. RESULTS The expansion of stipes was inhibited in the high CO2 group compared with that in the low CO2 group. There were 415 DEPs (131 up- and 284 down-regulated) in P. ostreatus PH11 treated with 1% CO2 concentration compared with P. ostreatus under atmospheric conditions. Proteins related to hydrolase activity, including several amidohydrolases and cell wall synthesis proteins, were highly expressed under high CO2 concentration. Most of the kinases and elongation factors were significantly down-regulated under high CO2 concentration. The results suggest that the metabolic regulation and development processes were inhibited under high CO2 concentrations. In addition, the sexual differentiation process protein Isp4 was inhibited under high CO2 concentrations, indicating that the sexual reproductive process was also inhibited under high CO2 concentrations, which is inconsistent with the small fruiting body pileus under high CO2 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS This research reports the proteome analysis of commercially relevant edible fungi P. ostreatus under different carbon dioxide concentrations. This study deepens our understanding of the mechanism for CO2-induced morphological change in the P. ostreatus fruiting body, which will facilitate the artificial cultivation of edible mushrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongmei Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (R.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (C.Z.)
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, School of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao 266109, China; (X.Y.); (L.G.)
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lujun Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (R.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (C.Z.)
| | - Xiuqing Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, School of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao 266109, China; (X.Y.); (L.G.)
| | - Qiaozhen Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (R.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chenxiao Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (R.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (C.Z.)
| | - Lizhong Guo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, School of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao 266109, China; (X.Y.); (L.G.)
| | - Hao Yu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, School of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao 266109, China; (X.Y.); (L.G.)
| | - Hailong Yu
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (R.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.L.); (C.Z.)
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12
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Evolutionary Morphogenesis of Sexual Fruiting Bodies in Basidiomycota: Toward a New Evo-Devo Synthesis. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2021; 86:e0001921. [PMID: 34817241 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00019-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of sexual fruiting bodies is one of the most complex morphogenetic processes in fungi. Mycologists have long been fascinated by the morphological and developmental diversity of fruiting bodies; however, evolutionary developmental biology of fungi still lags significantly behind that of animals or plants. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge on fruiting bodies of mushroom-forming Basidiomycota, focusing on phylogenetic and developmental biology. Phylogenetic approaches have revealed a complex history of morphological transformations and convergence in fruiting body morphologies. Frequent transformations and convergence is characteristic of fruiting bodies in contrast to animals or plants, where main body plans are highly conserved. At the same time, insights into the genetic bases of fruiting body development have been achieved using forward and reverse genetic approaches in selected model systems. Phylogenetic and developmental studies of fruiting bodies have each yielded major advances, but they have produced largely disjunct bodies of knowledge. An integrative approach, combining phylogenetic, developmental, and functional biology, is needed to achieve a true fungal evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) synthesis for fungal fruiting bodies.
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13
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Dos Santos ID, Fontana MEZ, Klein B, Ribeiro SR, Stefanello A, Thewes FR, Schmidt SFP, Copetti MV, Brackmann A, Pizzutti IR, Wagner R. Fungal growth, patulin accumulation and volatile profile in 'Fuji Mishima' apples under controlled atmosphere and dynamic controlled atmosphere. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2021; 39:170-184. [PMID: 34702141 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2021.1987533] [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] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate fungal and patulin contamination, together with its correlation with the volatile compounds (VCs), in 'Fuji Mishima' apples (up to 25% decayed) under controlled atmosphere (CA) and dynamic controlled atmosphere with respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ) of 1.3 combined with different partial pressures of carbon dioxide (0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 pCO2). Fruits were stored under the above conditions for 8 months at 0.5 °C plus 7 days shelf life at 20 °C. Toxigenic fungi and patulin accumulation were found in apples from all treatments. Penicillium expansum was the most prevalent species. For all storage conditions, patulin concentrations were above the maximum level allowed in Brazil (50 μg kg-1) with an exception of DCA-RQ1.3 + 0.8 kPa CO2. This condition, with lower pCO2, showed the lowest patulin accumulation, below the legal limit. The CA provided the highest patulin concentration (166 μg kg-1). It was observed that fungal growth could also contribute to changes in the volatile composition. Styrene and 3-methyl-1-butanol are considered P. expansum markers in some apple cultivars and were detected in the samples. However, it was not possible to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are biomarkers from P. expansum, because there were other fungi species present in all samples. In this study, styrene, n-decanoic acid, toluene, phenol and alpha-farnesene were the compounds that showed the most positive correlation with patulin accumulation. On the other hand, a negative correlation of patulin with acids has been shown, indicating that in treatments with a higher patulin concentration there were less acidic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid D Dos Santos
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Marlos E Z Fontana
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Bruna Klein
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Stephanie R Ribeiro
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Andrieli Stefanello
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Fabio R Thewes
- Plant Science Department, Postharvest Research Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Suele F P Schmidt
- Plant Science Department, Postharvest Research Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Marina V Copetti
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Auri Brackmann
- Plant Science Department, Postharvest Research Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Ionara R Pizzutti
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Roger Wagner
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
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14
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Beasley AE, Ayres P, Tegelaar M, Tsompanas MA, Adamatzky A. On electrical gates on fungal colony. Biosystems 2021; 209:104507. [PMID: 34403720 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mycelium networks are promising substrates for designing unconventional computing devices providing rich topologies and geometries where signals propagate and interact. Fulfilling our long-term objectives of prototyping electrical analog computers from living mycelium networks, including networks hybridised with nanoparticles, we explore the possibility of implementing Boolean logical gates based on electrical properties of fungal colonies. We converted a 3D image-data stack of Aspergillus niger fungal colony to an Euclidean graph and modelled the colony as resistive and capacitive (RC) networks, where electrical parameters of edges were functions of the edges' lengths. We found that and, or and and-not gates are implementable in RC networks derived from the geometrical structure of the real fungal colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Beasley
- Centre for Engineering Research, University of Hertfordshire, UK; Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, UK
| | - Phil Ayres
- The Centre for Information Technology and Architecture, Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Tegelaar
- Microbiology Department, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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15
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Abstract
We study long-term electrical resistance dynamics in mycelium and fruit bodies of oyster fungi P. ostreatus. A nearly homogeneous sheet of mycelium on the surface of a growth substrate exhibits trains of resistance spikes. The average width of spikes is c. 23[Formula: see text]min and the average amplitude is c. 1[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text]. The distance between neighboring spikes in a train of spikes is c. 30[Formula: see text]min. Typically, there are 4–6 spikes in a train of spikes. Two types of electrical resistance spikes trains are found in fruit bodies: low frequency and high amplitude (28[Formula: see text]min spike width, 1.6[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text] amplitude, 57[Formula: see text]min distance between spikes) and high frequency and low amplitude (10[Formula: see text]min width, 0.6[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text] amplitude, 44[Formula: see text]min distance between spikes). The findings could be applied in monitoring of physiological states of fungi and future development of living electronic devices and sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Chiolerio
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Torino, Italy
| | - Georgios Sirakoulis
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
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16
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Adamatzky A, Nikolaidou A, Gandia A, Chiolerio A, Dehshibi MM. Reactive fungal wearable. Biosystems 2020; 199:104304. [PMID: 33246023 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2020.104304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Smart wearables sense and process information from the user's body and environment and report results of their analysis as electrical signals. Conventional electronic sensors and controllers are commonly, sometimes augmented by recent advances in soft electronics. Organic electronics and bioelectronics, especially with living substrates, offer a great opportunity to incorporate parallel sensing and information processing capabilities of natural systems into future and emerging wearables. Nowadays fungi are emerging as a promising candidate to produce sustainable textiles to be used as ecofriendly biowearables. To assess the sensing potential of fungal wearables we undertook laboratory experiments on electrical response of a hemp fabric colonised by oyster fungi Pleurotus ostreatus to mechanical stretching and stimulation with attractants and repellents. We have shown that it is possible to discern a nature of stimuli from the fungi electrical responses. The results paved a way towards future design of intelligent sensing patches to be used in reactive fungal wearables.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Nikolaidou
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, UK; Department of Architecture, UWE, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Alessandro Chiolerio
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, UK; Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Torino, Italy
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Dehshibi
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, UK; Department of Computer Science, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Three Related Enzymes in Candida albicans Achieve Arginine- and Agmatine-Dependent Metabolism That Is Essential for Growth and Fungal Virulence. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01845-20. [PMID: 32788384 PMCID: PMC7439472 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01845-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism is crucial for fungal growth and development. Ureohydrolases produce amines when acting on l-arginine, agmatine, and guanidinobutyrate (GB), and these enzymes generate ornithine (by arginase), putrescine (by agmatinase), or GABA (by 4-guanidinobutyrase or GBase). Candida albicans can metabolize and grow on arginine, agmatine, or guanidinobutyrate as the sole nitrogen source. Three related C. albicans genes whose sequences suggested that they were putative arginase or arginase-like genes were examined for their role in these metabolic pathways. Of these, Car1 encoded the only bona fide arginase, whereas we provide evidence that the other two open reading frames, orf19.5862 and orf19.3418, encode agmatinase and guanidinobutyrase (Gbase), respectively. Analysis of strains with single and multiple mutations suggested the presence of arginase-dependent and arginase-independent routes for polyamine production. CAR1 played a role in hyphal morphogenesis in response to arginine, and the virulence of a triple mutant was reduced in both Galleria mellonella and Mus musculus infection models. In the bloodstream, arginine is an essential amino acid that is required by phagocytes to synthesize nitric oxide (NO). However, none of the single or multiple mutants affected host NO production, suggesting that they did not influence the oxidative burst of phagocytes.IMPORTANCE We show that the C. albicans ureohydrolases arginase (Car1), agmatinase (Agt1), and guanidinobutyrase (Gbu1) can orchestrate an arginase-independent route for polyamine production and that this is important for C. albicans growth and survival in microenvironments of the mammalian host.
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18
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Yan JJ, Tong ZJ, Liu YY, Li YN, Zhao C, Mukhtar I, Tao YX, Chen BZ, Deng YJ, Xie BG. Comparative Transcriptomics of Flammulina filiformis Suggests a High CO 2 Concentration Inhibits Early Pileus Expansion by Decreasing Cell Division Control Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235923. [PMID: 31775357 PMCID: PMC6929049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is commonly used as one of the significant environmental factors to control pileus expansion during mushroom cultivation. However, the pileus expansion mechanism related to CO2 is still unknown. In this study, the young fruiting bodies of a popular commercial mushroom Flammulina filiformis were cultivated under different CO2 concentrations. In comparison to the low CO2 concentration (0.05%), the pileus expansion rates were significantly lower under a high CO2 concentration (5%). Transcriptome data showed that the up-regulated genes enriched in high CO2 concentration treatments mainly associated with metabolism processes indicated that the cell metabolism processes were active under high CO2 conditions. However, the gene ontology (GO) categories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with cell division processes contained down-regulated genes at both 12 h and 36 h under a high concentration of CO2. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that a high CO2 concentration had an adverse effect on gene expression of the ubiquitin–proteasome system and cell cycle–yeast pathway, which may decrease the cell division ability and exhibit an inhibitory effect on early pileus expansion. Our research reveals the molecular mechanism of inhibition effects on early pileus expansion by elevated CO2, which could provide a theoretical basis for a CO2 management strategy in mushroom cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Yan
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
| | - Zong-Jun Tong
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
- Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Liu
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
| | - Yi-Ning Li
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
| | - Chen Zhao
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
| | - Irum Mukhtar
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Yong-Xin Tao
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Bing-Zhi Chen
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - You-Jin Deng
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.D.); (B.-G.X.); Tel.: +86-591-8378-9277 (B.-G.X.)
| | - Bao-Gui Xie
- Mycological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China; (J.-J.Y.); (Z.-J.T.); (Y.-Y.L.); (Y.-N.L.); (C.Z.); (I.M.); (Y.-X.T.); (B.-Z.C.)
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.D.); (B.-G.X.); Tel.: +86-591-8378-9277 (B.-G.X.)
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19
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CO 2 Signaling through the Ptc2-Ssn3 Axis Governs Sustained Hyphal Development of Candida albicans by Reducing Ume6 Phosphorylation and Degradation. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02320-18. [PMID: 30647154 PMCID: PMC6336421 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02320-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of invasive fungal infections in humans. Its ability to sense and adapt to changing carbon dioxide levels is crucial for its pathogenesis. Carbon dioxide promotes hyphal development. The hypha-specific transcription factor Ume6 is rapidly degraded in air, but is stable under physiological CO2 and hypoxia to sustain hyphal elongation. Here, we show that Ume6 stability is regulated by two parallel E3 ubiquitin ligases, SCFGrr1 and Ubr1, in response to CO2 and O2, respectively. To uncover the CO2 signaling pathway that regulates Ume6 stability, we performed genetic screens for mutants unable to respond to CO2 for sustained filamentation. We find that the type 2C protein phosphatase Ptc2 is specifically required for CO2-induced stabilization of Ume6 and hyphal elongation. In contrast, the cyclin-dependent kinase Ssn3 is found to be required for Ume6 phosphorylation and degradation in atmospheric CO2 Furthermore, we find that Ssn3 is dephosphorylated in 5% CO2 in a Ptc2-dependent manner, whereas deletion of PTC2 has no effect on Ssn3 phosphorylation in air. Our study uncovers the Ptc2-Ssn3 axis as a new CO2 signaling pathway that controls hyphal elongation by regulating Ume6 stability in C. albicans IMPORTANCE The capacity to sense and adapt to changing carbon dioxide levels is crucial for all organisms. In fungi, CO2 is a key determinant involved in fundamental biological processes, including growth, morphology, and virulence. In the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, high CO2 is directly sensed by adenylyl cyclase to promote hyphal growth. However, little is known about the mechanism by which hyphal development is maintained in response to physiological levels of CO2 Here we report that a signal transduction system mediated by a phosphatase-kinase pair controls CO2-responsive Ume6 phosphorylation and stability that in turn dictate hyphal elongation. Our results unravel a new regulatory mechanism of CO2 signaling in fungi.
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Schumacher DI, Lütkenhaus R, Altegoer F, Teichert I, Kück U, Nowrousian M. The transcription factor PRO44 and the histone chaperone ASF1 regulate distinct aspects of multicellular development in the filamentous fungus Sordaria macrospora. BMC Genet 2018; 19:112. [PMID: 30545291 PMCID: PMC6293562 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0702-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal fruiting bodies are complex three-dimensional structures that are formed to protect and disperse the sexual spores. Their morphogenesis requires the concerted action of numerous genes; however, at the molecular level, the spatio-temporal sequence of events leading to the mature fruiting body is largely unknown. In previous studies, the transcription factor gene pro44 and the histone chaperone gene asf1 were shown to be essential for fruiting body formation in the ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. Both PRO44 and ASF1 are predicted to act on the regulation of gene expression in the nucleus, and mutants in both genes are blocked at the same stage of development. Thus, we hypothesized that PRO44 and ASF1 might be involved in similar aspects of transcriptional regulation. In this study, we characterized their roles in fruiting body development in more detail. Results The PRO44 protein forms homodimers, localizes to the nucleus, and is strongly expressed in the outer layers of the developing young fruiting body. Analysis of single and double mutants of asf1 and three other chromatin modifier genes, cac2, crc1, and rtt106, showed that only asf1 is essential for fruiting body formation whereas cac2 and rtt106 might have redundant functions in this process. RNA-seq analysis revealed distinct roles for asf1 and pro44 in sexual development, with asf1 acting as a suppressor of weakly expressed genes during morphogenesis. This is most likely not due to global mislocalization of nucleosomes as micrococcal nuclease-sequencing did not reveal differences in nucleosome spacing and positioning around transcriptional start sites between Δasf1 and the wild type. However, bisulfite sequencing revealed a decrease in DNA methylation in Δasf1, which might be a reason for the observed changes in gene expression. Transcriptome analysis of gene expression in young fruiting bodies showed that pro44 is required for correct expression of genes involved in extracellular metabolism. Deletion of the putative transcription factor gene asm2, which is downregulated in young fruiting bodies of Δpro44, results in defects during ascospore maturation. Conclusions In summary, the results indicate distinct roles for the transcription factor PRO44 and the histone chaperone ASF1 in the regulation of sexual development in fungi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-018-0702-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramona Lütkenhaus
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Florian Altegoer
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.,LOEWE-Zentrum für Synthetische Mikrobiologie & Department of Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ines Teichert
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kück
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Minou Nowrousian
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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21
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Abstract
We propose that fungi Basidiomycetes can be used as computing devices: information is represented by spikes of electrical activity, a computation is implemented in a mycelium network and an interface is realized via fruit bodies. In a series of scoping experiments, we demonstrate that electrical activity recorded on fruits might act as a reliable indicator of the fungi's response to thermal and chemical stimulation. A stimulation of a fruit is reflected in changes of electrical activity of other fruits of a cluster, i.e. there is distant information transfer between fungal fruit bodies. In an automaton model of a fungal computer, we show how to implement computation with fungi and demonstrate that a structure of logical functions computed is determined by mycelium geometry.
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22
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Hünniger K, Kurzai O. Phagocytes as central players in the defence against invasive fungal infection. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 89:3-15. [PMID: 29601862 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens cause severe and life-threatening infections worldwide. The majority of invasive infections occurs in immunocompromised patients and is based on acquired as well as congenital defects of innate and adaptive immune responses. In many cases, these defects affect phagocyte functions. Consequently, professional phagocytes - mainly monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes - have been shown to act as central players in initiating and modulating antifungal immune responses as well as elimination of fungal pathogens. In this review we will summarize our current understanding on the role of these professional phagocytes in invasive fungal infection to emphasize two important aspects. (i) Analyses on the interaction between fungi and phagocytes have contributed to significant new insights into phagocyte biology. Important examples for this include the identification of pattern recognition receptors for β-glucan, a major cell wall component of many fungal pathogens, as well as the identification of genetic polymorphisms that determine individual host responses towards invading fungi. (ii) At the same time it was shown that fungal pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to counteract the attack of professional phagocytes. These mechanisms range from complete mechanical destruction of phagocytes to exquisite adaptation of some fungi to the hostile intracellular environment, enabling them to grow and replicate inside professional phagocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hünniger
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany; Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany; Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.
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23
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CO 2 sensing in fungi: at the heart of metabolic signaling. Curr Genet 2017; 63:965-972. [PMID: 28493119 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0700-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to the changing environmental CO2 levels is essential for all living cells. In particular, microorganisms colonizing and infecting the human body are exposed to highly variable concentrations, ranging from atmospheric 0.04 to 5% and more in blood and specific host niches. Carbonic anhydrases are highly conserved metalloenzymes that enable fixation of CO2 by its conversion into bicarbonate. This process is not only crucial to ensure the supply of adequate carbon amounts for cellular metabolism, but also contributes to several signaling processes in fungi, including morphology and communication. The fungal specific carbonic anhydrase gene NCE103 is transcribed in response to CO2 availability. As recently shown, this regulation relies on the ATF/CREB transcription factor Cst6 and the AGC family protein kinase Sch9. Here, we review the regulatory mechanisms which control NCE103 expression in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans and Candida glabrata and discuss which additional factors might contribute in this novel CO2 sensing cascade.
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24
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Branco S, Bi K, Liao HL, Gladieux P, Badouin H, Ellison CE, Nguyen NH, Vilgalys R, Peay KG, Taylor JW, Bruns TD. Continental-level population differentiation and environmental adaptation in the mushroom Suillus brevipes. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:2063-2076. [PMID: 27761941 PMCID: PMC5392165 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in sequencing technology allowed researchers to better address the patterns and mechanisms involved in microbial environmental adaptation at large spatial scales. Here we investigated the genomic basis of adaptation to climate at the continental scale in Suillus brevipes, an ectomycorrhizal fungus symbiotically associated with the roots of pine trees. We used genomic data from 55 individuals in seven locations across North America to perform genome scans to detect signatures of positive selection and assess whether temperature and precipitation were associated with genetic differentiation. We found that S. brevipes exhibited overall strong population differentiation, with potential admixture in Canadian populations. This species also displayed genomic signatures of positive selection as well as genomic sites significantly associated with distinct climatic regimes and abiotic environmental parameters. These genomic regions included genes involved in transmembrane transport of substances and helicase activity potentially involved in cold stress response. Our study sheds light on large-scale environmental adaptation in fungi by identifying putative adaptive genes and providing a framework to further investigate the genetic basis of fungal adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Branco
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Ke Bi
- Computational Genomics Resource Laboratory (CGRL), California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA, 94720
| | - Hui-Ling Liao
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Quincy FL 32351
| | | | - Hélène Badouin
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Christopher E. Ellison
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Nhu H. Nguyen
- Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, United States of America
| | - Rytas Vilgalys
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kabir G. Peay
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - John W. Taylor
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas D. Bruns
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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25
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Abstract
Adaptation to alternating CO2 concentrations is crucial for all organisms. Carbonic anhydrases—metalloenzymes that have been found in all domains of life—enable fixation of scarce CO2 by accelerating its conversion to bicarbonate and ensure maintenance of cellular metabolism. In fungi and other eukaryotes, the carbonic anhydrase Nce103 has been shown to be essential for growth in air (~0.04% CO2). Expression of NCE103 is regulated in response to CO2 availability. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, NCE103 is activated by the transcription factor ScCst6, and in Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, it is activated by its homologues CaRca1 and CgRca1, respectively. To identify the kinase controlling Cst6/Rca1, we screened an S. cerevisiae kinase/phosphatase mutant library for the ability to regulate NCE103 in a CO2-dependent manner. We identified ScSch9 as a potential ScCst6-specific kinase, as the sch9Δ mutant strain showed deregulated NCE103 expression on the RNA and protein levels. Immunoprecipitation revealed the binding capabilities of both proteins, and detection of ScCst6 phosphorylation by ScSch9 in vitro confirmed Sch9 as the Cst6 kinase. We could show that CO2-dependent activation of Sch9, which is part of a kinase cascade, is mediated by lipid/Pkh1/2 signaling but not TORC1. Finally, we tested conservation of the identified regulatory cascade in the pathogenic yeast species C. albicans and C. glabrata. Deletion of SCH9 homologues of both species impaired CO2-dependent regulation of NCE103 expression, which indicates a conservation of the CO2 adaptation mechanism among yeasts. Thus, Sch9 is a Cst6/Rca1 kinase that links CO2 adaptation to lipid signaling via Pkh1/2 in fungi. All living organisms have to cope with alternating CO2 concentrations as CO2 levels range from very low in the atmosphere (0.04%) to high (5% and more) in other niches, including the human body. In fungi, CO2 is sensed via two pathways. The first regulates virulence in pathogenic yeast by direct activation of adenylyl cyclase. The second pathway, although playing a fundamental role in fungal metabolism, is much less understood. Here the transcription factor Cst6/Rca1 controls carbon homeostasis by regulating carbonic anhydrase expression. Upstream signaling in this pathway remains elusive. We identify Sch9 as the kinase controlling Cst6/Rca1 activity in yeast and demonstrate that this pathway is conserved in pathogenic yeast species, which highlights identified key players as potential pharmacological targets. Furthermore, we provide a direct link between adaptation to changing CO2 conditions and lipid/Pkh1/2 signaling in yeast, thus establishing a new signaling cascade central to metabolic adaptation.
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26
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Janus MM, Crielaard W, Volgenant CMC, van der Veen MH, Brandt BW, Krom BP. Candida albicans alters the bacterial microbiome of early in vitro oral biofilms. J Oral Microbiol 2017; 9:1270613. [PMID: 28326152 PMCID: PMC5328388 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2016.1270613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Candida albicans is an oral commensal microorganism, occurring in the oral cavity of 50-70% of healthy individuals. Its effect on oral ecology has mostly been studied using dual-species models, which disregards the complex nature of oral biofilms. The aim of this study was to culture C. albicans in a complex model to study its effect on oral biofilms. Biofilms, inoculated using pooled stimulated saliva with or without addition of C. albicans, were grown under anaerobic, aerobic, or aerobic +5% CO2 conditions. Red autofluorescence was quantified using a spectrophotometer and visualized in fluorescence photographs. The microbiome of 5 h biofilms was determined using 16S rDNA sequencing. C. albicans was only able to proliferate in biofilms grown under aerobic conditions. After 48 h, C. albicans did not induce differences in total biofilm formation, lactic acid accumulation (cariogenic phenotype) or protease activity (periodontitis phenotype). In vitro, anaerobically grown biofilms developed red autofluorescence, irrespective of inoculum. However, under aerobic conditions, only C. albicans-containing biofilms showed red autofluorescence. Facultative or strict anaerobic Veillonella, Prevotella, Leptotrichia, and Fusobacterium genera were significantly more abundant in biofilms with C. albicans. Biofilms without C. albicans contained more of the aerobic and facultative anaerobic genera Neisseria, Rothia, and Streptococcus. The presence of C. albicans alters the bacterial microbiome in early in vitro oral biofilms, resulting in the presence of strictly anaerobic bacteria under oxygen-rich conditions. This in vitro study illustrates that C. albicans should not be disregarded in healthy oral ecosystems, as it has the potential to influence bacteria significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Janus
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - W Crielaard
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - C M C Volgenant
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - M H van der Veen
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - B W Brandt
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - B P Krom
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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27
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Sasani E, Khodavaisy S, Agha Kuchak Afshari S, Darabian S, Aala F, Rezaie S. Pseudohyphae formation in Candida glabrata due to CO 2 exposure. Curr Med Mycol 2016; 2:49-52. [PMID: 28959796 PMCID: PMC5611697 DOI: 10.18869/acadpub.cmm.2.4.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Formation of pseudohyphae is considered a virulence factor in Candida species. Generally, Candida glabrata grows as budding yeast cells; however, reports illustrated that C. glabrata could form pseudohyphal cells in response to some stimuli. In this study, we provided insight into the ability of C. glabrata in forming pseudohyphal cells under different levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). MATERIALS AND METHODS Candida glabrata reference strain (ATCC 90030) was used in this study. Yeast samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) medium and incubated under 3%, 5%, and 10% CO2 levels for 24, 48 and 72 h. Control cultures were prepared without CO2 pressure for three days. The possibility of pseudohyphae and mycelium formation in C. glabrata was investigated. RESULTS The results of this study revealed that the most branching filament-like cells were obtained at high CO2 pressure (10%) after 72 h. After three days of low CO2 pressure (3%), only yeast and budding cells were observed without any pseudohyphae formation. CONCLUSION CO2 could act as a stimulus and induced formation of pseudohyphae in Candida glabrata yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sasani
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Khodavaisy
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Agha Kuchak Afshari
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Darabian
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Aala
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - S Rezaie
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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28
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Voisey CR, Christensen MT, Johnson LJ, Forester NT, Gagic M, Bryan GT, Simpson WR, Fleetwood DJ, Card SD, Koolaard JP, Maclean PH, Johnson RD. cAMP Signaling Regulates Synchronised Growth of Symbiotic Epichloë Fungi with the Host Grass Lolium perenne. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:1546. [PMID: 27833620 PMCID: PMC5082231 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The seed-transmitted fungal symbiont, Epichloë festucae, colonizes grasses by infecting host tissues as they form on the shoot apical meristem (SAM) of the seedling. How this fungus accommodates the complexities of plant development to successfully colonize the leaves and inflorescences is unclear. Since adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling is often essential for host colonization by fungal pathogens, we disrupted the cAMP cascade by insertional mutagenesis of the E. festucae adenylate cyclase gene (acyA). Consistent with deletions of this gene in other fungi, acyA mutants had a slow radial growth rate in culture, and hyphae were convoluted and hyper-branched suggesting that fungal apical dominance had been disrupted. Nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) staining of hyphae showed that cAMP disruption mutants were impaired in their ability to synthesize superoxide, indicating that cAMP signaling regulates accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite significant defects in hyphal growth and ROS production, E. festucae ΔacyA mutants were infectious and capable of forming symbiotic associations with grasses. Plants infected with E. festucae ΔacyA were marginally less robust than the wild-type (WT), however hyphae were hyper-branched, and leaf tissues heavily colonized, indicating that the tight regulation of hyphal growth normally observed in maturing leaves requires functional cAMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R. Voisey
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Michael T. Christensen
- Formally of Forage Improvement, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Linda J. Johnson
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Natasha T. Forester
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Milan Gagic
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gregory T. Bryan
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Wayne R. Simpson
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Damien J. Fleetwood
- Biotelliga Ltd., Institute for Innovation in BiotechnologyAuckland, New Zealand
| | - Stuart D. Card
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - John P. Koolaard
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Team, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Paul H. Maclean
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Team, AgResearch Ltd., Lincoln Research CentreChristchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Johnson
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
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29
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Biotin Auxotrophy and Biotin Enhanced Germ Tube Formation in Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2016; 4:microorganisms4030037. [PMID: 27681931 PMCID: PMC5039597 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms4030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increased number of immunocompromised patients, infections with the pathogen Candida albicans have significantly increased in recent years. C. albicans transition from yeast to germ tubes is one of the essential factors for virulence. In this study we noted that Lee's medium, commonly used to induce filamentation, contained 500-fold more biotin than needed for growth and 40-fold more biotin than is typically added to growth media. Thus, we investigated the effects of excess biotin on growth rate and filamentation by C. albicans in different media. At 37 °C, excess biotin (4 µM) enhanced germ tube formation (GTF) ca. 10-fold in both Lee's medium and a defined glucose-proline medium, and ca. 4-fold in 1% serum. Two biotin precursors, desthiobiotin and 7-keto-8-aminopelargonic acid (KAPA), also stimulated GTF. During these studies we also noted an inverse correlation between the number of times the inoculum had been washed and the concentration of serum needed to stimulate GTF. C. albicans cells that had been washed eight times achieved 80% GTF with only 0.1% sheep serum. The mechanism by which 1-4 µM biotin enhances GTF is still unknown except to note that equivalent levels of biotin are needed to create an internal supply of stored biotin and biotinylated histones. Biotin did not restore filamentation for any of the four known filamentation defective mutants tested. C. albicans is auxotrophic for biotin and this biotin auxotrophy was fulfilled by biotin, desthiobiotin, or KAPA. However, biotin auxotrophy is not temperature dependent or influenced by the presence of 5% CO₂. Biotin starvation upregulated the biotin biosynthetic genes BIO2, BIO3, and BIO4 by 11-, 1500-, and 150-fold, respectively, and BIO2p is predicted to be mitochondrion-localized. Based on our findings, we suggest that biotin has two roles in the physiology of C. albicans, one as an enzymatic cofactor and another as a morphological regulator. Finally, we found no evidence supporting prior claims that C. albicans only forms hyphae at very low biotin (0.1 nM) growth conditions.
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30
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Tomazett MV, Zanoelo FF, Bailão EFC, Bailão AM, Borges CL, Soares CMDA. Molecular and biochemical characterization of carbonic anhydrases of Paracoccidioides. Genet Mol Biol 2016; 39:416-25. [PMID: 27560991 PMCID: PMC5004831 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2015-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrases (CA) belong to the family of zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze
the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate. In the present work, we
characterized the cDNAs of four Paracoccidioides CAs (CA1, CA2, CA3,
and CA4). In the presence of CO2, there was not a significant increase in
fungal ca1, ca2 and ca4 gene
expression. The ca1 transcript was induced during the
mycelium-to-yeast transition, while ca2 and ca4
gene expression was much higher in yeast cells, when compared to mycelium and
mycelium-to-yeast transition. The ca1 transcript was induced in
yeast cells recovered directly from liver and spleen of infected mice, while
transcripts for ca2 and ca4 were down-regulated.
Recombinant CA1 (rCA1) and CA4 (rCA4), with 33 kDa and 32 kDa respectively, were
obtained from bacteria. The enzymes rCA1 (β-class) and rCA4 (α-class) were
characterized regarding pH, temperature, ions and amino acids addition influence.
Both enzymes were stable at pHs 7.5-8.5 and temperatures of 30-35 °C. The enzymes
were dramatically inhibited by Hg+2 and activated by Zn+2,
while only rCA4 was stimulated by Fe2+. Among the amino acids tested (all
in L configuration), arginine, lysine, tryptophan and histidine enhanced residual
activity of rCA1 and rCA4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Vieira Tomazett
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Fonseca Zanoelo
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil.,Laboratório de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Elisa Flávia Cardoso Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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31
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Braunsdorf C, Mailänder-Sánchez D, Schaller M. Fungal sensing of host environment. Cell Microbiol 2016; 18:1188-200. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Braunsdorf
- Department of Dermatology; University Hospital Tübingen; Liebermeisterstr. 25 Tübingen Germany
| | - D. Mailänder-Sánchez
- Department of Internal Medicine I; University Hospital Tübingen; Otfried-Müller-Straße 10 72076 Tübingen
| | - M. Schaller
- Department of Dermatology; University Hospital Tübingen; Liebermeisterstr. 25 Tübingen Germany
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33
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Eminoğlu A, Vullo D, Aşık A, Çolak DN, Çanakçı S, Beldüz AO, Supuran CT. Sulfonamide inhibition studies of the β-carbonic anhydrase from the newly discovered bacterium Enterobacter sp. B13. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:1821-6. [PMID: 26920803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The genome of the newly identified bacterium Enterobacter sp. B13 encodes for a β-class carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1), EspCA. This enzyme was recently cloned, and characterized kinetically by this group (J. Enzyme Inhib. Med. Chem. 2016, 31). Here we report an inhibition study with sulfonamides and sulfamates of this enzyme. The best EspCA inhibitors were some sulfanylated sulfonamides with elongated molecules, metanilamide, 4-aminoalkyl-benzenesulfonamides, acetazolamide, and deacetylated methazolamide (KIs in the range of 58.7-96.5nM). Clinically used agents such as methazolamide, ethoxzolamide, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, benzolamide, zonisamide, sulthiame, sulpiride, topiramate and valdecoxib were slightly less effective inhibitors (KIs in the range of 103-138nM). Saccharin, celecoxib, dichlorophenamide and many simple benzenesulfonamides were even less effective as EspCA inhibitors, with KIs in the range of 384-938nM. Identification of effective inhibitors of this bacterial enzyme may lead to pharmacological tools useful for understanding the physiological role(s) of the β-class CAs in bacterial pathogenicity/virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşenur Eminoğlu
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Research Laboratories, Rize, Turkey
| | - Daniela Vullo
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipaertimento di Chimica, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
| | - Aycan Aşık
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Konya, Turkey
| | - Dilşat Nigar Çolak
- Giresun University, Bulancak School of Applied Sciences, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Sabriye Çanakçı
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ali Osman Beldüz
- Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Trabzon, Turkey.
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipaertimento di Chimica, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy; Università degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Via U. Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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Isatin analogs as novel inhibitors of Candida spp. β-carbonic anhydrase enzymes. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:1648-52. [PMID: 26951893 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme inhibition data of structurally novel isatin-containing sulfonamides were determined for two carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) from pathogenic Candida species (CaNce103 from C. albicans and CgNce103 from C. glabrata). The compounds show KI values in the low nanomolar range for the fungal CAs, while they have significantly higher KI values for the human CAs. Homology models were constructed for the CaNce103 and CgNce103 and subsequently the ligands were docked into these models to rationalize their enzyme inhibitory properties.
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Carbonic anhydrase activators: Activation of the β-carbonic anhydrase from Malassezia globosa with amines and amino acids. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:1381-5. [PMID: 26856923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The β-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from the dandruff producing fungus Malassezia globosa, MgCA, was investigated for its activation with amines and amino acids. MgCA was weakly activated by amino acids such as L-/D-His, L-Phe, D-DOPA, D-Trp, L-/D-Tyr and by the amine serotonin (KAs of 12.5-29.3μM) but more effectively activated by d-Phe, l-DOPA, l-Trp, histamine, dopamine, pyridyl-alkylamines, and 4-(2-aminoethyl)-morpholine, with KAs of 5.82-10.9μM. The best activators were l-adrenaline and 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine, with activation constants of 0.72-0.81μM. This study may help a better understanding of the activation mechanisms of β-CAs from pathogenic fungi as well as the design of tighter binding ligands for this enzyme which is a drug target for novel types of anti-dandruff agents.
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Xu H, Navarro-Ródenas A, Cooke JEK, Zwiazek JJ. Transcript profiling of aquaporins during basidiocarp development in Laccaria bicolor ectomycorrhizal with Picea glauca. MYCORRHIZA 2016; 26:19-31. [PMID: 25957233 DOI: 10.1007/s00572-015-0643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sporocarp formation is part of the reproductive stage in the life cycle of many mycorrhizal macrofungi. Sporocarp formation is accompanied by a transcriptomic switch and profound changes in regulation of the gene families that play crucial roles in the sporocarp initiation and maturation. Since sporocarp growth requires efficient water delivery, in the present study, we investigated changes in transcript abundance of six fungal aquaporin genes that could be cloned from the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor strain UAMH8232, during the initiation and development of its basidiocarp. Aquaporins are intrinsic membrane proteins facilitating the transmembrane transport of water and other small neutral molecules. In controlled-environment experiments, we induced basidiocarp formation in L. bicolor, which formed ectomycorrhizal associations with white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings. We profiled transcript abundance corresponding to six fungal aquaporin genes at six different developmental stages of basidiocarp growth and development. We also compared physiological parameters of non-inoculated to mycorrhizal seedlings with and without the presence of basidiocarps. Two L. bicolor aquaporins--JQ585592, a functional channel for CO2, NO and H2O2, and JQ585595, a functional water channel--showed the greatest degree of upregulation during development of the basidiocarp. Our findings point to the importance of aquaporin-mediated transmembrane water and CO2 transport during distinct stages of basidiocarp development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E3
| | | | - Janice E K Cooke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Janusz J Zwiazek
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E3.
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Navarro-RóDenas A, Xu H, Kemppainen M, Pardo AG, Zwiazek JJ. Laccaria bicolor aquaporin LbAQP1 is required for Hartig net development in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides). PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2015; 38:2475-86. [PMID: 25857333 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The development of ectomycorrhizal associations is crucial for growth of many forest trees. However, the signals that are exchanged between the fungus and the host plant during the colonization process are still poorly understood. In this study, we have identified the relationship between expression patterns of Laccaria bicolor aquaporin LbAQP1 and the development of ectomycorrhizal structures in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) seedlings. The peak expression of LbAQP1 was 700-fold higher in the hyphae within the root than in the free-living mycelium after 24 h of direct interaction with the roots. Moreover, in LbAQP1 knock-down strains, a non-mycorrhizal phenotype was developed without the Hartig net and the expression of the mycorrhizal effector protein MiSSP7 quickly declined after an initial peak on day 5 of interaction of the fungal hyphae with the roots. The increase in the expression of LbAQP1 required a direct contact of the fungus with the root and it modulated the expression of MiSSP7. We have also determined that LbAQP1 facilitated NO, H2 O2 and CO2 transport when heterologously expressed in yeast. The report demonstrates that the L. bicolor aquaporin LbAQP1 acts as a molecular signalling channel, which is fundamental for the development of Hartig net in root tips of P. tremuloides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Minna Kemppainen
- Laboratorio de Micología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernal, Provincia de Buenos Aires, B1876BXD, Argentina
| | - Alejandro G Pardo
- Laboratorio de Micología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernal, Provincia de Buenos Aires, B1876BXD, Argentina
| | - Janusz J Zwiazek
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
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Blombach B, Takors R. CO2 - Intrinsic Product, Essential Substrate, and Regulatory Trigger of Microbial and Mammalian Production Processes. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 3:108. [PMID: 26284242 PMCID: PMC4522908 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide formation mirrors the final carbon oxidation steps of aerobic metabolism in microbial and mammalian cells. As a consequence, CO2/HCO3− dissociation equilibria arise in fermenters by the growing culture. Anaplerotic reactions make use of the abundant CO2/HCO3− levels for refueling citric acid cycle demands and for enabling oxaloacetate-derived products. At the same time, CO2 is released manifold in metabolic reactions via decarboxylation activity. The levels of extracellular CO2/HCO3− depend on cellular activities and physical constraints such as hydrostatic pressures, aeration, and the efficiency of mixing in large-scale bioreactors. Besides, local CO2/HCO3− levels might also act as metabolic inhibitors or transcriptional effectors triggering regulatory events inside the cells. This review gives an overview about fundamental physicochemical properties of CO2/HCO3− in microbial and mammalian cultures effecting cellular physiology, production processes, metabolic activity, and transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Blombach
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart , Stuttgart , Germany
| | - Ralf Takors
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart , Stuttgart , Germany
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Yan M, Nie X, Wang H, Gao N, Liu H, Chen J. SUMOylation of Wor1 by a novel SUMO E3 ligase controls cell fate in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2015; 98:69-89. [PMID: 26112173 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen, yet is a normal commensal resident of the human gut. CO(2) levels in the gut are much higher than in air, and it is known that elevated CO(2) concentration promotes C. albicans cells to undergo a phenotypic switch from white to opaque phase. Wor1, the master regulator of opaque cell formation, is required for both the white to opaque transition and opaque maintenance. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of Wor1, we set out to identify Wor1-interacting proteins using a yeast two-hybrid screen. A SUMO E3 ligase named Wos1 (Wor1 SUMO-ligase 1) was identified to interact with Wor1 and regulate Wor1 SUMOylation. WOS1 expression is upregulated in response to high CO(2), and the induction by CO(2) is dependent on the transcription factor Flo8. Under high CO(2) conditions, Wos1 is required for the white to opaque switch and acts downstream of Flo8. At atmospheric CO(2) levels, overexpression of Wos1 enhances Wor1 SUMOylation and promotes the white to opaque switch. Wor1 is found to be SUMOylated at lysine 385, and loss of this mark by point mutation leads to a defect in CO(2) -mediated opaque cell induction. Together, our genetic and biological data show that Wos1-mediated Wor1 SUMOylation contributes to the regulation of CO(2) -induced white to opaque switching as well as heritable maintenance of the opaque cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xinyi Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Huafeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Haoping Liu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Jiangye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
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Li YP, Tang X, Wu W, Xu Y, Huang ZB, He QH. The ctnG gene encodes carbonic anhydrase involved in mycotoxin citrinin biosynthesis from Monascus aurantiacus. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2014; 32:577-83. [PMID: 25482072 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2014.990993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Citrinin, a fungal secondary metabolite of polyketide origin, is moderately nephrotoxic to vertebrates, including humans. Citrinin is synthesised by condensation of acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. Six genes involved in the citrinin biosynthesis, including pksCT, ctnA and ctnB, have been cloned in Monascus purpureus. The pksCT gene encodes a polyketide synthase; ctnA is a regulatory factor; and ctnB encodes an oxidoreductase. When the three genes were respectively disrupted, the disruption strains drastically decreased citrinin production or barely produced citrinin. Ten new genes have been discovered in Monascus aurantiacus besides the above six genes. One of these gene displayed the highest similarity to the β-carbonic anhydrase gene from Aspergillus oryzae (74% similarity) and was designated ctnG. To learn more about the citrinin biosynthetic pathway, a ctnG-replacement vector was constructed to disrupt ctnG with the hygromycin resistance gene as the selection marker, then transformed into M. aurantiacus Li AS3.4384 by a protoplast-PEG method. The citrinin content of three disruptants was reduced to about 50%, meanwhile pigment production decreased by 23%, respectively, over those of the wild-type strains. ctnG was deduced to be involved in the formation of malonyl-CoA as a common precursor of red pigments and citrinin. Therefore, the disruption of the ctnG gene decreased citrinin and pigment production. M. aurantiacus Li AS3.4384 can produce higher concentrations of citrinin than other strains such as M. purpureus and M. ruber. Establishing the function of citrinin biosynthetic genes in M. aurantiacus is helpful in understanding the citrinin synthetic pathway and adopting some strategies to control contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ping Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology , Nanchang University , Nanchang 330047 , China
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41
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Le Roy N, Jackson DJ, Marie B, Ramos-Silva P, Marin F. The evolution of metazoan α-carbonic anhydrases and their roles in calcium carbonate biomineralization. Front Zool 2014. [DOI: 10.1186/s12983-014-0075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Watsuji TO, Takano H, Yamabe T, Tamazawa S, Ikemura H, Ohishi T, Matsuda T, Shiratori-Takano H, Beppu T, Ueda K. Analysis of the tryptophanase expression in Symbiobacterium thermophilum in a coculture with Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:10177-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ugalde U, Rodriguez-Urra AB. The Mycelium Blueprint: insights into the cues that shape the filamentous fungal colony. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:8809-19. [PMID: 25172134 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The mycelium is an organised cellular network that develops according to a functionally coherent plan. As it expands, the mycelium is capable of modulating the relative abundance of different cell types to suit the prevailing environmental conditions. This versatile pattern of multicellular development involves sophisticated environmental sensing and intercellular communication systems that have barely been recognised. This review describes an insight into our current understanding of the signalling molecules and mechanisms that take part in the ordered and timely emergence of various cell types and their biological significance. The prospects that this emerging knowledge may offer for the sustainable control of fungal colonisation or dispersal will also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unai Ugalde
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, Manuel Lardizabal Ibilbidea, 3 20018, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain,
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Zolfaghari Emameh R, Barker H, Tolvanen MEE, Ortutay C, Parkkila S. Bioinformatic analysis of beta carbonic anhydrase sequences from protozoans and metazoans. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:38. [PMID: 24447594 PMCID: PMC3907363 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the high prevalence of parasitic infections, and their impact on global health and economy, the number of drugs available to treat them is extremely limited. As a result, the potential consequences of large-scale resistance to any existing drugs are a major concern. A number of recent investigations have focused on the effects of potential chemical inhibitors on bacterial and fungal carbonic anhydrases. Among the five classes of carbonic anhydrases (alpha, beta, gamma, delta and zeta), beta carbonic anhydrases have been reported in most species of bacteria, yeasts, algae, plants, and particular invertebrates (nematodes and insects). To date, there has been a lack of knowledge on the expression and molecular structure of beta carbonic anhydrases in metazoan (nematodes and arthropods) and protozoan species. Methods Here, the identification of novel beta carbonic anhydrases was based on the presence of the highly-conserved amino acid sequence patterns of the active site. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on codon-aligned DNA sequences. Subcellular localization prediction for each identified invertebrate beta carbonic anhydrase was performed using the TargetP webserver. Results We verified a total of 75 beta carbonic anhydrase sequences in metazoan and protozoan species by proteome-wide searches and multiple sequence alignment. Of these, 52 were novel, and contained highly conserved amino acid residues, which are inferred to form the active site in beta carbonic anhydrases. Mitochondrial targeting peptide analysis revealed that 31 enzymes are predicted with mitochondrial localization; one was predicted to be a secretory enzyme, and the other 43 were predicted to have other undefined cellular localizations. Conclusions These investigations identified 75 beta carbonic anhydrases in metazoan and protozoan species, and among them there were 52 novel sequences that were not previously annotated as beta carbonic anhydrases. Our results will not only change the current information in proteomics and genomics databases, but will also suggest novel targets for drugs against parasites.
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Teichert I, Nowrousian M, Pöggeler S, Kück U. The filamentous fungus Sordaria macrospora as a genetic model to study fruiting body development. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2014; 87:199-244. [PMID: 25311923 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800149-3.00004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are excellent experimental systems due to their short life cycles as well as easy and safe manipulation in the laboratory. They form three-dimensional structures with numerous different cell types and have a long tradition as genetic model organisms used to unravel basic mechanisms underlying eukaryotic cell differentiation. The filamentous ascomycete Sordaria macrospora is a model system for sexual fruiting body (perithecia) formation. S. macrospora is homothallic, i.e., self-fertile, easily genetically tractable, and well suited for large-scale genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics studies. Specific features of its life cycle and the availability of a developmental mutant library make it an excellent system for studying cellular differentiation at the molecular level. In this review, we focus on recent developments in identifying gene and protein regulatory networks governing perithecia formation. A number of tools have been developed to genetically analyze developmental mutants and dissect transcriptional profiles at different developmental stages. Protein interaction studies allowed us to identify a highly conserved eukaryotic multisubunit protein complex, the striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase complex and its role in sexual development. We have further identified a number of proteins involved in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation of fruiting body development. Furthermore, we review the involvement of metabolic processes from both primary and secondary metabolism, and the role of nutrient recycling by autophagy in perithecia formation. Our research has uncovered numerous players regulating multicellular development in S. macrospora. Future research will focus on mechanistically understanding how these players are orchestrated in this fungal model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Teichert
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Minou Nowrousian
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefanie Pöggeler
- Abteilung Genetik eukaryotischer Mikroorganismen, Institut für Mikrobiologie und Genetik, Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kück
- Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Tobal JM, Balieiro MEDSF. Role of carbonic anhydrases in pathogenic micro-organisms: a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:15-27. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.064444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus responsible for organic material decomposition, and plays an important role in recycling environmental carbon and nitrogen. Besides its important role in the environment, this fungus has been reported as one of the most important fungal pathogens in immunocompromised patients. Due to changes in CO2 concentration that some pathogens face during the infection process, studies have been undertaken to understand the pathogenic roles of carbonic anhydrases (CAs), well-known CO2 hydration catalytic enzymes. As a basis for a discussion of the possible roles of CAs in A. fumigatus pathogenicity, this review describes the main characteristics of the A. fumigatus infection and the challenges for its treatment. In addition, it gathers findings from studies with CA inhibitor drugs as anti-infective agents in different pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Moisés Tobal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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48
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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: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [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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Lee SC, Li A, Calo S, Heitman J. Calcineurin plays key roles in the dimorphic transition and virulence of the human pathogenic zygomycete Mucor circinelloides. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003625. [PMID: 24039585 PMCID: PMC3764228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenic fungi are dimorphic and switch between yeast and filamentous states. This switch alters host-microbe interactions and is critical for pathogenicity. However, in zygomycetes, whether dimorphism contributes to virulence is a central unanswered question. The pathogenic zygomycete Mucor circinelloides exhibits hyphal growth in aerobic conditions but switches to multi-budded yeast growth under anaerobic/high CO₂ conditions. We found that in the presence of the calcineurin inhibitor FK506, Mucor exhibits exclusively multi-budded yeast growth. We also found that M. circinelloides encodes three calcineurin catalytic A subunits (CnaA, CnaB, and CnaC) and one calcineurin regulatory B subunit (CnbR). Mutations in the latch region of CnbR and in the FKBP12-FK506 binding domain of CnaA result in hyphal growth of Mucor in the presence of FK506. Disruption of the cnbR gene encoding the sole calcineurin B subunit necessary for calcineurin activity yielded mutants locked in permanent yeast phase growth. These findings reveal that the calcineurin pathway plays key roles in the dimorphic transition from yeast to hyphae. The cnbR yeast-locked mutants are less virulent than the wild-type strain in a heterologous host system, providing evidence that hyphae or the yeast-hyphal transition are linked to virulence. Protein kinase A activity (PKA) is elevated during yeast growth under anaerobic conditions, in the presence of FK506, or in the yeast-locked cnbR mutants, suggesting a novel connection between PKA and calcineurin. cnaA mutants lacking the CnaA catalytic subunit are hypersensitive to calcineurin inhibitors, display a hyphal polarity defect, and produce a mixture of yeast and hyphae in aerobic culture. The cnaA mutants also produce spores that are larger than wild-type, and spore size is correlated with virulence potential. Our results demonstrate that the calcineurin pathway orchestrates the yeast-hyphal and spore size dimorphic transitions that contribute to virulence of this common zygomycete fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Chan Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alicia Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Silvia Calo
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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50
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Han TL, Tumanov S, Cannon RD, Villas-Boas SG. Metabolic response of Candida albicans to phenylethyl alcohol under hyphae-inducing conditions. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71364. [PMID: 23951145 PMCID: PMC3741116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylethyl alcohol was one of the first quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) identified in C. albicans. This extracellular signalling molecule inhibits the hyphal formation of C. albicans at high cell density. Little is known, however, about the underlying mechanisms by which this QSM regulates the morphological switches of C. albicans. Therefore, we have applied metabolomics and isotope labelling experiments to investigate the metabolic changes that occur in C. albicans in response to phenylethyl alcohol under defined hyphae-inducing conditions. Our results showed a global upregulation of central carbon metabolism when hyphal development was suppressed by phenylethyl alcohol. By comparing the metabolic changes in response to phenylethyl alcohol to our previous metabolomic studies, we were able to short-list 7 metabolic pathways from central carbon metabolism that appear to be associated with C. albicans morphogenesis. Furthermore, isotope-labelling data showed that phenylethyl alcohol is indeed taken up and catabolised by yeast cells. Isotope-labelled carbon atoms were found in the majority of amino acids as well as in lactate and glyoxylate. However, isotope-labelled carbon atoms from phenylethyl alcohol accumulated mainly in the pyridine ring of NAD+/NADH and NADP−/NADPH molecules, showing that these nucleotides were the main products of phenylethyl alcohol catabolism. Interestingly, two metabolic pathways where these nucleotides play an important role, nitrogen metabolism and nicotinate/nicotinamide metabolism, were also short-listed through our previous metabolomics works as metabolic pathways likely to be closely associated with C. albicans morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Li Han
- Centre for Microbial Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sergey Tumanov
- Centre for Microbial Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Cannon
- Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Silas G. Villas-Boas
- Centre for Microbial Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
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