1
|
Chai W, Mao X, Li C, Zhu L, He Z, Wang B. Neurotransmitter acetylcholine mediates the mummification of Ophiocordyceps sinensis-infected Thitarodes xiaojinensis larvae. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0033324. [PMID: 39109874 PMCID: PMC11409639 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00333-24] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasites can manipulate host behavior to facilitate parasite transmission. One such host-pathogen interaction occurs between the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis and the ghost moth Thitarodes xiaojinensis. O. sinensis is involved in the mummification process of infected host larvae. However, the underlying molecular and chemical mechanism for this phenomenon is unknown. We characterized the small molecules regulating host behaviors and the altered metabolites in infected and mummified host larvae. Lipid-related metabolites, such as phosphatidylcholine, were identified in infected and mummified larvae. Decreased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and elevated choline levels were observed in the brains of both the infected and mummified larvae. The aberrant activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and relative mRNA expression of ACE2 (acetylcholinesterase) may mediate the altered transformation between ACh and choline, leading to the brain dysfunction of mummified larvae. Caspofungin treatment inhibited the mummification of infected larvae and the activity of AChE. These findings indicate the importance of ACh in the mummification of host larvae after O. sinensis infection.IMPORTANCEOphiocordyceps sinensis-infected ghost moth larvae are manipulated to move to the soil surface with their heads up in death. A fruiting body then grows from the caterpillar's head, eventually producing conidia for dispersal. However, the underlying molecular and chemical mechanism has not been characterized. In this study, we describe the metabolic profile of Thitarodes xiaojinensis host larvae after O. sinensis infection. Altered metabolites, particularly lipid-related metabolites, were identified in infected and mummified larvae, suggesting that lipids are important in O. sinensis-mediated behavioral manipulation of host larvae. Decreased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine were observed in both infected and mummified larvae brains. This suggests that altered or reduced acetylcholine can mediate brain dysfunction and lead to aberrant behavior. These results reveal the critical role of acetylcholine in the mummification process of infected host larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenmin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianbing Mao
- Chongqing Xinstant Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Chongqing, China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liancai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongyi He
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mélida H, Kappel L, Ullah SF, Bulone V, Srivastava V. Quantitative proteomic analysis of plasma membranes from the fish pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica reveals promising targets for disease control. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0034824. [PMID: 38888349 PMCID: PMC11302233 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00348-24] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The phylum Oomycota contains economically important pathogens of animals and plants, including Saprolegnia parasitica, the causal agent of the fish disease saprolegniasis. Due to intense fish farming and banning of the most effective control measures, saprolegniasis has re-emerged as a major challenge for the aquaculture industry. Oomycete cells are surrounded by a polysaccharide-rich cell wall matrix that, in addition to being essential for cell growth, also functions as a protective "armor." Consequently, the enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis provide potential targets for disease control. Oomycete cell wall biosynthetic enzymes are predicted to be plasma membrane proteins. To identify these proteins, we applied a quantitative (iTRAQ) mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to the plasma membrane of the hyphal cells of S. parasitica, providing the first complete plasma membrane proteome of an oomycete species. Of significance is the identification of 65 proteins enriched in detergent-resistant microdomains (DRMs). In silico analysis showed that DRM-enriched proteins are mainly involved in molecular transport and β-1,3-glucan synthesis, potentially contributing to pathogenesis. Moreover, biochemical characterization of the glycosyltransferase activity in these microdomains further supported their role in β-1,3-glucan synthesis. Altogether, the knowledge gained in this study provides a basis for developing disease control measures targeting specific plasma membrane proteins in S. parasitica.IMPORTANCEThe significance of this research lies in its potential to combat saprolegniasis, a detrimental fish disease, which has resurged due to intensive fish farming and regulatory restrictions. By targeting enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis in Saprolegnia parasitica, this study uncovers potential avenues for disease control. Particularly noteworthy is the identification of several proteins enriched in membrane microdomains, offering insights into molecular mechanisms potentially involved in pathogenesis. Understanding the role of these proteins provides a foundation for developing targeted disease control measures. Overall, this research holds promise for safeguarding the aquaculture industry against the challenges posed by saprolegniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Mélida
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, CBH School, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Kappel
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, CBH School, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sadia Fida Ullah
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, CBH School, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Bulone
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, CBH School, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vaibhav Srivastava
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, CBH School, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen X, Liu J, Chen AJ, Wang L, Jiang X, Gong A, Liu W, Wu H. Burkholderia ambifaria H8 as an effective biocontrol strain against maize stalk rot via producing volatile dimethyl disulfide. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4125-4136. [PMID: 38578571 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maize stalk rot (MSR) caused by Fusarium graminearum is the primary factor contributing to the reduction in maize yield and quality. However, this soil-borne disease presents a significant challenge for sustainable control through field management and chemical agents. The screening of novel biocontrol agents can aid in developing innovative and successful strategies for MSR control. RESULTS A total of 407 strains of bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a resistant maize inbred line. One strain exhibited significant antagonistic activity in plate and pot experiments, and was identified as Burkholderia ambifaria H8. The strain could significantly inhibit the mycelial growth and spore germination of F. graminearum, induce resistance to stalk rot, and promote plant growth. The volatile compounds produced by strain H8 and its secondary metabolites in the sterile fermentation broth exhibited antagonistic activity. The primary volatile compound produced by strain H8 was identified as dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Through in vitro antagonistic activity assays and microscopic observation, it was confirmed that DMDS was capable of inhibiting mycelial growth and disrupting the mycelial structure of F. graminearum, suggesting it may be the major active compound for strain H8. The transcriptome data of F. graminearum further indicated that strain H8 and its volatile compounds could alter pathogenic fungi metabolism, influence the related metabolic pathways, and potentially induce cell apoptosis within F. graminearum. CONCLUSION Our results showed that B. ambifaria H8 was capable of producing the volatile substance dimethyl disulfide, which influenced the synthesis and permeability of cell membranes in pathogens. Thus, B. ambifaria H8 was found to be a promising biological control agent against MSR. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jingrong Liu
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Amanda Juan Chen
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Beijing) Biotech Ltd., Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Beijing) Biotech Ltd., Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xianzhi Jiang
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Beijing) Biotech Ltd., Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Andong Gong
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Wende Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Hanxiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Araújo LP, Vilela H, Solinho J, Pinheiro R, Belo I, Lopes M. Enrichment of Fruit Peels' Nutritional Value by Solid-State Fermentation with Aspergillus ibericus and Rhizopus oryzae. Molecules 2024; 29:3563. [PMID: 39124966 PMCID: PMC11313692 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The fruit processing industry is responsible for disposing of huge amounts of byproducts, especially fruit peels (FPs), which are often discarded in landfills. Using FPs in biotechnological processes contributes to a circular economy, reducing the environmental burden of FPs and increasing the revenue of the fruit processing industry. This study was focused on upgrading the nutritional value of orange (OPs) and banana (BPs) peels by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with filamentous fungi. SSF factors (moisture, fermentation time, inoculum size, ammonium sulfate (AS), and corn steep liquor (CSL)) and fungi species (Aspergillus ibericus and Rhizopus oryzae) were studied by a variable screening Plackett-Burman design. Both fungi grew on untreated FPs, increasing their protein content and antioxidant activity. Moisture, AS, and CSL were further studied by a Box-Behnken design with A. ibericus. Fermented OPs at 70% moisture and 0.005 g/g AS increased their protein content by 200%, whereas BPs at 70% moisture and 0.005 g/g CSL increased by 123%. Fermented peels were enriched in protein, fiber, and minerals, with a low content of carbohydrates and soluble sugars. Fermented OPs and BPs showed higher antioxidant activity than unfermented peels. The SSF of these FPs is an innovative approach that contributes to obtaining rich nutrient-fermented peels for food.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana P. Araújo
- CEB–Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (L.P.A.); (I.B.)
| | - Helena Vilela
- CEB–Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (L.P.A.); (I.B.)
| | - Joana Solinho
- Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Avenida Atlântico, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Rita Pinheiro
- Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Avenida Atlântico, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Isabel Belo
- CEB–Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (L.P.A.); (I.B.)
- LABBELS–Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Marlene Lopes
- CEB–Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (L.P.A.); (I.B.)
- LABBELS–Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thepbandit W, Papathoti NK, Hoang NH, Siriwong S, Sangpueak R, Saengchan C, Laemchiab K, Kiddeejing D, Tonpho K, Buensanteai K. Bio-synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Trichoderma species against cassava root rot disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12535. [PMID: 38821999 PMCID: PMC11143289 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60903-z] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cassava root rot disease caused by the fungal pathogens Fusarium solani and Lasiodiplodia theobromae produces severe damages on cassava production. This research was conducted to produce and assess silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by Trichoderma harzianum for reducing root rot disease. The results revealed that using the supernatants of T. harzianum on a silver nitrate solution changed it to reddish color at 48 h, indicating the formation of AgNPs. Further characterization was identified using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). DLS supported that the Z-average size is at 39.79 nm and the mean zeta potential is at - 36.5 mV. SEM revealed the formation of monodispersed spherical shape with a diameter between 60-75 nm. The antibacterial action of AgNPs as an antifungal agent was demonstrated by an observed decrease in the size of the fungal colonies using an increasing concentration of AgNPs until the complete inhibition growth of L. theobromae and F. solani at > 58 µg mL-1 and at ≥ 50 µg mL-1, respectively. At in vitro conditions, the applied AgNPs caused a decrease in the percentage of healthy aerial hyphae of L. theobromae (32.5%) and of F. solani (70.0%) compared to control (100%). The SR-FTIR spectra showed the highest peaks in the first region (3000-2800 cm-1) associated with lipids and fatty acids located at 2962, 2927, and 2854 cm-1 in the AgNPs treated samples. The second region (1700-1450 cm-1) consisting of proteins and peptides revealed the highest peaks at 1658, 1641, and 1548 cm-1 in the AgNPs treated samples. The third region (1300-900 cm-1), which involves nucleic acid, phospholipids, polysaccharides, and carbohydrates, revealed the highest peaks at 1155, 1079, and 1027 cm-1 in the readings from the untreated samples. Finally, the observed root rot severity on cassava roots treated with AgNPs (1.75 ± 0.50) was significantly lower than the control samples (5.00 ± 0.00).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wannaporn Thepbandit
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Narendra Kumar Papathoti
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Nguyen Huy Hoang
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | | | - Rungthip Sangpueak
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Chanon Saengchan
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Kansinee Laemchiab
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Dusadee Kiddeejing
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Kodchaphon Tonpho
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
| | - Kumrai Buensanteai
- School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
King WR, Singer J, Warman M, Wilson D, Hube B, Lager I, Patton-Vogt J. The glycerophosphocholine acyltransferase Gpc1 contributes to phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, long-term viability, and embedded hyphal growth in Candida albicans. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105543. [PMID: 38072057 PMCID: PMC10790099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105543] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus, opportunistic pathogen, and the most common cause of fungal infection in humans. The biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC), a major eukaryotic glycerophospholipid, occurs through two primary pathways. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae and some plants, a third PC synthesis pathway, the PC deacylation/reacylation pathway (PC-DRP), has been characterized. PC-DRP begins with the acylation of the lipid turnover product, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), by the GPC acyltransferase, Gpc1, to form Lyso-PC. Lyso-PC is then acylated by lysolipid acyltransferase, Lpt1, to produce PC. Importantly, GPC, the substrate for Gpc1, is a ubiquitous metabolite available within the host. GPC is imported by C. albicans, and deletion of the major GPC transporter, Git3, leads to decreased virulence in a murine model. Here we report that GPC can be directly acylated in C. albicans by the protein product of orf19.988, a homolog of ScGpc1. Through lipidomic studies, we show loss of Gpc1 leads to a decrease in PC levels. This decrease occurs in the absence of exogenous GPC, indicating that the impact on PC levels may be greater in the human host where GPC is available. A gpc1Δ/Δ strain exhibits several sensitivities to antifungals that target lipid metabolism. Furthermore, loss of Gpc1 results in both a hyphal growth defect in embedded conditions and a decrease in long-term cell viability. These results demonstrate for the first time the importance of Gpc1 and this alternative PC biosynthesis route (PC-DRP) to the physiology of a pathogenic fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William R King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Justin Singer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mitchell Warman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, England
| | - Bernard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Products and Infection Biology Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ida Lager
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Jana Patton-Vogt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Matos GS, Fernandes CM, Del Poeta M. Role of sphingolipids in the host-pathogen interaction. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2023; 1868:159384. [PMID: 37673393 PMCID: PMC11218662 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159384] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens have been under the spotlight as their expanding geographic range combined with their potential harm to vulnerable populations turns them into increasingly threats to public health. Therefore, it is ultimately important to unveil the mechanisms associated with their infection process for further new treatment discovery. With this purpose, sphingolipid-based research has gained attention over the last years as these molecules have key properties that can regulate fungal pathogenicity. Here we discuss some of these properties as well as their role in fungal diseases, focusing on the subgroup of glycosphingolipids, as they represent promising molecules for drug discovery and for the development of fungal vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Soares Matos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (ICB&DD), Stony Brook, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nenciarini S, Cavalieri D. Immunomodulatory Potential of Fungal Extracellular Vesicles: Insights for Therapeutic Applications. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1487. [PMID: 37892168 PMCID: PMC10605264 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicular organelles that perform a variety of biological functions including cell communication across different biological kingdoms. EVs of mammals and, to a lesser extent, bacteria have been deeply studied over the years, whereas investigations of fungal EVs are still in their infancy. Fungi, encompassing both yeast and filamentous forms, are increasingly recognized for their production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing a wealth of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These EVs play pivotal roles in orchestrating fungal communities, bolstering pathogenicity, and mediating interactions with the environment. Fungal EVs have emerged as promising candidates for innovative applications, not only in the management of mycoses but also as carriers for therapeutic molecules. Yet, numerous questions persist regarding fungal EVs, including their mechanisms of generation, release, cargo regulation, and discharge. This comprehensive review delves into the present state of knowledge regarding fungal EVs and provides fresh insights into the most recent hypotheses on the mechanisms driving their immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, we explore the considerable potential of fungal EVs in the realms of medicine and biotechnology. In the foreseeable future, engineered fungal cells may serve as vehicles for tailoring cargo- and antigen-specific EVs, positioning them as invaluable biotechnological tools for diverse medical applications, such as vaccines and drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Duccio Cavalieri
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang K, Deng Y, Cui X, Chen M, Ou Y, Li D, Guo M, Li W. PatA Regulates Isoniazid Resistance by Mediating Mycolic Acid Synthesis and Controls Biofilm Formation by Affecting Lipid Synthesis in Mycobacteria. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0092823. [PMID: 37212713 PMCID: PMC10269662 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00928-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipids are prominent components of the mycobacterial cell wall, and they play critical roles not only in maintaining biofilm formation but also in resisting environmental stress, including drug resistance. However, information regarding the mechanism mediating mycobacterial lipid synthesis remains limited. PatA is a membrane-associated acyltransferase and synthesizes phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides (PIMs) in mycobacteria. Here, we found that PatA could regulate the synthesis of lipids (except mycolic acids) to maintain biofilm formation and environmental stress resistance in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis. Interestingly, the deletion of patA significantly enhanced isoniazid (INH) resistance in M. smegmatis, although it reduced bacterial biofilm formation. This might be due to the fact that the patA deletion promoted the synthesis of mycolic acids through an unknown synthesis pathway other than the reported fatty acid synthase (FAS) pathway, which could effectively counteract the inhibition by INH of mycolic acid synthesis in mycobacteria. Furthermore, the amino acid sequences and physiological functions of PatA were highly conserved in mycobacteria. Therefore, we found a mycolic acid synthesis pathway regulated by PatA in mycobacteria. In addition, PatA also affected biofilm formation and environmental stress resistance by regulating the synthesis of lipids (except mycolic acids) in mycobacteria. IMPORTANCE Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leads to a large number of human deaths every year. This is so serious, which is due mainly to the drug resistance of mycobacteria. INH kills M. tuberculosis by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are synthesized by the FAS pathway. However, whether there is another mycolic acid synthesis pathway is unknown. In this study, we found a PatA-mediated mycolic acid synthesis pathway that led to INH resistance of in patA-deleted mutant. In addition, we first report the regulatory effect of PatA on mycobacterial biofilm formation, which could affect the bacterial response to environmental stress. Our findings represent a new model for regulating biofilm formation by mycobacteria. More importantly, the discovery of the PatA-mediated mycolic acid synthesis pathway indicates that the study of mycobacterial lipids has entered a new stage, and the enzymes might be new targets of antituberculosis drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yimin Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xujie Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Mengli Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanzhe Ou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Danting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Minhao Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Weihui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fabri JHTM, Rocha MC, Fernandes CM, Campanella JEM, da Cunha AF, Del Poeta M, Malavazi I. The Heat Shock Transcription Factor HsfA Plays a Role in Membrane Lipids Biosynthesis Connecting Thermotolerance and Unsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in Aspergillus fumigatus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0162723. [PMID: 37195179 PMCID: PMC10269545 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01627-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermotolerance is a remarkable virulence attribute of Aspergillus fumigatus, but the consequences of heat shock (HS) to the cell membrane of this fungus are unknown, although this structure is one of the first to detect changes in ambient temperature that imposes on the cell a prompt adaptative response. Under high-temperature stress, fungi trigger the HS response controlled by heat shock transcription factors, such as HsfA, which regulates the expression of heat shock proteins. In yeast, smaller amounts of phospholipids with unsaturated fatty acid (FA) chains are synthesized in response to HS, directly affecting plasma membrane composition. The addition of double bonds in saturated FA is catalyzed by Δ9-fatty acid desaturases, whose expression is temperature-modulated. However, the relationship between HS and saturated/unsaturated FA balance in membrane lipids of A. fumigatus in response to HS has not been investigated. Here, we found that HsfA responds to plasma membrane stress and has a role in sphingolipid and phospholipid unsaturated biosynthesis. In addition, we studied the A. fumigatus Δ9-fatty acid desaturase sdeA and discovered that this gene is essential and required for unsaturated FA biosynthesis, although it did not directly affect the total levels of phospholipids and sphingolipids. sdeA depletion significantly sensitizes mature A. fumigatus biofilms to caspofungin. Also, we demonstrate that hsfA controls sdeA expression, while SdeA and Hsp90 physically interact. Our results suggest that HsfA is required for the adaptation of the fungal plasma membrane to HS and point out a sharp relationship between thermotolerance and FA metabolism in A. fumigatus. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus causes invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a life-threatening infection accounting for high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. The ability of this organism to grow at elevated temperatures is long recognized as an essential attribute for this mold to cause disease. A. fumigatus responds to heat stress by activating heat shock transcription factors and chaperones to orchestrate cellular responses that protect the fungus against damage caused by heat. Concomitantly, the cell membrane must adapt to heat and maintain physical and chemical properties such as the balance between saturated/unsaturated fatty acids. However, how A. fumigatus connects these two physiological responses is unclear. Here, we explain that HsfA affects the synthesis of complex membrane lipids such as phospholipids and sphingolipids and controls the enzyme SdeA, which produces monounsaturated fatty acids, raw material for membrane lipids. These findings suggest that forced dysregulation of saturated/unsaturated fatty acid balance might represent novel strategies for antifungal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Henrique Tadini Marilhano Fabri
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Campos Rocha
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Mota Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Jonatas Erick Maimoni Campanella
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson Ferreira da Cunha
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Benedito Machado G, Montovam Monteiro C, Gonçalves JMLA, Pavani C. Enhancing Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy with Phenothiazinium Dyes and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Against Candida Albicans at Various Growth Stages. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023:103628. [PMID: 37230408 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eradication of C. albicans is difficult due to the organization of the yeast in biofilms. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proposed as an alternative to antifungals. Phenothiazinium dyes, e.g. methylene blue (MB), have been proposed as photosensitizing agents (PS), and their association with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has recently been shown to improve the effectiveness of PDT in planktonic culture. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of PDT with phenothiazinium dyes associated to SDS in biofilms at the different stages of growth. METHODS Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of PDT on biofilm formation and on established biofilms of C. albicans ATCC 10231. Samples were exposed to PS 50 mg/L (MB, Azure A - AA, Azure B - AB and dimethyl methylene blue - DMMB) dissolved in water or 0.25% SDS, for 5 minutes in the dark. After irradiation at 660 nm, 37.3mW/cm2 for 27 minutes, 60.4J/cm2 colony forming units count assay (CFU/mL) was performed. One or two irradiations were applied. Statistical methods were used to assess effectiveness. RESULTS PSs showed low toxicity in the dark. An application of PDT irradiation was not able to reduce the CFU/mL both in mature biofilms (24h) and in biofilms in the dispersion phase (48h), only in the adherence phase did PDT prevent the formation of biofilms. With two successive applications of PDT irradiation in the dispersion phase, PDT with MB, AA, and DMMB completely inactivated C. albicans. The similar was not observed with mature biofilms. CONCLUSIONS Different stages of biofilm growth respond differently to PDT, with the greatest inhibitory effect found in the adhesion stage. Mature and dispersed biofilms are less susceptible to PDT. The use of two successive applications of PDT with PSs associated with SDS may be a useful approach to inactivate C. albicans biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Benedito Machado
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Montovam Monteiro
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - José Marcelo Lacerda Alves Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Christiane Pavani
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou Y, Zhao J, Yang L, Bi R, Qin Z, Sun P, Li R, Zhao M, Wang Y, Chen G, Wan H, Zheng L, Chen XL, Wang G, Li Q, Li G. Doxorubicin inhibits phosphatidylserine decarboxylase and confers broad-spectrum antifungal activity. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023. [PMID: 37148193 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
As phospholipids of cell membranes, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) play crucial roles in glycerophospholipid metabolism. Broadly, some phospholipid biosynthesis enzymes serve as potential fungicide targets. Therefore, revealing the functions and mechanism of PE biosynthesis in plant pathogens would provide potential targets for crop disease control. We performed analyses including phenotypic characterizations, lipidomics, enzyme activity, site-directed mutagenesis, and chemical inhibition assays to study the function of PS decarboxylase-encoding gene MoPSD2 in rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. The Mopsd2 mutant was defective in development, lipid metabolism, and plant infection. The PS level increased while PE decreased in Mopsd2, consistent with the enzyme activity. Furthermore, chemical doxorubicin inhibited the enzyme activity of MoPsd2 and showed antifungal activity against 10 phytopathogenic fungi including M. oryzae and reduced disease severity of two crop diseases in the field. Three predicted doxorubicin-interacting residues are important for MoPsd2 functions. Our study demonstrates that MoPsd2 is involved in de novo PE biosynthesis and contributes to the development and plant infection of M. oryzae and that doxorubicin shows broad-spectrum antifungal activity as a fungicide candidate. The study also implicates that bacterium Streptomyces peucetius, which biosynthesizes doxorubicin, could be potentially used as an eco-friendly biocontrol agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Lei Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ruiqing Bi
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ziting Qin
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Peng Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Renjian Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mengfei Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yin Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Guang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hu Wan
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Guanghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712000, China
| | - Qiang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Guotian Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, The Center of Crop Nanobiotechnology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stock M, Milutinović B, Hoenigsberger M, Grasse AV, Wiesenhofer F, Kampleitner N, Narasimhan M, Schmitt T, Cremer S. Pathogen evasion of social immunity. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:450-460. [PMID: 36732670 PMCID: PMC9998270 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-01981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Treating sick group members is a hallmark of collective disease defence in vertebrates and invertebrates alike. Despite substantial effects on pathogen fitness and epidemiology, it is still largely unknown how pathogens react to the selection pressure imposed by care intervention. Using social insects and pathogenic fungi, we here performed a serial passage experiment in the presence or absence of colony members, which provide social immunity by grooming off infectious spores from exposed individuals. We found specific effects on pathogen diversity, virulence and transmission. Under selection of social immunity, pathogens invested into higher spore production, but spores were less virulent. Notably, they also elicited a lower grooming response in colony members, compared with spores from the individual host selection lines. Chemical spore analysis suggested that the spores from social selection lines escaped the caregivers' detection by containing lower levels of ergosterol, a key fungal membrane component. Experimental application of chemically pure ergosterol indeed induced sanitary grooming, supporting its role as a microbe-associated cue triggering host social immunity against fungal pathogens. By reducing this detection cue, pathogens were able to evade the otherwise very effective collective disease defences of their social hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Stock
- ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Milutinović
- ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria. .,Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Anna V Grasse
- ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Niklas Kampleitner
- ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Schmitt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Cremer
- ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
do Rosário Esteves Guimarães C, de Freitas HF, Barros TF. Candida albicans antibiofilm molecules: analysis based on inhibition and eradication studies. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:37-52. [PMID: 36576671 PMCID: PMC9944165 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00876-1] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of microbial cells surrounded by an extracellular polysaccharide matrix, recognized as a fungal source for local and systemic infections and less susceptible to antifungal drugs. Thus, treatment of biofilm-related Candida spp. infections with popular antifungals such as fluconazole is limited and species-dependent and alternatively demands the use of expensive and high toxic drugs. In this sense, molecules with antibiofilm activity have been studied but without care regarding the use of important criteria such as antibiofilm concentration lower than antifungal concentration when considering the process of inhibition of formation and concentrations equal to or lower than 300 µM. Therefore, this review tries to gather the most promising molecules regarding the activity against the C. albicans biofilm described in the last 10 years, considering the activity of inhibition and eradication. From January 2011 to July 2021, articles were searched on Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct, combining the keywords "antibiofilm," "candida albicans," "compound," and "molecule" with AND and OR operators. After 3 phases of selection, 21 articles describing 42 molecules were discussed in the review. Most of them were more promising for the inhibition of biofilm formation, with SM21 (24) being an interesting molecule for presenting inhibitory and eradication activity in biofilms with 24 and 48 h, as well as alizarin (26) and chrysazine (27), with concentrations well below the antifungal concentration. Despite the detection of these molecules and the attempts to determine the mechanisms of action by microscopic analysis and gene expression, no specific target has been determined. Thus, a gap is signaled, requiring further studies such as proteomic analyses to clarify it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina do Rosário Esteves Guimarães
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Geremoabo Street, 147, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia CEP, 40170115, Brazil
| | - Humberto Fonseca de Freitas
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Geremoabo Street, 147, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia CEP, 40170115, Brazil
| | - Tânia Fraga Barros
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Geremoabo Street, 147, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia CEP, 40170115, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lv J, Liu S, Zhang X, Zhao L, Zhang T, Zhang Z, Feng Z, Wei F, Zhou J, Zhao R, Feng H, Zhu H, Li C, Zhang Y. VdERG2 was involved in ergosterol biosynthesis, nutritional differentiation and virulence of Verticillium dahliae. Curr Genet 2023; 69:25-40. [PMID: 36416932 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-022-01257-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The ergosterol biosynthesis pathway plays an important role in model pathogenic bacteria Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but little is known about the biosynthesis of ergosterol in the pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae. In this study, we identified the VdERG2 gene encoding sterol C-8 isomerase from V. dahliae and investigated its function in virulence by generating gene deletion mutants (ΔVdERG2) and complemented mutants (C-ΔVdERG2). Knockout of VdERG2 reduced ergosterol content. The conidial germination rate and conidial yield of ΔVdERG2 significantly decreased and abnormal conidia were produced. In spite of VdERG2 did not affect the utilization of carbon sources by V. dahliae, but the melanin production of ΔVdERG2 was decreased in cellulose and pectin were used as the sole carbon sources. Furthermore, the ΔVdERG2 mutants produced less microsclerotia and melanin with a significant decrease in the expression of microsclerotia and melanin-related genes VaflM, Vayg1, VDH1, VdLAC, VdSCD and VT4HR. In addition, mutants ΔVdERG2 were very sensitive to congo red (CR), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stresses, indicating that VdERG2 was involved in the cell wall and oxidative stress response. The absence of VdERG2 weakened the penetration ability of mycelium on cellophane and affected the growth of mycelium. Although ΔVdERG2 could infect cotton, its pathogenicity was significantly impaired. These phenotypic defects in ΔVdERG2 could be complemented by the reintroduction of a full-length VdERG2 gene. In summary, as a single conservative secretory protein, VdERG2 played a crucial role in ergosterol biosynthesis, nutritional differentiation and virulence in V. dahliae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Shichao Liu
- Spice and Beverage Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wanning, 571533, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- Cotton Sciences Research Institute of Hunan, Changde, 415101, Hunan, China
| | - Zili Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Feng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Jinglong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Ruiyuan Zhao
- Cotton Sciences Research Institute of Hunan, Changde, 415101, Hunan, China
| | - Hongjie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Heqin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Caihong Li
- Cotton Sciences Research Institute of Hunan, Changde, 415101, Hunan, China.
| | - Yalin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tezcan EF, Demirtas Y, Cakar ZP, Ulgen KO. Comprehensive genome-scale metabolic model of the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans: A platform for understanding pathogen metabolism and identifying new drug targets. FRONTIERS IN BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 3:1121409. [PMID: 36714093 PMCID: PMC9880062 DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2023.1121409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The fungal priority pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals and leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths per year. The undesirable side effects of existing treatments, the need for long application times to prevent the disease from recurring, the lack of resources for these treatment methods to spread over all continents necessitate the search for new treatment methods. Methods: Genome-scale models have been shown to be valuable in studying the metabolism of many organisms. Here we present the first genome-scale metabolic model for C. neoformans, iCryptococcus. This comprehensive model consists of 1,270 reactions, 1,143 metabolites, 649 genes, and eight compartments. The model was validated, proving accurate when predicting the capability of utilizing different carbon and nitrogen sources and growth rate in comparison to experimental data. Results and Discussion: The compatibility of the in silico Cryptococcus metabolism under infection conditions was assessed. The steroid and amino acid metabolisms found in the essentiality analyses have the potential to be drug targets for the therapeutic strategies to be developed against Cryptococcus species. iCryptococcus model can be applied to explore new targets for antifungal drugs along with essential gene, metabolite and reaction analyses and provides a promising platform for elucidation of pathogen metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enes Fahri Tezcan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yigit Demirtas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Petek Cakar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kutlu O. Ulgen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey,*Correspondence: Kutlu O. Ulgen,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
do Carmo PHF, Garcia MT, Figueiredo-Godoi LMA, Lage ACP, da Silva NS, Junqueira JC. Metal Nanoparticles to Combat Candida albicans Infections: An Update. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010138. [PMID: 36677430 PMCID: PMC9861183 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is an opportunistic mycosis with high annual incidence worldwide. In these infections, Candida albicans is the chief pathogen owing to its multiple virulence factors. C. albicans infections are usually treated with azoles, polyenes and echinocandins. However, these antifungals may have limitations regarding toxicity, relapse of infections, high cost, and emergence of antifungal resistance. Thus, the development of nanocarrier systems, such as metal nanoparticles, has been widely investigated. Metal nanoparticles are particulate dispersions or solid particles 10-100 nm in size, with unique physical and chemical properties that make them useful in biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on the activity of silver, gold, and iron nanoparticles against C. albicans. We discuss the use of metal nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for antifungal drugs or natural compounds to increase their biocompatibility and effectiveness. Promisingly, most of these nanoparticles exhibit potential antifungal activity through multi-target mechanisms in C. albicans cells and biofilms, which can minimize the emergence of antifungal resistance. The cytotoxicity of metal nanoparticles is a concern, and adjustments in synthesis approaches or coating techniques have been addressed to overcome these limitations, with great emphasis on green synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Henrique Fonseca do Carmo
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-12-3497-9033
| | - Maíra Terra Garcia
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Lívia Mara Alves Figueiredo-Godoi
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Newton Soares da Silva
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomics of Indian Isolates of Wheat Spot Blotch Pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana Reveals Expansion of Pathogenicity Gene Clusters. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010001. [PMID: 36678349 PMCID: PMC9865733 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spot blotch is a highly destructive disease in wheat caused by the fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana (teleomorph, Cochliobolus sativus). It is prevalent in warm and humid areas, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the USA. In the present study, twelve isolates of B. sorokiniana were collected from wheat fields in three different geographical locations in India. The pathogenicity of seven sporulating isolates was assessed on 'DDK 1025', a spot blotch-susceptible wheat variety under greenhouse conditions. The isolate 'D2' illustrated the highest virulence, followed by 'SI' and 'BS52'. These three isolates were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq1000 platform. The estimated genome sizes of the isolates BS52, D2, and SI were 35.19 MB, 39.32 MB, and 32.76 MB, with GC contents of 48.48%, 50.43%, and 49.42%, respectively. The numbers of pathogenicity genes identified in BS52, D2, and SI isolates were 2015, 2476, and 2018, respectively. Notably, the isolate D2 exhibited a relatively larger genome with expanded arsenals of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs), CAZymes, secretome, and pathogenicity genes, which could have contributed to its higher virulence among the tested isolates. This study provides the first comparative genome analysis of the Indian isolates of B. sorokiniana using whole genome sequencing.
Collapse
|
19
|
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Unravels the Response Mechanisms of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense to a Biocontrol Agent, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315432. [PMID: 36499750 PMCID: PMC9735772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Banana Fusarium wilt, which is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (FOC TR4), is one of the most serious fungal diseases in the banana-producing regions in east Asia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-2 could significantly inhibit the growth of FOC TR4. Strain Gxun-2 strongly inhibited the mycelial growth of FOC TR4 on dual culture plates and caused hyphal wrinkles, ruptures, and deformities on in vitro cultures. Banana seedlings under pot experiment treatment with Gxun-2 in a greenhouse resulted in an 84.21% reduction in the disease. Comparative transcriptome analysis was applied to reveal the response and resistance of FOC TR4 to Gxun-2 stress. The RNA-seq analysis of FOC TR4 during dual-culture with P. aeruginosa Gxun-2 revealed 3075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with the control. Among the genes, 1158 genes were up-regulated, and 1917 genes were down-regulated. Further analysis of gene function and the pathway of DEGs revealed that genes related to the cell membrane, cell wall formation, peroxidase, ABC transporter, and autophagy were up-regulated, while down-regulated DEGs were enriched in the sphingolipid metabolism and chitinase. These results indicated that FOC TR4 upregulates a large number of genes in order to maintain cell functions. The results of qRT-PCR conducted on a subset of 13 genes were consistent with the results of RNA-seq data. Thus, this study serves as a valuable resource regarding the mechanisms of fungal pathogen resistance to biocontrol agents.
Collapse
|
20
|
Pokharel M, Konarzewska P, Roberge JY, Han GS, Wang Y, Carman GM, Xue C. The Anticancer Drug Bleomycin Shows Potent Antifungal Activity by Altering Phospholipid Biosynthesis. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0086222. [PMID: 36036637 PMCID: PMC9602507 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00862-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are difficult to treat with limited drug options, mainly because fungi are eukaryotes and share many cellular mechanisms with the human host. Most current antifungal drugs are either fungistatic or highly toxic. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify important fungal specific drug targets for novel antifungal development. Numerous studies have shown the fungal phosphatidylserine (PS) biosynthetic pathway to be a potential target. It is synthesized from CDP-diacylglycerol and serine, and the fungal PS synthesis route is different from that in mammalian cells, in which preexisting phospholipids are utilized to produce PS in a base-exchange reaction. In this study, we utilized a Saccharomyces cerevisiae heterologous expression system to screen for inhibitors of Cryptococcus PS synthase Cho1, a fungi-specific enzyme essential for cell viability. We identified an anticancer compound, bleomycin, as a positive candidate that showed a phospholipid-dependent antifungal effect. Its inhibition on fungal growth can be restored by ethanolamine supplementation. Further exploration of the mechanism of action showed that bleomycin treatment damaged the mitochondrial membrane in yeast cells, leading to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas supplementation with ethanolamine helped to rescue bleomycin-induced damage. Our results indicate that bleomycin does not specifically inhibit the PS synthase enzyme; however, it may affect phospholipid biosynthesis through disruption of mitochondrial function, namely, the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), which helps cells maintain membrane composition and functionality. IMPORTANCE Invasive fungal pathogens cause significant morbidity and mortality, with over 1.5 million deaths annually. Because fungi are eukaryotes that share much of their cellular machinery with the host, our armamentarium of antifungal drugs is highly limited, with only three classes of antifungal drugs available. Drug toxicity and emerging resistance have limited their use. Hence, targeting fungi-specific enzymes that are important for fungal survival, growth, or virulence poses a strategy for novel antifungal development. In this study, we developed a heterologous expression system to screen for chemical compounds with activity against Cryptococcus phosphatidylserine synthase, Cho1, a fungi-specific enzyme that is essential for viability in C. neoformans. We confirmed the feasibility of this screen method and identified a previously unexplored role of the anticancer compound bleomycin in disrupting mitochondrial function and inhibiting phospholipid synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Pokharel
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paulina Konarzewska
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jacques Y. Roberge
- Molecular Design and Synthesis Core, Rutgers University Biomolecular Innovations Cores, Office for Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Gil-Soo Han
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yina Wang
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - George M. Carman
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Chaoyang Xue
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
The Role of Ergosterol and Sphingolipids in the Localization and Activity of Candida albicans’ Multidrug Transporter Cdr1p and Plasma Membrane ATPase Pma1p. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179975. [PMID: 36077373 PMCID: PMC9456455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans causes systemic infections named candidiasis. Due to the increasing number of multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of Candida sp., currently employed antifungals (e.g., azoles) are insufficient for combating fungal infection. One of the resistance mechanisms toward azoles is increased expression of plasma membrane (PM) transporters (e.g., Cdr1p), and such an effect was observed in C. albicans clinical isolates. At the same time, it has been proven that a decrease in PMs sphingolipids (SLs) content correlates with altered sensitivity to azoles and diminished Cdr1p levels. This indicates an important role for SL in maintaining the properties of PM and gaining resistance to antifungal agents. Here, we prove using a novel spot variation fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (svFCS) technique that CaCdr1p localizes in detergent resistant microdomains (DRMs). Immunoblot analysis confirmed the localization of CaCdr1p in DRMs fraction in both the C. albicans WT and erg11Δ/Δ strains after 14 and 24 h of culture. We also show that the C. albicanserg11Δ/Δ strain is more sensitive to the inhibitor of SLs synthesis; aureobasidin A (AbA). AbA treatment leads to a diminished amount of SLs in C. albicans WT and erg11Δ/Δ PM, while, for C. albicanserg11Δ/Δ, the general levels of mannose-inositol-P-ceramide and inositol-P-ceramide are significantly lower than for the C. albicans WT strain. Simultaneously, the level of ergosterol in the C. albicans WT strain after adding of AbA remains unchanged, compared to the control conditions. Analysis of PM permeabilization revealed that treatment with AbA correlates with the disruption of PM integrity in C. albicanserg11Δ/Δ but not in the C. albicans WT strain. Additionally, in the C. albicans WT strain, we observed lower activity of H+-ATPase, correlated with the delocalization of both CaCdr1p and CaPma1p.
Collapse
|
22
|
Grob G, Hemmerle M, Yakobov N, Mahmoudi N, Fischer F, Senger B, Becker HD. tRNA-dependent addition of amino acids to cell wall and membrane components. Biochimie 2022; 203:93-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
23
|
Grajeda BI, De Chatterjee A, Villalobos CM, Pence BC, Ellis CC, Enriquez V, Roy S, Roychowdhury S, Neumann AK, Almeida IC, Patterson SE, Das S. Giardial lipid rafts share virulence factors with secreted vesicles and participate in parasitic infection in mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:974200. [PMID: 36081774 PMCID: PMC9445159 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.974200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia, a protozoan parasite, is a major cause of waterborne infection, worldwide. While the trophozoite form of this parasite induces pathological symptoms in the gut, the cyst form transmits the infection. Since Giardia is a noninvasive parasite, the actual mechanism by which it causes disease remains elusive. We have previously reported that Giardia assembles cholesterol and GM1 glycosphingolipid-enriched lipid rafts (LRs) that participate in encystation and cyst production. To further delineate the role of LRs in pathogenesis, we isolated LRs from Giardia and subjected them to proteomic analysis. Various cellular proteins including potential virulence factors-e.g., giardins, variant surface proteins, arginine deaminases, elongation factors, ornithine carbomyltransferases, and high cysteine-rich membrane proteins-were found to be present in LRs. Since Giardia secretes virulence factors encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that induce proinflammatory responses in hosts, EVs released by the parasite were isolated and subjected to nanoparticle tracking and proteomic analysis. Two types of EV-i.e., small vesicles (SVs; <100 nm, exosome-like particles) and large vesicles (LVs; 100-400 nm, microvesicle-like particles)-were identified and found to contain a diverse group of proteins including above potential virulence factors. Although pretreatment of the parasite with two giardial lipid raft (gLR) disruptors, nystatin (27 μM) and oseltamivir (20 μM), altered the expression profiles of virulence factors in LVs and SVs, the effects were more robust in the case of SVs. To examine the potential role of rafts and vesicles in pathogenicity, Giardia-infected mice were treated with oseltamivir (1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg), and the shedding of cysts were monitored. We observed that this drug significantly reduced the parasite load in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that virulence factors partitioning in gLRs, released into the extracellular milieu via SVs and LVs, participate in spread of giardiasis and could be targeted for future drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian I. Grajeda
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Atasi De Chatterjee
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Carmen M. Villalobos
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Breanna C. Pence
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Cameron C. Ellis
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Vanessa Enriquez
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Sourav Roy
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Sukla Roychowdhury
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Aaron K. Neumann
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Steven E. Patterson
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Siddhartha Das
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Untargeted lipidomics reveals the antifungal mechanism of essential oils nanoemulsion against Penicillium digitatum. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
25
|
Unique roles of aminophospholipid translocase Drs2p in governing efflux pump activity, ergosterol level, virulence traits, and host-pathogen interaction in Candida albicans. INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SPANISH SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 25:769-779. [PMID: 35788922 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-022-00262-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by Candida albicans are rising due to increment in drug resistance and a limited arsenal of conventional antifungal drugs. Thus, elucidating the novel antifungal targets still represent an alternative that could overcome the problem of multidrug resistance (MDR). In this study, we have uncovered the distinctive effect of aminophospholipid translocase (Drs2p) deletion on major MDR mechanisms of C. albicans. We determined that efflux activity was diminished in Δdrs2 mutant as revealed by extracellular rhodamine 6G (R6G) efflux and flow cytometry. Moreover, we further unveiled that Δdrs2 mutant displayed decreased ergosterol content and increased membrane fluidity. Furthermore, Drs2p deletion affects the virulence attributes and led to inhibited hyphal growth and reduced biofilm formation. Additionally, THP-1 cell lines' mediated host-pathogen interaction studies revealed that Δdrs2 mutant displayed enhanced phagocytosis and altered cytokine production leading to increased IL-6 and decreased IL-10 production. Taken together, the present study demonstrates the relevance of Drs2p in C. albicans and consequently disrupting pathways known for mediating drug resistance and immune recognition. Comprehensive studies are further required to authenticate Drs2p as a novel antifungal drug target.
Collapse
|
26
|
Shahi G, Kumar M, Khandelwal NK, Banerjee A, Sarkar P, Kumari S, Esquivel BD, Chauhan N, Chattopadhyay A, White TC, Gaur NA, Singh A, Prasad R. Inositol Phosphoryl Transferase, Ipt1, Is a Critical Determinant of Azole Resistance and Virulence Phenotypes in Candida glabrata. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070651. [PMID: 35887407 PMCID: PMC9322651 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have specifically blocked a key step of sphingolipid (SL) biosynthesis in Candida glabrata by disruption of the orthologs of ScIpt1 and ScSkn1. Based on their close homology with S. cerevisiae counterparts, the proteins are predicted to catalyze the addition of a phosphorylinositol group onto mannosyl inositolphosphoryl ceramide (MIPC) to form mannosyl diinositolphosphoryl ceramide (M(IP)2C), which accounts for the majority of complex SL structures in S. cerevisiae membranes. High throughput lipidome analysis confirmed the accumulation of MIPC structures in ΔCgipt1 and ΔCgskn1 cells, albeit to lesser extent in the latter. Noticeably, ΔCgipt1 cells showed an increased susceptibility to azoles; however, ΔCgskn1 cells showed no significant changes in the drug susceptibility profiles. Interestingly, the azole susceptible phenotype of ΔCgipt1 cells seems to be independent of the ergosterol content. ΔCgipt1 cells displayed altered lipid homeostasis, increased membrane fluidity as well as high diffusion of radiolabeled fluconazole (3H-FLC), which could together influence the azole susceptibility of C. glabrata. Furthermore, in vivo experiments also confirmed compromised virulence of the ΔCgipt1 strain. Contrarily, specific functions of CgSkn1 remain unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garima Shahi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (N.A.G.)
| | | | - Atanu Banerjee
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Parijat Sarkar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; (P.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Sonam Kumari
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (N.A.G.)
| | - Brooke D. Esquivel
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; (B.D.E.); (T.C.W.)
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Amitabha Chattopadhyay
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; (P.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Theodore C. White
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; (B.D.E.); (T.C.W.)
| | - Naseem A. Gaur
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (N.A.G.)
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wu L, Yuan Z, Wang P, Mao X, Zhou M, Hou Y. The plasma membrane H + -ATPase FgPMA1 regulates the development, pathogenicity, and phenamacril sensitivity of Fusarium graminearum by interacting with FgMyo-5 and FgBmh2. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:489-502. [PMID: 34921490 PMCID: PMC8916210 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium graminearum, as the causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB), not only causes yield loss, but also contaminates the quality of wheat by producing mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON). The plasma membrane H+ -ATPases play important roles in many growth stages in plants and yeasts, but their functions and regulation in phytopathogenic fungi remain largely unknown. Here we characterized two plasma membrane H+ -ATPases: FgPMA1 and FgPMA2 in F. graminearum. The FgPMA1 deletion mutant (∆FgPMA1), but not FgPMA2 deletion mutant (∆FgPMA2), was impaired in vegetative growth, pathogenicity, and sexual and asexual development. FgPMA1 was localized to the plasma membrane, and ∆FgPMA1 displayed reduced integrity of plasma membrane. ∆FgPMA1 not only impaired the formation of the toxisome, which is a compartment where DON is produced, but also suppressed the expression level of DON biosynthetic enzymes, decreased DON production, and decreased the amount of mycelial invasion, leading to impaired pathogenicity by exclusively developing disease on inoculation sites of wheat ears and coleoptiles. ∆FgPMA1 exhibited decreased sensitivity to some osmotic stresses, a cell wall-damaging agent (Congo red), a cell membrane-damaging agent (sodium dodecyl sulphate), and heat shock stress. FgMyo-5 is the target of phenamacril used for controlling FHB. We found FgPMA1 interacted with FgMyo-5, and ∆FgPMA1 showed an increased expression level of FgMyo-5, resulting in increased sensitivity to phenamacril, but not to other fungicides. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that FgPMA1, FgMyo-5, and FgBmh2 (a 14-3-3 protein) form a complex to regulate the sensitivity to phenamacril and biological functions. Collectively, this study identified a novel regulating mechanism of FgPMA1 in pathogenicity and phenamacril sensitivity of F. graminearum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luoyu Wu
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhili Yuan
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Pengwei Wang
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xuewei Mao
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Mingguo Zhou
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yiping Hou
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Li T, Kim D, Lee J. NADPH Oxidase Gene, FgNoxD, Plays a Critical Role in Development and Virulence in Fusarium graminearum. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:822682. [PMID: 35308369 PMCID: PMC8928025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.822682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
NADPH oxidase is an enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species from oxygen and NADPH and is highly conserved in eukaryotes. In Fusarium graminearum, a series of different Nox enzymes have been identified. NoxA is involved in sexual development and ascospore production and, like NoxB, also contributes to pathogenicity. Both NoxA and NoxB are regulated by the subunit NoxR, whereas NoxC is usually self-regulated by EF-hand motifs found on the enzyme. In this study, we characterized another NADPH oxidase in F. graminearum, FgNoxD. In the FgNoxD deletion mutant, vegetative growth and conidia production were reduced, while sexual development was totally abolished. The FgNoxD deletion mutant also showed reduced resistance to cell wall perturbing agents; cell membrane inhibitors; and osmotic, fungicide, cold, and extracellular oxidative stress, when compared to the wild type. Moreover, in comparison to the wild type, the FgNoxD deletion mutant exhibited reduced virulence against the host plant. The FgNoxD deletion mutant produced less deoxynivalenol than the wild type, and the Tri5 and Tri6 gene expression was also downregulated. In conclusion, our findings show that FgNoxD is involved in the survival against various stresses, conidiation, sexual development, and virulence, highlighting this enzyme as a new target to control the disease caused by F. graminearum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taiying Li
- Department of Applied Biology, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Dohyun Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jungkwan Lee
- Department of Applied Biology, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yakobov N, Mahmoudi N, Grob G, Yokokawa D, Saga Y, Kushiro T, Worrell D, Roy H, Schaller H, Senger B, Huck L, Riera Gascon G, Becker HD, Fischer F. RNA-dependent synthesis of ergosteryl-3β-O-glycine in Ascomycota expands the diversity of steryl-amino acids. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101657. [PMID: 35131263 PMCID: PMC8913301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
|
30
|
Kulkarni R, Wiemer EAC, Chang W. Role of Lipid Rafts in Pathogen-Host Interaction - A Mini Review. Front Immunol 2022; 12:815020. [PMID: 35126371 PMCID: PMC8810822 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.815020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid rafts, also known as microdomains, are important components of cell membranes and are enriched in cholesterol, glycophospholipids and receptors. They are involved in various essential cellular processes, including endocytosis, exocytosis and cellular signaling. Receptors are concentrated at lipid rafts, through which cellular signaling can be transmitted. Pathogens exploit these signaling mechanisms to enter cells, proliferate and egress. However, lipid rafts also play an important role in initiating antimicrobial responses by sensing pathogens via clustered pathogen-sensing receptors and triggering downstream signaling events such as programmed cell death or cytokine production for pathogen clearance. In this review, we discuss how both host and pathogens use lipid rafts and associated proteins in an arms race to survive. Special attention is given to the involvement of the major vault protein, the main constituent of a ribonucleoprotein complex, which is enriched in lipid rafts upon infection with vaccinia virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kulkarni
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Defense Medical Center, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Science, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Rakesh Kulkarni, ; Wen Chang,
| | - Erik A. C. Wiemer
- Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wen Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Rakesh Kulkarni, ; Wen Chang,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wołczańska A, Christie WW, Fuchs B, Galuska CE, Kowalczyk B, Palusińska-Szysz M. Fatty acid composition and lipid profiles as chemotaxonomic markers of phytopathogenic fungi Puccinia malvacearum and P. glechomatis. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:869-878. [PMID: 34649673 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.05.008] [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: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of the overall fatty acid pattern as well as their distribution in various lipid classes of phytopathogenic fungi Puccinia malvacearum and P. glechomatis are considered as chemotaxonomic biomarkers. Puccinia malvacearum on Alcea rosea and P. glechomatis on Glechoma hederacea collected from plants grown in various localities were analysed to determine their fatty acid composition. Both species synthesised significant amounts of saturated palmitic and stearic acids as well as 9,10-epoxy-octadecanoic acid, which rarely occurs in the nature. Both species synthesised hydroxy FAs including 9,10-dihydroxy octadecanoic acid and long-chain 2-hydroxy fatty acids.2-hydroxy 18:0 and 3-hydroxy 20:0 fatty acids were present only in P. malvacearum spores, and these may be the chemotaxonomic markers of the species. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was performed for a comparative lipidomic analysis of P. malvacearum and P. glechomatis. The results revealed the complexity of molecular lipid species of these fungi. P. malvacearum and P. glechomatis lipids were characterised by the presence of a high number of triglyceride (TG) species. 9,10-epoxy octadecanoic fatty acid was found in TGs. Among the many types of oxidised TGs identified in P. glechomatis lipids, the most abundant species corresponds to TG(22:5+6O_17:0_18:2). P. malvacearum and P. glechomatis produced various ceramide species with different FAs from 14 to 24 chain-length. Unusual lipids like (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy FA 18:0/18:0 in P. glechomatis and (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy FA 18:0/20:0 and 18:0/22:0 in P. malvacearum were detected. The analysis of the polar lipid composition showed the presence of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine as the main phospholipid classes of Puccinia spp. with the highest diversity of molecular species. Other phospholipids phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol were present in smaller amounts. The diversity of the neutral and polar lipid composition and fatty acid profile of P. malvacearum and P. glechomatis can be used in chemotaxonomic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wołczańska
- Department of Botany, Mycology and Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - William W Christie
- Retired, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK.
| | - Beate Fuchs
- Core Facility Metabolomics, Leibniz-Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Christina E Galuska
- Core Facility Metabolomics, Leibniz-Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Bożena Kowalczyk
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Science, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Marta Palusińska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Science, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Singh R, Ren Z, Shi Y, Lin S, Kwon K, Balamurugan S, Rai V, Mante F, Koo H, Daniell H. Affordable oral health care: dental biofilm disruption using chloroplast made enzymes with chewing gum delivery. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:2113-2125. [PMID: 34076337 PMCID: PMC8486246 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Current approaches for oral health care rely on procedures that are unaffordable to impoverished populations, whereas aerosolized droplets in the dental clinic and poor oral hygiene may contribute to spread of several infectious diseases including COVID-19, requiring new solutions for dental biofilm/plaque treatment at home. Plant cells have been used to produce monoclonal antibodies or antimicrobial peptides for topical applications to decrease colonization of pathogenic microbes on dental surface. Therefore, we investigated an affordable method for dental biofilm disruption by expressing lipase, dextranase or mutanase in plant cells via the chloroplast genome. Antibiotic resistance gene used to engineer foreign genes into the chloroplast genome were subsequently removed using direct repeats flanking the aadA gene and enzymes were successfully expressed in marker-free lettuce transplastomic lines. Equivalent enzyme units of plant-derived lipase performed better than purified commercial enzymes against biofilms, specifically targeting fungal hyphae formation. Combination of lipase with dextranase and mutanase suppressed biofilm development by degrading the biofilm matrix, with concomitant reduction of bacterial and fungal accumulation. In chewing gum tablets formulated with freeze-dried plant cells, expressed protein was stable up to 3 years at ambient temperature and was efficiently released in a time-dependent manner using a mechanical chewing simulator device. Development of edible plant cells expressing enzymes eliminates the need for purification and cold-chain transportation, providing a potential translatable therapeutic approach. Biofilm disruption through plant enzymes and chewing gum-based delivery offers an effective and affordable dental biofilm control at home particularly for populations with minimal oral care access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Singh
- Department of Basic and Translational SciencesSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Zhi Ren
- Divisions of Community Oral Health & Pediatric DentistryDepartment of OrthodonticsSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Yao Shi
- Department of Basic and Translational SciencesSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Shina Lin
- Department of Basic and Translational SciencesSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Kwang‐Chul Kwon
- Department of Basic and Translational SciencesSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Shanmugaraj Balamurugan
- Department of Basic and Translational SciencesSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Vineeta Rai
- Department of Basic and Translational SciencesSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Francis Mante
- Department of Preventive and Restorative DentistrySchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Hyun Koo
- Divisions of Community Oral Health & Pediatric DentistryDepartment of OrthodonticsSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Center for Innovation & Precision DentistrySchool of Dental Medicine and School of Engineering & Applied SciencesUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational SciencesSchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Center for Innovation & Precision DentistrySchool of Dental Medicine and School of Engineering & Applied SciencesUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
dos Reis TF, Horta MAC, Colabardini AC, Fernandes CM, Silva LP, Bastos RW, Fonseca MVDL, Wang F, Martins C, Rodrigues ML, Silva Pereira C, Del Poeta M, Wong KH, Goldman GH. Screening of Chemical Libraries for New Antifungal Drugs against Aspergillus fumigatus Reveals Sphingolipids Are Involved in the Mechanism of Action of Miltefosine. mBio 2021; 12:e0145821. [PMID: 34372704 PMCID: PMC8406317 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01458-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important fungal pathogen and the main etiological agent of aspergillosis, a disease characterized by a noninvasive process that can evolve to a more severe clinical manifestation, called invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), in immunocompromised patients. The antifungal arsenal to threat aspergillosis is very restricted. Azoles are the main therapeutic approach to control IPA, but the emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates has significantly increased over recent decades. Therefore, new strategies are necessary to combat aspergillosis, and drug repurposing has emerged as an efficient and alternative approach for identifying new antifungal drugs. Here, we used a screening approach to analyze A. fumigatus in vitro susceptibility to 1,127 compounds. A. fumigatus was susceptible to 10 compounds, including miltefosine, a drug that displayed fungicidal activity against A. fumigatus. By screening an A. fumigatus transcription factor null library, we identified a single mutant, which has the smiA (sensitive to miltefosine) gene deleted, conferring a phenotype of susceptibility to miltefosine. The transcriptional profiling (RNA-seq) of the wild-type and ΔsmiA strains and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to next-generation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) of an SmiA-tagged strain exposed to miltefosine revealed genes of the sphingolipid pathway that are directly or indirectly regulated by SmiA. Sphingolipid analysis demonstrated that the mutant has overall decreased levels of sphingolipids when growing in the presence of miltefosine. The identification of SmiA represents the first genetic element described and characterized that plays a direct role in miltefosine response in fungi. IMPORTANCE The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes a group of diseases named aspergillosis, and their development occurs after the inhalation of conidia dispersed in the environment. Very few classes of antifungal drugs are available for aspergillosis treatment, e.g., azoles, but the emergence of global resistance to azoles in A. fumigatus clinical isolates has increased over recent decades. Repositioning or repurposing drugs already available on the market is an interesting and faster opportunity for the identification of novel antifungal agents. By using a repurposing strategy, we identified 10 different compounds that impact A. fumigatus survival. One of these compounds, miltefosine, demonstrated fungicidal activity against A. fumigatus. The mechanism of action of miltefosine is unknown, and, aiming to get more insights about it, we identified a transcription factor, SmiA (sensitive to miltefosine), important for miltefosine resistance. Our results suggest that miltefosine displays antifungal activity against A. fumigatus, interfering in sphingolipid biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- MicroControl Innovation Ltd., Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Caroline Mota Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Lilian Pereira Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael Wesley Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Fang Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Celso Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Márcio L. Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz–Fiocruz, Curitiba, Brazil
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Veteran Administration Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
- MicroRid Technologies Inc., Dix Hills, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, USA
| | - Koon Ho Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abdelghany T, Yahya R, M. Bakri M, Ganash M, H. Amin B, Qanash H. Effect of Thevetia peruviana Seeds Extract for Microbial Pathogens and Cancer Control. INT J PHARMACOL 2021. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2021.643.655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
35
|
Peláez-Jaramillo CA, Jiménez-Alzate MDP, Araque-Marin P, Hung CY, Castro-Lopez N, Cole GT. Lipid Secretion by Parasitic Cells of Coccidioides Contributes to Disseminated Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:592826. [PMID: 34055661 PMCID: PMC8155295 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.592826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioides is a soil-borne fungal pathogen and causative agent of a human respiratory disease (coccidioidomycosis) endemic to semi-desert regions of southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. Aerosolized arthroconidia inhaled by the mammalian host first undergo conversion to large parasitic cells (spherules, 80-100 μm diameter) followed by endosporulation, a process by which the contents of spherules give rise to multiple endospores. The latter are released upon rupture of the maternal spherules and establish new foci of lung infection. A novel feature of spherule maturation prior to endosporulation is the secretion of a lipid-rich, membranous cell surface layer shed in vivo during growth of the parasitic cells and secretion into liquid culture medium during in vitro growth. Chemical analysis of the culture derived spherule outer wall (SOW) fraction showed that it is composed largely of phospholipids and is enriched with saturated fatty acids, including myristic, palmitic, elaidic, oleic, and stearic acid. NMR revealed the presence of monosaccharide- and disaccharide-linked acylglycerols and sphingolipids. The major sphingolipid components are sphingosine and ceramide. Primary neutrophils derived from healthy C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice incubated with SOW lipids revealed a significant reduction in fungicidal activity against viable Coccidioides arthroconidia compared to incubation of neutrophils with arthroconidia alone. Host cell exposure to SOW lipids had no effect on neutrophil viability. Furthermore, C57BL/6 mice that were challenged subcutaneously with Coccidioides arthroconidia in the presence of the isolated SOW fraction developed disseminated disease, while control mice challenged with arthroconidia alone by the same route showed no dissemination of infection. We hypothesize that SOW lipids contribute to suppression of inflammatory response to Coccidioides infection. Studies are underway to characterize the immunosuppressive mechanism(s) of SOW lipids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Peláez-Jaramillo
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.,Grupo Interdisciplinario de Estudios Moleculares, Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciencess, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.,Grupo Micología Médica, Microbiology and Parasitology Department, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Maria Del Pilar Jiménez-Alzate
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.,Grupo Interdisciplinario de Estudios Moleculares, Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciencess, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Pedronel Araque-Marin
- School of Life Sciences, EIA University (Universidad Escuela de Ingenieros de Antioquia), Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Chiung-Yu Hung
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Natalia Castro-Lopez
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Garry T Cole
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pezzotti G, Asai T, Adachi T, Ohgitani E, Yamamoto T, Kanamura N, Boschetto F, Zhu W, Zanocco M, Marin E, Bal BS, McEntire BJ, Makimura K, Mazda O, Nishimura I. Antifungal activity of polymethyl methacrylate/Si 3N 4 composites against Candida albicans. Acta Biomater 2021; 126:259-276. [PMID: 33727194 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies using gram-positive and -negative bacteria demonstrated that hydrolysis of silicon nitride (Si3N4) in aqueous suspensions elutes nitrogen and produces gaseous ammonia while buffering pH. According to immunochemistry assays, fluorescence imaging, and in situ Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrate here that the antipathogenic surface chemistry of Si3N4 can be extended to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by compounding it with a minor fraction (~8 vol.%) of Si3N4 particles without any tangible loss in bulk properties. The hydrolytic products, which were eluted from partly exposed Si3N4 particles at the composite surface, exhibited fungicidal action against Candida albicans. Using a specific nitrative stress sensing dye and highly resolved fluorescence micrographs, we observed in situ congestion of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) radicals in the mitochondria of the Candida cells exposed to the PMMA/Si3N4 composite, while these radicals were absent in the mitochondria of identical cells exposed to monolithic PMMA. These in situ observations suggest that the surface chemistry of Si3N4 mimics the antifungal activity of macrophages, which concurrently produce NO radicals and superoxide anions (O2•-) resulting in the formation of candidacidal ONOO-. The fungicidal properties of PMMA/Si3N4 composites could be used in dental appliances to inhibit the uncontrolled growth of Candida albicans and ensuing candidiasis while being synergic with chemoprophylaxis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In a follow-up of previous studies of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, we demonstrate here that the antipathogenic surface chemistry of Si3N4 could be extended to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) containing a minor fraction (~8 vol.%) of Si3N4 particles without tangible loss in bulk properties. Hydrolytic products eluted from Si3N4 particles at the composite surface exhibited fungicidal action against Candida albicans. Highly resolved fluorescence microscopy revealed congestion of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) radicals in the mitochondria of the Candida cells exposed to the PMMA/Si3N4 composite, while radicals were absent in the mitochondria of identical cells exposed to monolithic PMMA. The fungicidal properties of PMMA/Si3N4 composites could be used in dental appliances to inhibit uncontrolled growth of Candida albicans and ensuing candidiasis in synergy with chemoprophylaxis.
Collapse
|
37
|
Frolova GM, Kotlova ER, Sokornova SV, Senik SV, Shavarda AL, Misharev AD, Berestetskiy AO. Pathogenicity and Lipid Composition of Mycelium of the Fungus Stagonospora cirsii VIZR 1.41 during Submerged Cultivation. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683821020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
38
|
Structure, metabolism and biological functions of steryl glycosides in mammals. Biochem J 2021; 477:4243-4261. [PMID: 33186452 PMCID: PMC7666875 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Steryl glycosides (SGs) are sterols glycosylated at their 3β-hydroxy group. They are widely distributed in plants, algae, and fungi, but are relatively rare in bacteria and animals. Glycosylation of sterols, resulting in important components of the cell membrane SGs, alters their biophysical properties and confers resistance against stress by freezing or heat shock to cells. Besides, many biological functions in animals have been suggested from the observations of SG administration. Recently, cholesteryl glucosides synthesized via the transglycosidation by glucocerebrosidases (GBAs) were found in the central nervous system of animals. Identification of patients with congenital mutations in GBA genes or availability of respective animal models will enable investigation of the function of such endogenously synthesized cholesteryl glycosides by genetic approaches. In addition, mechanisms of the host immune responses against pathogenic bacterial SGs have partially been resolved. This review is focused on the biological functions of SGs in mammals taking into consideration their therapeutic applications in the future.
Collapse
|
39
|
Fedoseeva EV, Tereshina VM, Danilova OA, Ianutsevich EA, Yakimenko OS, Terekhova VA. Effect of humic acid on the composition of osmolytes and lipids in a melanin-containing phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110395. [PMID: 33127397 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Humic substances (HS) have a direct impact on living cells, causing a wide range of various biological effects, and stimulating or inhibiting fungal growth. Therefore, it is important to reveal cellular indicators that could indicate the nature and level of HS' effects on living organisms. Paying attention to the important role of lipid and osmolytes in adaptation to stress, the aim of this work was to study the composition of osmolytes and lipids in the growth dynamics of the phytopathogenic melanin-containing fungus Alternaria alternata under the influence of humic acid (HA). HA was isolated from a commercial peat humic product. For cultivation, liquid Czapek medium with the addition of 200 mg/l HA (HA variant) was used, and with no HA for the control variant. The main osmolytes of the fungal mycelium were glucose, mannitol, and trehalose. Both in the control and in HA variants, a general pattern was observed during the growth process; the amount of glucose increased against the background of a decrease of mannitol. In the control, the amount of trehalose increased significantly by the stage of active melanin formation (day 4), while under the influence of HA, such an increase was not observed. Membrane lipids were represented by phospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterols. A characteristic feature of A. alternata was a high proportion of phosphatidic acids (PA) in the composition of membrane lipids. The amount and proportion of PA decreased during growth in the control, while under the influence of HA such decline was not observed. The influence of HA induced the increase in the amount of sterols (St) and phosphatidylcholines (PC) that were able to stabilise the membrane lipid bilayer. We can assume that general cellular response of A. alternata to HA influence, being expressed as a higher amount of PA, PC, St and a lower level of trehalose in comparison with the control, indicates the an absence of inhibition of growth processes of this phytopathogenic melanin-producing fungus. The effect of HA on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the osmolytes and membrane lipids of A. alternata may cause changes of virulence and stress resistance of this phytopathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E V Fedoseeva
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova st., Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation.
| | - V M Tereshina
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, bld. 2, Leninsky Prospect, Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation.
| | - O A Danilova
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, bld. 2, Leninsky Prospect, Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation.
| | - E A Ianutsevich
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, bld. 2, Leninsky Prospect, Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation.
| | - O S Yakimenko
- Faculty of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1, bld. 12, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.
| | - V A Terekhova
- Faculty of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1, bld. 12, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation; A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Santos-Pereira C, Andrés MT, Chaves SR, Fierro JF, Gerós H, Manon S, Rodrigues LR, Côrte-Real M. Lactoferrin perturbs lipid rafts and requires integrity of Pma1p-lipid rafts association to exert its antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 171:343-357. [PMID: 33421469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is a bioactive milk-derived protein with remarkable wide-spectrum antifungal activity. To deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Lf cytotoxicity, the role of plasma membrane ergosterol- and sphingolipid-rich lipid rafts and their association with the proton pump Pma1p was explored. Pma1p was previously identified as a Lf-binding protein. Results showed that bovine Lf (bLf) perturbs ergosterol-rich lipid rafts organization by inducing intracellular accumulation of ergosterol. Using yeast mutant strains lacking lipid rafts-associated proteins or enzymes involved in the synthesis of ergosterol and sphingolipids, we found that perturbations in the composition of these membrane domains increase resistance to bLf-induced yeast cell death. Also, when Pma1p-lipid rafts association is compromised in the Pma1-10 mutant and in the absence of the Pma1p-binding protein Ast1p, the bLf killing activity is impaired. Altogether, results showed that the perturbation of lipid rafts and the inhibition of both Pma1p and V-ATPase activities mediate the antifungal activity of bLf. Since it is suggested that the combination of conventional antifungals with lipid rafts-disrupting compounds is a powerful antifungal approach, our data will help to pave the way for the use of bLf alone or in combination for the treatment/eradication of clinically and agronomically relevant yeast pathogens/fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Santos-Pereira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Department of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - María T Andrés
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiology, University Clinic of Dentistry (CLUO) and Department of Functional Biology (Microbiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Susana R Chaves
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - José F Fierro
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiology, University Clinic of Dentistry (CLUO) and Department of Functional Biology (Microbiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Hernâni Gerós
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Stéphen Manon
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaires, UMR5095, CNRS et Université de Bordeaux, CS61390, 1 Rue Camille Saint-Saëns, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Lígia R Rodrigues
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Department of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Manuela Côrte-Real
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bogdanova LR, Valiullina YA, Faizullin DA, Kurbanov RK, Ermakova EA. Spectroscopic, zeta potential and molecular dynamics studies of the interaction of antimicrobial peptides with model bacterial membrane. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 242:118785. [PMID: 32801024 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2020.118785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-membrane interactions play a key role in the mechanisms of activity of antimicrobial peptides. Here, methods of fluorescence spectroscopy, zeta potential, and molecular dynamics modeling were used to study the interaction of new antimicrobial peptide megin with model bacterial membrane. The Gibbs free energy of -6 kcal/mol characterizes the interaction of the peptides with liposomes containing DOPE and POPG lipids. Fluorescence data, acrylamide quenching, and MD simulations show that megin peptides are mainly located at the lipid/water interface and are aligned parallel to the bilayer surface in a carpet like manner. Measurements of zeta potential demonstrate the decrease of the negative potential of liposomes in the presence of peptides. The influence of megin on the membrane properties is also confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. Insertion of peptides into the membrane disturbs lipid ordering, decreases the order parameters of lipids, and facilitates penetration of water molecules through the membrane. According to our results, we proposed that the megin antimicrobial activity can be explained by the carpet model of peptide activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L R Bogdanova
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, Kazan 420111, Russian Federation
| | - Y A Valiullina
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, Kazan 420111, Russian Federation
| | - D A Faizullin
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, Kazan 420111, Russian Federation
| | - R Kh Kurbanov
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, Kazan 420111, Russian Federation
| | - E A Ermakova
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, Kazan 420111, Russian Federation.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ziegler AC, Müller T, Gräler MH. Sphingosine 1-phosphate in sepsis and beyond: Its role in disease tolerance and host defense and the impact of carrier molecules. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109849. [PMID: 33249088 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is an important immune modulator responsible for physiological cellular responses like lymphocyte development and function, positioning and emigration of T and B cells and cytokine secretion. Recent reports indicate that S1P does not only regulate immunity, but can also protect the function of organs by inducing disease tolerance. S1P also influences the replication of certain pathogens, and sphingolipids are also involved in pathogen recognition and killing. Certain carrier molecules for S1P like serum albumin and high density lipoproteins contribute to the regulation of S1P effects. They are able to associate with S1P and modulate its signaling properties. Similar to S1P, both carrier molecules are also decreased in sepsis patients and likely contribute to sepsis pathology and severity. In this review, we will introduce the concept of disease tolerance and the involvement of S1P. We will also discuss the contribution of S1P and its precursor sphingosine to host defense mechanisms against pathogens. Finally, we will summarize current data demonstrating the influence of carrier molecules for differential S1P signaling. The presented data may lead to new strategies for the prevention and containment of sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke C Ziegler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany; Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Tina Müller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany; Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Markus H Gräler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany; Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tits J, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Combination Therapy to Treat Fungal Biofilm-Based Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228873. [PMID: 33238622 PMCID: PMC7700406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of people is affected by fungal biofilm-based infections, which are resistant to the majority of currently-used antifungal drugs. Such infections are often caused by species from the genera Candida, Aspergillus or Cryptococcus. Only a few antifungal drugs, including echinocandins and liposomal formulations of amphotericin B, are available to treat such biofilm-based fungal infections. This review discusses combination therapy as a novel antibiofilm strategy. More specifically, in vitro methods to discover new antibiofilm combinations will be discussed. Furthermore, an overview of the main modes of action of promising antibiofilm combination treatments will be provided as this knowledge may facilitate the optimization of existing antibiofilm combinations or the development of new ones with a similar mode of action.
Collapse
|
44
|
Vahedi-Shahandashti R, Lass-Flörl C. Novel Antifungal Agents and Their Activity against Aspergillus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E213. [PMID: 33050302 PMCID: PMC7711508 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for new antifungal agents, mainly due to increased incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI), high frequency of associated morbidity and mortality and limitations of the current antifungal agents (e.g., toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and resistance). The clinically available antifungals for IFI are restricted to four main classes: polyenes, flucytosine, triazoles, and echinocandins. Several antifungals are hampered by multiple resistance mechanisms being present in fungi. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with new targets and modified chemical structures are required to combat fungal infections. This review will describe novel antifungals, with a focus on the Aspergillus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Guseva G, Antina E, Berezin M, Lisovskaya S, Pavelyev R, Kayumov A, Lodochnikova O, Islamov D, Usachev K, Boichuk S, Nikitina L. Spectroscopic and In Vitro Investigations of Boron(III) Complex with Meso-4-Methoxycarbonylpropylsubstituted Dipyrromethene for Fluorescence Bioimaging Applications. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194541. [PMID: 33023057 PMCID: PMC7582871 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on the behavior of a new fluorescent marker for labeling individual biomolecules and staining cell organelles developed on a meso-substituted BODIPY platform. Boron(III) complex with meso-4-methoxycarbonylpropylsubstituted 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethyl-2,2′-dipyrromethene has been synthesized and identified via visible, UV-, NMR- and MS-spectra X-ray. The behavior of fluorophore in solutions has been studied with various experimental techniques. It has been found that luminophore exhibits a high quantum yield (almost ~100–75%) in the blue-green region (513–520 nm) and has high photostability. In addition, biological analysis indicates that the fluorophore exhibits a tendency to effectively penetrate into cell membranes. On the other hand, the proposed BODIPY can be used to study the significant differences among a large number of pathogens of mycotic infections, as well as to visualize structural changes in the plasma membrane, which is necessary for the clearance of mammalian cells undergoing apoptotic cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galina Guseva
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akademicheskaya st., 153045 Ivanovo, Russia; (E.A.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Antina
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akademicheskaya st., 153045 Ivanovo, Russia; (E.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Mikhail Berezin
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akademicheskaya st., 153045 Ivanovo, Russia; (E.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Svetlana Lisovskaya
- Kazan State Medical University, 49 Butlerova st., 420012 Kazan, Russia; (S.L.); (S.B.); (L.N.)
- Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 67 Bolshaya Krasnaya st., 420015 Kazan, Russia
| | - Roman Pavelyev
- Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya st., 420008 Kazan, Russia; (R.P.); (A.K.); (O.L.); (D.I.); (K.U.)
| | - Airat Kayumov
- Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya st., 420008 Kazan, Russia; (R.P.); (A.K.); (O.L.); (D.I.); (K.U.)
| | - Olga Lodochnikova
- Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya st., 420008 Kazan, Russia; (R.P.); (A.K.); (O.L.); (D.I.); (K.U.)
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Arbuzov, 420088 Kazan, Russia
| | - Daut Islamov
- Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya st., 420008 Kazan, Russia; (R.P.); (A.K.); (O.L.); (D.I.); (K.U.)
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Arbuzov, 420088 Kazan, Russia
| | - Konstantin Usachev
- Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya st., 420008 Kazan, Russia; (R.P.); (A.K.); (O.L.); (D.I.); (K.U.)
| | - Sergei Boichuk
- Kazan State Medical University, 49 Butlerova st., 420012 Kazan, Russia; (S.L.); (S.B.); (L.N.)
| | - Liliya Nikitina
- Kazan State Medical University, 49 Butlerova st., 420012 Kazan, Russia; (S.L.); (S.B.); (L.N.)
- Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya st., 420008 Kazan, Russia; (R.P.); (A.K.); (O.L.); (D.I.); (K.U.)
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Song J, Liu X, Li R. Sphingolipids: Regulators of azole drug resistance and fungal pathogenicity. Mol Microbiol 2020; 114:891-905. [PMID: 32767804 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the role of sphingolipids in pathogenic fungi, in terms of pathogenicity and resistance to azole drugs, has been a rapidly growing field. This review describes evidence about the roles of sphingolipids in azole resistance and fungal virulence. Sphingolipids can serve as signaling molecules that contribute to azole resistance through modulation of the expression of drug efflux pumps. They also contribute to azole resistance by participating in various microbial pathways such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), pH-responsive Rim pathway, and pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) pathway. In addition, sphingolipid signaling and eisosomes also coordinately regulate sphingolipid biosynthesis in response to azole-induced membrane stress. Sphingolipids are important for fungal virulence, playing roles during growth in hosts under stressful conditions, maintenance of cell wall integrity, biofilm formation, and production of various virulence factors. Finally, we discuss the possibility of exploiting fungal sphingolipids for the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat infections caused by pathogenic fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Song
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Xiao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Rongpeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang ZL, Pan HB, Huang J, Yu XP. The zinc finger transcription factors Bbctf1α and Bbctf1β regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid degradation and contribute to stress tolerance and virulence in a fungal insect pathogen. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:2589-2600. [PMID: 32077581 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To initiate insect infection, entomopathogenic fungi produce diverse cuticle-degrading enzymes. Of those, lipolytic enzymes participate in epicuticular lipid hydrolysis and thus facilitate fungal penetration through the outermost cuticular barrier of the insect host. The Far/CTF1-type zinc finger transcription factors play an important role in the regulation of lipolytic activity and fungal pathogenicity in plant pathogens but remain functionally unknown in fungal insect pathogens. RESULTS Two Far/CTF1-type transcription factor Bbctf1α and Bbctf1β, which are essential for differential expression of genes involved in the fungal lipid degradation, were identified and functionally characterized in a fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. Disruption of each gene led to drastic losses of extracellular lipolytic activities under lipidic substrate-inducing conditions, followed by remarkable phenotypic defects associated with the fungal biocontrol potential. These defects mainly included severe impairments of mycelial growth and conidium formation, and drastic losses of tolerance to the stresses of oxidation and cell wall perturbation during colony growth under either normal or induction conditions. Bioassays showed that the virulence of each disruption mutant on the greater wax moth was remarkably attenuated in topical immersion. However, there was no significant difference in intrahemolymph injection when the cuticle penetration process was bypassed. CONCLUSIONS Bbctf1α and Bbctf1β are multifunctional transcription factors that play vital roles in the regulation of fungal lipid utilization and contribute to the vegetative growth, sporulation capacity, environmental fitness and pest control potential in B. bassiana. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Liang Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Bo Pan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jue Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou Zhejiang, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ianutsevich EA, Danilova OA, Tereshina VM. Combinatorial Action of Different Stress Factors on the Composition of Membrane Lipids and Osmolytes of Aspergillus niger. Microbiology (Reading) 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261720040153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
|
49
|
Rv2037c, a stress induced conserved hypothetical protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a phospholipase: Role in cell wall modulation and intracellular survival. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 153:817-835. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
50
|
Ianutsevich EA, Danilova OA, Kurilov DV, Zavarzin IV, Tereshina VM. Osmolytes and membrane lipids in adaptive response of thermophilic fungus Rhizomucor miehei to cold, osmotic and oxidative shocks. Extremophiles 2020; 24:391-401. [PMID: 32144516 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-020-01163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to mesophiles, in which levels of trehalose and phosphatidic acids (PA) increased only under heat shock (HS), in thermophiles trehalose and PA were predominant under optimal growth conditions. To study the role of trehalose protection in the adaptation of thermophiles to various stressors, the composition of osmolytes and membrane lipids in the thermophilic fungus Rhizomucor miehei was studied under cold (CS), osmotic (OS) and oxidative (OxS) shocks. CS resulted in no accumulation of glycerol in the mycelium, while the amount of trehalose decreased. The main lipid changes were the increase in the PA proportion with simultaneous decrease of sterols (St), the increase of the unsaturation degree of polar lipids and the decrease of the ergosterol proportion in total St. OS did not cause changes in the lipid composition, but led to the decrease of ergosterol proportion too. Despite the low ability of Mucorales to produce polyols, increase in the level of arabitol and glycerol was observed under OS. OxS led to the decrease of trehalose level and had no effect on the lipid composition. Thus, our results show the similarity (OS) and the difference (CS and OxS) between adaptation mechanisms of thermophiles and mesophiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Ianutsevich
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, bld. 2 Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation
| | - Olga A Danilova
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, bld. 2 Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitrii V Kurilov
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 47, Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Igor V Zavarzin
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 47, Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Vera M Tereshina
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, bld. 2 Leninsky Ave., Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation.
| |
Collapse
|