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Yoo K, Bhattacharya S, Oliveira NK, Pereira de Sa N, Matos GS, Del Poeta M, Fries BC. With age comes resilience: how mitochondrial modulation drives age-associated fluconazole tolerance in Cryptococcus neoformans. mBio 2024; 15:e0184724. [PMID: 39136442 PMCID: PMC11389405 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01847-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an opportunistic fungal microorganism that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis. During the infection, the microbial population is heterogeneously composed of cells with varying generational ages, with older cells accumulating during chronic infections. This is attributed to their enhanced resistance to phagocytic killing and tolerance of antifungals like fluconazole (FLC). In this study, we investigated the role of ergosterol synthesis, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and mitochondrial metabolism in the regulation of age-dependent FLC tolerance. We find that old Cn cells increase the production of ergosterol and exhibit upregulation of ABC transporters. Old cells also show transcriptional and phenotypic characteristics consistent with increased metabolic activity, leading to increased ATP production. This is accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species, which results in mitochondrial fragmentation. This study demonstrates that the metabolic changes occurring in the mitochondria of old cells drive the increase in ergosterol synthesis and the upregulation of ABC transporters, leading to FLC tolerance. IMPORTANCE Infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans cause more than 180,000 deaths annually. Estimated 1-year mortality for patients receiving care ranges from 20% in developed countries to 70% in developing countries, suggesting that current treatments are inadequate. Some fungal cells can persist and replicate despite the usage of current antifungal regimens, leading to death or treatment failure. Aging in fungi is associated with enhanced tolerance against antifungals and resistance to killing by host cells. This study shows that age-dependent increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species drive changes in the regulation of membrane transporters and ergosterol synthesis, ultimately leading to the heightened tolerance against fluconazole in old C. neoformans cells. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of this age-associated antifungal tolerance will enable more targeted antifungal therapies for cryptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungyoon Yoo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Somanon Bhattacharya
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Natalia Kronbauer Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Nivea Pereira de Sa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Gabriel Soares Matos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Bettina C Fries
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
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2
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Diehl C, Pinzan CF, de Castro PA, Delbaje E, García Carnero LC, Sánchez-León E, Bhalla K, Kronstad JW, Kim DG, Doering TL, Alkhazraji S, Mishra NN, Ibrahim AS, Yoshimura M, Vega Isuhuaylas LA, Pham LTK, Yashiroda Y, Boone C, dos Reis TF, Goldman GH. Brilacidin, a novel antifungal agent against Cryptococcus neoformans. mBio 2024; 15:e0103124. [PMID: 38916308 PMCID: PMC11253610 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01031-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcosis, one of the most prevalent fungal diseases, generally characterized by meningitis. There is a limited and not very effective number of drugs available to combat this disease. In this manuscript, we show the host defense peptide mimetic brilacidin (BRI) as a promising antifungal drug against C. neoformans. BRI can affect the organization of the cell membrane, increasing the fungal cell permeability. We also investigated the effects of BRI against the model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae by analyzing libraries of mutants grown in the presence of BRI. In S. cerevisiae, BRI also affects the cell membrane organization, but in addition the cell wall integrity pathway and calcium metabolism. In vivo experiments show BRI significantly reduces C. neoformans survival inside macrophages and partially clears C. neoformans lung infection in an immunocompetent murine model of invasive pulmonary cryptococcosis. We also observed that BRI interacts with caspofungin (CAS) and amphotericin (AmB), potentiating their mechanism of action against C. neoformans. BRI + CAS affects endocytic movement, calcineurin, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Our results indicate that BRI is a novel antifungal drug against cryptococcosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive fungal infections have a high mortality rate causing more deaths annually than tuberculosis or malaria. Cryptococcosis, one of the most prevalent fungal diseases, is generally characterized by meningitis and is mainly caused by two closely related species of basidiomycetous yeasts, Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. There are few therapeutic options for treating cryptococcosis, and searching for new antifungal agents against this disease is very important. Here, we present brilacidin (BRI) as a potential antifungal agent against C. neoformans. BRI is a small molecule host defense peptide mimetic that has previously exhibited broad-spectrum immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory activity against bacteria and viruses. BRI alone was shown to inhibit the growth of C. neoformans, acting as a fungicidal drug, but surprisingly also potentiated the activity of caspofungin (CAS) against this species. We investigated the mechanism of action of BRI and BRI + CAS against C. neoformans. We propose BRI as a new antifungal agent against cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Diehl
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Endrews Delbaje
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Laura C. García Carnero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eddy Sánchez-León
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kabir Bhalla
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James W. Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dong-gyu Kim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tamara L. Doering
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sondus Alkhazraji
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Nagendra N. Mishra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ashraf S. Ibrahim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mami Yoshimura
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | - Yoko Yashiroda
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Charles Boone
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ding Y, Zhao F, Hu J, Zhao Z, Shi B, Li S. A conjoint analysis of renal structure and omics characteristics reveal new insight to yak high-altitude hypoxia adaptation. Genomics 2024; 116:110857. [PMID: 38729453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110857] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yaks have unique adaptive mechanisms to the hypoxic environment, in which the kidney plays an important role. The aim of this study was to explore the histological changes of yak kidney at different altitudes and the metabolites and genes associated with adaptation to the hypoxic environment. METHODS We analyzed the tissue structure and transcriptomic metabolomic data of yak kidney tissue at two altitudes, 2600 and 4400 m. We compared and identified the morphological adaptations of the kidney and the metabolites and genes associated with hypoxia adaptation in yaks. Changes in renal morphological adaptations, differential metabolites and genes were compared and identified, combining the two in a joint analysis. RESULTS High-altitude yak kidneys showed significant adaptive changes: increased mitochondria, increased glomerular thylakoid area, and decreased localized ribosomes. Transcriptomics and metabolomics identified 69 DAMs (Differential metabolites) and 594 DEGs (differential genes). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DAMs were associated with protein digestion and absorption, ABC transporter, and MTOR signaling pathway; the DEGs were significantly enriched in Cholesterol metabolism and P53 signaling pathway. The joint analysis indicated that metabolites such as lysine and arginine, as well as key genes such as ABCB5 and COL1A2, were particularly affected under hypoxic conditions, whereas changes in mitochondria in the tissue structure may be related to the expression of MFN1 and OPA1, and changes in glomerular thylakoid membranes are related to VEGFA and TGFB3. CONCLUSION The kidney regulates metabolites and gene expression related to hormone synthesis, protein metabolism, and angiogenesis by adjusting the mitochondrial and glomerular thylakoid membrane structure to support the survival of yaks in high-altitude environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ding
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Fangfang Zhao
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Jiang Hu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhidong Zhao
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Bingang Shi
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Shaobin Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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Winski CJ, Stuckey PV, Marrufo AM, Ross RL, Agyei G, Chapman S, Santiago-Tirado FH. Lack of an atypical PDR transporter generates an immunogenic Cryptococcus neoformans strain that drives a dysregulated and lethal immune response in murine lungs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.17.599354. [PMID: 38948814 PMCID: PMC11212882 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for >150,000 deaths every year with a mortality rate as high as 81%. This high medical burden is due, in part, to an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis. In a previous study, we identified a cryptococcal atypical pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) transporter, PDR6, that regulated antifungal resistance and host interactions. Here, we follow-up on the role of PDR6 in cryptococcal virulence. In vivo, mice infected with the pdr6Δ strain display altered symptomatology and disease progression. Specifically, we observed a significant increase in the innate immune cell populations in the pdr6Δ-infected mice when compared to their WT-infected littermates. Furthermore, quantification of pulmonary cytokines/chemokines revealed a robust increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice infected with the pdr6Δ mutant strain. Whereas antifungal treatment of pdr6Δ-infected animals did not affect survival, treatment with a corticosteroid significantly extended survival, highlighting the importance of a balanced/controlled host immune response. We determined that the hyper-inflammatory immune response occurs, in part, because the loss of the Pdr6 transporter indirectly alters the cryptococcal cell wall architecture and results in the increased exposure of chitin, β-glucan, and other cryptococcal-specific pathogen associated molecular patterns. Taken together, this study provides clinical insights regarding cryptococcal pathogenesis while also providing additional functions of PDR-type ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Winski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Peter V. Stuckey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Armando M. Marrufo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Robbi L. Ross
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Georgina Agyei
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Sarah Chapman
- Integrated Imaging Facility, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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5
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Qian W, Lu J, Gao C, Liu Q, Li Y, Zeng Q, Zhang J, Wang T, Chen S. Deciphering antifungal and antibiofilm mechanisms of isobavachalcone against Cryptococcus neoformans through RNA-seq and functional analyses. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:107. [PMID: 38609931 PMCID: PMC11015616 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans has been designated as critical fungal pathogens by the World Health Organization, mainly due to limited treatment options and the prevalence of antifungal resistance. Consequently, the utilization of novel antifungal agents is crucial for the effective treatment of C. neoformans infections. This study exposed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of isobavachalcone (IBC) against C. neoformans H99 was 8 µg/mL, and IBC dispersed 48-h mature biofilms by affecting cell viability at 16 µg/mL. The antifungal efficacy of IBC was further validated through microscopic observations using specific dyes and in vitro assays, which confirmed the disruption of cell wall/membrane integrity. RNA-Seq analysis was employed to decipher the effect of IBC on the C. neoformans H99 transcriptomic profiles. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was performed to validate the transcriptomic data and identify the differentially expressed genes. The results showed that IBC exhibited various mechanisms to impede the growth, biofilm formation, and virulence of C. neoformans H99 by modulating multiple dysregulated pathways related to cell wall/membrane, drug resistance, apoptosis, and mitochondrial homeostasis. The transcriptomic findings were corroborated by the antioxidant analyses, antifungal drug sensitivity, molecular docking, capsule, and melanin assays. In vivo antifungal activity analysis demonstrated that IBC extended the lifespan of C. neoformans-infected Caenorhabditis elegans. Overall, the current study unveiled that IBC targeted multiple pathways simultaneously to inhibit growth significantly, biofilm formation, and virulence, as well as to disperse mature biofilms of C. neoformans H99 and induce cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Qian
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, P. R. China.
| | - Jiaxing Lu
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, P. R. China
| | - Chang Gao
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, P. R. China
| | - Qiming Liu
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, P. R. China
| | - Yongdong Li
- Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, 315010, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Zeng
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, P. R. China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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6
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Yoo K, Oliveira NK, Bhattacharya S, Fries BC. Achieving Resilience in Aging: How Mitochondrial Modulation Drives Age-associated Fluconazole Tolerance in Cryptococcus neoformans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.26.586817. [PMID: 38585804 PMCID: PMC10996610 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.586817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans ( Cn ) is an opportunistic fungal microorganism that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis. During the infection, the microbial population is heterogeneously composed of cells with varying generational ages, with older cells accumulating during chronic infections. This is attributed to their enhanced resistance to phagocytic killing and tolerance of antifungals like fluconazole (FLC). In this study, we investigated the role of ergosterol synthesis, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and mitochondrial metabolism in the regulation of age-dependent FLC tolerance. We find that old Cn cells increase the production of ergosterol and exhibit upregulation of ABC transporters. Old cells also show transcriptional and phenotypic characteristics consistent with increased metabolic activity, leading to increased ATP production. This is accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in mitochondrial fragmentation. This study demonstrates that the metabolic changes occurring in the mitochondria of old cells drive the increase in ergosterol synthesis and the upregulation of ABC transporters, leading to FLC tolerance. IMPORTANCE Infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans cause more than 180,000 deaths annually. Estimated one-year mortality for patients receiving care ranges from 20% in developed countries to 70% in developing countries, suggesting that current treatments are inadequate. Some fungal cells can persist and replicate despite the usage of current antifungal regimens, leading to death or treatment failure. In replicative aging, older cells display a resilient phenotype, characterized by their enhanced tolerance against antifungals and resistance to killing by host cells. This study shows that age-dependent increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species drive changes in ABC transporters and ergosterol synthesis, ultimately leading to the heightened tolerance against fluconazole in old C. neoformans cells. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of this age-associated antifungal tolerance will enable more targeted antifungal therapies for cryptococcal infections.
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7
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Melhem MSC, Leite Júnior DP, Takahashi JPF, Macioni MB, Oliveira LD, de Araújo LS, Fava WS, Bonfietti LX, Paniago AMM, Venturini J, Espinel-Ingroff A. Antifungal Resistance in Cryptococcal Infections. Pathogens 2024; 13:128. [PMID: 38392866 PMCID: PMC10891860 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020128] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antifungal therapy, especially with the azoles, could promote the incidence of less susceptible isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes (SC), mostly in developing countries. Given that these species affect mostly the immunocompromised host, the infections are severe and difficult to treat. This review encompasses the following topics: 1. infecting species and their virulence, 2. treatment, 3. antifungal susceptibility methods and available categorical endpoints, 4. genetic mechanisms of resistance, 5. clinical resistance, 6. fluconazole minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), clinical outcome, 7. environmental influences, and 8. the relevance of host factors, including pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters, in predicting the clinical outcome to therapy. As of now, epidemiologic cutoff endpoints (ECVs/ECOFFs) are the most reliable antifungal resistance detectors for these species, as only one clinical breakpoint (amphotericin B and C. neoformans VNI) is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia S C Melhem
- Graduate Program in Sciences, Secretary of Health, São Paulo 01246-002, SP, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, State University of São Paulo, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana P F Takahashi
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
- Pathology Division, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-002, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lisandra Siufi de Araújo
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
- Central Public Health Laboratory-LACEN, Mycology Unit, Adolfo Lutz Institut, São Paulo 01246-002, SP, Brazil
| | - Wellington S Fava
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
| | - Lucas X Bonfietti
- Central Public Health Laboratory-LACEN, Mycology Unit, Adolfo Lutz Institut, São Paulo 01246-002, SP, Brazil
| | - Anamaria M M Paniago
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
| | - James Venturini
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
| | - Ana Espinel-Ingroff
- Central Public Health Laboratory-LACEN, Campo Grande 79074-460, MS, Brazil
- VCU Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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8
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Wang Y, Wang J, Wang W. Identification of mycoparasitism-related genes in Trichoderma harzianum T4 that are active against Colletotrichum musae. Arch Microbiol 2023; 206:29. [PMID: 38117327 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03767-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Trichoderma harzianum is a well-known biological control agent (BCA) that shows great potential in controlling many pathogenic fungi. To screen for genes associated with mycoparasitism, we sequenced and analyzed the transcriptome of T. harzianum T4 grown in dual culture with Colletotrichum musae. We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of Trichoderma harzianum T4 in three different culture periods: before contact (BC), during contact (C) and after contact (AC). A total of 1453 genes were significantly differentially expressed compared to when T. harzianum T4 was cultured alone. During the three periods of double culture of T. harzianum T4 with C. musae, 74, 516, and 548 genes were up-regulated, respectively, and 11, 315, and 216 genes were down-regulated, respectively. The DEGs were screened using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses combined with differential expression multiples. Six gene categories related to mycoparasitism were screened: (a) pathogen recognition and signal transduction, (b) hydrolases, (c) ribosomal proteins and secreted proteins, (d) multidrug-resistant proteins and transporters, (e) heat shock proteins and detoxification, and (f) oxidative stress and antibiotics-related genes. The expression levels of 24 up-regulated genes during T. harzianum T4's antagonistic interaction with C. musae were detected via real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This study provided information on the transcriptional expression of T. harzianum T4 against C. musae. These results may help us to further understand the mechanism of mycoparasitism, which can provide a potential molecular target for improving the biological control capacity of T. harzianum T4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road No. 130, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road No. 130, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road No. 130, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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9
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Pereira TC, do Carmo PHF, de Menezes RT, de Oliveira HC, de Oliveira LD, Junqueira JC, Scorzoni L. Synergistic effect of the verapamil and amphotericin B against Cryptococcus neoformans. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2023; 68:999-1004. [PMID: 37950840 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01104-5] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that can cause cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis, which conventional treatment involves antifungal drugs such as polyenes, flucytosine, azoles, and their combinations. However, the high cost, toxicity, and increase in fungi resistance to antifungal agents stimulate the search for therapeutic strategies such as drug repurposing and combination therapy. This study evaluated the activity of the antihypertensive verapamil (VEH) alone and combined with amphotericin B (AmB) against C. neoformans. VEH exhibited antifungal activity against C. neoformans with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of 118 µg per mL. The combination of VEH and AmB exhibited synergism, reducing at least eightfold both drugs' concentrations. Moreover, the combination decreased the size and glucuronoxylomannnan content of C. neoformans capsule. However, no difference was observed in ergosterol levels of C. neoformans after treatment with VEH and AmB in combination. Altogether, VEH in combination with AmB exhibits potential as a candidate as for the development of anti-cryptococcal drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís C Pereira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Paulo H F do Carmo
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Raquel T de Menezes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, 12245-000, Brazil
| | | | - Luciane D de Oliveira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana C Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, 12245-000, Brazil.
- Universidade de Guarulhos (UNG), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
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10
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Ristow LC, Jezewski AJ, Chadwick BJ, Stamnes MA, Lin X, Krysan DJ. Cryptococcus neoformans adapts to the host environment through TOR-mediated remodeling of phospholipid asymmetry. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6587. [PMID: 37852972 PMCID: PMC10584969 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus spp. are environmental fungi that first must adapt to the host environment before they can cause life-threatening meningitis in immunocompromised patients. Host CO2 concentrations are 100-fold higher than the external environment and strains unable to grow at host CO2 concentrations are not pathogenic. Using a genetic screening and transcriptional profiling approach, we report that the TOR pathway is critical for C. neoformans adaptation to host CO2 partly through Ypk1-dependent remodeling of phosphatidylserine asymmetry at the plasma membrane. We also describe a C. neoformans ABC/PDR transporter (PDR9) that is highly expressed in CO2-sensitive environmental strains, suppresses CO2-induced phosphatidylserine/phospholipid remodeling, and increases susceptibility to host concentrations of CO2. Interestingly, regulation of plasma membrane lipid asymmetry by the TOR-Ypk1 axis is distinct in C. neoformans compared to S. cerevisiae. Finally, host CO2 concentrations suppress the C. neoformans pathways that respond to host temperature (Mpk1) and pH (Rim101), indicating that host adaptation requires a stringent balance among distinct stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Ristow
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Andrew J Jezewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Mark A Stamnes
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Caver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Damian J Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Caver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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11
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Stuckey PV, Santiago-Tirado FH. Fungal mechanisms of intracellular survival: what can we learn from bacterial pathogens? Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0043422. [PMID: 37506189 PMCID: PMC10501222 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00434-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a major, albeit neglected, public health threat with serious medical and economic burdens globally. With unacceptably high mortality rates, invasive fungal pathogens are responsible for millions of deaths each year, with a steadily increasing incidence primarily in immunocompromised individuals. The poor therapeutic options and rise of antifungal drug resistance pose further challenges in controlling these infections. These fungal pathogens have adapted to survive within mammalian hosts and can establish intracellular niches to promote survival within host immune cells. To do that, they have developed diverse methods to circumvent the innate immune system attack. This includes strategies such as altering their morphology, counteracting macrophage antimicrobial action, and metabolic adaptation. This is reminiscent of how bacterial pathogens have adapted to survive within host cells and cause disease. However, relative to the great deal of information available concerning intracellular bacterial pathogenesis, less is known about the mechanisms fungal pathogens employ. Therefore, here we review our current knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of how fungi can evade and persist within host immune cells. This review will focus on the major fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, among others. As we discover and understand the strategies used by these fungi, similarities with their bacterial counterparts are becoming apparent, hence we can use the abundant information from bacteria to guide our studies in fungi. By understanding these strategies, new lines of research will open that can improve the treatments of these devastating fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Stuckey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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12
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Choy HL, Gaylord EA, Doering TL. Ergosterol distribution controls surface structure formation and fungal pathogenicity. mBio 2023; 14:e0135323. [PMID: 37409809 PMCID: PMC10470819 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01353-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ergosterol, the major sterol in fungal membranes, is critical for defining membrane fluidity and regulating cellular processes. Although ergosterol synthesis has been well defined in model yeast, little is known about sterol organization in the context of fungal pathogenesis. We identified a retrograde sterol transporter, Ysp2, in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. We found that the lack of Ysp2 under host-mimicking conditions leads to abnormal accumulation of ergosterol at the plasma membrane, invagination of the plasma membrane, and malformation of the cell wall, which can be functionally rescued by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis with the antifungal drug fluconazole. We also observed that cells lacking Ysp2 mislocalize the cell surface protein Pma1 and have abnormally thin and permeable capsules. As a result of perturbed ergosterol distribution and its consequences, ysp2∆ cells cannot survive in physiologically relevant environments such as host phagocytes and are dramatically attenuated in virulence. These findings expand our knowledge of cryptococcal biology and underscore the importance of sterol homeostasis in fungal pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that kills over 100,000 people worldwide each year. Only three drugs are available to treat cryptococcosis, and these are variously limited by toxicity, availability, cost, and resistance. Ergosterol is the most abundant sterol in fungi and a key component in modulating membrane behavior. Two of the drugs used for cryptococcal infection, amphotericin B and fluconazole, target this lipid and its synthesis, highlighting its importance as a therapeutic target. We discovered a cryptococcal ergosterol transporter, Ysp2, and demonstrated its key roles in multiple aspects of cryptococcal biology and pathogenesis. These studies demonstrate the role of ergosterol homeostasis in C. neoformans virulence, deepen our understanding of a pathway with proven therapeutic importance, and open a new area of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hau Lam Choy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Gaylord
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tamara L. Doering
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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13
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Bertout S, Laroche L, Roger F, Krasteva D, Drakulovski P, Bellet V. Fluconazole Resistance and Virulence in In Vitro Induced-Fluconazole Resistant Strains and in Clinical Fluconazole Resistant Strain of Cryptococcus deuterogattii. Pathogens 2023; 12:758. [PMID: 37375448 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromeningeal cryptococcosis is a life-threatening infection of the central nervous system, caused by encapsulated yeast belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. Recent data showed that virulence and antifungal resistance are variable for yeasts belonging to the C. gattii species complex. There is an increase in resistance to fluconazole for yeasts of the C. gattii species complex and the virulence is variable according to the genotype. In the present study, (i) we explored and compared the mechanisms of resistance to fluconazole between C. deuterogattii clinically resistant strains and induced fluconazole-resistant strains by exposure to fluconazole in vitro, and (ii) we studied their virulence in the Galleria mellonella study model. We demonstrated that the fluconazole resistance mechanisms involved were different between clinically resistant strains and induced resistant strains. We also demonstrated that fluconazole-induced resistant strains are less virulent when compared to the original susceptible strains. On the contrary, the clinically resistant strain tested maintains its virulence compared to fluconazole-susceptible strains of the same sequence type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Bertout
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Laetitia Laroche
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Lozère, 48000 Mende, France
| | - Frédéric Roger
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Donika Krasteva
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Pascal Drakulovski
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Virginie Bellet
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
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14
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Drakulovski P, Krasteva D, Bellet V, Randazzo S, Roger F, Pottier C, Bertout S. Exposure of Cryptococcus neoformans to Seven Commonly Used Agricultural Azole Fungicides Induces Resistance to Fluconazole as Well as Cross-Resistance to Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Itraconazole and Isavuconazole. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050662. [PMID: 37242332 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-resistance to medical azoles by exposure to azole pesticides is well documented for Aspergillus family fungi but is poorly evaluated for other environmental pathogen fungi, particularly for yeasts belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. METHODS One thousand C. neoformans yeast were exposed to various concentrations of seven different commonly used azole pesticides. Clones surviving exposure were picked randomly, and their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole and isavuconazole were assessed. RESULTS Depending on the pesticide used for exposure, up to 13.3% of selected Cryptococcus colonies showed a phenotype of resistance to fluconazole, and among them, several showed cross-resistance to another or several other medical azoles. Molecular mechanisms involved in the resistance setups seem to be dependent on ERG11 and AFR1 gene overexpression. CONCLUSION Exposure to any of the seven azole pesticides tested is capable of increasing the MIC of fluconazole in C. neoformans, including up to the level of the fluconazole-resistant phenotype, as well as generating cross-resistance to other medical azoles in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Drakulovski
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, UMI 233 TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, INSERM U1175, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Donika Krasteva
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, UMI 233 TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, INSERM U1175, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Virginie Bellet
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, UMI 233 TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, INSERM U1175, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvie Randazzo
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, UMI 233 TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, INSERM U1175, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Roger
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, UMI 233 TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, INSERM U1175, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Cyrille Pottier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, UMI 233 TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, INSERM U1175, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Bertout
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, UMI 233 TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, INSERM U1175, 15 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34093 Montpellier, France
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15
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Pathogenesis of Fungal Infections in the Central Nervous System: Host and Pathogen Factors in Neurotropism. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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