Positive autoregulation and repression of transactivation are key regulatory features of the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor

Hybrid adaptation is hampered by Haldane's sieve

Hybrids between species exhibit plastic genomic architectures that could foster or slow down their adaptation. When challenged to evolve in an environment containing a UV mimetic drug, yeast hybrids have reduced adaptation rates compared to parents. We find that hybrids and their parents converge onto similar molecular mechanisms of adaptation by mutations in pleiotropic transcription factors, but at a different pace. After 100 generations, mutations in these genes tend to be homozygous in the parents but heterozygous in the hybrids. We hypothesize that a lower rate of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in hybrids could limit fitness gain. Using genome editing, we first demonstrate that mutations display incomplete dominance, requiring homozygosity to show full impact and to entirely circumvent Haldane's sieve, which favors the fixation of dominant mutations. Second, tracking mutations in earlier generations confirmed a different rate of LOH in hybrids. Together, these findings show that Haldane's sieve slows down adaptation in hybrids, revealing an intrinsic constraint of hybrid genomic architecture that can limit the role of hybridization in adaptive evolution.

Mutations across Diverse Domains of CjXDR1 Lead to Multidrug Resistance in Clarireedia jacksonii

Recently, Clarireedia jacksonii has emerged as a significant pathogen threatening turfgrass, and its escalating resistance to multiple drugs often undermines field interventions. This study highlighted the critical role of the fungus-specific transcription factor CjXDR1 (formerly ShXDR1) in regulating multidrug resistance (MDR) in C. jacksonii. This was demonstrated through experiments involving CjXDR1-knockout and CjXDR1-complemented strains. Our sequence analysis revealed five mutations in CjXDR1: G445D, K453E, S607F, D676H, and V690A. All five gain-of-function (GOF) mutations were confirmed to directly contribute to MDR against three different classes of fungicides (propiconazole: demethylation inhibitor, boscalid: succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor, and iprodione: dicarboximide) using the genetic transformation system and in vitro fungicide-sensitivity assay. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that CjXDR1 and its GOF mutations led to the overexpression of downstream genes encoding a Phase I metabolizing enzyme (CYP68) and two Phase III transporters (CjPDR1 and CjAtrD) previously reported. Knockout mutants of CYP68, CjPDR1, CjAtrD, and double-knockout mutants of CjPDR1 and CjAtrD exhibited increased sensitivity to all three fungicides tested. Among these, the CYP68-knockout mutants displayed the highest sensitivity to propiconazole, while the CjPDR1 knockout mutant exhibited significantly increased sensitivity to all three fungicides. Double-knockout mutants of CjPDR1 and CjAtrD displayed greater sensitivity than the single knockouts. In conclusion, multiple GOF mutants in CjXDR1 contribute to MDR by upregulating the expression of CjPDR1, CjAtrD, and CYP68. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MDR in plant pathogenic fungi, providing valuable insights into GOF mutation structures and advancing the development of antifungal drugs.

Overlapping coactivator function is required for transcriptional activation by the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor

Azole resistance in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is a serious clinical complication and increasing in frequency. The majority of resistant organisms have been found to contain a substitution mutation in the Zn2Cys6 zinc cluster-containing transcription factor Pdr1. These mutations typically lead to this factor driving high, constitutive expression of target genes like the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding gene CDR1. Overexpression of Cdr1 is required for the observed elevated fluconazole resistance exhibited by strains containing one of these hyperactive PDR1 alleles. While the identity of hyperactive PDR1 alleles has been extensively documented, the mechanisms underlying how these gain-of-function (GOF) forms of Pdr1 lead to elevated target gene transcription are not well understood. We have used a tandem affinity purification-tagged form of Pdr1 to identify coactivator proteins that biochemically purify with the wild-type and 2 different GOF forms of Pdr1. Three coactivator proteins were found to associate with Pdr1: the SWI/SNF complex Snf2 chromatin remodeling protein and 2 different components of the SAGA complex, Spt7 and Ngg1. We found that deletion mutants lacking either SNF2 or SPT7 exhibited growth defects, even in the absence of fluconazole challenge. To overcome these issues, we employed a conditional degradation system to acutely deplete these coactivators and determined that loss of either coactivator complex, SWI/SNF or SAGA, caused defects in Pdr1-dependent transcription. A double degron strain that could be depleted for both SWI/SNF and SAGA exhibited a profound defect in PDR1 autoregulation, revealing that these complexes work together to ensure high-level Pdr1-dependent gene transcription.

Exploring the stress response mechanisms to 2-phenylethanol conferred by Pdr1p mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND

The 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) tolerance phenotype is crucial to the production of 2-PE, and Pdr1p mutation can significantly increase the tolerance of 2-PE in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear, hindering the rational design of superior 2-PE tolerance performance.

RESULTS

Here, the physiology and biochemistry of the PDR1_862 and 5D strains were analyzed. At 3.5 g/L 2-PE, the ethanol concentration of PDR1_862 decreased by 21%, and the 2-PE production of PDR1_862 increased by 16% than those of 5D strain. Transcriptome analysis showed that at 2-PE stress, Pdr1p mutation increased the expression of genes involved in the Ehrlich pathway. In addition, Pdr1p mutation attenuated sulfur metabolism and enhanced the one-carbon pool by folate to resist 2-PE stress. These metabolic pathways were closely associated with amino acids metabolism. Furthermore, at 3.5 g/L 2-PE, the free amino acids content of PDR1_862 decreased by 31% than that of 5D strain, among the free amino acids, cysteine was key amino acid for the enhancement of 2-PE stress tolerance conferred by Pdr1p mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

The above results indicated that Pdr1p mutation enhanced the Ehrlich pathway to improve 2-PE production of S. cerevisiae, and Pdr1p mutation altered the intracellular amino acids contents, in which cysteine might be a biomarker in response to Pdr1p mutation under 2-PE stress. The findings help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for 2-PE stress tolerance by Pdr1p mutation in S. cerevisiae, identify key metabolic pathway responsible for 2-PE stress tolerance.

Overlapping coactivator function is required for transcriptional activation by the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor

Azole resistance in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is a serious clinical complication and increasing in frequency. The majority of resistant organisms have been found to contain a substitution mutation in the Zn2Cys6 zinc cluster-containing transcription factor Pdr1. These mutations typically lead to this factor driving high, constitutive expression of target genes like the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding gene CDR1 . Overexpression of Cdr1 is required for the observed elevated fluconazole resistance exhibited by strains containing one of these hyperactive PDR1 alleles. While the identity of hyperactive PDR1 alleles has been extensively documented, the mechanisms underlying how these gain-of-function (GOF) forms of Pdr1 lead to elevated target gene transcription are not well understood. We have used a tandem affinity purification (TAP)-tagged form of Pdr1 to identify coactivator proteins that biochemically purify with the wild-type and two different GOF forms of Pdr1. Three coactivator proteins were found to associate with Pdr1: the SWI/SNF complex Snf2 chromatin remodeling protein and two different components of the SAGA complex, Spt7 and Ngg1. We found that deletion mutants lacking either SNF2 or SPT7 exhibited growth defects, even in the absence of fluconazole challenge. To overcome these issues, we employed a conditional degradation system to acutely deplete these coactivators and determined that loss of either coactivator complex, SWI/SNF or SAGA, caused defects in Pdr1-dependent transcription. A double degron strain that could be depleted for both SWI/SNF and SAGA exhibited a profound defect in PDR1 autoregulation, revealing that these complexes work together to ensure high level Pdr1-dependent gene transcription.

Discovery of Pyrazolone Carbothioamide Derivatives as Inhibitors of the Pdr1-KIX Interaction for Combinational Treatment of Azole-Resistant Candidiasis

Candida glabrata has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen of invasive candidiasis due to increasing drug resistance. Targeting Pdr1-KIX interactions with small molecules represents a potential strategy for treating drug-resistant candidiasis. However, effective Pdr1-KIX inhibitors are rather limited, hindering the validation of target druggability. Here, new Pdr1-KIX inhibitors were designed and assayed. Particularly, compound B8 possessed a new chemical scaffold and exhibited potent KIX binding affinity, leading to enhanced synergistic efficacy with fluconazole to treat resistant C. glabrata infection (FICI = 0.28). Compound B8 acted by inhibiting the efflux pump and down-regulating resistance-associated genes through blocking the Pdr1-KIX interaction. Compound B8 exhibited excellent in vitro and in vivo antifungal potency in combination with fluconazole against azole-resistant C. glabrata. It also had direct antifungal effect to treat C. glabrata infection, suggesting new mechanisms of action independent of Pdr1-KIX inhibition. Therefore, compound B8 represents a promising lead compound for antifungal drug development.

The role of the Mediator complex in fungal pathogenesis and response to antifungal agents

Mediator is a complex of polypeptides that plays a central role in the recruitment of RNA polymerase II to promoters and subsequent transcriptional activation in eukaryotic organisms. Studies have now shown that Mediator has a role in regulating expression of genes implicated in virulence and antifungal drug resistance in pathogenic fungi. The roles of specific Mediator subunits have been investigated in several species of pathogenic fungi, particularly in the most pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Uniquely, pathogenic yeast also present several interesting examples of divergence in Mediator structure and function, most notably in C. glabrata, which possesses two orthologues of Med15, and in C. albicans, which has a massively expanded family of Med2 orthologues known as the TLO gene family. This review highlights specific examples of recent progress in characterizing the role of Mediator in pathogenic fungi.

Redefining pleiotropic drug resistance in a pathogenic yeast: Pdr1 functions as a sensor of cellular stresses in Candida glabrata

Candida glabrata is a prominent opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans. The increasing incidence of C. glabrata infections is attributed to both innate and acquired resistance to antifungals. Previous studies suggest the transcription factor Pdr1 and several target genes encoding ABC transporters are critical elements of pleiotropic defense against azoles and other antifungals. This study utilizes Hermes transposon insertion profiling to investigate Pdr1-independent and Pdr1-dependent mechanisms that alter susceptibility to the frontline antifungal fluconazole. Several new genes were found to alter fluconazole susceptibility independent of Pdr1 (CYB5, SSK1, SSK2, HOG1, TRP1). A bZIP transcription repressor of mitochondrial function (CIN5) positively regulated Pdr1 while hundreds of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins were confirmed as negative regulators of Pdr1. The antibiotic oligomycin activated Pdr1 and antagonized fluconazole efficacy likely by interfering with mitochondrial processes in C. glabrata. Unexpectedly, disruption of many 60S ribosomal proteins also activated Pdr1, thus mimicking the effects of the mRNA translation inhibitors. Cycloheximide failed to fully activate Pdr1 in a cycloheximide-resistant Rpl28-Q38E mutant. Similarly, fluconazole failed to fully activate Pdr1 in a strain expressing a low-affinity variant of Erg11. Fluconazole activated Pdr1 with very slow kinetics that correlated with the delayed onset of cellular stress. These findings are inconsistent with the idea that Pdr1 directly senses xenobiotics and support an alternative hypothesis where Pdr1 senses cellular stresses that arise only after engagement of xenobiotics with their targets. IMPORTANCE Candida glabrata is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that causes discomfort and death. Its incidence has been increasing because of natural defenses to our common antifungal medications. This study explores the entire genome for impacts on resistance to fluconazole. We find several new and unexpected genes can impact susceptibility to fluconazole. Several antibiotics can also alter the efficacy of fluconazole. Most importantly, we find that Pdr1-a key determinant of fluconazole resistance-is not regulated directly through binding of fluconazole and instead is regulated indirectly by sensing the cellular stresses caused by fluconazole blockage of sterol biosynthesis. This new understanding of drug resistance mechanisms could improve the outcomes of current antifungals and accelerate the development of novel therapeutics.

Fungal Drug Response and Antimicrobial Resistance

Antifungal resistance is a growing concern as it poses a significant threat to public health. Fungal infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The limited number of antifungal agents and the emergence of resistance have led to a critical need to understand the mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance. This review provides an overview of the importance of antifungal resistance, the classes of antifungal agents, and their mode of action. It highlights the molecular mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance, including alterations in drug modification, activation, and availability. In addition, the review discusses the response to drugs via the regulation of multidrug efflux systems and antifungal drug-target interactions. We emphasize the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance to develop effective strategies to combat the emergence of resistance and highlight the need for continued research to identify new targets for antifungal drug development and explore alternative therapeutic options to overcome resistance. Overall, an understanding of antifungal drug resistance and its mechanisms will be indispensable for the field of antifungal drug development and clinical management of fungal infections.

Redefining Pleiotropic Drug Resistance in a Pathogenic Yeast: Pdr1 Functions as a Sensor of Cellular Stresses in Candida glabrata

Candida glabrata is a prominent opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans. The increasing incidence of C. glabrata infections is attributed to both innate and acquired resistance to antifungals. Previous studies suggest the transcription factor Pdr1 and several target genes encoding ABC transporters are critical elements of pleiotropic defense against azoles and other antifungals. This study utilizes Hermes transposon insertion profiling to investigate Pdr1-independent and Pdr1-dependent mechanisms that alter susceptibility to the frontline antifungal fluconazole. Several new genes were found to alter fluconazole susceptibility independent of Pdr1 ( CYB5 , SSK1 , SSK2 , HOG1 , TRP1 ). A bZIP transcription repressor of mitochondrial function ( CIN5 ) positively regulated Pdr1 while hundreds of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins were confirmed as negative regulators of Pdr1. The antibiotic oligomycin activated Pdr1 and antagonized fluconazole efficacy likely by interfering with mitochondrial processes in C. glabrata . Unexpectedly, disruption of many 60S ribosomal proteins also activated Pdr1, thus mimicking the effects of the mRNA translation inhibitors. Cycloheximide failed to fully activate Pdr1 in a cycloheximide-resistant Rpl28-Q38E mutant. Similarly, fluconazole failed to fully activate Pdr1 in a strain expressing a low-affinity variant of Erg11. Fluconazole activated Pdr1 with very slow kinetics that correlated with the delayed onset of cellular stress. These findings are inconsistent with the idea that Pdr1 directly senses xenobiotics and support an alternative hypothesis where Pdr1 senses cellular stresses that arise only after engagement of xenobiotics with their targets.

Importance

Candida glabrata is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that causes discomfort and death. Its incidence has been increasing because of natural defenses to our common antifungal medications. This study explores the entire genome for impacts on resistance to fluconazole. We find several new and unexpected genes can impact susceptibility to fluconazole. Several antibiotics can also alter the efficacy of fluconazole. Most importantly, we find that Pdr1 - a key determinant of fluconazole resistance - is not regulated directly through binding of fluconazole and instead is regulated indirectly by sensing the cellular stresses caused by fluconazole blockage of sterol biosynthesis. This new understanding of drug resistance mechanisms could improve the outcomes of current antifungals and accelerate the development of novel therapeutics.

Characterizing Candida glabrata Pdr1, a Hyperactive Transcription Factor Involved in Azole Resistance

This chapter illustrates how to prepare isogenic strains carrying gain-of-function forms of transcription factor Pdr1 in the human pathogen Candida glabrata. Simple steps are described that lead from a characterized plasmid-borne PDR1-GOF allele to its integration into the yeast genome in a markerless manner. Pdr1-GOF strains constructed by this approach are suitable for virulence studies in an animal host.

yEvo: experimental evolution in high school classrooms selects for novel mutations that impact clotrimazole resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Antifungal resistance in pathogenic fungi is a growing global health concern. Nonpathogenic laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are an important model for studying mechanisms of antifungal resistance that are relevant to understanding the same processes in pathogenic fungi. We have developed a series of laboratory modules in which high school students used experimental evolution to study antifungal resistance by isolating azole-resistant S. cerevisiae mutants and examining the genetic basis of resistance. We have sequenced 99 clones from these experiments and found that all possessed mutations previously shown to impact azole resistance, validating our approach. We additionally found recurrent mutations in an mRNA degradation pathway and an uncharacterized mitochondrial protein (Csf1) that have possible mechanistic connections to azole resistance. The scale of replication in this initiative allowed us to identify candidate epistatic interactions, as evidenced by pairs of mutations that occur in the same clone more frequently than expected by chance (positive epistasis) or less frequently (negative epistasis). We validated one of these pairs, a negative epistatic interaction between gain-of-function mutations in the multidrug resistance transcription factors Pdr1 and Pdr3. This high school-university collaboration can serve as a model for involving members of the broader public in the scientific process to make meaningful discoveries in biomedical research.

Nonidentical function of Upc2A binding sites in the Candida glabrata CDR1 promoter

Increased expression of the Candida glabrata CDR1 gene, encoding an ATP-binding cassette membrane transporter, is routinely observed in fluconazole-resistant isolates of this pathogenic yeast. CDR1 transcription has been well-documented to be due to activity of the Zn2Cys6 zinc cluster-containing transcription factor Pdr1. Gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding this factor are the most commonly observed cause of fluconazole hyper-resistance in clinical isolates. We have recently found that the sterol-responsive transcription factor Upc2A also acts to control CDR1 transcription, providing a direct link between ergosterol biosynthesis and expression of Pdr1 target genes. While this earlier work implicated Upc2A as an activator of CDR1 transcription, our further analyses revealed the presence of a second Upc2A binding site that negatively regulated CDR1 expression. This Upc2A binding site designated a sterol-responsive element (SRE) was found to have significant lower affinity for Upc2A DNA-binding than the previously described SRE. This new SRE was designated SRE2 while the original, positively acting site was named SRE1. A mutant version of SRE2 prevented in vitro DNA-binding by recombinant Upc2A and, when introduced into the CDR1 promoter, caused decreased fluconazole susceptibility and increased CDR1 expression. This negative effect caused by loss of SRE2 was shown to be Pdr1 independent, consistent with the presence of at least one additional activator of CDR1 transcription. The ability of Upc2A to exert either positive or negative effects on gene expression resembles behavior of mammalian nuclear receptor proteins and reveals an unexpectedly complex nature for SRE effects on gene regulation.

Disclosing azole resistance mechanisms in resistant Candida glabrata strains encoding wild-type or gain-of-function CgPDR1 alleles through comparative genomics and transcriptomics

The pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is intrinsically resilient to azoles and rapidly acquires resistance to these antifungals, in vitro and in vivo. In most cases azole-resistant C. glabrata clinical strains encode hyperactive CgPdr1 variants, however, resistant strains encoding wild-type CgPDR1 alleles have also been isolated, although remaining to be disclosed the underlying resistance mechanism. In this study, we scrutinized the mechanisms underlying resistance to azoles of 8 resistant clinical C. glabrata strains, identified along the course of epidemiological surveys undertaken in Portugal. Seven of the strains were found to encode CgPdr1 gain-of-function variants (I392M, E555K, G558C, and I803T) with the substitutions I392M and I803T being herein characterized as hyper-activating mutations for the first time. While cells expressing the wild-type CgPDR1 allele required the mediator subunit Gal11A to enhance tolerance to fluconazole, this was dispensable for cells expressing the I803T variant indicating that the CgPdr1 interactome is shaped by different gain-of-function substitutions. Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of the sole azole-resistant C. glabrata isolate encoding a wild-type CgPDR1 allele (ISTB218) revealed that under fluconazole stress this strain over-expresses various genes described to provide protection against this antifungal, while also showing reduced expression of genes described to increase sensitivity to these drugs. The overall role in driving the azole-resistance phenotype of the ISTB218 C. glabrata isolate played by these changes in the transcriptome and genome of the ISTB218 isolate are discussed shedding light into mechanisms of resistance that go beyond the CgPdr1-signalling pathway and that may alone, or in combination, pave the way for the acquisition of resistance to azoles in vivo.

Copper Acts Synergistically With Fluconazole in Candida glabrata by Compromising Drug Efflux, Sterol Metabolism, and Zinc Homeostasis

The synergistic combinations of drugs are promising strategies to boost the effectiveness of current antifungals and thus prevent the emergence of resistance. In this work, we show that copper and the antifungal fluconazole act synergistically against Candida glabrata, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast intrinsically tolerant to fluconazole. Analyses of the transcriptomic profile of C. glabrata after the combination of copper and fluconazole showed that the expression of the multidrug transporter gene CDR1 was decreased, suggesting that fluconazole efflux could be affected. In agreement, we observed that copper inhibits the transactivation of Pdr1, the transcription regulator of multidrug transporters and leads to the intracellular accumulation of fluconazole. Copper also decreases the transcriptional induction of ergosterol biosynthesis (ERG) genes by fluconazole, which culminates in the accumulation of toxic sterols. Co-treatment of cells with copper and fluconazole should affect the function of proteins located in the plasma membrane, as several ultrastructural alterations, including irregular cell wall and plasma membrane and loss of cell wall integrity, were observed. Finally, we show that the combination of copper and fluconazole downregulates the expression of the gene encoding the zinc-responsive transcription regulator Zap1, which possibly, together with the membrane transporters malfunction, generates zinc depletion. Supplementation with zinc reverts the toxic effect of combining copper with fluconazole, underscoring the importance of this metal in the observed synergistic effect. Overall, this work, while unveiling the molecular basis that supports the use of copper to enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, paves the way for the development of new metal-based antifungal strategies.

How Fungal Multidrug Transporters Mediate Hyperresistance Through DNA Amplification and Mutation

A significant portion of clinically observed antifungal resistance is mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transport pumps that reside in the plasma membrane. We review the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. Hyperresistance is often brought about by several kinds of DNA amplification or by gain-of-function mutations in a variety of transcription factors. Both of these result in overexpression of ABC and MFS transporters. Recently, however, several additional modes of resistance have been observed. These include mutations in non-conserved nucleotides leading to altered mRNA stability and a mutation in yeast transporter Pdr5, which improves cooperativity between drug-binding sites.

Zap1 is required for Candida glabrata response to fluconazole

The increasing prevalence of fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Candida spp. strongly hinders the widespread use of the drug. To tackle this problem, great efforts have been made to fully understand the fungal response to fluconazole. In this work, we show that the role of Zap1 in Candida glabrata goes beyond regulating yeast adaptation to zinc deficiency. In line with our previous observation that deletion of ZAP1 makes yeast cells more sensitive to fluconazole, we found that the mutant CgΔzap1 accumulates higher levels of the drug, which correlates well with its lower levels of ergosterol. Surprisingly, Zap1 is a negative regulator of the drug efflux transporter gene CDR1 and of its regulator, PDR1. The apparent paradox of drug accumulation in cells where genes encoding transporters relevant for drug extrusion are being overexpressed led us to postulate that their activity could be impaired. In agreement, Zap1-depleted cells present, in addition to decreased ergosterol levels, an altered composition of membrane phospholipids, which together should impact membrane function and impair the detoxification of fluconazole. Overall, our study brings to light Zap1 as an important hub in Candida glabrata response to fluconazole.

Azole-resistant alleles of ERG11 in Candida glabrata trigger activation of the Pdr1 and Upc2A transcription factors

Azoles, the most commonly used antifungal drugs, specifically inhibit the fungal lanosterol α-14 demethylase enzyme, which is referred to as Erg11. Inhibition of Erg11 ultimately leads to a reduction in ergosterol production, an essential fungal membrane sterol. Many Candida species, such as Candida albicans , develop mutations in this enzyme which reduces the azole binding affinity and results in increased resistance. Candida glabrata is also a pathogenic yeast that has low intrinsic susceptibility to azole drugs and easily develops elevated resistance. In C. glabrata , these azole resistant mutations typically cause hyperactivity of the Pdr1 transcription factor and rarely lie within the ERG11 gene. Here, we generated C. glabrata ERG11 mutations that were analogous to azole resistance alleles from C. albicans ERG11 . Three different Erg11 forms (Y141H, S410F, and the corresponding double mutant (DM)) conferred azole resistance in C. glabrata with the DM Erg11 form causing the strongest phenotype. The DM Erg11 also induced cross-resistance to amphotericin B and caspofungin. Resistance caused by the DM allele of ERG11 imposed a fitness cost that was not observed with hyperactive PDR1 alleles. Crucially, the presence of the DM ERG11 allele was sufficient to activate the Pdr1 transcription factor in the absence of azole drugs. Our data indicate that azole resistance linked to changes in ERG11 activity can involve cellular effects beyond an alteration in this key azole target enzyme. Understanding the physiology linking ergosterol biosynthesis with Pdr1-mediated regulation of azole resistance is crucial for ensuring the continued efficacy of azole drugs against C. glabrata .

Candida glabrata Hst1-Rfm1-Sum1 complex evolved to control virulence-related genes

C. glabrata is an opportunistic fungal pathogen and the second most common cause of opportunistic fungal infections in humans, that has evolved virulence factors to become a successful pathogen: strong resistance to oxidative stress, capable to adhere and form biofilms in human epithelial cells as well as to abiotic surfaces and high resistance to xenobiotics. Hst1 (a NAD⁺-dependent histone deacetylase), Sum1 (putative DNA binding protein) and Rfm1 (connector protein) form a complex (HRS-C) and control the resistance to oxidative stress, to xenobiotics (the antifungal fluconazole), and adherence to epithelial cells. Hst1 is functionally conserved within the Saccharomycetaceae family, Rfm1 shows a close phylogenetic relation within the Saccharomycetaceae family while Sum1 displays a distant phylogenetic relation with members of the family and is not conserved functionally. CDR1 encodes for an ABC transporter (resistance to fluconazole) negatively controlled by HRS-C, for which its binding site is located within 223 bp upstream from the ATG of CDR1. The absence of Hst1 and Sum1 renders the cells hyper-adherent, possibly due to the overexpression of AED1, EPA1, EPA22 and EPA6, all encoding for adhesins. Finally, in a neutrophil survival assay, HST1 and SUM1, are not required for survival. We propose that Sum1 in the HRS-C diverged functionally to control a set of genes implicated in virulence: adherence, resistance to xenobiotics and oxidative stress.

The Candida glabrata Upc2A transcription factor is a global regulator of antifungal drug resistance pathways

The most commonly used antifungal drugs are the azole compounds, which interfere with biosynthesis of the fungal-specific sterol: ergosterol. The pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata commonly acquires resistance to azole drugs like fluconazole via mutations in a gene encoding a transcription factor called PDR1. These PDR1 mutations lead to overproduction of drug transporter proteins like the ATP-binding cassette transporter Cdr1. In other Candida species, mutant forms of a transcription factor called Upc2 are associated with azole resistance, owing to the important role of this protein in control of expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Recently, the C. glabrata Upc2A factor was demonstrated to be required for normal azole resistance, even in the presence of a hyperactive mutant form of PDR1. Using genome-scale approaches, we define the network of genes bound and regulated by Upc2A. By analogy to a previously described hyperactive UPC2 mutation found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we generated a similar form of Upc2A in C. glabrata called G898D Upc2A. Analysis of Upc2A genomic binding sites demonstrated that wild-type Upc2A binding to target genes was strongly induced by fluconazole while G898D Upc2A bound similarly, irrespective of drug treatment. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that, in addition to the well-described ERG genes, a large group of genes encoding components of the translational apparatus along with membrane proteins were responsive to Upc2A. These Upc2A-regulated membrane protein-encoding genes are often targets of the Pdr1 transcription factor, demonstrating the high degree of overlap between these two regulatory networks. Finally, we provide evidence that Upc2A impacts the Pdr1-Cdr1 system and also modulates resistance to caspofungin. These studies provide a new perspective of Upc2A as a master regulator of lipid and membrane protein biosynthesis.

In the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata, expression of the genes encoding enzymes in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway is controlled by the transcription factor Upc2A. C. glabrata has a low intrinsic susceptibility to azole therapy and acquires fluconazole resistance at high frequency. These azole resistant mutants typically contain substitution mutations in a gene encoding the transcription factor Pdr1. Pdr1 does not appear to regulate ergosterol genes and instead induces expression of genes encoding drug transport proteins like CDR1. Here we establish that extensive overlap exists between the regulatory networks defined by Upc2A and Pdr1. Genomic approaches are used to describe the hundreds of genes regulated by Upc2A that far exceed the well-described impact of this factor on genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. The overlap between Upc2A and Pdr1 is primarily described by co-regulation of genes encoding membrane transporters like CDR1. We provide evidence that Upc2A impacts the transcriptional control of the FKS1 gene, producing a target of a second major class of antifungal drugs, the echinocandins. Our data are consistent with Upc2A playing a role as a master regulator coordinating the synthesis of membrane structural components, both at the level of lipids and proteins, to produce properly functional biological membranes.

Transcription factors and ABC transporters: from pleiotropic drug resistance to cellular signaling in yeast

Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae survives in microenvironments utilizing networks of regulators and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters to circumvent toxins and a variety of drugs. Our understanding of transcriptional regulation of ABC transporters in yeast is mainly derived from the study of multidrug resistance protein networks. Over the past two decades, this research has not only expanded the role of transcriptional regulators in pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) but evolved to include the role that regulators play in cellular signaling and environmental adaptation. Inspection of the gene networks of the transcriptional regulators and characterization of the ABC transporters has clarified that they also contribute to environmental adaptation by controlling plasma membrane composition, toxic-metal sequestration, and oxidative stress adaptation. Additionally, ABC transporters and their regulators appear to be involved in cellular signaling for adaptation of S. cerevisiae populations to nutrient availability. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the S. cerevisiae transcriptional regulatory networks and highlight recent work in other notable fungal organisms, underlining the expansion of the study of these gene networks across the kingdom fungi.

Functional information from clinically-derived drug resistant forms of the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor

Azole drugs are the most frequently used antifungal agents. The pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata acquires resistance to azole drugs via single amino acid substitution mutations eliciting a gain-of-function (GOF) hyperactive phenotype in the Pdr1 transcription factor. These GOF mutants constitutively drive high transcription of target genes such as the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding CDR1 locus. Previous characterization of Pdr1 has demonstrated that this factor is negatively controlled by the action of a central regulatory domain (CRD) of ~700 amino acids, in which GOF mutations are often found. Our earlier experiments demonstrated that a Pdr1 derivative in which the CRD was deleted gave rise to a transcriptional regulator that could not be maintained as the sole copy of PDR1 in the cell owing to its toxically high activity. Using a set of GOF PDR1 alleles from azole-resistant clinical isolates, we have analyzed the mechanisms acting to repress Pdr1 transcriptional activity. Our data support the view that Pdr1-dependent transactivation is mediated by a complex network of transcriptional coactivators interacting with the extreme C-terminal part of Pdr1. These coactivators include but are not limited to the Mediator component Med15A. Activity of this C-terminal domain is controlled by the CRD and requires multiple regions across the C-terminus for normal function. We also provide genetic evidence for an element within the transactivation domain that mediates the interaction of Pdr1 with coactivators on one hand while restricting Pdr1 activity on the other hand. These data indicate that GOF mutations in PDR1 block nonidentical negative inputs that would otherwise restrain Pdr1 transcriptional activation. The strong C-terminal transactivation domain of Pdr1 uses multiple different protein regions to recruit coactivators.

Resistance to antibiotics is a major threat to the continued use of these lifesaving chemotherapeutic drugs. This problem is especially acute in the case of antifungal drugs as only 3 classes of these compounds exist. The pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata acquires resistance to the azole class of antifungal drugs by developing hyperactive alleles of the PDR1 gene, encoding a major inducer of azole resistance. We provide evidence that these hyperactive mutant proteins identify different negative inputs that would otherwise repress the transcriptional activity of Pdr1. Mutational analysis of the extreme C-terminus of Pdr1 indicated that this region exhibited multiple different interactions with coactivator proteins required for normal transcriptional activation of target gene expression. The data reported here shed light on the complicated nature of regulation of Pdr1 activity and identify domains in this protein that are bifunctional in their role to ensure normal factor activity. A detailed understanding of the molecular control of Pdr1 will allow strategies to be devised to reverse the azole resistance triggered by mutant forms of this protein.

A gain-of-function mutation in PDR1 of Candida glabrata decreases EPA1 expression and attenuates adherence to epithelial cells through enhancing recruitment of the Mediator subunit Gal11A

Genetic studies have revealed critical roles of transcription factor Pdr1 and the Mediator subunit Gal11A in regulating azole resistance in Candida glabrata. Recently, PDR1 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations have been shown to not only increase azole resistance but also enhance adherence during C. glabrata infection. However, mechanism of how Pdr1 regulates adherence, especially the implication of PDR1 GOF mutations in the regulation of the major adhesin gene EPA1, remains uncharacterized. Initially, we unexpectedly observed that expression of PDR1 harbouring GOF mutation G346D down-regulated EPA1 transcription and attenuated adherence to epithelial cells in different strain backgrounds. Given that PDR1 GOF mutations have been previously regarded as stimulators for adherence of this species, these findings prompted us to explore the regulation of EPA1 by wild-type Pdr1 and Pdr1 harbouring G346D mutation. Epitope tagged version of Pdr1 and Gal11A were utilized to determine the association of Pdr1 and Gal11A with EPA1 promoter. A combination of approaches including deletion, molecular, and biochemical assays showed that EPA1 is a direct target of Pdr1, and demonstrated for the first time that PDR1 G346D mutation decreases EPA1 expression and attenuates adherence to epithelial cells via enhancing recruitment of Gal11A. Taken together, our data propose a critical role of Gal11A in Pdr1-regulated EPA1 expression and adherence to epithelial cells, which could be utilized a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of hyper-adherent C. glabrata infection.

Evidence that Ergosterol Biosynthesis Modulates Activity of the Pdr1 Transcription Factor in Candida glabrata

A likely contributor to the increased incidence of non-albicans candidemias involving Candida glabrata is the ease with which this yeast acquires azole resistance, in large part due to induction of the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding gene CDR1. Azole drugs lead to induction of Pdr1 transactivation, with a central model being that this factor binds these drugs directly. Here we provide evidence that Pdr1 is activated without azole drugs by the use of genetic means to inhibit expression of azole drug target-encoding gene ERG11. These acute reductions in Erg11 levels lead to elevated Pdr1 activity even though no drug is present. A key transcriptional regulator of the ERG pathway, Upc2A, is shown to directly bind to the PDR1 and CDR1 promoters. We interpret these data as support for the view that Pdr1 function is responsive to ergosterol biosynthesis and suggest that this connection reveals the normal physiological circuitry in which Pdr1 participates.

A crucial limitation in antifungal chemotherapy is the limited number of antifungal drugs currently available. Azole drugs represent the most commonly used chemotherapeutic, and loss of efficacy of these drugs is a major risk factor in successful treatment of a variety of fungal diseases. Candida glabrata is a pathogenic yeast that is increasingly found associated with bloodstream infections, a finding likely contributed to by its proclivity to develop azole drug resistance. C. glabrata often acquires azole resistance via gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the transcription factor Pdr1. These GOF forms of Pdr1 drive elevated expression of target genes, including the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding CDR1 locus. GOF alleles of PDR1 have been extensively studied, but little is known of how Pdr1 is normally regulated. Here we test the idea that reduction of ergosterol biosynthesis (as occurs in the presence of azole drugs) might trigger activation of Pdr1 function. Using two different means of genetically inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis, we demonstrated that Pdr1 activity and target gene expression are elevated in the absence of azole drug. Blocks at different points in the ergosterol pathway lead to Pdr1 activation as well as to induction of other genes in this pathway. Delivery of the signal from the ergosterol pathway to Pdr1 involves the transcription factor Upc2A, an ERG gene regulator. We show that Upc2A binds directly to the PDR1 and CDR1 promoters. Our studies argue for a physiological link between ergosterol biosynthesis and Pdr1-dependent gene regulation that is not restricted to efflux of azole drugs.

Negative regulation of Candida glabrata Pdr1 by the deubiquitinase subunit Bre5 occurs in a ubiquitin independent manner

The primary route for development of azole resistance in the fungal pathogen Candida glabrata is acquisition of a point mutation in the PDR1 gene. This locus encodes a transcription factor that upon mutation drives high level expression of a range of genes including the ATP-binding cassette transporter-encoding gene CDR1. Pdr1 activity is also elevated in cells that lack the mitochondrial genome (ρ^° cells), with associated high expression of CDR1 driving azole resistance. To gain insight into the mechanisms controlling activity of Pdr1, we expressed a tandem affinity purification (TAP)-tagged form of Pdr1 in both wild-type (ρ⁺ ) and ρ^° cells. Purified proteins were analyzed by multidimensional protein identification technology mass spectrometry identifying a protein called Bre5 as a factor that co-purified with TAP-Pdr1. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bre5 is part of a deubiquitinase complex formed by association with the ubiquitin-specific protease Ubp3. Genetic analyses in C. glabrata revealed that loss of BRE5, but not UBP3, led to an increase in expression of PDR1 and CDR1 at the transcriptional level. These studies support the view that Bre5 acts as a negative regulator of Pdr1 transcriptional activity and behaves as a C. glabrata-specific modulator of azole resistance.

Multiple interfaces control activity of the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor mediating azole drug resistance

The Cys₆Zn₂ DNA-binding domain transcription factor Pdr1 is a central regulator of drug resistance in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata. In this review, I discuss the multiple control mechanisms modulating the function of this positive transcriptional regulator. Available data suggest that Pdr1 activity is restrained by multiple negative inputs that can be lost by either mutagenesis of the protein or loss of trans-acting factors. Although extensive data are available on the C. glabrata transactivator as well as its cognate proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the physiological rationale underlying the regulation of these factors remains to be understood.