1
|
Opulente DA, LaBella AL, Harrison MC, Wolters JF, Liu C, Li Y, Kominek J, Steenwyk JL, Stoneman HR, VanDenAvond J, Miller CR, Langdon QK, Silva M, Gonçalves C, Ubbelohde EJ, Li Y, Buh KV, Jarzyna M, Haase MAB, Rosa CA, ČCadež N, Libkind D, DeVirgilio JH, Hulfachor AB, Kurtzman CP, Sampaio JP, Gonçalves P, Zhou X, Shen XX, Groenewald M, Rokas A, Hittinger CT. Genomic factors shape carbon and nitrogen metabolic niche breadth across Saccharomycotina yeasts. Science 2024; 384:eadj4503. [PMID: 38662846 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj4503] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Organisms exhibit extensive variation in ecological niche breadth, from very narrow (specialists) to very broad (generalists). Two general paradigms have been proposed to explain this variation: (i) trade-offs between performance efficiency and breadth and (ii) the joint influence of extrinsic (environmental) and intrinsic (genomic) factors. We assembled genomic, metabolic, and ecological data from nearly all known species of the ancient fungal subphylum Saccharomycotina (1154 yeast strains from 1051 species), grown in 24 different environmental conditions, to examine niche breadth evolution. We found that large differences in the breadth of carbon utilization traits between yeasts stem from intrinsic differences in genes encoding specific metabolic pathways, but we found limited evidence for trade-offs. These comprehensive data argue that intrinsic factors shape niche breadth variation in microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Opulente
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Biology Department, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Abigail Leavitt LaBella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- North Carolina Research Center (NCRC), Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Marie-Claire Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - John F Wolters
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology and Centre for Evolutionary and Organismal Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yonglin Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jacek Kominek
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- LifeMine Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Jacob L Steenwyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hayley R Stoneman
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jenna VanDenAvond
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Caroline R Miller
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Quinn K Langdon
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Margarida Silva
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carla Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Emily J Ubbelohde
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Yuanning Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Kelly V Buh
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Martin Jarzyna
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Max A B Haase
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carlos A Rosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, ICB, C.P. 486, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Neža ČCadež
- Food Science and Technology Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Diego Libkind
- Centro de Referencia en Levaduras y Tecnología Cervecera (CRELTEC), Instituto Andino Patagónico de Tecnologías Biológicas y Geoambientales (IPATEC), Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET, CRUB, Quintral 1250, San Carlos de Bariloche, 8400, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Jeremy H DeVirgilio
- Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Peoria, IL 61604, USA
| | - Amanda Beth Hulfachor
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Cletus P Kurtzman
- Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Peoria, IL 61604, USA
| | - José Paulo Sampaio
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Paula Gonçalves
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xing-Xing Shen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology and Centre for Evolutionary and Organismal Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | | | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Chris Todd Hittinger
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Francesco MA. Drug-Resistant Aspergillus spp.: A Literature Review of Its Resistance Mechanisms and Its Prevalence in Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:1305. [PMID: 38003770 PMCID: PMC10674884 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111305] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections due to the Aspergillus species constitute an important challenge for human health. Invasive aspergillosis represents a life-threatening disease, mostly in patients with immune defects. Drugs used for fungal infections comprise amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins. However, in the last decade, an increased emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus strains has been reported, principally belonging to Aspergillus fumigatus species. Therefore, both the early diagnosis of aspergillosis and its epidemiological surveillance are very important to establish the correct antifungal therapy and to ensure a successful patient outcome. In this paper, a literature review is performed to analyze the prevalence of Aspergillus antifungal resistance in European countries. Amphotericin B resistance is observed in 2.6% and 10.8% of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Denmark and Greece, respectively. A prevalence of 84% of amphotericin B-resistant Aspergillus flavus isolates is reported in France, followed by 49.4%, 35.1%, 21.7%, and 20% in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and amphotericin B resistance of Aspergillus niger isolates is observed in Greece and Belgium with a prevalence of 75% and 12.8%, respectively. The prevalence of triazole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, the most studied mold obtained from the included studies, is 0.3% in Austria, 1% in Greece, 1.2% in Switzerland, 2.1% in France, 3.9% in Portugal, 4.9% in Italy, 5.3% in Germany, 6.1% in Denmark, 7.4% in Spain, 8.3% in Belgium, 11% in the Netherlands, and 13.2% in the United Kingdom. The mechanism of resistance is mainly driven by the TR34/L98H mutation. In Europe, no in vivo resistance is reported for echinocandins. Future studies are needed to implement the knowledge on the spread of drug-resistant Aspergillus spp. with the aim of defining optimal treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia De Francesco
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Microbiology, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Opulente DA, Leavitt LaBella A, Harrison MC, Wolters JF, Liu C, Li Y, Kominek J, Steenwyk JL, Stoneman HR, VanDenAvond J, Miller CR, Langdon QK, Silva M, Gonçalves C, Ubbelohde EJ, Li Y, Buh KV, Jarzyna M, Haase MAB, Rosa CA, Čadež N, Libkind D, DeVirgilio JH, Beth Hulfachor A, Kurtzman CP, Sampaio JP, Gonçalves P, Zhou X, Shen XX, Groenewald M, Rokas A, Hittinger CT. Genomic and ecological factors shaping specialism and generalism across an entire subphylum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.19.545611. [PMID: 37425695 PMCID: PMC10327049 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.19.545611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Organisms exhibit extensive variation in ecological niche breadth, from very narrow (specialists) to very broad (generalists). Paradigms proposed to explain this variation either invoke trade-offs between performance efficiency and breadth or underlying intrinsic or extrinsic factors. We assembled genomic (1,154 yeast strains from 1,049 species), metabolic (quantitative measures of growth of 843 species in 24 conditions), and ecological (environmental ontology of 1,088 species) data from nearly all known species of the ancient fungal subphylum Saccharomycotina to examine niche breadth evolution. We found large interspecific differences in carbon breadth stem from intrinsic differences in genes encoding specific metabolic pathways but no evidence of trade-offs and a limited role of extrinsic ecological factors. These comprehensive data argue that intrinsic factors driving microbial niche breadth variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana A. Opulente
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; Biology Department Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Abigail Leavitt LaBella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA; Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte NC 28223
| | - Marie-Claire Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - John F. Wolters
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology and Centre for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yonglin Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jacek Kominek
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; LifeMine Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Jacob L. Steenwyk
- Howards Hughes Medical Institute and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Hayley R. Stoneman
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Jenna VanDenAvond
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Caroline R. Miller
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Quinn K. Langdon
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Margarida Silva
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carla Gonçalves
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of WisconsinMadison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Emily J. Ubbelohde
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Yuanning Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Kelly V. Buh
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Martin Jarzyna
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Max A. B. Haase
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carlos A. Rosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, ICB, C.P. 486, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Neža Čadež
- Food Science and Technology Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Diego Libkind
- Centro de Referencia en Levaduras y Tecnología Cervecera (CRELTEC), Instituto Andino Patagónico de Tecnologías Biológicas y Geoambientales (IPATEC), Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET, CRUB, Quintral 1250, San Carlos de Bariloche, 8400, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Jeremy H. DeVirgilio
- Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Peoria, IL 61604, USA
| | - Amanda Beth Hulfachor
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Cletus P. Kurtzman
- Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Peoria, IL 61604, USA
| | - José Paulo Sampaio
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Paula Gonçalves
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xing-Xing Shen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; College of Agriculture and Biotechnology and Centre for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | | | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Chris Todd Hittinger
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang Y, Wang X, Ran Y, Zhang KQ, Li GH. AfLaeA, a Global Regulator of Mycelial Growth, Chlamydospore Production, Pathogenicity, Secondary Metabolism, and Energy Metabolism in the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0018623. [PMID: 37358432 PMCID: PMC10434191 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00186-23] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrobotrys flagrans (Duddingtonia flagrans) is a typical nematode-trapping fungus which has been used for nematode biocontrol. The global regulator LaeA is widely distributed in filamentous fungi and plays a crucial role in secondary metabolism and development in addition to pathogenicity in fungal pathogens. In this study, the chromosome-level genome of A. flagrans CBS 565.50 was sequenced and homologous sequences of LaeA were identified in A. flagrans. A. flagrans LaeA (AfLaeA) knockout resulted in slower hyphal growth and a smoother hyphal surface. Importantly, deletion of AfLaeA resulted in the absence of chlamydospores and attenuated glycogen and lipid accumulation in hyphae. Similarly, disruption of the AfLaeA gene led to fewer traps and electron-dense bodies, lower protease activity, and a delay in capturing nematodes. The AfLaeA gene had a large effect on the secondary metabolism of A. flagrans, and both the deletion and overexpression of AfLaeA could yield new compounds, whereas some compounds were lost due to the absence of the AfLaeA. Protein-protein interactions between AfLaeA and another eight proteins were detected. Furthermore, transcriptome data analysis showed that 17.77% and 35.51% of the genes were influenced by the AfLaeA gene on days 3 and 7, respectively. AfLaeA gene deletion resulted in the higher expression level of the artA gene cluster, and multiple differentially expressed genes involved in glycogen and lipid synthesis and metabolism showed opposite expression patterns in wild-type and ΔAfLaeA strains. In summary, our results provide novel insights into the functions of AfLaeA in mycelial growth, chlamydospore production, pathogenicity, secondary metabolism, and energy metabolism in A. flagrans. IMPORTANCE The regulation of biological functions, such as the secondary metabolism, development, and pathogenicity of LaeA, has been reported in multiple fungi. But to date, no study on LaeA in nematode-trapping fungi has been reported. Moreover, it has not been investigated whether or not LaeA is involved in energy metabolism and chlamydospore formation has not been investigated. Especially in the formation mechanism of chlamydospores, several transcription factors and signaling pathways are involved in the production of chlamydospores, but the mechanism of chlamydospore formation from an epigenetic perspective has not been revealed. Concurrently, an understanding of protein-protein interactions will provide a broader perspective on the regulatory mechanism of AfLaeA in A. flagrans. This finding is critical for understanding the regulatory role of AfLaeA in the biocontrol fungus A. flagrans and establishes a foundation for developing high-efficiency nematode biocontrol agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuan Ran
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Guo-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu G, Chen S, Zhang Y, Lu L. Mitochondrial Membrane-Associated Protein Mba1 Confers Antifungal Resistance by Affecting the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0022523. [PMID: 37428039 PMCID: PMC10433838 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00225-23] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is becoming a major threat to global health. To date, mutations in the azole target-encoding cyp51A gene have been implicated in conferring azole resistance, but a steady increase in the number of A. fumigatus isolates with azole resistance resulting from non-cyp51A mutations has been recognized. Previous studies have revealed that some isolates with non-cyp51A mutation-induced azole resistance are related to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying the involvement of non-cyp51A mutations is limited. In this study, using next-generation sequencing, we found that nine independent azole-resistant isolates without cyp51A mutations had normal mitochondrial membrane potential. Among these isolates, a mutation in a mitochondrial ribosome-binding protein, Mba1, conferred multidrug resistance to azoles, terbinafine, and amphotericin B but not caspofungin. Molecular characterization verified that the TIM44 domain of Mba1 was crucial for drug resistance and that the N terminus of Mba1 played a major role in growth. Deletion of mba1 had no effect on Cyp51A expression but decreased the fungal cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, which contributed to mba1-mediated drug resistance. The findings in this study suggest that some non-cyp51A proteins drive drug resistance mechanisms that result from reduced ROS production induced by antifungals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoxing Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou X, Yang G, Li C, Yang F, Chang X. Requirement of a putative mitochondrial GTPase, GemA, for azole susceptibility, virulence, and cell wall integrity in Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:957857. [PMID: 36016773 PMCID: PMC9396130 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.957857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance in fungal pathogens is a new challenge in clinical aspergillosis treatment. Mitochondria as dynamic organelles are involved in numerous biological processes in fungi, including drug resistance. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying mitochondrial regulation of the response of fungal pathogens to antifungal drugs. Here, we showed that a putative mitochondrial GTPase, GemA, a yeast Gem1 homolog, is crucial for the azole response and cell wall integrity in the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The fluorescence observation showed that GFP-labeled GemA is located in mitochondria, and loss of gemA results in aberrant giant mitochondrial morphology and abnormal mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, a ΔgemA mutant attenuates fungal virulence in the Galleria mellonella model of aspergillosis. Furthermore, gemA loss increases resistance to azoles and terbinafine but not to amphotericin B. Of note, RNA-seq combined with RT-qPCR showed that a series of drug efflux pumps were upregulated in the gemA deletion mutant. Deleting mdr1 or inhibiting the expression of drug efflux pumps can partially decrease the resistance to azoles resulting from the gemA mutant, implying that GemA influences azole response by affecting the expression of drug efflux pumps. Importantly, the ΔgemA mutant is susceptible to the cell wall-perturbing reagent CR, but not to CFW, and this defect can be partly rescued by hyperosmotic stress. TEM revealed that the cell wall of ΔgemA was thicker than that of the WT strain, demonstrating that GemA plays a role in cell wall composition and integrity. Collectively, we identified a putative mitochondrial GTPase, GemA, which is critical for hyphal growth, virulence, azole susceptibility, and cell wall integrity and acts by affecting mitochondrial function.
Collapse
|
7
|
Brown A, Mead ME, Steenwyk JL, Goldman GH, Rokas A. Extensive non-coding sequence divergence between the major human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and its relatives. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:802494. [PMID: 36866034 PMCID: PMC9977105 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.802494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is a deadly fungal disease; more than 400,000 patients are infected worldwide each year and the mortality rate can be as high as 50-95%. Of the ~450 species in the genus Aspergillus only a few are known to be clinically relevant, with the major pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus being responsible for ~50% of all invasive mold infections. Genomic comparisons between A. fumigatus and other Aspergillus species have historically focused on protein-coding regions. However, most A. fumigatus genes, including those that modulate its virulence, are also present in other pathogenic and non-pathogenic closely related species. Our hypothesis is that differential gene regulation - mediated through the non-coding regions upstream of genes' first codon - contributes to A. fumigatus pathogenicity. To begin testing this, we compared non-coding regions upstream of the first codon of single-copy orthologous genes from the two A. fumigatus reference strains Af293 and A1163 and eight closely related Aspergillus section Fumigati species. We found that these non-coding regions showed extensive sequence variation and lack of homology across species. By examining the evolutionary rates of both protein-coding and non-coding regions in a subset of orthologous genes with highly conserved non-coding regions across the phylogeny, we identified 418 genes, including 25 genes known to modulate A. fumigatus virulence, whose non-coding regions exhibit a different rate of evolution in A. fumigatus. Examination of sequence alignments of these non-coding regions revealed numerous instances of insertions, deletions, and other types of mutations of at least a few nucleotides in A. fumigatus compared to its close relatives. These results show that closely related Aspergillus species that vary greatly in their pathogenicity exhibit extensive non-coding sequence variation and identify numerous changes in non-coding regions of A. fumigatus genes known to contribute to virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alec Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Matthew E. Mead
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jacob L. Steenwyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arias SL, Mary VS, Velez PA, Rodriguez MG, Otaiza-González SN, Theumer MG. Where Does the Peanut Smut Pathogen, Thecaphora frezii, Fit in the Spectrum of Smut Diseases? PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:2268-2280. [PMID: 33904333 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-11-20-2438-fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Smut fungi, such as Ustilago maydis, have been studied extensively as a model for plant-pathogenic basidiomycetes. However, little attention has been paid to smut diseases of agronomic importance that are caused by species of the genus Thecaphora, probably due to their more localized distribution. Peanut smut incited by Thecaphora frezii has been reported only in South America, and Argentina is the only country where this disease has been noted in commercial peanut production. In this work, important advances in deciphering T. frezii specific biology/pathobiology in relation to potato (T. solani), wheat (U. tritici), and barley (U. nuda) smuts are presented. We summarize the state of knowledge of fungal effectors, functionally characterized to date in U. maydis and most recently in T. thlaspeos, as well as the potential to be present in other Thecaphora species involved in dicot-host interactions like T. frezii-peanut. We also discuss applicability and limitations of currently available methods for identification of smut fungi in different situations and management strategies to reduce their impact on agri-food quality. We conclude by describing some of the challenges in elucidating T. frezii strategies that allow it to infect the host and tolerate or evade plant immune defense mechanisms, and assessing other aspects related to pest control and their implications for human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvina L Arias
- Plant Pathology and Microbiology Department, Seed Science Center, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-4009, U.S.A
| | - Verónica S Mary
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pilar A Velez
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María G Rodriguez
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Santiago N Otaiza-González
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Martín G Theumer
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas (FCQ), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Identification of Novel Mutations Contributing to Azole Tolerance of Aspergillus fumigatus through In Vitro Exposure to Tebuconazole. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0265720. [PMID: 34125587 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02657-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus is a global problem. The major resistance mechanism is through cytochrome P450 14-α sterol demethylase Cyp51A alterations such as a mutation(s) in the gene and the acquisition of a tandem repeat in the promoter. Although other azole tolerance and resistance mechanisms, such as the hmg1 (a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase gene) mutation, are known, few reports have described studies elucidating non-Cyp51A resistance mechanisms. This study explored genes contributing to azole tolerance in A. fumigatus by in vitro mutant selection with tebuconazole, an azole fungicide. After three rounds of selection, we obtained four isolates with low susceptibility to tebuconazole. These isolates also showed low susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole. Comparison of the genome sequences of the isolates obtained and the parental strain revealed a nonsynonymous mutation in MfsD, a major facilitator superfamily protein (Afu1g11820; R337L mutation [a change of R to L at position 337]), in all isolates. Furthermore, nonsynonymous mutations in AgcA, a mitochondrial inner membrane aspartate/glutamate transporter (Afu7g05220; E535Stop mutation), UbcD, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (Afu3g06030; T98K mutation), AbcJ, an ABC transporter (Afu3g12220; G297E mutation), and RttA, a putative protein responsible for tebuconazole tolerance (Afu7g04740; A83T mutation), were found in at least one isolate. Disruption of the agcA gene led to decreased susceptibility to azoles. Reconstruction of the A83T point mutation in RttA led to decreased susceptibility to azoles. Reversion of the T98K mutation in UbcD to the wild type led to decreased susceptibility to azoles. These results suggest that these mutations contribute to lowered susceptibility to medical azoles and agricultural azole fungicides.
Collapse
|
10
|
Fan Y, Wang Y, Korfanty GA, Archer M, Xu J. Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Pathogens 2021; 10:701. [PMID: 34199862 PMCID: PMC8227032 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungus and the main agent of aspergillosis, a common fungal infection in the immunocompromised population. Triazoles such as itraconazole and voriconazole are the common first-line drugs for treating aspergillosis. However, triazole resistance in A. fumigatus has been reported in an increasing number of countries. While most studies of triazole resistance have focused on mutations in the triazole target gene cyp51A, >70% of triazole-resistant strains in certain populations showed no mutations in cyp51A. To identify potential non-cyp51A mutations associated with triazole resistance in A. fumigatus, we analyzed the whole genome sequences and triazole susceptibilities of 195 strains from 12 countries. These strains belonged to three distinct clades. Our genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a total of six missense mutations significantly associated with itraconazole resistance and 18 missense mutations with voriconazole resistance. In addition, to investigate itraconazole and pan-azole resistance, Fisher's exact tests revealed 26 additional missense variants tightly linked to the top 20 SNPs obtained by GWAS, of which two were consistently associated with triazole resistance. The large number of novel mutations related to triazole resistance should help further investigations into their molecular mechanisms, their clinical importance, and the development of a comprehensive molecular diagnosis toolbox for triazole resistance in A. fumigatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.F.); (Y.W.); (G.A.K.); (M.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Functional Genomic and Biochemical Analysis Reveals Pleiotropic Effect of Congo Red on Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2021; 12:mBio.00863-21. [PMID: 34006660 PMCID: PMC8262895 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00863-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of fungal growth by Congo red (CR) has been putatively associated with specific binding to β-1,3-glucans, which blocks cell wall polysaccharide synthesis. In this study, we searched for transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the response to CR and interrogated their regulon. During the investigation of the susceptibility to CR of the TF mutant library, several CR-resistant and -hypersensitive mutants were discovered and further studied. Abnormal distorted swollen conidia called Quasimodo cells were seen in the presence of CR. Quasimodo cells in the resistant mutants were larger than the ones in the sensitive and parental strains; consequently, the conidia of the resistant mutants absorbed more CR than the germinating conidia of the sensitive or parental strains. Accordingly, this higher absorption rate by Quasimodo cells resulted in the removal of CR from the culture medium, allowing a subset of conidia to germinate and grow. In contrast, all resting conidia of the sensitive mutants and the parental strain were killed. This result indicated that the heterogeneity of the conidial population is essential to promote the survival of Aspergillus fumigatus in the presence of CR. Moreover, amorphous surface cell wall polysaccharides such as galactosaminogalactan control the influx of CR inside the cells and, accordingly, resistance to the drug. Finally, long-term incubation with CR led to the discovery of a new CR-induced growth effect, called drug-induced growth stimulation (DIGS), since the growth of one of them could be stimulated after recovery from CR stress.
Collapse
|
12
|
Schikora-Tamarit MÀ, Marcet-Houben M, Nosek J, Gabaldón T. Shared evolutionary footprints suggest mitochondrial oxidative damage underlies multiple complex I losses in fungi. Open Biol 2021; 11:200362. [PMID: 33906412 PMCID: PMC8080010 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation is among the most conserved mitochondrial pathways. However, one of the cornerstones of this pathway, the multi-protein complex NADH : ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) has been lost multiple independent times in diverse eukaryotic lineages. The causes and consequences of these convergent losses remain poorly understood. Here, we used a comparative genomics approach to reconstruct evolutionary paths leading to complex I loss and infer possible evolutionary scenarios. By mining available mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, we identified eight independent events of mitochondrial complex I loss across eukaryotes, of which six occurred in fungal lineages. We focused on three recent loss events that affect closely related fungal species, and inferred genomic changes convergently associated with complex I loss. Based on these results, we predict novel complex I functional partners and relate the loss of complex I with the presence of increased mitochondrial antioxidants, higher fermentative capabilities, duplications of alternative dehydrogenases, loss of alternative oxidases and adaptation to antifungal compounds. To explain these findings, we hypothesize that a combination of previously acquired compensatory mechanisms and exposure to environmental triggers of oxidative stress (such as hypoxia and/or toxic chemicals) induced complex I loss in fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Àngel Schikora-Tamarit
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Marcet-Houben
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jozef Nosek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Owens RA, Doyle S. Effects of antifungal agents on the fungal proteome: informing on mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:185-199. [PMID: 33797307 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.1912601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antifungal agents are essential in the fight against serious fungal disease, however emerging resistance is threatening an already limited collection of therapeutics. Proteomic analyses of effects of antifungal agents can expand our understanding of multifactorial mechanisms of action and have also proven valuable to elucidate proteomic changes associated with antifungal resistance. AREAS COVERED This review covers the application of proteomic techniques to examine sensitivity and resistance to antifungals including commonly used therapeutics, amphotericin B, echinocandins and the azoles, based predominantly on studies involving Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata from the last 10 years. In addition, non-clinical antimicrobial agents are also discussed, which highlight the potential of proteomics to identify new antifungal targets. EXPERT COMMENTARY Fungal proteomics has evolved in the last decade with increased genome availability and developments in mass spectrometry. Collectively, these have led to the advancement of proteomic techniques, allowing increased coverage of the proteome. Gel-based proteomics laid the foundation for these types of studies, which has now shifted to the more powerful gel-free proteomics. This has resulted in the identification of key mediators and potential biomarkers of antifungal resistance, as well as elucidating the mechanisms of action of novel and established antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Owens
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.,The Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Verweij PE, Lucas JA, Arendrup MC, Bowyer P, Brinkmann AJ, Denning DW, Dyer PS, Fisher MC, Geenen PL, Gisi U, Hermann D, Hoogendijk A, Kiers E, Lagrou K, Melchers WJ, Rhodes J, Rietveld AG, Schoustra SE, Stenzel K, Zwaan BJ, Fraaije BA. The one health problem of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus: current insights and future research agenda. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
15
|
Nywening AV, Rybak JM, Rogers PD, Fortwendel JR. Mechanisms of triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:4934-4952. [PMID: 33047482 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is the primary cause of opportunistic mould infections in humans. Aspergilli disseminate via asexual conidia passively travelling through air currents to germinate within a broad range of environs, wherever suitable nutrients are found. Though the average human inhales hundreds of conidia daily, A. fumigatus invasive infections primarily affect the immunocompromised. At-risk individuals can develop often fatal invasive disease for which therapeutic options are limited. Regrettably, the global insurgence of isolates resistant to the triazoles, the frontline antifungal class used in medicine and agriculture to control A. fumigatus, is complicating the treatment of patients. Triazole antifungal resistance in A. fumigatus has become recognized as a global, yet poorly comprehended, problem. Due to a multitude of factors, the magnitude of resistant infections and their contribution to treatment outcomes are likely underestimated. Current studies suggest that human drug-resistant infections can be either environmentally acquired or de novo host selected during patient therapy. While much concerning development of resistance is yet unknown, recent investigations have revealed assorted underlying mechanisms enabling triazole resistance within individual clinical and environmental isolates. This review will provide an overview of triazole resistance as it is currently understood, as well as highlight some of the prominent biological mechanisms associated with clinical and environmental resistance to triazoles in A. fumigatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley V Nywening
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA.,College of Graduate Health Sciences, Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rybak
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Phillip David Rogers
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jarrod R Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Arastehfar A, Lass-Flörl C, Garcia-Rubio R, Daneshnia F, Ilkit M, Boekhout T, Gabaldon T, Perlin DS. The Quiet and Underappreciated Rise of Drug-Resistant Invasive Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E138. [PMID: 32824785 PMCID: PMC7557958 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens are attributable to a significant economic burden and mortality worldwide. Antifungal treatments, although limited in number, play a pivotal role in decreasing mortality and morbidities posed by invasive fungal infections (IFIs). However, the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris and Candida glabrata and acquiring invasive infections due to azole-resistant C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and Aspergillus spp. in azole-naïve patients pose a serious health threat considering the limited number of systemic antifungals available to treat IFIs. Although advancing for major fungal pathogens, the understanding of fungal attributes contributing to antifungal resistance is just emerging for several clinically important MDR fungal pathogens. Further complicating the matter are the distinct differences in antifungal resistance mechanisms among various fungal species in which one or more mechanisms may contribute to the resistance phenotype. In this review, we attempt to summarize the burden of antifungal resistance for selected non-albicansCandida and clinically important Aspergillus species together with their phylogenetic placement on the tree of life. Moreover, we highlight the different molecular mechanisms between antifungal tolerance and resistance, and comprehensively discuss the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in a species level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Farnaz Daneshnia
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.D.); (T.B.)
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, University of Çukurova, 01330 Adana, Turkey;
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.D.); (T.B.)
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Toni Gabaldon
- Life Sciences Programme, Barcelona, Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), 08024 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sturm L, Geißel B, Martin R, Wagener J. Differentially Regulated Transcription Factors and ABC Transporters in a Mitochondrial Dynamics Mutant Can Alter Azole Susceptibility of Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1017. [PMID: 32528443 PMCID: PMC7264269 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance of the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is an emerging problem. To identify novel mechanisms that could mediate azole resistance in A. fumigatus, we analyzed the transcriptome of a mitochondrial fission/fusion mutant that exhibits increased azole tolerance. Approximately 12% of the annotated genes are differentially regulated in this strain. This comprises upregulation of Cyp51A, the azole target structure, upregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters and differential regulation of transcription factors. To study their impact on azole tolerance, conditional mutants were constructed of seven ABC transporters and 17 transcription factors. Under repressed conditions, growth rates and azole susceptibility of the mutants were similar to wild type. Under induced conditions, several transcription factor mutants showed growth phenotypes. In addition, four ABC transporter mutants and seven transcription factor mutants exhibited altered azole susceptibility. However, deletion of individual identified ABC transporters and transcription factors did not affect the increased azole tolerance of the fission/fusion mutant. Our results revealed the ability of multiple ABC transporters and transcription factors to modulate the azole susceptibility of A. fumigatus and support a model where mitochondrial dysfunctions trigger a drug resistance network that mediates azole tolerance of this mold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sturm
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernadette Geißel
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk), Jena, Germany
| | - Johannes Wagener
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Munich, Germany.,Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk), Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Linking calcium signaling and mitochondrial function in fungal drug resistance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:1254-1256. [PMID: 31900354 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920497117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
|
19
|
Azole resistance mechanisms in Aspergillus: update and recent advances. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
20
|
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ballard E, Weber J, Melchers WJG, Tammireddy S, Whitfield PD, Brakhage AA, Brown AJP, Verweij PE, Warris A. Recreation of in-host acquired single nucleotide polymorphisms by CRISPR-Cas9 reveals an uncharacterised gene playing a role in Aspergillus fumigatus azole resistance via a non-cyp51A mediated resistance mechanism. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 130:98-106. [PMID: 31128273 PMCID: PMC6876285 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human host comprises a range of specific niche environments. In order to successfully persist, pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus must adapt to these environments. One key example of in-host adaptation is the development of resistance to azole antifungals. Azole resistance in A. fumigatus is increasingly reported worldwide and the most commonly reported mechanisms are cyp51A mediated. Using a unique series of A. fumigatus isolates, obtained from a patient suffering from persistent and recurrent invasive aspergillosis over 2 years, this study aimed to gain insight into the genetic basis of in-host adaptation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) unique to a single isolate in this series, which had developed multi-azole resistance in-host, were identified. Two nonsense SNPs were recreated using CRISPR-Cas9; these were 213* in svf1 and 167* in uncharacterised gene AFUA_7G01960. Phenotypic analyses including antifungal susceptibility testing, mycelial growth rate assessment, lipidomics analysis and statin susceptibility testing were performed to associate genotypes to phenotypes. This revealed a role for svf1 in A. fumigatus oxidative stress sensitivity. In contrast, recapitulation of 167* in AFUA_7G01960 resulted in increased itraconazole resistance. Comprehensive lipidomics analysis revealed decreased ergosterol levels in strains containing this SNP, providing insight to the observed itraconazole resistance. Decreases in ergosterol levels were reflected in increased resistance to lovastatin and nystatin. Importantly, this study has identified a SNP in an uncharacterised gene playing a role in azole resistance via a non-cyp51A mediated resistance mechanism. This mechanism is of clinical importance, as this SNP was identified in a clinical isolate, which acquired azole resistance in-host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Ballard
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Jakob Weber
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Willem J G Melchers
- Centre for Expertise in Mycology and Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Seshu Tammireddy
- Lipidomics Research Facility, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK
| | - Phillip D Whitfield
- Lipidomics Research Facility, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Centre for Expertise in Mycology and Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Facilitators of adaptation and antifungal resistance mechanisms in clinically relevant fungi. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 132:103254. [PMID: 31326470 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.103254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Opportunistic fungal pathogens can cause a diverse range of diseases in humans. The increasing rate of fungal infections caused by strains that are resistant to commonly used antifungals results in difficulty to treat diseases, with accompanying high mortality rates. Existing and newly emerging molecular resistance mechanisms rapidly spread in fungal populations and need to be monitored. Fungi exhibit a diversity of mechanisms to maintain physiological resilience and create genetic variation; processes which eventually lead to the selection and spread of resistant fungal pathogens. To prevent and anticipate this dispersion, the role of evolutionary factors that drive fungal adaptation should be investigated. In this review, we provide an overview of resistance mechanisms against commonly used antifungal compounds in the clinic and for which fungal resistance has been reported. Furthermore, we aim to summarize and elucidate potent generators of genetic variability across the fungal kingdom that aid adaptation to stressful environments. This knowledge can lead to recognizing potential niches that facilitate fast resistance development and can provide leads for new management strategies to battle the emerging resistant populations in the clinic and the environment.
Collapse
|
23
|
Link between Heat Shock Protein 90 and the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in the Caspofungin Stress Response of Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00208-19. [PMID: 31061164 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00208-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic mold responsible for invasive aspergillosis. Triazoles (e.g., voriconazole) represent the first-line treatment, but emerging resistance is of concern. The echinocandin drug caspofungin is used as second-line treatment but has limited efficacy. The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) orchestrates the caspofungin stress response and is the trigger of an adaptive phenomenon called the paradoxical effect (growth recovery at increasing caspofungin concentrations). The aim of this study was to elucidate the Hsp90-dependent mechanisms of the caspofungin stress response. Transcriptomic profiles of the wild-type A. fumigatus strain (KU80) were compared to those of a mutant strain with substitution of the native hsp90 promoter by the thiA promoter (pthiA-hsp90), which lacks the caspofungin paradoxical effect. Caspofungin induced expression of the genes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC), in particular, NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductases (complex I), in KU80 but not in the pthiA-hsp90 mutant. The caspofungin paradoxical effect could be abolished by rotenone (MRC complex I inhibitor) in KU80, supporting the role of MRC in the caspofungin stress response. Fluorescent staining of active mitochondria and measurement of oxygen consumption and ATP production confirmed the activation of the MRC in KU80 in response to caspofungin, but this activity was impaired in the pthiA-hsp90 mutant. Using a bioluminescent reporter for the measurement of intracellular calcium, we demonstrated that inhibition of Hsp90 by geldanamycin or MRC complex I by rotenone prevented the increase in intracellular calcium shown to be essential for the caspofungin paradoxical effect. In conclusion, our data support a role of the MRC in the caspofungin stress response which is dependent on Hsp90.
Collapse
|
24
|
Can Saccharomyces cerevisiae keep up as a model system in fungal azole susceptibility research? Drug Resist Updat 2019; 42:22-34. [PMID: 30822675 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The difficulty of manipulation and limited availability of genetic tools for use in many pathogenic fungi hamper fast and adequate investigation of cellular metabolism and consequent possibilities for antifungal therapies. S. cerevisiae is a model organism that is used to study many eukaryotic systems. In this review, we analyse the potency and relevance of this model system in investigating fungal susceptibility to azole drugs. Although many of the concepts apply to multiple pathogenic fungi, for the sake of simplicity, we will focus on the validity of using S. cerevisiae as a model organism for two Candida species, C. albicans and C. glabrata. Apart from the general benefits, we explore how S. cerevisiae can specifically be used to improve our knowledge on azole drug resistance and enables fast and efficient screening for novel drug targets in combinatorial therapy. We consider the shortcomings of the model system, yet conclude that it is still opportune to use S. cerevisiae as a model system for pathogenic fungi in this era.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ballard E, Melchers WJG, Zoll J, Brown AJP, Verweij PE, Warris A. In-host microevolution of Aspergillus fumigatus: A phenotypic and genotypic analysis. Fungal Genet Biol 2018; 113:1-13. [PMID: 29477713 PMCID: PMC5883321 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In order to survive, Aspergillus fumigatus must adapt to specific niche environments. Adaptation to the human host includes modifications facilitating persistent colonisation and the development of azole resistance. The aim of this study is to advance understanding of the genetic and physiological adaptation of A. fumigatus in patients during infection and treatment. Thirteen A. fumigatus strains were isolated from a single chronic granulomatous disease patient suffering from persistent and recurrent invasive aspergillosis over a period of 2 years. All strains had identical microsatellite genotypes and were considered isogenic. Whole genome comparisons identified 248 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms. These non-synonymous mutations have potential to play a role in in-host adaptation. The first 2 strains isolated were azole susceptible, whereas later isolates were itraconazole, voriconazole and/or posaconazole resistant. Growth assays in the presence and absence of various antifungal stressors highlighted minor changes in growth rate and stress resistance, with exception of one isolate showing a significant growth defect. Poor conidiation was observed in later isolates. In certain drug resistant isolates conidiation was restored in the presence of itraconazole. Differences in virulence were observed as demonstrated in a Galleria mellonella infection model. We conclude that the microevolution of A. fumigatus in this patient has driven the emergence of both Cyp51A-independent and Cyp51A-dependent, azole resistance mechanisms, and additional phenotypes that are likely to have promoted fungal persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Ballard
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Willem J G Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Zoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Verma S, Shakya VPS, Idnurm A. Exploring and exploiting the connection between mitochondria and the virulence of human pathogenic fungi. Virulence 2018; 9:426-446. [PMID: 29261004 PMCID: PMC5955198 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1414133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are best known for their role in the production of ATP; however, recent research implicates other mitochondrial functions in the virulence of human pathogenic fungi. Inhibitors of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase or the electron transport chain are successfully used to combat plant pathogenic fungi, but similar inhibition of mitochondrial functions has not been pursued for applications in medical mycology. Advances in understanding mitochondrial function relevant to human pathogenic fungi are in four major directions: 1) the role of mitochondrial morphology in virulence, 2) mitochondrial genetics, with a focus on mitochondrial DNA recombination and mitochondrial inheritance 3) the role of mitochondria in drug resistance, and 4) the interaction of mitochondria with other organelles. Collectively, despite the similarities in mitochondrial functions between fungi and animals, this organelle is currently an under-explored potential target to treat medical mycoses. Future research could define and then exploit those mitochondrial components best suited as drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Verma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Viplendra P. S. Shakya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Induction of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production by Itraconazole, Terbinafine, and Amphotericin B as a Mode of Action against Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.00978-17. [PMID: 28848005 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00978-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance in fungal pathogens is of incredible importance to global health, yet the mechanisms of drug action remain only loosely defined. Antifungal compounds have been shown to trigger the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human-pathogenic yeasts, but the source of those ROS remained unknown. In the present study, we examined the role of endogenous ROS for the antifungal activity of the three different antifungal substances itraconazole, terbinafine, and amphotericin B, which all target the fungal cell membrane. All three antifungals had an impact on fungal redox homeostasis by causing increased intracellular ROS production. Interestingly, the elevated ROS levels induced by antifungals were abolished by inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory complex I with rotenone. Further, evaluation of lipid peroxidation using the thiobarbituric acid assay revealed that rotenone pretreatment decreased ROS-induced lipid peroxidation during incubation of Aspergillus fumigatus with itraconazole and terbinafine. By applying the mitochondrion-specific lipid peroxidation probe MitoPerOx, we also confirmed that ROS are induced in mitochondria and subsequently cause significant oxidation of mitochondrial membrane in the presence of terbinafine and amphotericin B. To summarize, our study suggests that the induction of ROS production contributes to the ability of antifungal compounds to inhibit fungal growth. Moreover, mitochondrial complex I is the main source of deleterious ROS production in A. fumigatus challenged with antifungal compounds.
Collapse
|
28
|
Amarsaikhan N, Albrecht-Eckardt D, Sasse C, Braus GH, Ogel ZB, Kniemeyer O. Proteomic profiling of the antifungal drug response of Aspergillus fumigatus to voriconazole. Int J Med Microbiol 2017; 307:398-408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
|
29
|
McCarthy MW, Denning DW, Walsh TJ. Future Research Priorities in Fungal Resistance. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S484-S492. [PMID: 28911040 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved understanding of basic mycological, pharmacological, and immunological processes has led to important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections. However, the rise of fungi that are resistant to existing antifungal agents poses a substantial threat to human health. Addressing this expanding problem is an urgent priority for the international research community. In this article, we highlight important diagnostic and therapeutic advances that address the rise of resistant fungi as well as new public health initiatives that warrant further investigation to help curb the spread of these potentially lethal organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David W Denning
- University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Antifungal Resistance, Metabolic Routes as Drug Targets, and New Antifungal Agents: An Overview about Endemic Dimorphic Fungi. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:9870679. [PMID: 28694566 PMCID: PMC5485324 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9870679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by fungi can occur in healthy people, but immunocompromised patients are the major risk group for invasive fungal infections. Cases of fungal resistance and the difficulty of treatment make fungal infections a public health problem. This review explores mechanisms used by fungi to promote fungal resistance, such as the mutation or overexpression of drug targets, efflux and degradation systems, and pleiotropic drug responses. Alternative novel drug targets have been investigated; these include metabolic routes used by fungi during infection, such as trehalose and amino acid metabolism and mitochondrial proteins. An overview of new antifungal agents, including nanostructured antifungals, as well as of repositioning approaches is discussed. Studies focusing on the development of vaccines against antifungal diseases have increased in recent years, as these strategies can be applied in combination with antifungal therapy to prevent posttreatment sequelae. Studies focused on the development of a pan-fungal vaccine and antifungal drugs can improve the treatment of immunocompromised patients and reduce treatment costs.
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Aspergillus species are ubiquitous fungal saprophytes found in diverse ecological niches worldwide. Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent and is largely responsible for the increased incidence of invasive aspergillosis with high mortality rates in some immunocompromised hosts. Azoles are the first-line drugs in treating diseases caused by Aspergillus spp. However, increasing reports in A. fumigatus azole resistance, both in the clinical setting and in the environment, are threatening the effectiveness of clinical and agricultural azole drugs. The azole target is the 14-α sterol demethylase encoded by cyp51A gene and the main mechanisms of resistance involve the integration of tandem repeats in its promoter and/or single point mutations in this gene. In A. fumigatus, azole resistance can emerge in two different scenarios: a medical route in which azole resistance is generated during long periods of azole treatment in the clinical setting and a route of resistance derived from environmental origin due to extended use of demethylation inhibitors in agriculture. The understanding of A. fumigatus azole resistance development and its evolution is needed in order to prevent or minimize its impact. In this article, we review the current situation of azole resistance epidemiology and the predominant molecular mechanisms described based on the resistance acquisition routes. In addition, the clinical implications of A. fumigatus azole resistance and future research are discussed.
Collapse
|
32
|
Bromley M, Johns A, Davies E, Fraczek M, Gilsenan JM, Kurbatova N, Keays M, Kapushesky M, Gut M, Gut I, Denning DW, Bowyer P. Correction: Mitochondrial Complex I Is a Global Regulator of Secondary Metabolism, Virulence and Azole Sensitivity in Fungi. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171787. [PMID: 28152095 PMCID: PMC5289598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|