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Edrich ESM, Duvenage L, Gourlay CW. Alternative Oxidase - Aid or obstacle to combat the rise of fungal pathogens? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2024; 1865:149031. [PMID: 38195037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2024.149031] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens present a growing threat to both humans and global health security alike. Increasing evidence of antifungal resistance in fungal populations that infect both humans and plant species has increased reliance on combination therapies and shown the need for new antifungal therapeutic targets to be investigated. Here, we review the roles of mitochondria and fungal respiration in pathogenesis and discuss the role of the Alternative Oxidase enzyme (Aox) in both human fungal pathogens and phytopathogens. Increasing evidence exists for Aox within mechanisms that underpin fungal virulence. Aox also plays important roles in adaptability that may prove useful within dual targeted fungal-specific therapeutic approaches. As improved fungal specific mitochondrial and Aox inhibitors are under development we may see this as an emerging target for future approaches to tackling the growing challenge of fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucian Duvenage
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Campbell W Gourlay
- Kent Fungal Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Kent CT2 9HY, UK.
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2
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Li J, Yang S, Wu Y, Wang R, Liu Y, Liu J, Ye Z, Tang R, Whiteway M, Lv Q, Yan L. Alternative Oxidase: From Molecule and Function to Future Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:12478-12499. [PMID: 38524433 PMCID: PMC10955580 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
In the respiratory chain of the majority of aerobic organisms, the enzyme alternative oxidase (AOX) functions as the terminal oxidase and has important roles in maintaining metabolic and signaling homeostasis in mitochondria. AOX endows the respiratory system with flexibility in the coupling among the carbon metabolism pathway, electron transport chain (ETC) activity, and ATP turnover. AOX allows electrons to bypass the main cytochrome pathway to restrict the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The inhibition of AOX leads to oxidative damage and contributes to the loss of adaptability and viability in some pathogenic organisms. Although AOXs have recently been identified in several organisms, crystal structures and major functions still need to be explored. Recent work on the trypanosome alternative oxidase has provided a crystal structure of an AOX protein, which contributes to the structure-activity relationship of the inhibitors of AOX. Here, we review the current knowledge on the development, structure, and properties of AOXs, as well as their roles and mechanisms in plants, animals, algae, protists, fungi, and bacteria, with a special emphasis on the development of AOX inhibitors, which will improve the understanding of respiratory regulation in many organisms and provide references for subsequent studies of AOX-targeted inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiye Li
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute
of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy
of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shiyun Yang
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yujie Wu
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ruina Wang
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiacun Liu
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zi Ye
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Renjie Tang
- Beijing
South Medical District of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department
of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, H4B 1R6 Quebec, Canada
| | - Quanzhen Lv
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Basic
Medicine Innovation Center for Fungal Infectious Diseases, (Naval Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biosafety Defense (Naval Medical University), Ministry
of Education, Shanghai 200433, China
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lan Yan
- School
of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Basic
Medicine Innovation Center for Fungal Infectious Diseases, (Naval Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200433, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biosafety Defense (Naval Medical University), Ministry
of Education, Shanghai 200433, China
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Shanghai 200433, China
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3
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Sharma R, Gibb AA, Barnts K, Elrod JW, Puri S. Alternative oxidase promotes high iron tolerance in Candida albicans. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0215723. [PMID: 37929974 PMCID: PMC10714975 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02157-23] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The yeast C. albicans exhibits metabolic flexibility for adaptability to host niches with varying availability of nutrients including essential metals like iron. For example, blood is iron deplete, while the oral cavity and the intestinal lumen are considered iron replete. We show here that C. albicans can tolerate very high levels of environmental iron, despite an increase in high iron-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) that it mitigates with the help of a unique oxidase, known as alternative oxidase (AOX). High iron induces AOX1/2 that limits mitochondrial accumulation of ROS. Genetic elimination of AOX1/2 resulted in diminished virulence during oropharyngeal candidiasis in high iron mice. Since human mitochondria lack AOX protein, it represents a unique target for treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Sharma
- Oral Microbiome Research Laboratory, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew A. Gibb
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelcie Barnts
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Medicine and Surgery, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John W. Elrod
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sumant Puri
- Oral Microbiome Research Laboratory, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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Romero-Aguilar L, Vázquez-Meza H, Guerra-Sánchez G, Luqueño-Bocardo OI, Pardo JP. The Mitochondrial Alternative Oxidase in Ustilago maydis Is Not Involved in Response to Oxidative Stress Induced by Paraquat. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1221. [PMID: 36422042 PMCID: PMC9693204 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that the alternative oxidase in mitochondria of fungi and plants has important functions in the response against stress conditions, although their role in some organisms is still unknown. This is the case of Ustilago maydis. There is no evidence of the participation of the U. maydis Aox1 in stressful conditions such as desiccation, high or low temperature, and low pH, among others. Therefore, in this work, we studied the role of the U. maydis Aox1 in cells exposed to oxidative stress induced by methyl viologen (paraquat). To gain insights into the role of this enzyme, we took advantage of four strains: the FB2 wild-type, a strain without the alternative oxidase (FB2aox1Δ), other with the Aox1 fused to the Gfp under the control of the original promoter (FB2aox1-Gfp), and one expressing constitutively de Aox1-Gfp (FB2Potef:aox1-Gfp). Cells were incubated for various times in the presence of 1 mM paraquat and growth, replicative capacities, mitochondrial respiratory activity, Aox1 capacity, and the activities of several antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase) were assayed. The results show that (1) the response of U. maydis against oxidative stress was the same in the presence or absence of the Aox1; (2) the activities of the antioxidant enzymes remained constant despite the oxidative stress; and (3) there was a decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio in U. maydis cells incubated with paraquat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucero Romero-Aguilar
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Interior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Héctor Vázquez-Meza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Interior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Guerra-Sánchez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Microbiología, Plan de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N Santo Tomás, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México C.P. 11340, Mexico
| | - Oscar Ivan Luqueño-Bocardo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Interior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan Pablo Pardo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Interior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México C.P. 04510, Mexico
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Hugaboom M, Hatmaker EA, LaBella AL, Rokas A. Evolution and codon usage bias of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in Aspergillus section Flavi. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 13:6777267. [PMID: 36305682 PMCID: PMC9836360 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The fungal genus Aspergillus contains a diversity of species divided into taxonomic sections of closely related species. Section Flavi contains 33 species, many of industrial, agricultural, or medical relevance. Here, we analyze the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of 20 Flavi species-including 18 newly assembled mitogenomes-and compare their evolutionary history and codon usage bias patterns to their nuclear counterparts. Codon usage bias refers to variable frequencies of synonymous codons in coding DNA and is shaped by a balance of neutral processes and natural selection. All mitogenomes were circular DNA molecules with highly conserved gene content and order. As expected, genomic content, including GC content, and genome size differed greatly between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 14 concatenated mitochondrial genes predicted evolutionary relationships largely consistent with those predicted by a phylogeny constructed from 2,422 nuclear genes. Comparing similarities in interspecies patterns of codon usage bias between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes showed that species grouped differently by patterns of codon usage bias depending on whether analyses were performed using mitochondrial or nuclear relative synonymous usage values. We found that patterns of codon usage bias at gene level are more similar between mitogenomes of different species than the mitogenome and nuclear genome of the same species. Finally, we inferred that, although most genes-both nuclear and mitochondrial-deviated from the neutral expectation for codon usage, mitogenomes were not under translational selection while nuclear genomes were under moderate translational selection. These results contribute to the study of mitochondrial genome evolution in filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miya Hugaboom
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Elizabeth Anne Hatmaker
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-1364, Nashville, TN 37235, USA. (AH)
| | - Abigail L LaBella
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-1364, Nashville, TN 37235, USA. (AR)
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6
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El-Khoury R, Rak M, Bénit P, Jacobs HT, Rustin P. Cyanide resistant respiration and the alternative oxidase pathway: A journey from plants to mammals. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2022; 1863:148567. [PMID: 35500614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2022.148567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In a large number of organisms covering all phyla, the mitochondrial respiratory chain harbors, in addition to the conventional elements, auxiliary proteins that confer adaptive metabolic plasticity. The alternative oxidase (AOX) represents one of the most studied auxiliary proteins, initially identified in plants. In contrast to the standard respiratory chain, the AOX mediates a thermogenic cyanide-resistant respiration; a phenomenon that has been of great interest for over 2 centuries in that energy is not conserved when electrons flow through it. Here we summarize centuries of studies starting from the early observations of thermogenicity in plants and the identification of cyanide resistant respiration, to the fascinating discovery of the AOX and its current applications in animals under normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyad El-Khoury
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Cairo Street, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Malgorzata Rak
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Maladies neurodéveloppementales et neurovasculaires, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - Paule Bénit
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Maladies neurodéveloppementales et neurovasculaires, F-75019 Paris, France
| | - Howard T Jacobs
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, FI-33014, Tampere University, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Pierre Rustin
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Maladies neurodéveloppementales et neurovasculaires, F-75019 Paris, France.
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7
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Targeting the alternative oxidase (AOX) for human health and food security, a pharmaceutical and agrochemical target or a rescue mechanism? Biochem J 2022; 479:1337-1359. [PMID: 35748702 PMCID: PMC9246349 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180192] [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: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Some of the most threatening human diseases are due to a blockage of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). In a variety of plants, fungi, and prokaryotes, there is a naturally evolved mechanism for such threats to viability, namely a bypassing of the blocked portion of the ETC by alternative enzymes of the respiratory chain. One such enzyme is the alternative oxidase (AOX). When AOX is expressed, it enables its host to survive life-threatening conditions or, as in parasites, to evade host defenses. In vertebrates, this mechanism has been lost during evolution. However, we and others have shown that transfer of AOX into the genome of the fruit fly and mouse results in a catalytically engaged AOX. This implies that not only is the AOX a promising target for combating human or agricultural pathogens but also a novel approach to elucidate disease mechanisms or, in several cases, potentially a therapeutic cure for human diseases. In this review, we highlight the varying functions of AOX in their natural hosts and upon xenotopic expression, and discuss the resulting need to develop species-specific AOX inhibitors.
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8
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Alternative oxidase is involved in oxidative stress resistance and melanin synthesis in Annulohypoxylon stygium, a companion fungus of Tremella fuciformis. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2022; 115:365-374. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-021-01705-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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9
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Abstract
Nuclear genome sequences incompletely characterize the genomic content and thus the genetic diversity of fungal species. Here, we present the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of nine Aspergillus flavus strains, providing useful information for inter- and intraspecific analyses.
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10
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Hou L, Zhao M, Huang C, He Q, Zhang L, Zhang J. Alternative oxidase gene induced by nitric oxide is involved in the regulation of ROS and enhances the resistance of Pleurotus ostreatus to heat stress. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:137. [PMID: 34281563 PMCID: PMC8287771 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01626-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In China, during the cultivation process of Pleurotus ostreatus, the yield and quality of fruiting bodies are easily affected by high temperatures in summer. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important regulatory role in the response to abiotic stress, and previous studies have found that NO can induce alternative oxidase (aox) experssion in response to heat stress (HS) by regulating aconitase. However, the regulatory pathway of NO is complex, and the function and regulation of the aox gene in the response to HS remain unclear. Results In this study, we found that NO affected nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−) contents, and slowed O2− production. Further RNA-Seq results showed that NO regulated the oxidation-reduction process and oxidoreductase activity, affected the cellular respiration pathway and activated aox gene expression. The function of aox was determined by constructing overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi) strains. The results showed that the OE-aox strains exhibited obviously improved growth recovery after exposure to HS. During exposure to HS, the OE-aox strains exhibited reduced levels of NADH, the product of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and decreased synthesis of ATP, which reduced the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas the RNAi-aox strains exhibited the opposite result. In addition, aox mediated the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes in the mycelia of P. ostreatus under HS through the retrograde signaling pathway. Conclusions This study shows that the expression of the aox gene in P. ostreatus mycelia can be induced by NO under HS, that it regulates the TCA cycle and cell respiration to reduce the production of ROS, and that it can mediate the retrograde signaling pathway involved in the mycelial response to HS. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01626-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludan Hou
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 10081, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 10081, Beijing, China
| | - Mengran Zhao
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 10081, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 10081, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyang Huang
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 10081, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 10081, Beijing, China
| | - Qi He
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 10081, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 10081, Beijing, China.,Jilin Agricultural University, 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Lijiao Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 10081, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 10081, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxia Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 10081, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 10081, Beijing, China.
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11
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Rosell-Hidalgo A, Young L, Moore AL, Ghafourian T. QSAR and molecular docking for the search of AOX inhibitors: a rational drug discovery approach. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2020; 35:245-260. [PMID: 33289903 PMCID: PMC7904559 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-020-00360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The alternative oxidase (AOX) is a monotopic diiron carboxylate protein that catalyses the oxidation of ubiquinol and the reduction of oxygen to water. Although a number of AOX inhibitors have been discovered, little is still known about the ligand–protein interaction and essential chemical characteristics of compounds required for a potent inhibition. Furthermore, owing to the rapidly growing resistance to existing inhibitors, new compounds with improved potency and pharmacokinetic properties are urgently required. In this study we used two computational approaches, ligand–protein docking and Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships (QSAR) to investigate binding of AOX inhibitors to the enzyme and the molecular characteristics required for inhibition. Docking studies followed by protein–ligand interaction fingerprint (PLIF) analysis using the AOX enzyme and the mutated analogues revealed the importance of the residues Leu 122, Arg 118 and Thr 219 within the hydrophobic cavity. QSAR analysis, using stepwise regression analysis with experimentally obtained IC50 values as the response variable, resulted in a multiple regression model with a good prediction accuracy. The model highlighted the importance of the presence of hydrogen bonding acceptor groups on specific positions of the aromatic ring of ascofuranone derivatives, acidity of the compounds, and a large linker group on the compounds on the inhibitory effect of AOX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rosell-Hidalgo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Luke Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Anthony L Moore
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Taravat Ghafourian
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK. .,School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JU, UK.
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12
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Haloadaptative Responses of Aspergillus sydowii to Extreme Water Deprivation: Morphology, Compatible Solutes, and Oxidative Stress at NaCl Saturation. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040316. [PMID: 33260894 PMCID: PMC7711451 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Water activity (aw) is critical for microbial growth, as it is severely restricted at aw < 0.90. Saturating NaCl concentrations (~5.0 M) induce extreme water deprivation (aw ≅ 0.75) and cellular stress responses. Halophilic fungi have cellular adaptations that enable osmotic balance and ionic/oxidative stress prevention to grow at high salinity. Here we studied the morphology, osmolyte synthesis, and oxidative stress defenses of the halophile Aspergillus sydowii EXF-12860 at 1.0 M and 5.13 M NaCl. Colony growth, pigmentation, exudate, and spore production were inhibited at NaCl-saturated media. Additionally, hyphae showed unpolarized growth, lower diameter, and increased septation, multicellularity and branching compared to optimal NaCl concentration. Trehalose, mannitol, arabitol, erythritol, and glycerol were produced in the presence of both 1.0 M and 5.13 M NaCl. Exposing A. sydowii cells to 5.13 M NaCl resulted in oxidative stress evidenced by an increase in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation biomarkers. Also, genes involved in cellular antioxidant defense systems were upregulated. This is the most comprehensive study that investigates the micromorphology and the adaptative cellular response of different non-enzymatic and enzymatic oxidative stress biomarkers in halophilic filamentous fungi.
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13
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Zhou B, Yang J, Bi L, Li J, Ma Y, Tian Y, Zhong H, Ren J. Quantitative Proteomics Analysis by Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra-Mass Spectrometry Reveals a Cross-Protection Mechanism for Monascus To Tolerate High-Concentration Ammonium Chloride. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:6672-6682. [PMID: 32489101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c01607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To achieve the accumulation of targeted secondary metabolites, microorganisms must adopt various protection mechanisms to avoid or reduce damage to cells caused by abiotic stresses, which formed from the changes of physical and chemical culture conditions. The protection mechanism of Monascus sp. to tolerate high-concentration ammonium chloride was analyzed by sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra-mass spectrometry proteomics in this work, and the results indicated that abiotic stresses caused by high-concentration ammonium chloride inhibited the synthesis of chitin and glycoprotein, leading to a decrease in cell wall integrity and, thus, affecting cell growth. At the same time, it also inhibited the complex enzyme III and IV activities of the mitochondrial cytochrome respiratory chain, leading to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. With the aim to respond to abiotic stresses, the cross-protection mechanism was implemented in Monascus, including self-protection of the Monascus cell by promoting synthesis of trehalose, a molecular chaperone that facilitates protein folding (such as heat-shock protein) and autophagy-related proteins, through not the enzyme protection system (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, NADPH oxidase, and alternative oxidase) but the glutathione/glutaredoxin system, to maintain the intracellular redox state and then eliminate or reduce ROS damage to the cell. At the same time, an alternative respiratory pathway related to NADH dehydrogenase was activated to balance the material and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Sources Safety and Processing, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Sources Safety and Processing, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Luanluan Bi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Sources Safety and Processing, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingbo Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yifan Ma
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Sources Safety and Processing, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Sources Safety and Processing, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zhong
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Sources Safety and Processing, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Ren
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Forestry Edible Sources Safety and Processing, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, People's Republic of China
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Elias Moreira AL, Milhomem Cruz-Leite VR, O'Hara Souza Silva L, Alves Parente AF, Bailão AM, Maria de Almeida Soares C, Parente-Rocha JA, Ruiz OH, Borges CL. Proteome characterization of Paracoccidioides lutzii conidia by using nanoUPLC-MS E. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:766-780. [PMID: 32883428 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides are the etiological agents of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most prevalent mycosis in Latin America. Paracoccidioidomycosis infection is acquired by inhalation of Paracoccidioides conidia, which have first contact with the lungs and can subsequently spread to other organs/tissues. Until now, there have been no proteomic studies focusing on this infectious particle of Paracoccidioides. In order to identify the Paracoccidioides lutzii conidia proteome, conidia were produced and purified. Proteins were characterized by use of the nanoUPLC-MSE approach. The strategy allowed us to identify a total of 242 proteins in P. lutzii conidia. In the conidia proteome, proteins were classified in functional categories such as protein synthesis, energy production, metabolism, cellular defense/virulence processes, as well as other processes that can be important for conidia survival. Through this analysis, a pool of ribosomal proteins was identified, which may be important for the initial processes of dimorphic transition. In addition, molecules related to energetic and metabolic processes were identified, suggesting a possible basal metabolism during this form of resistance of the fungus. In addition, adhesins and virulence factors were identified in the P. lutzii conidia proteome. Our results demonstrate the potential role that these molecules can play during early cell-host interaction processes, as well as the way in which these molecules are involved in environmental survival during this form of propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luís Elias Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | | | - Lana O'Hara Souza Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | | | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Alves Parente-Rocha
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Orville Hernandez Ruiz
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación MICROBA, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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15
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Barsottini MRO, Copsey A, Young L, Baroni RM, Cordeiro AT, Pereira GAG, Moore AL. Biochemical characterization and inhibition of the alternative oxidase enzyme from the fungal phytopathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa. Commun Biol 2020; 3:263. [PMID: 32451394 PMCID: PMC7248098 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Moniliophthora perniciosa is a fungal pathogen and causal agent of the witches' broom disease of cocoa, a threat to the chocolate industry and to the economic and social security in cocoa-planting countries. The membrane-bound enzyme alternative oxidase (MpAOX) is crucial for pathogen survival; however a lack of information on the biochemical properties of MpAOX hinders the development of novel fungicides. In this study, we purified and characterised recombinant MpAOX in dose-response assays with activators and inhibitors, followed by a kinetic characterization both in an aqueous environment and in physiologically-relevant proteoliposomes. We present structure-activity relationships of AOX inhibitors such as colletochlorin B and analogues which, aided by an MpAOX structural model, indicates key residues for protein-inhibitor interaction. We also discuss the importance of the correct hydrophobic environment for MpAOX enzymatic activity. We envisage that such results will guide the future development of AOX-targeting antifungal agents against M. perniciosa, an important outcome for the chocolate industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario R O Barsottini
- Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Biochemistry & Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Alice Copsey
- Biochemistry & Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Luke Young
- Biochemistry & Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Renata M Baroni
- Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Artur T Cordeiro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gonçalo A G Pereira
- Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Anthony L Moore
- Biochemistry & Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK.
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16
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Costa PC, Barsottini MR, Vieira ML, Pires BA, Evangelista JS, Zeri AC, Nascimento AF, Silva JS, Carazzolle MF, Pereira GA, Sforça ML, Miranda PC, Rocco SA. N-Phenylbenzamide derivatives as alternative oxidase inhibitors: Synthesis, molecular properties, 1H-STD NMR, and QSAR. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.127903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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Down-regulation of TUFM impairs host cell interaction and virulence by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17206. [PMID: 31748561 PMCID: PMC6868139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Paracoccidioides consist of dimorphic fungi geographically limited to the subtropical regions of Latin America, which are responsible for causing deep systemic mycosis in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Paracoccidioides spp. causes the disease remain poorly understood. Paracoccidioides spp. harbor genes that encode proteins involved in host cell interaction and mitochondrial function, which together are required for pathogenicity and mediate virulence. Previously, we identified TufM (previously known as EF-Tu) in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbTufM) and suggested that it may be involved in the pathogenicity of this fungus. In this study, we examined the effects of downregulating PbTUFM using a silenced strain with a 55% reduction in PbTUFM expression obtained by antisense-RNA (aRNA) technology. Silencing PbTUFM yielded phenotypic differences, such as altered translation elongation, respiratory defects, increased sensitivity of yeast cells to reactive oxygen stress, survival after macrophage phagocytosis, and reduced interaction with pneumocytes. These results were associated with reduced virulence in Galleria mellonella and murine infection models, emphasizing the importance of PbTufM in the full virulence of P. brasiliensis and its potential as a target for antifungal agents against paracoccidioidomycosis.
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18
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Lin Z, Wu J, Jamieson PA, Zhang C. Alternative Oxidase Is Involved in the Pathogenicity, Development, and Oxygen Stress Response of Botrytis cinerea. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2019; 109:1679-1688. [PMID: 31479404 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-01-19-0012-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a ubiquinol terminal oxidase that is involved in fungal mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In this study, we analyzed the roles of AOX in Botrytis cinerea by generating BcAOX deletion mutants. The mutants exhibited defects in mycelial growth, sporulation, spore germination, and virulence. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the mutants to quinone outside inhibitor fungicides and oxidative stress were increased. All phenotypic variations could be restored in the complemented strain. In summary, these results showed that BcAOX is involved in the regulation for vegetative development, adaptation to environmental stress, and virulence of B. cinerea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zesong Lin
- Department of Crop Protection, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forest University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Jianyan Wu
- Department of Crop Protection, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forest University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Pierce A Jamieson
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, and Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, U.S.A
| | - Chuanqing Zhang
- Department of Crop Protection, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forest University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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19
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Yang H, Wang X, Li Z, Guo Q, Yang M, Chen D, Wang C. The Effect of Blue Light on the Production of Citrinin in Monascus purpureus M9 by Regulating the mraox Gene through lncRNA AOANCR. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090536. [PMID: 31540336 PMCID: PMC6784174 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blue light, as an important environmental factor, can regulate the production of various secondary metabolites of Monascus purpureus M9, including mycotoxin-citrinin, pigments, and monacolin K. The analysis of citrinin in Monascus M9 exposed to blue light for 0 min./d, 15 min./d, and 60 min./d showed that 15 min./d of blue light illumination could significantly increase citrinin production, while 60 min./d of blue light illumination decreased citrinin production. Analysis of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) was performed on the transcripts of Monascus M9 under three culture conditions, and this analysis identified an lncRNA named AOANCR that can negatively regulate the mraox gene. Fermentation studies suggested that alternate respiratory pathways could be among the pathways that are involved in the regulation of the synthesis of citrinin by environmental factors. Aminophylline and citric acid were added to the culture medium to simulate the process of generating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells under illumination conditions. The results of the fermentation showed that aminophylline and citric acid could increase the expression of the mraox gene, decrease the expression of lncRNA AOANCR, and reduce the yield of citrinin. This result also indicates a reverse regulation relationship between lncRNA AOANCR and the mraox gene. A blue light signal might regulate the mraox gene at least partially through lncRNA AOANCR, thereby regulating citrinin production. Citrinin has severe nephrotoxicity in mammals, and it is important to control the residual amout of citrinin in red yeast products during fermentation. LncRNA AOANCR and mraox can potentially be used as new targets for the control of citrinin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Xufeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Zhenjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Qingbin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Mingguan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Di Chen
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Changlu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
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20
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Liang H, Li J, Luo C, Li J, Zhu FX. Effects of SHAM on the Sensitivity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea to QoI Fungicides. PLANT DISEASE 2019; 103:1884-1888. [PMID: 31161931 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-12-18-2142-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
It is a common practice to add salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) into artificial medium in the in vitro sensitivity assay of fungal phytopathogens to the quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides. The rationale for adding SHAM is to inhibit fungal alternative oxidase, which is presumed to be inhibited by secondary metabolites of plants. Therefore, the ideal characteristics of SHAM should be almost nontoxic to phytopathogens and have no significant effect on control efficacy of fungicides. However, this study showed that the average effective concentration for 50% inhibition (EC50) of mycelial growth values of SHAM were 97.5 and 401.4 μg/ml for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea, respectively. EC50 values of the three QoI fungicides azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, and trifloxystrobin in the presence of SHAM at 20 and 80 μg/ml for S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea, respectively, declined by 52.7 to 78.1% compared with those without SHAM. For the dicarboximide fungicide dimethachlone, the average EC50 values in the presence of SHAM declined by 18.2% (P = 0.008) for S. sclerotiorum and 35.9% (P = 0.012) for B. cinerea. Pot experiments showed that SHAM increased control efficacy of the three QoI fungicides against the two pathogens by 43 to 83%. For dimethachlone, SHAM increased control efficacy by 134% for S. sclerotiorum and 86% for B. cinerea. Biochemical studies showed that SHAM significantly inhibited peroxidase activity (P = 0.024) of B. cinerea and esterase activity (P = 0.015) of S. sclerotiorum. The strong inhibitions of SHAM per se on mycelial growth of B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum and significant influences on the sensitivity of the two pathogens to both the QoI fungicides and dimethachlone as well as inhibitions on peroxidase and esterase indicate that SHAM should not be added in the in vitro assay of sensitivity to the QoI fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Liang
- 1College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- 2Potato Research Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Jinli Li
- 1College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chaoxi Luo
- 1College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianhong Li
- 1College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fu-Xing Zhu
- 1College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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21
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The potential of respiration inhibition as a new approach to combat human fungal pathogens. Curr Genet 2019; 65:1347-1353. [PMID: 31172256 PMCID: PMC6820612 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-019-01001-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The respiratory chain has been proposed as an attractive target for the development of new therapies to tackle human fungal pathogens. This arises from the presence of fungal-specific electron transport chain components and links between respiration and the control of virulence traits in several pathogenic species. However, as the physiological roles of mitochondria remain largely undetermined with respect to pathogenesis, its value as a potential new drug target remains to be determined. The use of respiration inhibitors as fungicides is well developed but has been hampered by the emergence of rapid resistance to current inhibitors. In addition, recent data suggest that adaptation of the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, to respiration inhibitors can enhance virulence traits such as yeast-to-hypha transition and cell wall organisation. We conclude that although respiration holds promise as a target for the development of new therapies to treat human fungal infections, we require a more detailed understanding of the role that mitochondria play in stress adaption and virulence.
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22
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Barsottini MR, Pires BA, Vieira ML, Pereira JG, Costa PC, Sanitá J, Coradini A, Mello F, Marschalk C, Silva EM, Paschoal D, Figueira A, Rodrigues FH, Cordeiro AT, Miranda PC, Oliveira PS, Sforça ML, Carazzolle MF, Rocco SA, Pereira GA. Synthesis and testing of novel alternative oxidase (AOX) inhibitors with antifungal activity against Moniliophthora perniciosa (Stahel), the causal agent of witches' broom disease of cocoa, and other phytopathogens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:1295-1303. [PMID: 30350447 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moniliophthora perniciosa (Stahel) Aime & Phillips-Mora is the causal agent of witches' broom disease (WBD) of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and a threat to the chocolate industry. The membrane-bound enzyme alternative oxidase (AOX) is critical for M. perniciosa virulence and resistance to fungicides, which has also been observed in other phytopathogens. Notably AOX is an escape mechanism from strobilurins and other respiration inhibitors, making AOX a promising target for controlling WBD and other fungal diseases. RESULTS We present the first study aimed at developing novel fungal AOX inhibitors. N-Phenylbenzamide (NPD) derivatives were screened in the model yeast Pichia pastoris through oxygen consumption and growth measurements. The most promising AOX inhibitor (NPD 7j-41) was further characterized and displayed better activity than the classical AOX inhibitor SHAM in vitro against filamentous fugal phytopathogens, such as M. perniciosa, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Venturia pirina. We demonstrate that 7j-41 inhibits M. perniciosa spore germination and prevents WBD symptom appearance in infected plants. Finally, a structural model of P. pastoris AOX was created and used in ligand structure-activity relationships analyses. CONCLUSION We present novel fungal AOX inhibitors with antifungal activity against relevant phytopathogens. We envisage the development of novel antifungal agents to secure food production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ro Barsottini
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Bárbara A Pires
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maria L Vieira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - José Gc Pereira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cs Costa
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Sanitá
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Coradini
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fellipe Mello
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Cidnei Marschalk
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Eder M Silva
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Daniele Paschoal
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Antonio Figueira
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Fábio Hs Rodrigues
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick - Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Artur T Cordeiro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cml Miranda
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sl Oliveira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maurício L Sforça
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcelo F Carazzolle
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Silvana A Rocco
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gonçalo Ag Pereira
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Imunology, Genomics and bioEnergy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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23
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Ebiloma GU, Balogun EO, Cueto-Díaz EJ, de Koning HP, Dardonville C. Alternative oxidase inhibitors: Mitochondrion-targeting as a strategy for new drugs against pathogenic parasites and fungi. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:1553-1602. [PMID: 30693533 DOI: 10.1002/med.21560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The alternative oxidase (AOX) is a ubiquitous terminal oxidase of plants and many fungi, catalyzing the four-electron reduction of oxygen to water alongside the cytochrome-based electron transfer chain. Unlike the classical electron transfer chain, however, the activity of AOX does not generate adenosine triphosphate but has functions such as thermogenesis and stress response. As it lacks a mammalian counterpart, it has been investigated intensely in pathogenic fungi. However, it is in African trypanosomes, which lack cytochrome-based respiration in their infective stages, that trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO) plays the central and essential role in their energy metabolism. TAO was validated as a drug target decades ago and among the first inhibitors to be identified was salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), which produced the expected trypanocidal effects, especially when potentiated by coadministration with glycerol to inhibit anaerobic energy metabolism as well. However, the efficacy of this combination was too low to be of practical clinical use. The antibiotic ascofuranone (AF) proved a much stronger TAO inhibitor and was able to cure Trypanosoma vivax infections in mice without glycerol and at much lower doses, providing an important proof of concept milestone. Systematic efforts to improve the SHAM and AF scaffolds, aided with the elucidation of the TAO crystal structure, provided detailed structure-activity relationship information and reinvigorated the drug discovery effort. Recently, the coupling of mitochondrion-targeting lipophilic cations to TAO inhibitors has dramatically improved drug targeting and trypanocidal activity while retaining target protein potency. These developments appear to have finally signposted the way to preclinical development of TAO inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin U Ebiloma
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emmanuel O Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Luévano-Martínez LA, Caldeira da Silva CC, Nicastro GG, Schumacher RI, Kowaltowski AJ, Gomes SL. Mitochondrial alternative oxidase is determinant for growth and sporulation in the early diverging fungus Blastocladiella emersonii. Fungal Biol 2018; 123:59-65. [PMID: 30654958 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Blastocladiella emersonii is an early diverging fungus of the phylum Blastocladiomycota. During the life cycle of the fungus, mitochondrial morphology changes significantly, from a fragmented form in sessile vegetative cells to a fused network in motile zoospores. In this study, we visualize these morphological changes using a mitochondrial fluorescent probe and show that the respiratory capacity in zoospores is much higher than in vegetative cells, suggesting that mitochondrial morphology could be related to the differences in oxygen consumption. While studying the respiratory chain of the fungus, we observed an antimycin A and cyanide-insensitive, salicylhydroxamic (SHAM)-sensitive respiratory activity, indicative of a mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) activity. The presence of AOX was confirmed by the finding of a B. emersonii cDNA encoding a putative AOX, and by detection of AOX protein in immunoblots. Inhibition of AOX activity by SHAM was found to significantly alter the capacity of the fungus to grow and sporulate, indicating that AOX participates in life cycle control in B. emersonii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alberto Luévano-Martínez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gianlucca G Nicastro
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert I Schumacher
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alicia J Kowaltowski
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suely L Gomes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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25
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Analyses of the three 1-Cys Peroxiredoxins from Aspergillus fumigatus reveal that cytosolic Prx1 is central to H 2O 2 metabolism and virulence. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12314. [PMID: 30120327 PMCID: PMC6098058 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Standing among the front defense strategies against pathogens, host phagocytic cells release various oxidants. Therefore, pathogens have to cope with stressful conditions at the site of infection. Peroxiredoxins (Prx) are highly reactive and abundant peroxidases that can support virulence and persistence of pathogens in distinct hosts. Here, we revealed that the opportunistic human pathogen A. fumigatus presents three 1-Cys Prx (Prx6 subfamily), which is unprecedented. We showed that PrxB and PrxC were in mitochondria, while Prx1 was in cytosol. As observed for other Prxs, recombinant Prx1 and PrxC decomposed H2O2 at elevated velocities (rate constants in the 107 M−1s−1 range). Deletion mutants for each Prx displayed higher sensitivity to oxidative challenge in comparison with the wild-type strain. Additionally, cytosolic Prx1 was important for A. fumigatus survival upon electron transport dysfunction. Expression of Prxs was dependent on the SakAHOG1 MAP kinase and the Yap1YAP1 transcription factor, a global regulator of the oxidative stress response in fungi. Finally, cytosolic Prx1 played a major role in pathogenicity, since it is required for full virulence, using a neutropenic mouse infection model. Our data indicate that the three 1-Cys Prxs act together to maintain the redox balance of A. fumigatus.
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Hou L, Liu L, Zhang H, Zhang L, Zhang L, Zhang J, Gao Q, Wang D. Functional analysis of the mitochondrial alternative oxidase gene (aox1) from Aspergillus niger CGMCC 10142 and its effects on citric acid production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:7981-7995. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Castilho DG, Navarro MV, Chaves AFA, Xander P, Batista WL. Recovery of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis virulence after animal passage promotes changes in the antioxidant repertoire of the fungus. FEMS Yeast Res 2018; 18:4835518. [DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele G Castilho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Marina V Navarro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Alison F A Chaves
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Patricia Xander
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Diadema, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, Brazil
| | - Wagner L Batista
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Diadema, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Diadema 09913-030, Brazil
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Camacho E, Niño-Vega GA. Paracoccidioides Spp.: Virulence Factors and Immune-Evasion Strategies. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:5313691. [PMID: 28553014 PMCID: PMC5434249 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5313691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides spp. are dimorphic fungal pathogens responsible for one of the most relevant systemic mycoses in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Their exact ecological niche remains unknown; however, they have been isolated from soil samples and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), which have been proposed as animal reservoir for these fungi. Human infection occurs by inhalation of conidia or mycelia fragments and is mostly associated with immunocompetent hosts inhabiting and/or working in endemic rural areas. In this review focusing on the pathogen perspective, we will discuss some of the microbial attributes and molecular mechanisms that enable Paracoccidioides spp. to tolerate, adapt, and ultimately avoid the host immune response, establishing infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Camacho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunobiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gustavo A. Niño-Vega
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
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Cárdenas-Monroy CA, Pohlmann T, Piñón-Zárate G, Matus-Ortega G, Guerra G, Feldbrügge M, Pardo JP. The mitochondrial alternative oxidase Aox1 is needed to cope with respiratory stress but dispensable for pathogenic development in Ustilago maydis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173389. [PMID: 28273139 PMCID: PMC5342259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial alternative oxidase is an important enzyme that allows respiratory activity and the functioning of the Krebs cycle upon disturbance of the respiration chain. It works as a security valve in transferring excessive electrons to oxygen, thereby preventing potential damage by the generation of harmful radicals. A clear biological function, besides the stress response, has so far convincingly only been shown for plants that use the alternative oxidase to generate heat to distribute volatiles. In fungi it was described that the alternative oxidase is needed for pathogenicity. Here, we investigate expression and function of the alternative oxidase at different stages of the life cycle of the corn pathogen Ustilago maydis (Aox1). Interestingly, expression of Aox1 is specifically induced during the stationary phase suggesting a role at high cell density when nutrients become limiting. Studying deletion strains as well as overexpressing strains revealed that Aox1 is dispensable for normal growth, for cell morphology, for response to temperature stress as well as for filamentous growth and plant pathogenicity. However, during conditions eliciting respiratory stress yeast-like growth as well as hyphal growth is strongly affected. We conclude that Aox1 is dispensable for the normal biology of the fungus but specifically needed to cope with respiratory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Pohlmann
- Institute for Microbiology, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Department of Biology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gabriela Piñón-Zárate
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Genaro Matus-Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Guadalupe Guerra
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute for Microbiology, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Department of Biology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Juan Pablo Pardo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM. Ciudad de México, México
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Casaletti L, Lima PS, Oliveira LN, Borges CL, Báo SN, Bailão AM, Soares CMA. Analysis of Paracoccidioides lutzii mitochondria: a proteomic approach. Yeast 2017; 34:179-188. [PMID: 27886402 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Paracoccidioides is composed of thermal dimorphic fungi, causative agents of paracoccidioidomycosis, one of the most frequent systemic mycoses in Latin America. Mitochondria have sophisticated machinery for ATP production, which involves metabolic pathways such as citric acid and glyoxylate cycles, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, this organelle performs a variety of functions in the cell, working as an exceptional metabolic signalling centre that contributes to cellular stress responses, as autophagy and apoptosis in eukaryotic organisms. The aim of this work was to perform a descriptive proteomic analysis of mitochondria in Paracoccidioides lutzii yeast cells. After mitochondria fractionation, samples enriched in mitochondrial proteins were digested with trypsin and analysed using a NanoUPLC-MSE system (Waters Corporation, Manchester, UK). Ours results revealed that the established protocol for purification of mitochondria was very effective for P. lutzii, and 298 proteins were identified as primarily mitochondrial, in our analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first compilation of mitochondrial proteins from P. lutzii, to date. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Casaletti
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.,Escola de Engenharia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, 74605-010, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - P S Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - L N Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - C L Borges
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - S N Báo
- Laboratório de Microscopia, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - A M Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - C M A Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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31
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Tamayo D, Muñoz JF, Almeida AJ, Puerta JD, Restrepo Á, Cuomo CA, McEwen JG, Hernández O. Paracoccidioides spp. catalases and their role in antioxidant defense against host defense responses. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 100:22-32. [PMID: 28093309 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dimorphic human pathogenic fungi interact with host effector cells resisting their microbicidal mechanisms. Yeast cells are able of surviving within the tough environment of the phagolysosome by expressing an antioxidant defense system that provides protection against host-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). This includes the production of catalases (CATs). Here we identified and analyzed the role of CAT isoforms in Paracoccidioides, the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis. Firstly, we found that one of these isoforms was absent in the closely related dimorphic pathogen Coccidioides and dermatophytes, but all of them were conserved in Paracoccidioides, Histoplasma and Blastomyces species. We probed the contribution of CATs in Paracoccidioides by determining the gene expression levels of each isoform through quantitative RT-qPCR, in both the yeast and mycelia phases, and during the morphological switch (transition and germination), as well as in response to oxidative agents and during interaction with neutrophils. PbCATP was preferentially expressed in the pathogenic yeast phase, and was associated to the response against exogenous H2O2. Therefore, we created and analyzed the virulence defects of a knockdown strain for this isoform, and found that CATP protects yeast cells from H2O2 generated in vitro and is relevant during lung infection. On the other hand, CATA and CATB seem to contribute to ROS homeostasis in Paracoccidioides cells, during endogenous oxidative stress. CAT isoforms in Paracoccidioides might be coordinately regulated during development and dimorphism, and differentially expressed in response to different stresses to control ROS homeostasis during the infectious process, contributing to the virulence of Paracoccidioides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tamayo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia; Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - José F Muñoz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia; Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Agostinho J Almeida
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia; Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences, Universidad EAFIT, Medellín, Colombia; Instituto Universitario da Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Juan D Puerta
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ángela Restrepo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Juan G McEwen
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia; School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Orville Hernández
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia; School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; MICROBA Research Group, School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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32
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Thioridazine inhibits gene expression control of the cell wall signaling pathway (CWI) in the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides
brasiliensis. Mol Genet Genomics 2016; 291:1347-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00438-016-1184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Gonzalez A, Hernandez O. New insights into a complex fungal pathogen: the case of Paracoccidioides spp. Yeast 2016; 33:113-28. [PMID: 26683539 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America, with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii being the causal agents of this disorder. Several issues have been raised in the 100 years since its discovery and in this article we discuss features of this fascinating fungal pathogen, including its biology, eco-epidemiology and aspects of its pathogenicity. We also consider some of its virulence determinants, the most recent advances in the study of its metabolic pathways and the molecular and genetic research tools developed for this research. We also review the animal models used to study host-fungal interactions and how the host defence mechanisms against this pathogen work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Gonzalez
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Research Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Orville Hernandez
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Research Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Vishwakarma A, Dalal A, Tetali SD, Kirti PB, Padmasree K. Genetic engineering of AtAOX1a in Saccharomyces cerevisiae prevents oxidative damage and maintains redox homeostasis. FEBS Open Bio 2016; 6:135-46. [PMID: 27239435 PMCID: PMC4821348 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to validate the physiological importance of Arabidopsis thaliana alternative oxidase 1a (AtAOX1a) in alleviating oxidative stress using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. The AOX1a transformant (pYES2AtAOX1a) showed cyanide resistant and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM)‐sensitive respiration, indicating functional expression of AtAOX1a in S. cerevisiae. After exposure to oxidative stress, pYES2AtAOX1a showed better survival and a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) when compared to S. cerevisiae with empty vector (pYES2). Furthermore, pYES2AtAOX1a sustained growth by regulating GPX2 and/or TSA2, and cellular NAD+/NADH ratio. Thus, the expression of AtAOX1a in S. cerevisiae enhances its respiratory tolerance which, in turn, maintains cellular redox homeostasis and protects from oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhaypratap Vishwakarma
- Department of Plant Sciences School of Life Sciences University of Hyderabad Hyderabad India
| | - Ahan Dalal
- Department of Plant Sciences School of Life Sciences University of Hyderabad Hyderabad India
| | - Sarada Devi Tetali
- Department of Plant Sciences School of Life Sciences University of Hyderabad Hyderabad India
| | | | - Kollipara Padmasree
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics School of Life Sciences University of Hyderabad Hyderabad India
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Schinagl CW, Vrabl P, Burgstaller W. Adapting High-Resolution Respirometry to Glucose-Limited Steady State Mycelium of the Filamentous Fungus Penicillium ochrochloron: Method Development and Standardisation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146878. [PMID: 26771937 PMCID: PMC4714917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal electron transport systems (ETS) are branched, involving alternative NADH dehydrogenases and an alternative terminal oxidase. These alternative respiratory enzymes were reported to play a role in pathogenesis, production of antibiotics and excretion of organic acids. The activity of these alternative respiratory enzymes strongly depends on environmental conditions. Functional analysis of fungal ETS under highly standardised conditions for cultivation, sample processing and respirometric assay are still lacking. We developed a highly standardised protocol to explore in vivo the ETS—and in particular the alternative oxidase—in Penicillium ochrochloron. This included cultivation in glucose-limited chemostat (to achieve a defined and reproducible physiological state), direct transfer without any manipulation of a broth sample to the respirometer (to maintain the physiological state in the respirometer as close as possible to that in the chemostat), and high-resolution respirometry (small sample volume and high measuring accuracy). This protocol was aimed at avoiding any changes in the physiological phenotype due to the high phenotypic plasticity of filamentous fungi. A stable oxygen consumption (< 5% change in 20 minutes) was only possible with glucose limited chemostat mycelium and a direct transfer of a broth sample into the respirometer. Steady state respiration was 29% below its maximum respiratory capacity. Additionally to a rotenone-sensitive complex I and most probably a functioning complex III, the ETS of P. ochrochloron also contained a cyanide-sensitive terminal oxidase (complex IV). Activity of alternative oxidase was present constitutively. The degree of inhibition strongly depended on the sequence of inhibitor addition. This suggested, as postulated for plants, that the alternative terminal oxidase was in dynamic equilibrium with complex IV—independent of the rate of electron flux. This means that the onset of activity does not depend on a complete saturation or inhibition of the cytochrome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Vrabl
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Microbiology, Innsbruck, Austria
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Rogov AG, Zvyagilskaya RA. Physiological role of alternative oxidase (from yeasts to plants). BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:400-7. [PMID: 25869356 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria of all so far studied organisms, with the exception of Archaea, mammals, some yeasts, and protists, contain, along with the classical phosphorylating cytochrome pathway, a so-called cyanide-insensitive alternative oxidase (AOX) localized on the matrix side of the mitochondrial inner membrane, and electron transport through which is not coupled with ATP synthesis and energy accumulation. Mechanisms underlying plentiful functions of AOX in organisms at various levels of organization ranging from yeasts to plants are considered. First and foremost, AOX provides a chance of cell survival after inhibiting the terminal components of the main respiratory chain or losing the ability to synthesize these components. The vitally important role of AOX is obvious in thermogenesis of thermogenic plant organs where it becomes the only terminal oxidase with a very high activity, and the energy of substrate oxidation by this respiratory pathway is converted into heat, thus promoting evaporation of volatile substances attracting pollinating insects. AOX plays a fundamentally significant role in alleviating or preventing oxidative stress, thus ensuring the defense against a wide range of stresses and adverse environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature and light intensities, osmotic stress, drought, and attack by incompatible strains of bacterial pathogens, phytopathogens, or their elicitors. Participation of AOX in pathogen survival during its existence inside the host, in antivirus defense, as well as in metabolic rearrangements in plants during embryogenesis and cell differentiation is described. Examples are given to demonstrate that AOX might be an important tool to overcome the adverse aftereffects of restricted activity of the main respiratory chain in cells and whole animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Rogov
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
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de Oliveira HC, Assato PA, Marcos CM, Scorzoni L, de Paula E Silva ACA, Da Silva JDF, Singulani JDL, Alarcon KM, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Paracoccidioides-host Interaction: An Overview on Recent Advances in the Paracoccidioidomycosis. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1319. [PMID: 26635779 PMCID: PMC4658449 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii are etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an important endemic mycosis in Latin America. During its evolution, these fungi have developed characteristics and mechanisms that allow their growth in adverse conditions within their host through which they efficiently cause disease. This process is multi-factorial and involves host-pathogen interactions (adaptation, adhesion, and invasion), as well as fungal virulence and host immune response. In this review, we demonstrated the glycoproteins and polysaccharides network, which composes the cell wall of Paracoccidioides spp. These are important for the change of conidia or mycelial (26°C) to parasitic yeast (37°C). The morphological switch, a mechanism for the pathogen to adapt and thrive inside the host, is obligatory for the establishment of the infection and seems to be related to pathogenicity. For these fungi, one of the most important steps during the interaction with the host is the adhesion. Cell surface proteins called adhesins, responsible for the first contact with host cells, contribute to host colonization and invasion by mediating this process. These fungi also present the capacity to form biofilm and through which they may evade the host's immune system. During infection, Paracoccidioides spp. can interact with different host cell types and has the ability to modulate the host's adaptive and/or innate immune response. In addition, it participates and interferes in the coagulation system and phenomena like cytoskeletal rearrangement and apoptosis. In recent years, Paracoccidioides spp. have had their endemic areas expanding in correlation with the expansion of agriculture. In response, several studies were developed to understand the infection using in vitro and in vivo systems, including alternative non-mammal models. Moreover, new advances were made in treating these infections using both well-established and new antifungal agents. These included natural and/or derivate synthetic substances as well as vaccines, peptides, and anti-adhesins sera. Because of all the advances in the PCM study, this review has the objective to summarize all of the recent discoveries on Paracoccidioides-host interaction, with particular emphasis on fungi surface proteins (molecules that play a fundamental role in the adhesion and/or dissemination of the fungi to host-cells), as well as advances in the treatment of PCM with new and well-established antifungal agents and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A Assato
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Marcos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C A de Paula E Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julhiany De Fátima Da Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Junya de Lacorte Singulani
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaila M Alarcon
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana M Fusco-Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria J S Mendes-Giannini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Laboratório de Micologia Clínica São Paulo, Brazil
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Campos C, Cardoso H, Nogales A, Svensson J, Lopez-Ráez JA, Pozo MJ, Nobre T, Schneider C, Arnholdt-Schmitt B. Intra and Inter-Spore Variability in Rhizophagus irregularis AOX Gene. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142339. [PMID: 26540237 PMCID: PMC4634980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are root-inhabiting fungi that form mutualistic symbioses with their host plants. AMF symbiosis improves nutrient uptake and buffers the plant against a diversity of stresses. Rhizophagus irregularis is one of the most widespread AMF species in the world, and its application in agricultural systems for yield improvement has increased over the last years. Still, from the inoculum production perspective, a lack of consistency of inoculum quality is referred to, which partially may be due to a high genetic variability of the fungus. The alternative oxidase (AOX) is an enzyme of the alternative respiratory chain already described in different taxa, including various fungi, which decreases the damage caused by oxidative stress. Nevertheless, virtually nothing is known on the involvement of AMF AOX on symbiosis establishment, as well on the existence of AOX variability that could affect AMF effectiveness and consequently plant performance. Here, we report the isolation and characterisation of the AOX gene of R. irregularis (RiAOX), and show that it is highly expressed during early phases of the symbiosis with plant roots. Phylogenetic analysis clustered RiAOX sequence with ancient fungi, and multiple sequence alignment revealed the lack of several regulatory motifs which are present in plant AOX. The analysis of RiAOX polymorphisms in single spores of three different isolates showed a reduced variability in one spore relatively to a group of spores. A high number of polymorphisms occurred in introns; nevertheless, some putative amino acid changes resulting from non-synonymous variants were found, offering a basis for selective pressure to occur within the populations. Given the AOX relatedness with stress responses, differences in gene variants amongst R. irregularis isolates are likely to be related with its origin and environmental constraints and might have a potential impact on inoculum production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Campos
- EU Marie Curie Chair, ICAAM—Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, IIFA-Instituto de Formação e Investigação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
| | - Hélia Cardoso
- EU Marie Curie Chair, ICAAM—Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, IIFA-Instituto de Formação e Investigação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
| | - Amaia Nogales
- EU Marie Curie Chair, ICAAM—Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, IIFA-Instituto de Formação e Investigação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Juan Antonio Lopez-Ráez
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - María José Pozo
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Tânia Nobre
- EU Marie Curie Chair, ICAAM—Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, IIFA-Instituto de Formação e Investigação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Birgit Arnholdt-Schmitt
- EU Marie Curie Chair, ICAAM—Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, IIFA-Instituto de Formação e Investigação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
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Rogov AG, Sukhanova EI, Uralskaya LA, Aliverdieva DA, Zvyagilskaya RA. Alternative oxidase: distribution, induction, properties, structure, regulation, and functions. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2015; 79:1615-34. [PMID: 25749168 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297914130112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The respiratory chain in the majority of organisms with aerobic type metabolism features the concomitant existence of the phosphorylating cytochrome pathway and the cyanide- and antimycin A-insensitive oxidative route comprising a so-called alternative oxidase (AOX) as a terminal oxidase. In this review, the history of AOX discovery is described. Considerable evidence is presented that AOX occurs widely in organisms at various levels of organization and is not confined to the plant kingdom. This enzyme has not been found only in Archaea, mammals, some yeasts and protists. Bioinformatics research revealed the sequences characteristic of AOX in representatives of various taxonomic groups. Based on multiple alignments of these sequences, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to infer their possible evolution. The ways of AOX activation, as well as regulatory interactions between AOX and the main respiratory chain are described. Data are summarized concerning the properties of AOX and the AOX-encoding genes whose expression is either constitutive or induced by various factors. Information is presented on the structure of AOX, its active center, and the ubiquinone-binding site. The principal functions of AOX are analyzed, including the cases of cell survival, optimization of respiratory metabolism, protection against excess of reactive oxygen species, and adaptation to variable nutrition sources and to biotic and abiotic stress factors. It is emphasized that different AOX functions complement each other in many instances and are not mutually exclusive. Examples are given to demonstrate that AOX is an important tool to overcome the adverse aftereffects of restricted activity of the main respiratory chain in cells and whole animals. This is the first comprehensive review on alternative oxidases of various organisms ranging from yeasts and protists to vascular plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Rogov
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
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Tavares AH, Fernandes L, Bocca AL, Silva-Pereira I, Felipe MS. Transcriptomic reprogramming of genus Paracoccidioides in dimorphism and host niches. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 81:98-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Zhou G, Song Z, Yin Y, Jiang W, Wang Z. Involvement of an alternative oxidase in the regulation of hyphal growth and microsclerotial formation in Nomuraea rileyi CQNr01. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 31:1343-52. [PMID: 26135515 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-015-1877-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria of Nomuraea rileyi contain an alternative oxidase (Aox), which reduces oxygen to water by accepting electrons directly from ubiquinol. Furthermore, through a transcriptional analysis, we found that an alternative oxidase (Nraox) was up-regulated during microsclerotial formation. To study the function of NrAox, Nraox was cloned from N. rileyi CQNr01. The full-length cDNA was 1266 bp with an open reading frame of 1068 bp encoding 355 amino acids. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the NrAox of N. rileyi was closely related to Metarhizium acridum Aox. The relative expression level of the Nraox was up-regulated during microsclerotial (MS) initiation. A salicylhydroxamic acid, a specific alternative oxidase inhibitor, application to the culture media severely decreased MS yields, changed the hyphae morphology and slowed the H2O2 removal. Nraox silencing caused mycelial deformations, reduced the MS yields by 97.3 % and increased MS size compared with those of the control. MS virulence was decreased to 26.2 % after Nraox was silenced. However, the Nraox-silenced strain was sensitive to environmental stress, and the growth rate was reduced under stress conditions. The results obtained suggested that Nraox is required for MS differentiation by regulating the intracellular H2O2 concentration and hypha growth. Additionally, Nraox had a great impact on the virulence of N. rileyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilin Zhou
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
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Abstract
It has been shown that some of the mycotic infections especially systemic mycoses show increased male susceptibility and some steroids have been known to influence the immune response. Researchers found that some fungi including yeasts use "message molecules" including hormones to elicit certain responses, especially in the sexual cycle, but until recently no evidence was available to link specific hormonal evidence to this pronounced sex ratio. More evidence needed to demonstrate that a steroid (s) might in some manner influence the pathogenicity of the fungus in vivo. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to shed some light on this subject along with effort to make mycologists more aware of this research as a stimulus for the explore of new ideas and design further research in this area of medical mycology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chadeganipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - R Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Hernández O, Araque P, Tamayo D, Restrepo A, Herrera S, Mcewen JG, Pelaez C, Almeida AJ. Alternative oxidase plays an important role in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis cellular homeostasis and morphological transition. Med Mycol 2015; 53:205-14. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Muñoz JF, Gallo JE, Misas E, Priest M, Imamovic A, Young S, Zeng Q, Clay OK, McEwen JG, Cuomo CA. Genome update of the dimorphic human pathogenic fungi causing paracoccidioidomycosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3348. [PMID: 25474325 PMCID: PMC4256289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM) is a clinically important fungal disease that can acquire serious systemic forms and is caused by the thermodimorphic fungal Paracoccidioides spp. PCM is a tropical disease that is endemic in Latin America, where up to ten million people are infected; 80% of reported cases occur in Brazil, followed by Colombia and Venezuela. To enable genomic studies and to better characterize the pathogenesis of this dimorphic fungus, two reference strains of P. brasiliensis (Pb03, Pb18) and one strain of P. lutzii (Pb01) were sequenced [1]. While the initial draft assemblies were accurate in large scale structure and had high overall base quality, the sequences had frequent small scale defects such as poor quality stretches, unknown bases (N's), and artifactual deletions or nucleotide duplications, all of which caused larger scale errors in predicted gene structures. Since assembly consensus errors can now be addressed using next generation sequencing (NGS) in combination with recent methods allowing systematic assembly improvement, we re-sequenced the three reference strains of Paracoccidioides spp. using Illumina technology. We utilized the high sequencing depth to re-evaluate and improve the original assemblies generated from Sanger sequence reads, and obtained more complete and accurate reference assemblies. The new assemblies led to improved transcript predictions for the vast majority of genes of these reference strains, and often substantially corrected gene structures. These include several genes that are central to virulence or expressed during the pathogenic yeast stage in Paracoccidioides and other fungi, such as HSP90, RYP1-3, BAD1, catalase B, alpha-1,3-glucan synthase and the beta glucan synthase target gene FKS1. The improvement and validation of these reference sequences will now allow more accurate genome-based analyses. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports of a fully automated and quality-assessed upgrade of a genome assembly and annotation for a non-model fungus. The fungal genus Paracoccidioides is the causal agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a neglected tropical disease that is endemic in several countries of South America. Paracoccidioides is a pathogenic dimorphic fungus that is capable of converting to a virulent yeast form after inhalation by the host. Therefore the molecular biology of the switch to the yeast phase is of particular interest for understanding the virulence of this and other human pathogenic fungi, and ultimately for reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by such fungal infections. We here present the strategy and methods we used to update and improve accuracy of three reference genome sequences of Paracoccidioides spp. utilizing state-of-the-art Illumina re-sequencing, assembly improvement, re-annotation, and quality assessment. The resulting improved genome resource should be of wide use not solely for advancing research on the genetics and molecular biology of Paracoccidioides and the closely related pathogenic species Histoplasma and Blastomyces, but also for fungal diagnostics based on sequencing or molecular assays, characterizing rapidly changing proteins that may be involved in virulence, SNP-based population analyses and other tasks that require high sequence accuracy. The genome update and underlying strategy and methods also serve as a proof of principle that could encourage similar improvements of other draft genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José F. Muñoz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan E. Gallo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Misas
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Margaret Priest
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alma Imamovic
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sarah Young
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Qiandong Zeng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Oliver K. Clay
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan G. McEwen
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Christina A. Cuomo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Voelz K, Johnston SA, Smith LM, Hall RA, Idnurm A, May RC. 'Division of labour' in response to host oxidative burst drives a fatal Cryptococcus gattii outbreak. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5194. [PMID: 25323068 PMCID: PMC4208095 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is an emerging intracellular pathogen and the cause of the largest primary outbreak of a life-threatening fungal disease in a healthy population. Outbreak strains share a unique mitochondrial gene expression profile and an increased ability to tubularize their mitochondria within host macrophages. However, the underlying mechanism that causes this lineage of C. gattii to be virulent in immunocompetent individuals remains unexplained. Here we show that a subpopulation of intracellular C. gattii adopts a tubular mitochondrial morphology in response to host reactive oxygen species. These fungal cells then facilitate the rapid growth of neighbouring C. gattii cells with non-tubular mitochondria, allowing for effective establishment of the pathogen within a macrophage intracellular niche. Thus, host reactive oxygen species, an essential component of the innate immune response, act as major signalling molecules to trigger a ‘division of labour’ in the intracellular fungal population, leading to increased pathogenesis within this outbreak lineage. Outbreak strains of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus gattii display an increased ability to form tubular mitochondria. Here, Voelz et al. show that mitochondrial tubularization is induced by host reactive oxygen species within macrophages and facilitates rapid growth of neighbouring fungal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Voelz
- 1] Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK [2] National Institute of Health Research Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Simon A Johnston
- 1] Department of Infection and Immunity, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK [2] Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank S10 2TN, UK
| | - Leanne M Smith
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rebecca A Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alexander Idnurm
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA
| | - Robin C May
- 1] Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK [2] National Institute of Health Research Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
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Humic substances enhance growth and respiration in the basidiomycetes Trametes maxima under carbon limited conditions. J Chem Ecol 2014; 40:643-52. [PMID: 24859517 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-014-0445-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Humic substances (HS) represent the major reservoir of carbon (C) in ecosystems, and their turnover is crucial for understanding the global C cycle. Although basidiomycetes clearly have a role in HS degradation, much less is known about the effect of HS on fungal traits. We studied the alteration of physiological, biochemical, and morphological characteristics of Trametes maxima in the presence of HS. Both complete medium and minimal (C-limited) medium mimicking natural environmental conditions were used. Adding HS led to increased biomass yield, but under C-limited conditions the effect was more apparent. This result indicated that HS were used as an additional substrate and agreed with data showing a greater penetration of tritium-labeled HS into the cell interior under C-limited conditions. Humic substances induced ultra-structural changes in fungal cells, especially under C limitation, including reducing the thicknesses of the hyphal sheath and cell wall. In the minimal medium, cellular respiration increased nearly three-fold under HS application, while the corresponding effect in complete medium was lower. In addition, in the presence of inhibitors, HS stimulated either the cytochrome or the alternative pathway of respiration, depending on presence or absence of glucose in the medium. Our results suggest that, under conditions mimicking the natural environment, HS may play three major roles: as a surplus substrate for fungal growth, as a factor positively affecting cell morphology, and as an activator of physiological respiration.
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Antos-Krzeminska N, Jarmuszkiewicz W. Functional expression of the Acanthamoeba castellanii alternative oxidase in Escherichia coli; regulation of the activity and evidence for Acaox gene function. Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 92:235-41. [PMID: 24860925 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To evidence Acanthamoeba castellanii alternative oxidase (AcAOX) gene product function, we studied alterations in the levels of mRNA and protein and AcAOX activity during growth in amoeba batch culture. Moreover, heterologous expression of AcAOX in AOX-deficient Escherichia coli confirmed by the protein immunodetection and functional studies was performed. Despite the presence of native bo and bd quinol oxidases in E. coli membrane, from which the latter is known to be cyanide-resistant, functional expression of AcAOX in E. coli conferred cyanide-resistant benzohydroxamate-sensitive respiration on the bacteria. Moreover, AcAOX activity in transformed bacteria was stimulated by GMP and inhibited by ATP, indicating that AcAOX is regulated by mutual exclusion of purine nucleotides, which was previously demonstrated in the mitochondria of A. castellanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Antos-Krzeminska
- Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
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The transcription factor BcLTF1 regulates virulence and light responses in the necrotrophic plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004040. [PMID: 24415947 PMCID: PMC3886904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is the causal agent of gray mold diseases in a range of dicotyledonous plant species. The fungus can reproduce asexually by forming macroconidia for dispersal and sclerotia for survival; the latter also participate in sexual reproduction by bearing the apothecia after fertilization by microconidia. Light induces the differentiation of conidia and apothecia, while sclerotia are exclusively formed in the absence of light. The relevance of light for virulence of the fungus is not obvious, but infections are observed under natural illumination as well as in constant darkness. By a random mutagenesis approach, we identified a novel virulence-related gene encoding a GATA transcription factor (BcLTF1 for light-responsive TF1) with characterized homologues in Aspergillus nidulans (NsdD) and Neurospora crassa (SUB-1). By deletion and over-expression of bcltf1, we confirmed the predicted role of the transcription factor in virulence, and discovered furthermore its functions in regulation of light-dependent differentiation, the equilibrium between production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and secondary metabolism. Microarray analyses revealed 293 light-responsive genes, and that the expression levels of the majority of these genes (66%) are modulated by BcLTF1. In addition, the deletion of bcltf1 affects the expression of 1,539 genes irrespective of the light conditions, including the overexpression of known and so far uncharacterized secondary metabolism-related genes. Increased expression of genes encoding alternative respiration enzymes, such as the alternative oxidase (AOX), suggest a mitochondrial dysfunction in the absence of bcltf1. The hypersensitivity of Δbctlf1 mutants to exogenously applied oxidative stress - even in the absence of light - and the restoration of virulence and growth rates in continuous light by antioxidants, indicate that BcLTF1 is required to cope with oxidative stress that is caused either by exposure to light or arising during host infection. Both fungal pathogens and their host plants respond to light, which represents an important environmental cue. Unlike plants using light for energy generation, filamentous fungi use light, or its absence, as a general signal for orientation (night/day, underground/on the surface). Therefore, dependent on the ecological niche of the fungus, light may control the development of reproductive structures (photomorphogenesis), the dispersal of propagules (phototropism of reproductive structures) and the circadian rhythm. As in other organisms, fungi have to protect themselves against the detrimental effects of light, i.e. the damage to macromolecules by emerging singlet oxygen. Adaptive responses are the accumulation of pigments, especially in the reproductive and survival structures such as spores, sclerotia and fruiting bodies. Light is sensed by fungal photoreceptors leading to quick responses on the transcriptional level, and is furthermore considered to result in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we provide evidence that an unbalanced ROS homoeostasis (generation outweighs detoxification) caused by the deletion of the light-responsive transcription factor BcLTF1 impairs the ability of the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea to grow in the presence of additional oxidative stress arising during illumination or during infection of the host.
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Genetic and functional investigation of Zn(2)Cys(6) transcription factors RSE2 and RSE3 in Podospora anserina. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 13:53-65. [PMID: 24186951 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00172-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In Podospora anserina, the two zinc cluster proteins RSE2 and RSE3 are essential for the expression of the gene encoding the alternative oxidase (aox) when the mitochondrial electron transport chain is impaired. In parallel, they activated the expression of gluconeogenic genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pck) and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase (fbp). Orthologues of these transcription factors are present in a wide range of filamentous fungi, and no other role than the regulation of these three genes has been evidenced so far. In order to better understand the function and the organization of RSE2 and RSE3, we conducted a saturated genetic screen based on the constitutive expression of the aox gene. We identified 10 independent mutations in 9 positions in rse2 and 11 mutations in 5 positions in rse3. Deletions were generated at some of these positions and the effects analyzed. This analysis suggests the presence of central regulatory domains and a C-terminal activation domain in both proteins. Microarray analysis revealed 598 genes that were differentially expressed in the strains containing gain- or loss-of-function mutations in rse2 or rse3. It showed that in addition to aox, fbp, and pck, RSE2 and RSE3 regulate the expression of genes encoding the alternative NADH dehydrogenase, a Zn2Cys6 transcription factor, a flavohemoglobin, and various hydrolases. As a complement to expression data, a metabolome profiling approach revealed that both an rse2 gain-of-function mutation and growth on antimycin result in similar metabolic alterations in amino acids, fatty acids, and α-ketoglutarate pools.
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50
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Xu T, Wang YT, Liang WS, Yao F, Li YH, Li DR, Wang H, Wang ZY. Involvement of alternative oxidase in the regulation of sensitivity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to the fungicides azoxystrobin and procymidone. J Microbiol 2013; 51:352-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-013-2534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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