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Wang M, Pan J, Xiang W, You Z, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhang A. β-glucan: a potent adjuvant in immunotherapy for digestive tract tumors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1424261. [PMID: 39100668 PMCID: PMC11294916 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1424261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors, as a significant research direction in the field of oncology treatment in recent years, has garnered extensive attention due to its potential therapeutic efficacy and promising clinical application prospects. Recent advances in immunotherapy notwithstanding, challenges persist, such as side effects, the complexity of the tumor immune microenvironment, variable patient responses, and drug resistance. Consequently, there is a pressing need to explore novel adjunctive therapeutic modalities. β-glucan, an immunomodulatory agent, has exhibited promising anti-tumor efficacy in preclinical studies involving colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer, while also mitigating the adverse reactions associated with chemotherapy and enhancing patients' quality of life. However, further clinical and fundamental research is warranted to comprehensively evaluate its therapeutic potential and underlying biological mechanisms. In the future, β-glucan holds promise as an adjunctive treatment for gastrointestinal tumors, potentially bringing significant benefits to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyu Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinhua Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chengdu Pidu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wu Xiang
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zilong You
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Anren Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Carelli S, Posteraro B, Torelli R, De Carolis E, Vallecoccia MS, Xhemalaj R, Cutuli SL, Tanzarella ES, Dell'Anna AM, Lombardi G, Cammarota F, Caroli A, Grieco DL, Sanguinetti M, Antonelli M, De Pascale G. Prognostic value of serial (1,3)-β-D-glucan measurements in ICU patients with invasive candidiasis. Crit Care 2024; 28:236. [PMID: 38997712 PMCID: PMC11241937 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-024-05022-x] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine whether a decrease in serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) was associated with reduced mortality and to investigate the performance of BDG downslope in predicting clinical outcome in invasive candidiasis. METHODS Observational cohort study in ICU patients over a ten-year period (2012-2022) in Italy. Proven invasive candidiasis with at least 2 BDG determinations were considered. RESULTS In the study population of 103 patients (age 47 [35-62] years, SAPS II score 67 [52-77]) 68 bloodstream and 35 intrabdominal infections were recorded. Serial measurements showed that in 54 patients BDG decreased over time (BDG downslope group) while in 49 did not (N-BDG downslope group). Candida albicans was the pathogen most frequently isolated (61%) followed by C. parapsilosis (17%) and C. glabrata (12%), in absence of any inter-group difference. Invasive candidiasis related mortality was lower in BDG downslope than in N-BDG downslope group (17% vs 53%, p < 0.01). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed the association of septic shock at infection occurrence and chronic liver disease with invasive candidiasis mortality (HR [95% CI] 3.24 [1.25-8.44] p = 0.02 and 7.27 [2.33-22.66] p < 0.01, respectively) while a BDG downslope was the only predictor of survival (HR [95% CI] 0.19 [0.09-0.43] p < 0.01). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for the performance of BDG downslope as predictor of good clinical outcome was 0.74 (p = 0.02) and our model showed that a BDG downslope > 70% predicted survival with both specificity and positive predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSIONS A decrease in serum BDG was associated with reduced mortality and a steep downslope predicted survival with high specificity in invasive candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Carelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Brunella Posteraro
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Carolis
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sole Vallecoccia
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Rikardo Xhemalaj
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Lucio Cutuli
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eloisa Sofia Tanzarella
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Maria Dell'Anna
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Lombardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Cammarota
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Caroli
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Luca Grieco
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Antonelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro De Pascale
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Emergenza, Anestesiologiche e della Rianimazione, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Jofre FM, Queiroz SDS, Sanchez DA, Arruda PV, Santos JCD, Felipe MDGDA. Biotechnological potential of yeast cell wall: An overview. Biotechnol Prog 2024:e3491. [PMID: 38934212 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3491] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The yeast cell wall is a complex structure whose main function is to protect the cell from physical and chemical damage, providing it with rigidity. It is composed of a matrix of covalently linked polysaccharides and proteins, including β-glucans, mannoproteins, and chitin, whose proportion can vary according to the yeast species and environmental conditions. The main components of the yeast cell wall have relevant properties that expand the possibilities of use in different industrial sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food, medical, veterinary, and cosmetic. Some applications include bioremediation, enzyme immobilization, animal feed, wine production, and hydrogel production. In the literature it is the description of the cell wall composition of model species like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, however, it is important to know that this composition can vary according to the species or the culture medium conditions. Thus, understanding the structural composition of different species holds promise as an alternative to expanding the utilization of residual yeast from different bioprocesses. In the context of a circular economy, the conversion of residual yeast into valuable products is an attractive prospect for researchers aiming to develop sustainable technologies. This review provides an overview of yeast cell wall composition and its significance in biotechnological applications, considering prospects to increase the diversification of these compounds in industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Machado Jofre
- Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Sarah de Souza Queiroz
- Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Diana Alva Sanchez
- Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Priscila Vaz Arruda
- Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Engineering, Federal University of Technology-Paraná (UTFPR), Toledo, Brazil
| | - Júlio César Dos Santos
- Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Lorena, Brazil
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Fik-Jaskółka M, Mittova V, Motsonelidze C, Vakhania M, Vicidomini C, Roviello GN. Antimicrobial Metabolites of Caucasian Medicinal Plants as Alternatives to Antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:487. [PMID: 38927153 PMCID: PMC11200912 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060487] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the potential of antimicrobial metabolites derived from Caucasian medicinal plants as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. With the rise of antibiotic resistance posing a global health threat, there is a pressing need to investigate alternative sources of antimicrobial agents. Caucasian medicinal plants have traditionally been used for their therapeutic properties, and recent research has highlighted their potential as sources of antimicrobial compounds. Representatives of 15 families of Caucasian medicinal plant extracts (24 species) have been explored for their efficacy against these pathogens. The effect of these plants on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi is discussed in this paper. By harnessing the bioactive metabolites present in these plants, this study aims to contribute to the development of new antimicrobial treatments that can effectively combat bacterial infections while minimizing the risk of resistance emergence. Herein we discuss the following classes of bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activity: phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds of Allium species. The review discusses the pharmacological properties of selected Caucasian medicinal plants, the extraction and characterization of these antimicrobial metabolites, the mechanisms of action of antibacterial and antifungal plant compounds, and their potential applications in clinical settings. Additionally, challenges and future directions in the research of antimicrobial metabolites from Caucasian medicinal plants are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fik-Jaskółka
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Valentina Mittova
- Teaching University Geomedi, 4 King Solomon II Str., Tbilisi 0114, Georgia; (V.M.)
| | | | - Malkhaz Vakhania
- Teaching University Geomedi, 4 King Solomon II Str., Tbilisi 0114, Georgia; (V.M.)
| | - Caterina Vicidomini
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca Site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca Site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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5
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Boyer J, Hoenigl M, Kriegl L. Therapeutic drug monitoring of antifungal therapies: do we really need it and what are the best practices? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:309-321. [PMID: 38379525 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2317293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite advancements, invasive fungal infections (IFI) still carry high mortality rates, often exceeding 30%. The challenges in diagnosis, coupled with limited effective antifungal options, make managing IFIs complex. Antifungal drugs are essential for IFI management, but their efficacy can be diminished by drug-drug interactions and pharmacokinetic variability. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), especially in the context of triazole use, has emerged as a valuable strategy to optimize antifungal therapy. AREAS COVERED This review provides current evidence regarding the potential benefits of TDM in IFI management. It discusses how TDM can enhance treatment response, safety, and address altered pharmacokinetics in specific patient populations. EXPERT OPINION TDM plays a crucial role in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes in IFI management, particularly for certain antifungal agents. Preclinical studies consistently show a link between therapeutic drug levels and antifungal efficacy. However, clinical research in mycology faces challenges due to patient heterogeneity and the diversity of fungal infections. TDM's potential advantages in guiding Echinocandin therapy for critically ill patients warrant further investigation. Additionally, for drugs like Posaconazole, assessing whether serum levels or alternative markers like saliva offer the best measure of efficacy is an intriguing question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Boyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
- Translational Mycology Working Group, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Kriegl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Mathieu D, Bryson AE, Hamberger B, Singan V, Keymanesh K, Wang M, Barry K, Mondo S, Pangilinan J, Koriabine M, Grigoriev IV, Bonito G, Hamberger B. Multilevel analysis between Physcomitrium patens and Mortierellaceae endophytes explores potential long-standing interaction among land plants and fungi. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:304-323. [PMID: 38265362 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The model moss species Physcomitrium patens has long been used for studying divergence of land plants spanning from bryophytes to angiosperms. In addition to its phylogenetic relationships, the limited number of differential tissues, and comparable morphology to the earliest embryophytes provide a system to represent basic plant architecture. Based on plant-fungal interactions today, it is hypothesized these kingdoms have a long-standing relationship, predating plant terrestrialization. Mortierellaceae have origins diverging from other land fungi paralleling bryophyte divergence, are related to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi but are free-living, observed to interact with plants, and can be found in moss microbiomes globally. Due to their parallel origins, we assess here how two Mortierellaceae species, Linnemannia elongata and Benniella erionia, interact with P. patens in coculture. We also assess how Mollicute-related or Burkholderia-related endobacterial symbionts (MRE or BRE) of these fungi impact plant response. Coculture interactions are investigated through high-throughput phenomics, microscopy, RNA-sequencing, differential expression profiling, gene ontology enrichment, and comparisons among 99 other P. patens transcriptomic studies. Here we present new high-throughput approaches for measuring P. patens growth, identify novel expression of over 800 genes that are not expressed on traditional agar media, identify subtle interactions between P. patens and Mortierellaceae, and observe changes to plant-fungal interactions dependent on whether MRE or BRE are present. Our study provides insights into how plants and fungal partners may have interacted based on their communications observed today as well as identifying L. elongata and B. erionia as modern fungal endophytes with P. patens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis Mathieu
- Genetics and Genome Science Graduate Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Abigail E Bryson
- Genetics and Genome Science Graduate Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Britta Hamberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Vasanth Singan
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Keykhosrow Keymanesh
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Kerrie Barry
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Stephen Mondo
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Jasmyn Pangilinan
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Maxim Koriabine
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Igor V Grigoriev
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Gregory Bonito
- Genetics and Genome Science Graduate Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Björn Hamberger
- Genetics and Genome Science Graduate Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Chan PL, Kwan HS, Xie Y, Wong KH, Chang J. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Mycelial and Fruiting Responses to Lithium Chloride in Coprinopsis cinerea. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:140. [PMID: 38392812 PMCID: PMC10890143 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020140] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Lithium chloride (LiCl) has been used in signalling and molecular studies of animals, plants, and yeast. However, information on its roles in basidiomycetous fungi is still limited. In this study, we used RNA-Seq to study the effects of LiCl on Coprinopsis cinerea. LiCl enhanced mycelial growth and inhibited fruiting body formation in C. cinerea. RNA-Seq of the LiCl-treated C. cinerea resulted in a total of 14,128 genes. There were 1199 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the LiCl-treated samples and control samples in the mycelium stage (the first time point), and 1391 DEGs were detected when the control samples were forming hyphal knots while the treated samples were still in the mycelium (the second time point). Pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs revealed a significant association between enhanced mycelium growth in the LiCl-treated C. cinerea and metabolic pathways. In addition, the DEGs involved in cellular process pathways, including "cell cycle-yeast" and "meiosis-yeast", were identified in suppressed C. cinerea fruiting body formation by LiCl under favourable environmental conditions. As LiCl can predominantly inhibit the activity of glycogen synthase kinase3 (GSK3), our findings suggest that LiCl affects the expression of genes involved in fruiting body initiation and cellular processes by inhibiting GSK3 activity which is essential for fruiting body formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Lam Chan
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi-Shan Kwan
- Food Research Centre, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yichun Xie
- Food Research Centre, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Hing Wong
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinhui Chang
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Dong Y, Du J, Deng Y, Cheng M, Shi Z, Zhu H, Sun H, Yu Q, Li M. Reduction of histone proteins dosages increases CFW sensitivity and attenuates virulence of Candida albicans. Microbiol Res 2024; 279:127552. [PMID: 38000336 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127552] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Histone proteins are important components of nucleosomes, which play an important role in regulating the accessibility of DNA and the function of genomes. However, the effect of histone proteins dosages on physiological processes is not clear in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In this study, we found that the deletion of the histone protein H3 coding gene HHT21 and the histone protein H4 coding gene HHF1 resulted in a significant decrease in the expression dosage of the histone proteins H3 and H4, which had a significant impact on the localization of the histone protein H2A and plasmid maintenance. Stress sensitivity experiments showed that the mutants hht21Δ/Δ, hhf1Δ/Δ and hht21Δ/Δhhf1Δ/Δ were more sensitive to cell wall stress induced by Calcofluor White (CFW) than the wild-type strain. Further studies showed that the decrease in the dosage of the histone proteins H3 and H4 led to the change of cell wall components, increased chitin contents, and down-regulated expression of the SAP9, KAR2, and CRH11 genes involved in the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. Overexpression of SAP9 could rescue the sensitivity of the mutants to CFW. Moreover, the decrease in the histone protein s dosages affected the FAD-catalyzed oxidation of Ero1 protein, resulting in the obstruction of protein folding in the ER, and thus reduced resistance to CFW. It was also found that CFW induced a large amount of ROS accumulation in the mutants, and the addition of ROS scavengers could restore the growth of the mutants under CFW treatment. In addition, the reduction of the histone proteins dosages greatly weakened systemic infection and kidney fungal burden in mice, and hyphal development was significantly impaired in the mutants under macrophage treatment, indicating that the histone proteins dosages is very important for the virulence of C. albicans. This study revealed that histone proteins dosages play a key role in the cell wall stress response and pathogenicity in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiawen Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ying Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mengjuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhishang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hangqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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Alves AMCV, de Brito ÉHS, de Araújo MFM, de Hollanda Celestino JJ, Leite ACRDM, Cruz GS, Azevedo NF, Rodrigues CF. Antifungal Susceptibility and Candida sp. Biofilm Production in Clinical Isolates of HIV-Positive Brazilian Patients under HAART Therapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:310. [PMID: 38397912 PMCID: PMC10886575 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020310] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to characterize biofilms formed by Candida spp. clinical isolates (n = 19), isolated from the oral mucosa of HIV-positive patients. For characterizing the biofilms formed by several Candida sp. strains, isolated from HIV-positive patients, in terms of formed biomass, matrix composition and antifungal susceptibility profile, clinical isolates (n = 19) were collected from oral mucosa and identified. The biofilm of the samples was cultured with fluconazole (1250 mg/L), voriconazole (800 mg/L), anidulafungin (2 mg/L) or amphotericin B (2 mg/L). Afterwards, the quantification of the total biomass was performed using crystal violet assay, while the proteins and carbohydrates levels were quantified in the matrix. The results showed a predominance of C. albicans, followed by C. krusei. Around 58% of the Candida spp. biofilm had susceptibility to fluconazole and voriconazole (800 mg/L), 53% to anidulafungin and 74% to amphotericin B. C. krusei presented both the lowest and the highest biofilm matrix contents in polysaccharides and proteins. The low resistance to antifungal agents reported here was probably due to the fact that none of the participants had a prolonged exposure to these antifungals. A predominance of less virulent Candida spp. strains with low or no resistance to antifungals was observed. This can be attributed to a low fungal selective pressure. This most probably happened due to a low fungal selective pressure but also due to a good adherence to HAART therapy, which guarantees a stable and stronger immune patient response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise Maria Costa Vasconcelos Alves
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-170, Ceará, Brazil;
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Érika Helena Salles de Brito
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Luso-Phony, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil; (É.H.S.d.B.); (J.J.d.H.C.); (A.C.R.d.M.L.)
| | | | - Juliana Jales de Hollanda Celestino
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Luso-Phony, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil; (É.H.S.d.B.); (J.J.d.H.C.); (A.C.R.d.M.L.)
| | - Ana Caroline Rocha de Melo Leite
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Luso-Phony, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil; (É.H.S.d.B.); (J.J.d.H.C.); (A.C.R.d.M.L.)
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Luso-Phony, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil; (É.H.S.d.B.); (J.J.d.H.C.); (A.C.R.d.M.L.)
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- 1H-TOXRUN—One Health Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
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10
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Bzducha-Wróbel A, Farkaš P, Bieliková S, Čížová A, Sujkowska-Rybkowska M. How do the carbon and nitrogen sources affect the synthesis of β-(1,3/1,6)-glucan, its structure and the susceptibility of Candida utilis yeast cells to immunolabelling with β-(1,3)-glucan monoclonal antibodies? Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:28. [PMID: 38243245 PMCID: PMC10799355 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02305-4] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The need to limit antibiotic therapy due to the spreading resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to these medicinal substances stimulates research on new therapeutic agents, including the treatment and prevention of animal diseases. This is one of the goals of the European Green Deal and the Farm-To-Fork strategy. Yeast biomass with an appropriate composition and exposure of cell wall polysaccharides could constitute a functional feed additive in precision animal nutrition, naturally stimulating the immune system to fight infections. RESULTS The results of the research carried out in this study showed that the composition of Candida utilis ATCC 9950 yeast biomass differed depending on growth medium, considering especially the content of β-(1,3/1,6)-glucan, α-glucan, and trehalose. The highest β-(1,3/1,6)-glucan content was observed after cultivation in deproteinated potato juice water (DPJW) as a nitrogen source and glycerol as a carbon source. Isolation of the polysaccharide from yeast biomass confirmed the highest yield of β-(1,3/1,6)-glucan after cultivation in indicated medium. The differences in the susceptibility of β-(1,3)-glucan localized in cells to interaction with specific β-(1,3)-glucan antibody was noted depending on the culture conditions. The polymer in cells from the DPJW supplemented with glycerol and galactose were labelled with monoclonal antibodies with highest intensity, interestingly being less susceptible to such an interaction after cell multiplication in medium with glycerol as carbon source and yeast extract plus peptone as a nitrogen source. CONCLUSIONS Obtained results confirmed differences in the structure of the β-(1,3/1,6)-glucan polymers considering side-chain length and branching frequency, as well as in quantity of β-(1,3)- and β-(1,6)-chains, however, no visible relationship was observed between the structural characteristics of the isolated polymers and its susceptibility to immunolabeling in whole cells. Presumably, other outer surface components and molecules can mask, shield, protect, or hide epitopes from antibodies. β-(1,3)-Glucan was more intensely recognized by monoclonal antibody in cells with lower trehalose and glycogen content. This suggests the need to cultivate yeast biomass under appropriate conditions to fulfil possible therapeutic functions. However, our in vitro findings should be confirmed in further studies using tissue or animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bzducha-Wróbel
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159C Street, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Pavol Farkaš
- Department of Glycobiotechnology, Institute of Chemistry Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 84538, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Sandra Bieliková
- Department of Glycomaterials, Institute of Chemistry Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 84538, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alžbeta Čížová
- Department of Glycomaterials, Institute of Chemistry Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 84538, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marzena Sujkowska-Rybkowska
- Department of Botany, Warsaw, Institute of Biology, University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159C Street, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Liu L, Wu H, Long Y, Yang X, Du C, Xu Y, Ji Q. Novel spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-quinoline]-2'-one derivatives containing piperazine fragment as potential chitin synthase inhibitors and antifungal agents: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115777. [PMID: 37660485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115777] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
A series of spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-quinoline]-2'-one derivatives were designed and synthesized for the discovery of novel antifungal drugs. The bioactivities of all derivatives were screened by evaluating their inhibitory effects against chitin synthase (CHS) and antimicrobial activities in vitro. Enzyme inhibition experiments showed that all the synthesized compounds inhibited the chitin synthase. Compounds 4d, 4k, 4n and 4o showed inhibitory effects against CHS with IC50 values which were close to that of the control drug (polyoxin B). The results of enzyme kinetics experiment showed that these compounds were non-competitive inhibitors of chitin synthase (Ki of compound 4o is 0.14 mM). Antimicrobial experiments showed that these compounds exhibited moderate to excellent antifungal activity against pathogenic fungal strains while the compounds showed little potency against bacteria. Among them, compounds 4d, 4f, 4k and 4n showed stronger antifungal activities against C. albicans than those of fluconazole and polyoxin B. Compounds 4f, 4n and 4o showed better antifungal activities against A. flavus than those of fluconazole and polyoxin B. Compound 4d showed similar activity to that of fluconazole and stronger activity than those of polyoxin B against C. neoformans and A. fumigatus. It is also showed that these compounds have the potency against drug-resistant fungal variants. The results of sorbitol protection assay and evaluation of antifungal activity against micafungin-resistant strains experiment further illustrated that these compounds inhibited the synthesis of chitin of fungal cell wall. Drug combination experiments showed that these compounds had synergistic or additive effects when combined with fluconazole or polyoxin B. The synergistic effects with polyoxin B further confirmed the compounds were non-competitive inhibitors of chitin synthase. Additionally, docking studies showed that these compounds had strong affinity with chitin synthase from C. albicans (CaChs2). These results indicate that the target of these synthesized compounds is chitin synthase, and these compounds had excellent antifungal activity while possessed the potency against drug-resistant fungal variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lige Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Hu Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yan Long
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Xinlong Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Chuanbiao Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yajie Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Qinggang Ji
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
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12
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Stover KR, Hawkins BK, Keck JM, Barber KE, Cretella DA. Antifungal resistance, combinations and pipeline: oh my! Drugs Context 2023; 12:2023-7-1. [PMID: 38021410 PMCID: PMC10653594 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-7-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are a strong contributor to healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality, especially amongst hospitalized patients. Historically, Candida was responsible for approximately 15% of all nosocomial bloodstream infections. In the past 10 years, the epidemiology of Candida species has altered, with increasing prevalence of resistant species. With rising fungal resistance, especially in Candida spp., the demand for novel antifungal therapies has exponentially increased over the last decade. Newer antifungal agents have become an attractive option for patients needing long-term therapy for infections or those requiring antifungal prophylaxis. Despite advances in coverage of non-Candida pathogens with newer agents, clinical scenarios involving multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens continue to arise in practice. Combination antifungal therapy can lead to a host of side-effects, some of which can be drug limiting. Additional antifungal therapies with enhanced fungal spectrum of activity and decreased rates of adverse effects are warranted. Fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, olorofim and rezafungin may help fill some of these gaps in the antifungal armamentarium. This article is part of the Challenges and strategies in the management of invasive fungal infections Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/challenges-and-strategies-in-the-management-of-invasive-fungal-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla R Stover
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Brandon K Hawkins
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - J Myles Keck
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Katie E Barber
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - David A Cretella
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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13
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Wang S, Zhao Y, Breslawec AP, Liang T, Deng Z, Kuperman LL, Yu Q. Strategy to combat biofilms: a focus on biofilm dispersal enzymes. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:63. [PMID: 37679355 PMCID: PMC10485009 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms, which consist of three-dimensional extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), not only function as signaling networks, provide nutritional support, and facilitate surface adhesion, but also serve as a protective shield for the residing bacterial inhabitants against external stress, such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, and host immune responses. Biofilm-associated infections account for 65-80% of all human microbial infections that lead to serious mortality and morbidity. Tremendous effort has been spent to address the problem by developing biofilm-dispersing agents to discharge colonized microbial cells to a more vulnerable planktonic state. Here, we discuss the recent progress of enzymatic eradicating strategies against medical biofilms, with a focus on dispersal mechanisms. Particularly, we review three enzyme classes that have been extensively investigated, namely glycoside hydrolases, proteases, and deoxyribonucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochi Wang
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanteng Zhao
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Alexandra P Breslawec
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Tingting Liang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University Jinming Campus, 475004, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Zhifen Deng
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Laura L Kuperman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA.
- Mirimus Inc., 760 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11226, USA.
| | - Qiuning Yu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
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14
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Jayachandran D, Banerjee S, Chundawat SPS. Plant cellulose synthase membrane protein isolation directly from Pichia pastoris protoplasts, liposome reconstitution, and its enzymatic characterization. Protein Expr Purif 2023:106309. [PMID: 37211149 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106309] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose is synthesized by a plant cell membrane-integrated processive glycosyltransferase (GT) called cellulose synthase (CesA). Since only a few of these plant CesAs have been purified and characterized to date, there are huge gaps in our mechanistic understanding of these enzymes. The biochemistry and structural biology studies of CesAs are currently hampered by challenges associated with their expression and extraction at high yields. To aid in understanding CesA reaction mechanisms and to provide a more efficient CesA extraction method, two putative plant CesAs - PpCesA5 from Physcomitrella patens and PttCesA8 from Populus tremula x tremuloides that are involved in primary and secondary cell wall formation in plants were expressed using Pichia pastoris as an expression host. We developed a protoplast-based membrane protein extraction approach to directly isolate these membrane-bound enzymes, as confirmed by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry-based analyses. Our method gives 3-4-fold higher purified protein yield than the standard cell homogenization protocol. Our method resulted in liposome reconstituted CesA5 and CesA8 enzymes with similar Michaelis-Menten kinetic constants, Km = 167 μM, 108 μM and Vmax = 7.88 × 10-5 μmol/min, 4.31 × 10-5 μmol/min, respectively, in concurrence with the previous studies for enzymes isolated using the standard protocol. Taken together, these results suggest that CesAs involved in primary and secondary cell wall formation can be expressed and purified using a simple and more efficient extraction method. This protocol could help isolate enzymes that unravel the mechanism of native and engineered cellulose synthase complexes involved in plant cell wall biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharanidaran Jayachandran
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Shoili Banerjee
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Shishir P S Chundawat
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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15
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Alves AMCV, Lopes BO, Leite ACRDM, Cruz GS, Brito ÉHSD, Lima LFD, Černáková L, Azevedo NF, Rodrigues CF. Characterization of Oral Candida spp. Biofilms in Children and Adults Carriers from Eastern Europe and South America. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050797. [PMID: 37237699 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050797] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCACs) are known to colonize and invade various tissues, including the oral mucosa. In this work, we aimed to characterize mature biofilms of several Candida spp. clinical isolates (n = 33) obtained from the oral mucosa of children, adults, and elders of Eastern Europe and South America. METHODS Each strain was evaluated for its capacity to form biofilms in terms of total biomass using the crystal violet assay and for matrix components production (proteins and carbohydrates) using the BCA and phenol-sulfuric tests, respectively. The effect of different antifungals on biofilm formation was studied. RESULTS in the children's group, a predominance of C. krusei (81%) was observed, while, among adults, the main species was C. albicans (59%). Most strains showed a reduced response to antimicrobial drugs when in biofilm form (p < 0.01). Moreover, it was observed that strains isolated from children produced more matrix, with higher levels of protein and polysaccharides. CONCLUSIONS children were more likely to be infected by NCACs than adults. More importantly, these NCACs were able to form biofilms richer in matrix components. This finding is of clinical importance, particularly in pediatric care, since stronger biofilms are highly associated with antimicrobial resistance, recurrent infections, and higher therapeutic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise Maria Costa Vasconcelos Alves
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Oliveira Lopes
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline Rocha de Melo Leite
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Érika Helena Salles de Brito
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Laritza Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation-LAMOFOPA, Post-Graduate Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará-UECE, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Campus do Itaperi, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lucia Černáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenidus University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
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16
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Controlled processivity in glycosyltransferases: A way to expand the enzymatic toolbox. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108081. [PMID: 36529206 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108081] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Glycosyltransferases (GT) catalyse the biosynthesis of complex carbohydrates which are the most abundant group of molecules in nature. They are involved in several key mechanisms such as cell signalling, biofilm formation, host immune system invasion or cell structure and this in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. As a result, research towards complete enzyme mechanisms is valuable to understand and elucidate specific structure-function relationships in this group of molecules. In a next step this knowledge could be used in GT protein engineering, not only for rational drug design but also for multiple biotechnological production processes, such as the biosynthesis of hyaluronan, cellooligosaccharides or chitooligosaccharides. Generation of these poly- and/or oligosaccharides is possible due to a common feature of several of these GTs: processivity. Enzymatic processivity has the ability to hold on to the growing polymer chain and some of these GTs can even control the number of glycosyl transfers. In a first part, recent advances in understanding the mechanism of various processive enzymes are discussed. To this end, an overview is given of possible engineering strategies for the purpose of new industrial and fundamental applications. In the second part of this review, we focused on specific chain length-controlling mechanisms, i.e., key residues or conserved regions, and this for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic enzymes.
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The Mushroom Glucans: Molecules of High Biological and Medicinal Importance. Foods 2023; 12:foods12051009. [PMID: 36900525 PMCID: PMC10000499 DOI: 10.3390/foods12051009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrates, including polysaccharide macromolecules, are the main constituents of the fungal cell wall. Among these, the homo- or heteropolymeric glucan molecules are decisive, as they not only protect fungal cells but also have broad, positive biological effects on the animal and human bodies. In addition to the beneficial nutritional properties of mushrooms (mineral elements, favorable proteins, low fat and energy content, pleasant aroma, and flavor), they have a high glucan content. Folk medicine (especially in the Far East) used medicinal mushrooms based on previous experience. At the end of the 19th century, but mainly since the middle of the 20th century, progressively more scientific information has been published. Glucans from mushrooms are polysaccharides that contain sugar chains, sometimes of only one kind (glucose), sometimes having several monosaccharide units, and they have two (α and β) anomeric forms (isomers). Their molecular weights range from 104 to 105 Da, and rarely 106 Da. X-ray diffraction studies were the first to determine the triple helix configuration of some glucans. It seems that the existence and integrity of the triple helix structure are criteria for their biological effects. Different glucans can be isolated from different mushroom species, and several glucan fractions can be obtained. The biosynthesis of glucans takes place in the cytoplasm, the processes of initiation and then chain extension take place with the help of the glucan synthase enzyme complex (EC 2.4.1.34), and the sugar units are provided by sugar donor UDPG molecules. The two methods used today for glucan determination are the enzymatic and Congo red methods. True comparisons can only be made using the same method. Congo red dye reacts with the tertiary triple helix structure, and the resulting glucan content better reflects the biological value of glucan molecules. The biological effect of β-glucan molecules is proportional to the integrity of the tertiary structure. The glucan contents of the stipe exceed the values of the caps. The glucan levels of individual fungal taxa (including varieties) differ quantitatively and qualitatively. This review presents in more detail the glucans of lentinan (from Lentinula edodes), pleuran (from Pleurotus ostreatus), grifolan (from Grifola frondose), schizophyllan (from Schizophyllum commune), and krestin (from Trametes versicolor), along with their main biological effects.
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Serine/Threonine Phosphatase Calcineurin Orchestrates the Intrinsic Resistance to Micafungin in the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Mucor circinelloides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0068622. [PMID: 36688672 PMCID: PMC9933632 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00686-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Procedures such as solid-organ transplants and cancer treatments can leave many patients in an immunocompromised state. This leads to their increased susceptibility to opportunistic diseases such as fungal infections. Mucormycosis infections are continually emerging and pose a serious threat to immunocompromised patients. Recently there has been a sharp increase in mucormycosis cases as a secondary infection in patients battling severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Mucorales fungi are notorious for presenting resistance to most antifungal drugs. The absence of effective means to treat these infections results in mortality rates approaching 100% in cases of disseminated infection. One of the most effective antifungal drug classes currently available is the echinocandins. Echinocandins seem to be efficacious in the treatment of many other fungal infections. Unfortunately, susceptibility testing has found that echinocandins have little to no effect on Mucorales fungi. In this study, we found that the model Mucorales Mucor circinelloides genome carries three copies of the genes encoding the echinocandin target protein β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthase (fksA, fksB, and fksC). Interestingly, we found that exposing M. circinelloides to micafungin significantly increased the expression of the fksA and fksB genes, resulting in an increased accumulation of β-(1,3)-d-glucan on the cell walls. However, this overexpression of the fks genes is not directly connected to the intrinsic resistance. Subsequent investigation discovered that the serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin regulates the expression of fksA and fksB, and the deletion of calcineurin results in a decrease in expression of all three fks genes. Deletion of calcineurin also results in a lower minimum effective concentration (MEC) of micafungin. In addition, we found that duplication of the fks gene is also responsible for the intrinsic resistance, in which lack of either fksA or fksB led a lower MEC of micafungin. Together, these findings demonstrate that calcineurin and fks gene duplication contribute to the intrinsic resistance to micafungin we observe in M. circinelloides.
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Xu X, Chen Y, Li B, Tian S. Histone H3K4 Methyltransferase PeSet1 Regulates Colonization, Patulin Biosynthesis, and Stress Responses of Penicillium expansum. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0354522. [PMID: 36633412 PMCID: PMC9927251 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03545-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruit blue mold disease and patulin contamination caused by Penicillium expansum lead to huge economic losses and food safety concerns worldwide. Many genes have been proven to be involved in the regulation of pathogenic and toxigenic processes of P. expansum. Histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is well recognized for its association with chromatin regulation and gene transcription. However, it is not clear whether H3K4 methylation is related to infection and patulin biosynthesis in Penicillium. Here, we characterized PeSet1, which is responsible for H3K4me1/me2/me3 in P. expansum. The deletion of PeSet1 caused severe defects in hyphal growth, conidiation, colonization, patulin biosynthesis, and stress responses. Moreover, we demonstrated that PeSet1 is involved in the regulation of patulin biosynthesis by mediating the expression of patulin cluster genes and crucial global regulatory factors. Likewise, PeSet1 positively regulated key genes in β-1,3-glucan biosynthesis and the reactive oxygen species scavenging process to modulate cell wall integrity and oxidative stress responses, respectively. Collectively, we have proven for the first time the function of Set1 in patulin biosynthesis and the crucial role of Set1 in colonization and stress responses in P. expansum. IMPORTANCE Penicillium expansum is one of the most important plant fungal pathogens, which not only causes blue mold rot in various fruits, leading to huge decay losses, but also produces mycotoxin patulin, posing a threat to human health. Both pathogenesis and patulin biosynthesis in P. expansum are regulated by complex and sophisticated networks. We focused on the epigenetic modification and identified a conserved histone H3K4 methyltransferase PeSet1 in P. expansum. Our work revealed the important role of PeSet1 in growth, development, colonization, patulin production, and stress responses of P. expansum. In particular, we originally described the regulation of Set1 on patulin biosynthetic pathway. These findings will provide new targets for the prevention and control of blue mold disease and patulin contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Boqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Wang M, Zhang Z, Dong X, Zhu B. Targeting β-glucans, vital components of the Pneumocystis cell wall. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094464. [PMID: 36845149 PMCID: PMC9947646 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
β-glucan is the most abundant polysaccharide in the cell wall of Pneumocystis jirovecii, which has attracted extensive attention because of its unique immunobiological characteristics. β-glucan binds to various cell surface receptors, which produces an inflammatory response and accounts for its immune effects. A deeper comprehension of the processes by Pneumocystis β-glucan recognizes its receptors, activates related signaling pathways, and regulates immunity as required. Such understanding will provide a basis for developing new therapies against Pneumocystis. Herein, we briefly review the structural composition of β-glucans as a vital component of the Pneumocystis cell wall, the host immunity mediated by β-glucans after their recognition, and discuss opportunities for the development of new strategies to combat Pneumocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyan Wang
- Department II of Infectious Diseases, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China,Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongdong Zhang
- Department II of Infectious Diseases, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotian Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Biao Zhu,
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21
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Slavin YN, Bach H. Mechanisms of Antifungal Properties of Metal Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12244470. [PMID: 36558323 PMCID: PMC9781740 DOI: 10.3390/nano12244470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of resistant species of fungi to the existent antimycotics is challenging for the scientific community. One emergent technology is the application of nanotechnology to develop novel antifungal agents. Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promising results as an alternative to classical antimycotics. This review summarizes and discusses the antifungal mechanisms of metal NPs, including combinations with other antimycotics, covering the period from 2005 to 2022. These mechanisms include but are not limited to the generation of toxic oxygen species and their cellular target, the effect of the cell wall damage and the hyphae and spores, and the mechanisms of defense implied by the fungal cell. Lastly, a description of the impact of NPs on the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles is discussed.
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22
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De Cesare GB, Hafez A, Stead D, Llorens C, Munro CA. Biomarkers of caspofungin resistance in Candida albicans isolates: A proteomic approach. Virulence 2022; 13:1005-1018. [PMID: 35730400 PMCID: PMC9225221 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2081291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a clinically important polymorphic fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. Antifungal therapy failure is a substantial clinical problem, due to the emergence of an increasing number of drug-resistant isolates. Caspofungin is a common antifungal drug, often used as first-line therapy that inhibits cell wall β-(1,3)-glucan synthesis. In this work, the cell surface of different echinocandin-resistant C. albicans clinical isolates was compared with sensitive isolates and their responses to echinocandin treatment analyzed. Proteomic analysis detected changes in the repertoire of proteins involved in cell wall organization and maintenance, in drug-resistant strains compared to susceptible isolates and after incubation with caspofungin. Moreover, an interaction network was created from the differential expression results. Our findings suggest drug resistance may involve not only a different cell wall architecture, but also a different response to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Buda De Cesare
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, UK
| | - Ahmed Hafez
- Biotechvana, Parc Científic Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Computer and Information, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - David Stead
- Aberdeen Proteomics, Rowett Institute ofNutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, UK
| | - Carlos Llorens
- Biotechvana, Parc Científic Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carol A Munro
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, UK
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23
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Men P, Geng C, Zhang X, Zhang W, Xie L, Feng D, Du S, Wang M, Huang X, Lu X. Biosynthesis mechanism, genome mining and artificial construction of echinocandin O-sulfonation. Metab Eng 2022; 74:160-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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24
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Polysaccharides: Sources, Characteristics, Properties, and Their Application in Biodegradable Films. POLYSACCHARIDES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/polysaccharides3030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradable films emerge as alternative biomaterials to conventional packaging from fossil sources, which, in addition to offering protection and increasing the shelf life of food products, are ecologically sustainable. The materials mostly used in their formulation are based on natural polysaccharides, plasticizing agents, and bioactive components (e.g., antimicrobial agents or antioxidants). The formulation of biodegradable films from polysaccharides and various plasticizers represents an alternative for primary packaging that can be assigned to specific food products, which opens the possibility of having multiple options of biodegradable films for the same product. This review describes the main characteristics of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature and highlights their role in the formulation of biodegradable films. The compilation and discussion emphasize studies that report on the mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable films when made from pure polysaccharides and when mixed with other polysaccharides and plasticizing agents.
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25
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Bouchery T, Volpe B, Doolan R, Coakley G, Moyat M, Esser‐von Bieren J, Wickramasinghe LC, Hibbs ML, Sotillo J, Camberis M, Le Gros G, Khan N, Williams D, Harris NL. β‐Glucan receptors on IL‐4 activated macrophages are required for hookworm larvae recognition and trapping. Immunol Cell Biol 2022; 100:223-234. [PMID: 35156238 PMCID: PMC9314611 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of host immunity against parasitic nematodes have revealed the importance of macrophages in trapping tissue migratory larvae. Protective immune mechanisms against the rodent hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) are mediated, at least in part, by IL‐4‐activated macrophages that bind and trap larvae in the lung. However, it is still not clear how host macrophages recognize the parasite. An in vitro co‐culture system of bone marrow‐derived macrophages and Nb infective larvae was utilized to screen for the possible ligand–receptor pair involved in macrophage attack of larvae. Competitive binding assays revealed an important role for β‐glucan recognition in the process. We further identified a role for CD11b and the non‐classical pattern recognition receptor ephrin‐A2 (EphA2), but not the highly expressed β‐glucan dectin‐1 receptor, in this process of recognition. This work raises the possibility that parasitic nematodes synthesize β‐glucans and it identifies CD11b and ephrin‐A2 as important pattern recognition receptors involved in the host recognition of these evolutionary old pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first time that EphA2 has been implicated in immune responses to a helminth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Bouchery
- Global Health Institute Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne Switzerland
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School The Alfred Centre Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Beatrice Volpe
- Global Health Institute Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Rory Doolan
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School The Alfred Centre Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Gillian Coakley
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School The Alfred Centre Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Mati Moyat
- Global Health Institute Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne Switzerland
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School The Alfred Centre Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Julia Esser‐von Bieren
- Global Health Institute Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne Switzerland
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich Munich Germany
| | - Lakshanie C Wickramasinghe
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School The Alfred Centre Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Margaret L Hibbs
- Leukocyte Signaling Laboratory Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School The Alfred Centre Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine James Cook University Cairns QLD Australia
| | - Mali Camberis
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research Wellington New Zealand
| | - Graham Le Gros
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research Wellington New Zealand
| | - Nemat Khan
- Mayne Academy of Paediatrics and Child Health The University of Queensland Herston QLD Australia
| | - David Williams
- Department of Surgery Quillen College of Medicine Center for Inflammation Infectious Disease and Immunity East Tennessee State University Johnson City TN USA
| | - Nicola L Harris
- Global Health Institute Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne Switzerland
- Laboratory of Intestinal Immunology Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School The Alfred Centre Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
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Darwish RM, AlMasri M, Al‐Masri MM. Mucormycosis: The Hidden and Forgotten Disease. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:4042-4057. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.15487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rula M. Darwish
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy The University of Jordan Amman Jordan
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Crosstalk between Yeast Cell Plasma Membrane Ergosterol Content and Cell Wall Stiffness under Acetic Acid Stress Involving Pdr18. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020103. [PMID: 35205858 PMCID: PMC8880318 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetic acid is a major inhibitory compound in several industrial bioprocesses, in particular in lignocellulosic yeast biorefineries. Cell envelope remodeling, involving cell wall and plasma membrane composition, structure and function, is among the mechanisms behind yeast adaptation and tolerance to stress. Pdr18 is a plasma membrane ABC transporter of the pleiotropic drug resistance family and a reported determinant of acetic acid tolerance mediating ergosterol transport. This study provides evidence for the impact of Pdr18 expression in yeast cell wall during adaptation to acetic acid stress. The time-course of acetic-acid-induced transcriptional activation of cell wall biosynthetic genes (FKS1, BGL2, CHS3, GAS1) and of increased cell wall stiffness and cell wall polysaccharide content in cells with the PDR18 deleted, compared to parental cells, is reported. Despite the robust and more intense adaptive response of the pdr18Δ population, the stress-induced increase of cell wall resistance to lyticase activity was below parental strain levels, and the duration of the period required for intracellular pH recovery from acidification and growth resumption was higher in the less tolerant pdr18Δ population. The ergosterol content, critical for plasma membrane stabilization, suffered a drastic reduction in the first hour of cultivation under acetic acid stress, especially in pdr18Δ cells. Results revealed a crosstalk between plasma membrane ergosterol content and cell wall biophysical properties, suggesting a coordinated response to counteract the deleterious effects of acetic acid.
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Ahmadipour S, Field RA, Miller GJ. Prospects for anti- Candida therapy through targeting the cell wall: A mini-review. Cell Surf 2021; 7:100063. [PMID: 34746525 PMCID: PMC8551693 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2021.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of fungal infections on humans is a serious public health issue that has received much less attention than bacterial infection and treatment, despite ever-increasing incidence exacerbated by an increased incidence of immunocompromised individuals in the population. Candida species, in particular, cause some of the most prevalent hospital-related fungal infections. Fungal infections are also detrimental to the well-being of grazing livestock, with milk production in dairy cows, and body and coat condition adversely affected by fungal infections. Fungal cell walls are essential for viability, morphogenesis and pathogenesis: numerous anti-fungal drugs rely on targeting either the cell wall or cell membrane, but the pipeline of available bioactives is limited. There is a clear and unmet need to identify novel targets and develop new classes of anti-fungal agents. This mini review focuses on fungal cell wall structure, composition and biosynthesis in Candida spp., including C. auris. In addition, an overview of current advances in the development of cell wall targeted therapies is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Ahmadipour
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom.,Iceni Diagnostics Ltd, The Innovation Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7GJ, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A Field
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom.,Iceni Diagnostics Ltd, The Innovation Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7GJ, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Miller
- Lennard-Jones Laboratory, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
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29
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Bai J, Li L, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Liang L, Ma X, Ma W, Ma L. Mutation of glucan synthase catalytic subunit in Beauveria bassiana affects fungal growth and virulence. Fungal Genet Biol 2021; 158:103637. [PMID: 34798271 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana is a well-known entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes on a variety of insect species. Glucan in the cell wall of B. bassiana plays a crucial role in its structure and growth and is also involved in the activation of the host insect's immune system. Glucan biosynthesis is primarily regulated by glucan synthase, however, it is unclear if the glucan synthase catalytic subunit gene (GluS) affects the growth and virulence of B. bassiana. In this study, we constructed the mutant of the B. bassiana glucan synthase catalytic subunit (ΔGluS) by homologous recombination and observed that glucan synthase knockout affects both spore germination and cell area. Further enzyme-based assays along with gene expression analysis of glucan synthase revealed a significant downregulation in the mutant strains compared to the wild type of B. bassiana. Moreover, the virulence of ΔGluS strains against gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) showed no significant difference compared to the wild-type strains when injected, while the spraying gypsy moths with the conidia of ΔGluS was significantly more lethal than spraying the conidia of the wild type. Altogether, our study constructed a new, highly efficient B. bassiana mutant that can be used for pest control and provides a readily transferable method for other insect-entomopathogenic interaction studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyang Bai
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Liwei Liang
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; Institute of Forest Protection, Heilongjiang Academy of Forestry, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Wei Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; Forest Protection Technology Innovation Center, Harbin, China.
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Kothiwal D, Gopinath S, Laloraya S. Cohesin dysfunction results in cell wall defects in budding yeast. Genetics 2021; 217:1-16. [PMID: 33683362 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cohesin is a conserved chromatin-binding multisubunit protein complex involved in diverse chromosomal transactions such as sister-chromatid cohesion, chromosome condensation, regulation of gene expression, DNA replication, and repair. While working with a budding yeast temperature-sensitive mutant, mcd1-1, defective in a cohesin subunit, we observed that it was resistant to zymolyase, indicating an altered cell wall organization. The budding yeast cell wall is a strong but elastic structure essential for maintenance of cell shape and protection from extreme environmental challenges. Here, we show that the cohesin complex plays an important role in cell wall maintenance. Cohesin mutants showed high chitin content in the cell wall and sensitivity to multiple cell wall stress-inducing agents. Interestingly, temperature-dependent lethality of cohesin mutants was osmoremedial, in a HOG1-MAPK pathway-dependent manner, suggesting that the temperature sensitivity of these mutants may arise partially from cell wall defects. Moreover, Mpk1 hyper-phosphorylation indicated activation of the cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathway in cohesin mutants. Genetic interaction analysis revealed that the CWI pathway is essential for survival of mcd1-1 upon additional cell wall stress. The cell wall defect was independent of the cohesion function and accompanied by misregulation of expression of several genes having cell wall-related functions. Our findings reveal a requirement of cohesin in maintenance of CWI that is independent of the CWI pathway, and that may arise from cohesin's role in regulating the expression of multiple genes encoding proteins involved in cell wall organization and biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepash Kothiwal
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, C. V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Swagathnath Gopinath
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, C. V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Shikha Laloraya
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, C. V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560012, India
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31
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Curto MÁ, Butassi E, Ribas JC, Svetaz LA, Cortés JCG. Natural products targeting the synthesis of β(1,3)-D-glucan and chitin of the fungal cell wall. Existing drugs and recent findings. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 88:153556. [PMID: 33958276 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last three decades systemic fungal infections associated to immunosuppressive therapies have become a serious healthcare problem. Clinical development of new antifungals is an urgent requirement. Since fungal but not mammalian cells are encased in a carbohydrate-containing cell wall, which is required for the growth and viability of fungi, the inhibition of cell wall synthesizing machinery, such as β(1,3)-D-glucan synthases (GS) and chitin synthases (CS) that catalyze the synthesis of β(1-3)-D-glucan and chitin, respectively, represent an ideal mode of action of antifungal agents. Although the echinocandins anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin are clinically well-established GS inhibitors for the treatment of invasive fungal infections, much effort must still be made to identify inhibitors of other enzymes and processes involved in the synthesis of the fungal cell wall. PURPOSE Since natural products (NPs) have been the source of several antifungals in clinical use and also have provided important scaffolds for the development of semisynthetic analogues, this review was devoted to investigate the advances made to date in the discovery of NPs from plants that showed capacity of inhibiting cell wall synthesis targets. The chemical characterization, specific target, discovery process, along with the stage of development are provided here. METHODS An extensive systematic search for NPs against the cell wall was performed considering all the articles published until the end of 2020 through the following scientific databases: NCBI PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar and using the combination of the terms "natural antifungals" and "plant extracts" with "fungal cell wall". RESULTS The first part of this review introduces the state of the art of the structure and biosynthesis of the fungal cell wall and considers exclusively those naturally produced GS antifungals that have given rise to both existing semisynthetic approved drugs and those derivatives currently in clinical trials. According to their chemical structure, natural GS inhibitors can be classified as 1) cyclic lipopeptides, 2) glycolipids and 3) acidic terpenoids. We also included nikkomycins and polyoxins, NPs that inhibit the CS, which have traditionally been considered good candidates for antifungal drug development but have finally been discarded after enduring unsuccessful clinical trials. Finally, the review focuses in the most recent findings about the growing field of plant-derived molecules and extracts that exhibit activity against the fungal cell wall. Thus, this search yielded sixteen articles, nine of which deal with pure compounds and seven with plant extracts or fractions with proven activity against the fungal cell wall. Regarding the mechanism of action, seven (44%) produced GS inhibition while five (31%) inhibited CS. Some of them (56%) interfered with other components of the cell wall. Most of the analyzed articles refer to tests carried out in vitro and therefore are in early stages of development. CONCLUSION This report delivers an overview about both existing natural antifungals targeting GS and CS activities and their mechanisms of action. It also presents recent discoveries on natural products that may be used as starting points for the development of potential selective and non-toxic antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ángeles Curto
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica and Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Estefanía Butassi
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Juan C Ribas
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica and Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura A Svetaz
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Juan C G Cortés
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica and Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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Ribeiro RA, Vitorino MV, Godinho CP, Bourbon-Melo N, Robalo TT, Fernandes F, Rodrigues MS, Sá-Correia I. Yeast adaptive response to acetic acid stress involves structural alterations and increased stiffness of the cell wall. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12652. [PMID: 34135398 PMCID: PMC8209030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92069-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This work describes a coordinate and comprehensive view on the time course of the alterations occurring at the level of the cell wall during adaptation of a yeast cell population to sudden exposure to a sub-lethal stress induced by acetic acid. Acetic acid is a major inhibitory compound in industrial bioprocesses and a widely used preservative in foods and beverages. Results indicate that yeast cell wall resistance to lyticase activity increases during acetic acid-induced growth latency, corresponding to yeast population adaptation to sudden exposure to this stress. This response correlates with: (i) increased cell stiffness, assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM); (ii) increased content of cell wall β-glucans, assessed by fluorescence microscopy, and (iii) slight increase of the transcription level of the GAS1 gene encoding a β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase that leads to elongation of (1→3)-β-D-glucan chains. Collectively, results reinforce the notion that the adaptive yeast response to acetic acid stress involves a coordinate alteration of the cell wall at the biophysical and molecular levels. These alterations guarantee a robust adaptive response essential to limit the futile cycle associated to the re-entry of the toxic acid form after the active expulsion of acetate from the cell interior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A Ribeiro
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel V Vitorino
- BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departament of Physics, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia P Godinho
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Bourbon-Melo
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago T Robalo
- BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departament of Physics, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fábio Fernandes
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mário S Rodrigues
- BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departament of Physics, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Sá-Correia
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
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β-Glucan phosphorylases in carbohydrate synthesis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4073-4087. [PMID: 33970317 PMCID: PMC8140972 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract β-Glucan phosphorylases are carbohydrate-active enzymes that catalyze the reversible degradation of β-linked glucose polymers, with outstanding potential for the biocatalytic bottom-up synthesis of β-glucans as major bioactive compounds. Their preference for sugar phosphates (rather than nucleotide sugars) as donor substrates further underlines their significance for the carbohydrate industry. Presently, they are classified in the glycoside hydrolase families 94, 149, and 161 (www.cazy.org). Since the discovery of β-1,3-oligoglucan phosphorylase in 1963, several other specificities have been reported that differ in linkage type and/or degree of polymerization. Here, we present an overview of the progress that has been made in our understanding of β-glucan and associated β-glucobiose phosphorylases, with a special focus on their application in the synthesis of carbohydrates and related molecules. Key points • Discovery, characteristics, and applications of β-glucan phosphorylases. • β-Glucan phosphorylases in the production of functional carbohydrates.
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Chhetri A, Loksztejn A, Yokoyama K. Quantitative Characterization of the Amount and Length of (1,3)-β-d-glucan for Functional and Mechanistic Analysis of Fungal (1,3)-β-d-glucan Synthase. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e3995. [PMID: 34124296 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
(1,3)-β-d-Glucan synthase (GS) is an essential enzyme for fungal cell wall biosynthesis that catalyzes the synthesis of (1,3)-β-d-glucan, a major and vital component of the cell wall. GS is a proven target of antifungal antibiotics including FDA-approved echinocandin derivatives; however, the function and mechanism of GS remain largely uncharacterized due to the absence of informative activity assays. Previously, a radioactive assay and reducing end modification have been used to characterize GS activity. The radioactive assay determines only the total amount of glucan formed through glucose incorporation and does not report the length of the polymers produced. The glucan length has been characterized by reducing end modification, but this method is unsuitable for mechanistic studies due to the very high detection limit of millimolar amounts and the labor intensiveness of the technique. Consequently, fundamental aspects of GS catalysis, such as the polymer length specificity, remain ambiguous. We have developed a size exclusion chromatography (SEC)-based method that allows detailed functional and mechanistic characterization of GS. The approach harnesses the pH-dependent solubility of (1,3)-β-d-glucan, where (1,3)-β-d-glucan forms water-soluble random coils under basic pH conditions, and can be analyzed by SEC using pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) and radioactivity counting (RC). This approach allows quantitative characterization of the total amount and length of glucan produced by GS with minimal workup and a d-glucose (Glc) detection limit of ~100 pmol. Consequently, this approach was successfully used for the kinetic characterization of GS, providing the first detailed mechanistic insight into GS catalysis. Due to its sensitivity, the assay is applicable to the characterization of GS from any fungi and can be adapted to study other polysaccharide synthases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chhetri
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna Loksztejn
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kenichi Yokoyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Zhou Q, Wang J, Jiang H, Wang G, Wang Y. Deep sequencing of the Sanghuangporus vaninii transcriptome reveals dynamic landscapes of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of active compounds. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:2315-2324. [PMID: 33646337 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02225-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The medicinal fungus Sanghuang produces diverse bioactive compounds and is widely used in Asian countries. However, little is known about the genes and pathways involved in the biosynthesis of these active compounds. Based on our previous study providing Sanghuangporus vaninii genomic information, the transcriptomes of MY (mycelium), OY (1-year-old fruiting bodies), and TY (3-year-old fruiting bodies) were determined in this study. A significant number of genes (4774) were up- or downregulated between mycelium and fruiting bodies, but only 1422 differentially expressed genes were detected between OY and TY. 138 genes encoding P450s were identified in the fungal genome and grouped into 25 P450 families; more than 64% (88) of the genes were significantly differentially expressed between the mycelium and fruiting body, suggesting that these P450s are involved in fungal sexual development. Importantly, the expression of genes involved in bioactive compound (triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids) biosynthesis in asexual (cultured with solid and liquid media) and sexual stages was explored and combined with transcriptome and quantitative PCR analyses. More genes involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds were expressed more highly in mycelium than in fruiting bodies under liquid medium culture compared with solid medium culture, which was consistent with the yields of different bioactive compounds, suggesting that liquid fermentation of S. vaninii Kangneng can be used to obtain these bioactive compounds. A comprehensive understanding of the genomic information of S. vaninii will facilitate its potential use in pharmacological and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Zhou
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jiuxiang Wang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Gaofei Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Bianqiao Town, Bianqiao, 273305, China
| | - Yulong Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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Jallow S, Govender NP. Ibrexafungerp: A First-in-Class Oral Triterpenoid Glucan Synthase Inhibitor. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030163. [PMID: 33668824 PMCID: PMC7996284 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ibrexafungerp (formerly SCY-078 or MK-3118) is a first-in-class triterpenoid antifungal or “fungerp” that inhibits biosynthesis of β-(1,3)-D-glucan in the fungal cell wall, a mechanism of action similar to that of echinocandins. Distinguishing characteristics of ibrexafungerp include oral bioavailability, a favourable safety profile, few drug–drug interactions, good tissue penetration, increased activity at low pH and activity against multi-drug resistant isolates including C. auris and C. glabrata. In vitro data has demonstrated broad and potent activity against Candida and Aspergillus species. Importantly, ibrexafungerp also has potent activity against azole-resistant isolates, including biofilm-forming Candida spp., and echinocandin-resistant isolates. It also has activity against the asci form of Pneumocystis spp., and other pathogenic fungi including some non-Candida yeasts and non-Aspergillus moulds. In vivo data have shown IBX to be effective for treatment of candidiasis and aspergillosis. Ibrexafungerp is effective for the treatment of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis in completed phase 3 clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabelle Jallow
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM), National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-11-386-6395
| | - Nelesh P. Govender
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM), National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa;
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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Jiménez-Ortigosa C, Jiang J, Chen M, Kuang X, Healey KR, Castellano P, Boparai N, Ludtke SJ, Perlin DS, Dai W. Cryo-Electron Tomography of Candida glabrata Plasma Membrane Proteins. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:120. [PMID: 33562124 PMCID: PMC7914498 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal plasma membrane proteins have long been recognized as targets for the development of antifungal agents. Despite recent progress in experimental approaches and computational structural predictions, our knowledge of the structural dynamics and spatial distribution of these membrane proteins in the context of their native lipid environment remains limited. By applying cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) and subtomogram analysis, we aim to characterize the structural characteristics and spatial distribution of membrane proteins present in Candida glabrata plasma membranes. This study has resulted in the identification of the membrane-embedded structure of the fungal H+-ATPase, Pma1. Tomograms of the plasma membrane revealed that Pma1 complexes are heterogeneously distributed as hexamers that cluster into distinct membrane microdomains. This study characterizes fungal membrane proteins in the native cellular landscape and highlights the unique potential of cryoET to advance our understanding of cellular biology and biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Jiménez-Ortigosa
- Hackensack Meridian Health-Center for Discovery and Innovation, 111 Ideation Way, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Jennifer Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (J.J.); (X.K.); (P.C.); (N.B.)
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Muyuan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.C.); (S.J.L.)
| | - Xuyuan Kuang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (J.J.); (X.K.); (P.C.); (N.B.)
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Kelley R. Healey
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA;
| | - Paul Castellano
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (J.J.); (X.K.); (P.C.); (N.B.)
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Nikpreet Boparai
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (J.J.); (X.K.); (P.C.); (N.B.)
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Steven J. Ludtke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.C.); (S.J.L.)
| | - David S. Perlin
- Hackensack Meridian Health-Center for Discovery and Innovation, 111 Ideation Way, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (J.J.); (X.K.); (P.C.); (N.B.)
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Plaza V, Silva-Moreno E, Castillo L. Breakpoint: Cell Wall and Glycoproteins and their Crucial Role in the Phytopathogenic Fungi Infection. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:227-244. [PMID: 31490745 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190906165111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The cell wall that surrounds fungal cells is essential for their survival, provides protection against physical and chemical stresses, and plays relevant roles during infection. In general, the fungal cell wall is composed of an outer layer of glycoprotein and an inner skeletal layer of β-glucans or α- glucans and chitin. Chitin synthase genes have been shown to be important for septum formation, cell division and virulence. In the same way, chitin can act as a potent elicitor to activate defense response in several plant species; however, the fungi can convert chitin to chitosan during plant infection to evade plant defense mechanisms. Moreover, α-1,3-Glucan, a non-degradable polysaccharide in plants, represents a key feature in fungal cell walls formed in plants and plays a protective role for this fungus against plant lytic enzymes. A similar case is with β-1,3- and β-1,6-glucan which are essential for infection, structure rigidity and pathogenicity during fungal infection. Cell wall glycoproteins are also vital to fungi. They have been associated with conidial separation, the increase of chitin in conidial cell walls, germination, appressorium formation, as well as osmotic and cell wall stress and virulence; however, the specific roles of glycoproteins in filamentous fungi remain unknown. Fungi that can respond to environmental stimuli distinguish these signals and relay them through intracellular signaling pathways to change the cell wall composition. They play a crucial role in appressorium formation and penetration, and release cell wall degrading enzymes, which determine the outcome of the interaction with the host. In this review, we highlight the interaction of phypatophogen cell wall and signaling pathways with its host and their contribution to fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Plaza
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile
| | - Evelyn Silva-Moreno
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Luis Castillo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile
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Fang X, Cui J, Zhai Y, Liu J, Rao J, Zhang Z, Chen J, Liu J, Miao Q, Shen Q, Xu H. Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Fungal Peritonitis in Children on Peritoneal Dialysis. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:683992. [PMID: 34277521 PMCID: PMC8277999 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.683992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To analyse the clinical manifestations, aetiology, prognosis, and risk factors of fungal peritonitis (FP) in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: Among 322 children undergoing PD at Children's Hospital of Fudan University, between January 2001 and December 2019, FP cases were retrospectively analysed and compared with those of bacterial peritonitis (BP) to analyse the risk factors of FP. Results: A total of 124 cases of peritonitis were treated, including 11 FP cases in 11 children (0.0019 episodes/patient*month) and 113 BP cases in 64 children (0.02 episodes/patient*month). Among the 11 FP cases, 7 cases (63.64%) were caused by Candida and Candida parapsilosis (5/7) was the most common pathogen of Candida. All FP patients were converted to haemodialysis (HD) and did not resume PD during follow-up. Two patients (18.2%) died after 6 months of HD due to heart failure, 2 patients underwent kidney transplant after 2 years of infection, and the other 7 patients were still on HD. The univariate analysis showed the usage rate of antibiotics in the month before the onset of peritonitis was higher (45.45 vs. 15.93%) and the mean serum albumin was lower (31.4 vs. 34.4 g/L) in the FP group when compared with BP group (P < 0.05), while multivariate analysis showed that serum albumin ≤ 30 g/L was an independent risk factor for FP (odds ratio 4.896, 95% confidence interval 1.335-17.961). Conclusion: FP is a rare complication of PD in children, but it is associated with high technique failure. Attention should be paid to hypoproteinaemia and antibiotic use in children on PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Fang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Zhai
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaojiao Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Rao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianfan Miao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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Sakthivel S, Periakaruppan R, Chandrasekaran R, Abd-Elsalam KA. Zinc nanomaterials: Synthesis, antifungal activity, and mechanisms. ZINC-BASED NANOSTRUCTURES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS 2021:139-165. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822836-4.00009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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41
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Tamez-Castrellón AK, Romeo O, García-Carnero LC, Lozoya-Pérez NE, Mora-Montes HM. Virulence Factors in Sporothrix schenckii, One of the Causative Agents of Sporotrichosis. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:295-312. [PMID: 31589121 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666191007103004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is one of the etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a fungal infection distributed worldwide. Both, the causative organism and the disease have currently received limited attention by the medical mycology community, most likely because of the low mortality rates associated with it. Nonetheless, morbidity is high in endemic regions and the versatility of S. schenckii to cause zoonosis and sapronosis has attracted attention. Thus far, virulence factors associated with this organism are poorly described. Here, comparing the S. schenckii genome sequence with other medically relevant fungi, genes involved in morphological change, cell wall synthesis, immune evasion, thermotolerance, adhesion, biofilm formation, melanin production, nutrient uptake, response to stress, extracellular vesicle formation, and toxin production are predicted and discussed as putative virulence factors in S. schenckii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma K Tamez-Castrellón
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Laura C García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
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Luo H, Qian J, Xu Z, Liu W, Xu L, Li Y, Xu J, Zhang J, Xu X, Liu C, He L, Li J, Sun C, Martin F, Song J, Chen S. The Wolfiporia cocos Genome and Transcriptome Shed Light on the Formation of Its Edible and Medicinal Sclerotium. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2020; 18:455-467. [PMID: 33359677 PMCID: PMC8242266 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Wolfiporia cocos (F. A. Wolf) has been praised as a food delicacy and medicine for centuries in China. Here, we present the genome and transcriptome of the Chinese strain CGMCC5.78 of W. cocos. High-confidence functional prediction was made for 9277 genes among the 10,908 total predicted gene models in the W. cocos genome. Up to 2838 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified to be related to sclerotial development by comparing the transcriptomes of mycelial and sclerotial tissues. These DEGs are involved in mating processes, differentiation of fruiting body tissues, and metabolic pathways. A number of genes encoding enzymes and regulatory factors related to polysaccharide and triterpenoid production were strikingly regulated. A potential triterpenoid gene cluster including the signature lanosterol synthase (LSS) gene and its modified components were annotated. In addition, five nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS)-like gene clusters, eight polyketide synthase (PKS) gene clusters, and 15 terpene gene clusters were discovered in the genome. The differential expression of the velevt family proteins, transcription factors, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and signaling components indicated their essential roles in the regulation of fungal development and secondary metabolism in W. cocos. These genomic and transcriptomic resources will be valuable for further investigations of the molecular mechanisms controlling sclerotial formation and for its improved medicinal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Luo
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhichao Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanjing Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Ying Li
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jianhong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaolan Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Liu He
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianqin Li
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Francis Martin
- INRA, Université de Lorraine, UMR 1136 Interactions Arbres/Microorganismes, 54280 Champenoux, France; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Institute of Microbiology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jingyuan Song
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shilin Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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Hucke FIL, Bugert JJ. Current and Promising Antivirals Against Chikungunya Virus. Front Public Health 2020; 8:618624. [PMID: 33384981 PMCID: PMC7769948 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.618624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the causative agent of chikungunya fever (CHIKF) and is categorized as a(n) (re)emerging arbovirus. CHIKV has repeatedly been responsible for outbreaks that caused serious economic and public health problems in the affected countries. To date, no vaccine or specific antiviral therapies are available. This review gives a summary on current antivirals that have been investigated as potential therapeutics against CHIKF. The mode of action as well as possible compound targets (viral and host targets) are being addressed. This review hopes to provide critical information on the in vitro efficacies of various compounds and might help researchers in their considerations for future experiments.
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Alonso-Monge R, Guirao-Abad JP, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Pla J, Yagüe G, Argüelles JC. The Fungicidal Action of Micafungin is Independent on Both Oxidative Stress Generation and HOG Pathway Signaling in Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121867. [PMID: 33256159 PMCID: PMC7768384 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121867] [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: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In fungi, the Mitogen-Activated Protein kinase (MAPK) pathways sense a wide variety of environmental stimuli, leading to cell adaptation and survival. The HOG pathway plays an essential role in the pathobiology of Candida albicans, including the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract in a mouse model, virulence, and response to stress. Here, we examined the role of Hog1 in the C. albicans response to the clinically relevant antifungal Micafungin (MF), whose minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was identical in the parental strain (RM100) and in the isogenic homozygous mutant hog1 (0.016 mg/L). The cell viability was impaired without significant differences between the parental strain, the isogenic hog1 mutant, and the Hog1+ reintegrant. This phenotype was quite similar in a collection of hog1 mutants constructed in a different C. albicans background. MF-treated cells failed to induce a relevant increase of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and activation of the mitochondrial membrane potential in parental and hog1 cells. MF was also unable to trigger any significant activation of the genes coding for the antioxidant activities catalase (CAT1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2), as well as on the corresponding enzymatic activities, whereas a clear induction was observed in the presence of Amphotericin B (AMB), introduced as a positive control of Hog1 signaling. Furthermore, Hog1 was not phosphorylated by the addition of MF, but, notably, this echinocandin caused Mkc1 phosphorylation. Our results strongly suggest that the toxic effect of MF on C. albicans cells is not mediated by the Hog1 MAPK and is independent of the generation of an internal oxidative stress in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Alonso-Monge
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.P.G.-A.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: (R.A.-M.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +34-91-3941888 (R.A.-M.); +34-868-887131 (J.C.A.); Fax: +34-91-3941745 (R.A.-M.); Phone: Fax: +34-868-993963 (J.C.A.)
| | - José P. Guirao-Abad
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.P.G.-A.); (J.P.)
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Ruth Sánchez-Fresneda
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Jesús Pla
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.P.G.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Genoveva Yagüe
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Juan Carlos Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (R.A.-M.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +34-91-3941888 (R.A.-M.); +34-868-887131 (J.C.A.); Fax: +34-91-3941745 (R.A.-M.); Phone: Fax: +34-868-993963 (J.C.A.)
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections in humans are generally associated with high mortality, making the choice of antifungal drug crucial for the outcome of the patient. The limited spectrum of antifungals available and the development of drug resistance represent the main concerns for the current antifungal treatments, requiring alternative strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), expressed in several organisms and used as first-line defenses against microbial infections, have emerged as potential candidates for developing new antifungal therapies, characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates. Most of the current literature focuses on peptides with antibacterial activity, but there are fewer studies of their antifungal properties. This review focuses on AMPs with antifungal effects, including their in vitro and in vivo activities, with the biological repercussions on the fungal cells, when known. The classification of the peptides is based on their mode of action: although the majority of AMPs exert their activity through the interaction with membranes, other mechanisms have been identified, including cell wall inhibition and nucleic acid binding. In addition, antifungal compounds with unknown modes of action are also described. The elucidation of such mechanisms can be useful to identify novel drug targets and, possibly, to serve as the templates for the synthesis of new antimicrobial compounds with increased activity and reduced host toxicity.
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Garcia-Effron G. Rezafungin-Mechanisms of Action, Susceptibility and Resistance: Similarities and Differences with the Other Echinocandins. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E262. [PMID: 33139650 PMCID: PMC7711656 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rezafungin (formerly CD101) is a new β-glucan synthase inhibitor that is chemically related with anidulafungin. It is considered the first molecule of the new generation of long-acting echinocandins. It has several advantages over the already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) echinocandins as it has better tissue penetration, better pharmacokinetic/phamacodynamic (PK/PD) pharmacometrics, and a good safety profile. It is much more stable in solution than the older echinocandins, making it more flexible in terms of dosing, storage, and manufacturing. These properties would allow rezafungin to be administered once-weekly (intravenous) and to be potentially administered topically and subcutaneously. In addition, higher dose regimens were tested with no evidence of toxic effect. This will eventually prevent (or reduce) the selection of resistant strains. Rezafungin also has several similarities with older echinocandins as they share the same in vitro behavior (very similar Minimum Inhibitory Concentration required to inhibit the growth of 50% of the isolates (MIC50) and half enzyme maximal inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50)) and spectrum, the same target, and the same mechanisms of resistance. The selection of FKS mutants occurred at similar frequency for rezafungin than for anidulafungin and caspofungin. In this review, rezafungin mechanism of action, target, mechanism of resistance, and in vitro data are described in a comparative manner with the already approved echinocandins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Garcia-Effron
- Laboratorio de Micología y Diagnóstico Molecular, Cátedra de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, C.P. 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; or ; Tel.: +54-9342-4575209 (ext. 135)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, C.P. 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
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Jaber QZ, Bibi M, Ksiezopolska E, Gabaldon T, Berman J, Fridman M. Elevated Vacuolar Uptake of Fluorescently Labeled Antifungal Drug Caspofungin Predicts Echinocandin Resistance in Pathogenic Yeast. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:1698-1712. [PMID: 33145409 PMCID: PMC7596861 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Echinocandins are the newest class of antifungal drugs in clinical use. These agents inhibit β-glucan synthase, which catalyzes the synthesis of β-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall, and have a high clinical efficacy and low toxicity. Echinocandin resistance is largely due to mutations in the gene encoding β-glucan synthase, but the mode of action is not fully understood. We developed fluorescent probes based on caspofungin, the first clinically approved echinocandin, and studied their cellular biology in Candida species, the most common cause of human fungal infections worldwide. Fluorescently labeled caspofungin probes, like the unlabeled drug, were most effective against metabolically active cells. The probes rapidly accumulated in Candida vacuoles, as shown by colocalization with vacuolar proteins and vacuole-specific stains. The uptake of fluorescent caspofungin is facilitated by endocytosis: The labeled drug formed vesicles similar to fluorescently labeled endocytic vesicles, the vacuolar accumulation of fluorescent caspofungin was energy-dependent, and inhibitors of endocytosis reduced its uptake. In a panel comprised of isogenic Candida strains carrying different β-glucan synthase mutations as well as clinical isolates, resistance correlated with increased fluorescent drug uptake into vacuoles. Fluorescent drug uptake also associated with elevated levels of chitin, a sugar polymer that increases cell-wall rigidity. Monitoring the intracellular uptake of fluorescent caspofungin provides a rapid and simple assay that can enable the prediction of echinocandin resistance, which is useful for research applications as well as for selecting the appropriate drugs for treatments of invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qais Z. Jaber
- School
of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Maayan Bibi
- School
of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George Wise Faculty of
Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ewa Ksiezopolska
- Barcelona
Supercomputing Centre (BSC−CNS) Jordi Girona, 29, Barcelona 08034, Spain
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona
Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldon
- Barcelona
Supercomputing Centre (BSC−CNS) Jordi Girona, 29, Barcelona 08034, Spain
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona
Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Catalan
Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Judith Berman
- School
of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George Wise Faculty of
Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School
of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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Involvement of the Cell Wall Integrity Pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Protection against Cadmium and Arsenate Stresses. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.01339-20. [PMID: 32859590 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01339-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of soil and water with heavy metals and metalloids is a serious environmental problem. Cadmium and arsenic are major environmental contaminants that pose a serious threat to human health. Although toxicities of cadmium and arsenic to living organisms have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms of cellular responses to cadmium and arsenic remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway is involved in coping with cell wall stresses induced by cadmium and arsenate through its role in the regulation of cell wall modification. Interestingly, the Rlm1p and SBF (Swi4p-Swi6p) complex transcription factors of the CWI pathway were shown to be specifically required for tolerance to cadmium and arsenate, respectively. Furthermore, we found the PIR2 gene, encoding cell wall O-mannosylated heat shock protein, whose expression is under the control of the CWI pathway, is important for maintaining cell wall integrity during cadmium and arsenate stresses. In addition, our results revealed that the CWI pathway is involved in modulating the expression of genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and cell cycle control in response to cadmium and arsenate via distinct sets of transcriptional regulators.IMPORTANCE Environmental pollution by metal/metalloids such as cadmium and arsenic has become a serious problem in many countries, especially in developing countries. This study shows that in the yeast S. cerevisiae, the CWI pathway plays a protective role against cadmium and arsenate through the upregulation of genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and cell cycle control, possibly in order to modulate cell wall reconstruction and cell cycle phase transition, respectively. These data provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive responses to cadmium and arsenate.
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Chromatin Structure and Drug Resistance in Candida spp. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030121. [PMID: 32751495 PMCID: PMC7559719 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the most serious threats to global human health and, appropriately, research to tackle AMR garnishes significant investment and extensive attention from the scientific community. However, most of this effort focuses on antibiotics, and research into anti-fungal resistance (AFR) is vastly under-represented in comparison. Given the growing number of vulnerable, immunocompromised individuals, as well as the positive impact global warming has on fungal growth, there is an immediate urgency to tackle fungal disease, and the disturbing rise in AFR. Chromatin structure and gene expression regulation play pivotal roles in the adaptation of fungal species to anti-fungal stress, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue to tackle AFR. In this review we discuss both the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms by which chromatin structure can dictate AFR mechanisms and will present evidence of how pathogenic yeast, specifically from the Candida genus, modify chromatin structure to promote survival in the presence of anti-fungal drugs. We also discuss the mechanisms by which anti-chromatin therapy, specifically lysine deacetylase inhibitors, influence the acquisition and phenotypic expression of AFR in Candida spp. and their potential as effective adjuvants to mitigate against AFR.
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50
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Zakharova AA, Efimova SS, Yuskovets VN, Yakovlev IP, Sarkisyan ZM, Ostroumova OS. 1,3-Thiazine, 1,2,3,4-Dithiadiazole, and Thiohydrazide Derivatives Affect Lipid Bilayer Properties and Ion-Permeable Pores Induced by Antifungals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:535. [PMID: 32695784 PMCID: PMC7339130 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00535] [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: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, thiazines, thiadiazoles, and thiohydrazides have attracted increasing attention due to their sedative, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antitumor activities. The clinical efficacy of such drugs, as well as the possibility of developing resistance to antimicrobials, will depend on addressing a number of fundamental problems, including the role of membrane lipids during their interaction with plasma membranes. The effects of the eight 1,3- thiazine-, 1,2,3,4- dithiadiazole-, and thiohydrazide-related compounds on the physical properties of model lipid membranes and the effects on reconstituted ion channels induced by the polyene macrolide antimycotic nystatin and antifungal cyclic lipopeptides syringomycin E and fengycin were observed. We found that among the tested agents, the fluorine-containing compound N′-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-benzenecarbothiohydrazide (C6) was the most effective at increasing the electric barrier for anion permeation into the hydrophobic region of the membrane and reducing the conductance of anion-permeable syringomycin pores. A decrease in the membrane boundary potential with C6 adsorption also facilitated the immersion of positively charged syringomycin molecules into the lipid bilayer and increases the pore-forming ability of the lipopeptide. Using differential scanning microcalorimetry, we showed that C6 led to disordering of membrane lipids, possibly by potentiating positive curvature stress. Therefore, we used C6 as an agonist of antifungals forming the pores that are sensitive to membrane curvature stress and lipid packing, i.e., nystatin and fengycin. The dramatic increase in transmembrane current induced by syringomycin E, nystatin, and fengycin upon C6 treatment suggests its potential in combination therapy for treating invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia A Zakharova
- Laboratory of Membrane and Ion Channel Modeling, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana S Efimova
- Laboratory of Membrane and Ion Channel Modeling, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Valeriy N Yuskovets
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor P Yakovlev
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Zara M Sarkisyan
- Department of General and Medical Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga S Ostroumova
- Laboratory of Membrane and Ion Channel Modeling, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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