1
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Stieber H, Junghanns L, Wilhelm H, Batliner M, Aldejohann AM, Kurzai O, Martin R. The sphingolipid inhibitor myriocin increases Candida auris susceptibility to amphotericin B. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13723. [PMID: 38551121 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of the pathogenic yeast Candida auris is of global concern due to its ability to cause hospital outbreaks and develop resistance against all antifungal drug classes. Based on published data for baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sphingolipid biosynthesis, which is essential for maintaining membrane fluidity and formation of lipid rafts, could offer a target for additive treatment. METHODS We analysed the susceptibility of C. auris to myriocin, which is an inhibitor of the de novo synthesis of sphingolipids in eukaryotic cells in comparison to other Candida species. In addition, we combined sublethal concentrations of myriocin with the antifungal drugs amphotericin B and fluconazole in E-tests. Consequently, the combinatory effects of myriocin and amphotericin B were examined in broth microdilution assays. RESULTS Myriocin-mediated inhibition of the sphingolipid biosynthesis affected the growth of C. auris. Sublethal myriocin concentrations increased fungal susceptibility to amphotericin B. Isolates which are phenotypically resistant (≥2 mg/L) to amphotericin B became susceptible in presence of myriocin. However, addition of myriocin had only limited effects onto the susceptibility of C. auris against fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that inhibition of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis increases the susceptibility of C. auris to amphotericin B. This may potentially enhance antifungal treatment options fighting this often resistant yeast pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Stieber
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lara Junghanns
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Wilhelm
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Batliner
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Maximilian Aldejohann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Research Group Fungal Septomics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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2
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Chivukula L, LaJeunesse D. Transcriptional Response of Candida albicans to Nanostructured Surfaces Provides Insight into Cellular Rupture and Antifungal Drug Sensitization. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6724-6733. [PMID: 37977153 PMCID: PMC10716851 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The rise in resistance levels against antifungal drugs has necessitated the development of strategies to combat fungal infections. Nanoscale antimicrobial surfaces, found on the cuticles of insects, have recently emerged as intriguing alternative antifungal strategies that function passively via contact and induced cell rupture. Nanostructured surfaces (NSS) offer a potentially transformative antimicrobial approach to reducing microbial biofilm formation. We examined the transcriptional response of Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogen that is also a commensal dimorphic fungus, to the NSS found in the wings of Neotibicen spp. cicada and found characteristic changes in the expression of C. albicans genes associated with metabolism, biofilm formation, ergosterol biosynthesis, and DNA damage response after 2 h of exposure to the NSS. Further validation revealed that these transcriptional changes, particularly in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, sensitize C. albicans to major classes of antifungal drugs. These findings provide insights into NSS as antimicrobial surfaces and as a means of controlling biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi
Gayitri Chivukula
- Department of Nanoscience, Joint School
of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, University
of North Carolina Greensboro, 2907 East Lee Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27455, United States
| | - Dennis LaJeunesse
- Department of Nanoscience, Joint School
of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, University
of North Carolina Greensboro, 2907 East Lee Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27455, United States
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3
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Serrano A, Basante-Bedoya MA, Bassilana M, Arkowitz RA. A live-cell ergosterol reporter for visualization of the effects of fluconazole on the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. mBio 2023; 14:e0249323. [PMID: 38032182 PMCID: PMC10746211 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02493-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Ergosterol is a critical membrane lipid in fungi. In Candida albicans, this essential plasma membrane amphipathic lipid is important for interactions with host cells, in particular, host immune responses. Here, we use a live-cell reporter for specifically visualizing ergosterol and show that apical enrichment of this sterol is not critical for budding and filamentous growth in this human fungal pathogen. Our results highlight that this live-cell reporter is likely to be a useful tool in the analyses of azole resistance and tolerance mechanisms, including alterations in drug targets and upregulation of efflux activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Serrano
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | | | - Martine Bassilana
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
| | - Robert A. Arkowitz
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Nice, France
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4
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Jusuf S, Dong PT. Chromophore-Targeting Precision Antimicrobial Phototherapy. Cells 2023; 12:2664. [PMID: 37998399 PMCID: PMC10670386 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Phototherapy, encompassing the utilization of both natural and artificial light, has emerged as a dependable and non-invasive strategy for addressing a diverse range of illnesses, diseases, and infections. This therapeutic approach, primarily known for its efficacy in treating skin infections, such as herpes and acne lesions, involves the synergistic use of specific light wavelengths and photosensitizers, like methylene blue. Photodynamic therapy, as it is termed, relies on the generation of antimicrobial reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the interaction between light and externally applied photosensitizers. Recent research, however, has highlighted the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of light itself, marking a paradigm shift in focus from exogenous agents to the inherent photosensitivity of molecules found naturally within pathogens. Chemical analyses have identified specific organic molecular structures and systems, including protoporphyrins and conjugated C=C bonds, as pivotal components in molecular photosensitivity. Given the prevalence of these systems in organic life forms, there is an urgent need to investigate the potential impact of phototherapy on individual molecules expressed within pathogens and discern their contributions to the antimicrobial effects of light. This review delves into the recently unveiled key molecular targets of phototherapy, offering insights into their potential downstream implications and therapeutic applications. By shedding light on these fundamental molecular mechanisms, we aim to advance our understanding of phototherapy's broader therapeutic potential and contribute to the development of innovative treatments for a wide array of microbial infections and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Jusuf
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Pu-Ting Dong
- Department of Microbiology, The Forsyth Institute, Boston, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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5
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Ma X, Yang W, Yang A, Chen D, Wang C, Ling S, Cao S, Zuo Z, Wang Y, Zhong Z, Peng G, He M, Gu Y. Metabolome and Transcriptome Combinatory Profiling Reveals Fluconazole Resistance Mechanisms of Trichosporon asahii and the Role of Farnesol in Fluconazole Tolerance. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2798. [PMID: 38004810 PMCID: PMC10672884 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichosporon asahii is a basidiomycete yeast that is pathogenic to humans and animals, and fluconazole-resistant strains have recently increased. Farnesol secreted by fungi is a factor that causes variations in fluconazole resistance; however, few studies have explored the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to delineate the fluconazole resistance mechanisms of T. asahii and explore farnesol's effects on these processes. A comparative metabolome-transcriptome analysis of untreated fluconazole-sensitive (YAN), fluconazole-resistant (PB) T. asahii strains, and 25 μM farnesol-treated strains (YAN-25 and PB-25, respectively) was performed. The membrane lipid-related genes and metabolites were upregulated in the PB vs. YAN and PB-25 vs. PB comparisons. Farnesol demonstrated strain-dependent mechanisms underlying fluconazole tolerance between the YAN and PB strains, and upregulated and downregulated efflux pumps in PB-25 and YAN-25 strains, respectively. Membrane lipid-related metabolites were highly correlated with transporter-coding genes. Fluconazole resistance in T. asahii was induced by membrane lipid bio-synthesis activation. Farnesol inhibited fluconazole resistance in the sensitive strain, but enhanced resistance in the resistant strain by upregulating efflux pump genes and membrane lipids. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying fungal drug resistance and provides guidance for future research aimed at developing more potent antifungal drugs for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Wanling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Aining Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Dong Chen
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Chengdong Wang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Chengdu 611800, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Shanshan Ling
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Chengdu 611800, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Sanjie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Zhicai Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Ya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Guangneng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Ming He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (W.Y.); (A.Y.); (S.C.); (Z.Z.); (Y.W.); (Z.Z.); (G.P.); (M.H.)
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Chengdu 611800, China; (C.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Yu Gu
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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6
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Mehta D, Saini V, Bajaj A. Recent developments in membrane targeting antifungal agents to mitigate antifungal resistance. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1603-1628. [PMID: 37731690 PMCID: PMC10507810 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00151b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections cause severe and life-threatening complications especially in immunocompromised individuals. Antifungals targeting cellular machinery and cell membranes including azoles are used in clinical practice to manage topical to systemic fungal infections. However, continuous exposure to clinically used antifungal agents in managing the fungal infections results in the development of multi-drug resistance via adapting different kinds of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. The unique chemical composition of fungal membranes presents attractive targets for antifungal drug discovery as it is difficult for fungal cells to modify the membrane targets for emergence of drug resistance. Here, we discussed available antifungal drugs with their detailed mechanism of action and described different antifungal resistance mechanisms. We further emphasized structure-activity relationship studies of membrane-targeting antifungal agents, and classified membrane-targeting antifungal agents on the basis of their core scaffold with detailed pharmacological properties. This review aims to pique the interest of potential researchers who could explore this interesting and intricate fungal realm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devashish Mehta
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology Faridabad-121001 Haryana India
| | - Varsha Saini
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology Faridabad-121001 Haryana India
| | - Avinash Bajaj
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology Faridabad-121001 Haryana India
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7
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Ramírez-Zavala B, Krüger I, Wollner A, Schwanfelder S, Morschhäuser J. The Ypk1 protein kinase signaling pathway is rewired and not essential for viability in Candida albicans. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010890. [PMID: 37561787 PMCID: PMC10443862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are central components of almost all signaling pathways that control cellular activities. In the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the paralogous protein kinases Ypk1 and Ypk2, which control membrane lipid homeostasis, are essential for viability, and previous studies strongly indicated that this is also the case for their single ortholog Ypk1 in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Here, using FLP-mediated inducible gene deletion, we reveal that C. albicans ypk1Δ mutants are viable but slow-growing, explaining prior failures to obtain null mutants. Phenotypic analyses of the mutants showed that the functions of Ypk1 in regulating sphingolipid biosynthesis and cell membrane lipid asymmetry are conserved, but the consequences of YPK1 deletion are milder than in S. cerevisiae. Mutational studies demonstrated that the highly conserved PDK1 phosphorylation site T548 in its activation loop is essential for Ypk1 function, whereas the TORC2 phosphorylation sites S687 and T705 at the C-terminus are important for Ypk1-dependent resistance to membrane stress. Unexpectedly, Pkh1, the single C. albicans orthologue of Pkh1/Pkh2, which mediate Ypk1 phosphorylation at the PDK1 site in S. cerevisiae, was not required for normal growth of C. albicans under nonstressed conditions, and Ypk1 phosphorylation at T548 was only slightly reduced in pkh1Δ mutants. We found that another protein kinase, Pkh3, whose ortholog in S. cerevisiae cannot substitute Pkh1/2, acts redundantly with Pkh1 to activate Ypk1 in C. albicans. No phenotypic effects were observed in cells lacking Pkh3 alone, but pkh1Δ pkh3Δ double mutants had a severe growth defect and Ypk1 phosphorylation at T548 was completely abolished. These results establish that Ypk1 is not essential for viability in C. albicans and that, despite its generally conserved function, the Ypk1 signaling pathway is rewired in this pathogenic yeast and includes a novel upstream kinase to activate Ypk1 by phosphorylation at the PDK1 site.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ines Krüger
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Wollner
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Schwanfelder
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Morschhäuser
- Institute of Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Watchaputi K, Jayasekara LACB, Ratanakhanokchai K, Soontorngun N. Inhibition of cell cycle-dependent hyphal and biofilm formation by a novel cytochalasin 19,20‑epoxycytochalasin Q in Candida albicans. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9724. [PMID: 37322086 PMCID: PMC10272203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36191-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-mediated drug resistance is a key virulence factor of pathogenic microbes that cause a serious global health threat especially in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we investigated the antihyphal and antibiofilm activity of 19,20‑epoxycytochalasin Q (ECQ), a cytochalasin actin inhibitor isolated from medicinal mushroom Xylaria sp. BCC1067 against Candida albicans. Remarkably, 256 µg/ml of ECQ inhibited over 95% of C. albicans hyphal formation after 24 h-treatment. Combined ECQ and lipid-based biosurfactant effectively enhanced the antihyphal activity, lowering required ECQ concentrations. Hyphal fragmentation and reduction of biofilm biomass, shown by SEM and AFM visualization of ECQ-treated biofilms, were well corelated to the reduced metabolic activities of young and 24 h-preformed C. albicans biofilms. Induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) also occurred in accompany with the leakage of shrunken cell membrane and defective cell wall at increasing ECQ concentrations. Transcriptomic analyses via RNA-sequencing revealed a massive change (> 1300 genes) in various biological pathways, following ECQ-treatment. Coordinated expression of genes, associated with cellular response to drugs, filamentous growth, cell adhesion, biofilm formation, cytoskeleton organization, cell division cycle, lipid and cell wall metabolisms was confirmed via qRT-PCR. Protein-protein association tool identified coupled expression between key regulators of cell division cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdc19/28) and a gamma-tubulin (Tub4). They coordinated ECQ-dependent hyphal specific gene targets of Ume6 and Tec1 during different phases of cell division. Thus, we first highlight the antihyphal and antibiofilm property of the novel antifungal agent ECQ against one of the most important life-threatening fungal pathogens by providing its key mechanistic detail in biofilm-related fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwanrutai Watchaputi
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - L A Channa Bhathiya Jayasekara
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Khanok Ratanakhanokchai
- Excellent Center of Enzyme Technology and Microbial Utilization, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Nitnipa Soontorngun
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand.
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9
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Jusuf S, Zhan Y, Zhang M, Alexander NJ, Viens A, Mansour MK, Cheng JX. Blue Light Deactivation of Catalase Suppresses Candida Hyphae Development Through Lipogenesis Inhibition. Photochem Photobiol 2023; 99:936-946. [PMID: 36117418 DOI: 10.1111/php.13719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hyphae formation is a key step for fungal penetration into epithelial cells and escaping from macrophages or neutrophils. We found that 405 nm light-induced catalase deactivation results in the inhibition of hyphae growth in Candida albicans. The treatment is capable of inhibiting hyphae growth across multiple hyphae-producing Candida species. Metabolic studies on light-treated C. albicans reveal that light treatment results in a strong reduction in both lipid and protein metabolism. A significant decrease in unsaturated and saturated fatty acids was detected through mass spectroscopy, indicating that the suppression of hyphae through light-induced catalase deactivation may occur through inhibition of lipid metabolism. Initial in vivo tests indicate that blue light treatment can suppress the hyphae forming capabilities of C. albicans within murine abrasion infections. Together, these findings open new avenues for the treatment of Candida fungal infections by targeting their dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Jusuf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Yuewei Zhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Adam Viens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Michael K Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ji-Xin Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
- Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA
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10
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Heterogeneous Distribution of Phospholipid Molecular Species in the Surface Culture of Flammulina velutipes: New Facts about Lipids Containing α-Linolenic Fatty Acid. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010102. [PMID: 36675923 PMCID: PMC9865325 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycelial fungi grow as colonies consisting of polar growing hyphae, developing radially from spore or inoculum. Over time, the colony develops, hyphae are subject to various exogenous or endogenous stimuli, and mycelium becomes heterogeneous in growth, gene expression, biosynthesis, and secretion of proteins and metabolites. Although the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of mycelium heterogeneity have been the subject of many studies, the role of lipids in colony development and zonality is still not understood. This work was undertaken to extend our knowledge of mycelium heterogeneity and to answer the question of how different lipid molecular species are distributed in the surface colony of the basidial fungus Flammulina velutipes and how this distribution correlates with its morphology. The heterogeneity in the lipid metabolism and lipid composition of the fungal mycelium was demonstrated. According to the real-time PCR and LC-MS/MS results, the expression of genes of PC metabolism, accumulation of phospholipid classes, and degree of unsaturation of PC and PE increased in the direction from the center to the periphery of the colony. The peripheral zone of the colony was characterized by a higher value of the PC/PE ratio and a higher level of phospholipids esterified by linolenic acid. Considering that the synthesis of phospholipids in fungi occurs in different ways, we also conducted experiments with deuterium-labeled phospholipid precursors and found out that the Kennedy pathway is the predominant route for PC biosynthesis in F. velutipes. The zonal differences in gene expression and lipid composition can be explained by the participation of membrane lipids in polar growth maintenance and regulation.
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11
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Systematic Metabolic Profiling Identifies De Novo Sphingolipid Synthesis as Hypha Associated and Essential for Candida albicans Filamentation. mSystems 2022; 7:e0053922. [PMID: 36264075 PMCID: PMC9765226 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00539-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast-to-hypha transition is a key virulence attribute of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, since it is closely tied to infection-associated processes such as tissue invasion and escape from phagocytes. While the nature of hypha-associated gene expression required for fungal virulence has been thoroughly investigated, potential morphotype-dependent activity of metabolic pathways remained unclear. Here, we combined global transcriptome and metabolome analyses for the wild-type SC5314 and the hypha-defective hgc1Δ and cph1Δefg1Δ strains under three hypha-inducing (human serum, N-acetylglucosamine, and alkaline pH) and two yeast-promoting conditions to identify metabolic adaptions that accompany the filamentation process. We identified morphotype-related activities of distinct pathways and a metabolic core signature of 26 metabolites with consistent depletion or enrichment during the yeast-to-hypha transition. Most strikingly, we found a hypha-associated activation of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, indicating a connection of this pathway and filamentous growth. Consequently, pharmacological inhibition of this partially fungus-specific pathway resulted in strongly impaired filamentation, verifying the necessity of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis for proper hypha formation. IMPORTANCE The reversible switch of Candida albicans between unicellular yeast and multicellular hyphal growth is accompanied by a well-studied hypha-associated gene expression, encoding virulence factors like adhesins, toxins, or nutrient scavengers. The investigation of this gene expression consequently led to fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of this fungus. In this study, we applied this concept to hypha-associated metabolic adaptations and identified morphotype-dependent activities of distinct pathways and a stimulus-independent metabolic signature of hyphae. Most strikingly, we found the induction of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis as hypha associated and essential for the filamentation of C. albicans. These findings verified the presence of morphotype-specific metabolic traits in the fungus, which appear connected to the fungal virulence. Furthermore, the here-provided comprehensive description of the fungal metabolome will help to foster future research and lead to a better understanding of fungal physiology.
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Stroppa N, Onelli E, Moreau P, Maneta-Peyret L, Berno V, Cammarota E, Ambrosini R, Caccianiga M, Scali M, Moscatelli A. Sterols and Sphingolipids as New Players in Cell Wall Building and Apical Growth of Nicotiana tabacum L. Pollen Tubes. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:8. [PMID: 36616135 PMCID: PMC9824051 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pollen tubes are tip-growing cells that create safe routes to convey sperm cells to the embryo sac for double fertilization. Recent studies have purified and biochemically characterized detergent-insoluble membranes from tobacco pollen tubes. These microdomains, called lipid rafts, are rich in sterols and sphingolipids and are involved in cell polarization in organisms evolutionarily distant, such as fungi and mammals. The presence of actin in tobacco pollen tube detergent-insoluble membranes and the preferential distribution of these domains on the apical plasma membrane encouraged us to formulate the intriguing hypothesis that sterols and sphingolipids could be a "trait d'union" between actin dynamics and polarized secretion at the tip. To unravel the role of sterols and sphingolipids in tobacco pollen tube growth, we used squalestatin and myriocin, inhibitors of sterol and sphingolipid biosynthesis, respectively, to determine whether lipid modifications affect actin fringe morphology and dynamics, leading to changes in clear zone organization and cell wall deposition, thus suggesting a role played by these lipids in successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Stroppa
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Onelli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrick Moreau
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, 71 Avenue Edouard Bourlaux, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Lilly Maneta-Peyret
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, 71 Avenue Edouard Bourlaux, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Valeria Berno
- ALEMBIC Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy BioImaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT 1, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenia Cammarota
- ALEMBIC Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy BioImaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, DIBIT 1, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Caccianiga
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Scali
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Moscatelli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
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13
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Basante-Bedoya MA, Bogliolo S, Garcia-Rodas R, Zaragoza O, Arkowitz RA, Bassilana M. Two distinct lipid transporters together regulate invasive filamentous growth in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010549. [PMID: 36516161 PMCID: PMC9797089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Flippases transport lipids across the membrane bilayer to generate and maintain asymmetry. The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans has 5 flippases, including Drs2, which is critical for filamentous growth and phosphatidylserine (PS) distribution. Furthermore, a drs2 deletion mutant is hypersensitive to the antifungal drug fluconazole and copper ions. We show here that such a flippase mutant also has an altered distribution of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] and ergosterol. Analyses of additional lipid transporters, i.e. the flippases Dnf1-3, and all the oxysterol binding protein (Osh) family lipid transfer proteins, i.e. Osh2-4 and Osh7, indicate that they are not critical for filamentous growth. However, deletion of Osh4 alone, which exchanges PI(4)P for sterol, in a drs2 mutant can bypass the requirement for this flippase in invasive filamentous growth. In addition, deletion of the lipid phosphatase Sac1, which dephosphorylates PI(4)P, in a drs2 mutant results in a synthetic growth defect, suggesting that Drs2 and Sac1 function in parallel pathways. Together, our results indicate that a balance between the activities of two putative lipid transporters regulates invasive filamentous growth, via PI(4)P. In contrast, deletion of OSH4 in drs2 does not restore growth on fluconazole, nor on papuamide A, a toxin that binds PS in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, suggesting that Drs2 has additional role(s) in plasma membrane organization, independent of Osh4. As we show that C. albicans Drs2 localizes to different structures, including the Spitzenkörper, we investigated if a specific localization of Drs2 is critical for different functions, using a synthetic physical interaction approach to restrict/stabilize Drs2 at the Spitzenkörper. Our results suggest that the localization of Drs2 at the plasma membrane is critical for C. albicans growth on fluconazole and papuamide A, but not for invasive filamentous growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rocio Garcia-Rodas
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Parc Valrose, Nice, FRANCE
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Zaragoza
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-CB21/13/00105), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Martine Bassilana
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Parc Valrose, Nice, FRANCE
- * E-mail:
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14
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Hossain S, Robbins N, Cowen LE. The GARP complex is required for filamentation in Candida albicans. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac152. [PMID: 36226807 PMCID: PMC9713427 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes superficial infections in immunocompetent individuals, as well as life-threatening systemic disease in immunocompromised patients. A key virulence trait of this pathogen is its ability to transition between yeast and filamentous morphologies. A functional genomic screen to identify novel regulators of filamentation previously revealed VPS53 as being important for morphogenesis. Vps53 belongs to the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, which mediates retrograde trafficking from the endosome to the trans-Golgi network. Here, we explored the role of the entire GARP complex in regulating morphogenesis. Deletion of any of the four genes encoding GARP complex subunits severely impaired filamentation in response to diverse filament-inducing cues, including upon internalization by macrophages. Genetic pathway analysis revealed that while hyperactivation of protein kinase A (PKA) signaling is insufficient to drive filamentation in GARP complex mutants, these strains are capable of filamentation upon overexpression of transcriptional activators or upon deletion of transcriptional repressors of hyphal morphogenesis. Finally, compromise of the GARP complex induced lipotoxicity, and pharmacological inhibition of sphingolipid biosynthesis phenocopied genetic compromise of the GARP complex by impairing filamentation. Together, this work identifies the GARP complex as an important mediator of filamentation in response to multiple inducing cues, maps genetic circuitry important for filamentation upon compromise of GARP function, and supports a model whereby GARP deficiency impairs lipid homeostasis, which is important for supporting filamentous growth in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Hossain
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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15
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Hammoudi Halat D, Younes S, Mourad N, Rahal M. Allylamines, Benzylamines, and Fungal Cell Permeability: A Review of Mechanistic Effects and Usefulness against Fungal Pathogens. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12121171. [PMID: 36557078 PMCID: PMC9781035 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12121171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Allylamines, naftifine and terbinafine, and the benzylamine, butenafine, are antifungal agents with activity on the fungal cell membrane. These synthetic compounds specifically inhibit squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in fungal sterol biosynthesis. This results in a deficiency in ergosterol, a major fungal membrane sterol that regulates membrane fluidity, biogenesis, and functions, and whose damage results in increased membrane permeability and leakage of cellular components, ultimately leading to fungal cell death. With the fungal cell membrane being predominantly made up of lipids including sterols, these lipids have a vital role in the pathogenesis of fungal infections and the identification of improved therapies. This review will focus on the fungal cell membrane structure, activity of allylamines and benzylamines, and the mechanistic damage they cause to the membrane. Furthermore, pharmaceutical preparations and clinical uses of these drugs, mainly in dermatophyte infections, will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
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16
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The Fungal Protein Mes1 Is Required for Morphogenesis and Virulence in the Dimorphic Phytopathogen Ustilago maydis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080759. [PMID: 35893127 PMCID: PMC9331856 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Polarized growth is a defining property of filamentous fungi, which plays an important role in different aspects of their biology, including virulence. However, little information is available about the determinants of cell surface organization and their role in polarized growth. The fungal protein MesA was identified in a genetic screen in Aspergillus nidulans and is involved in the stabilization of the polarity axes, but it has no evident role in budding yeast. In this work, I present evidence that in the dimorphic fungal phytopathogen Ustilago maydis MesA/Mes1 is involved in cell wall stability and polarized growth. mes1 mutants were more sensitive to drugs provoking cell wall stress, and they displayed a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Actin cytoskeleton was disorganized in a mes1 mutant, suggesting that there is a connection between Mes1, the actin cytoskeleton and polarized morphogenesis. The septin ring was also absent from the bud tip, but not the bud neck. Deletion of mes1 provoked defects in endocytosis and vacuolar organization in the cells. Mes1 was essential for strong polarized growth in the hyphal form, but it was dispensable during low or moderate polarized growth in the yeast form in U. maydis at a permissive temperature. Consistently, mes1 mutants showed delayed mating and they were avirulent.
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17
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Shahi G, Kumar M, Khandelwal NK, Banerjee A, Sarkar P, Kumari S, Esquivel BD, Chauhan N, Chattopadhyay A, White TC, Gaur NA, Singh A, Prasad R. Inositol Phosphoryl Transferase, Ipt1, Is a Critical Determinant of Azole Resistance and Virulence Phenotypes in Candida glabrata. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070651. [PMID: 35887407 PMCID: PMC9322651 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have specifically blocked a key step of sphingolipid (SL) biosynthesis in Candida glabrata by disruption of the orthologs of ScIpt1 and ScSkn1. Based on their close homology with S. cerevisiae counterparts, the proteins are predicted to catalyze the addition of a phosphorylinositol group onto mannosyl inositolphosphoryl ceramide (MIPC) to form mannosyl diinositolphosphoryl ceramide (M(IP)2C), which accounts for the majority of complex SL structures in S. cerevisiae membranes. High throughput lipidome analysis confirmed the accumulation of MIPC structures in ΔCgipt1 and ΔCgskn1 cells, albeit to lesser extent in the latter. Noticeably, ΔCgipt1 cells showed an increased susceptibility to azoles; however, ΔCgskn1 cells showed no significant changes in the drug susceptibility profiles. Interestingly, the azole susceptible phenotype of ΔCgipt1 cells seems to be independent of the ergosterol content. ΔCgipt1 cells displayed altered lipid homeostasis, increased membrane fluidity as well as high diffusion of radiolabeled fluconazole (3H-FLC), which could together influence the azole susceptibility of C. glabrata. Furthermore, in vivo experiments also confirmed compromised virulence of the ΔCgipt1 strain. Contrarily, specific functions of CgSkn1 remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Shahi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (N.A.G.)
| | | | - Atanu Banerjee
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Parijat Sarkar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; (P.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Sonam Kumari
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (N.A.G.)
| | - Brooke D. Esquivel
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; (B.D.E.); (T.C.W.)
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Amitabha Chattopadhyay
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India; (P.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Theodore C. White
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; (B.D.E.); (T.C.W.)
| | - Naseem A. Gaur
- Yeast Biofuel Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.K.); (N.A.G.)
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Integrative Science and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122412, India; (G.S.); (M.K.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.P.)
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18
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Okamoto M, Takahashi-Nakaguchi A, Tejima K, Sasamoto K, Yamaguchi M, Aoyama T, Nagi M, Tanabe K, Miyazaki Y, Nakayama H, Sasakawa C, Kajiwara S, Brown AJP, Teixeira MC, Chibana H. Erg25 Controls Host-Cholesterol Uptake Mediated by Aus1p-Associated Sterol-Rich Membrane Domains in Candida glabrata. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:820675. [PMID: 35399500 PMCID: PMC8988197 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.820675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The uptake of cholesterol from the host is closely linked to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi and protozoa during infection. For some pathogenic fungi, cholesterol uptake is an important strategy for decreasing susceptibility to antifungals that inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis. In this study, we show that Candida glabrata ERG25, which encodes an enzyme that demethylates 4,4-dimethylzymosterol, is required for cholesterol uptake from host serum. Based on the screening of C. glabrata conditional knockdown mutants for each gene involved in ergosterol biosynthesis, ERG25 knockdown was found to decrease lethality of infected mice. ERG25 knockdown impairs the plasma membrane localization of the sterol importer Aus1p, suggesting that the accumulated 4,4-dimethylzymosterol destabilizes the lipid domain with which Aus1p functionally associates. ERG25 knockdown further influences the structure of the membrane compartment of Can1p (MCC)/eisosomes (ergosterol-rich lipid domains), but not the localization of the membrane proteins Pma1p and Hxt1p, which localize to sterol-poor domains. In the sterol-rich lipid domain, Aus1p-contining domain was mostly independent of MCC/eisosomes, and the nature of these domains was also different: Ausp1-contining domain was a dynamic network-like domain, whereas the MCC/eisosomes was a static dot-like domain. However, deletion of MCC/eisosomes was observed to influence the localization of Aus1p after Aus1p was transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane. These findings suggest that ERG25 plays a key role in stabilizing sterol-rich lipid domains, constituting a promising candidate target for antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiyo Okamoto
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Kengo Tejima
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kaname Sasamoto
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Aoyama
- Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, Suzuka National College of Technology, Suzuka, Japan
| | - Minoru Nagi
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohichi Tanabe
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukoku University, Otsu, Japan
| | | | - Hironobu Nakayama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sasakawa
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Nippon Institute for Biological Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Kajiwara
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Miguel C. Teixeira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hiroji Chibana
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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19
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Li W, Li P, Zhou X, Situ J, Lin Y, Qiu J, Yuan Y, Xi P, Jiang Z, Kong G. A Cytochrome B 5-Like Heme/Steroid Binding Domain Protein, PlCB5L1, Regulates Mycelial Growth, Pathogenicity and Oxidative Stress Tolerance in Peronophythora litchii. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:783438. [PMID: 34899811 PMCID: PMC8655872 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.783438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As an electron transport component, cytochrome b5 is an essential component of the Class II cytochrome P450 monooxygenation system and widely present in animals, plants, and fungi. However, the roles of Cyt-b5 domain proteins in pathogenic oomycetes remain unknown. Peronophythora litchii is an oomycete pathogen that causes litchi downy blight, the most destructive disease of litchi. In this study, we identified a gene, designated PlCB5L1, that encodes a Cyt-b5 domain protein in P. litchii, and characterized its function. PlCB5L1 is highly expressed in the zoospores, cysts, germinated cysts, and during early stages of infection. PlCB5L1 knockout mutants showed reduced growth rate and β-sitosterol utilization. Importantly, we also found that PlCB5L1 is required for the full pathogenicity of P. litchii. Compared with the wild-type strain, the PlCB5L1 mutants exhibited significantly higher tolerance to SDS and sorbitol, but impaired tolerance to cell wall stress, osmotic stress, and oxidative stress. Further, the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress tolerance, including peroxidase, cytochrome P450, and laccase genes, were down-regulated in PlCB5L1 mutants under oxidative stress. This is the first report that a Cyt-b5 domain protein contributes to the development, stress response, and pathogenicity in plant pathogenic oomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjian Situ
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiming Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Qiu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Yuan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pinggen Xi
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zide Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanghui Kong
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Department of Plant Pathology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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The transcription factor Cas5 suppresses hyphal morphogenesis during yeast-form growth in Candida albicans. J Microbiol 2021; 59:911-919. [PMID: 34491522 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-021-1326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human pathogen that exists as yeast, hyphal or pseudohyphal forms depending on pH, nutrients, and temperature. The morphological transition from yeast to hyphae, which is required for the complete virulence of C. albicans, is controlled by many transcription factors that activate or repress hypha-specific genes. The C. albicans transcriptional factor Cas5, a key regulator of genes involved in cell wall integrity, affects the susceptibility of C. albicans to fluconazole, an inhibitor of ergosterol synthesis. In this study, we found that deletion of CAS5 in C. albicans decreased the expression levels of a set of ergosterol biosynthesis genes, such as ERG2, ERG3, ERG5, ERG6, ERG11, and ERG24, resulting in the accumulation of lanosterol and zymosterol, which are intermediate metabolites in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, it was observed that the cas5Δ/Δ mutant could not maintain the yeast form under non-hypha-inducing conditions, while the CAS5-overexpressing cells could not form hyphae under hypha-inducing conditions. Consistent with these observations, the cas5Δ/Δ mutant highly expressed hypha-specific genes, ALS3, ECE1, and HWP1, under non-hypha-inducing conditions. In addition, CAS5 transcription was significantly downregulated immediately after hyphal initiation in the wild-type strain. Furthermore, the cas5Δ/Δ mutant reduced the transcription of NRG1, which encodes a major repressor of hyphal morphogenesis, while Cas5 overexpression increased the transcription of NRG1 under hypha-inducing conditions. Collectively, this study suggests the potential role of Cas5 as a repressor of hypha-specific genes during yeast-form growth of C. albicans.
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21
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Wang J, Chen YL, Li YK, Chen DK, He JF, Yao N. Functions of Sphingolipids in Pathogenesis During Host-Pathogen Interactions. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:701041. [PMID: 34408731 PMCID: PMC8366399 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.701041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are a class of membrane lipids that serve as vital structural and signaling bioactive molecules in organisms ranging from yeast to animals. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of sphingolipids as signaling molecules in the development and pathogenicity of microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In particular, sphingolipids play key roles in regulating the delicate balance between microbes and hosts during microbial pathogenesis. Some pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, harness host sphingolipids to promote development and infection, whereas sphingolipids from both the host and pathogen are involved in fungus-host interactions. Moreover, a regulatory role for sphingolipids has been described, but their effects on host physiology and metabolism remain to be elucidated. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the roles of sphingolipids in pathogenesis and interactions with host factors, including how sphingolipids modify pathogen and host metabolism with a focus on pathogenesis regulators and relevant metabolic enzymes. In addition, we discuss emerging perspectives on targeting sphingolipids that function in host-microbe interactions as new therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Kang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ding-Kang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Fan He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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22
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23
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Mela A, Momany M. Septins coordinate cell wall integrity and lipid metabolism in a sphingolipid-dependent process. J Cell Sci 2021; 135:256543. [PMID: 33912961 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Septins colocalize with membrane sterol-rich regions and facilitate recruitment of cell wall synthases during wall remodeling. We show that null mutants missing an Aspergillus nidulans core septin present in hexamers and octamers (ΔaspAcdc11, ΔaspBcdc3 or ΔaspCcdc12) are sensitive to multiple cell wall-disturbing agents that activate the cell wall integrity MAPK pathway. The null mutant missing the octamer-exclusive core septin (ΔaspDcdc10) showed similar sensitivity, but only to a single cell wall-disturbing agent and the null mutant missing the noncore septin (ΔaspE) showed only very mild sensitivity to a different single agent. Core septin mutants showed changes in wall polysaccharide composition and chitin synthase localization. Mutants missing any of the five septins resisted ergosterol-disrupting agents. Hexamer mutants showed increased sensitivity to sphingolipid-disrupting agents. Core septins mislocalized after treatment with sphingolipid-disrupting agents, but not after ergosterol-disrupting agents. Our data suggest that the core septins are involved in cell wall integrity signaling, that all five septins are involved in monitoring ergosterol metabolism, that the hexamer septins are required for sphingolipid metabolism and that septins require sphingolipids to coordinate the cell wall integrity response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mela
- Fungal Biology Group and Plant Biology Department, University of Georgia, 2502 Miller Plant Science Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michelle Momany
- Fungal Biology Group and Plant Biology Department, University of Georgia, 2502 Miller Plant Science Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Rajasekar V, Darne P, Prabhune A, Kao RYT, Solomon AP, Ramage G, Samaranayake L, Neelakantan P. A curcumin-sophorolipid nanocomplex inhibits Candida albicans filamentation and biofilm development. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 200:111617. [PMID: 33592455 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that is highly resistant to contemporary antifungals, due to their biofilm lifestyle. The ability of C. albicans to invade human tissues is due to its filamentation. Therefore, inhibition of biofilms and filamentation of the yeast are high value targets to develop the next-generation antifungals. Curcumin (CU) is a natural polyphenol with excellent pharmacological attributes, but limitations such as poor solubility, acid, and enzyme tolerance have impeded its practical utility. Sophorolipids (SL) are biologically-derived surfactants that serve as efficient carriers of hydrophobic molecules such as curcumin into biofilms. Here, we synthesised a curcumin-sophorolipid nanocomplex (CUSL), and comprehensively evaluated its effects on C. albicans biofilms and filamentation. Our results demonstrated that sub-inhibitory concentration of CUSL (9.37 μg/mL) significantly inhibited fungal adhesion to substrates, and subsequent biofilm development, maturation, and filamentation. This effect was associated with significant downregulation of a select group of biofilm, adhesins, and hyphal regulatory genes. In conclusion, the curcumin-sophorolipid nanocomplex is a potent inhibitor of the two major virulence attributes of C. albicans, biofilm formation and filamentation, thus highlighting its promise as a putative anti-fungal agent with biofilm penetrative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidhyashree Rajasekar
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre of Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to Be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Priti Darne
- Green Pyramid Biotech Private Limited, Pune, India
| | | | - Richard Y T Kao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre of Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to Be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lakshman Samaranayake
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Prasanna Neelakantan
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Fernandes CM, Poeta MD. Fungal sphingolipids: role in the regulation of virulence and potential as targets for future antifungal therapies. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:1083-1092. [PMID: 32673125 PMCID: PMC7657966 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1792288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The antifungal therapy currently available includes three major classes of drugs: polyenes, azoles and echinocandins. However, the clinical use of these compounds faces several challenges: while polyenes are toxic to the host, antifungal resistance to azoles and echinocandins has been reported. AREAS COVERED Fungal sphingolipids (SL) play a pivotal role in growth, morphogenesis and virulence. In addition, fungi possess unique enzymes involved in SL synthesis, leading to the production of lipids which are absent or differ structurally from the mammalian counterparts. In this review, we address the enzymatic reactions involved in the SL synthesis and their relevance to the fungal pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as targets for novel drugs and the inhibitors described so far. EXPERT OPINION The pharmacological inhibition of fungal serine palmitoyltransferase depends on the development of specific drugs, as myriocin also targets the mammalian enzyme. Inhibitors of ceramide synthase might constitute potent antifungals, by depleting the pool of complex SL and leading to the accumulation of the toxic intermediates. Acylhydrazones and aureobasidin A, which inhibit GlcCer and IPC synthesis, are not toxic to the host and effectively treat invasive mycoses, emerging as promising new classes of antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, NY, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY, USA
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26
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Patel M, Srivastava V, Ahmad A. Dodonaea viscosa var angustifolia derived 5,6,8-trihydroxy-7,4' dimethoxy flavone inhibits ergosterol synthesis and the production of hyphae and biofilm in Candida albicans. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 259:112965. [PMID: 32413575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Candida albicans is developing resistance to existing drugs increasing morbidity and mortality, which elevates an immediate need to explore new antifungal agents. Phytochemicals are an excellent source of therapeutic agents. We previously reported the antifungal activity of the crude extract of Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia Jacq. (DVA) from which a beneficial compound flavone: 5,6,8-trihydroxy-7,4' dimethoxy flavone (5,6,8-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one) abbreviated as TMMC, was extracted. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study evaluated the effect of a TMMC subfraction on biofilms, membrane stability, ergosterol biosynthesis and germ tube (GT) formation in Candida albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Extracts were prepared and fractionated to obtain purified TMMC. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of TMMC were obtained and subinhibitory concentrations were selected for further studies. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was performed to assess the effect of TMMC on membrane permeability and sterol deposition using propidium iodide (PI) and filipin stains, respectively. RESULTS Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal concentrations (MFC) of TMMC were 0.39 mg/mL and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively. TMMC inhibited biofilm formation and damaged mature biofilms at 0.39 mg/mL and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively. CLSM further confirmed the disruption and architectural changes in biofilms following treatment with TMMC. TMMC also inhibited GT formation and ergosterol biosynthesis in a concentration dependent manner, which was further confirmed by varying sterol distribution and membrane disruption in treated and untreated cells. CONCLUSIONS With the multiple targets at different concentrations, TMMC warrants its potential use as antifungal drug against C. albicans. However further studies using animal models and more mechanistic approaches will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrudula Patel
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service and Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
| | - Vartika Srivastava
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service and Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
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27
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Song J, Liu X, Li R. Sphingolipids: Regulators of azole drug resistance and fungal pathogenicity. Mol Microbiol 2020; 114:891-905. [PMID: 32767804 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the role of sphingolipids in pathogenic fungi, in terms of pathogenicity and resistance to azole drugs, has been a rapidly growing field. This review describes evidence about the roles of sphingolipids in azole resistance and fungal virulence. Sphingolipids can serve as signaling molecules that contribute to azole resistance through modulation of the expression of drug efflux pumps. They also contribute to azole resistance by participating in various microbial pathways such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), pH-responsive Rim pathway, and pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) pathway. In addition, sphingolipid signaling and eisosomes also coordinately regulate sphingolipid biosynthesis in response to azole-induced membrane stress. Sphingolipids are important for fungal virulence, playing roles during growth in hosts under stressful conditions, maintenance of cell wall integrity, biofilm formation, and production of various virulence factors. Finally, we discuss the possibility of exploiting fungal sphingolipids for the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat infections caused by pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Song
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Xiao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Rongpeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
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Athanasopoulos A, André B, Sophianopoulou V, Gournas C. Fungal plasma membrane domains. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 43:642-673. [PMID: 31504467 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane (PM) performs a plethora of physiological processes, the coordination of which requires spatial and temporal organization into specialized domains of different sizes, stability, protein/lipid composition and overall architecture. Compartmentalization of the PM has been particularly well studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where five non-overlapping domains have been described: The Membrane Compartments containing the arginine permease Can1 (MCC), the H+-ATPase Pma1 (MCP), the TORC2 kinase (MCT), the sterol transporters Ltc3/4 (MCL), and the cell wall stress mechanosensor Wsc1 (MCW). Additional cortical foci at the fungal PM are the sites where clathrin-dependent endocytosis occurs, the sites where the external pH sensing complex PAL/Rim localizes, and sterol-rich domains found in apically grown regions of fungal membranes. In this review, we summarize knowledge from several fungal species regarding the organization of the lateral PM segregation. We discuss the mechanisms of formation of these domains, and the mechanisms of partitioning of proteins there. Finally, we discuss the physiological roles of the best-known membrane compartments, including the regulation of membrane and cell wall homeostasis, apical growth of fungal cells and the newly emerging role of MCCs as starvation-protective membrane domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Athanasopoulos
- Microbial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos,' Patr. Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos St. 15341, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Bruno André
- Molecular Physiology of the Cell laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, rue des Pr Jeener et Brachet 12, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Vicky Sophianopoulou
- Microbial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos,' Patr. Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos St. 15341, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Christos Gournas
- Microbial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos,' Patr. Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos St. 15341, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
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29
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Bandara HMHN, Wood DLA, Vanwonterghem I, Hugenholtz P, Cheung BPK, Samaranayake LP. Fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans is induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7769. [PMID: 32385378 PMCID: PMC7211000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64761-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms employ quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms to communicate with each other within microbial ecosystems. Emerging evidence suggests that intraspecies and interspecies QS plays an important role in antimicrobial resistance in microbial communities. However, the relationship between interkingdom QS and antimicrobial resistance is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that interkingdom QS interactions between a bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a yeast, Candida albicans, induce the resistance of the latter to a widely used antifungal fluconazole. Phenotypic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses reveal that P. aeruginosa's main QS molecule, N-(3-Oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone, induces candidal resistance to fluconazole by reversing the antifungal's effect on the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Accessory resistance mechanisms including upregulation of C. albicans drug-efflux, regulation of oxidative stress response, and maintenance of cell membrane integrity, further confirm this phenomenon. These findings demonstrate that P. aeruginosa QS molecules may confer protection to neighboring yeasts against azoles, in turn strengthening their co-existence in hostile polymicrobial infection sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M H N Bandara
- Oral Microbiology, Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK.
| | - D L A Wood
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - I Vanwonterghem
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - P Hugenholtz
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - B P K Cheung
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Rd, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - L P Samaranayake
- College of Dental Medicine, The University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, 27272, Sharjah, UAE
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30
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Normile TG, McEvoy K, Del Poeta M. Steryl Glycosides in Fungal Pathogenesis: An Understudied Immunomodulatory Adjuvant. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E25. [PMID: 32102324 PMCID: PMC7151148 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections pose an increasing threat to human hosts, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In response to the increasing morbidity and mortality of fungal infections, numerous groups have shown great strides in uncovering novel treatment options and potential efficacious vaccine candidates for this increasing threat due to the increase in current antifungal resistance. Steryl glycosides are lipid compounds produced by a wide range of organisms, and are largely understudied in the field of pathogenicity, especially to fungal infections. Published works over the years have shown these compounds positively modulating the host immune response. Recent advances, most notably from our lab, have strongly indicated that steryl glycosides have high efficacy in protecting the host against lethal Cryptococcal infection through acting as an immunoadjuvant. This review will summarize the keystone studies on the role of steryl glycosides in the host immune response, as well as elucidate the remaining unknown characteristics and future perspectives of these compounds for the host-fungal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G. Normile
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (T.G.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Kyle McEvoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (T.G.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (T.G.N.); (K.M.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, New York, NY 11768, USA
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Candida albicans Ubiquitin and Heat Shock Factor-Type Transcriptional Factors Are Involved in 2-Dodecenoic Acid-Mediated Inhibition of Hyphal Growth. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010075. [PMID: 31947778 PMCID: PMC7022667 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cis-2-dodecenoic acid (i.e., Burkholderia cenocepacia Diffusible Signal Factor, BDSF), a signaling molecule produced by Burkholderia cenocepacia but not by Candida albicans, can prevent Candida albicans hyphal formation. The mechanism by which BDSF controls the morphological switch of C. albicans is still unknown. To address this issue, we used the cDNA microarray method to investigate the differential expression of genes in C. albicans in the presence and absence of BDSF. The microarray result indicated that 305 genes were significantly different in the expression level. This included the downregulation of 75 genes and the upregulation of 230 genes. Based on the microarray data, a mutant library was screened to search for genes, once mutated, conferred insensitivity to BDSF. The results showed that the repressors (Ubi4 and Sfl1 proteins) and the activator (Sfl2 protein) of filamentous growth are involved in the BDSF regulation of hyphal morphogenesis. Ubi4, an ubiquitin polypeptide that participates in ubiquitin-mediated protein turnover, is the protein required for the degradation of Sfl2. Sfl1 and Sfl2 proteins antagonistically control C. albicans morphogenesis. In the hyphal induction condition, the amount of Ubi4 and Sfl1 protein increased rapidly with the exogenous addition of BDSF. As a result, the protein level of the activator of filamentous growth, Sfl2, decreased correspondingly, thereby facilitating the C. albicans cells to remain in the yeast form.
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Low ZJ, Xiong J, Xie Y, Ma GL, Saw H, Thi Tran H, Wong SL, Pang LM, Fong J, Lu P, Hu JF, Yang L, Miao Y, Liang ZX. Discovery, biosynthesis and antifungal mechanism of the polyene-polyol meijiemycin. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 56:822-825. [PMID: 31848534 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc08908j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Produced by a newly isolated Streptomycetes strain, meijiemycin is a gigantic linear polyene-polyol that exhibits structural features not seen in other members of the polyene-polyol family. We propose a biosynthetic mechanism and demonstrate that meijiemycin inhibits hyphal growth by inducing the aggregation of ergosterol and restructuring of the fungal plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Jie Low
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Juan Xiong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore. and School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Xie
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Guang-Lei Ma
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Howard Saw
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Hoa Thi Tran
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Soo Lin Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Li Mei Pang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - July Fong
- The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Peng Lu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Jin-Feng Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yansong Miao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Zhao-Xun Liang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore. and The Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
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Prasath KG, Sethupathy S, Pandian SK. Proteomic analysis uncovers the modulation of ergosterol, sphingolipid and oxidative stress pathway by myristic acid impeding biofilm and virulence in Candida albicans. J Proteomics 2019; 208:103503. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Rozentsvet O, Nesterkina I, Ozolina N, Nesterov V. Detergent-resistant microdomains (lipid rafts) in endomembranes of the wild halophytes. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2019; 46:869-876. [PMID: 31196376 DOI: 10.1071/fp18263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, we studied detergent-resistant membrane microdomains (DRM) of chloroplasts and mitochondria - organelles that provide photosynthesis and respiration in a plant cell. The objects of the study were euhalophyte Salicorniaperennans Willd., which relates to salt-accumulating plants and glycohalophyte Artemisia santonica L., which relates to salt-excluder plants. To get DRM, the chloroplast and mitochondria fractions were solubilised with a solution containing Triton X-100. The resulting material was introduced in sucrose gradient of 35-25-15-5% and centrifuged at 200000 g, 2 h. The presence of an opalescent detergent-resistant zone of membranes in 15% sucrose layer and a specific lipid composition of this zone were the signs of successful rafts obtaining of. The isolated DRM are sterol- and cerebroside-enriched (27-89% of the sum of membrane lipids) domains with a high degree of saturation of fatty acids composition (more than 50% of the sum). The main DRM-specific lipids of chloroplast of A. santonica glycohalophyte are cerebrosides, whereas those of S. perennans euhalophyte are sterols. The revealed differences in the composition of raft-forming lipids in chloroplast and mitochondria halophyte membranes, differing in the salt-resistance strategy, suggest the participation of rafts in salt-resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rozentsvet
- Institute of Ecology of the Volga Basin Russian Academy of Science, 10, Komzin Str, Togliatti 445003, Russia
| | - Irina Nesterkina
- Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 132, Lermontov Str, Irkutsk 664033, Russia
| | - Natalia Ozolina
- Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 132, Lermontov Str, Irkutsk 664033, Russia
| | - Viktor Nesterov
- Institute of Ecology of the Volga Basin Russian Academy of Science, 10, Komzin Str, Togliatti 445003, Russia; and Corresponding author.
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Zahumensky J, Malinsky J. Role of MCC/Eisosome in Fungal Lipid Homeostasis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E305. [PMID: 31349700 PMCID: PMC6723945 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the best characterized fungal membrane microdomains is the MCC/eisosome. The MCC (membrane compartment of Can1) is an evolutionarily conserved ergosterol-rich plasma membrane domain. It is stabilized on its cytosolic face by the eisosome, a hemitubular protein complex composed of Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain-containing Pil1 and Lsp1. These two proteins bind directly to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and promote the typical furrow-like shape of the microdomain, with highly curved edges and bottom. While some proteins display stable localization in the MCC/eisosome, others enter or leave it under particular conditions, such as misbalance in membrane lipid composition, changes in membrane tension, or availability of specific nutrients. These findings reveal that the MCC/eisosome, a plasma membrane microdomain with distinct morphology and lipid composition, acts as a multifaceted regulator of various cellular processes including metabolic pathways, cellular morphogenesis, signalling cascades, and mRNA decay. In this minireview, we focus on the MCC/eisosome's proposed role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. While the molecular mechanisms of the MCC/eisosome function are not completely understood, the idea of intracellular processes being regulated at the plasma membrane, the foremost barrier exposed to environmental challenges, is truly exciting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Zahumensky
- Department of Microscopy, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malinsky
- Department of Microscopy, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Wu Y, Wu M, Wang Y, Chen Y, Gao J, Ying C. ERG11 couples oxidative stress adaptation, hyphal elongation and virulence in Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 18:5040230. [PMID: 29931064 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal opportunistic pathogen for humans. In the treatment of C. albicans, azole drugs target the sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) encoded by ERG11 gene. Most studies have focused on the fact that the ERG11 mutant results in drug resistance, but its mechanism of action as a drug target has not been described yet. Our results showed that deletion of ERG11 reduced filamentous and invasive growth, and impaired hyphal elongation in sensing serum. Lack of ERG11 increased susceptibility to H2O2 and was defective in clearing reactive oxygen species. ERG11 may affect oxidative stress adaptation by specifically downregulating CAT1 expression. In addition, C. albicans cells lacking ERG11 were more efficiently killed by macrophages and became avirulent in vivo. This study is the first to indicate that ERG11 plays an essential role in hyphal elongation, oxidative stress adaptation and virulence in C. albicans. We speculated that azole drugs not only inhibit the growth of C. albicans, but also assist the host immune system in clearing the fungal organism. The new understanding of mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs should facilitate the development of treatment strategies for resistant fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongQin Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - MengYing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - YuanYuan Wang
- Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - YiSheng Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - ChunMei Ying
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
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Kundu D, Hameed S, Fatima Z, Pasrija R. Phospholipid biosynthesis disruption renders the yeast cells sensitive to antifungals. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2019; 65:121-131. [DOI: 10.1007/s12223-019-00713-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Amaral VSG, Fernandes CM, Felício MR, Valle AS, Quintana PG, Almeida CC, Barreto-Bergter E, Gonçalves S, Santos NC, Kurtenbach E. Psd2 pea defensin shows a preference for mimetic membrane rafts enriched with glucosylceramide and ergosterol. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:713-728. [PMID: 30639288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Psd2 is a pea defensin with 47 amino acid residues that inhibits the growth of fungal species by an uncharacterized mechanism. In this work, Psd2 interactions with model membranes mimicking the lipid compositions of different organisms were evaluated. Protein-lipid overlay assays indicated that Psd2 recognizes Fusarium solani glucosylceramide (GlcCerF.solani) and ergosterol (Erg) in addition to phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and some phosphatidylinositol species, such as PtdIns (3)P, (5)P and (3,5)P2, suggesting that these lipids may play important roles as Psd2 targets. Assays using lipid vesicles were also performed to study the behaviour and dynamics that occur after peptide-membrane interactions. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that Psd2 has a higher affinity for pure POPC and POPC-based vesicles containing GlcCer and Erg at a 70:30 proportion than for vesicles containing cholesterol (Chol). Partition experiments by fluorescence spectroscopy showed a decrease in Trp42 quantum yield of Psd2 in the presence of GlcCerF.solani and Erg, individually or in simultaneously enriched membranes. The partition coefficient (Kp) obtained indicated a Psd2 partition preference for this vesicles, confirmed by quenching assays using acrylamide and 5/16-doxyl-stearic acid. Furthermore, we showed that the presence of C8C9 double bonds and a methyl group at position C9 of the sphingoid base backbone of GlcCer was relevant to Psd2 activity against Aspergillus nidulans. These results are consistent with the selectivity of Psd2 against fungi and its lack of toxicity in human erythrocytes. Psd2 represents a promising natural compound for the treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Sara Grancieri Amaral
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Aline Sol Valle
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula G Quintana
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caroline Correa Almeida
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eleonora Kurtenbach
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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AP-2-Dependent Endocytic Recycling of the Chitin Synthase Chs3 Regulates Polarized Growth in Candida albicans. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02421-18. [PMID: 30890602 PMCID: PMC6426607 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02421-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is known to require endocytosis to enable its adaptation to diverse niches and to maintain its highly polarized hyphal growth phase. While studies have identified changes in transcription leading to the synthesis and secretion of new proteins to facilitate hyphal growth, effective maintenance of hyphae also requires concomitant removal or relocalization of other cell surface molecules. The key molecules which must be removed from the cell surface, and the mechanisms behind this, have, however, remained elusive. In this study, we show that the AP-2 endocytic adaptor complex is required for the internalization of the major cell wall biosynthesis enzyme Chs3. We demonstrate that this interaction is mediated by the AP-2 mu subunit (Apm4) YXXΦ binding domain. We also show that in the absence of Chs3 recycling via AP-2, cells have abnormal cell wall composition, defective polarized cell wall deposition, and morphological defects. The study also highlights key distinctions between endocytic requirements of growth at yeast buds compared to that at hyphal tips and different requirements of AP-2 in maintaining the polarity of mannosylated proteins and ergosterol at hyphal tips. Together, our findings highlight the importance of correct cell wall deposition in cell shape maintenance and polarized growth and the key regulatory role of endocytic recycling via the AP-2 complex.IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is a human commensal yeast that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Within humans, C. albicans can adopt different morphologies as yeast or filamentous hyphae and can occupy different niches with distinct temperatures, pHs, CO2 levels, and nutrient availability. Both morphological switching and growth in different environments require cell surface remodelling, which involves both the addition of newly synthesized proteins as well as the removal of other proteins. In our study, we demonstrate the importance of an adaptor complex AP-2 in internalizing and recycling a specific cell surface enzyme to maintain effective polarized hyphal growth. Defects in formation of the complex or in its ability to interact directly with cargo inhibit enzyme uptake and lead to defective cell walls and aberrant hyphal morphology. Our data indicate that the AP-2 adaptor plays a central role in regulating cell surface composition in Candida.
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Černáková L, Light C, Salehi B, Rogel-Castillo C, Victoriano M, Martorell M, Sharifi-Rad J, Martins N, Rodrigues CF. Novel Therapies for Biofilm-Based Candida spp. Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1214:93-123. [DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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The Significance of Lipids to Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans: An Emerging Perspective. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040140. [PMID: 30567300 PMCID: PMC6308932 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, the dimorphic opportunistic human fungal pathogen, is capable of forming highly drug-resistant biofilms in the human host. Formation of biofilm is a multistep and multiregulatory process involving various adaptive mechanisms. The ability of cells in a biofilm to alter membrane lipid composition is one such adaptation crucial for biofilm development in C. albicans. Lipids modulate mixed species biofilm formation in vivo and inherent antifungal resistance associated with these organized communities. Cells in C. albicans biofilms display phase-dependent changes in phospholipid classes and in levels of lipid raft formation. Systematic studies with genetically modified strains in which the membrane phospholipid composition can be manipulated are limited in C. albicans. In this review, we summarize the knowledge accumulated on the impact that alterations in phospholipids may have on the biofilm forming ability of C. albicans in the human host. This review may provide the requisite impetus to analyze lipids from a therapeutic standpoint in managing C. albicans biofilms.
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Bieberich E. Sphingolipids and lipid rafts: Novel concepts and methods of analysis. Chem Phys Lipids 2018; 216:114-131. [PMID: 30194926 PMCID: PMC6196108 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
About twenty years ago, the functional lipid raft model of the plasma membrane was published. It took into account decades of research showing that cellular membranes are not just homogenous mixtures of lipids and proteins. Lateral anisotropy leads to assembly of membrane domains with specific lipid and protein composition regulating vesicular traffic, cell polarity, and cell signaling pathways in a plethora of biological processes. However, what appeared to be a clearly defined entity of clustered raft lipids and proteins became increasingly fluid over the years, and many of the fundamental questions about biogenesis and structure of lipid rafts remained unanswered. Experimental obstacles in visualizing lipids and their interactions hampered progress in understanding just how big rafts are, where and when they are formed, and with which proteins raft lipids interact. In recent years, we have begun to answer some of these questions and sphingolipids may take center stage in re-defining the meaning and functional significance of lipid rafts. In addition to the archetypical cholesterol-sphingomyelin raft with liquid ordered (Lo) phase and the liquid-disordered (Ld) non-raft regions of cellular membranes, a third type of microdomains termed ceramide-rich platforms (CRPs) with gel-like structure has been identified. CRPs are "ceramide rafts" that may offer some fresh view on the membrane mesostructure and answer several critical questions for our understanding of lipid rafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
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Woraratanadharm T, Kmosek S, Banuett F. UmTea1, a Kelch and BAR domain-containing protein, acts at the cell cortex to regulate cell morphogenesis in the dimorphic fungus Ustilago maydis. Fungal Genet Biol 2018; 121:10-28. [PMID: 30205200 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.09.002] [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: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The spatial organization of a cell is crucial for distribution of cell components and for cell morphogenesis in all organisms. Ustilago maydis, a basidiomycete fungus, has a yeast-like and a filamentous form. The former buds once per cell cycle at one of the cell poles, and can use the same site repeatedly or choose a new site at the same pole or opposite pole. The filamentous form consists of a long apical cell with short septate basal compartments lacking cytoplasm. It grows at the apex and can reverse growth forming a new growth zone at the basal end. We are interested in understanding how these different morphologies are generated. Here we present identification and characterization of U. maydis Tea1, a homologue of the fission yeast cell end marker Tea1. We demonstrate that UmTea1, a Kelch domain protein, interacts with itself and is an important determinant of the site of polarized growth: tea1 mutants bud simultaneously from both cell poles and form bifurcate buds. UmTea1 also regulates septum positioning, cell wall deposition, cell and neck width, coordination of nuclear division and cell separation, and localization of sterol-rich membrane domains. Some of these functions are shared with UmTea4, another cell end marker. We show that Tea1::GFP localizes to sites of polarized or potential polarized growth and to the septation site in the yeast-like form. Additionally, localization of Tea1::GFP as rings along the filament suggests that the filament undergoes septation. We hypothesize that Tea1 may act as a scaffold for the assembly of proteins that determine the site of polarized growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad Woraratanadharm
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840, United States
| | - Stephanie Kmosek
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840, United States
| | - Flora Banuett
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840, United States.
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A Genome-Wide Screen of Deletion Mutants in the Filamentous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Background Identifies Ergosterol as a Direct Trigger of Macrophage Pyroptosis. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.01204-18. [PMID: 30065091 PMCID: PMC6069111 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01204-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagocytic cells such as macrophages play an important role in the host defense mechanisms mounted in response to the common human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In vitro, C. albicans triggers macrophage NLRP3-Casp1/11-mediated pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death pathway. Here, we provide evidence that Casp1/11-dependent pyroptosis occurs in the kidney of infected mice during the early stages of infection. We have also used a genome-wide screen of nonessential Σ1278b Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes to identify genes required for yeast-triggered macrophage pyroptosis. The set of genes identified by this screen was enriched for those with functions in lipid and sterol homeostasis and trafficking. These observations led us to discover that cell surface localization and/or total levels of ergosterol correlate with the ability of S. cerevisiae, C. albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans to trigger pyroptosis. Since the mammalian sterol cholesterol triggers NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, we hypothesized that ergosterol may also do so. Consistent with that hypothesis, ergosterol-containing liposomes but not ergosterol-free liposomes induce pyroptosis. Cell wall mannoproteins directly bind ergosterol, and we found that Dan1, an ergosterol receptor mannoprotein, as well as specific mannosyltransferases, is required for pyroptosis, suggesting that cell wall-associated ergosterol may mediate the process. Taken together, these data indicate that ergosterol, like mammalian cholesterol, plays a direct role in yeast-mediated pyroptosis. Innate immune cells such as macrophages are key components of the host response to the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Macrophages undergo pyroptosis, an inflammatory, programmed cell death, in response to some species of pathogenic yeast. Prior to the work described in this report, yeast-triggered pyroptosis has been observed only in vitro; here, we show that pyroptosis occurs in the initial stages of murine kidney infection, suggesting that it plays an important role in the initial response of the innate immune system to invasive yeast infection. We also show that a key component of the fungal plasma membrane, ergosterol, directly triggers pyroptosis. Ergosterol is also present in the fungal cell wall, most likely associated with mannoproteins, and is increased in hyphal cells compared to yeast cells. Our data indicate that specific mannoproteins are required for pyroptosis. This is consistent with a potential mechanism whereby ergosterol present in the outer mannoprotein layer of the cell wall is accessible to the macrophage-mediated process. Taken together, our data provide the first evidence that ergosterol plays a direct role in the host-pathogen interactions of fungi.
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Riquelme M, Aguirre J, Bartnicki-García S, Braus GH, Feldbrügge M, Fleig U, Hansberg W, Herrera-Estrella A, Kämper J, Kück U, Mouriño-Pérez RR, Takeshita N, Fischer R. Fungal Morphogenesis, from the Polarized Growth of Hyphae to Complex Reproduction and Infection Structures. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2018; 82:e00068-17. [PMID: 29643171 PMCID: PMC5968459 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00068-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi constitute a large group of eukaryotic microorganisms that grow by forming simple tube-like hyphae that are capable of differentiating into more-complex morphological structures and distinct cell types. Hyphae form filamentous networks by extending at their tips while branching in subapical regions. Rapid tip elongation requires massive membrane insertion and extension of the rigid chitin-containing cell wall. This process is sustained by a continuous flow of secretory vesicles that depends on the coordinated action of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons and the corresponding motors and associated proteins. Vesicles transport cell wall-synthesizing enzymes and accumulate in a special structure, the Spitzenkörper, before traveling further and fusing with the tip membrane. The place of vesicle fusion and growth direction are enabled and defined by the position of the Spitzenkörper, the so-called cell end markers, and other proteins involved in the exocytic process. Also important for tip extension is membrane recycling by endocytosis via early endosomes, which function as multipurpose transport vehicles for mRNA, septins, ribosomes, and peroxisomes. Cell integrity, hyphal branching, and morphogenesis are all processes that are largely dependent on vesicle and cytoskeleton dynamics. When hyphae differentiate structures for asexual or sexual reproduction or to mediate interspecies interactions, the hyphal basic cellular machinery may be reprogrammed through the synthesis of new proteins and/or the modification of protein activity. Although some transcriptional networks involved in such reprogramming of hyphae are well studied in several model filamentous fungi, clear connections between these networks and known determinants of hyphal morphogenesis are yet to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Riquelme
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Jesús Aguirre
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Salomon Bartnicki-García
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Gerhard H Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ursula Fleig
- Institute for Functional Genomics of Microorganisms, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Hansberg
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Herrera-Estrella
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Jörg Kämper
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kück
- Ruhr University Bochum, Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rosa R Mouriño-Pérez
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Norio Takeshita
- University of Tsukuba, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-South Campus, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Han B, Yang N, Pu H, Wang T. Quantitative Proteomics and Cytology of Rice Pollen Sterol-Rich Membrane Domains Reveals Pre-established Cell Polarity Cues in Mature Pollen. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:1532-1546. [PMID: 29508613 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hai Pu
- Bruker Daltonics Inc. (China), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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MCC/Eisosomes Regulate Cell Wall Synthesis and Stress Responses in Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3040061. [PMID: 29371577 PMCID: PMC5753163 DOI: 10.3390/jof3040061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal plasma membrane is critical for cell wall synthesis and other important processes including nutrient uptake, secretion, endocytosis, morphogenesis, and response to stress. To coordinate these diverse functions, the plasma membrane is organized into specialized compartments that vary in size, stability, and composition. One recently identified domain known as the Membrane Compartment of Can1 (MCC)/eisosome is distinctive in that it corresponds to a furrow-like invagination in the plasma membrane. MCC/eisosomes have been shown to be formed by the Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain proteins Lsp1 and Pil1 in a range of fungi. MCC/eisosome domains influence multiple cellular functions; but a very pronounced defect in cell wall synthesis has been observed for mutants with defects in MCC/eisosomes in some yeast species. For example, Candida albicans MCC/eisosome mutants display abnormal spatial regulation of cell wall synthesis, including large invaginations and altered chemical composition of the walls. Recent studies indicate that MCC/eisosomes affect cell wall synthesis in part by regulating the levels of the key regulatory lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2) in the plasma membrane. One general way MCC/eisosomes function is by acting as protected islands in the plasma membrane, since these domains are very stable. They also act as scaffolds to recruit >20 proteins. Genetic studies aimed at defining the function of the MCC/eisosome proteins have identified important roles in resistance to stress, such as resistance to oxidative stress mediated by the flavodoxin-like proteins Pst1, Pst2, Pst3 and Ycp4. Thus, MCC/eisosomes play multiple roles in plasma membrane organization that protect fungal cells from the environment.
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Mailänder-Sánchez D, Braunsdorf C, Grumaz C, Müller C, Lorenz S, Stevens P, Wagener J, Hebecker B, Hube B, Bracher F, Sohn K, Schaller M. Antifungal defense of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is mediated by blocking adhesion and nutrient depletion. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184438. [PMID: 29023454 PMCID: PMC5638248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an inhabitant of mucosal surfaces in healthy individuals but also the most common cause of fungal nosocomial blood stream infections, associated with high morbidity and mortality. As such life-threatening infections often disseminate from superficial mucosal infections we aimed to study the use of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in prevention of mucosal C. albicans infections. Here, we demonstrate that LGG protects oral epithelial tissue from damage caused by C. albicans in our in vitro model of oral candidiasis. Furthermore, we provide insights into the mechanisms behind this protection and dissect direct and indirect effects of LGG on C. albicans pathogenicity. C. albicans viability was not affected by LGG. Instead, transcriptional profiling using RNA-Seq indicated dramatic metabolic reprogramming of C. albicans. Additionally, LGG had a significant impact on major virulence attributes, including adhesion, invasion, and hyphal extension, whose reduction, consequently, prevented epithelial damage. This was accompanied by glucose depletion and repression of ergosterol synthesis, caused by LGG, but also due to blocked adhesion sites. Therefore, LGG protects oral epithelia against C. albicans infection by preventing fungal adhesion, invasion and damage, driven, at least in parts, by metabolic reprogramming due to nutrient limitation caused by LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christoph Müller
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Philip Stevens
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- IGVP, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jeanette Wagener
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Betty Hebecker
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute Jena (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute Jena (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Franz Bracher
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kai Sohn
- Fraunhofer IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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49
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Glory A, van Oostende CT, Geitmann A, Bachewich C. Depletion of the mitotic kinase Cdc5p in Candida albicans results in the formation of elongated buds that switch to the hyphal fate over time in a Ume6p and Hgc1p-dependent manner. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 107:51-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Raj S, Nazemidashtarjandi S, Kim J, Joffe L, Zhang X, Singh A, Mor V, Desmarini D, Djordjevic J, Raleigh DP, Rodrigues ML, London E, Del Poeta M, Farnoud AM. Changes in glucosylceramide structure affect virulence and membrane biophysical properties of Cryptococcus neoformans. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:2224-2233. [PMID: 28865794 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fungal glucosylceramide (GlcCer) is a plasma membrane sphingolipid in which the sphingosine backbone is unsaturated in carbon position 8 (C8) and methylated in carbon position 9 (C9). Studies in the fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, have shown that loss of GlcCer synthase activity results in complete loss of virulence in the mouse model. However, whether the loss of virulence is due to the lack of the enzyme or to the loss of the sphingolipid is not known. In this study, we used genetic engineering to alter the chemical structure of fungal GlcCer and studied its effect on fungal growth and pathogenicity. Here we show that unsaturation in C8 and methylation in C9 is required for virulence in the mouse model without affecting fungal growth in vitro or common virulence factors. However, changes in GlcCer structure led to a dramatic susceptibility to membrane stressors resulting in increased cell membrane permeability and rendering the fungal mutant unable to grow within host macrophages. Biophysical studies using synthetic vesicles containing GlcCer revealed that the saturated and unmethylated sphingolipid formed vesicles with higher lipid order that were more likely to phase separate into ordered domains. Taken together, these studies show for the first time that a specific structure of GlcCer is a major regulator of membrane permeability required for fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriya Raj
- Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Jihyun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Luna Joffe
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Visesato Mor
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Desmarini Desmarini
- Fungal Pathogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Julianne Djordjevic
- Fungal Pathogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel P Raleigh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Marcio L Rodrigues
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil; Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS) da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erwin London
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Amir M Farnoud
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
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