The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Nitric Oxide in the Inhibition of Trichophyton rubrum Growth by HaCaT Cells

The StuA Transcription Factor and Alternative Splicing Mechanisms Drive the Levels of MAPK Hog1 Transcripts in the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum

Trichophyton rubrum is a human fungal pathogen that causes dermatophytosis, an infection that affects keratinized tissues. Integrated molecular signals coordinate mechanisms that control pathogenicity. Transcriptional regulation is a core regulation of relevant fungal processes. Previous RNA sequencing data revealed that the absence of the transcription factor StuA resulted in the differential expression of the MAPK-related high glycerol osmolarity gene (hog1) in T. rubrum. Here we validated the role of StuA in regulating the transcript levels of hog1. We showed through RT-qPCR that transcriptional regulation controls hog1 levels in response to glucose, keratin, and co-culture with human keratinocytes. In addition, we also detected hog1 pre-mRNA transcripts that underwent alternative splicing, presenting intron retention in a StuA-dependent mechanism. Our findings suggest that StuA and alternative splicing simultaneously, but not dependently, coordinate hog1 transcript levels in T. rubrum. As a means of preventing and treating dermatophytosis, our results contribute to the search for new potential drug therapies based on the molecular aspects of signaling pathways in T. rubrum.

Synergetic delivery of artesunate and isosorbide 5-mononitrate with reduction-sensitive polymer nanoparticles for ovarian cancer chemotherapy

Ovarian cancer is a highly fatal gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the primary modality both for primary and maintenance treatments of ovarian cancer. However, the progress in developing chemotherapeutic agents for ovarian cancer has been slow in the past 20 years. Thus, new and effective chemotherapeutic drugs are urgently needed for ovarian cancer treatment. A reduction-responsive synergetic delivery strategy (PSSP@ART-ISMN) with co-delivery of artesunate and isosorbide 5-mononitrate was investigated in this research study. PSSP@ART-ISMN had various effects on tumor cells, such as (i) inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contributes to mitochondrial damage; (ii) providing nitric oxide and ROS for the tumor cells, which further react to generate highly toxic reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and cause DNA damage; and (iii) arresting cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis. PSSP@ART-ISMN also demonstrated excellent antitumor activity with good biocompatibility in vivo. Taken together, the results of this work provide a potential delivery strategy for chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Inherited ichthyosis and fungal infection: an update on pathogenesis and treatment strategies

Inherited ichthyoses are a group of genodermatoses classified as either nonsyndromic or syndromic. Nonsyndromic ichthyoses and keratitis, ichthyosis and deafness (KID) syndrome predispose to fungal infection. The diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections underlying ichthyoses are challenging. In this review, we summarize reported cases of ichthyosis with fungal infection over the past 50 years. Atypical manifestations such as alopecia, papules and brittle nails occurred in patients with ichthyosis combined with fungal infection. Various pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated, including mutations of ichthyosis-related genes leading to disruption of the skin barrier via multiple pathways. Host immune disorders, including atopy and abnormal innate immunity also contribute to susceptibility. Specific fungi may escape the immune response. Extensive and recurrent fungal infections are not uncommon in patients with ichthyosis, making a cure more difficult and increasing the need for systemic antifungal therapy. Traditional and new ichthyosis treatments aiming to improve skin barrier function could help prevent fungal infection. In conclusion, the close relationship between ichthyosis and fungal infection is of vital importance in clinical practice and requires more attention from physicians. More studies are required to investigate the mechanisms and explore useful treatment strategies.