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Neoh CF, Chen SCA, Lanternier F, Tio SY, Halliday CL, Kidd SE, Kong DCM, Meyer W, Hoenigl M, Slavin MA. Scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis: modern perspectives on these difficult-to-treat rare mold infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0000423. [PMID: 38551323 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00004-23] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYAlthough Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans are uncommon causes of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs), these infections are associated with high mortality and are costly to treat with a limited armamentarium of antifungal drugs. In light of recent advances, including in the area of new antifungals, the present review provides a timely and updated overview of these IFDs, with a focus on the taxonomy, clinical epidemiology, pathogenesis and host immune response, disease manifestations, diagnosis, antifungal susceptibility, and treatment. An expansion of hosts at risk for these difficult-to-treat infections has emerged over the last two decades given the increased use of, and broader population treated with, immunomodulatory and targeted molecular agents as well as wider adoption of antifungal prophylaxis. Clinical presentations differ not only between genera but also across the different Scedosporium species. L. prolificans is intrinsically resistant to most currently available antifungal agents, and the prognosis of immunocompromised patients with lomentosporiosis is poor. Development of, and improved access to, diagnostic modalities for early detection of these rare mold infections is paramount for timely targeted antifungal therapy and surgery if indicated. New antifungal agents (e.g., olorofim, fosmanogepix) with novel mechanisms of action and less cross-resistance to existing classes, availability of formulations for oral administration, and fewer drug-drug interactions are now in late-stage clinical trials, and soon, could extend options to treat scedosporiosis/lomentosporiosis. Much work remains to increase our understanding of these infections, especially in the pediatric setting. Knowledge gaps for future research are highlighted in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Fen Neoh
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon C-A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fanny Lanternier
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants malades, Paris, France
- National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Translational Mycology research group, Mycology Department, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Shio Yen Tio
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Catriona L Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah E Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David C M Kong
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- The National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infections and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Translational Medical Mycology Research Group, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Monica A Slavin
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Zhang H, Sun B, Wu W, Li Y, Yin Z, Lu C, Zhao H, Kong L, Ding X. The MYB transcription factor OsMYBxoc1 regulates resistance to Xoc by directly repressing transcription of the iron transport gene OsNRAMP5 in rice. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100859. [PMID: 38444161 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial leaf streak caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) is a continuous threat to rice cultivation, leading to substantial yield losses with socioeconomic implications. Iron ions are essential mineral nutrients for plant growth, but little information is available on how they influence mechanisms of rice immunity against Xoc. Here, we investigated the role of the myeloblastosis-related (MYB) transcriptional repressor OsMYBxoc1 in modulation of rice resistance through control of iron ion transport. Overexpression of OsMYBxoc1 significantly increased rice resistance, whereas OsMYBxoc1 RNA-interference lines and knockout mutants showed the opposite result. Suppression of OsMYBxoc1 expression dampened the immune response induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns. We demonstrated that OsMYBxoc1 binds specifically to the OsNRAMP5 promoter and represses transcription of OsNRAMP5. OsNRAMP5, a negative regulator of rice resistance to bacterial leaf streak, possesses metal ion transport activity, and inhibition of OsMYBxoc1 expression increased the iron ion content in rice. Activity of the ion-dependent H2O2 scavenging enzyme catalase was increased in plants with suppressed expression of OsMYBxoc1 or overexpression of OsNRAMP5. We found that iron ions promoted Xoc infection and interfered with the production of reactive oxygen species induced by Xoc. The type III effector XopAK directly inhibited OsMYBxoc1 transcription, indicating that the pathogen may promote its own proliferation by relieving restriction of iron ion transport in plants. In addition, iron complemented the pathogenicity defects of the RS105_ΔXopAK mutant strain, further confirming that iron utilization by Xoc may be dependent upon XopAK. In conclusion, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which OsMYBxoc1 modulates rice resistance by regulating iron accumulation and demonstrates that Xoc can accumulate iron ions by secreting the effector XopAK to promote its own infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Baolong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Ziyi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Chongchong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Haipeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Lingguang Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Xinhua Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.
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3
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Georgescu AM, Corbu VM, Csutak O. Molecular Basis of Yeasts Antimicrobial Activity-Developing Innovative Strategies for Biomedicine and Biocontrol. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4721-4750. [PMID: 38785553 PMCID: PMC11119588 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of the growing concern regarding the appearance and spread of emerging pathogens with high resistance to chemically synthetized biocides, the development of new agents for crops and human protection has become an emergency. In this context, the yeasts present a huge potential as eco-friendly agents due to their widespread nature in various habitats and to their wide range of antagonistic mechanisms. The present review focuses on some of the major yeast antimicrobial mechanisms, their molecular basis and practical applications in biocontrol and biomedicine. The synthesis of killer toxins, encoded by dsRNA virus-like particles, dsDNA plasmids or chromosomal genes, is encountered in a wide range of yeast species from nature and industry and can affect the development of phytopathogenic fungi and other yeast strains, as well as human pathogenic bacteria. The group of the "red yeasts" is gaining more interest over the last years, not only as natural producers of carotenoids and rhodotorulic acid with active role in cell protection against the oxidative stress, but also due to their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic yeasts, fungi and bacteria using these compounds and the mechanism of competition for nutritive substrate. Finally, the biosurfactants produced by yeasts characterized by high stability, specificity and biodegrability have proven abilities to inhibit phytopathogenic fungi growth and mycelia formation and to act as efficient antibacterial and antibiofilm formation agents for biomedicine. In conclusion, the antimicrobial activity of yeasts represents a direction of research with numerous possibilities of bioeconomic valorization as innovative strategies to combat pathogenic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Georgescu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.G.); (V.M.C.)
| | - Viorica Maria Corbu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.G.); (V.M.C.)
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, B.P. Hasdeu Street 7, 050568 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ortansa Csutak
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-M.G.); (V.M.C.)
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, B.P. Hasdeu Street 7, 050568 Bucharest, Romania
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4
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Rossetto D, Sebastianelli L, Oberegger S, Todorovic S, Haas H, Mansy SS. Peptide Mimics of the Cysteine-Rich Regions of HapX and SreA Bind a [2Fe-2S] Cluster In Vitro. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300545. [PMID: 38574244 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300545] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
HapX and SreA are transcription factors that regulate the response of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus to the availability of iron. During iron starvation, HapX represses genes involved in iron consuming pathways and upon a shift to iron excess, HapX activates these same genes. SreA blocks the expression of genes needed for iron uptake during periods of iron availability. Both proteins possess cysteine-rich regions (CRR) that are hypothesized to be necessary for the sensing of iron levels. However, the contribution of each of these domains to the function of the protein has remained unclear. Here, the ability of peptide analogs of each CRR is determined to bind an iron-sulfur cluster in vitro. UV-vis and resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopies reveal that each CRR is capable of coordinating a [2Fe-2S] cluster with comparable affinities. The iron-sulfur cluster coordinated to the CRR-B domain of HapX displays particularly high stability. The data are consistent with HapX and SreA mediating responses to cellular iron levels through the direct coordination of [2Fe-2S] clusters. The high stability of the CRR-B peptide may also find use as a starting point for the development of new green catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Rossetto
- D-CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Sebastianelli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Simon Oberegger
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Smilja Todorovic
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Sheref S Mansy
- D-CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
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5
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Ding JL, Lu M, Liu XL, Feng MG, Ying SH. Essential roles of ferric reductase-like proteins in growth, development, stress response, and virulence of the filamentous entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Microbiol Res 2024; 282:127661. [PMID: 38432016 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
In yeasts, ferric reductase catalyzes reduction of ferric ion to ferrous form, which is essential for the reductive iron assimilation system. However, the physiological roles of ferric reductases remain largely unknown in the filamentous fungi. In this study, genome-wide annotation revealed thirteen ferric reductase-like (Fre) proteins in the filamentous insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, and all their functions were genetically characterized. Ferric reductase family proteins exhibit different sub-cellular distributions (e.g., cell periphery and vacuole), which was due to divergent domain architectures. Fre proteins had a synergistic effect on fungal virulence, which was ascribed to their distinct functions in different physiologies. Ten Fre proteins were not involved in reduction of ferric ion in submerged mycelia, but most proteins contributed to blastospore development. Only two Fre proteins significantly contributed to B. bassiana vegetative growth under the chemical-induced iron starvation, but most Fre proteins were involved in resistance to osmotic and oxidative stresses. Notably, a bZIP-type transcription factor HapX bound to the promoter regions of all FRE genes in B. bassiana, and displayed varying roles in the transcription activation of these genes. This study reveals the important role of BbFre family proteins in development, stress response, and insect pathogenicity, as well as their distinctive role in the absorption of ferric iron from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Li Ding
- Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Min Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Xiao-Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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6
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Schalamun M, Hinterdobler W, Schinnerl J, Brecker L, Schmoll M. The transcription factor STE12 influences growth on several carbon sources and production of dehydroacetic acid (DHAA) in Trichoderma reesei. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9625. [PMID: 38671155 PMCID: PMC11053031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59511-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The filamentous ascomycete Trichoderma reesei, known for its prolific cellulolytic enzyme production, recently also gained attention for its secondary metabolite synthesis. Both processes are intricately influenced by environmental factors like carbon source availability and light exposure. Here, we explore the role of the transcription factor STE12 in regulating metabolic pathways in T. reesei in terms of gene regulation, carbon source utilization and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. We show that STE12 is involved in regulating cellulase gene expression and growth on carbon sources associated with iron homeostasis. STE12 impacts gene regulation in a light dependent manner on cellulose with modulation of several CAZyme encoding genes as well as genes involved in secondary metabolism. STE12 selectively influences the biosynthesis of the sorbicillinoid trichodimerol, while not affecting the biosynthesis of bisorbibutenolide, which was recently shown to be regulated by the MAPkinase pathway upstream of STE12 in the signaling cascade. We further report on the biosynthesis of dehydroacetic acid (DHAA) in T. reesei, a compound known for its antimicrobial properties, which is subject to regulation by STE12. We conclude, that STE12 exerts functions beyond development and hence contributes to balance the energy distribution between substrate consumption, reproduction and defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schalamun
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health and Bioresources, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Hinterdobler
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health and Bioresources, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
- MyPilz GmbH, Wienerbergstrasse 55/13-15, 1120, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Schinnerl
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lothar Brecker
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Schmoll
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health and Bioresources, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria.
- Division of Terrestrial Ecosystem Research, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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7
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Nasiri-Jahrodi A, Barati M, Namdar Ahmadabad H, Badali H, Morovati H. A comprehensive review on the role of T cell subsets and CAR-T cell therapy in Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110763. [PMID: 38350795 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110763] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus, a common cause of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in immunocompromised individuals, is critical for developing effective treatments. Tcells play a critical role in the immune response to A. fumigatus, with different subsets having distinct functions. Th1 cells are important for controlling fungal growth, while Th2 cells can exacerbate infection. Th17 cells promote the clearance of fungi indirectly by stimulating the production of various antimicrobial peptides from epithelial cells and directly by recruiting and activating neutrophils. Regulatory T cells have varied functions in A.fumigatus infection. They expand after exposure to A. fumigatus conidia and prevent organ injury and fungal sepsis by downregulating inflammation and inhibiting neutrophils or suppressing Th17 cells. Regulatory T cells also block Th2 cells to stop aspergillosis allergies. Immunotherapy with CAR T cells is a promising treatment for fungal infections, including A. fumigatus infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the immune response to A. fumigatus and to develop effective immunotherapies with CAR-T cells for this infection. This literature review explores the role of Tcell subsets in A.fumigatus infection, and the effects of CAR-T cell therapy on this fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abozar Nasiri-Jahrodi
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Barati
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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8
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Lu X, Zhang YY, Cheng W, Liu Y, Li Q, Li X, Dong F, Li J, Nie X. Chelating Effect of Siderophore Desferrioxamine-B on Uranyl Biomineralization Mediated by Shewanella putrefaciens. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3974-3984. [PMID: 38306233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In contaminated water and soil, little is known about the role and mechanism of the biometabolic molecule siderophore desferrioxamine-B (DFO) in the biogeochemical cycle of uranium due to complicated coordination and reaction networks. Here, a joint experimental and quantum chemical investigation is carried out to probe the biomineralization of uranyl (UO22+, referred to as U(VI) hereafter) induced by Shewanella putrefaciens (abbreviated as S. putrefaciens) in the presence of DFO and Fe3+ ion. The results show that the production of mineralized solids {hydrogen-uranium mica [H2(UO2)2(PO4)2·8H2O]} via S. putrefaciens binding with UO22+ is inhibited by DFO, which can both chelate preferentially UO22+ to form a U(VI)-DFO complex in solution and seize it from U(VI)-biominerals upon solvation. However, with Fe3+ ion introduced, the strong specificity of DFO binding with Fe3+ causes re-emergence of biomineralization of UO22+ {bassetite [Fe(UO2)2(PO4)2·8(H2O)]} by S. putrefaciens, owing to competitive complexation between Fe3+ and UO22+ for DFO. As DFO possesses three hydroxamic functional groups, it forms hexadentate coordination with Fe3+ and UO22+ ions via these functional groups. The stability of the Fe3+-DFO complex is much higher than that of U(VI)-DFO, resulting in some DFO-released UO22+ to be remobilized by S. putrefaciens. Our finding not only adds to the understanding of the fate of toxic U(VI)-containing substances in the environment and biogeochemical cycles in the future but also suggests the promising potential of utilizing functionalized DFO ligands for uranium processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Lu
- National Collaborative Innovation Center for Nuclear Waste and Environmental Safety, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang621000, China
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yang-Yang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wencai Cheng
- National Collaborative Innovation Center for Nuclear Waste and Environmental Safety, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang621000, China
| | - Yingzhangyang Liu
- National Collaborative Innovation Center for Nuclear Waste and Environmental Safety, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang621000, China
| | - Qingrong Li
- National Collaborative Innovation Center for Nuclear Waste and Environmental Safety, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang621000, China
| | - Xiaoan Li
- Mianyang Central Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang 621000, China
| | - Faqin Dong
- National Collaborative Innovation Center for Nuclear Waste and Environmental Safety, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang621000, China
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoqin Nie
- National Collaborative Innovation Center for Nuclear Waste and Environmental Safety, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang621000, China
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
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9
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Unnikrishnan BV, Binitha NK. Positive effect of inoculation with an Aspergillus strain on phosphorus and iron nutrition plus volatile organic compounds in rice. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024:10.1007/s12223-024-01129-4. [PMID: 38200388 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-024-01129-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
We explored the potential of a fungal strain Aspergillus costaricensis KS1 for modulating growth and nutrient mobilization in rice. At laboratory conditions, there was a decline in pH of the medium on inoculation with the strain and the production of citric acid was observed under broth conditions. Similarly, there was higher solubilization of tricalcium phosphate and siderophore production in liquid medium on inoculation with the strain. The effect of inoculation of KS1 was studied in rice and higher growth and yield were observed on inoculation compared to control. The content of phosphorus and iron in stem and roots of KS1 inoculated plants was higher in comparison with uninoculated control. There was also increased availability of phosphorus and iron content in soil grown with KS1 inoculated plants. In addition, inoculation with strain resulted in a higher content of volatile organic compounds such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and ethyl isoallocholate in stem of rice. A. costaricensis KS1 can be used for improving phosphorus and iron nutrition and impart tolerance against stresses in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadayi Karayi Binitha
- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
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10
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Pijuan J, Moreno DF, Yahya G, Moisa M, Ul Haq I, Krukiewicz K, Mosbah R, Metwally K, Cavalu S. Regulatory and pathogenic mechanisms in response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:2053-2071. [PMID: 37804207 PMCID: PMC10616654 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for all eukaryote organisms because of its redox properties, which are important for many biological processes such as DNA synthesis, mitochondrial respiration, oxygen transport, lipid, and carbon metabolism. For this reason, living organisms have developed different strategies and mechanisms to optimally regulate iron acquisition, transport, storage, and uptake in different environmental responses. Moreover, iron plays an essential role during microbial infections. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been of key importance for decrypting iron homeostasis and regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes. Specifically, the transcription factors Aft1/Aft2 and Yap5 regulate the expression of genes to control iron metabolism in response to its deficiency or excess, adapting to the cell's iron requirements and its availability in the environment. We also review which iron-related virulence factors have the most common fungal human pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans). These factors are essential for adaptation in different host niches during pathogenesis, including different fungal-specific iron-uptake mechanisms. While being necessary for virulence, they provide hope for developing novel antifungal treatments, which are currently scarce and usually toxic for patients. In this review, we provide a compilation of the current knowledge about the metabolic response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Pijuan
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Molecular MedicineInstitut de Recerca Sant Joan de DéuBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - David F. Moreno
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental BiologyYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Systems Biology InstituteYale UniversityWest HavenConnecticutUSA
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et CellulaireIllkirchFrance
| | - Galal Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of PharmacyZagazig UniversityAl SharqiaEgypt
| | - Mihaela Moisa
- Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyUniversity of OradeaOradeaRomania
| | - Ihtisham Ul Haq
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Polymers TechnologySilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Inovação TecnológicaUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Katarzyna Krukiewicz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Polymers TechnologySilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
- Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid ElectronicsSilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
| | - Rasha Mosbah
- Infection Control UnitHospitals of Zagazig UniversityZagazigEgypt
| | - Kamel Metwally
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TabukTabukSaudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyZagazig UniversityZagazigEgypt
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyUniversity of OradeaOradeaRomania
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11
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Sun K, Li Y, Gai Y, Wang J, Jian Y, Liu X, Wu L, Shim WB, Lee YW, Ma Z, Haas H, Yin Y. HapX-mediated H2B deub1 and SreA-mediated H2A.Z deposition coordinate in fungal iron resistance. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10238-10260. [PMID: 37650633 PMCID: PMC10602907 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant pathogens are challenged by host-derived iron starvation or excess during infection, but the mechanism through which pathogens counteract iron stress is unclear. Here, we found that Fusarium graminearum encounters iron excess during the colonization of wheat heads. Deletion of heme activator protein X (FgHapX), siderophore transcription factor A (FgSreA) or both attenuated virulence. Further, we found that FgHapX activates iron storage under iron excess by promoting histone H2B deubiquitination (H2B deub1) at the promoter of the responsible gene. Meanwhile, FgSreA is shown to inhibit genes mediating iron acquisition during iron excess by facilitating the deposition of histone variant H2A.Z and histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27 me3) at the first nucleosome after the transcription start site. In addition, the monothiol glutaredoxin FgGrx4 is responsible for iron sensing and control of the transcriptional activity of FgHapX and FgSreA via modulation of their enrichment at target genes and recruitment of epigenetic regulators, respectively. Taken together, our findings elucidated the molecular mechanisms for adaptation to iron excess mediated by FgHapX and FgSreA during infection in F. graminearum and provide novel insights into regulation of iron homeostasis at the chromatin level in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Gai
- School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingrui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunqing Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Won-Bo Shim
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Yin-Won Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Zhonghua Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Instiute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Yanni Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Ahmed T, Noman M, Qi Y, Shahid M, Hussain S, Masood HA, Xu L, Ali HM, Negm S, El-Kott AF, Yao Y, Qi X, Li B. Fertilization of Microbial Composts: A Technology for Improving Stress Resilience in Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3550. [PMID: 37896014 PMCID: PMC10609736 DOI: 10.3390/plants12203550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Microbial compost plays a crucial role in improving soil health, soil fertility, and plant biomass. These biofertilizers, based on microorganisms, offer numerous benefits such as enhanced nutrient acquisition (N, P, and K), production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and control of pathogens through induced systematic resistance. Additionally, they promote the production of phytohormones, siderophore, vitamins, protective enzymes, and antibiotics, further contributing to soil sustainability and optimal agricultural productivity. The escalating generation of organic waste from farm operations poses significant threats to the environment and soil fertility. Simultaneously, the excessive utilization of chemical fertilizers to achieve high crop yields results in detrimental impacts on soil structure and fertility. To address these challenges, a sustainable agriculture system that ensures enhanced soil fertility and minimal ecological impact is imperative. Microbial composts, developed by incorporating characterized plant-growth-promoting bacteria or fungal strains into compost derived from agricultural waste, offer a promising solution. These biofertilizers, with selected microbial strains capable of thriving in compost, offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for agricultural practices. In this review article, we explore the potential of microbial composts as a viable strategy for improving plant growth and environmental safety. By harnessing the benefits of microorganisms in compost, we can pave the way for sustainable agriculture and foster a healthier relationship between soil, plants, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temoor Ahmed
- Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou 311231, China; (T.A.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Muhammad Noman
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Yetong Qi
- Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou 311231, China; (T.A.)
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan;
| | - Hafiza Ayesha Masood
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | - Lihui Xu
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China;
| | - Hayssam M. Ali
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sally Negm
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and Art Mahyel Aseer, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Attalla F. El-Kott
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yanlai Yao
- Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou 311231, China; (T.A.)
| | - Xingjiang Qi
- Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou 311231, China; (T.A.)
| | - Bin Li
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
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13
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Borges BM, Ramos RBC, Preite NW, Kaminski VDL, Alves de Castro P, Camacho M, Maximo MF, Fill TP, Calich VLG, Traynor AM, Sarikaya-Bayram Ö, Doyle S, Bayram Ö, de Campos CBL, Zelanis A, Goldman GH, Loures FV. Transcriptional profiling of a fungal granuloma reveals a low metabolic activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts and an actively regulated host immune response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1268959. [PMID: 37868350 PMCID: PMC10585178 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1268959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulomas are important immunological structures in the host defense against the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the main etiologic agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a granulomatous systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. We have performed transcriptional and proteomic studies of yeasts present in the pulmonary granulomas of PCM aiming to identify relevant genes and proteins that act under stressing conditions. C57BL/6 mice were infected with 1x106 yeasts and after 8- and 12-weeks of infection, granulomatous lesions were obtained for extraction of fungal and murine RNAs and fungal proteins. Dual transcriptional profiling was done comparing lung cells and P. brasiliensis yeasts from granulomas with uninfected lung cells and the original yeast suspension used in the infection, respectively. Mouse transcripts indicated a lung malfunction, with low expression of genes related to muscle contraction and organization. In addition, an increased expression of transcripts related to the activity of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes as well as an elevated expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17 transcripts were observed. The increased expression of transcripts for CTLA-4, PD-1 and arginase-1, provided evidence of immune regulatory mechanisms within the granulomatous lesions. Also, our results indicate iron as a key element for the granuloma to function, where a high number of transcripts related to fungal siderophores for iron uptake was observed, a mechanism of fungal virulence not previously described in granulomas. Furthermore, transcriptomics and proteomics analyzes indicated a low fungal activity within the granuloma, as demonstrated by the decreased expression of genes and proteins related to energy metabolism and cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Montanari Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Berton Correia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Nycolas Willian Preite
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício Camacho
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Taicia Pacheco Fill
- Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Garcia Calich
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aimee M. Traynor
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Özgür Bayram
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - André Zelanis
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Loures
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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14
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Rodríguez-Ramos F, Briones-Labarca V, Plaza V, Castillo L. Iron and copper on Botrytis cinerea: new inputs in the cellular characterization of their inhibitory effect. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15994. [PMID: 37744242 PMCID: PMC10517660 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain metals play key roles in infection by the gray mold fungus, Botrytis cinerea. Among them, copper and iron are necessary for redox and catalytic activity of enzymes and metalloproteins, but at high concentrations they are toxic. Understanding the mechanism requires more cell characterization studies for developing new, targeted metal-based fungicides to control fungal diseases on food crops. This study aims to characterize the inhibitory effect of copper and iron on B. cinerea by evaluating mycelial growth, sensitivity to cell wall perturbing agents (congo red and calcofluor white), membrane integrity, adhesion, conidial germination, and virulence. Tests of copper over the range of 2 to 8 mM and iron at 2 to 20 mM revealed that the concentration capable of reducing mycelial growth by 50% (IC50) was 2.87 mM and 9.08 mM for copper and iron, respectively. When mixed at equimolar amounts there was a significant inhibitory effect mostly attributable to copper. The effect of Cu50, Fe50, and Cu50-Fe50 was also studied on the mycelial growth of three wild B. cinerea strains, which were more sensitive to metallic inhibitors. A significant inhibition of conidial germination was correlated with adhesion capacity, indicating potential usefulness in controlling disease at early stages of crop growth. Comparisons of the effects of disruptive agents on the cell wall showed that Cu, Fe, and Cu-Fe did not exert their antifungal effect on the cell wall of B. cinerea. However, a relevant effect was observed on plasma membrane integrity. The pathogenicity test confirmed that virulence was correlated with the individual presence of Cu and Fe. Our results represent an important contribution that could be used to formulate and test metal-based fungicides targeted at early prevention or control of B. cinerea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Rodríguez-Ramos
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Vilbett Briones-Labarca
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Verónica Plaza
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Luis Castillo
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
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15
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Happacher I, Aguiar M, Yap A, Decristoforo C, Haas H. Fungal siderophore metabolism with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus: impact on biotic interactions and potential translational applications. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:829-842. [PMID: 37313590 PMCID: PMC10500206 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element that is limiting in most habitats including hosts for fungal pathogens. Siderophores are iron-chelators synthesized by most fungal species for high-affinity uptake and intracellular handling of iron. Moreover, virtually all fungal species including those lacking siderophore biosynthesis appear to be able to utilize siderophores produced by other species. Siderophore biosynthesis has been shown to be crucial for virulence of several fungal pathogens infecting animals and plants revealing induction of this iron acquisition system during virulence, which offers translational potential of this fungal-specific system. The present article summarizes the current knowledge on the fungal siderophore system with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus and its potential translational application including noninvasive diagnosis of fungal infections via urine samples, imaging of fungal infections via labeling of siderophores with radionuclides such as Gallium-68 for detection with positron emission tomography, conjugation of siderophores with fluorescent probes, and development of novel antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidor Happacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Aguiar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annie Yap
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Brechting PJ, Shah C, Rakotondraibe L, Shen Q, Rappleye CA. Histoplasma capsulatum requires peroxisomes for multiple virulence functions including siderophore biosynthesis. mBio 2023; 14:e0328422. [PMID: 37432032 PMCID: PMC10470777 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03284-22] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisomes are versatile eukaryotic organelles essential for many functions in fungi, including fatty acid metabolism, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. A suite of Pex proteins (peroxins) maintains peroxisomes, while peroxisomal matrix enzymes execute peroxisome functions. Insertional mutagenesis identified peroxin genes as essential components supporting the intraphagosomal growth of the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum. Disruption of the peroxins Pex5, Pex10, or Pex33 in H. capsulatum prevented peroxisome import of proteins targeted to the organelle via the PTS1 pathway. This loss of peroxisome protein import limited H. capsulatum intracellular growth in macrophages and attenuated virulence in an acute histoplasmosis infection model. Interruption of the alternate PTS2 import pathway also attenuated H. capsulatum virulence, although only at later time points of infection. The Sid1 and Sid3 siderophore biosynthesis proteins contain a PTS1 peroxisome import signal and localize to the H. capsulatum peroxisome. Loss of either the PTS1 or PTS2 peroxisome import pathway impaired siderophore production and iron acquisition in H. capsulatum, demonstrating compartmentalization of at least some biosynthetic steps for hydroxamate siderophore biosynthesis. However, the loss of PTS1-based peroxisome import caused earlier virulence attenuation than either the loss of PTS2-based protein import or the loss of siderophore biosynthesis, indicating additional PTS1-dependent peroxisomal functions are important for H. capsulatum virulence. Furthermore, disruption of the Pex11 peroxin also attenuated H. capsulatum virulence independently of peroxisomal protein import and siderophore biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate peroxisomes contribute to H. capsulatum pathogenesis by facilitating siderophore biosynthesis and another unidentified role(s) for the organelle during fungal virulence. IMPORTANCE The fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum infects host phagocytes and establishes a replication-permissive niche within the cells. To do so, H. capsulatum overcomes and subverts antifungal defense mechanisms which include the limitation of essential micronutrients. H. capsulatum replication within host cells requires multiple distinct functions of the fungal peroxisome organelle. These peroxisomal functions contribute to H. capsulatum pathogenesis at different times during infection and include peroxisome-dependent biosynthesis of iron-scavenging siderophores to enable fungal proliferation, particularly after activation of cell-mediated immunity. The multiple essential roles of fungal peroxisomes reveal this organelle as a potential but untapped target for the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandan Shah
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Liva Rakotondraibe
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chad A. Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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17
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Vocadlova K, Lüddecke T, Patras MA, Marner M, Hartwig C, Benes K, Matha V, Mraz P, Schäberle TF, Vilcinskas A. Extracts of Talaromyces purpureogenus Strains from Apis mellifera Bee Bread Inhibit the Growth of Paenibacillus spp. In Vitro. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2067. [PMID: 37630627 PMCID: PMC10459140 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082067] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees coexist with fungi that colonize hive surfaces and pollen. Some of these fungi are opportunistic pathogens, but many are beneficial species that produce antimicrobial compounds for pollen conservation and the regulation of pathogen populations. In this study, we tested the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Talaromyces purpureogenus strains isolated from bee bread against Paenibacillus alvei (associated with European foulbrood disease) and three Aspergillus species that cause stonebrood disease. We found that methanol extracts of T. purpureogenus strains B18 and B195 inhibited the growth of P. alvei at a concentration of 0.39 mg/mL. Bioactivity-guided dereplication revealed that the activity of the crude extracts correlated with the presence of diketopiperazines, a siderophore, and three unknown compounds. We propose that non-pathogenic fungi such as Talaromyces spp. and their metabolites in bee bread could be an important requirement to prevent disease. Agricultural practices involving the use of fungicides can disrupt the fungal community and thus negatively affect the health of bee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Vocadlova
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Branch for Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.V.)
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Branch for Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.V.)
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maria A. Patras
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Branch for Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.V.)
| | - Michael Marner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Branch for Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.V.)
| | - Christoph Hartwig
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Branch for Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.V.)
| | - Karel Benes
- OncoRa s.r.o., Nemanicka 2722, 37001 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Matha
- Retorta s.r.o., Tresnova 316, 37382 Borsov nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Mraz
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Till F. Schäberle
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Branch for Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.V.)
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Branch for Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.V.)
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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18
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Nickles GR, Oestereicher B, Keller NP, Drott M. Mining for a new class of fungal natural products: the evolution, diversity, and distribution of isocyanide synthase biosynthetic gene clusters. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7220-7235. [PMID: 37427794 PMCID: PMC10415135 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The products of non-canonical isocyanide synthase (ICS) biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) mediate pathogenesis, microbial competition, and metal-homeostasis through metal-associated chemistry. We sought to enable research into this class of compounds by characterizing the biosynthetic potential and evolutionary history of these BGCs across the Fungal Kingdom. We amalgamated a pipeline of tools to predict BGCs based on shared promoter motifs and located 3800 ICS BGCs in 3300 genomes, making ICS BGCs the fifth largest class of specialized metabolites compared to canonical classes found by antiSMASH. ICS BGCs are not evenly distributed across fungi, with evidence of gene-family expansions in several Ascomycete families. We show that the ICS dit1/2 gene cluster family (GCF), which was prior only studied in yeast, is present in ∼30% of all Ascomycetes. The dit variety ICS exhibits greater similarity to bacterial ICS than other fungal ICS, suggesting a potential convergence of the ICS backbone domain. The evolutionary origins of the dit GCF in Ascomycota are ancient and these genes are diversifying in some lineages. Our results create a roadmap for future research into ICS BGCs. We developed a website (https://isocyanides.fungi.wisc.edu/) that facilitates the exploration and downloading of all identified fungal ICS BGCs and GCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant R Nickles
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Milton T Drott
- USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Lab (CDL), St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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19
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Kurbessoian T, Murante D, Crocker A, Hogan DA, Stajich JE. In host evolution of Exophiala dermatitidis in cystic fibrosis lung micro-environment. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad126. [PMID: 37293838 PMCID: PMC10484061 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad126] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to chronic lung infections that lead to inflammation and irreversible lung damage. While most respiratory infections that occur in CF are caused by bacteria, some are dominated by fungi such as the slow-growing black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis. Here, we analyze isolates of E. dermatitidis cultured from two samples, collected from a single subject 2 years apart. One isolate genome was sequenced using long-read Nanopore technology as an in-population reference to use in comparative single nucleotide polymorphism and insertion-deletion variant analyses of 23 isolates. We then used population genomics and phylo-genomics to compare the isolates to each other as well as the reference genome strain E. dermatitidis NIH/UT8656. Within the CF lung population, three E. dermatitidis clades were detected, each with varying mutation rates. Overall, the isolates were highly similar suggesting that they were recently diverged. All isolates were MAT 1-1, which was consistent with their high relatedness and the absence of evidence for mating or recombination between isolates. Phylogenetic analysis grouped sets of isolates into clades that contained isolates from both early and late time points indicating there are multiple persistent lineages. Functional assessment of variants unique to each clade identified alleles in genes that encode transporters, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductases, iron acquisition, and DNA repair processes. Consistent with the genomic heterogeneity, isolates showed some stable phenotype heterogeneity in melanin production, subtle differences in antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations, and growth on different substrates. The persistent population heterogeneity identified in lung-derived isolates is an important factor to consider in the study of chronic fungal infections, and the analysis of changes in fungal pathogens over time may provide important insights into the physiology of black yeasts and other slow-growing fungi in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Kurbessoian
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Daniel Murante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Alex Crocker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Deborah A Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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20
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Hokken MWJ, Coolen JPM, Steenbreker H, Zoll J, Baltussen TJH, Verweij PE, Melchers WJG. The Transcriptome Response to Azole Compounds in Aspergillus fumigatus Shows Differential Gene Expression across Pathways Essential for Azole Resistance and Cell Survival. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:807. [PMID: 37623579 PMCID: PMC10455693 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080807] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is found on all continents and thrives in soil and agricultural environments. Its ability to readily adapt to novel environments and to produce billions of spores led to the spread of azole-resistant A. fumigatus across the globe, posing a threat to many immunocompromised patients, including critically ill patients with severe influenza or COVID-19. In our study, we sought to compare the adaptational response to azoles from A. fumigatus isolates that differ in azole susceptibility and genetic background. To gain more insight into how short-term adaptation to stressful azole compounds is managed through gene expression, we conducted an RNA-sequencing study on the response of A. fumigatus to itraconazole and the newest clinically approved azole, isavuconazole. We observed many similarities in ergosterol biosynthesis up-regulation across isolates, with the exception of the pan-azole-resistant isolate, which showed very little differential regulation in comparison to other isolates. Additionally, we found differential regulation of membrane efflux transporters, secondary metabolites, iron metabolism, and various stress response and cell signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margriet W. J. Hokken
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jordy P. M. Coolen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hilbert Steenbreker
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
| | - Jan Zoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim J. H. Baltussen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J. G. Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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21
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Zhgun AA. Fungal BGCs for Production of Secondary Metabolites: Main Types, Central Roles in Strain Improvement, and Regulation According to the Piano Principle. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11184. [PMID: 37446362 PMCID: PMC10342363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are one of the most important producers of secondary metabolites. Some of them can have a toxic effect on the human body, leading to diseases. On the other hand, they are widely used as pharmaceutically significant drugs, such as antibiotics, statins, and immunosuppressants. A single fungus species in response to various signals can produce 100 or more secondary metabolites. Such signaling is possible due to the coordinated regulation of several dozen biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which are mosaically localized in different regions of fungal chromosomes. Their regulation includes several levels, from pathway-specific regulators, whose genes are localized inside BGCs, to global regulators of the cell (taking into account changes in pH, carbon consumption, etc.) and global regulators of secondary metabolism (affecting epigenetic changes driven by velvet family proteins, LaeA, etc.). In addition, various low-molecular-weight substances can have a mediating effect on such regulatory processes. This review is devoted to a critical analysis of the available data on the "turning on" and "off" of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in response to signals in filamentous fungi. To describe the ongoing processes, the model of "piano regulation" is proposed, whereby pressing a certain key (signal) leads to the extraction of a certain sound from the "musical instrument of the fungus cell", which is expressed in the production of a specific secondary metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Zhgun
- Group of Fungal Genetic Engineering, Federal Research Center "Fundamentals of Biotechnology", Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp. 33-2, 119071 Moscow, Russia
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22
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Bailão AM, Silva KLPD, Moraes D, Lechner B, Lindner H, Haas H, Soares CMA, Silva-Bailão MG. Iron Starvation Induces Ferricrocin Production and the Reductive Iron Acquisition System in the Chromoblastomycosis Agent Cladophialophora carrionii. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:727. [PMID: 37504717 PMCID: PMC10382037 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is a micronutrient required by almost all living organisms. Despite being essential, the availability of this metal is low in aerobic environments. Additionally, mammalian hosts evolved strategies to restrict iron from invading microorganisms. In this scenario, the survival of pathogenic fungi depends on high-affinity iron uptake mechanisms. Here, we show that the production of siderophores and the reductive iron acquisition system (RIA) are employed by Cladophialophora carrionii under iron restriction. This black fungus is one of the causative agents of chromoblastomycosis, a neglected subcutaneous tropical disease. Siderophore biosynthesis genes are arranged in clusters and, interestingly, two RIA systems are present in the genome. Orthologs of putative siderophore transporters were identified as well. Iron starvation regulates the expression of genes related to both siderophore production and RIA systems, as well as of two transcription factors that regulate iron homeostasis in fungi. A chrome azurol S assay demonstrated the secretion of hydroxamate-type siderophores, which were further identified via RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry as ferricrocin. An analysis of cell extracts also revealed ferricrocin as an intracellular siderophore. The presence of active high-affinity iron acquisition systems may surely contribute to fungal survival during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | | | - Dayane Moraes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Beatrix Lechner
- Institute of Molecular Biology/Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 795J+RF Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Lindner
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry/Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 795J+RF Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology/Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 795J+RF Innsbruck, Austria
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23
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Yap A, Volz R, Paul S, Moye-Rowley WS, Haas H. Regulation of High-Affinity Iron Acquisition, Including Acquisition Mediated by the Iron Permease FtrA, Is Coordinated by AtrR, SrbA, and SreA in Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2023; 14:e0075723. [PMID: 37093084 PMCID: PMC10294635 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00757-23] [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: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron acquisition is crucial for virulence of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Previous studies indicated that this mold regulates iron uptake via both siderophores and reductive iron assimilation by the GATA factor SreA and the SREBP regulator SrbA. Here, characterization of loss of function as well as hyperactive alleles revealed that transcriptional activation of iron uptake depends additionally on the Zn2Cys6 regulator AtrR, most likely via cooperation with SrbA. Mutational analysis of the promoter of the iron permease-encoding ftrA gene identified a 210-bp sequence, which is both essential and sufficient to impart iron regulation. Further studies located functional sequences, densely packed within 75 bp, that largely resemble binding motifs for SrbA, SreA, and AtrR. The latter, confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, is the first one not fully matching the 5'-CGGN12CCG-3' consensus sequence. The results presented here emphasize for the first time the direct involvement of SrbA, AtrR, and SreA in iron regulation. The essential role of both AtrR and SrbA in activation of iron acquisition underlines the coordination of iron homeostasis with biosynthesis of ergosterol and heme as well as adaptation to hypoxia. The rationale is most likely the iron dependence of these pathways along with the enzymatic link of biosynthesis of ergosterol and siderophores. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common filamentous fungal pathogen infecting humans. Iron acquisition via siderophores has previously been shown to be essential for virulence of this mold species. Here, we demonstrate that AtrR, a transcription factor previously shown to control ergosterol biosynthesis, azole resistance, and adaptation to hypoxia, is essential for activation of iron acquisition, including siderophore biosynthesis and uptake. Dissection of an iron-regulated promoter identified binding motifs for AtrR and the two previously identified regulators of iron acquisition, SrbA and SreA. Altogether, this study identified a new regulator required for maintenance of iron homeostasis, revealed insights into promoter architecture for iron regulation, and emphasized the coordinated regulation of iron homeostasis ergosterol biosynthesis and adaptation to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Yap
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ricarda Volz
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sanjoy Paul
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - W. Scott Moye-Rowley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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24
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Happacher I, Aguiar M, Alilou M, Abt B, Baltussen TJH, Decristoforo C, Melchers WJG, Haas H. The Siderophore Ferricrocin Mediates Iron Acquisition in Aspergillus fumigatus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0049623. [PMID: 37199664 PMCID: PMC10269809 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00496-23] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus utilizes two high-affinity iron uptake mechanisms, termed reductive iron assimilation (RIA) and siderophore-mediated iron acquisition (SIA). The latter has been shown to be crucial for virulence of this fungus and is a target for development of novel strategies for diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections. So far, research on SIA in this mold focused mainly on the hyphal stage, revealing the importance of extracellular fusarinine-type siderophores in iron acquisition as well as of the siderophore ferricrocin in intracellular iron handling. The current study aimed to characterize iron acquisition during germination. High expression of genes involved in biosynthesis and uptake of ferricrocin in conidia and during germination, independent of iron availability, suggested a role of ferricrocin in iron acquisition during germination. In agreement, (i) bioassays indicated secretion of ferricrocin during growth on solid media during both iron sufficiency and limitation, (ii) ferricrocin was identified in the supernatant of conidia germinating in liquid media during both iron sufficiency and limitation, (iii) in contrast to mutants lacking all siderophores, mutants synthesizing ferricrocin but lacking fusarinine-type siderophores were able to grow under iron limitation in the absence of RIA, and (iv) genetic inactivation of the ferricrocin transporter Sit1 decreased germination in the absence of RIA. Taken together, this study revealed that ferricrocin has not only an intracellular role but also functions as an extracellular siderophore to support iron acquisition. The iron availability-independent ferricrocin secretion and uptake during early germination indicate developmental, rather than iron regulation. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common airborne fungal pathogens for humans. Low-molecular-mass iron chelators, termed siderophores, have been shown to play a central role in iron homeostasis and, consequently, virulence of this mold. Previous studies demonstrated the crucial role of secreted fusarinine-type siderophores, such as triacetylfusarinine C, in iron acquisition, as well as of the ferrichrome-type siderophore ferricrocin in intracellular iron storage and transport. Here, we demonstrate that ferricrocin is also secreted to mediate iron acquisition during germination together with reductive iron assimilation. During early germination, ferricrocin secretion and uptake were not repressed by iron availability, indicating developmental regulation of this iron acquisition system in this growth phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidor Happacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Aguiar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mostafa Alilou
- Institute of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beate Abt
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tim J. H. Baltussen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Willem J. G. Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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25
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Jenner M, Hai Y, Nguyen HH, Passmore M, Skyrud W, Kim J, Garg NK, Zhang W, Ogorzalek Loo RR, Tang Y. Elucidating the molecular programming of a nonlinear non-ribosomal peptide synthetase responsible for fungal siderophore biosynthesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2832. [PMID: 37198174 PMCID: PMC10192304 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38484-8] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Siderophores belonging to the ferrichrome family are essential for the viability of fungal species and play a key role for virulence of numerous pathogenic fungi. Despite their biological significance, our understanding of how these iron-chelating cyclic hexapeptides are assembled by non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) enzymes remains poorly understood, primarily due to the nonlinearity exhibited by the domain architecture. Herein, we report the biochemical characterization of the SidC NRPS, responsible for construction of the intracellular siderophore ferricrocin. In vitro reconstitution of purified SidC reveals its ability to produce ferricrocin and its structural variant, ferrichrome. Application of intact protein mass spectrometry uncovers several non-canonical events during peptidyl siderophore biosynthesis, including inter-modular loading of amino acid substrates and an adenylation domain capable of poly-amide bond formation. This work expands the scope of NRPS programming, allows biosynthetic assignment of ferrichrome NRPSs, and sets the stage for reprogramming towards novel hydroxamate scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Jenner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre (WISB), University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Yang Hai
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.
| | - Hong H Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Transmed Co., Ltd., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Munro Passmore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Will Skyrud
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA
- Arzeda, 3421 Thorndyke Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Junyong Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Neil K Garg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | | | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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26
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Liu Y, Xiong Z, Wu W, Ling HQ, Kong D. Iron in the Symbiosis of Plants and Microorganisms. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1958. [PMID: 37653875 PMCID: PMC10223382 DOI: 10.3390/plants12101958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for most organisms. Both plants and microorganisms have developed different mechanisms for iron uptake, transport and storage. In the symbiosis systems, such as rhizobia-legume symbiosis and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, maintaining iron homeostasis to meet the requirements for the interaction between the host plants and the symbiotic microbes is a new challenge. This intriguing topic has drawn the attention of many botanists and microbiologists, and many discoveries have been achieved so far. In this review, we discuss the current progress on iron uptake and transport in the nodules and iron homeostasis in rhizobia-legume symbiosis. The discoveries with regard to iron uptake in AM fungi, iron uptake regulation in AM plants and interactions between iron and other nutrient elements during AM symbiosis are also summarized. At the end of this review, we propose prospects for future studies in this fascinating research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Zimo Xiong
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Weifeng Wu
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Hong-Qing Ling
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572024, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Danyu Kong
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China; (Y.L.)
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27
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Nickles GR, Oestereicher B, Keller NP, Drott MT. Mining for a New Class of Fungal Natural Products: The Evolution, Diversity, and Distribution of Isocyanide Synthase Biosynthetic Gene Clusters. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.17.537281. [PMID: 37131656 PMCID: PMC10153163 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.17.537281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The products of non-canonical isocyanide synthase (ICS) biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) have notable bioactivities that mediate pathogenesis, microbial competition, and metal-homeostasis through metal-associated chemistry. We sought to enable research into this class of compounds by characterizing the biosynthetic potential and evolutionary history of these BGCs across the Fungal Kingdom. We developed the first genome-mining pipeline to identify ICS BGCs, locating 3,800 ICS BGCs in 3,300 genomes. Genes in these clusters share promoter motifs and are maintained in contiguous groupings by natural selection. ICS BGCs are not evenly distributed across fungi, with evidence of gene-family expansions in several Ascomycete families. We show that the ICS dit1 / 2 gene cluster family (GCF), which was thought to only exist in yeast, is present in ∼30% of all Ascomycetes, including many filamentous fungi. The evolutionary history of the dit GCF is marked by deep divergences and phylogenetic incompatibilities that raise questions about convergent evolution and suggest selection or horizontal gene transfers have shaped the evolution of this cluster in some yeast and dimorphic fungi. Our results create a roadmap for future research into ICS BGCs. We developed a website ( www.isocyanides.fungi.wisc.edu ) that facilitates the exploration, filtering, and downloading of all identified fungal ICS BGCs and GCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant R. Nickles
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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28
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Li Z, He L, Wang X, Huo Q, Zheng G, Kong D, Lu Y, Xia H, Niu G. Elucidation of the ferrichrome siderophore biosynthetic pathway in albomycin-producing Streptomyces sp. ATCC 700974. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104573. [PMID: 36870685 PMCID: PMC10124919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104573] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sideromycins are a unique subset of siderophores comprising of a siderophore conjugated to an antimicrobial agent. The "Trojan horse" antibiotic albomycins are unique sideromycins consisting of a ferrichrome-type siderophore conjugated to a peptidyl nucleoside antibiotic. They exhibit potent antibacterial activities against many model bacteria and a number of clinical pathogens. Earlier studies have provided significant insight into the biosynthetic pathway of the peptidyl nucleoside moiety. We herein decipher the biosynthetic pathway of the ferrichrome-type siderophore in Streptomyces sp. ATCC 700974. Our genetic studies suggested that abmA, abmB, and abmQ are involved in the formation of the ferrichrome-type siderophore. Additionally, we performed biochemical studies to demonstrate that a flavin-dependent monooxygenase AbmB and an N-acyltransferase AbmA catalyze sequential modifications of L-ornithine to generate N5-acetyl-N5-hydroxyornithine. Three molecules of N5-acetyl-N5-hydroxyornithine are then assembled to generate the tripeptide ferrichrome through the action of a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase AbmQ. Of special note, we found out that orf05026 and orf03299, two genes scattered elsewhere in the chromosome of Streptomyces sp. ATCC 700974, have functional redundancy for abmA and abmB, respectively. Interestingly, both orf05026 and orf03299 are situated within gene clusters encoding putative siderophores. In summary, this study provided new insight into the siderophore moiety of albomycin biosynthesis, and shed light on the contingency of multiple siderophores in albomycin-producing Streptomyces sp. ATCC 700974.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilei Li
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lang He
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qingwen Huo
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Guosong Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Dekun Kong
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yinhua Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Haiyang Xia
- Institute of Biopharmaceuticals, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, China
| | - Guoqing Niu
- Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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29
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Li H, Dai J, Shi Y, Zhu X, Jia L, Yang Z. Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of the Iron-Ion-Promoted Asexual Sporulation of Antrodia cinnamomea in Submerged Fermentation Revealed by Comparative Transcriptomics. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020235. [PMID: 36836349 PMCID: PMC9959139 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020235] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible and medicinal fungus with activities of antitumor, antivirus, and immunoregulation. Fe2+ was found to promote the asexual sporulation of A. cinnamomea markedly, but the molecular regulatory mechanism of the effect is unclear. In the present study, comparative transcriptomics analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were conducted on A. cinnamomea mycelia cultured in the presence or absence of Fe2+ to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying iron-ion-promoted asexual sporulation. The obtained mechanism is as follows: A. cinnamomea acquires iron ions through reductive iron assimilation (RIA) and siderophore-mediated iron assimilation (SIA). In RIA, ferrous iron ions are directly transported into cells by the high-affinity protein complex formed by a ferroxidase (FetC) and an Fe transporter permease (FtrA). In SIA, siderophores are secreted externally to chelate the iron in the extracellular environment. Then, the chelates are transported into cells through the siderophore channels (Sit1/MirB) on the cell membrane and hydrolyzed by a hydrolase (EstB) in the cell to release iron ions. The O-methyltransferase TpcA and the regulatory protein URBS1 promote the synthesis of siderophores. HapX and SreA respond to and maintain the balance of the intercellular concentration of iron ions. Furthermore, HapX and SreA promote the expression of flbD and abaA, respectively. In addition, iron ions promote the expression of relevant genes in the cell wall integrity signaling pathway, thereby accelerating the cell wall synthesis and maturation of spores. This study contributes to the rational adjustment and control of the sporulation of A. cinnamomea and thereby improves the efficiency of the preparation of inoculum for submerged fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxiang Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianing Dai
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yu Shi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Construction Laboratory of Probiotics Preparation, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, China
| | - Luqiang Jia
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhenquan Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Safety Control, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
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Akter A, Lyons O, Mehra V, Isenman H, Abbate V. Radiometal chelators for infection diagnostics. FRONTIERS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 2:1058388. [PMID: 37388440 PMCID: PMC7614707 DOI: 10.3389/fnume.2022.1058388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Infection of native tissues or implanted devices is common, but clinical diagnosis is frequently difficult and currently available noninvasive tests perform poorly. Immunocompromised individuals (for example transplant recipients, or those with cancer) are at increased risk. No imaging test in clinical use can specifically identify infection, or accurately differentiate bacterial from fungal infections. Commonly used [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission computed tomography (PET/CT) is sensitive for infection, but limited by poor specificity because increased glucose uptake may also indicate inflammation or malignancy. Furthermore, this tracer provides no indication of the type of infective agent (bacterial, fungal, or parasitic). Imaging tools that directly and specifically target microbial pathogens are highly desirable to improve noninvasive infection diagnosis and localization. A growing field of research is exploring the utility of radiometals and their chelators (siderophores), which are small molecules that bind radiometals and form a stable complex allowing sequestration by microbes. This radiometal-chelator complex can be directed to a specific microbial target in vivo, facilitating anatomical localization by PET or single photon emission computed tomography. Additionally, bifunctional chelators can further conjugate therapeutic molecules (e.g., peptides, antibiotics, antibodies) while still bound to desired radiometals, combining specific imaging with highly targeted antimicrobial therapy. These novel therapeutics may prove a useful complement to the armamentarium in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. This review will highlight current state of infection imaging diagnostics and their limitations, strategies to develop infection-specific diagnostics, recent advances in radiometal-based chelators for microbial infection imaging, challenges, and future directions to improve targeted diagnostics and/or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Akter
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Lyons
- Vascular Endovascular and Transplant Surgery, Christchurch Public Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Varun Mehra
- Department of Hematology, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Isenman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Vincenzo Abbate
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Whole genome sequence characterization of Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20541 and genome comparison of the fungi A. terreus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:194. [PMID: 36604572 PMCID: PMC9814666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27311-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is well-known for lovastatin and itaconic acid production with biomedical and commercial importance. The mechanisms of metabolite formation have been extensively studied to improve their yield through genetic engineering. However, the combined repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), cytochrome P450s (CYP) enzymes, and secondary metabolites (SMs) in the different A. terreus strains has not been well studied yet, especially with respect to the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Here we present a 30 Mb whole genome sequence of A. terreus ATCC 20541 in which we predicted 10,410 protein-coding genes. We compared the CAZymes, CYPs enzyme, and SMs across eleven A. terreus strains, and the results indicate that all strains have rich pectin degradation enzyme and CYP52 families. The lovastatin BGC of lovI was linked with lovF in A. terreus ATCC 20541, and the phenomenon was not found in the other strains. A. terreus ATCC 20541 lacked a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (AnaPS) participating in acetylaszonalenin production, which was a conserved protein in the ten other strains. Our results present a comprehensive analysis of CAZymes, CYPs enzyme, and SM diversities in A. terreus strains and will facilitate further research in the function of BGCs associated with valuable SMs.
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Wang J, Qian XQ, Yang T, Hou DB, Zhang GL, Li GY. Chaetomadramines A-E, a class of siderophores with potent neuroprotective activity from the fungus Chaetomium madrasense cib-1. Fitoterapia 2023; 164:105351. [PMID: 36375689 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105351] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Five hydroxamate siderophores, chaetomadramines A-E (1-5), along with seven known compounds were isolated from the fermented rice culture of the fungus Chaetomium madrasense cib-1. Compounds 1-5 were structurally elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, which were a group of unusual hydroxamate siderophores, bearing a long fatty acyl on the α-NH2 of the Nδ-hydroxylated ornithine. Compounds 2-5 were new. The structural elucidation and spectroscopic data of 1 were reported for the first time. Compounds 2-4 significantly improved the survival rates of PC12 cells in the neuroprotective activity assay at the concentration of 40 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Xue-Qing Qian
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Da-Bin Hou
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Guo-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China; Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Guo-You Li
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) such as invasive aspergillosis continue to be associated with high morbidity and mortality while presenting significant diagnostic challenges. Siderophores are high-affinity Fe 3+ chelators produced by Aspergillus spp. and other fungi capable of causing IFD. Previously evaluated as a treatment target in mucormycosis, siderophores have recently emerged as new diagnostic targets for invasive aspergillosis and scedosporiosis. Here, we review the diagnostic potential of siderophores for diagnosing IFD, with a particular focus on invasive aspergillosis. RECENT FINDINGS The major secreted siderophore of A. fumigatus , triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC), has been successfully detected by mass spectrometry in serum, BALF and urine of patients with invasive aspergillosis, with promising sensitivities and specificities in single-centre studies. Intracellular uptake of siderophores has also been utilized for imaging, wherein fungal siderophores have been conjugated with the easy-to-produce radioactive isotope gallium-68 ( 68 Ga) to visualize infected body sites in PET. For the Scedosporium apiospermum complex, another siderophore N(α)-methyl coprogen B has been shown promising as a marker for airway colonization in early studies. SUMMARY Siderophores and particular TAFC have the potential to revolutionize diagnostic pathways for invasive aspergillosis and other mould infections. However, larger multicentre studies are needed to confirm these promising performances. Methods that allow rapid and cost-effective measurements in routine clinical practice need to be developed, particularly when TAFC is used as a biomarker in patient specimens.
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Genetic Engineering of Talaromyces marneffei to Enhance Siderophore Production and Preliminary Testing for Medical Application Potential. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111183. [DOI: 10.3390/jof8111183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Siderophores are compounds with low molecular weight with a high affinity and specificity for ferric iron, which is produced by bacteria and fungi. Fungal siderophores have been characterized and their feasibility for clinical applications has been investigated. Fungi may be limited in slow growth and low siderophore production; however, they have advantages of high diversity and affinity. Hence, the purpose of this study was to generate a genetically modified strain in Talaromyces marneffei that enhanced siderophore production and to identify the characteristics of siderophore to guide its medical application. SreA is a transcription factor that negatively controls iron acquisition mechanisms. Therefore, we deleted the sreA gene to enhance the siderophore production and found that the null mutant of sreA (ΔsreA) produced a high amount of extracellular siderophores. The produced siderophore was characterized using HPLC-MS, HPLC-DAD, FTIR, and 1H- and 13C-NMR techniques and identified as a coprogen B. The compound showed a powerful iron-binding activity and could reduce labile iron pool levels in iron-loaded hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh7) cells. In addition, the coprogen B showed no toxicity to the Huh7 cells, demonstrating its potential to serve as an ideal iron chelator. Moreover, it inhibits the growth of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, we have generated the siderophore-enhancing strain of T. marneffei, and the coprogen B isolated from this strain could be useful in the development of a new iron-chelating agent or other medical applications.
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Aguiar M, Orasch T, Shadkchan Y, Caballero P, Pfister J, Sastré-Velásquez LE, Gsaller F, Decristoforo C, Osherov N, Haas H. Uptake of the Siderophore Triacetylfusarinine C, but Not Fusarinine C, Is Crucial for Virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2022; 13:e0219222. [PMID: 36125294 PMCID: PMC9600649 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02192-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Siderophores play an important role in fungal virulence, serving as trackers for in vivo imaging and as biomarkers of fungal infections. However, siderophore uptake is only partially characterized. As the major cause of aspergillosis, Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common airborne fungal pathogens of humans. Here, we demonstrate that this mold species mediates the uptake of iron chelated by the secreted siderophores triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC) and fusarinine C by the major facilitator-type transporters MirB and MirD, respectively. In a murine aspergillosis model, MirB but not MirD was found to be crucial for virulence, indicating that TAFC-mediated uptake plays a dominant role during infection. In the absence of MirB, TAFC becomes inhibitory by decreasing iron availability because the mutant is not able to recognize iron that is chelated by TAFC. MirB-mediated transport was found to tolerate the conjugation of fluorescein isothiocyanate to triacetylfusarinine C, which might aid in the development of siderophore-based antifungals in a Trojan horse approach, particularly as the role of MirB in pathogenicity restrains its mutational inactivation. Taken together, this study identified the first eukaryotic siderophore transporter that is crucial for virulence and elucidated its translational potential as well as its evolutionary conservation. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for thousands of cases of invasive fungal disease annually. For iron uptake, A. fumigatus secretes so-called siderophores, which are taken up after the binding of environmental iron. Moreover, A. fumigatus can utilize siderophore types that are produced by other fungi or bacteria. Fungal siderophores raised considerable interest due to their role in virulence and their potential for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections. Here, we demonstrate that the siderophore transporter MirB is crucial for the virulence of A. fumigatus, which reveals that its substrate, triacetylfusarinine C, is the most important siderophore during infection. We found that in the absence of MirB, TAFC becomes inhibitory by decreasing the availability of environmental iron and that MirB-mediated transport tolerates the derivatization of its substrate, which might aid in the development of siderophore-based antifungals. This study significantly improved the understanding of fungal iron homeostasis and the role of siderophores in interactions with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Aguiar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Orasch
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Yana Shadkchan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Patricia Caballero
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joachim Pfister
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Fabio Gsaller
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Lebar MD, Mack BM, Carter-Wientjes CH, Wei Q, Mattison CP, Cary JW. Small NRPS-like enzymes in Aspergillus sections Flavi and Circumdati selectively form substituted pyrazinone metabolites. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:1029195. [PMID: 37746228 PMCID: PMC10512218 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.1029195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fungi produce mycotoxins that are detrimental to human and animal health. Two sections of aspergilli are of particular importance to cereal food crops such as corn and barley. Aspergillus section Flavi species like A. flavus and A. parasiticus produce aflatoxins, while section Circumdati species like A. ochraceus and A. sclerotiorum produce ochratoxin A. Mitigating these toxins in food and feed is a critical and ongoing worldwide effort. We have previously investigated biosynthetic gene clusters in Aspergillus flavus that are linked to fungal virulence in corn. We found that one such cluster, asa, is responsible for the production of aspergillic acid, an iron-binding, hydroxamic acid-containing pyrazinone metabolite. Furthermore, we found that the asa gene cluster is present in many other aflatoxin- and ochratoxin-producing aspergilli. The core gene in the asa cluster encodes the small nonribosomal peptide synthetase-like (NRPS-like) protein AsaC. We have swapped the asaC ortholog from A. sclerotiorum into A. flavus, replacing its native copy, and have also cloned both asaC orthologs into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that AsaC orthologs in section Flavi and section Circumdati, while only containing adenylation-thiolation-reductase (ATR) domains, can selectively biosynthesize distinct pyrazinone natural products: deoxyaspergillic acid and flavacol, respectively. Because pyrazinone natural products and the gene clusters responsible for their production are implicated in a variety of important microbe-host interactions, uncovering the function and selectivity of the enzymes involved could lead to strategies that ultimately benefit human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Lebar
- Food and Feed Safety Research, Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Brian M. Mack
- Food and Feed Safety Research, Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Carol H. Carter-Wientjes
- Food and Feed Safety Research, Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Qijian Wei
- Food and Feed Safety Research, Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Christopher P. Mattison
- Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research, Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research, Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Orleans, LA, United States
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Rashad YM, Abdalla SA, Shehata AS. Aspergillus flavus YRB2 from Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl., a non-aflatoxigenic endophyte with ability to overexpress defense-related genes against Fusarium root rot of maize. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:229. [PMID: 36175855 PMCID: PMC9524039 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium root rot, caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., represents one of the most damaging diseases of maize affecting plant growth and yield. In this study, the antagonistic potential of a non-aflatoxigenic endophytic Aspergillus flavus YRB2, isolated from Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl., was tested against F. solani in vitro. In addition, its biocontrol activity against Fusarium root rot of maize was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Its impacts on plant molecular, pathological, physiological, and growth levels were also studied. Results obtained revealed a potent antagonistic behavior for A. flavus YRB2 against F. solani in vitro, recording 80% growth inhibition. Seventeen secondary metabolites were detected in the n-hexane extract of A. flavus YRB2 filtered culture broth using GC-MS analysis. Among them, various antifungal secondary metabolites were produced, namely palmitic acid, α-linolenic acid, stearic acid, 2, 4-di-tert-butylphenol, diisobutyl phthalate, and heneicosane. In contrast, HPLC analysis showed that no aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) were detected. Under greenhouse conditions, colonization of maize plants with A. flavus YRB2 exhibited a potential biocontrol activity against Fusarium root rot, recording 73.4% reduction in the disease severity. Triggering of transcriptional expression level of the defense-related genes JERF3 (7.2-fold), CHI II (8-fold), and POD (9.1-fold) was reported, indicating the inducing effect on the plant immunity. In addition, an increment in the antioxidant enzymes POD and PPO, and the total phenolic content in maize roots was also observed in response to this treatment. Moreover, a growth-promoting effect was also observed for colonization of maize plants with A. flavus YRB2. Based on the obtained data, we can conclude that A. flavus YRB2 may represent a promising biocontrol and growth-promoting agent for maize plants against Fusarium root rot. Nevertheless, field evaluation is highly requested before the use recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes M Rashad
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934, Egypt.
| | - Sara A Abdalla
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Shehata
- Environment and Natural Materials Research Institute (ENMRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934, Egypt
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Khan A, Singh P, Chaudhary A, Haque R, Singh P, Mishra AK, Sarkar A, Srivastava A. Induction of Iron Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines by Siderophore of Aspergillus nidulans Towards Promising Anticancer Effect. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:3594-3607. [PMID: 34705190 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02980-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and needs efficient and feasible approach of treatment. Present study focuses on exploring the anticancer activity of a secondary metabolite called siderophore of Aspergillus nidulans against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. These small peptides are produced by microorganisms including fungi for scavenging iron from its surroundings. Fungi including Aspergillus spp. are known to produce siderophores under iron-limited conditions. Siderophores have high affinity towards iron and are classified into various types. In the present study, siderophore isolated and purified from fungal cultures was confirmed to be of hydroxamate type by chrome azurol sulfonate and Atkin's assay. HPLC analysis confirmed purity while LC-ESI-MS revealed that the siderophore is triacetyl fusigen. Cancerous cells, HepG2, grown under siderophore treatment showed inhibition in growth and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Reduction in viability and metabolic activity was evident upon treatment as seen in trypan blue, MTT and WST assay. Fluorescent staining using PI and DAPI confirmed the same while DCFDA staining revealed increased reactive oxygen species production which might have led to cell death and deterioration. Such increase in ROS has been correlated with iron accumulation by assessing intracellular iron level through ICP-MS. To assess the effect of siderophore treatment on normal cells, WRL-68, same assays were carried out but the effect was mostly non-significant up to 48 h. Thus, present work suggests that an optimum dose of siderophore purified from A. nidulans culture might prove a useful anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azmi Khan
- Department of Life Science, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Pratika Singh
- Department of Life Science, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Archana Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Prashant Singh
- Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Kumar Mishra
- Laboratory of Microbial Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhijit Sarkar
- Laboratory of Applied Stress Biology, Department of Botany, University of Gour Banga, Malda, West Bengal, India
| | - Amrita Srivastava
- Department of Life Science, School of Earth, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India.
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From Biodeterioration to Creativity: Bioreceptivity of Spruce Pine 87 Glass Batch by Fungi. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12157672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The bioreceptivity, and the consequent biodeterioration of contemporary glass, used by artists worldwide, was studied. The two main objectives were: first, to verify if fungi with some culture media would produce more damages than the same fungi without a nutritional source, and to verify if the two genera of fungi produce the same damage on the same glass. Colourless glass samples with Spruce Pine 87 Batch (SPB-87) composition were inoculated with two distinct fungal species, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger, separately: (i) half with fungal spores (simulating primary bioreceptivity), and (ii) half with fungi in a small portion of culture media (simulating organic matter that can be deposited on exposed glassworks, i.e., secondary bioreceptivity). The alteration of glass surfaces were analysed by Optical Microscopy, SEM-EDS and µ-Raman. The mycelium of Penicillium chrysogenum generated a higher amount of fingerprints, stains and iridescence, whereas Aspergillus niger produced more biopitting and crystals on the glass surface. However, both species damaged the glass to different degrees in 4 and 6 months after the inoculation, producing physico-chemical damage (e.g., iridescence, biopitting), and chemical alterations (e.g., depletion and deposition of elements and crystals). The primary bioreceptivity experiment of glass samples inoculated with Aspergillus niger results in less damage than in the case of secondary bioreceptivity, being almost similar for Penicillium chrysogenum. The new and in-depth understanding of the bioreceptivity and deterioration of post-modern glass art and cultural heritage provided here is of paramount importance for the scientific, conservation and artistic communities – to protect glass cultural materials, or seen by artists as innovative and inspirational ways of creating glass art in the future.
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Li X, Lu Q, Li D, Wang D, Ren X, Yan J, Ahmed T, Li B. Effects of Different Microbial Fertilizers on Growth and Rhizosphere Soil Properties of Corn in Newly Reclaimed Land. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11151978. [PMID: 35956458 PMCID: PMC9370191 DOI: 10.3390/plants11151978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Land reclamation may expand the supply of usable land for food security. Soil microorganisms have been considered as an amendment in immature soil to improve its quality. However, different microbial fertilizers' effects on plant growth in immature soil have largely been unexplored. In order to evaluate the effects of different microbial fertilizers on immature soil, the soil quality and microbial community structure of corn rhizosphere soil samples under different microbial fertilizers were investigated. The results revealed a significant difference between microbial fertilizers (especially seaweed microbial fertilizer, SMF) and commercial chemical compound fertilizers in the soil properties and microbial community structure. Indeed, SMF caused a 486.21%, 23.17%, 21.08%, 38.33%, and 482.39% increase in Flavobacteriaceae, Planctomycetaceae, Chitinophagaceae, Acidobacteria_Gp3, and Mortierellaceae but a 23.82%, 18.66%, 42.36%, 29.12%, 81.97%, 42.19%, and 99.33% reduction in Cytophagales, Comamonadaceae, Rhodospirillaceae, Sinobacteaceae, Aspergillaceae, Myrmecridiaceae, and Typhulaceae, respectively; while CCF caused an 85.68% and 183.22% increase in Xanthomonadaceae and Mortierellaceae but a 31.29%, 36.02%, and 65.74% reduction in Cytophagales, Spartobacteria, and Cyphellophoraceae compared with the control based on 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing of soil microflora. Furthermore, redundancy discriminant analysis of the microbial communities and soil properties indicated that the main variables of the bacterial and fungal communities included exchangeable Ca, organic matter content, total N, and available P. Overall, the results of this study revealed significant changes under different fertilizer conditions in the microbiota and chemical properties of corn soil. Microbial fertilizers, particularly SMF and SM, can be used as a good amendment for newly reclaimed land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqing Li
- Institute of Vegetable, Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (X.L.); (X.R.)
| | - Qiujun Lu
- Hangzhou Agricultural and Rural Affairs Guarantee Center, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Dingyi Li
- Department of Biological Environment, Material and Environmental College, Shanxi Jinzhong Institute of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China;
| | - Daoze Wang
- Rural Vitalization Service Center of Hangzhou, Hangzhou 310020, China;
| | - Xiaoxu Ren
- Institute of Vegetable, Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (X.L.); (X.R.)
| | - Jianli Yan
- Institute of Vegetable, Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (X.L.); (X.R.)
| | - Temoor Ahmed
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (T.A.); (B.L.)
| | - Bin Li
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (T.A.); (B.L.)
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41
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Brault A, Mbuya B, Labbé S. Sib1, Sib2, and Sib3 proteins are required for ferrichrome-mediated cross-feeding interaction between Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:962853. [PMID: 35928155 PMCID: PMC9344042 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.962853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Saccharomyces cerevisiae is unable to produce siderophores, this fungal organism can assimilate iron bound to the hydroxamate-type siderophore ferrichrome (Fc) produced and secreted by other microbes. Fc can enter S. cerevisiae cells via Arn1. Unlike S. cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe synthesizes and secretes Fc. The sib1+ and sib2+ genes encode, respectively, a Fc synthetase and an ornithine-N5-oxygenase, which are required for Fc production. When both genes were expressed in S. pombe, cross-feeding experiments revealed that S. cerevisiae fet3Δ arn1-4Δ cells expressing Arn1 could grow in the vicinity of S. pombe under low-iron conditions. In contrast, deletion of sib1+ and sib2+ produced a defect in the ability of S. pombe to keep S. cerevisiae cells alive when Fc is used as the sole source of iron. Further analysis identified a gene designated sib3+ that encodes an N5-transacetylase required for Fc production in S. pombe. The sib3Δ mutant strain exhibited a severe growth defect in iron-poor media, and it was unable to promote Fc-dependent growth of S. cerevisiae cells. Microscopic analyses of S. pombe cells expressing a functional Sib3-GFP protein revealed that Sib3 was localized throughout the cells, with a proportion of Sib3 being colocalized with Sib1 and Sib2 within the cytosol. Collectively, these results describe the first example of a one-way cross-feeding interaction, with S. pombe providing Fc that enables S. cerevisiae to grow when Fc is used as the sole source of iron.
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Skellam E. Subcellular localization of fungal specialized metabolites. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2022; 9:11. [PMID: 35614515 PMCID: PMC9134587 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-022-00140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal specialized metabolites play an important role in the environment and have impacted human health and survival significantly. These specialized metabolites are often the end product of a series of sequential and collaborating biosynthetic enzymes that reside within different subcellular compartments. A wide variety of methods have been developed to understand fungal specialized metabolite biosynthesis in terms of the chemical conversions and the biosynthetic enzymes required, however there are far fewer studies elucidating the compartmentalization of the same enzymes. This review illustrates the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites where the localization of all, or some, of the biosynthetic enzymes have been determined and describes the methods used to identify the sub-cellular localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Skellam
- Department of Chemistry and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76201, USA.
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Michels K, Solomon AL, Scindia Y, Sordo Vieira L, Goddard Y, Whitten S, Vaulont S, Burdick MD, Atkinson C, Laubenbacher R, Mehrad B. Aspergillus Utilizes Extracellular Heme as an Iron Source During Invasive Pneumonia, Driving Infection Severity. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:1811-1821. [PMID: 35267014 PMCID: PMC9113461 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depriving microbes of iron is critical to host defense. Hemeproteins, the largest source of iron within vertebrates, are abundant in infected tissues in aspergillosis due to hemorrhage, but Aspergillus species have been thought to lack heme import mechanisms. We hypothesized that heme provides iron to Aspergillus during invasive pneumonia, thereby worsening the outcomes of the infection. METHODS We assessed the effect of heme on fungal phenotype in various in vitro conditions and in a neutropenic mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. RESULTS In mice with neutropenic invasive aspergillosis, we found a progressive and compartmentalized increase in lung heme iron. Fungal cells cultured under low iron conditions took up heme, resulting in increased fungal iron content, resolution of iron starvation, increased conidiation, and enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. Intrapulmonary administration of heme to mice with neutropenic invasive aspergillosis resulted in markedly increased lung fungal burden, lung injury, and mortality, whereas administration of heme analogs or heme with killed Aspergillus did not. Finally, infection caused by fungal germlings cultured in the presence of heme resulted in a more severe infection. CONCLUSIONS Invasive aspergillosis induces local hemolysis in infected tissues, thereby supplying heme iron to the fungus, leading to lethal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Michels
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Angelica L Solomon
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yogesh Scindia
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Luis Sordo Vieira
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yana Goddard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Spencer Whitten
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sophie Vaulont
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Marie D Burdick
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Carl Atkinson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Reinhard Laubenbacher
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Borna Mehrad
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Peng YJ, Hou J, Zhang H, Lei JH, Lin HY, Ding JL, Feng MG, Ying SH. Systematic contributions of CFEM domain-containing proteins to iron acquisition are essential for interspecies interaction of the filamentous pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3693-3704. [PMID: 35523457 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common in fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) domain is unique in fungal proteins and some of which contribute to iron acquisition in yeast. However, their roles in iron acquisition remain largely unknown in filamentous fungi. In this study, 12 CFEM-containing proteins were bioinformatically identified in the filamentous entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, and the roles of 11 genes were genetically characterized. Transmembrane helices were critical for their association with intracellular membranes, and their number varied among proteins. Eleven CFEM genes significantly contribute to vegetative growth under iron starvation and virulence. Notably, the virulence of most disruptants could be significantly weakened by a decrease in iron availability, in which the virulence of ΔBbcfem7 and 8 strains was partially recovered by exogenous hemin. ΔBbcfem7 and 8 mutants displayed defective competitiveness against the sister entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria brongniartii. All 11 disruptants displayed impaired growth in the antagonistic assay with the saprotrophic fungus Aspergillus niger, which could be repressed by exogenous ferric ions. These findings not only reveal the systematic contributions of CFEM proteins to acquire two forms of iron (i.e. heme and ferric ion) in the entire lifecycle of entomopathogenic fungi but also help to better understand the mechanisms of fungus-host and inter-fungus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Jin Peng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jia Hou
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jia-Hui Lei
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hai-Yan Lin
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jin-Li Ding
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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Roskova Z, Skarohlid R, McGachy L. Siderophores: an alternative bioremediation strategy? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:153144. [PMID: 35038542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Siderophores are small molecular weight iron scavengers that are mainly produced by bacteria, fungi, and plants. Recently, they have attracted increasing attention because of their potential role in environmental bioremediation. Although siderophores are generally considered to exhibit high specificity for iron, they have also been reported to bind to various metal and metalloid ions. This unique ability allows siderophores to solubilise and mobilise heavy metals and metalloids from soil, thereby facilitating their bioremediation. In addition, because of their redox nature, they can mediate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and thus promote the biodegradation of organic contaminants. The aim of this review is to summarise the existing knowledge on the developed strategies of siderophore-assisted bioremediation of metals, metalloids, and organic contaminants. Additionally, this review also includes the biosynthesis and classification of microbial and plant siderophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Roskova
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Skarohlid
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka McGachy
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Biosynthesis and Chemical Synthesis of Albomycin Nucleoside Antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11040438. [PMID: 35453190 PMCID: PMC9032320 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11040438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlights the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents. Albomycins are a group of naturally occurring sideromycins with a thionucleoside antibiotic conjugated to a ferrichrome-type siderophore. The siderophore moiety serves as a vehicle to deliver albomycins into bacterial cells via a “Trojan horse” strategy. Albomycins function as specific inhibitors of seryl-tRNA synthetases and exhibit potent antimicrobial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including many clinical pathogens. These distinctive features make albomycins promising drug candidates for the treatment of various bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. We herein summarize findings on the discovery and structure elucidation, mechanism of action, biosynthesis and immunity, and chemical synthesis of albomcyins, with special focus on recent advances in the biosynthesis and chemical synthesis over the past decade (2012–2022). A thorough understanding of the biosynthetic pathway provides the basis for pathway engineering and combinatorial biosynthesis to create new albomycin analogues. Chemical synthesis of natural congeners and their synthetic analogues will be useful for systematic structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, and thereby assist the design of novel albomycin-derived antimicrobial agents.
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Palmieri F, Koutsokera A, Bernasconi E, Junier P, von Garnier C, Ubags N. Recent Advances in Fungal Infections: From Lung Ecology to Therapeutic Strategies With a Focus on Aspergillus spp. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:832510. [PMID: 35386908 PMCID: PMC8977413 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.832510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are estimated to be the main cause of death for more than 1.5 million people worldwide annually. However, fungal pathogenicity has been largely neglected. This is notably the case for pulmonary fungal infections, which are difficult to diagnose and to treat. We are currently facing a global emergence of antifungal resistance, which decreases the chances of survival for affected patients. New therapeutic approaches are therefore needed to face these life-threatening fungal infections. In this review, we will provide a general overview on respiratory fungal infections, with a focus on fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Next, the immunological and microbiological mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis will be discussed. The role of the respiratory mycobiota and its interactions with the bacterial microbiota on lung fungal infections will be presented from an ecological perspective. Finally, we will focus on existing and future innovative approaches for the treatment of respiratory fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Palmieri
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Fabio Palmieri,
| | - Angela Koutsokera
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Bernasconi
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pilar Junier
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe von Garnier
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Niki Ubags
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Niki Ubags,
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Klahn P, Zscherp R, Jimidar CC. Advances in the Synthesis of Enterobactin, Artificial Analogues, and Enterobactin-Derived Antimicrobial Drug Conjugates and Imaging Tools for Infection Diagnosis. SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1783-0751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIron is an essential growth factor for bacteria, but although highly abundant in nature, its bioavailability during infection in the human host or the environment is limited. Therefore, bacteria produce and secrete siderophores to ensure their supply of iron. The triscatecholate siderophore enterobactin and its glycosylated derivatives, the salmochelins, play a crucial role for iron acquisition in several bacteria. As these compounds can serve as carrier molecules for the design of antimicrobial siderophore drug conjugates as well as siderophore-derived tool compounds for the detection of infections with bacteria, their synthesis and the design of artificial analogues is of interest. In this review, we give an overview on the synthesis of enterobactin, biomimetic as well as totally artificial analogues, and related drug-conjugates covering up to 12/2021.1 Introduction2 Antibiotic Crisis and Sideromycins as Natural Templates for New Antimicrobial Drugs3 Biosynthesis of Enterobactin, Salmochelins, and Microcins4 Total Synthesis of Enterobactin and Salmochelins5 Chemoenzymatic Semi-synthesis of Salmochelins and Microcin E492m Derivatives6 Synthesis of Biomimetic Enterobactin Derivatives with Natural Tris-lactone Backbone7 Synthesis of Artificial Enterobactin Derivatives without Tris-lactone Backbone8 Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Klahn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig
- Department for Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg
| | - Robert Zscherp
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig
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Asai Y, Hiratsuka T, Ueda M, Kawamura Y, Asamizu S, Onaka H, Arioka M, Nishimura S, Yoshida M. Differential Biosynthesis and Roles of Two Ferrichrome-Type Siderophores, ASP2397/AS2488053 and Ferricrocin, in Acremonium persicinum. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:207-216. [PMID: 35000376 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ferrichromes are a family of fungal siderophores with cyclic hexapeptide structures. Most fungi produce one or two ferrichrome-type siderophores. Acremonium persicinum MF-347833 produces ferrichrome-like potent Trojan horse antifungal antibiotics ASP2397 and AS2488053, the aluminum- and iron-chelating forms of AS2488059, respectively. Here, we show by gene sequencing followed by gene deletion experiments that A. persicinum MF-347833 possesses two nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes responsible for AS2488059 and ferricrocin assembly. AS2488059 was produced under iron starvation conditions and excreted into the media to serve as a defense metabolite and probably an iron courier. In contrast, ferricrocin was produced under iron-replete conditions and retained inside the cells, likely serving as an iron-sequestering molecule. Notably, the phylogenetic analyses suggest the different evolutionary origin of AS2488059 from that of conventional ferrichrome-type siderophores. Harnessing two ferrichrome-type siderophores with distinct biological properties may give A. persicinum a competitive advantage for surviving the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Asai
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tomoshige Hiratsuka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Miyu Ueda
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yumi Kawamura
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shumpei Asamizu
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Onaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Manabu Arioka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shinichi Nishimura
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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