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Phenotypic and genotypic variations in Candida albicans isolates from Romanian patients. REV ROMANA MED LAB 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/rrlm-2018-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: During the last two decades a major increase in the proportion of severe fungal infections has been noted due to the excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, catheters, and a growing number of immunocompromised patients.
Objectives: This is the first investigation providing complete data regarding the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolates in Romanian patients.
Methods: We investigated 301 isolates in terms of genotype determination (G), resistogram (R), phospholipase activity (Pl), haemolysis (Hl), proteinase activity (Pt), and biofilm formation (BF).
Results: The analyzed isolates of C. albicans showed low values for Pt (61.73%), Hl (95.49%), and BF (60.71%), and did not present any Pl activity (92.23%). More than half of the investigated samples were genotype A with 450 bp (52.92%) and the majority (86.19%) were resistant to sodium selenite (A), boric acid (B), sodium periodate (D) and silver nitrate (E), but sensitive to cetrimide (-). One-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant effects of the infection site on biofilm formation (p = 0.0137) and no significant correlation was found between the genotype (A, B, C) and the infection site (p =0.449).
Conclusions: Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that C. albicans isolates in Romanian patients exhibit different genotypic and phenotypic patterns, and no significant correlations between genotype and infection site could be observed.
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Fernandez-Pacheco Rodríguez P, Arévalo-Villena M, Zaparoli Rosa I, Briones Pérez A. Selection of potential non-Sacharomyces probiotic yeasts from food origin by a step-by-step approach. Food Res Int 2018; 112:143-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Sundararajan A, Rane HS, Ramaraj T, Sena J, Howell AB, Bernardo SM, Schilkey FD, Lee SA. Cranberry-derived proanthocyanidins induce a differential transcriptomic response within Candida albicans urinary biofilms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201969. [PMID: 30089157 PMCID: PMC6082538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, azoles are poorly active against biofilms, echinocandins do not achieve clinically useful urinary concentrations, and amphotericin B exhibits severe toxicities. Thus, novel strategies are needed to prevent Candida UTIs, which are often associated with urinary catheter biofilms. We previously demonstrated that cranberry-derived proanthocyanidins (PACs) prevent C. albicans biofilm formation in an in vitro urinary model. To elucidate functional pathways unique to urinary biofilm development and PAC inhibition, we investigated the transcriptome of C. albicans in artificial urine (AU), with and without PACs. C. albicans biofilm and planktonic cells were cultivated with or without PACs. Genome-wide expression analysis was performed by RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were determined using DESeq2 software; pathway analysis was performed using Cytoscape. Approximately 2,341 of 6,444 total genes were significantly expressed in biofilm relative to planktonic cells. Functional pathway analysis revealed that genes involved in filamentation, adhesion, drug response and transport were up-regulated in urinary biofilms. Genes involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism and nutrient response were down-regulated. In PAC-treated urinary biofilms compared to untreated control biofilms, 557 of 6,444 genes had significant changes in gene expression. Genes downregulated in PAC-treated biofilms were implicated in iron starvation and adhesion pathways. Although urinary biofilms share key features with biofilms formed in other environments, many genes are uniquely expressed in urinary biofilms. Cranberry-derived PACs interfere with the expression of iron acquisition and adhesion genes within urinary biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitha Sundararajan
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, NM, United States of America
| | - Hallie S. Rane
- Section of Infectious Diseases, New Mexico VA Healthcare System, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | | | - Johnny Sena
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, NM, United States of America
| | - Amy B. Howell
- Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Chatsworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Stella M. Bernardo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Faye D. Schilkey
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, NM, United States of America
| | - Samuel A. Lee
- Section of Infectious Diseases, New Mexico VA Healthcare System, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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Mello TP, Oliveira SSC, Frasés S, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Surface properties, adhesion and biofilm formation on different surfaces by Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans. BIOFOULING 2018; 34:800-814. [PMID: 30354689 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1503652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, some surface properties of the fungi Scedosporium apiospermum, S. aurantiacum, S. minutisporum, and Lomentospora prolificans and their capability to adhere to and form a biofilm on diverse surfaces were evaluated. All four species had high conidial surface hydrophobicity and elevated electronegative zeta potentials. Abundant quantities of melanin were detected at the conidial surface, whereas sialic acid was absent. The numbers of non-germinated and germinated conidia adhered to poly-L-lysine-covered slides was higher than on glass after 4 h of fungi-surface contact. Additionally, after 72 h of interaction a typical biofilm structure had formed. Mature biofilms were also observed after 72 h on a nasogastric catheter (made from polyvinyl chloride), a late bladder catheter (siliconized latex), and a nasoenteric catheter (polyurethane). Interestingly, biofilm biomass increased considerably when the catheters had previously been incubated with serum. These results confirm that Scedosporium/Lomentospora spp. are capable of forming biofilms on diverse abiotic surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís P Mello
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Simone S C Oliveira
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Susana Frasés
- b Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer , Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
- c Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica , Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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105
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Aguiar Cordeiro RD, de Jesus Evangelista AJ, Serpa R, Colares de Andrade AR, Leite Mendes PB, Silva Franco JD, de Oliveira JS, de Alencar LP, Sales JA, Carneiro Câmara LM, Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco DD, Nogueira Brilhante RS, Costa Sidrim JJ, Gadelha Rocha MF. β-lactam antibiotics & vancomycin increase the growth & virulence of Candida spp. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:869-875. [PMID: 29882422 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the direct effect of antibiotics on growth and virulence of the major Candida species associated with invasive infections. MATERIALS & METHODS Cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, amoxicillin and vancomycin were tested at twofold the peak plasma concentration (2× PP) and the peak plasma concentration (PP). The effects of antibiotics on Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis were investigated by colony counting, flow cytometry, proteolytic activity and virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans. RESULTS Antibiotics increase growth and proteolytic activity of Candida spp; In addition, amoxicillin potentiates virulence of C. krusei and C. tropicalis against Caenorhabditis elegans. CONCLUSION These results suggest that antimicrobial therapy may have a direct effect on the pathophysiology of invasive fungal infections in patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rosana Serpa
- Departament of of Plant Protection, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Raquel Colares de Andrade
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Bruna Leite Mendes
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jônatas da Silva Franco
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jonathas Sales de Oliveira
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lucas Pereira de Alencar
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jamille Alencar Sales
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Post Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lília Maria Carneiro Câmara
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Medical Mycology Specialized Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Post Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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106
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Kumari A, Mankotia S, Chaubey B, Luthra M, Singh R. Role of biofilm morphology, matrix content and surface hydrophobicity in the biofilm-forming capacity of various Candida species. J Med Microbiol 2018; 67:889-892. [PMID: 29717970 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000747] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the role of biofilm morphology, matrix content and surface hydrophobicity in the biofilm-forming capacity of Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. Biofilm formation was determined by microtitre plate assay and bright-field and scanning electron microscopy. The matrix carbohydrates, proteins and e-DNA were quantified by phenol-sulfuric acid, bicinchoninic acid and UV spectroscopy, respectively. Specific glycosyl residues were detected by dot blot. The cell-surface hydrophobicity was determined by hydrocarbon adhesion assay. Candida tropicalis was found to exhibit the highest adherence to polystyrene. It formed dense biofilms with extensive pseudohyphae and hyphal elements, high hydrophobicity and the greatest amount of matrix carbohydrates, proteins and e-DNA. C. albicans displayed higher adherence and a complex biofilm morphology with larger aggregates than Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei, but had lower matrix content and hydrophobicity. Thus, the combinatorial effect of increased filamentation, maximum matrix content and high hydrophobicity contributes to the enhanced biofilm-forming capacity of C. tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjna Kumari
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Sakshi Mankotia
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Bhawna Chaubey
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Monika Luthra
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Rachna Singh
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
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107
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Yu B, Zhang X, Sun W, Xi X, Zhao N, Huang Z, Ying Z, Liu L, Liu D, Niu H, Wu J, Zhuang W, Zhu C, Chen Y, Ying H. Continuous citric acid production in repeated-fed batch fermentation by Aspergillus niger immobilized on a new porous foam. J Biotechnol 2018; 276-277:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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108
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Abstract
Onychomycosis is a difficult to treat fungal infection of the nails. The chronic nature of onychomycosis contributes to high recurrence rates and the difficulty in treating both dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte infections. It has been hypothesized that the formation of biofilms, sessile, multicellular communities of fungi surrounded by a protective extracellular matrix, allow for fungi to evade current antifungal therapies and contribute to observed antifungal resistance. This review presents the experimental evidence that has accumulated in recent years implicating biofilms in the pathogenesis of onychomycosis. Dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte molds, and yeasts form biofilms in vitro and a model using ex vivo healthy nail fragments has demonstrated biofilm formation on nails for dermatophyte, Candida, and Fusarium species. Implications for disease management are discussed with further research required to incorporate biofilm formation into future drug/device evaluation and treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Canada - .,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada -
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109
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Bacterial-derived exopolysaccharides enhance antifungal drug tolerance in a cross-kingdom oral biofilm. ISME JOURNAL 2018; 12:1427-1442. [PMID: 29670217 PMCID: PMC5955968 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-018-0113-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal-bacterial interactions generate unique biofilms that cause many infections in humans. Candida albicans interact with Streptococcus mutans in dental biofilms associated with severe childhood tooth-decay, a prevalent pediatric oral disease. Current modalities are ineffective and primarily based on antimicrobial monotherapies despite the polymicrobial nature of the infection. Here, we show that the combination of clinically used topical antifungal fluconazole with povidone iodine (PI) can completely suppress C. albicans carriage and mixed-biofilm formation without increasing bacterial killing activity in vivo. We unexpectedly found that the inclusion of PI enhanced fluconazole efficacy by potently disrupting the assembly of a protective bacterial exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix through inhibition of α-glucan synthesis by S. mutans exoenzyme (GtfB) bound on the fungal surface. Further analyses revealed that the EPS produced in situ directly bind and sequester fluconazole, reducing uptake and intracellular transportation of the drug. Conversely, inhibition of GtfB activity by PI, enzymatic degradation of the α-glucan matrix or co-culturing with gtfB-defective S. mutans re-established antifungal susceptibility. Hence, topical antifungal has limitations in mixed oral biofilms due to enhanced C. albicans tolerance to fluconazole afforded by the shielding effect of bacterial-derived EPS. The data provide new insights for treatment of C. albicans in cross-kingdom biofilms, indicating that EPS inhibitors may be required for enhanced killing efficacy and optimal anti-biofilm activity.
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110
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Urban CF, Nett JE. Neutrophil extracellular traps in fungal infection. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 89:47-57. [PMID: 29601861 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a continuously increasing problem in modern health care. Understanding the complex biology of the emerging pathogens and unraveling the mechanisms of host defense may form the basis for the development of more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Neutrophils play a pivotal role in the defense against fungal pathogens. These phagocytic hunters migrate towards invading fungal microorganisms and eradicate them by phagocytosis, oxidative burst and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In the last decade, the process of NET formation has received unparalleled attention, with numerous studies revealing the relevance of this neutrophil function for control of various mycoses. Here, we describe NET formation and summarize its role as part of the innate immune defense against fungal pathogens. We highlight factors influencing the formation of these structures and molecular mechanisms employed by fungi to impair the formation of NETs or subvert their antifungal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin F Urban
- Umeå University, Department of Clinical Microbiology, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Centre for Microbial Research & Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine, Sweden.
| | - Jeniel E Nett
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Departments of Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 5203 Microbial Sciences Building, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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111
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Munusamy K, Vadivelu J, Tay ST. A study on Candida biofilm growth characteristics and its susceptibility to aureobasidin A. Rev Iberoam Micol 2018; 35:68-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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112
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Alves F, Pavarina AC, Mima EGDO, McHale AP, Callan JF. Antimicrobial sonodynamic and photodynamic therapies against Candida albicans. BIOFOULING 2018; 34:357-367. [PMID: 29671631 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1439935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans biofilms exhibit unique characteristics and are highly resistant to antifungal agents. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an alternative treatment limited to treating superficial infections due to the poor light penetration. In this manuscript, the antifungal properties of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) were assessed. SDT uses ultrasound instead of light, enabling the treatment of deeper infections. Planktonic cells and biofilms of C. albicans were treated with aPDT or SDT, in addition to combined aPDT/SDT, with cell survival determined using colony forming units. The total biomass and structural integrity of the biofilms were also investigated. The results demonstrated that while individual aPDT or SDT eradicated suspensions, they had little impact on biofilms. However, combined aPDT/SDT significantly reduced the viability and total biomass of biofilms. Microscopic images revealed that biofilms treated with aPDT/SDT were thinner and comprised mainly of dead cells. These results highlight the potential of combined aPDT/SDT for the inactivation of C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Alves
- a Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry , São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Araraquara , Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Pavarina
- a Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry , São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Araraquara , Brazil
| | - Ewerton Garcia de Oliveira Mima
- a Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry , São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Araraquara , Brazil
| | - Anthony P McHale
- b School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life & Health Sciences , Ulster University , Coleraine , UK
| | - John Francis Callan
- b School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life & Health Sciences , Ulster University , Coleraine , UK
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113
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de Fraga FBFF. Towards an Evolutionary Perspective in Teaching and Popularizing Microbiology. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2018; 19:jmbe-19-45. [PMID: 29904541 PMCID: PMC5969427 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v19i1.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms are extremely abundant on our planet, and, as a result, they interact with many others forms of life. Today, science recognizes the essential role of these organisms in the emergence and maintenance of life on Earth. Nonetheless, misconceptions about microorganisms in the imaginations of students and the lay audience persist. A major challenge in teaching and popularizing microbiology is to provide students and the general public with a varied understanding of microbes in nature to reinforce their importance in a multitude of processes. In this perspective article, I discuss the persistence of the association between microbes and disease in laypersons' views. Moreover, I advocate for the adoption of a perspective anchored in evolutionary biology for teaching and popularizing microbiology to minimize this problem. To do so, I present several topics that interconnect evolution and microbiology and discuss how these topics could increase the general public's understanding of the microbial world.
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114
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Lee D, Seo Y, Khan MS, Hwang J, Jo Y, Son J, Lee K, Park C, Chavan S, Gilad AA, Choi J. Use of Nanoscale Materials for the Effective Prevention and Extermination of Bacterial Biofilms. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-017-0348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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115
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Dos Santos Ramos MA, Da Silva PB, Spósito L, De Toledo LG, Bonifácio BV, Rodero CF, Dos Santos KC, Chorilli M, Bauab TM. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for control of microbial biofilms: a review. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1179-1213. [PMID: 29520143 PMCID: PMC5834171 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s146195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the dawn of civilization, it has been understood that pathogenic microorganisms cause infectious conditions in humans, which at times, may prove fatal. Among the different virulent properties of microorganisms is their ability to form biofilms, which has been directly related to the development of chronic infections with increased disease severity. A problem in the elimination of such complex structures (biofilms) is resistance to the drugs that are currently used in clinical practice, and therefore, it becomes imperative to search for new compounds that have anti-biofilm activity. In this context, nanotechnology provides secure platforms for targeted delivery of drugs to treat numerous microbial infections that are caused by biofilms. Among the many applications of such nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems is their ability to enhance the bioactive potential of therapeutic agents. The present study reports the use of important nanoparticles, such as liposomes, microemulsions, cyclodextrins, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles, in controlling microbial biofilms by targeted drug delivery. Such utilization of these nanosystems has led to a better understanding of their applications and their role in combating biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Aparecido Dos Santos Ramos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Bento Da Silva
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Larissa Spósito
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciani Gaspar De Toledo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna Vidal Bonifácio
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernanda Rodero
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Karen Cristina Dos Santos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Taís Maria Bauab
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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de Barros PP, Scorzoni L, Ribeiro FDC, Fugisaki LRDO, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Jorge AOC, Junqueira JC, Rossoni RD. Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 reduces in vitro hyphae formation of Candida albicans and prevents the filamentation in an experimental model of Caenorhabditis elegans. Microb Pathog 2018; 117:80-87. [PMID: 29432910 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of microbe-microbe interactions to identify a strain of Lactobacillus that could reduce the filamentation of Candida albicans ATCC 18804 using in vitro and in vivo models. Thus presenting a probiotic effect against the fungal pathogen. First, we analyzed the ability of 25 clinical isolates of Lactobacillus to reduce filamentation in C. albicans in vitro. We found that L. paracasei isolate 28.4 exhibited the greatest reduction of C. albicans hyphae (p = 0.0109). This reduction was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The influence of C. albicans filamentation was found to be contributed through reduced gene expression of filament associated genes (TEC1 and UME6). In an in vivo study, prophylactic provisions with L. paracasei increased the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans worms infected with C. albicans (p = 0.0001) by 29%. Prolonged survival was accompanied by the prevention of cuticle rupture of 27% of the worms by filamentation of C. albicans, a phenotype that is characteristic of C. albicans killing of nematodes, compared to the control group. Lactobacillus paracasei isolate 28.4 reduced the filamentation of C. albicans in vitro by negatively regulating the TEC1 and UME6 genes that are essential for the production of hyphae. Prophylactic provision of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 protected C. elegans against candidiasis in vivo. L. paracasei 28.4 has the potential to be employed as an alternative method to control candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
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117
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Gamaletsou MN, Walsh TJ, Sipsas NV. Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Emergence of Resistant Pathogens and New Antifungal Therapies. Turk J Haematol 2018; 35:1-11. [PMID: 29391334 PMCID: PMC5843768 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2018.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections caused by drug-resistant organisms are an emerging threat to heavily immunosuppressed patients with hematological malignancies. Modern early antifungal treatment strategies, such as prophylaxis and empirical and preemptive therapy, result in long-term exposure to antifungal agents, which is a major driving force for the development of resistance. The extended use of central venous catheters, the nonlinear pharmacokinetics of certain antifungal agents, neutropenia, other forms of intense immunosuppression, and drug toxicities are other contributing factors. The widespread use of agricultural and industrial fungicides with similar chemical structures and mechanisms of action has resulted in the development of environmental reservoirs for some drug-resistant fungi, especially azole-resistant Aspergillus species, which have been reported from four continents. The majority of resistant strains have the mutation TR34/L98H, a finding suggesting that the source of resistance is the environment. The global emergence of new fungal pathogens with inherent resistance, such as Candida auris, is a new public health threat. The most common mechanism of antifungal drug resistance is the induction of efflux pumps, which decrease intracellular drug concentrations. Overexpression, depletion, and alteration of the drug target are other mechanisms of resistance. Mutations in the ERG11 gene alter the protein structure of C-demethylase, reducing the efficacy of antifungal triazoles. Candida species become echinocandin-resistant by mutations in FKS genes. A shift in the epidemiology of Candida towards resistant non-albicans Candida spp. has emerged among patients with hematological malignancies. There is no definite association between antifungal resistance, as defined by elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations, and clinical outcomes in this population. Detection of genes or mutations conferring resistance with the use of molecular methods may offer better predictive values in certain cases. Treatment options for resistant fungal infections are limited and new drugs with novel mechanisms of actions are needed. Prevention of resistance through antifungal stewardship programs is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Gamaletsou
- The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Department of Infection and Travel Medicine, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, Department of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Microbiology and Immunology, New York, United States of America
| | - Nikolaos V Sipsas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Athens, Greece
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118
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Zupančič J, Raghupathi PK, Houf K, Burmølle M, Sørensen SJ, Gunde-Cimerman N. Synergistic Interactions in Microbial Biofilms Facilitate the Establishment of Opportunistic Pathogenic Fungi in Household Dishwashers. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:21. [PMID: 29441043 PMCID: PMC5797641 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms formed on rubber seals in dishwashers harbor diverse microbiota. In this study, we focussed on the microbial composition of bacteria and fungi, isolated from a defined area of one square centimeter of rubber from four domestic dishwashers and assessed their abilities to in vitro multispecies biofilm formation. A total of 80 isolates (64 bacterial and 16 fungal) were analyzed. Multiple combinations of bacterial isolates from each dishwasher were screened for synergistic interactions. 32 out of 140 tested (23%) four-species bacterial combinations displayed consistent synergism leading to an overall increase in biomass, in all experimental trails. Bacterial isolates from two of the four dishwashers generated a high number of synergistically interacting four-species consortia. Network based correlation analyses also showed higher co-occurrence patterns observed between bacterial members in the same two dishwasher samples, indicating cooperative effects. Furthermore, two synergistic four-species bacterial consortia were tested for their abilities to incorporate an opportunistic fungal pathogen, Exophiala dermatitidis and their establishment as biofilms on sterile ethylene propylene diene monomer M-class (EPDM) rubber and polypropylene (PP) surfaces. When the bacterial consortia included E. dermatitidis, the overall cell numbers of both bacteria and fungi increased and a substantial increase in biofilm biomass was observed. These results indicate a novel phenomenon of cross kingdom synergy in biofilm formation and these observations could have potential implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerneja Zupančič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Prem K Raghupathi
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratory of Hygiene and Technology, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kurt Houf
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Technology, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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119
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Kernien JF, Snarr BD, Sheppard DC, Nett JE. The Interface between Fungal Biofilms and Innate Immunity. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1968. [PMID: 29375581 PMCID: PMC5767580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal biofilms are communities of adherent cells surrounded by an extracellular matrix. These biofilms are commonly found during infection caused by a variety of fungal pathogens. Clinically, biofilm infections can be extremely difficult to eradicate due to their resistance to antifungals and host defenses. Biofilm formation can protect fungal pathogens from many aspects of the innate immune system, including killing by neutrophils and monocytes. Altered immune recognition during this phase of growth is also evident by changes in the cytokine profiles of monocytes and macrophages exposed to biofilm. In this manuscript, we review the host response to fungal biofilms, focusing on how these structures are recognized by the innate immune system. Biofilms formed by Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus have received the most attention and are highlighted. We describe common themes involved in the resilience of fungal biofilms to host immunity and give examples of biofilm defenses that are pathogen-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Kernien
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brendan D Snarr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jeniel E Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
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120
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121
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Shapiro RS, Chavez A, Porter CBM, Hamblin M, Kaas CS, DiCarlo JE, Zeng G, Xu X, Revtovich AV, Kirienko NV, Wang Y, Church GM, Collins JJ. A CRISPR-Cas9-based gene drive platform for genetic interaction analysis in Candida albicans. Nat Microbiol 2018; 3:73-82. [PMID: 29062088 PMCID: PMC5832965 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-017-0043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the leading cause of fungal infections; yet, complex genetic interaction analysis remains cumbersome in this diploid pathogen. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based 'gene drive array' platform to facilitate efficient genetic analysis in C. albicans. In our system, a modified DNA donor molecule acts as a selfish genetic element, replaces the targeted site and propagates to replace additional wild-type loci. Using mating-competent C. albicans haploids, each carrying a different gene drive disabling a gene of interest, we are able to create diploid strains that are homozygous double-deletion mutants. We generate double-gene deletion libraries to demonstrate this technology, targeting antifungal efflux and biofilm adhesion factors. We screen these libraries to identify virulence regulators and determine how genetic networks shift under diverse conditions. This platform transforms our ability to perform genetic interaction analysis in C. albicans and is readily extended to other fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Biological Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alejandro Chavez
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Caroline B M Porter
- Department of Biological Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Meagan Hamblin
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Christian S Kaas
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Department of Expression Technologies 2, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, 2760, Denmark
| | - James E DiCarlo
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guisheng Zeng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive (Proteos), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive (Proteos), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | | | | | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive (Proteos), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - George M Church
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.
| | - James J Collins
- Department of Biological Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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122
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Pathogenicity Testing of Clinical Candida Isolates by Assesing Biofilm Formation and their Adhesion to Urinary Catheter Material. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.11.4.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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123
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Lopes W, Vainstein MH, De Sousa Araujo GR, Frases S, Staats CC, de Almeida RMC, Schrank A, Kmetzsch L, Vainstein MH. Geometrical Distribution of Cryptococcus neoformans Mediates Flower-Like Biofilm Development. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2534. [PMID: 29312225 PMCID: PMC5742216 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial biofilms are highly structured and dynamic communities in which phenotypic diversification allows microorganisms to adapt to different environments under distinct conditions. The environmentally ubiquitous pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans colonizes many niches of the human body and implanted medical devices in the form of biofilms, an important virulence factor. A new approach was used to characterize the underlying geometrical distribution of C. neoformans cells during the adhesion stage of biofilm formation. Geometrical aspects of adhered cells were calculated from the Delaunay triangulation and Voronoi diagram obtained from scanning electron microscopy images (SEM). A correlation between increased biofilm formation and higher ordering of the underlying cell distribution was found. Mature biofilm aggregates were analyzed by applying an adapted protocol developed for ultrastructure visualization of cryptococcal cells by SEM. Flower-like clusters consisting of cells embedded in a dense layer of extracellular matrix were observed as well as distinct levels of spatial organization: adhered cells, clusters of cells and community of clusters. The results add insights into yeast motility during the dispersion stage of biofilm formation. This study highlights the importance of cellular organization for biofilm growth and presents a novel application of the geometrical method of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lopes
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mendeli H Vainstein
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Physics of Living Systems, Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Glauber R De Sousa Araujo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Charley C Staats
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rita M C de Almeida
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Sistemas Complexos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lívia Kmetzsch
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilene H Vainstein
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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124
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Giles C, Lamont-Friedrich SJ, Michl TD, Griesser HJ, Coad BR. The importance of fungal pathogens and antifungal coatings in medical device infections. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 36:264-280. [PMID: 29199134 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing evidence has been collated on the contributions of fungal species, particularly Candida, to medical device infections. Fungal species can form biofilms by themselves or by participating in polymicrobial biofilms with bacteria. Thus, there is a clear need for effective preventative measures, such as thin coatings that can be applied onto medical devices to stop the attachment, proliferation, and formation of device-associated biofilms. However, fungi being eukaryotes, the challenge is greater than for bacterial infections because antifungal agents are often toxic towards eukaryotic host cells. Whilst there is extensive literature on antibacterial coatings, a far lesser body of literature exists on surfaces or coatings that prevent attachment and biofilm formation on medical devices by fungal pathogens. Here we review strategies for the design and fabrication of medical devices with antifungal surfaces. We also survey the microbiology literature on fundamental mechanisms by which fungi attach and spread on natural and synthetic surfaces. Research in this field requires close collaboration between biomaterials scientists, microbiologists and clinicians; we consider progress in the molecular understanding of fungal recognition of, and attachment to, suitable surfaces, and of ensuing metabolic changes, to be essential for designing rational approaches towards effective antifungal coatings, rather than empirical trial of coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Giles
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Stephanie J Lamont-Friedrich
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Thomas D Michl
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Hans J Griesser
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Bryan R Coad
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Agriculture Food & Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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125
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Perlin DS, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Alastruey-Izquierdo A. The global problem of antifungal resistance: prevalence, mechanisms, and management. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e383-e392. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30316-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 458] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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126
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Essential Oils and Antifungal Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:ph10040086. [PMID: 29099084 PMCID: PMC5748643 DOI: 10.3390/ph10040086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, folk medicine and agro-food science have benefitted from the use of plant derivatives, such as essential oils, to combat different diseases, as well as to preserve food. In Nature, essential oils play a fundamental role in protecting the plant from biotic and abiotic attacks to which it may be subjected. Many researchers have analyzed in detail the modes of action of essential oils and most of their components. The purpose of this brief review is to describe the properties of essential oils, principally as antifungal agents, and their role in blocking cell communication mechanisms, fungal biofilm formation, and mycotoxin production.
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127
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Alves R, Mota S, Silva S, F Rodrigues C, P Brown AJ, Henriques M, Casal M, Paiva S. The carboxylic acid transporters Jen1 and Jen2 affect the architecture and fluconazole susceptibility of Candida albicans biofilm in the presence of lactate. BIOFOULING 2017; 33:943-954. [PMID: 29094611 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1392514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans has the ability to adapt to different host niches, often glucose-limited but rich in alternative carbon sources. In these glucose-poor microenvironments, this pathogen expresses JEN1 and JEN2 genes, encoding carboxylate transporters, which are important in the early stages of infection. This work investigated how host microenvironments, in particular acidic containing lactic acid, affect C. albicans biofilm formation and antifungal drug resistance. Multiple components of the extracellular matrix were also analysed, including their impact on antifungal drug resistance, and the involvement of both Jen1 and Jen2 in this process. The results show that growth on lactate affects biofilm formation, morphology and susceptibility to fluconazole and that both Jen1 and Jen2 might play a role in these processes. These results support the view that the adaptation of Candida cells to the carbon source present in the host niches affects their pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Alves
- a Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Sandra Mota
- a Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
- b Centre of Health and Environmental Research, School of Allied Health Sciences , Polytechnic Institute of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- c Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Célia F Rodrigues
- c Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- d MRC Centre for Medical Mycology , Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen , UK
| | - Mariana Henriques
- c Centre of Biological Engineering , LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Margarida Casal
- a Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Sandra Paiva
- a Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
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128
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Sharma C, Chowdhary A. Molecular bases of antifungal resistance in filamentous fungi. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017; 50:607-616. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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129
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Gupta AK, Carviel J, Shear NH. Antibiofilm Treatment for Onychomycosis and Chronic Fungal Infections. Skin Appendage Disord 2017; 4:136-140. [PMID: 30197888 DOI: 10.1159/000480023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a difficult-to-treat chronic fungal infection of the nail. The chronic nature of onychomycosis, with relevance to current treatment practices, could be attributed to host anergy, development of increased virulence in causal agents (multidrug resistance efflux pump), and biofilms. Biofilms must be disrupted prior to antifungal treatment suggesting the necessity of combination treatment. Once the biofilm has been disrupted, further techniques in addition to antifungal usage are suggested to ensure a positive prognosis including use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy or low-frequency surface acoustic waves. Overall, with continued success in developing antibiofilm treatment for bacterial and yeast pathogens, therapy can be more quickly expanded to dermatophytes. With a rise in predisposing factors, it is important to preemptively address treatment for this disease with continued investigation into antibiofilm therapy including optimal treatment combinations and dosages targeted specifically at dermatophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Mediprobe Research Inc., London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Neil H Shear
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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130
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Abstract
Candida albicans is among the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota and asymptomatically colonizes healthy individuals. However, it is also an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe, and often fatal, bloodstream infections. The medical impact of C. albicans typically depends on its ability to form biofilms, which are closely packed communities of cells that attach to surfaces, such as tissues and implanted medical devices. In this Review, we provide an overview of the processes involved in the formation of C. albicans biofilms and discuss the core transcriptional network that regulates biofilm development. We also consider some of the advantages that biofilms provide to C. albicans in comparison with planktonic growth and explore polymicrobial biofilms that are formed by C. albicans and certain bacterial species.
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131
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Tian B, Yan Q, Wang J, Ding C, Sai S. Enhanced antifungal activity of voriconazole-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers against Candida albicans with a dimorphic switching model. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:7131-7141. [PMID: 29026306 PMCID: PMC5627732 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s145695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida commonly adheres to implanted medical devices and forms biofilms. Due to the minimal activity of current antifungals against biofilms, new drugs or drug-delivery systems to treat these persistent infections are urgently needed. In the present investigation, voriconazole-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Vrc-NLCs) were formulated for enhanced drug-delivery efficiency to C. albicans to increase the antifungal activity of Vrc and to improve the treatment of infectious Candida diseases. Vrc-NLCs were prepared by a hot-melt, high-pressure homogenization method, and size distribution, ζ-potential, morphology, drug-encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, and physical stability were characterized. The antifungal activity of Vrc-NLCs in vitro was tested during planktonic and biofilm growth in C. albicans. The mean particle size of the Vrc-NLCs was 45.62±0.53 nm, and they exhibited spheroid-like morphology, smooth surfaces, and ζ-potential of -0.69±0.03 mV. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of Vrc-NLCs were 75.37%±2.65% and 3.77%±0.13%, respectively. Physical stability results revealed that despite the low measured ζ-potential, the dispersion of the Vrc-NLCs was stable during their 3-week storage at 4°C. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Vrc-NLCs was identical to that of Vrc. However, the inhibition rate of Vrc-NLCs at lower concentrations was significantly higher than that of Vrc during planktonic growth in C. albicans in yeast-extract peptone dextrose medium. Surprisingly, Vrc-NLCs treatment reduced cell density in biofilm growth in C. albicans and induced more switches form hyphal cells to yeast cells compared with Vrc treatment. In conclusion, Vrc-NLCs maintain antifungal activity of Vrc and increase antifungal drug-delivery efficiency to C. albicans. Therefore, Vrc-NLCs will greatly contribute to the treatment of infectious diseases caused by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocheng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai
| | - Qi Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sixiang Sai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai
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Vipulanandan G, Herrera M, Wiederhold NP, Li X, Mintz J, Wickes BL, Kadosh D. Dynamics of Mixed- Candida Species Biofilms in Response to Antifungals. J Dent Res 2017; 97:91-98. [PMID: 28850289 DOI: 10.1177/0022034517729351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral infections caused by Candida species, the most commonly isolated human fungal pathogen, are frequently associated with biofilms. Although Candida albicans is the predominant organism found in patients with oral thrush, a biofilm infection, there is an increasing incidence of oral colonization and infections caused by non- albicans Candida species, including C. glabrata, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis, which are frequently more resistant to antifungal treatment. While single-species Candida biofilms have been well studied, considerably less is known about the dynamics of mixed- Candida species biofilms and how these dynamics are altered by antifungal treatment. To address these questions, we developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based approach to determine the precise species composition of mixed- Candida species biofilms formed by clinical isolates and laboratory strains in the presence and absence of clinically relevant concentrations of 3 commonly used antifungals: fluconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B. In monospecies biofilms, fluconazole exposure favored growth of C. glabrata and C. tropicalis, while caspofungin generally favored significant growth of all species to a varying degree. Fluconazole was not effective against preformed mixed- Candida species biofilms while amphotericin B was potent. As a general trend, in mixed- Candida species biofilms, C. albicans lost dominance in the presence of antifungals. Interestingly, presence in mixed versus monospecies biofilms reduced susceptibility to amphotericin B for C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Overall, our data suggest that antifungal treatment favors the growth of specific non- albicans Candida species in mixed- Candida species biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Vipulanandan
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - M Herrera
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - N P Wiederhold
- 2 Department of Pathology and Fungus Testing Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - X Li
- 3 Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - J Mintz
- 3 Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - B L Wickes
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - D Kadosh
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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133
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Thymus vulgaris L. and thymol assist murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) in the control of in vitro infections by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Immunol Res 2017; 65:932-943. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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134
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Feng X, Ramamoorthy V, Pandit SS, Prieto A, Espeso EA, Calvo AM. cpsA regulates mycotoxin production, morphogenesis and cell wall biosynthesis in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Mol Microbiol 2017; 105:1-24. [PMID: 28370587 PMCID: PMC5506848 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The model fungus Aspergillus nidulans synthesizes numerous secondary metabolites, including sterigmatocystin (ST). The production of this toxin is positively controlled by the global regulator veA. In the absence of veA (ΔveA), ST biosynthesis is blocked. Previously, we performed random mutagenesis in a ΔveA strain and identified revertant mutants able to synthesize ST, among them RM1. Complementation of RM1 with a genomic library revealed that the mutation occurred in a gene designated as cpsA. While in the ΔveA genetic background cpsA deletion restores ST production, in a veA wild-type background absence of cpsA reduces and delays ST biosynthesis decreasing the expression of ST genes. Furthermore, cpsA is also necessary for the production of other secondary metabolites, including penicillin, affecting the expression of PN genes. In addition, cpsA is necessary for normal asexual and sexual development. Chemical and microscopy analyses revealed that CpsA is found in cytoplasmic vesicles and it is required for normal cell wall composition and integrity, affecting adhesion capacity and oxidative stress sensitivity. The conservation of cpsA in Ascomycetes suggests that cpsA homologs might have similar roles in other fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehuan Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Vellaisamy Ramamoorthy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA,Dept. of Plant Pathology Agricultural College and Research Institute Killikulam, Vallanadu - 628 252 Thoothukudi District Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sandesh S. Pandit
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Alicia Prieto
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana M. Calvo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA,Author to whom correspondence should be addressed [telephone: (815) 753-0451]; fax (815) 753-0461; ]
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135
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Oliveira JRD, de Jesus Viegas D, Martins APR, Carvalho CAT, Soares CP, Camargo SEA, Jorge AOC, de Oliveira LD. Thymus vulgaris L. extract has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in the absence of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Arch Oral Biol 2017; 82:271-279. [PMID: 28683409 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2017.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the biological effects of the T. vulgaris L. extract., such as antimicrobial activity on planktonic cultures and mono- and polymicrobial biofilms, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity and genotoxicity. METHODS Monomicrobial biofilms of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and polymicrobial biofilms composed by C. albicans with each bacterium were formed for 48h and exposed for 5min to the plant extract. Murine macrophages (RAW 264.7), human gingival fibroblasts (FMM-1), human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) and cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) were also exposed to the plant extract for 5min and the cell viability were analyzed by MTT, neutral red (NR) and crystal violet (CV) assays. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) produced by RAW 264.7 was quantified by ELISA, after 24h exposure to the plant extract, both in the absence and presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli. Genotoxicity of the plant extract was evaluated by micronucleus formation (MN) in 1000 cells. The results were analyzed by T-Test or ANOVA and Tukey's Test (P≤0.05). RESULTS All biofilms showed significant reductions in CFU/mL (colony-forming units per milliliter). Cell viability was above 50% for all cell lines. Anti-inflammatory effect on the synthesis of IL-1β and TNF-α was observed. The MN was similar or lower than the control group in all cells. CONCLUSIONS T. vulgaris L. extract was effective against all biofilms, promoted high cell viability, anti-inflammatory effect and presented no genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatas Rafael de Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology. Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Daiane de Jesus Viegas
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology. Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Réquia Martins
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology. Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Antonio Talge Carvalho
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology. Department of Restorative Dentistry. São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristina Pacheco Soares
- Universidade do Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP). Institute of Research and Development. São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Samira Esteves Afonso Camargo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology. Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology. Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciane Dias de Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology. Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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136
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Costa-Orlandi CB, Sardi JCO, Pitangui NS, de Oliveira HC, Scorzoni L, Galeane MC, Medina-Alarcón KP, Melo WCMA, Marcelino MY, Braz JD, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Fungal Biofilms and Polymicrobial Diseases. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3020022. [PMID: 29371540 PMCID: PMC5715925 DOI: 10.3390/jof3020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for pathogenic fungi. Both yeasts and filamentous fungi can adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, developing into highly organized communities that are resistant to antimicrobials and environmental conditions. In recent years, new genera of fungi have been correlated with biofilm formation. However, Candida biofilms remain the most widely studied from the morphological and molecular perspectives. Biofilms formed by yeast and filamentous fungi present differences, and studies of polymicrobial communities have become increasingly important. A key feature of resistance is the extracellular matrix, which covers and protects biofilm cells from the surrounding environment. Furthermore, to achieve cell–cell communication, microorganisms secrete quorum-sensing molecules that control their biological activities and behaviors and play a role in fungal resistance and pathogenicity. Several in vitro techniques have been developed to study fungal biofilms, from colorimetric methods to omics approaches that aim to identify new therapeutic strategies by developing new compounds to combat these microbial communities as well as new diagnostic tools to identify these complex formations in vivo. In this review, recent advances related to pathogenic fungal biofilms are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Costa-Orlandi
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Janaina C O Sardi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba SP 13414-018, Brazil.
| | - Nayla S Pitangui
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Mariana C Galeane
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Kaila P Medina-Alarcón
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Wanessa C M A Melo
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Mônica Y Marcelino
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Jaqueline D Braz
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Maria José S Mendes-Giannini
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
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137
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Velmourougane K, Prasanna R, Saxena AK. Agriculturally important microbial biofilms: Present status and future prospects. J Basic Microbiol 2017; 57:548-573. [PMID: 28407275 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201700046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Microbial biofilms are a fascinating subject, due to their significant roles in the environment, industry, and health. Advances in biochemical and molecular techniques have helped in enhancing our understanding of biofilm structure and development. In the past, research on biofilms primarily focussed on health and industrial sectors; however, lately, biofilms in agriculture are gaining attention due to their immense potential in crop production, protection, and improvement. Biofilms play an important role in colonization of surfaces - soil, roots, or shoots of plants and enable proliferation in the desired niche, besides enhancing soil fertility. Although reports are available on microbial biofilms in general; scanty information is published on biofilm formation by agriculturally important microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, bacterial-fungal) and their interactions in the ecosystem. Better understanding of agriculturally important bacterial-fungal communities and their interactions can have several implications on climate change, soil quality, plant nutrition, plant protection, bioremediation, etc. Understanding the factors and genes involved in biofilm formation will help to develop more effective strategies for sustainable and environment-friendly agriculture. The present review brings together fundamental aspects of biofilms, in relation to their formation, regulatory mechanisms, genes involved, and their application in different fields, with special emphasis on agriculturally important microbial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radha Prasanna
- Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Kumar Saxena
- ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Mau Nath Bhanjan, Uttar Pradesh, India
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138
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Ranjith K, Arunasri K, Reddy GS, Adicherla H, Sharma S, Shivaji S. Global gene expression in Escherichia coli, isolated from the diseased ocular surface of the human eye with a potential to form biofilm. Gut Pathog 2017; 9:15. [PMID: 28392838 PMCID: PMC5379667 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-017-0164-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Escherichia coli, the gastrointestinal commensal, is also known to cause ocular infections such as conjunctivitis, keratitis and endophthalmitis. These infections are normally resolved by topical application of an appropriate antibiotic. But, at times these E. coli are resistant to the antibiotic and this could be due to formation of a biofilm. In this study ocular E. coli from patients with conjunctivitis, keratitis or endophthalmitis were screened for their antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm formation potential. In addition DNA-microarray analysis was done to identify genes that are involved in biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Results Out of 12 ocular E. coli isolated from patients ten isolates were resistant to one or more of the nine antibiotics tested and majority of the isolates were positive for biofilm formation. In E. coli L-1216/2010, the best biofilm forming isolate, biofilm formation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopic studies indicated that the thickness of the biofilm increased up to 72 h of growth. Further, in the biofilm phase, E. coli L-1216/2010 was 100 times more resistant to the eight antibiotics tested compared to planktonic phase. DNA microarray analysis indicated that in biofilm forming E. coli L-1216/2010 genes encoding biofilm formation such as cell adhesion genes, LPS production genes, genes required for biofilm architecture and extracellular matrix remodeling and genes encoding for proteins that are integral to the cell membrane and those that influence antigen presentation are up regulated during biofilm formation. In addition genes that confer antimicrobial resistance such as genes encoding antimicrobial efflux (mdtM and cycA), virulence (insQ, yjgK), toxin production (sat, yjgK, chpS, chpB and ygjN), transport of amino-acids and other metabolites (cbrB, cbrC, hisI and mglB) are also up regulated. These genes could serve as potential targets for developing strategies for hacking biofilms and overcoming antibiotic resistance. Conclusions This is the first study on global gene expression in antibiotic resistant ocular E. coli with a potential to form biofilm. Using native ocular isolates for antibiotic susceptibility testing, for biofilm formation and global gene expression is relevant and more acceptable than using type strains or non clinical strains which do not necessarily mimic the native isolate. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13099-017-0164-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konduri Ranjith
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy campus, Hyderabad, 500007 India.,Research Scholar, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Kotakonda Arunasri
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy campus, Hyderabad, 500007 India
| | | | | | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy campus, Hyderabad, 500007 India
| | - Sisinthy Shivaji
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy campus, Hyderabad, 500007 India
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139
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Abstract
A majority of infections caused by Candida albicans—the most frequent fungal pathogen—are associated with biofilm formation. A salient feature of C. albicans biofilms is the presence of the biofilm matrix. This matrix is composed of exopolymeric materials secreted by sessile cells within the biofilm, in which all classes of macromolecules are represented, and provides protection against environmental challenges. In this review, we summarize the knowledge accumulated during the last two decades on the composition, structure, and function of the C. albicans biofilm matrix. Knowledge of the matrix components, its structure, and function will help pave the way to novel strategies to combat C. albicans biofilm infections.
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140
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Scorzoni L, de Paula E Silva ACA, Marcos CM, Assato PA, de Melo WCMA, de Oliveira HC, Costa-Orlandi CB, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco-Almeida AM. Antifungal Therapy: New Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Mycosis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:36. [PMID: 28167935 PMCID: PMC5253656 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The high rates of morbidity and mortality caused by fungal infections are associated with the current limited antifungal arsenal and the high toxicity of the compounds. Additionally, identifying novel drug targets is challenging because there are many similarities between fungal and human cells. The most common antifungal targets include fungal RNA synthesis and cell wall and membrane components, though new antifungal targets are being investigated. Nonetheless, fungi have developed resistance mechanisms, such as overexpression of efflux pump proteins and biofilm formation, emphasizing the importance of understanding these mechanisms. To address these problems, different approaches to preventing and treating fungal diseases are described in this review, with a focus on the resistance mechanisms of fungi, with the goal of developing efficient strategies to overcoming and preventing resistance as well as new advances in antifungal therapy. Due to the limited antifungal arsenal, researchers have sought to improve treatment via different approaches, and the synergistic effect obtained by the combination of antifungals contributes to reducing toxicity and could be an alternative for treatment. Another important issue is the development of new formulations for antifungal agents, and interest in nanoparticles as new types of carriers of antifungal drugs has increased. In addition, modifications to the chemical structures of traditional antifungals have improved their activity and pharmacokinetic parameters. Moreover, a different approach to preventing and treating fungal diseases is immunotherapy, which involves different mechanisms, such as vaccines, activation of the immune response and inducing the production of host antimicrobial molecules. Finally, the use of a mini-host has been encouraging for in vivo testing because these animal models demonstrate a good correlation with the mammalian model; they also increase the speediness of as well as facilitate the preliminary testing of new antifungal agents. In general, many years are required from discovery of a new antifungal to clinical use. However, the development of new antifungal strategies will reduce the therapeutic time and/or increase the quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Scorzoni
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Ana C A de Paula E Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Caroline M Marcos
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Patrícia A Assato
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Wanessa C M A de Melo
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Caroline B Costa-Orlandi
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Maria J S Mendes-Giannini
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
| | - Ana M Fusco-Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Araraquara, Brasil
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141
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Melaleuca alternifolia nanoparticles against Candida species biofilms. Microb Pathog 2017; 104:125-132. [PMID: 28089949 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Candida infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality on immunosuppressed patients. This growing trend has been associated with resistance to the antimicrobial therapy and the ability of microorganism to form biofilms. TTO oil is used as antimicrobial which shows antibiofilm activity against Candida species. However, it presents problems due to its poor solubility and high volatility. The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro antibiofilm activity of TTO nanoparticles against many Candida species. It was performed the characterization of the oil and nanoparticles. The levels of exopolysaccharides, proteins, and the biomass of biofilms were measured. The chromatographic profile demonstrated that the TTO oil is in accordance with ISO 4730 with major constituents of 41.9% Terpinen-4-ol, 20.1% of γ-Terpinene, 9,8% of α-Terpinene, and 6,0% of 1,8-Cineole. The TTO nanoparticles showed pH of 6.3, mean diameter of 158.2 ± 2 nm, polydispersion index of 0.213 ± 0.017, and zeta potential of -8.69 ± 0.80 mV. The addition of TTO and its nanoparticles represented a significant reduction of biofilm formed by all Candida species, as well as a reduction of proteins and exopolysaccharides levels. It was possible to visualize the reduction of biofilm in presence of TTO nanoparticles by Calcofluor White method.
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142
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Screening the Pathogen Box for Identification of Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibitors. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 61:AAC.02006-16. [PMID: 27795383 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02006-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans remains the main causative agent of candidiasis, one of the most frequent nosocomial infections, with unacceptably high mortality rates. Biofilm formation is a major risk factor for invasive candidiasis, as Candida biofilms display high-level resistance to most antifungal agents. In this work we have screened the Pathogen Box chemical library (Medicines for Malaria Venture [MMV], Switzerland) in search for inhibitors of C. albicans biofilm formation. Our initial screen identified seven hits, and additional dose-response assays confirmed the biofilm-inhibitory activity of six of these small molecules. Three compounds, MMV688768, MMV687273, and MMV687807, were also able to reduce the metabolic activity of cells within preformed biofilms. Interestingly, the most potent of these, compound MMV688768, displayed increased antibiofilm activity compared to its activity against planktonic cultures, indicating that it may affect processes with a predominant role during the biofilm mode of growth. This compound demonstrated a high selectivity index when its antibiofilm activity was compared with its toxicity in liver hepatocellular cells. In vitro combination assays showed a synergistic interaction between compound MMV688768 and fluconazole against preformed biofilms. Overall, our results indicate that this compound may constitute a potential candidate for further clinical development.
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143
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Noble SM, Gianetti BA, Witchley JN. Candida albicans cell-type switching and functional plasticity in the mammalian host. Nat Rev Microbiol 2016; 15:96-108. [PMID: 27867199 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a ubiquitous commensal of the mammalian microbiome and the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans. A cell-type transition between yeast and hyphal morphologies in C. albicans was thought to underlie much of the variation in virulence observed in different host tissues. However, novel yeast-like cell morphotypes, including opaque(a/α), grey and gastrointestinally induced transition (GUT) cell types, were recently reported that exhibit marked differences in vitro and in animal models of commensalism and disease. In this Review, we explore the characteristics of the classic cell types - yeast, hyphae, pseudohyphae and chlamydospores - as well as the newly identified yeast-like morphotypes. We highlight emerging knowledge about the associations of these different morphotypes with different host niches and virulence potential, as well as the environmental cues and signalling pathways that are involved in the morphological transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Noble
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine.,Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Brittany A Gianetti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
| | - Jessica N Witchley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
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144
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Marcos CM, de Oliveira HC, de Melo WDCMA, da Silva JDF, Assato PA, Scorzoni L, Rossi SA, de Paula E Silva ACA, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco-Almeida AM. Anti-Immune Strategies of Pathogenic Fungi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:142. [PMID: 27896220 PMCID: PMC5108756 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi have developed many strategies to evade the host immune system. Multiple escape mechanisms appear to function together to inhibit attack by the various stages of both the adaptive and the innate immune response. Thus, after entering the host, such pathogens fight to overcome the immune system to allow their survival, colonization and spread to different sites of infection. Consequently, the establishment of a successful infectious process is closely related to the ability of the pathogen to modulate attack by the immune system. Most strategies employed to subvert or exploit the immune system are shared among different species of fungi. In this review, we summarize the main strategies employed for immune evasion by some of the major pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Marcos
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Wanessa de Cássia M Antunes de Melo
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Julhiany de Fátima da Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Patrícia A Assato
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Suélen A Rossi
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ana C A de Paula E Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria J S Mendes-Giannini
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ana M Fusco-Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Univ Estadual Paulista São Paulo, Brasil
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145
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Giongo JL, de Almeida Vaucher R, Fausto VP, Quatrin PM, Lopes LQS, Santos RCV, Gündel A, Gomes P, Steppe M. Anti- Candida activity assessment of Pelargonium graveolens oil free and nanoemulsion in biofilm formation in hospital medical supplies. Microb Pathog 2016; 100:170-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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146
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Dissecting Candida albicans Infection from the Perspective of C. albicans Virulence and Omics Approaches on Host-Pathogen Interaction: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17101643. [PMID: 27763544 PMCID: PMC5085676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17101643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida bloodstream infections remain the most frequent life-threatening fungal disease, with Candida albicans accounting for 70% to 80% of the Candida isolates recovered from infected patients. In nature, Candida species are part of the normal commensal flora in mammalian hosts. However, they can transform into pathogens once the host immune system is weakened or breached. More recently, mortality attributed to Candida infections has continued to increase due to both inherent and acquired drug resistance in Candida, the inefficacy of the available antifungal drugs, tedious diagnostic procedures, and a rising number of immunocompromised patients. Adoption of animal models, viz. minihosts, mice, and zebrafish, has brought us closer to unraveling the pathogenesis and complexity of Candida infection in human hosts, leading towards the discovery of biomarkers and identification of potential therapeutic agents. In addition, the advancement of omics technologies offers a holistic view of the Candida-host interaction in a non-targeted and non-biased manner. Hence, in this review, we seek to summarize past and present milestone findings on C. albicans virulence, adoption of animal models in the study of C. albicans infection, and the application of omics technologies in the study of Candida–host interaction. A profound understanding of the interaction between host defense and pathogenesis is imperative for better design of novel immunotherapeutic strategies in future.
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147
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Liu Z, Moran GP, Sullivan DJ, MacCallum DM, Myers LC. Amplification of TLO Mediator Subunit Genes Facilitate Filamentous Growth in Candida Spp. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006373. [PMID: 27741243 PMCID: PMC5065183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous growth is a hallmark of C. albicans pathogenicity compared to less-virulent ascomycetes. A multitude of transcription factors regulate filamentous growth in response to specific environmental cues. Our work, however, suggests the evolutionary history of C. albicans that resulted in its filamentous growth plasticity may be tied to a change in the general transcription machinery rather than transcription factors and their specific targets. A key genomic difference between C. albicans and its less-virulent relatives, including its closest relative C. dubliniensis, is the unique expansion of the TLO (TeLOmere-associated) gene family in C. albicans. Individual Tlo proteins are fungal-specific subunits of Mediator, a large multi-subunit eukaryotic transcriptional co-activator complex. This amplification results in a large pool of ‘free,’ non-Mediator associated, Tlo protein present in C. albicans, but not in C. dubliniensis or other ascomycetes with attenuated virulence. We show that engineering a large ‘free’ pool of the C. dubliniensis Tlo2 (CdTlo2) protein in C. dubliniensis, through overexpression, results in a number of filamentation phenotypes typically associated only with C. albicans. The amplitude of these phenotypes is proportional to the amount of overexpressed CdTlo2 protein. Overexpression of other C. dubliniensis and C. albicans Tlo proteins do result in these phenotypes. Tlo proteins and their orthologs contain a Mediator interaction domain, and a potent transcriptional activation domain. Nuclear localization of the CdTlo2 activation domain, facilitated naturally by the Tlo Mediator binding domain or artificially through an appended nuclear localization signal, is sufficient for the CdTlo2 overexpression phenotypes. A C. albicans med3 null mutant causes multiple defects including the inability to localize Tlo proteins to the nucleus and reduced virulence in a murine systemic infection model. Our data supports a model in which the activation domain of ‘free’ Tlo protein competes with DNA bound transcription factors for targets that regulate key aspects of C. albicans cell physiology. The ascomycete fungus Candida albicans is a leading cause of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in the United States. Due to limited anti-fungal drug options, there is an approximately 40% mortality rate and over 10,000 deaths per year associated with systemic C. albicans infections. It is unknown why C. albicans is the primary cause of systemic Candidiasis, versus related ascomycetes such as Candida dubliniensis. The genomes of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis are remarkably similar, yet C. dubliniensis has reduced virulence and exhibits less phenotypic plasticity. A striking genomic difference between the fungi is the amplification of the TLO (TeLOmere-associated) genes in C. albicans, which encode a fungal-specific subunit of the Mediator co-activator complex. Amplification results in a large pool of ‘free’ (non-Mediator associated) Tlo protein in C. albicans that is absent in C. dubliniensis. Engineering a large ‘free’ pool of Tlo protein in C. dubliniensis, through overexpression, results in phenotypes common in C. albicans, yet typically absent in C. dubliniensis. Tlo proteins contain a potent transcriptional activation domain. Nuclear localization of the Tlo activation domain is necessary and sufficient for the TLO overexpression phenotypes. This study provides a mechanistic explanation for how TLO amplification in C. albicans may enhance its virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongle Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Gary P. Moran
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Derek J. Sullivan
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Donna M. MacCallum
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence C. Myers
- Department of Biochemistry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- Department of Medical Education, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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148
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Martínez JP, Blanes R, Casanova M, Valentín E, Murgui A, Domínguez Á. Null mutants of Candida albicans for cell-wall-related genes form fragile biofilms that display an almost identical extracellular matrix proteome. FEMS Yeast Res 2016; 16:fow075. [PMID: 27609602 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fow075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
By two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry, we have characterized the polypeptide species present in extracts obtained by 60% ethanol treatment of whole mature (48 h) biofilms formed by a reference strain (CAI4-URA3) and four Candida albicans null mutants for cell-wall-related genes (ALG5, CSA1, MNN9 and PGA10) Null mutants form fragile biofilms that appeared partially split and weakly attached to the substratum contrary to those produced by the reference strain. An almost identical, electrophoretic profile consisting of about 276 spots was visualized in all extracts examined. Proteomic analysis led to the identification of 131 polypeptides, corresponding to 86 different protein species, being the rest isoforms-83 displayed negative hydropathic indexes and 82 lack signal peptide. The majority of proteins appeared at pI between 4 and 6, and molecular mass between 10 and 94 kDa. The proteins identified belonged to the following Gene Ontology categories: 21.9% unknown molecular function, 16.2% oxidoreductase activity, 13.3% hydrolase activity and 41.8% distributed between other different GO categories. Strong defects in biofilm formation appreciated in the cell-wall mutant strains could be attributed to defects in aggregation due to abnormal cell wall formation rather than to differences in the biofilm extracellular matrix composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- José P Martínez
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosario Blanes
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Casanova
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eulogio Valentín
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amelia Murgui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángel Domínguez
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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149
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Chen X, Zhang R, Takada A, Iwatani S, Oka C, Kitamoto T, Kajiwara S. The role of Bgl2p in the transition to filamentous cells during biofilm formation by Candida albicans. Mycoses 2016; 60:96-103. [PMID: 27597232 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Candida albicans undergoes a transition from yeast cells to filamentous cells that is related to its pathogenicity. The complex multicellular processes involved in biofilm formation by this fungus also include this transition. In this work, we investigated the morphological role of the Bgl2 protein (Bgl2p) in the transition to filamentous cells during biofilm formation by C. albicans. Bgl2p has been identified as a β-1, 3-glucosyltransferase, and transcription of the CaBGL2 gene is upregulated during biofilm formation. We used scanning electron microscopy to observe the microstructure of a bgl2 null mutant during biofilm formation and found a delay in the transition to filamentous cells in the premature phase (24 hours) of biofilm formation. Deletion of the CaBGL2 gene led to a decrease in the expression of CPH2 and TEC1, which encode transcription factors required for the transition to the filamentous form. These findings indicate that Bgl2p plays a role in the transition to filamentous cells during biofilm formation by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ruoyu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ayako Takada
- Biomaterials Analysis Division, Technical Department, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shun Iwatani
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chiemi Oka
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Kitamoto
- School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Susumu Kajiwara
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
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150
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Biofilms fongiques : confusion entre tolérance et résistance aux antimicrobiens. J Mycol Med 2016; 26:286-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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