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Liao M, Xia X, Meng Q, Zhu C, Liao B, Wang J, Gou L, Zhou X, Yuan W, Cheng L, Ren B. Holotoxin A 1 from Apostichopus japonicus inhibited oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis by inducing oxidative damage in Candida albicans. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1857-1873. [PMID: 38382564 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16333] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The holotoxin A1, isolated from Apostichopus japonicus, exhibits potent antifungal activities, but the mechanism and efficacy against candidiasis are unclear. In this study we have studied the antifungal effects and mechanism of holotoxin A1 against Candida albicans and in murine oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The antifungal effect of holotoxin A1 against C. albicans was tested in vitro. To explore the antifungal mechanism of holotoxin A1, the transcriptome, ROS levels, and mitochondrial function of C. albicans was evaluated. Effectiveness and systematic toxicity of holotoxin A1 in vivo was assessed in the oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis models in mice. KEY RESULTS Holotoxin A1 was a potent fungicide against C. albicans SC5314, clinical strains and drug-resistant strains. Holotoxin A1 inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and induced oxidative damage by increasing intracellular accumulation of ROS in C. albicans. Holotoxin A1 induced dysfunction of mitochondria by depolarizing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the production of ATP. Holotoxin A1 directly inhibited the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial complex I and antagonized with the rotenone, an inhibitor of complex I, against C. albicans. Meanwhile, the complex I subunit NDH51 null mutants showed a decreased susceptibility to holotoxin A1. Furthermore, holotoxin A1 significantly reduced fungal burden and infections with no significant systemic toxicity in oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis in murine models. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Holotoxin A1 is a promising candidate for the development of novel antifungal agents against both oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis, especially when caused by drug-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuekui Xia
- Biology Institute, Key Laboratory of Bio-manufacturing of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Qingzhou Meng
- Biology Institute, Key Laboratory of Bio-manufacturing of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Chengguang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Binyou Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiannan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lichen Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenpeng Yuan
- Biology Institute, Key Laboratory of Bio-manufacturing of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Xu D, Wang M, Zhang X, Mao H, Xu H, Zhang B, Zeng X, Li F. The Putative Cytochrome b5 Domain-Containing Protein CaDap1 Homologue Is Involved in Antifungal Drug Tolerance, Cell Wall Chitin Maintenance, and Virulence in Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:316. [PMID: 38786671 PMCID: PMC11122062 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050316] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (Ca), a prominent opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans, has garnered considerable attention due to its infectious properties. Herein, we have identified and characterized CaCDAP1 (Ca orf19.1034), a homolog of ScDAP1 found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. CaCDAP1 encodes a 183-amino acid protein with a conserved cytochrome b5-like heme-binding domain. The deletion of CaDAP1 renders Ca cells susceptible to caspofungin and terbinafine. CaDAP1 deletion confers resistance to Congo Red and Calcofluor White, and sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate. The deletion of CaDAP1 results in a 50% reduction in chitin content within the cell wall, the downregulation of phosphorylation levels in CaMkc1, and the upregulation of phosphorylation levels in CaCek1. Notably, CaDAP1 deletion results in the abnormal hyphal development of Ca cells and diminishes virulence in a mouse systemic infection model. Thus, CaDAP1 emerges as a critical regulator governing cellular responses to antifungal drugs, the synthesis of cell wall chitin, and virulence in Ca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayong Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (M.W.); (X.Z.); (H.M.); (H.X.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Feng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (M.W.); (X.Z.); (H.M.); (H.X.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
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3
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Silao FGS, Valeriano VD, Uddström E, Falconer E, Ljungdahl PO. Diverse mechanisms control amino acid-dependent environmental alkalization by Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:696-716. [PMID: 38178569 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15216] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans has the capacity to neutralize acidic growth environments by releasing ammonia derived from the catabolism of amino acids. The molecular components underlying alkalization and its physiological significance remain poorly understood. Here, we present an integrative model with the cytosolic NAD+-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (Gdh2) as the principal ammonia-generating component. We show that alkalization is dependent on the SPS-sensor-regulated transcription factor STP2 and the proline-responsive activator Put3. These factors function in parallel to derepress GDH2 and the two proline catabolic enzymes PUT1 and PUT2. Consistently, a double mutant lacking STP2 and PUT3 exhibits a severe alkalization defect that nearly phenocopies that of a gdh2-/- strain. Alkalization is dependent on mitochondrial activity and in wild-type cells occurs as long as the conditions permit respiratory growth. Strikingly, Gdh2 levels decrease and cells transiently extrude glutamate as the environment becomes more alkaline. Together, these processes constitute a rudimentary regulatory system that counters and limits the negative effects associated with ammonia generation. These findings align with Gdh2 being dispensable for virulence, and based on a whole human blood virulence assay, the same is true for C. glabrata and C. auris. Using a transwell co-culture system, we observed that the growth and proliferation of Lactobacillus crispatus, a common component of the acidic vaginal microenvironment and a potent antagonist of C. albicans, is unaffected by fungal-induced alkalization. Consequently, although Candida spp. can alkalinize their growth environments, other fungal-associated processes are more critical in promoting dysbiosis and virulent fungal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitz Gerald S Silao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valerie Diane Valeriano
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Erika Uddström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilie Falconer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per O Ljungdahl
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Zeng G, Xu X, Kok YJ, Deng FS, Ling Chow EW, Gao J, Bi X, Wang Y. Cytochrome c regulates hyphal morphogenesis by interfering with cAMP-PKA signaling in Candida albicans. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113473. [PMID: 37980562 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113473] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, invasive hyphal growth is a well-recognized virulence trait. We employed transposon-mediated genome-wide mutagenesis, revealing that inactivating CTM1 blocks hyphal growth. CTM1 encodes a lysine (K) methyltransferase, which trimethylates cytochrome c (Cyc1) at K79. Mutants lacking CTM1 or expressing cyc1K79A grow as yeast under hyphae-inducing conditions, indicating that unmethylated Cyc1 suppresses hyphal growth. Transcriptomic analyses detected increased levels of the hyphal repressor NRG1 and decreased levels of hyphae-specific genes in ctm1Δ/Δ and cyc1K79A mutants, suggesting cyclic AMP (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling suppression. Co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro kinase assays demonstrated that unmethylated Cyc1 inhibits PKA kinase activity. Surprisingly, hyphae-defective ctm1Δ/Δ and cyc1K79A mutants remain virulent in mice due to accelerated proliferation. Our results unveil a critical role for cytochrome c in maintaining the virulence of C. albicans by orchestrating proliferation, growth mode, and metabolism. Importantly, this study identifies a biological function for lysine methylation on cytochrome c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guisheng Zeng
- A(∗)STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A(∗)STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #05-13 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore.
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- A(∗)STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A(∗)STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #05-13 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Yee Jiun Kok
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, 20 Biopolis Way, #06-01 Centros, Singapore 138668, Singapore
| | - Fu-Sheng Deng
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Eve Wai Ling Chow
- A(∗)STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A(∗)STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #05-13 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Jiaxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuezhi Bi
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, 20 Biopolis Way, #06-01 Centros, Singapore 138668, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Yue Wang
- A(∗)STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A(∗)STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #05-13 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
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5
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Transcript profiling reveals the role of PDB1, a subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, in Candida albicans biofilm formation. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104014. [PMID: 36535619 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.104014] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans, the most prevalent fungal pathogen in the human microbiota can form biofilms on implanted medical devices. These biofilms are tolerant to conventional antifungal drugs and the host immune system as compared to the free-floating planktonic cells. Several in vitro models of biofilm formation have been used to determine the C. albicans biofilm-forming process, regulatory networks, and their properties. Here, we performed a genome-wide transcript profiling with C. albicans cells grown in YPD medium both in planktonic and biofilm condition. Transcript profiling of YPD-grown biofilms was further compared with published Spider medium-grown biofilm transcriptome data. This comparative analysis highlighted the differentially expressed genes and the pathways altered during biofilm formation. In addition, we demonstrated that overexpression of the PDB1 gene encoding a subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase resulted in defective biofilm formation. Altogether, this comparative analysis of transcript profiles from two different studies provides a robust reading on biofilm-altered genes and pathways during C. albicans biofilm development.
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6
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Zeng L, Huang Y, Tan J, Peng J, Hu N, Liu Q, Cao Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Huang X. QCR7 affects the virulence of Candida albicans and the uptake of multiple carbon sources present in different host niches. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1136698. [PMID: 36923588 PMCID: PMC10009220 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1136698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Candida albicans is a commensal yeast that may cause life-threatening infections. Studies have shown that the cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 7 gene (QCR7) of C. albicans encodes a protein that forms a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III, making it an important target for studying the virulence of this yeast. However, to the best of our knowledge, the functions of QCR7 have not yet been characterized. Methods A QCR7 knockout strain was constructed using SN152, and BALb/c mice were used as model animals to determine the role of QCR7 in the virulence of C. albicans. Subsequently, the effects of QCR7 on mitochondrial functions and use of carbon sources were investigated. Next, its mutant biofilm formation and hyphal growth maintenance were compared with those of the wild type. Furthermore, the transcriptome of the qcr7Δ/Δ mutant was compared with that of the WT strain to explore pathogenic mechanisms. Results Defective QCR7 reduced recruitment of inflammatory cells and attenuated the virulence of C. albicans infection in vivo. Furthermore, the mutant influenced the use of multiple alternative carbon sources that exist in several host niches (GlcNAc, lactic acid, and amino acid, etc.). Moreover, it led to mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, the QCR7 knockout strain showed defects in biofilm formation or the maintenance of filamentous growth. The overexpression of cell-surface-associated genes (HWP1, YWP1, XOG1, and SAP6) can restore defective virulence phenotypes and the carbon-source utilization of qcr7Δ/Δ. Conclusion This study provides new insights into the mitochondria-based metabolism of C. albicans, accounting for its virulence and the use of variable carbon sources that promote C. albicans to colonize host niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbing Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongcheng Huang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junjun Tan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Niya Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - YanLi Cao
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junzhu Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaotian Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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7
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She X, Zhang P, Shi D, Peng J, Wang Q, Meng X, Jiang Y, Calderone R, Bellanti JA, Liu W, Li D. The mitochondrial complex I proteins of Candida albicans moderate phagocytosis and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in murine macrophages and dendritic cells. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22575. [PMID: 36208290 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200275rrr] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Loss of respiratory functions impairs Candida albicans colonization of host tissues and virulence in a murine model of candidiasis. Furthermore, it is known that respiratory inhibitors decrease mannan synthesis and glucan exposure and thereby promotes phagocytosis. To understand the impact of respiratory proteins of C. albicans on host innate immunity, we characterized cell wall defects in three mitochondrial complex I (CI) null mutants (nuo1Δ, nuo2Δ and ndh51Δ) and in one CI regulator mutant (goa1Δ), and we studied the corresponding effects of these mutants on phagocytosis, neutrophil killing and cytokine production by dendritic cells (DCs). We find that reductions of phosphopeptidomannan (PPM) in goa1Δ, nuo1Δ and phospholipomannan (PLM) in nuo2Δ lead to reductions of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 but increase of TNF-α in infected DCs. While PPM loss is a consequence of a reduced phospho-Cek1/2 MAPK that failed to promote phagocytosis and IL-22 production in goa1Δ and nuo1Δ, a 30% glucan reduction and a defective Mek1 MAPK response in ndh51Δ lead to only minor changes in phagocytosis and cytokine production. Glucan exposure and PLM abundance seem to remain sufficient to opsonize neutrophil killing perhaps via humoral immunity. The diversity of immune phenotypes in these mutants possessing divergent cell wall defects is further supported by their transcriptional profiles in each infected murine macrophage scenario. Since metabolic processes, oxidative stress-induced senescence, and apoptosis are differently affected in these scenarios, we speculate that during the early stages of infection, host immune cells coordinate their bioactivities based upon a mixture of signals generated during host-fungi interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong She
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Jiangsu Key laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Disease and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengyi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Sport Science Research Center, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongmei Shi
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Department of Dermatology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Jingwen Peng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangjing Meng
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joseph A Bellanti
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Weida Liu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Disease and STIs, Nanjing, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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8
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Wang Y, Zou Y, Chen X, Li H, Yin Z, Zhang B, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang R, Huang X, Yang W, Xu C, Jiang T, Tang Q, Zhou Z, Ji Y, Liu Y, Hu L, Zhou J, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Liu N, Huang G, Chang H, Fang W, Chen C, Zhou D. Innate immune responses against the fungal pathogen Candida auris. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3553. [PMID: 35729111 PMCID: PMC9213489 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen responsible for nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. Although considerable progress has increased our understanding of the biological and clinical aspects of C. auris, its interaction with the host immune system is only now beginning to be investigated in-depth. Here, we compare the innate immune responses induced by C. auris BJCA001 and Candida albicans SC5314 in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that C. auris BJCA001 appears to be less immunoinflammatory than C. albicans SC5314, and this differential response correlates with structural features of the cell wall. Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen responsible for nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. Here, the authors identify differential innate immune responses induced by C. auris and Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo, which correlate with structural features of the cell wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Nanjing Advanced Academy of Life and Health, Nanjing, 211135, China
| | - Yun Zou
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Nanjing Advanced Academy of Life and Health, Nanjing, 211135, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Baocai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yongbin Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yiquan Zhang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rulin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20008, China
| | - Xinhua Huang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wenhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Chaoyue Xu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Nanjing Advanced Academy of Life and Health, Nanjing, 211135, China.,College of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Jiang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinyu Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Zili Zhou
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ying Ji
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingqi Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lingfei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingjun Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ningning Liu
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanghua Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haishuang Chang
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxia Fang
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Changbin Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,Nanjing Advanced Academy of Life and Health, Nanjing, 211135, China.
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China.
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9
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Wang Y, Zhou J, Zou Y, Chen X, Liu L, Qi W, Huang X, Chen C, Liu NN. Fungal commensalism modulated by a dual-action phosphate transceptor. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110293. [PMID: 35081357 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful host colonization by fungi in fluctuating niches requires response and adaptation to multiple environmental stresses. However, our understanding about how fungal species thrive in the gastrointestinal (GI) ecosystem by combing multifaceted nutritional stress with respect to homeostatic host-commensal interactions is still in its infancy. Here, we discover that depletion of the phosphate transceptor Pho84 across multiple fungal species encountered a substantial cost in gastrointestinal colonization. Mechanistically, Pho84 enhances the gastrointestinal commensalism via a dual-action activity, coordinating both phosphate uptake and TOR activation by induction of the transcriptional regulator Try4 and downstream commensalism-related transcription. As such, Pho84 promotes Candida albicans commensalism, but this does not translate into enhanced pathogenicity. Thus, our study uncovers a specific nutrient-dependent dual-action regulatory pathway for Pho84 on fungal commensalism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; The Nanjing Unicorn Academy of Innovation, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yun Zou
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; The Nanjing Unicorn Academy of Innovation, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinhua Huang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Changbin Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The Nanjing Unicorn Academy of Innovation, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China.
| | - Ning-Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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10
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Black B, Lee C, Horianopoulos LC, Jung WH, Kronstad JW. Respiring to infect: Emerging links between mitochondria, the electron transport chain, and fungal pathogenesis. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009661. [PMID: 34237096 PMCID: PMC8266039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Braydon Black
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christopher Lee
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Linda C. Horianopoulos
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Won Hee Jung
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - James W. Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- * E-mail:
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11
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N-acetylglucosamine Signaling: Transcriptional Dynamics of a Novel Sugar Sensing Cascade in a Model Pathogenic Yeast, Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010065. [PMID: 33477740 PMCID: PMC7832408 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The amino sugar, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), has emerged as an attractive messenger of signaling in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, given its multifaceted role in cellular processes, including GlcNAc scavenging, import and metabolism, morphogenesis (yeast to hyphae and white to opaque switch), virulence, GlcNAc induced cell death (GICD), etc. During signaling, the exogenous GlcNAc appears to adopt a simple mechanism of gene regulation by directly activating Ngs1, a novel GlcNAc sensor and transducer, at the chromatin level, to activate transcriptional response through the promoter acetylation. Ngs1 acts as a master regulator in GlcNAc signaling by regulating GlcNAc catabolic gene expression and filamentation. Ndt80-family transcriptional factor Rep1 appears to be involved in the recruitment of Ngs1 to GlcNAc catabolic gene promoters. For promoting filamentation, GlcNAc adopts a little modified strategy by utilizing a recently evolved transcriptional loop. Here, Biofilm regulator Brg1 takes up the key role, getting up-regulated by Ngs1, and simultaneously induces Hyphal Specific Genes (HSGs) expression by down-regulating NRG1 expression. GlcNAc kinase Hxk1 appears to play a prominent role in signaling. Recent developments in GlcNAc signaling have made C. albicans a model system to understand its role in other eukaryotes as well. The knowledge thus gained would assist in designing therapeutic interventions for the control of candidiasis and other fungal diseases.
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12
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Ke CL, Liao YT, Lin CH. MSS2 maintains mitochondrial function and is required for chitosan resistance, invasive growth, biofilm formation and virulence in Candida albicans. Virulence 2021; 12:281-297. [PMID: 33427576 PMCID: PMC7808435 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1870082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In this study, by screening a C. albicans mutant library, we first identified that the MSS2 gene, an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSS2 required for mitochondrial respiration, mediates chitosan resistance. Upon treatment with 0.2% chitosan, the growth of mss2Δ strains was strikingly impaired, and MSS2 expression was significantly repressed by chitosan. Furthermore, mss2Δ strains exhibited slow growth on medium supplemented with glycerol as the sole carbon source. Similar to the chitosan-treated wild-type strain, the mss2Δ strain exhibited a significantly impaired ATP production ability. These data suggest that an antifungal mechanism of chitosan against C. albicans acts by inhibiting MSS2 gene expression, leading to repression of mitochondrial function. Normal respiratory function is suggested to be required for fungal virulence. Interestingly, the mss2Δ mutant strains exhibited significantly impaired invasive ability in vitro and ex vivo but retained normal hyphal development ability in liquid medium. Furthermore, the MSS2 deletion strains could not form robust biofilms and exhibited significantly reduced virulence. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the antifungal effect of chitosan against C. albicans is mediated via inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis. These data may provide another strategy for antifungal drug development via inhibition of fungal mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Ling Ke
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Liao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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She X, Zhang L, Peng J, Zhang J, Li H, Zhang P, Calderone R, Liu W, Li D. Mitochondrial Complex I Core Protein Regulates cAMP Signaling via Phosphodiesterase Pde2 and NAD Homeostasis in Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:559975. [PMID: 33324355 PMCID: PMC7726218 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.559975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway of Candida albicans responds to nutrient availability to coordinate a series of cellular processes for its replication and survival. The elevation of cAMP for PKA signaling must be both transitory and tightly regulated. Otherwise, any abnormal cAMP/PKA pathway would disrupt metabolic potential and ergosterol synthesis and promote a stress response. One possible mechanism for controlling cAMP levels is direct induction of the phosphodiesterase PDE2 gene by cAMP itself. Our earlier studies have shown that most single-gene-deletion mutants of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I (CI) are hypersensitive to fluconazole. To understand the fluconazole hypersensitivity observed in these mutants, we focused upon the cAMP/PKA-mediated ergosterol synthesis in CI mutants. Two groups of the ETC mutants were used in this study. Group I includes CI mutants. Group II is composed of CIII and CIV mutants; group II mutants are known to have greater respiratory loss. All mutants are not identical in cAMP/PKA-mediated ergosterol response. We found that ergosterol levels are decreased by 47.3% in the ndh51Δ (CI core subunit mutant) and by 23.5% in goa1Δ (CI regulator mutant). Both mutants exhibited a greater reduction of cAMP and excessive trehalose production compared with other mutants. Despite the normal cAMP level, ergosterol content decreased by 33.0% in the CIII mutant qce1Δ as well, thereby displaying a cAMP/PKA-independent ergosterol response. While the two CI mutants have some unique cAMP/PKA-mediated ergosterol responses, we found that the degree of cAMP reduction correlates linearly with a decrease in total nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels in all mutants, particularly in the seven CI mutants. A mechanism study demonstrates that overactive PDE2 and cPDE activity must be the cause of the suppressive cAMP-mediated ergosterol response in the ndh51Δ and goa1Δ. While the purpose of this study is to understand the impact of ETC proteins on pathogenesis-associated cellular events, our results reveal the importance of Ndh51p in the regulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway through Pde2p inhibition in normal physiological environments. As a direct link between Ndh51p and Pde2p remains elusive, we suggest that Ndh51p participates in NAD homeostasis that might regulate Pde2p activity for the optimal cAMP pathway state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong She
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Peng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Pengyi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Sport Science Research Center, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Weida Liu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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14
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The Role of BRG1 in Antioxidant and Redox Signaling. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6095673. [PMID: 33014273 PMCID: PMC7512085 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6095673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Redox homeostasis is regulated by critical molecules that modulate antioxidant and redox signaling (ARS) within the cell. Imbalances among these molecules can lead to oxidative stress and damage to cell functions, causing a variety of diseases. Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), also known as SMARCA4, is the central ATPase catalytic subunit of the switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, which plays a core role in DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcriptional regulation. Numerous recent studies show that BRG1 is involved in the regulation of various cellular processes associated with ARS. BRG1, as a major factor in chromatin remodeling, is essential for the repair of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and the activation of antioxidant genes under oxidative stress. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the roles of BRG1 in redox homeostasis is crucial to understand the normal functioning as well as pathological mechanisms. In this review, we summarized and discussed the role of BRG1 in the regulation of ARS.
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15
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Viana R, Dias O, Lagoa D, Galocha M, Rocha I, Teixeira MC. Genome-Scale Metabolic Model of the Human Pathogen Candida albicans: A Promising Platform for Drug Target Prediction. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030171. [PMID: 32932905 PMCID: PMC7559133 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the most impactful fungal pathogens and the most common cause of invasive candidiasis, which is associated with very high mortality rates. With the rise in the frequency of multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, the identification of new drug targets and new drugs is crucial in overcoming the increase in therapeutic failure. In this study, the first validated genome-scale metabolic model for Candida albicans, iRV781, is presented. The model consists of 1221 reactions, 926 metabolites, 781 genes, and four compartments. This model was reconstructed using the open-source software tool merlin 4.0.2. It is provided in the well-established systems biology markup language (SBML) format, thus, being usable in most metabolic engineering platforms, such as OptFlux or COBRA. The model was validated, proving accurate when predicting the capability of utilizing different carbon and nitrogen sources when compared to experimental data. Finally, this genome-scale metabolic reconstruction was tested as a platform for the identification of drug targets, through the comparison between known drug targets and the prediction of gene essentiality in conditions mimicking the human host. Altogether, this model provides a promising platform for global elucidation of the metabolic potential of C. albicans, possibly guiding the identification of new drug targets to tackle human candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romeu Viana
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.V.); (M.G.)
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oscar Dias
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (O.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Davide Lagoa
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (O.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Mónica Galocha
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.V.); (M.G.)
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Rocha
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (O.D.); (D.L.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB-NOVA), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (M.C.T.)
| | - Miguel Cacho Teixeira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.V.); (M.G.)
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (M.C.T.)
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16
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Koch B, Barugahare AA, Lo TL, Huang C, Schittenhelm RB, Powell DR, Beilharz TH, Traven A. A Metabolic Checkpoint for the Yeast-to-Hyphae Developmental Switch Regulated by Endogenous Nitric Oxide Signaling. Cell Rep 2019; 25:2244-2258.e7. [PMID: 30463019 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Candida albicans colonizes several sites in the human body and responds to metabolic signals in commensal and pathogenic states. The yeast-to-hyphae transition correlates with virulence, but how metabolic status is integrated with this transition is incompletely understood. We used the putative mitochondrial fission inhibitor mdivi-1 to probe the crosstalk between hyphal signaling and metabolism. Mdivi-1 repressed C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis, but the mechanism was independent of its presumed target, the mitochondrial fission GTPase Dnm1. Instead, mdivi-1 triggered extensive metabolic reprogramming, consistent with metabolic stress, and reduced endogenous nitric oxide (NO) levels. Limiting endogenous NO stabilized the transcriptional repressor Nrg1 and inhibited the yeast-to-hyphae transition. We establish a role for endogenous NO signaling in C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis and suggest that NO regulates a metabolic checkpoint for hyphal growth. Furthermore, identifying NO signaling as an mdivi-1 target could inform its therapeutic applications in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Koch
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Adele A Barugahare
- Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tricia L Lo
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Biomedical Proteomics Facility and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Biomedical Proteomics Facility and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - David R Powell
- Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Traude H Beilharz
- Development and Stem Cells Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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17
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Burgain A, Pic É, Markey L, Tebbji F, Kumamoto CA, Sellam A. A novel genetic circuitry governing hypoxic metabolic flexibility, commensalism and virulence in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007823. [PMID: 31809527 PMCID: PMC6919631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inside the human host, the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans colonizes predominantly oxygen-poor niches such as the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, but also oxygen-rich environments such as cutaneous epithelial cells and oral mucosa. This suppleness requires an effective mechanism to reversibly reprogram the primary metabolism in response to oxygen variation. Here, we have uncovered that Snf5, a subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is a major transcriptional regulator that links oxygen status to the metabolic capacity of C. albicans. Snf5 and other subunits of SWI/SNF complex were required to activate genes of carbon utilization and other carbohydrates related process specifically under hypoxia. snf5 mutant exhibited an altered metabolome reflecting that SWI/SNF plays an essential role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and carbon flux in C. albicans under hypoxia. Snf5 was necessary to activate the transcriptional program linked to both commensal and invasive growth. Accordingly, snf5 was unable to maintain its growth in the stomach, the cecum and the colon of mice. snf5 was also avirulent as it was unable to invade Galleria larvae or to cause damage to human enterocytes and murine macrophages. Among candidates of signaling pathways in which Snf5 might operate, phenotypic analysis revealed that mutants of Ras1-cAMP-PKA pathway, as well as mutants of Yak1 and Yck2 kinases exhibited a similar carbon flexibility phenotype as did snf5 under hypoxia. Genetic interaction analysis indicated that the adenylate cyclase Cyr1, a key component of the Ras1-cAMP pathway interacted genetically with Snf5. Our study yielded new insight into the oxygen-sensitive regulatory circuit that control metabolic flexibility, stress, commensalism and virulence in C. albicans. A critical aspect of eukaryotic cell fitness is the ability to sense and adapt to variations in oxygen level in their local environment. Hypoxia leads to a substantial remodeling of cell metabolism and energy homeostasis, and thus, organisms must develop an effective regulatory mechanism to cope with oxygen depletion. Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast that is the most prevalent human fungal pathogens. This yeast colonizes diverse niches inside the human host with contrasting carbon sources and oxygen concentrations. While hypoxia is the predominant condition that C. albicans encounters inside most of the niches, the impact of this condition on metabolic flexibility, a major determinant of fungal virulence, was completely unexplored. Here, we uncovered that the chromatin remodelling complex SWI/SNF is a master regulator of the circuit that links oxygen status to a broad spectrum of carbon utilization routes. Snf5 was essential for the maintenance of C. albicans as a commensal and also for the expression of its virulence. The oxygen-sensitive regulators identified in this work provide a framework to comprehensively understand the virulence of human fungal pathogens and represent a therapeutic value to fight fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Burgain
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Émilie Pic
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura Markey
- Program in Molecular Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Faiza Tebbji
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carol A. Kumamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Adnane Sellam
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Big Data Research Centre (BDRC-UL), Université Laval, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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18
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Wu Y, Wu M, Wang Y, Chen Y, Gao J, Ying C. ERG11 couples oxidative stress adaptation, hyphal elongation and virulence in Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 18:5040230. [PMID: 29931064 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal opportunistic pathogen for humans. In the treatment of C. albicans, azole drugs target the sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) encoded by ERG11 gene. Most studies have focused on the fact that the ERG11 mutant results in drug resistance, but its mechanism of action as a drug target has not been described yet. Our results showed that deletion of ERG11 reduced filamentous and invasive growth, and impaired hyphal elongation in sensing serum. Lack of ERG11 increased susceptibility to H2O2 and was defective in clearing reactive oxygen species. ERG11 may affect oxidative stress adaptation by specifically downregulating CAT1 expression. In addition, C. albicans cells lacking ERG11 were more efficiently killed by macrophages and became avirulent in vivo. This study is the first to indicate that ERG11 plays an essential role in hyphal elongation, oxidative stress adaptation and virulence in C. albicans. We speculated that azole drugs not only inhibit the growth of C. albicans, but also assist the host immune system in clearing the fungal organism. The new understanding of mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs should facilitate the development of treatment strategies for resistant fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongQin Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - MengYing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - YuanYuan Wang
- Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - YiSheng Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - ChunMei Ying
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
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19
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Román E, Correia I, Prieto D, Alonso R, Pla J. The HOG MAPK pathway in Candida albicans: more than an osmosensing pathway. Int Microbiol 2019; 23:23-29. [DOI: 10.1007/s10123-019-00069-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Li SX, Wu HT, Liu YT, Jiang YY, Zhang YS, Liu WD, Zhu KJ, Li DM, Zhang H. The F 1F o-ATP Synthase β Subunit Is Required for Candida albicans Pathogenicity Due to Its Role in Carbon Flexibility. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1025. [PMID: 29875745 PMCID: PMC5974098 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work has explored link between mitochondrial biology and fungal pathogenicity in F1Fo-ATP synthase in Candida albicans. In this work we have detailed the more specific roles of the F1Fo-ATP synthase β subunit, a key protein subunit of F1Fo-ATP synthase. The ability to assimilate alternative carbons in glucose-limited host niches is known to be a critical factor for infection caused by opportunistic pathogens including C. albicans. The function of the F1Fo-ATP synthase β subunit was characterized through the construction of an ATP2 gene null mutant (atp2Δ/Δ) and the gene-reconstituted strain (atp2Δ/ATP2) in order to understand the link between carbon metabolism and C. albicans pathogenesis. Cell growth, viability, cellular ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and intracellular ROS were compared between null mutant and control strain. Results showed that growth of the atp2Δ/Δ mutant in synthetic medium was slower than in complex medium. However, the synthetic medium delayed the onset of reduced cell viability and kept cellular ATP content from becoming fully depleted. Consistent with these observations, we identified transcriptional changes in metabolic response that activated other ATP-generating pathways, thereby improving cell viability during the initial phase. Unlike glucose effects, the atp2Δ/Δ mutant exhibited an immediate and sharp reduction in cell viability on non-fermentable carbon sources, consistent with an immediate depletion of cellular ATP content. Along with a reduced viability in non-fermentable carbon sources, the atp2Δ/Δ mutant displayed avirulence in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis as well as lower fungal loads in mouse organs. Regardless of the medium, however, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was found in the atp2Δ/Δ mutant but ROS levels remained in the normal range. These results suggest that the F1Fo-ATP synthase β subunit is required for C. albicans pathogenicity and operates by affecting metabolic flexibility in carbon consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui-Xiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Tian Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ying Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Shan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Da Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun-Ju Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Su C, Yu J, Sun Q, Liu Q, Lu Y. Hyphal induction under the condition without inoculation in Candida albicans is triggered by Brg1-mediated removal of NRG1 inhibition. Mol Microbiol 2018; 108:410-423. [PMID: 29485686 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans can switch between yeast and hyphae growth forms, which is critical for its pathogenesis. Diluting from saturated cells into fresh medium at 37°C is routinely used to induce hyphae, which depends on the cAMP-PKA pathway-activated transcriptional down-regulation of NRG1 and degradation of Nrg1 protein triggered by inoculation. It is reported that N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), serum or neutral pH could stimulate filamentation in log phase cells, whereas how C. albicans develops hyphae without inoculation remains unknown. Here, we show that NRG1 down-regulation is necessary for hyphal growth under this condition. Instead of cAMP-PKA pathway, GlcNAc sensor Ngs1 is responsible for the down-regulation of NRG1 upon GlcNAc induction in log phase cells through its N-acetyltransferase activity. From a genetic screen, Brg1 is found to be essential for hyphal development without inoculation. Ngs1 binds to BRG1 promoter to induce its expression in GlcNAc. Importantly, constitutively expressed BRG1 induces NRG1 down-regulation even in the absence of GlcNAc or Ngs1. Serum or neutral pH-induced filamentation in log phase cells is also through Brg1-mediated NRG1 down-regulation. Our study provides a molecular mechanism for how C. albicans forms hyphae in different cell states. This flexibility may facilitate C. albicans to adapt varied host environment during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiangqiang Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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22
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Koch B, Tucey TM, Lo TL, Novakovic S, Boag P, Traven A. The Mitochondrial GTPase Gem1 Contributes to the Cell Wall Stress Response and Invasive Growth of Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2555. [PMID: 29326680 PMCID: PMC5742345 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions of mitochondria with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are crucial for maintaining proper mitochondrial morphology, function and dynamics. This enables cells to utilize their mitochondria optimally for energy production and anabolism, and it further provides for metabolic control over developmental decisions. In fungi, a key mechanism by which ER and mitochondria interact is via a membrane tether, the protein complex ERMES (ER-Mitochondria Encounter Structure). In the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the mitochondrial GTPase Gem1 interacts with ERMES, and it has been proposed to regulate its activity. Here we report on the first characterization of Gem1 in a human fungal pathogen. We show that in Candida albicans Gem1 has a dominant role in ensuring proper mitochondrial morphology, and our data is consistent with Gem1 working with ERMES in this role. Mitochondrial respiration and steady state cellular phospholipid homeostasis are not impacted by inactivation of GEM1 in C. albicans. There are two major virulence-related consequences of disrupting mitochondrial morphology by GEM1 inactivation: C. albicans becomes hypersusceptible to cell wall stress, and is unable to grow invasively. In the gem1Δ/Δ mutant, it is specifically the invasive capacity of hyphae that is compromised, not the ability to transition from yeast to hyphal morphology, and this phenotype is shared with ERMES mutants. As a consequence of the hyphal invasion defect, the gem1Δ/Δ mutant is drastically hypovirulent in the worm infection model. Activation of the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase Cek1 is reduced in the gem1Δ/Δ mutant, and this function could explain both the susceptibility to cell wall stress and lack of invasive growth. This result establishes a new, respiration-independent mechanism of mitochondrial control over stress signaling and hyphal functions in C. albicans. We propose that ER-mitochondria interactions and the ER-Mitochondria Organizing Network (ERMIONE) play important roles in adaptive responses in fungi, in particular cell surface-related mechanisms that drive invasive growth and stress responsive behaviors that support fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Koch
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Timothy M Tucey
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Tricia L Lo
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stevan Novakovic
- Development and Stem Cells Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Boag
- Development and Stem Cells Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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23
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Zhang P, Li H, Cheng J, Sun AY, Wang L, Mirchevska G, Calderone R, Li D. Respiratory stress in mitochondrial electron transport chain complex mutants of Candida albicans activates Snf1 kinase response. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 111:73-84. [PMID: 29146491 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We have previously established that mitochondrial Complex I (CI) mutants of Candida albicans display reduced oxygen consumption, decreased ATP production, and increased reactive oxidant species (ROS) during cell growth. Using the Seahorse XF96 analyzer, the energetic phenotypes of Electron Transport Chain (ETC) complex mutants are further characterized in the current study. The underlying regulation of energetic changes in these mutants is determined in glucose and non-glucose conditions when compared to wild type (WT) cells. In parental cells, the rate of oxygen consumption remains constant for 2.5 h following the addition of glucose, oligomycin, and 2-DG, but glycolysis is highly active upon the addition of glucose. In comparison, over the same time period, electron transport complex mutants (CI, CIII and CIV) have heightened activities in both oxygen consumption and glycolysis upon glucose uptake. We refer to the response in these mutants as an "explosive respiration," which we believe is caused by low energy levels and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accompanying this phenotype in mutants is a hyperphosphorylation of Snf1p which in Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as an energetic stress response protein kinase for maintaining energy homeostasis. Compared to wild type cells, a 2.9- to 4.4-fold hyperphosphorylation of Snf1p is observed in all ETC mutants in the presence of glucose. However, the explosive respiration and hyperphosphorylation of Snf1 can be partially reduced by the replacement of glucose with either glycerol or oleic acid in a mutant-specific manner. Furthermore, Inhibitors of glutathione synthesis (BSO) or anti-oxidants (mito-TEMPO) likewise confirmed an increase of Sfn1 phosphorylation in WT or mutant due to increased levels of ROS. Our data establish the role of the C. albicans Snf1 as a surveyor of cell energy and ROS levels. We interpret the "explosive respiration" as a failed attempt by ETC mutants to restore energy and ROS homeostasis via Snf1 activation. An inherently high OCR baseline in WT C. albicans with a background level of Snf1 activation is a prerequisite for success in quickly fermenting glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Sport Science Research Center, Shandong Sport University, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650031, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - April Y Sun
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Liqing Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Gordana Mirchevska
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty University Sts Cyril and Methodius, 50 Divizija. No. 6, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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24
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A mitochondrial proteomics view of complex I deficiency in Candida albicans. Mitochondrion 2017; 38:48-57. [PMID: 28801230 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic analyses were carried out on isolated mitochondrial samples of C. albicans from gene-deleted mutants (nuo1Δ, nuo2Δ and goa1Δ) as well as the parental strain in order to better understand the contribution of these three fungal-specific mitochondrial ETC complex I (CI) subunits to cellular activities. Herein, we identify 2333 putative proteins from four strains, in which a total of 663 proteins (28.5%) are putatively located in mitochondria. Comparison of protein abundances between mutants and the parental strain reveal 146 differentially-expressed proteins, of which 78 are decreased and 68 are increased in at least one mutant. The common changes across the three mutants include the down-regulation of nuclear-encoded CI subunit proteins as well as phospholipid, ergosterol and cell wall mannan synthesis, and up-regulated proteins in CIV and the alternative oxidase (AOX2). As for gene-specific functions, we find that NUO1 participates in nucleotide synthesis and ribosomal biogenesis; NUO2 is involved in vesicle trafficking; and GOA1 appears to regulate membrane transporter proteins, ROS removal, and substrates trafficking between peroxisomes and mitochondria. The proteomic view of general as well as mutant-specific proteins further extends our understanding of the functional roles of non-mammalian CI-specific subunit proteins in cell processes. Particularly intriguing is the confirmation of a regulatory role for GOA1 on ETC function, a protein found almost exclusively in Candida species. SIGNIFICANCE Fungal mitochondria are critical for fungal pathogenesis. The absence of any of the three fungal specific CI subunits in mitochondria causes an avirulence phenotype of C. albicans in a murine model of invasive disease. As model yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) lacks a CI and is rarely a pathogen of humans, C. albicans is a better choice for establishing a link between mitochondrial CI and pathogenesis. Apart from the general effects of CI mutants on respiration, previous phenotyping of these mutants were quite similar to each other or to CI conservative subunit. By comparison to transcriptional data, the proteomic data obtained in this study indicate that biosynthetic events in each mutant such as cell wall and cell membrane phospholipids and ergosterol are generally decreased in both transcriptomal and translational levels. However, in the case of mitochondrial function, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and ROS scavengers, often gene changes are opposite that of proteomic data in mutants. We hypothesize that the loss of energy production in mutants is compensated by increases in protein levels of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and anti-ROS scavengers that at least extend mutant survival.
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