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Samadlouie HR, Gharanjik S, Vatandost A, Tarvigi SMG. Interrelationship among substrate utilization, metabolic productions, and housekeeping-related gene expression levels in Mortierella alpine CBS 754.68. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 223:106987. [PMID: 38960329 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.106987] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The impacts of Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) on the expression of 10 potential housekeeping genes of Mortierella alpine were assayed. Actin emerged as the good candidate when Mortierella alpine entered the death phase subsequent to the growth phase while Dihydropteridine reductase and 28 s were identified as suitable candidates when Mortierella alpine remained in the growth phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Samadlouie
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran.
| | - Shahrokh Gharanjik
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Abdolah Vatandost
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Side Maryam Ghasemi Tarvigi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
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2
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Sah SK, Yadav A, Kruppa MD, Rustchenko E. Identification of 10 genes on Candida albicans chromosome 5 that control surface exposure of the immunogenic cell wall epitope β-glucan and cell wall remodeling in caspofungin-adapted mutants. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0329523. [PMID: 37966256 PMCID: PMC10714753 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03295-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Candida infections are often fatal in immuno-compromised individuals, resulting in many thousands of deaths per year. Caspofungin has proven to be an excellent anti-Candida drug and is now the frontline treatment for infections. However, as expected, the number of resistant cases is increasing; therefore, new treatment modalities are needed. We are determining metabolic pathways leading to decreased drug susceptibility in order to identify mechanisms facilitating evolution of clinical resistance. This study expands the understanding of genes that modulate drug susceptibility and reveals new targets for the development of novel antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudisht K. Sah
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Anshuman Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Michael D. Kruppa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elena Rustchenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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3
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Mokoena NZ, Steyn H, Hugo A, Dix-Peek T, Dickens C, Gcilitshana OMN, Sebolai O, Albertyn J, Pohl CH. Eicosapentaenoic acid influences the pathogenesis of Candida albicans in Caenorhabditis elegans via inhibition of hyphal formation and stimulation of the host immune response. Med Microbiol Immunol 2023; 212:349-368. [PMID: 37672050 PMCID: PMC10501937 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-023-00777-6] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is associated with health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This fatty acid also exhibits antifungal properties in vitro. In order to determine if this antifungal property is valid in vivo, we examined how EPA affects Candida albicans pathogenesis in the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, an alternative to mammalian host models. The nematodes were supplemented with EPA prior to infection, and the influence of EPA on C. elegans lipid metabolism, survival and immune response was studied. In addition, the influence of EPA on hyphal formation in C. albicans was investigated. It was discovered that EPA supplementation changed the lipid composition, but not the unsaturation index of C. elegans by regulating genes involved in fatty acid and eicosanoid production. EPA supplementation also delayed killing of C. elegans by C. albicans due to the inhibition of hyphal formation in vivo, via the action of the eicosanoid metabolite of EPA, 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Moreover, EPA supplementation also caused differential expression of biofilm-related gene expression in C. albicans and stimulated the immune response of C. elegans. This provides a link between EPA and host susceptibility to microbial infection in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Z Mokoena
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - H Steyn
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - A Hugo
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - T Dix-Peek
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - C Dickens
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - O M N Gcilitshana
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - O Sebolai
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - J Albertyn
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - C H Pohl
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
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4
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Kumar D, Kumar A. Cellular Attributes of Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated in Resistance Against Multidrug and Host Immune System. Microb Drug Resist 2023; 29:423-437. [PMID: 37428599 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2022.0347] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the ubiquitous hospital-acquired infections is associated with Candida albicans fungus. Usually, this commensal fungus causes no harm to its human host, as it lives mutually with mucosal/epithelial tissue surface cells. Nevertheless, due to the activity of various immune weakening factors, this commensal starts reinforcing its virulence attributes with filamentation/hyphal growth and building an absolute microcolony composed of yeast, hyphal, and pseudohyphal cells, which is suspended in an extracellular gel-like polymeric substance (EPS) called biofilms. This polymeric substance is the mixture of the secreted compounds from C. albicans as well as several host cell proteins. Indeed, the presence of these host factors makes their identification and differentiation process difficult by host immune components. The gel-like texture of the EPS makes it sticky, which adsorbs most of the extracolonial compounds traversing through it that aid in penetration hindrance. All these factors further contribute to the multidrug resistance phenotype of C. albicans biofilm that is spotlighted in this article. The mechanisms it employs to escape the host immune system are also addressed effectively. The article focuses on cellular and molecular determinants involved in the resistance of C. albicans biofilm against multidrug and the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dushyant Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India
| | - Awanish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India
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Nittala PVK, Hohreiter A, Rosas Linhard E, Dohn R, Mishra S, Konda A, Divan R, Guha S, Basu A. Integration of silicon chip microstructures for in-line microbial cell lysis in soft microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2327-2340. [PMID: 37083052 PMCID: PMC10259373 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00896c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper presents fabrication methodologies that integrate silicon components into soft microfluidic devices to perform microbial cell lysis for biological applications. The integration methodology consists of a silicon chip that is fabricated with microstructure arrays and embedded in a microfluidic device, which is driven by piezoelectric actuation to perform cell lysis by physically breaking microbial cell walls via micromechanical impaction. We present different silicon microarray geometries, their fabrication techniques, integration of said micropatterned silicon impactor chips into microfluidic devices, and device operation and testing on synthetic microbeads and two yeast species (S. cerevisiae and C. albicans) to evaluate their efficacy. The generalized strategy developed for integration of the micropatterned silicon impactor chip into soft microfluidic devices can serve as an important process step for a new class of hybrid silicon-polymeric devices for future cellular processing applications. The proposed integration methodology can be scalable and integrated as an in-line cell lysis tool with existing microfluidics assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavani Vamsi Krishna Nittala
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Allison Hohreiter
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Emilio Rosas Linhard
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Ryan Dohn
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Suryakant Mishra
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Abhiteja Konda
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Ralu Divan
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Supratik Guha
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Anindita Basu
- Department of Medicine/Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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Araújo D, Gonçalves B, Vilas Boas D, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M, Silva S. Combined Application of Antisense Oligomers to Control Transcription Factors of Candida albicans Biofilm Formation. Mycopathologia 2023:10.1007/s11046-023-00734-0. [PMID: 37099227 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligomers (ASOs) have been little exploited to control determinants of Candida albicans virulence. Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor of C. albicans, that is regulated by a complex network of transcription factors (such as EFG1, BRG1 and ROB1). Thus, the main goal of this work was to project ASOs, based on the 2'-OMethyl chemical modification, to target BRG1 and ROB1 mRNA and to validate its application either alone or in combination with the EFG1 mRNA target, to reduce C. albicans biofilm formation. The ability of ASOs to control gene expression was evaluate by qRT-PCR. The effect on biofilm formation was determined by the total biomass quantification, and simultaneously the carbohydrates and proteins reduction on extracellular matrix. It was verified that all the oligomers were able to reduce the levels of gene expression and the ability of C. albicans to form biofilms. Furthermore, the combined application of the cocktail of ASOs enhances the inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation, minimizing biofilm thickness by reducing the quantity of matrix content (protein and carbohydrate). So, our work confirms that ASOs are useful tools for research and therapeutic development on the control of Candida species biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Araújo
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS-Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - B Gonçalves
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS-Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - D Vilas Boas
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS-Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - M E Rodrigues
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS-Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - M Henriques
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS-Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - S Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS-Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary, Rua Dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, Vila Do Conde, Portugal
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Kanchanapiboon J, Maiuthed A, Rukthong P, Thunyaharn S, Tuntoaw S, Poonsatha S, Santimaleeworagun W. Metabolomics profiling of culture medium reveals association of methionine and vitamin B metabolisms with virulent phenotypes of clinical bloodstream-isolated Candida albicans. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104009. [PMID: 36403754 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.104009] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a predominant species causing candidemia in hospitalized patients. This study aimed to investigate the association of culture medium metabolomic profiles with biofilm formation and invasion properties of clinical bloodstream-isolated C. albicans. A total of twelve isolates and two reference strains were identified by virulent phenotypes. Their susceptibility was determined by the microdilution method, following EUCAST guidelines. Biofilm formation was evaluated with metabolic activity, morphology and agglutinin-like sequence 3 (ALS3) mRNA expression. Invasion into the vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells was determined by lactate dehydrogenase release and internalization assay. Their metabolomic profiles were assessed by high-resolution accurate-mass spectrometry (HRAMS). The results showed four different phenotypes of C. albicans: high-biofilm/invasive (50%), high-biofilm/non-invasive (7%), low-biofilm/invasive (36%) and low-biofilm/non-invasive (7%). The metabolomic profiles of the culture medium determined strong correlation of the virulent phenotypes and the alteration of metabolites in the methionine metabolism pathway, such as homocysteine, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and S-adenosylmethioninamine. Moreover, thiamine and biotin levels were significantly increased in Isolate03, representative of a high-biofilm/invasive phenotype. These results suggest that methionine and vitamin B metabolism pathways might be influenced by their virulent phenotypes and pathogenic traits. Therefore, their metabolism pathways might be a potential target for reducing virulence of C. albicans bloodstream infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamras Kanchanapiboon
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Arnatchai Maiuthed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Centre of Biopharmaceutical Science for Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Pattarawit Rukthong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakornnayok 26120, Thailand; Center for Excellence in Plant and Herbal Innovation Research, Strategic Wisdom and Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakornnayok 26120, Thailand.
| | - Sudaluck Thunyaharn
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Nakhonratchasima College, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
| | - Sasiwan Tuntoaw
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Subhadhcha Poonsatha
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Wichai Santimaleeworagun
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand.
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8
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Poon Y, Hui M. Inhibitory effect of lactobacilli supernatants on biofilm and filamentation of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1105949. [PMID: 36860488 PMCID: PMC9969145 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1105949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Probiotic Lactobacillus strains had been investigated for the potential to protect against infection caused by the major fungal pathogen of human, Candida albicans. Besides antifungal activity, lactobacilli demonstrated a promising inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and filamentation of C. albicans. On the other hand, two commonly isolated non-albicans Candida species, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis, have similar characteristics in filamentation and biofilm formation with C. albicans. However, there is scant information of the effect of lactobacilli on the two species. Methods In this study, biofilm inhibitory effects of L. rhamnosus ATCC 53103, L. plantarum ATCC 8014, and L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 were tested on the reference strain C. albicans SC5314 and six bloodstream isolated clinical strains, two each of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. Results and Discussion Cell-free culture supernatants (CFSs) of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum significantly inhibited in vitro biofilm growth of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. L. acidophilus, conversely, had little effect on C. albicans and C. tropicalis but was more effective on inhibiting C. parapsilosis biofilms. Neutralized L. rhamnosus CFS at pH 7 retained the inhibitory effect, suggesting that exometabolites other than lactic acid produced by the Lactobacillus strain might be accounted for the effect. Furthermore, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum CFSs on the filamentation of C. albicans and C. tropicalis strains. Significantly less Candida filaments were observed after co-incubating with CFSs under hyphae-inducing conditions. Expressions of six biofilm-related genes (ALS1, ALS3, BCR1, EFG1, TEC1, and UME6 in C. albicans and corresponding orthologs in C. tropicalis) in biofilms co-incubated with CFSs were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. When compared to untreated control, the expressions of ALS1, ALS3, EFG1, and TEC1 genes were downregulated in C. albicans biofilm. In C. tropicalis biofilms, ALS3 and UME6 were downregulated while TEC1 was upregulated. Taken together, the L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum strains demonstrated an inhibitory effect, which is likely mediated by the metabolites secreted into culture medium, on filamentation and biofilm formation of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Our finding suggested an alternative to antifungals for controlling Candida biofilm.
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Characterization of Pseudogymnoascus destructans conidial adherence to extracellular matrix: Association with fungal secreted proteases and identification of candidate extracellular matrix binding proteins. Microb Pathog 2023; 174:105895. [PMID: 36423748 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105895] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the etiological agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal skin infection of hibernating bats. Pathophysiology of the disease involves disruption of bat metabolism and hibernation patterns, which subsequently causes premature emergence and mortality. However, information on the mechanism(s) and virulence factors of P. destructans infection is minimally known. Typically, fungal adherence to host cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) is the critical first step of the infection. It allows pathogenic fungi to establish colonization and provides an entry for invasion in host tissues. In this study, we characterized P. destructans conidial adherence to laminin and fibronectin. We found that P. destructans conidia adhered to laminin and fibronectin in a dose-dependent, time-dependent and saturable manner. We also observed changes in the gene expression of secreted proteases, in response to ECM exposure. However, the interaction between fungal conidia and ECM was not specific, nor was it facilitated by enzymatic activity of secreted proteases. We therefore further investigated other P. destructans proteins that recognized ECM and found glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and elongation factor 1-alpha among the candidate proteins. Our results demonstrate that P. destructans may use conidial surface proteins to recognize laminin and fibronectin and facilitate conidial adhesion to ECM. In addition, other non-specific interactions may contribute to the conidial adherence to ECM. However, the ECM binding protein candidates identified in this study highlight additional potential fungal virulence factors worth investigating in the P. destructans mechanism of infection in future studies.
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Hexyl-Aminolevulinate Ethosomes: a Novel Antibiofilm Agent Targeting Zinc Homeostasis in Candida albicans. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0243822. [PMID: 36301105 PMCID: PMC9769717 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02438-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial drug resistance afforded by Candida albicans biofilms results in ineffective treatment with conventional drugs and persistent infection. Our previous study showed that hexyl-aminolevulinate ethosomes (HAL-ES) act against C. albicans biofilms and weaken their drug resistance and pathogenicity; however, the mechanism involved remains unclear. Here, we systematically evaluated the effects and mechanisms of HAL-ES on biofilm formation and drug resistance. We found that, in addition to mediating antifungal photodynamic therapy, HAL-ES inhibited the early, developmental, and mature stages of biofilm formation compared with fluconazole, HAL, or ES. Notably, adhesion and hyphal formation were significantly inhibited by postdrug effects even after brief exposure (2 h) to HAL-ES. Its therapeutic effect in vivo also has been demonstrated in cutaneous candidiasis. RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR showed that HAL-ES inhibited ribosome biogenesis by disrupting zinc homeostasis in C. albicans, thereby reducing the translation process during protein synthesis. Furthermore, HAL-ES downregulated the expression of multidrug resistance genes and increased fluconazole susceptibility in C. albicans. Our findings provide a novel and efficient method for the treatment of biofilm resistance in C. albicans infection as well as a basis for the application of HAL-ES. We also describe a new strategy for the treatment of biofilm-related infections via zinc restriction. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota. The medical impact of C. albicans on its human host depends on its ability to form biofilms. The intrinsic resistance conferred by biofilms to conventional antifungal drugs makes biofilm-based infections a significant clinical challenge. In this study, we demonstrate the attenuating effect of HAL-ES on C. albicans biofilm formation and drug resistance. Furthermore, we propose that HAL-ES inhibits protein translation by disrupting zinc homeostasis in C. albicans. This study not only provides a novel and effective therapeutic strategy against C. albicans biofilm but also proposes a new strategy to resolve C. albicans biofilm infection by disrupting zinc homeostasis.
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11
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High throughput bioanalytical techniques for elucidation of Candida albicans biofilm architecture and metabolome. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-022-01115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Synthesis of Fully Deacetylated Quaternized Chitosan with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity and Low Cytotoxicity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111644. [DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fully deacetylated quaternary chitosan (DQCTS) was prepared by replacing the carboxyl group of chitosan with a quaternary ammonium salt. The DQCTS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The antimicrobial activity of DQCTS was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) methods and time-kill assay. DQCTS exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus. Especially, the antifungal activity against C. albicans of DQCTS was greatly improved at 15.6 µg/mL of MIC and 31.3 µg/mL of minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Expression levels of virulence genes of microorganisms were also significantly decreased by DQCTS treatment, and the risk of virulence of microorganisms might be decreased. The result of the cytotoxic effect of DQCTS on human skin cells (HaCaT cells) indicated that the cytotoxicity of DQCTS on HaCaT cells was nearly non-toxic at 50 μg/mL. The DQCTS, with strong antimicrobial and low toxicity, has a high potential for use in functional food packaging and biomedical applications.
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Liu Y, Wang Z, Zhou Z, Ma Q, Li J, Huang J, Lei L, Zhou X, Cheng L, Zou J, Ren B. Candida albicans CHK1 gene regulates its cross-kingdom interactions with Streptococcus mutans to promote caries. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:7251-7263. [PMID: 36195704 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12211-7] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The cross-kingdom interactions between Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans have played important roles in early childhood caries (ECC). However, the key pathways of C. albicans promoting the cariogenicity of S. mutans are still unclear. Here, we found that C. albicans CHK1 gene was highly upregulated in their dual-species biofilms. C. albicans chk1Δ/Δ significantly reduced the synergistical growth promotion, biofilm formation, and exopolysaccharides (EPS) production of S. mutans, the key cariogenic agent, compared to C. albicans wild type (WT) and CHK1 complementary strains. C. albicans WT upregulated the expressions of S. mutans EPS biosynthesis genes gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD, and their regulatory genes vicR and vicK, but chk1Δ/Δ had no effects. Both C. albicans WT and chk1Δ/Δ failed to promote the biofilm formation and EPS production of S. mutans ΔvicK and antisense-vicR strains, indicating that C. albicans CHK1 upregulated S. mutans vicR and vicK to increase the EPS biosynthesis gene expression, then enhanced the EPS production and biofilm formation to promote the cariogenicity. In rat caries model, the coinfection with chk1Δ/Δ and S. mutans decreased the colonization of S. mutans and developed less caries especially the severe caries compared to that from the combinations of S. mutans with C. albicans WT, indicating the essential role of C. albicans CHK1 gene in the development of dental caries. Our study for the first time demonstrated the key roles of C. albicans CHK1 gene in dental caries and suggested that it may be a practical target to reduce or treat ECC. KEY POINTS: • C. albicans CHK1 gene is important for its interaction with S. mutans. • CHK1 regulates S. mutans two-component system to promote its cariogenicity. • CHK1 gene regulates the cariogenicity of S. mutans in rat dental caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ziyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qizhao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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14
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Rivera-Yañez CR, Ruiz-Hurtado PA, Reyes-Reali J, Mendoza-Ramos MI, Vargas-Díaz ME, Hernández-Sánchez KM, Pozo-Molina G, Méndez-Catalá CF, García-Romo GS, Pedroza-González A, Méndez-Cruz AR, Nieto-Yañez O, Rivera-Yañez N. Antifungal Activity of Mexican Propolis on Clinical Isolates of Candida Species. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175651. [PMID: 36080417 PMCID: PMC9457601 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by micro-organisms of the genus Candida are becoming a growing health problem worldwide. These fungi are opportunistic commensals that can produce infections—clinically known as candidiasis—in immunocompromised individuals. The indiscriminate use of different anti-fungal treatments has triggered the resistance of Candida species to currently used therapies. In this sense, propolis has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties and thus can be used as an approach for the inhibition of Candida species. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of a propolis extract obtained from the north of Mexico on clinical isolates of Candida species. Candida species were specifically identified from oral lesions, and both the qualitative and quantitative anti-Candida effects of the Mexican propolis were evaluated, as well as its inhibitory effect on C. albicans isolate’s germ tube growth and chemical composition. Three Candida species were identified, and our results indicated that the inhibition halos of the propolis ranged from 7.6 to 21.43 mm, while that of the MFC and FC50 ranged from 0.312 to 1.25 and 0.014 to 0.244 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the propolis was found to inhibit germ tube formation (IC50 ranging from 0.030 to 1.291 mg/mL). Chemical composition analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, including pinocembrin, baicalein, pinobanksin chalcone, rhamnetin, and biochanin A, in the Mexican propolis extract. In summary, our work shows that Mexican propolis presents significant anti-Candida effects related to its chemical composition, and also inhibits germ tube growth. Other Candida species virulence factors should be investigated in future research in order to determine the mechanisms associated with antifungal effects against them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rebeca Rivera-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Porfirio Alonso Ruiz-Hurtado
- Laboratorio de Toxicología de Productos Naturales, Departamento de Farmacia, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Wilfrido Massieu, Gustavo A. Madero 07738, Mexico
| | - Julia Reyes-Reali
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - María Isabel Mendoza-Ramos
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - María Elena Vargas-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Karla Mariela Hernández-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Glustein Pozo-Molina
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio 5, Edificio A4, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Claudia Fabiola Méndez-Catalá
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio 5, Edificio A4, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Gina Stella García-Romo
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Alexander Pedroza-González
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Adolfo René Méndez-Cruz
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Oscar Nieto-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Correspondence: (O.N.-Y.); (N.R.-Y.); Tel.: +52-5522-476-721 (N.R.-Y.)
| | - Nelly Rivera-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Correspondence: (O.N.-Y.); (N.R.-Y.); Tel.: +52-5522-476-721 (N.R.-Y.)
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15
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Lobo CI, Barbugli PA, Rocha GR, Klein MI. Topical Application of 4'-Hydroxychalcone in Combination with tt-Farnesol Is Effective against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans Biofilms. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:22773-22786. [PMID: 35811935 PMCID: PMC9260900 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans interaction in the presence of dietary sucrose yields a complex biofilm with an organized and structured extracellular matrix that increases the tolerance to environmental stress, including antimicrobials. Both species are found in severe early childhood caries lesions. Thus, compounds 4'-hydroxychalcone (C135) (flavonoid intermediate metabolites), tt-farnesol (Far) (terpenoid), and sodium fluoride (F) were tested either isolated or combined as topical treatments (5 min twice daily) against C. albicans and S. mutans dual-species biofilms grown on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs. The biofilms were evaluated for gene expression, microbial population, biochemical components, and three-dimensional (3D) structural organization via confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxicity of formulations was tested on the keratinocyte monolayer. C135 + Far + F promoted lower gene expression of fungal genes associated with β-glucan synthesis (BGL2, FKS1) and remodeling (XOG1, PHR1, PHR2), oxidative stress (SOD1), and drug tolerance (CDR1, ERG11) and higher expression of bacterial nox1 (oxidative and acidic stress tolerance). C135 + Far yielded less insoluble exopolysaccharides, biomass, and proteins (insoluble portion) and lower expression of BGL2, ERG11, SOD1, and PHR2. C135 + F, C135 + Far + F, and C135 rendered lower biomass, thickness, and coverage percentage (confocal microscopy). C135 + Far and C135 + Far + F maintained C. albicans as yeast morphology (SEM). Therefore, the formulations with C135 affected fungal and bacterial targets but exerted a more pronounced effect against fungal cells.
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16
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Maenchantrarath C, Khumdee P, Samosornsuk S, Mungkornkaew N, Samosornsuk W. Investigation of fluconazole susceptibility to Candida albicans by MALDI-TOF MS and real-time PCR for CDR1, CDR2, MDR1 and ERG11. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:153. [PMID: 35689195 PMCID: PMC9188158 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02564-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C. albicans is a pathogenic yeast that is the most common cause of fungal infections in humans. Unfortunately, the yeast's resistance to the antifungal medication fluconazole (FLC) is increasing; furthermore, testing its susceptibility to FLC by conventional methods takes time, resulting in treatment failure. The susceptibility of C. albicans to FLC was investigated using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Real-time PCR tests for CDR1, CDR2, MDR1 and ERG11. Overall, 32 C. albicans strains made up of four reference strains (three FLC susceptible [S] and one FLC resistant [R], one spontaneous mutant strain [FLC susceptible-dose-dependent (SDD)] and 27 clinical strains obtained from two Thai University Hospitals) were tested for susceptibility to FLC. The following tests were performed: SensititreYeastOne and broth microdilution method, FLC resistant expression mechanism by Real-time PCR, and the major peak determination by MALDI-TOF MS. RESULTS The change of CDR1 and CDR2 mRNA expression was only significantly observed in SDD and R strains. MALDI-TOF MS was performed after incubation for six hours; the change of mass spectral intensity at range 3376-3382 m/z (major peak) was significantly related to FLC susceptibility as SDD (decreased at 4 µg/mL and increased at 8 µg/mL), S (all increased), and R (all slightly decreased or no change). All 27 clinical strains showed FLC minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC range 0.25-2 µg/mL), no change in CDR1 and CDR2 expression and S major peak type. The FLC resistant C. albicans with CDR1and CDR2 expression may possibly affect the change of mass spectral intensity at range 3376-3382 m/z. CONCLUSIONS The MALDI-TOF MS may be used to simultaneously classify and predict FLC resistant C. albicans strains associated with CDR1 and CDR2 expression. Further studies are essential to clarify the methodology and improve the reliability of this assay for routine diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanika Maenchantrarath
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani Province, Bangkok, Thailand.,Microbiology Laboratory Unit, Department of Central Laboratory and Blood Bank, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pradchama Khumdee
- Graduate Program in Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani Province, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Seksun Samosornsuk
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Narissara Mungkornkaew
- Microbiology Laboratory Unit, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani Province, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Worada Samosornsuk
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathumthani, Thailand.
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17
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Man A, Mare AD, Mares M, Ruta F, Pribac M, Maier AC, Cighir A, Ciurea CN. Antifungal and anti-virulence activity of six essential oils against important Candida species - a preliminary study. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:737-753. [PMID: 35531749 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic infections with Candida species are becoming more problematic, considering their increasing virulence and resistance to antifungal drugs. AIM To assess the antifungal and anti-virulence activity of basil, cinnamon, clove, melaleuca, oregano and thyme essential oils (EOs) on five Candida species (C. albicans, C. auris, C. krusei C. parapsilosis and C. guillermondii). METHODS The MIC, growth rate, antibiofilm activity, regulation of gene expression (ALS3, SAP2, HSP70) and germ-tube formation were evaluated by specific methods. RESULTS Most EOs inhibited Candida species growth and reduced the expression of some virulence factors. Cinnamon and clove EO showed the most significant inhibitory effects. CONCLUSIONS The tested EOs are promising agents for facilitating the management of some Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Man
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
| | - Anca-Delia Mare
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
| | - Mihai Mares
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Life Sciences of Iași, Iași, 700490, Romania
| | - Florina Ruta
- Department of Community Nutrition & Food Safety, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, & Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
| | - Mirela Pribac
- Nutrition & Holistic Health, Holomed, Târgu Mureș, 540272, Romania
| | - Adrian-Cornel Maier
- Department of Urology, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galați, Galați, 800008, Romania
| | - Anca Cighir
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania.,Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, & Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
| | - Cristina-Nicoleta Ciurea
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania.,Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, & Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
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18
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van Thiel IAM, Stavrou AA, de Jong A, Theelen B, Davids M, Hakvoort TBM, Admiraal-van den Berg I, Weert ICM, de Kruijs MAMHV, Vu D, Moissl-Eichinger C, Heinsbroek SEM, Jonkers DMAE, Hagen F, Boekhout T, de Jonge WJ, van den Wijngaard RM. Genetic and phenotypic diversity of fecal Candida albicans strains in irritable bowel syndrome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5391. [PMID: 35354908 PMCID: PMC8967921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Visceral hypersensitivity is thought to be responsible for pain complaints in a subset of patients. In an IBS-like animal model, visceral hypersensitivity was triggered by intestinal fungi, and lower mycobiota α-diversity in IBS patients was accompanied by a shift toward increased presence of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yet, this shift was observed in hypersensitive as well as normosensitive patients and diversity did not differ between IBS subgroups. The latter suggests that, when a patient changes from hyper- to normosensitivity, the relevance of intestinal fungi is not necessarily reflected in compositional mycobiota changes. We now confirmed this notion by performing ITS1 sequencing on an existing longitudinal set of fecal samples. Since ITS1 methodology does not recognize variations within species, we next focused on heterogeneity within cultured healthy volunteer and IBS-derived C. albicans strains. We observed inter- and intra-individual genomic variation and partial clustering of strains from hypersensitive patients. Phenotyping showed differences related to growth, yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis and gene expression, specifically of the gene encoding fungal toxin candidalysin. Our investigations emphasize the need for strain-specific cause-and-effect studies within the realm of IBS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle A M van Thiel
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aimilia A Stavrou
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Auke de Jong
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Theelen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Davids
- Laboratory of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Microbiota Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theodorus B M Hakvoort
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Microbiota Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Admiraal-van den Berg
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Microbiota Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Isabelle C M Weert
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine A M Hesselink-van de Kruijs
- Division Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Duong Vu
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Center for Microbiome Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sigrid E M Heinsbroek
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daisy M A E Jonkers
- Division Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J de Jonge
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - René M van den Wijngaard
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Kim J, Oh SH, Rodriguez-Bobadilla R, Vuong VM, Hubka V, Zhao X, Hoyer LL. Peering Into Candida albicans Pir Protein Function and Comparative Genomics of the Pir Family. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:836632. [PMID: 35372132 PMCID: PMC8975586 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.836632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal cell wall, comprised primarily of protein and polymeric carbohydrate, maintains cell structure, provides protection from the environment, and is an important antifungal drug target. Pir proteins (proteins with internal repeats) are linked to cell wall β-1,3-glucan and are best studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sequential deletion of S. cerevisiae PIR genes produces strains with increasingly notable cell wall damage. However, a true null mutant lacking all five S. cerevisiae PIR genes was never constructed. Because only two PIR genes (PIR1, PIR32) were annotated in the Candida albicans genome, the initial goal of this work was to construct a true Δpir/Δpir null strain in this species. Unexpectedly, the phenotype of the null strain was almost indistinguishable from its parent, leading to the search for other proteins with Pir function. Bioinformatic approaches revealed nine additional C. albicans proteins that share a conserved Pir functional motif (minimally DGQ). Examination of the protein sequences revealed another conserved motif (QFQFD) toward the C-terminal end of each protein. Sequence similarities and presence of the conserved motif(s) were used to identify a set of 75 proteins across 16 fungal species that are proposed here as Pir proteins. The Pir family is greatly expanded in C. albicans and C. dubliniensis compared to other species and the orthologs are known to have specialized function during chlamydospore formation. Predicted Pir structures showed a conserved core of antiparallel beta-sheets and sometimes-extensive loops that contain amino acids with the potential to form linkages to cell wall components. Pir phylogeny demonstrated emergence of specific ortholog groups among the fungal species. Variation in gene expression patterns was noted among the ortholog groups during growth in rich medium. PIR allelic variation was quite limited despite the presence of a repeated sequence in many loci. Results presented here demonstrate that the Pir family is larger than previously recognized and lead to new hypotheses to test to better understand Pir proteins and their role in the fungal cell wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisoo Kim
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Soon-Hwan Oh
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | | | - Vien M. Vuong
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Vit Hubka
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Lois L. Hoyer
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Lois L. Hoyer,
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20
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In Vitro Biofilm Formation on Aryl Ketone Polymer (AKP), A New Denture Material, Compared with That on Three Traditional Dental Denture Materials. Int J Dent 2021; 2021:4713510. [PMID: 34737774 PMCID: PMC8563116 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4713510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of denture plaque biofilms is a practical approach to preventing persistent oral infections such as denture stomatitis. Objectives. This study compared in vitro biofilm attachment and growth on a new denture material, Ultaire® AKP, with that on traditional denture materials including cobalt chrome (CoCr), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyoxymethylene (POM). Methods. Microbial biofilms were grown with cultures of Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans UA159, or a mixed Streptococcus spp. (S. mutans 700610/Streptococcus sanguinis BAA-1455) for 6 hours in a static protocol or 24 hours in a dynamic protocol for each material. Adherent biofilm cells were removed, and viable colony-forming units (CFUs) were enumerated. Confocal microscopy of the 24-hour Streptococcus spp. biofilms was used to determine biofilm mass and roughness coefficients. Results. The rank order of C. albicans attachment after 6 hours was CoCr > PMMA ∗ > Ultaire® AKP ∗ ( ∗ vs CoCr, p ≤ 0.05), and that for 24-hour biofilm growth was CoCr > Ultaire® AKP ∗ > PMMA ∗ ( ∗ vs CoCr, p ≤ 0.05). The rank order of S. mutans biofilm attachment was CoCr > POM > Ultaire® AKP ∗ > PMMA ∗ ( ∗ vs CoCr, p ≤ 0.05), and that for the 24-hour Streptococcus spp. biofilm growth was POM > Ultaire® AKP > PMMA > CoCr ∗ ( ∗ vs POM, p ≤ 0.05). Confocal images revealed structural differences in Streptococcus spp. biofilms on CoCr compared with the other test materials. Significantly lower roughness coefficients of Streptococcus spp. biofilms on Ultaire® AKP were noted, suggesting that these biofilms were less differentiated. Ultaire® AKP promoted significantly less C. albicans and S. mutans biofilm attachment than CoCr at 6 hours and C. albicans growth at 24 hours. Streptococcus spp. biofilms on Ultaire® AKP were less differentiated than those on other test materials. Conclusion. In addition to its material strength, Ultaire® AKP represents an attractive option for denture material in removable partial dentures.
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Gnat S, Łagowski D, Nowakiewicz A, Trościańczyk A, Dyląg M. New Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Analysis as a Potential Target for Identification of Trichophyton verrucosum in Different Culture Conditions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111361. [PMID: 34832515 PMCID: PMC8618703 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are a group of filamentous fungi infecting skin, hair, and nails that raise great diagnostic difficulties. qRT-PCR is a reliable technique for quantifying gene expression with increasingly frequent use in mycological diagnostics. Knowledge of genes and molecular markers with potential to be used in the identification of dermatophytes is of great importance for the development of this branch of diagnostics. In this article, the suitability of six candidate reference genes (TUBB, ACTB, ADPRF, RPL2, SDHA, and EEF1A1) was investigated for gene expression analysis in the dermatophyte Trichophyton verrucosum, which was cultured in various mycological media that are commonly used in a diagnostic laboratory, i.e., Sabouraud, potato dextrose, and keratin-supplemented MM-Cove. The different culture conditions are extremely important factors for the growth and physiology of dermatophytes. Gene expression stability was evaluated using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder algorithms. Regarding the stability of expression, SDHA was the most stable housekeeping gene; hence, this gene is recommended for future qRT-PCR studies on T. verrucosum strains. These results allow us to conclude that the SDHA gene can be an additional good candidate as an identification target in the qRT-PCR technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gnat
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.N.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.Ł.); Tel.: +48-81-445-60-93 (S.G.); +48-81-445-66-96 (D.Ł.)
| | - Dominik Łagowski
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.N.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.Ł.); Tel.: +48-81-445-60-93 (S.G.); +48-81-445-66-96 (D.Ł.)
| | - Aneta Nowakiewicz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.N.); (A.T.)
| | - Aleksandra Trościańczyk
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.N.); (A.T.)
| | - Mariusz Dyląg
- Department of Mycology and Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Araújo D, Mil-Homens D, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M, Jørgensen PT, Wengel J, Silva S. Antisense locked nucleic acid gapmers to control Candida albicans filamentation. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 39:102469. [PMID: 34606999 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Whereas locked nucleic acid (LNA) has been extensively used to control gene expression, it has never been exploited to control Candida virulence genes. Thus, the main goal of this work was to compare the efficacy of five different LNA-based antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) with respect to the ability to control EFG1 gene expression, to modulate filamentation and to reduce C. albicans virulence. In vitro, all LNA-ASOs were able to significantly reduce C. albicans filamentation and to control EFG1 gene expression. Using the in vivo Galleria mellonella model, important differences among the five LNA-ASOs were revealed in terms of C. albicans virulence reduction. The inclusion of PS-linkage and palmitoyl-2'-amino-LNA chemical modification in these five LNA gapmers proved to be the most promising combination, increasing the survival of G. mellonella by 40%. Our work confirms that LNA-ASOs are useful tools for research and therapeutic development in the candidiasis field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Araújo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Dalila Mil-Homens
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Elisa Rodrigues
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Per Trolle Jørgensen
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Sónia Silva
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal.
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Candida albicans Sfp1 Is Involved in the Cell Wall and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Responses Induced by Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910633. [PMID: 34638975 PMCID: PMC8508991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus of humans but can cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, ranging from superficial to life-threatening systemic infections. The cell wall is the outermost layer of C. albicans that interacts with the host environment. Moreover, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components in innate immunity and play crucial roles in host defense. Our previous studies showed that the human AMP LL-37 binds to the cell wall of C. albicans, alters the cell wall integrity (CWI) and affects cell adhesion of this pathogen. In this study, we aimed to further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the C. albicans response to LL-37. We found that LL-37 causes cell wall stress, activates unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling related to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), induces ER-derived reactive oxygen species and affects protein secretion. Interestingly, the deletion of the SFP1 gene encoding a transcription factor reduced C. albicans susceptibility to LL-37, which is cell wall-associated. Moreover, in the presence of LL-37, deletion of SFP1 attenuated the UPR pathway, upregulated oxidative stress responsive (OSR) genes and affected bovine serum albumin (BSA) degradation by secreted proteases. Therefore, these findings suggested that Sfp1 positively regulates cell wall integrity and ER homeostasis upon treatment with LL-37 and shed light on pathogen-host interactions.
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Judan Cruz KG, Alfonso ED, Fernando SID, Watanabe K. Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibition by Ethnobotanicals and Ethnobotanically-Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:665113. [PMID: 34108950 PMCID: PMC8180598 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.665113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The virulence and drug resistance of globally prevalent Candida albicans has presented complications toward its control while advances in effective antivirulence drugs remain critical. Emerging methods are now being evaluated to facilitate development of novel therapeutic approaches against this pathogen. This study focuses on the biofilm formation inhibition of ethnobotanical crude extracts and the use of nanotechnology through the ethnobotanically-synthesized gold nanoparticles to control C. albicans. Control on biofilm formation was compared using crude extracts (CEs) and biologically synthesized gold nanoparticles (CEs + AuNPs). Significantly lower biofilm formation was exhibited in thirteen (13) CEs and fourteen (14) CEs + AuNPs. Biofilm-linked genes Bcr1 and HSP90 expression were consequently downregulated. Higher biofilm inhibition activity was noted in some CEs + AuNPs compared to its counterpart CEs. This study emphasizes the biofilm inhibition activity of ethnobotanicals and the use of nanoparticles to enhance delivery of compounds, and points to its prospects for developing anti-pathogenic drugs without evolving resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khristina G Judan Cruz
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Eleonor D Alfonso
- College of Agriculture, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Somar Israel D Fernando
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Kozo Watanabe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.,Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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Validation of Reference Genes via qRT-PCR in Multiple Conditions in Brandt's Voles, Lasiopodomys brandtii. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030897. [PMID: 33801053 PMCID: PMC8004067 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study validated the stability of the expression profiles of nine common candidate reference genes (Gapdh, Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Rpl13a, Tbp, Sdha, Hmbs, and B2M) using qRT-PCR in different tissues, developmental stages, and photoperiods. None of these genes were suitable as optimal reference genes at 4 weeks postnatal in different tissues. Under different developmental stages in the hypothalamus, B2M for males and Rpl13a for females were suitable as reference genes. Under different photoperiods in the hypothalamus, none of the selected genes were suitable as reference genes at 6 weeks postnatal, β-actin and PPIA were the optimal reference genes at 12 weeks postnatal, while Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Hmbs, and B2M were excellent reference genes at 24 weeks postnatal. Abstract The choice of optimal reference gene is challenging owing to the varied expression of reference genes in different organs, development stages, and experimental treatments. Brandt’s vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) is an ideal animal to explore the regulatory mechanism of seasonal breeding, and many studies on this vole involve gene expression analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In this study, we used the method of the coefficient of variation and the NormFinder algorithm to evaluate the performance of nine commonly used reference genes Gapdh, Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Rpl13a, Tbp, Sdha, Hmbs, and B2M using qRT-PCR in eight different tissues, five developmental stages, and three different photoperiods. We found that all nine genes were not uniformly expressed among different tissues. B2M and Rpl13a were the optimal reference genes for different postnatal development stages in the hypothalamus for males and females, respectively. Under different photoperiods in the hypothalamus, none of the selected genes were suitable as reference genes at 6 weeks postnatal; β-actin and PPIA were the optimal reference genes at 12 weeks postnatal; Hprt1, β-actin, PPIA, Hmbs, and B2M were excellent reference genes at 24 weeks postnatal. The present study provides a useful basis for selecting the appropriate reference gene in Lasiopodomys brandtii.
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Consecutive treatments with photodynamic therapy and nystatin altered the expression of virulence and ergosterol biosynthesis genes of a fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vivo. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 33:102155. [PMID: 33444787 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This investigation assessed the effect of five consecutive daily topical treatments of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), nystatin (NYS), and an association of treatments on a fluconazole-resistant strain of Candida albicans colonizing the tongues of mice. After the last treatments application, colonies of C. albicans were recovered from the tongues and used to determine their fluconazole susceptibility. After 24 hours of the last treatment, the mice tongues were processed to evaluate the expression of C. albicans genes related to the virulence and ergosterol production. The fluconazole susceptibility test yielded a resistance profile similar for all treatment groups and the control group (no treatment). The treatments aPDT, NYS, NYS+aPDT, and aPDT+NYS promoted a reduction in ALS1, EFG1, CAP1, SOD1, SAP1, and LIP3 expression. The expression of HWP1 was higher in the three groups containing nystatin. In contrast, the treatments produced a significative increase in CAT1 gene expression, mainly in the groups in which aPDT was performed. The expression of genes related to ergosterol production was significantly reduced by the treatments evaluated (aPDT, NYS, NYS+aPDT, and aPDT+NYS). Thus, the consecutive topical treatments performed on mice tongues promoted a reduction in the expression of virulence and ergosterol biosynthesis genes of a fluconazole-resistant C. albicans.
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Borkowska M, Białas W, Celińska E. A new set of reference genes for comparative gene expression analyses in Yarrowia lipolytica. FEMS Yeast Res 2020; 20:5986618. [PMID: 33201983 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate quantitation of gene expression levels require sensitive, precise and reproducible measurements of specific transcripts. Normalization to a reference gene is the most common practice to minimize the impact of the uncontrolled variation. The fundamental prerequisite for an accurate reference gene is to be stably expressed amongst all the samples included in the analysis. In the present study we aimed to assess the expression level and stability of a panel of 21 genes in Yarrowia lipolytica throughout varying conditions, covering composition of the culturing medium, growth phase and strain-wild type and recombinant burdened with heterologous protein overexpression. The panel of the selected candidate genes covered those essential for growth and maintenance of metabolism and homologs of commonly used internal references in RT-qPCR. The candidate genes expression level and stability were assessed and the data were processed using dedicated computational tools (geNorm and NormFinder). The results obtained here indicated genes unaffected by the burden of overexpression (TEF1, TPI1, UBC2, SRPN2, ALG9-like, RYL1) or by the culture medium used (ACT1, TPI1, UBC2, SEC61, ODC, CLA4, FKS1, TPS1), as well as those the least (SSDH, ODC, GPD) and the most (SEC62, TPI1, IPP1) suitable for normalization of RT-qPCR data in Y. lipolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Borkowska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - Wojciech Białas
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewelina Celińska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
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Jang SJ, Jeon RH, Kim HD, Hwang JC, Lee HJ, Bae SG, Lee SL, Rho GJ, Kim SJ, Lee WJ. TATA box binding protein and ribosomal protein 4 are suitable reference genes for normalization during quantitative polymerase chain reaction study in bovine mesenchymal stem cells. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020; 33:2021-2030. [PMID: 32819081 PMCID: PMC7649396 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.20.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been extensively used in the field of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) research to elucidate their characteristics and clinical potential by normalization of target genes against reference genes (RGs), which are believed to be stably expressed irrespective of various experimental conditions. However, the expression of RGs is also variable depending on the experimental conditions, which may lead to false or contradictory conclusions upon normalization. Due to the current lack of information for a clear list of stable RGs in bovine MSCs, we conducted this study to identify suitable RGs in bovine MSCs. METHODS The cycle threshold values of ten traditionally used RGs (18S ribosomal RNA [18S], beta-2-microglobulin [B2M], H2A histone family, member Z [H2A], peptidylprolyl isomerase A [PPIA], ribosomal protein 4 [RPL4], succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A [SDHA], beta actin [ACTB], glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase [GAPDH], TATA box binding protein [TBP], and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltrasnfrase1 [HPRT1]) in bovine bone marrow-derived MSCs (bBMMSCs) were validated for their stabilities using three types of RG evaluation algorithms (geNorm, Normfinder, and Bestkeeper). The effect of validated RGs was then verified by normalization of lineage-specific genes (fatty acid binding protein 4 [FABP4] and osteonectin [ON]) expressions during differentiations of bBMMSCs or POU class 5 homeobox 1 (OCT4) expression between bBMMSCs and dermal skins. RESULTS Based on the results obtained for the three most stable RGs from geNorm (TBP, RPL4, and H2A), Normfinder (TBP, RPL4, and SDHA), and Bestkeeper (TBP, RPL4, and SDHA), it was comprehensively determined that TBP and RPL4 were the most stable RGs in bBMMSCs. However, traditional RGs were suggested to be the least stable (18S) or moderately stable (GAPDH and ACTB) in bBMMSCs. Normalization of FABP4 or ON against TBP, RPL4, and 18S presented significant differences during differentiation of bBMMSCs. However, although significantly low expression of OCT4 was detected in dermal skins compared to that in bBMMSCs when TBP and RPL4 were used in normalization, normalization against 18S exhibited no significance. CONCLUSION This study proposes that TBP and RPL4 were suitable as stable RGs for qPCR study in bovine MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jung Jang
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Ryoung-Hoon Jeon
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Hwan-Deuk Kim
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Department of Veterinary Research, Daegu Metropolitan City Institute of Health & Environment, Daegu 42183, Korea
| | - Jong-Chan Hwang
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Lee
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Seul-Gi Bae
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Sung-Lim Lee
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Seung-Joon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Won-Jae Lee
- Department of Veterinary Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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Kanchanapiboon J, Kongsa U, Pattamadilok D, Kamponchaidet S, Wachisunthon D, Poonsatha S, Tuntoaw S. Boesenbergia rotunda extract inhibits Candida albicans biofilm formation by pinostrobin and pinocembrin. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 261:113193. [PMID: 32730867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. (Zingiberaceae) is an indigenous plant of Southeast Asia. Based on ethnopharmacological use, the rhizome is recommended in the treatment of stomachache, leukoplakia, abscesses, and leukorrhea in Thailand primary health care system. Candida albicans often causes leukorrhea, and infection of many mucosal sites. Its infection leads to serious illness. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effects of the ethanolic extract of the B. rotunda rhizome on C. albicans ATCC10231 in the stages of planktonic and biofilm formation and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical composition of the extract was determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The planktonic growth of C. albicans was evaluated by the microdilution method, following EUCAST guidelines. For each stage of biofilm formation, the biofilm was assessed by the MTT assay. The biofilm structure was examined under a light microscope. The degree of cell surface hydrophobicity was measured. The mRNA levels of ALS1, ALS3, and ACT1 were determined by RT-qPCR. RESULTS The extract of B. rotunda consisted of 25% (w/w) pinostrobin and 12% (w/w) pinocembrin. All stages of C. albicans biofilm formation were significantly inhibited by the extract, whereas the planktonic growth did not change. Biofilm development greatly decreased due to the extract in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 17.7 μg/mL. Pinostrobin and pinocembrin demonstrated inhibitory effects during this stage. These results were in accordance with the microscopic evaluation. The filamentous form decreased with pinocembrin rather than pinostrobin. Moreover, the cell surface hydrophobicity was significantly decreased by 6.25 and 12.5 μg/mL of the extract and 100 μM of pinocembrin. The ALS3 mRNA level was noticeably decreased by 12.5 μg/mL of the extract, 100 μM of pinostrobin, and 100 μM of pinocembrin. The ACT1 mRNA level decreased significantly with pinocembrin. However, the ALS1 mRNA level was not altered following all treatments. CONCLUSION The ethanolic extract of B. rotunda could inhibit biofilm formation of C. albicans, especially during the biofilm development stage, by means of reducing the cell surface hydrophobicity and suppressing the ALS3 mRNA expression. Pinocembrin had a stronger effect on ALS3 mRNA expression than pinostrobin. Only pinocembrin significantly decreased the ACT1 mRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamras Kanchanapiboon
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand.
| | - Ubonphan Kongsa
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Duangpen Pattamadilok
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Sunisa Kamponchaidet
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Detmontree Wachisunthon
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Subhadhcha Poonsatha
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Sasiwan Tuntoaw
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
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Dos Santos JD, Fugisaki LRDO, Medina RP, Scorzoni L, Alves MDS, de Barros PP, Ribeiro FC, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Silva DHS, Junqueira JC. Streptococcus mutans Secreted Products Inhibit Candida albicans Induced Oral Candidiasis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1605. [PMID: 32760375 PMCID: PMC7374982 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01605] [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: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the oral cavity, Candida species form mixed biofilms with Streptococcus mutans, a pathogenic bacterium that can secrete quorum sensing molecules with antifungal activity. In this study, we extracted and fractioned culture filtrate of S. mutans, seeking antifungal agents capable of inhibiting the biofilms, filamentation, and candidiasis by Candida albicans. Active S. mutans UA159 supernatant filtrate components were extracted via liquid-liquid partition and fractionated on a C-18 silica column to resolve S. mutans fraction 1 (SM-F1) and fraction 2 (SM-F2). We found anti-biofilm activity for both SM-F1 and SM-F2 in a dose dependent manner and fungal growth was reduced by 2.59 and 5.98 log for SM-F1 and SM-F2, respectively. The SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions were also capable of reducing C. albicans filamentation, however statistically significant differences were only observed for the SM-F2 (p = 0.004). SM-F2 efficacy to inhibit C. albicans was confirmed by its capacity to downregulate filamentation genes CPH1, EFG1, HWP1, and UME6. Using Galleria mellonella as an invertebrate infection model, therapeutic treatment with SM-F2 prolonged larvae survival. Examination of the antifungal capacity was extended to a murine model of oral candidiasis that exhibited a reduction in C. albicans colonization (CFU/mL) in the oral cavity when treated with SM-F1 (2.46 log) and SM-F2 (2.34 log) compared to the control (3.25 log). Although both SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions decreased candidiasis in mice, only SM-F2 exhibited significant quantitative differences compared to the non-treated group for macroscopic lesions, hyphae invasion, tissue lesions, and inflammatory infiltrate. Taken together, these results indicate that the SM-F2 fraction contains antifungal components, providing a promising resource in the discovery of new inhibitors for oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Diane Dos Santos
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Previate Medina
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Sá Alves
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Felipe Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
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31
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Guo S, Tian Z, Quan WL, Sun D, Liu W, Wang XP. Comparative transcriptomics of the pheromone glands provides new insights into the differentiation of sex pheromone between two host populations of Chilo suppressalis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3499. [PMID: 32103103 PMCID: PMC7044216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive isolation between different host populations is often based on intraspecific sex pheromone differences. The mechanisms underlying these differences have not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Previous studies suggested that Chilo suppressalis has differentiated into rice and water-oat host populations, and these two populations manifest clear differences in sex pheromone titer and mating rhythm. Hence, this moth is an ideal model to investigate the endogenous mechanisms of intraspecific reproductive isolation. Here, we identified a series of putative genes associated with sex pheromone biosynthesis based on the C. suppressalis pheromone gland transcriptome data. Transcripts of most genes were at higher level in the rice population. Then we obtained 11 pivotal differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The expression levels of these DEGs exhibited a distinct increase in the rice population. Moreover, we also observed the expression rhythm of these DEGs is discrepant between two host populations. Our study offers a new understanding to elucidate the mechanisms of intraspecific reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Zhong Tian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Wei-Li Quan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Dan Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Wen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, PR China.
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32
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Paul S, Singh S, Chakrabarti A, Rudramurthy SM, Ghosh AK. Selection and evaluation of appropriate reference genes for RT-qPCR based expression analysis in Candida tropicalis following azole treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1972. [PMID: 32029802 PMCID: PMC7004996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58744-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis arises as one of the predominant non-Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species causing invasive candidiasis in Asian countries. A rise in reports of C. tropicalis with a parallel increase in fluconazole resistance has also been observed. The genes and underlying pathways associated with azole antifungal resistance in C. tropicalis is still not properly understood. The RT-qPCR is the most promising approach for expression analysis of target genes to understand the mechanisms of resistance. The reliability and reproducibility of this technique depend on the selection of suitable reference genes for the normalization in expression study. The present study investigated the expression stability levels of ten genes including ACT1, EF1, GAPDH, PGK1, RDN5.8, RDN18, RDN28, SDHA, TUB1, and UBC13 for their suitability in fluconazole treated/untreated C. tropicalis. The stability levels of these genes were examined by the ∆∆CT, ΔCT, Pfaffl methods and five independent software including hkgFinder, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder software. We report, the EF1 and ACT1 were the most stable reference genes for normalization and can be used for the gene expression analysis in C. tropicalis. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to select and validate the reference genes in C. tropicalis for RT-qPCR based expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Paul
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Shreya Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Anup K Ghosh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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33
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Qin N, Shan X, Sun X, Liswaniso S, Chimbaka IM, Xu R. Evaluation and Validation of the Six Housekeeping Genes for Normalizing Mrna Expression in the Ovarian Follicles and Several Tissues in Chicken. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2019-1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N Qin
- Jilin Agricultural University, China; Ministry of Education, P. R. China
| | - X Shan
- Jilin Agricultural University, China
| | - X Sun
- Jilin Agricultural University, China; Ministry of Education, P. R. China
| | - S Liswaniso
- Jilin Agricultural University, China; Ministry of Education, P. R. China
| | - IM Chimbaka
- Jilin Agricultural University, China; Ministry of Education, P. R. China
| | - R Xu
- Jilin Agricultural University, China; Ministry of Education, P. R. China
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34
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Araújo D, Azevedo NM, Barbosa A, Almeida C, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M, Silva S. Application of 2'-OMethylRNA' Antisense Oligomer to Control Candida albicans EFG1 Virulence Determinant. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:508-517. [PMID: 31671344 PMCID: PMC6838528 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligomers and their analogs have been successfully utilized to silence gene expression for the treatment of many human diseases; however, the control of yeast’s virulence determinants has never been exploited before. In this sense, this work is based on the key hypothesis that if a pathogen’s genetic sequence is a determinant of virulence, it will be possible to synthesize a nucleic acid mimic based on antisense therapy (AST) that will bind to the mRNA produced, blocking its translation into protein and, consequently, reducing the pathogen virulence phenotype. EFG1 is an important determinant of virulence that is involved in the regulation of the Candida albicans switch from yeast to filamentous form. Thus, our main goal was to design and synthesize an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the EFG1 mRNA and to validate its in vitro applicability. The results show that the anti-EFG1 2′-OMethylRNA (2′OMe) oligomer was able to significantly reduce the levels of EFG1 gene expression and of Efg1p protein translation (both approximately 60%), as well as effectively prevent filamentation of C. albicans cells (by 80%). Moreover, it was verified that anti-EFG1 2′OMe keeps the efficacy in different simulated human body fluids. Undeniably, this work provides potentially valuable information for future research into the management of Candida infections, regarding the development of a credible and alternative method to control C. albicans infections, based on AST methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Araújo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Miguel Azevedo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Barbosa
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Maria Elisa Rodrigues
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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35
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Kart D, Yabanoglu Ciftci S, Nemutlu E. Altered metabolomic profile of dual-species biofilm: Interactions between Proteus mirabilis and Candida albicans. Microbiol Res 2019; 230:126346. [PMID: 31563763 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2019.126346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to determine the interspecies interactions between Proteus mirabilis and Candida albicans. Mono and dual-species biofilms were grown in a microtiter plate and metabolomic analysis of the biofilms was performed. The effects of togetherness of two species on the expression levels of candidal virulence genes and urease and swarming activities of P.mirabilis were investigated. The growth of C.albicans was inhibited by P.mirabilis whereas the growth and swarming activity of P.mirabilis were increased by C.albicans. The inhibition of Candida cell growth was found to be biofilm specific. The alteration was not detected in urease activity. The expressions of EFG1, HWP1 and SAP2 genes were significantly down-regulated, however, LIP1 was upregulated by P.mirabilis. In the presence of P.mirabilis carbonhydrates, amino acids, polyamine and lipid metabolisms were altered in C.albicans. Interestingly, the putrescine level was increased up to 230 fold in dual-species biofilm compared to monospecies C.albicans biofilm. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of each microbial pathogen on the dual microbial environment by integration of metabolomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Kart
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Sıhhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Samiye Yabanoglu Ciftci
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Sıhhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emirhan Nemutlu
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Sıhhiye, Ankara, Turkey
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36
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Jeon RH, Lee WJ, Son YB, Bharti D, Shivakumar SB, Lee SL, Rho GJ. PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ Genes Are Suitable for Normalization of mRNA Expression in Long-Term Expanded Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3093545. [PMID: 31240211 PMCID: PMC6556274 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3093545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Long-term expansion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under defined culture conditions is necessary in human stem cell therapy. However, it alters the characteristics of MSCs. Since quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is widely used as one of the key analytical methods for comparative characterization, the validation of reference genes (RGs) for normalization under each experimental condition is important to achieve reliable qRT-PCR results. Therefore, the most stable RGs for long-term expanded bone marrow- and umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs and UCB-MSCs) under defined culture conditions for up to 20 passages were evaluated. The more apparent alterations in characteristics such as differentiation capacity, proliferation, senescence, and the expression of RGs were noted in BM-MSCs than UCB-MSCs during long-term expansion. The RG validation programs (GeNorm and NormFinder) suggested that PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ were suitable for normalization in qRT-PCR regardless of MSC types and long-term culture expansion, and the traditional RGs (ACTB and GAPDH) were less stable in long-term expanded MSCs. In addition, the use of these RGs for normalization of OCT4 expression in long-term expanded BM-MSCs showed that a less stable RG (GAPDH) showed contrasting data compared to other RGs. Therefore, the use of RGs such as PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ for normalization in qRT-PCR experiments is highly recommended for long-term expanded MSCs to generate accurate and reliable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoung-Hoon Jeon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jae Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Bum Son
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Dinesh Bharti
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sung-Lim Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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37
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Chevalier M, Doglio A, Rajendran R, Ramage G, Prêcheur I, Ranque S. Inhibition of adhesion-specific genes by Solidago virgaurea extract causes loss of Candida albicans biofilm integrity. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:68-77. [PMID: 31013388 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Candida albicans biofilms are commonly associated with severe oral infections. We previously discovered that a crude extract from the Solidago virgaurea plant (SV extract) was a potent inhibitor of C. albicans biofilm formation. Here, we further investigate the mechanisms underlying C. albicans biofilm inhibition by the SV extract. METHODS AND RESULTS The SV extract was shown to inhibit laboratory and clinical C. albicans isolates adherence and hyphal transition on inert support and epithelial human cells, without affecting viability and growth of planktonic yeasts. Interestingly, RT-PCR-based experiments demonstrated that some key genes involved in adhesion and hyphal morphological switch (e.g. Hwp1p, Ece1p, Als3p) were strongly down-regulated by the SV extract. Moreover, antimicrobial synergy testing (checkerboard assay) demonstrated that antifungal effects of miconazole, nystatin or a common antiseptic mouthwash were synergistically improved when used in combination with the SV extract. CONCLUSIONS The SV extract prevents C. albicans biofilm formation through direct inhibition of key adherence and hyphae-associated genes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Biofilm is considered as a key virulence factor of C. albicans infection. Our discovery of an inhibitor specifically acting on genes involved in biofilm formation paves the way for the future development of a new class of antifungal product.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chevalier
- Micoralis, UFR Odontologie, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,AP-HM, IRD, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - A Doglio
- Micoralis, UFR Odontologie, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Unité de Thérapie Cellulaire et Génique (UTCG), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - R Rajendran
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - G Ramage
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - I Prêcheur
- Micoralis, UFR Odontologie, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Pôle Odontologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - S Ranque
- AP-HM, IRD, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
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38
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Lee SY, Chen HF, Yeh YC, Xue YP, Lan CY. The Transcription Factor Sfp1 Regulates the Oxidative Stress Response in Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E131. [PMID: 31091716 PMCID: PMC6560436 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7050131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal that inhabits the skin and mucous membranes of humans. Because of the increasing immunocompromised population and the limited classes of antifungal drugs available, C. albicans has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen with high mortality rates. During infection and therapy, C. albicans frequently encounters immune cells and antifungal drugs, many of which exert their antimicrobial activity by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, antioxidative capacity is important for the survival and pathogenesis of C. albicans. In this study, we characterized the roles of the zinc finger transcription factor Sfp1 in the oxidative stress response against C. albicans. A sfp1-deleted mutant was more resistant to oxidants and macrophage killing than wild-type C. albicans and processed an active oxidative stress response with the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Hog1 and high CAP1 expression. Moreover, the sfp1-deleted mutant exhibited high expression levels of antioxidant genes in response to oxidative stress, resulting in a higher total antioxidant capacity, glutathione content, and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity than the wild-type C. albicans. Finally, the sfp1-deleted mutant was resistant to macrophage killing and ROS-generating antifungal drugs. Together, our findings provide a new understanding of the complex regulatory machinery in the C. albicans oxidative stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Yu Lee
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Hsueh-Fen Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Ying-Chieh Yeh
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Yao-Peng Xue
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
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39
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Rane HS, Hayek SR, Frye JE, Abeyta EL, Bernardo SM, Parra KJ, Lee SA. Candida albicans Pma1p Contributes to Growth, pH Homeostasis, and Hyphal Formation. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1012. [PMID: 31143168 PMCID: PMC6521590 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans occupies diverse ecological niches within the host and must tolerate a wide range of environmental pH. The plasma membrane H+-ATPase Pma1p is the major regulator of cytosolic pH in fungi. Pma1p extrudes protons from the cytosol to maintain neutral-to-alkaline pH and is a potential drug target due to its essentiality and fungal specificity. We characterized mutants in which one allele of PMA1 has been deleted and the other truncated by 18–38 amino acids. Increasing C-terminal truncation caused corresponding decreases in plasma membrane ATPase-specific activity and cytosolic pH. Pma1p is regulated by glucose: glucose rapidly activates the ATPase, causing a sharp increase in cytosolic pH. Increasing Pma1p truncation severely impaired this glucose response. Pma1p truncation also altered cation responses, disrupted vacuolar morphology and pH, and reduced filamentation competence. Early studies of cytosolic pH and filamentation have described a rapid, transient alkalinization of the cytosol preceding germ tube formation; Pma1p has been proposed as a regulator of this process. We find Pma1p plays a role in the establishment of cell polarity, and distribution of Pma1p is non-homogenous in emerging hyphae. These findings suggest a role of PMA1 in cytosolic alkalinization and in the specialized form of polarized growth that is filamentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallie S Rane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Summer R Hayek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Jillian E Frye
- Section of Infectious Diseases, New Mexico VA Healthcare System, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Esteban L Abeyta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Stella M Bernardo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Karlett J Parra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Samuel A Lee
- Medicine Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, United States.,Infectious Disease Section, Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
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40
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Di Domenico EG, Cavallo I, Guembe M, Prignano G, Gallo MT, Bordignon V, D'Agosto G, Sperduti I, Toma L, Ensoli F. The clinical Biofilm Ring Test: a promising tool for the clinical assessment of biofilm-producing Candida species. FEMS Yeast Res 2019. [PMID: 29518199 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are opportunistic pathogens responsible for a variety of diseases, ranging from skin and mucosal lesions to severe systemic, life-threatening infections. Candida albicans accounts for more than 70% of all Candida infections, however, the clinical relevance of other species such as Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei are being increasingly recognized. Biofilm-producing yeasts cells acquire an increased resistance to antifungal agents, often leading to therapeutic failure and chronic infection. Conventional methods such as crystal violet (CV) and tetrazolium (XTT) reduction assay, developed to evaluate biofilm formation in Candida species are usually time-consuming, present a high intra- and inter-assay variability of the results and are therefore hardly applicable to routine diagnostics. This study describes an in-vitro assay developed for the measurement of biofilm formation in Candida species based on the clinical Biofilm Ring Test® (cBRT). We found a significant concordance between the cBRT and both CV (k = 0.74) and XTT (k = 0.62), respectively. Nevertheless, the cBRT resulted more reliable and reproducible than CV and XTT, requiring a minimal sample manipulation and allowing a high throughput assessment, directly on viable cells. The results indicate that the cBRT may provide a suitable, cost-effective technique for routine biofilm testing in clinical microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enea Gino Di Domenico
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cavallo
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Guembe
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Grazia Prignano
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Gallo
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bordignon
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Agosto
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Sperduti
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Toma
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ensoli
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
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Lobo CIV, Rinaldi TB, Christiano CMS, De Sales Leite L, Barbugli PA, Klein MI. Dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans exhibit more biomass and are mutually beneficial compared with single-species biofilms. J Oral Microbiol 2019; 11:1581520. [PMID: 31681463 PMCID: PMC6807867 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2019.1581520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Candida albicans (Ca) are found in biofilms of early childhood caries. Objective: To characterize in vitro dual- and single-species biofilms of Sm and Ca formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs in the presence of sucrose. Design: Evaluation of biofilms included biochemical [biomass, proteins, matrix’s water-soluble (WSP) and alkali-soluble (ASP) polysaccharides, microbiological, 3D structure, gene expression, and stress tolerance analyses. Results: Biomass and proteins were higher for dual-species and lower for Ca (p = 0.001). Comparison of Sm single- and dual-species biofilms revealed no significant difference in Sm numbers or quantity of WSP (p > 0.05). Dual-species biofilms contained a higher population of Ca (p < 0.001). The quantity of ASP was higher in dual-species biofilms (vs Ca single-species biofilms; p = 0.002). The 3D structure showed larger microcolonies and distinct distribution of Sm-derived exopolysaccharides in dual-species biofilms. Compared with dual-species biofilms, expression of gtfB (ASP) and nox1 (oxidative stress) was higher for single-species of Sm whilst expression of BGL2 (matrix), PHR1 (matrix, acid tolerance) and SOD1 (oxidative stress) was higher in single-species of Ca. There was no difference for acid tolerance genes (Sm atpD and Ca PHR2), which was confirmed by acid tolerance challenge. Dual-species biofilms were more tolerant to oxidative and antimicrobial stresses (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dual-species biofilms present greater 3D complexity, thereby, making them more resistant to stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmélia Isabel Vitorino Lobo
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Talita Baptista Rinaldi
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Luana De Sales Leite
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Paula Aboud Barbugli
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marlise Inêz Klein
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil
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Song Y, Wang Y, Guo D, Jing L. Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in the plant pathogen Puccinia helianthi Schw. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:20. [PMID: 30634896 PMCID: PMC6329156 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-time RT-PCR has become a common and robust technique to detect and quantify low-abundance mRNA expression and is a prefered tool when examining fungal gene expression in infected host tissues. However, correct evaluation of gene expression data requires accurate and reliable normalization against a reference transcript. Thus, the identification of reference genes with stable expression during different conditions is of paramount importance. Here, we present a study where in vitro and in planta experiments were used to validate the expression stability of reference gene candidates of Puccinia helianthi Schw., an obligate pathogen that causes rust in sunflower (Helianthus annuus). RESULTS Eleven reference genes of P. helianthi were validated at different growth stages. Excel-based software geNorm, BestKeeper and NormFinder were used to evaluate the reference gene transcript stabilities. Of eleven reference gene candidates tested, three were stably expressed in urediniospores, germinating growth stage and in planta. Two of these genes (UBC, EF2), encoding ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and elongation factor 2, proved to be the most stable set of reference genes under the experimental conditions used. CONCLUSION We found that UBC and EF2 are suitable candidates for for the standardization of gene expression studies in the plant pathogen P. helianthi and potentially other related pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019 China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019 China
| | - Dandan Guo
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019 China
| | - Lan Jing
- College of Agronomy, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019 China
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Influence of Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis on virulence of Candida albicans: in vitro and in vivo studies. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2018; 64:215-222. [PMID: 30232727 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-018-0645-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate in vitro possible interactions, gene expression, and biofilm formation in species of Candida albicans, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus sanguinis and their in vivo pathogenicity. The in vitro analysis evaluated the effects of S. mitis and S. sanguinis on C. albicans's biofilm formation by CFU count, filamentation capacity, and adhesion (ALS1, ALS3, HWP1) and transcriptional regulatory gene (BCR1, CPH1, EFG1) expression. In vivo studies evaluated the pathogenicity of the interaction of the microorganisms on Galleria mellonella, with analyses of the CFU per milliliter count and filamentation. In vitro results indicated that there was an observed decrease in CFU (79.4-71.5%) in multi-species biofilms. The interaction with S. mitis inhibited filamentation, which seems to increase its virulence factor with over-expression of genes ALS1, ALS3, and HWP1 as well the interaction with S. sanguinis as ALS3 and HWP1. S. mitis upregulated BRC1, CPH1, and EFG1. The histological images of in vivo study indicate an increase in the filamentation of C. albicans when in interaction with the other species. It was concluded that S. mitis interaction suggests increased virulence factors of C. albicans, with periods of lower virulence and proto-cooperation in the interaction with S. sanguinis.
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Photodynamic inactivation in the expression of the Candida albicans genes ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1, and EFG1 in biofilms. Lasers Med Sci 2018; 33:1447-1454. [PMID: 29589176 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-018-2487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) on Candida albicans biofilms, evaluating its effects on gene expression of ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1, and EFG1 by yeast. Three samples of C. albicans were used in this study: a clinical sample from a patient with HIV (39S), a clinical sample from a patient with denture stomatitis lesion (Ca30), and a standard strain ATCC 18804. The quantification of gene expression was related to the production of those genes in the samples referred above using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay in real time. The photosensitizer methylene blue at 300 uM and erythrosine at 400 uM, sensitized with low-power laser (visible red, 660 nm) and green LED (532 nm), respectively, were used for PDI. Four groups of each sample and PDI protocol were evaluated: (a) P+L+: sensitization with the photosensitizer and irradiation with light, (b) P+L-: only treatment with the photosensitizer, (c) P-L+: only irradiation with light, and (d) P-L-: without sensitization with the dye and absence of light. The results were analyzed by t test, with a significance level of 5%. The photodynamic inactivation was able to reduce the expression of all genes for both treatments, laser and LED. The fold-decrease for the genes ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1, and EFG1 were 0.73, 0.39, 0.77, 0.71, 0.67, and 0.60 for laser, respectively, and 0.66, 0.61, .050, 0.43, 0.54, and 0.66 for LED, respectively. It could be concluded that PDI showed a reduction in the expression of C. albicans genes, suggesting its virulence decrease.
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Role of the Inducible Adhesin CpAls7 in Binding of Candida parapsilosis to the Extracellular Matrix under Fluid Shear. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00892-17. [PMID: 29378793 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00892-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Candida parapsilosis is an increasingly common cause of systemic fungal infections among immunocompromised individuals, including premature infants. Adhesion to host surfaces is an important step in pathogenesis, but this process has not been extensively studied in this organism. A microfluidics assay was developed to test the ability of C. parapsilosis to adhere to immobilized host extracellular matrix proteins under physiological fluid shear conditions. Growth in mammalian tissue culture medium at 37°C for 3 to 6 h led to the induction of an adhesive phenotype at shear forces of 1 to 5 dynes/cm2 in some isolates of C. parapsilosis Glutamic acid, proline, and calcium appeared to be the minimally necessary requirements for increased adhesion in these assays. To determine whether genes homologous to the ALS gene family of C. albicans were important for the adhesive phenotype, the expression levels of 5 homologous C. parapsilosis genes were quantified by using quantitative PCR (qPCR) under conditions leading to increased adhesion. CPAR2_404800 (CpALS7) and CPAR2_404780 showed increased expression levels compared to those in control yeast. The extent of adhesion was variable among different isolates, and linear regression identified the expression of CpALS7 but not CPAR2_404780 as having a strong positive correlation with adhesion. A homozygous CpALS7 deletion strain was deficient in adhesion, whereas the expression of CpALS7 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in increased adhesion. Together, these data provide strong evidence that CpAls7 aids in the adherence of C. parapsilosis to the extracellular matrix under shear forces and support its previously reported role in virulence.
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Selection and validation of reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis of gene expression in Microsporum canis growing under different adhesion-inducing conditions. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1197. [PMID: 29352152 PMCID: PMC5775245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19680-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are the group of filamentous fungi infecting keratinized structures such as skin, hair, and nails. Knowledge about genes and molecular mechanisms responsible for pathogenicity, as well as other biological properties of Microsporum canis is still relatively poor. The qRT-PCR is a reliable technique for quantifying gene expression across various biological processes, and choosing a set of suitable reference genes to normalize the expression data is a crucial step of this technique. We investigated the suitability of nine candidate reference genes: β-act, β-tub, adp-rf, ef1-α, sdha, rpl2, mbp1, psm1, and rGTPa for gene expression analysis in the dermatophyte M. canis in response to different carbon sources, phosphate levels, and pH shifts - factors that are extremely important and necessary for growth of dermatophyte in the host tissue. The transcription stability of these genes was evaluated using NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and RefFinder software. Regarding expression stability, mbp1, β-act, and sdha were the most stable housekeeping genes which we recommend for future qRT-PCR studies on M. canis strains. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study on selection and validation of reference genes for qRT-PCR data normalization in M. canis growth in culture media which promote adhesion-inducing conditions.
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González-Hernández RJ, Jin K, Hernández-Chávez MJ, Díaz-Jiménez DF, Trujillo-Esquivel E, Clavijo-Giraldo DM, Tamez-Castrellón AK, Franco B, Gow NAR, Mora-Montes HM. Phosphomannosylation and the Functional Analysis of the Extended Candida albicans MNN4-Like Gene Family. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2156. [PMID: 29163439 PMCID: PMC5681524 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphomannosylation is a modification of cell wall proteins that occurs in some species of yeast-like organisms, including the human pathogen Candida albicans. These modified mannans confer a negative charge to the wall, which is important for the interactions with phagocytic cells of the immune systems and cationic antimicrobial peptides. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the synthesis of phosphomannan relies on two enzymes, the phosphomannosyltransferase Ktr6 and its positive regulator Mnn4. However, in C. albicans, at least three phosphomannosyltransferases, Mnn4, Mnt3 and Mnt5, participate in the addition of phosphomannan. In addition to MNN4, C. albicans has a MNN4-like gene family composed of seven other homologous members that have no known function. Here, using the classical mini-Ura-blaster approach and the new gene knockout CRISPR-Cas9 system for gene disruption, we generated mutants lacking single and multiple genes of the MNN4 family; and demonstrate that, although Mnn4 has a major impact on the phosphomannan content, MNN42 was also required for full protein phosphomannosylation. The reintroduction of MNN41, MNN42, MNN46, or MNN47 in a genetic background lacking MNN4 partially restored the phenotype associated with the mnn4Δ null mutant, suggesting that there is partial redundancy of function between some family members and that the dominant effect of MNN4 over other genes could be due to its relative abundance within the cell. We observed that additional copies of alleles number of any of the other family members, with the exception of MNN46, restored the phosphomannan content in cells lacking both MNT3 and MNT5. We, therefore, suggest that phosphomannosylation is achieved by three groups of proteins: [i] enzymes solely activated by Mnn4, [ii] enzymes activated by the dual action of Mnn4 and any of the products of other MNN4-like genes, with exception of MNN46, and [iii] activation of Mnt3 and Mnt5 by Mnn4 and Mnn46. Therefore, although the MNN4-like genes have the potential to functionally redundant with Mnn4, they apparently do not play a major role in cell wall mannosylation under most in vitro growth conditions. In addition, our phenotypic analyses indicate that several members of this gene family influence the ability of macrophages to phagocytose C. albicans cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kai Jin
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Marco J. Hernández-Chávez
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Diana F. Díaz-Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Elías Trujillo-Esquivel
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Diana M. Clavijo-Giraldo
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Alma K. Tamez-Castrellón
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Bernardo Franco
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Héctor M. Mora-Montes
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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Mamouei Z, Zeng G, Wang YM, Wang Y. Candida albicanspossess a highly versatile and dynamic high-affinity iron transport system important for its commensal-pathogenic lifestyle. Mol Microbiol 2017; 106:986-998. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Mamouei
- Multi-Modal Molecular (M3) Biology; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research; Singapore
| | - Guisheng Zeng
- Multi-Modal Molecular (M3) Biology; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research; Singapore
| | - Yan-Ming Wang
- Multi-Modal Molecular (M3) Biology; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research; Singapore
| | - Yue Wang
- Multi-Modal Molecular (M3) Biology; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research; Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore
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Candida albicans fatty acyl-CoA synthetase, CaFaa4p, is involved in the uptake of exogenous long-chain fatty acids and cell activity in the biofilm. Curr Genet 2017; 64:429-441. [PMID: 28942495 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0751-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (Faa) activates fatty acid (FA) by converting the FA into the CoA ester in the cell. In the present study, we characterized a FAA homologue (CaFAA4) from the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. Most organisms can not only synthesize long-chain fatty acyl-CoAs (LCFA-CoAs) endogenously using a fatty acid synthase (Fas) activity but also can uptake long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) from the extracellular environment and convert them into LCFA-CoAs via a vectorial acylation system. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses two LCFA-CoA synthetases, ScFaa1p and ScFaa4p. The disruption of ScFAA1 and ScFAA4 leads to synthetic lethality in the presence of a fatty acid synthesis inhibitor-cerulenin. The homologue-CaFAA4-rescued the lethality of an S. cerevisiae Scfaa1-Scfaa4 double mutant in the presence of cerulenin. On the other hand, a C. albicans faa4 mutant was unable to grow in the presence of cerulenin even if LCFAs were provided exogenously. Moreover, a biofilm analysis showed that the metabolic activity of the Cafaa4 mutant was approximately 40% lower than that of the wild-type parent, even though there was no significant difference in cell number or cell morphology between these strains. Notably, the Cafaa4 mutant showed increased susceptibility to micafungin during biofilm formation, a phenotype that presumably can be attributed to the impaired metabolism of the mutant strain. These results indicated that CaFaa4p is the unique C. albicans Faa protein responsible for activating LCFAs and is involved in the metabolism of biofilms.
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50
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Trujillo-Esquivel E, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Clavijo-Giraldo DM, Hernández NV, Flores-Martínez A, Ponce-Noyola P, Mora-Montes HM. The Sporothrix schenckii Gene Encoding for the Ribosomal Protein L6 Has Constitutive and Stable Expression and Works as an Endogenous Control in Gene Expression Analysis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1676. [PMID: 28919888 PMCID: PMC5585144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is one of the causative agents of sporotrichosis, a worldwide-distributed mycosis that affects humans and other mammals. The interest in basic and clinical features of this organism has significantly increased in the last years, yet little progress in molecular aspects has been reported. Gene expression analysis is a set of powerful tools that helps to assess the cell response to changes in the extracellular environment, the genetic networks controlling metabolic pathways, and the adaptation to different growth conditions. Most of the quantitative methodologies used nowadays require data normalization, and this is achieved measuring the expression of endogenous control genes. Reference genes, whose expression is assumed to suffer minimal changes regardless the cell morphology, the stage of the cell cycle or the presence of harsh extracellular conditions are commonly used as controls in Northern blotting assays, microarrays, and semi-quantitative or quantitative RT-PCR. Since the biology of the organisms is usually species specific, it is difficult to find a reliable group of universal genes that can be used as controls for data normalization in experiments addressing the gene expression, regardless the taxonomic classification of the organism under study. Here, we compared the transcriptional stability of the genes encoding for elongation factor 1A, Tfc1, a protein involved in transcription initiation on Pol III promoters, ribosomal protein L6, histone H2A, β-actin, β-tubulin, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, UAF30, the upstream activating factor 30, and the transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 10, during the fungal growth in different culture media and cell morphologies. Our results indicated that only the gene encoding for the ribosomal protein L6 showed a stable and constant expression. Furthermore, it displayed not transcriptional changes when S. schenckii infected larvae of Galleria mellonella or interacted with immune cells. Therefore, this gene could be used as control for data normalization in expression assays. As a proof of concept, this gene was used to assess the expression of genes encoding for glycosidases involved in the protein N-linked glycosylation pathway, a histidine kinase whose expression is regulated during the fungal dimorphism, and a glycosidase that participates in sucrose assimilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elías Trujillo-Esquivel
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato, Mexico
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato, Mexico
| | - Diana M Clavijo-Giraldo
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato, Mexico
| | - Nahúm V Hernández
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato, Mexico
| | - Alberto Flores-Martínez
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato, Mexico
| | - Patricia Ponce-Noyola
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato, Mexico
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato, Mexico
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