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Carvalho JL, Malo ME, Allen KJ, Frank C, Xiao Z, Jiao R, Dadachova E. Radioimmunotherapy as a pathogen-agnostic treatment method for opportunistic mucormycosis infections. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:000671.v4. [PMID: 38188245 PMCID: PMC10765049 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000671.v4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as mucormycosis are causing devastating morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients as anti-fungal agents do not work in the setting of a suppressed immune system. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a novel landscape for IFIs in post-pandemic patients, resulting from severe immune suppression caused by COVID-19 infection, comorbidities (diabetes, obesity) and immunosuppressive treatments such as steroids. The antigen-antibody interaction has been employed in radioimmunotherapy (RIT) to deliver lethal doses of ionizing radiation emitted by radionuclides to targeted cells and has demonstrated efficacy in several cancers. One of the advantages of RIT is its independence of the immune status of a host, which is crucial for immunosuppressed post-COVID-19 patients. In the present work we targeted the fungal pan-antigens 1,3-beta-glucan and melanin pigment, which are present in the majority of pathogenic fungi, with RIT, thus making such targeting pathogen-agnostic. We demonstrated in experimental murine mucormycosis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice that lutetium-177 (177Lu)-labelled antibodies to these two antigens effectively decreased the fungal burden in major organs, including the brain. These results are encouraging because they show the effectiveness of pathogen-agnostic RIT in significantly decreasing fungal burden in vivo, while they can also potentially be applied to treat the broad range of invasive fungal infections that express the pan-antigens 1,3-beta-glucan or melanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L.C. Carvalho
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Mackenzie E. Malo
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Kevin J.H. Allen
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Connor Frank
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Zhiwen Xiao
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Rubin Jiao
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Dadachova
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
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Romero V, Kalinhoff C, Saa LR, Sánchez A. Fungi's Swiss Army Knife: Pleiotropic Effect of Melanin in Fungal Pathogenesis during Cattle Mycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:929. [PMID: 37755037 PMCID: PMC10532448 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal threats to public health, food security, and biodiversity have escalated, with a significant rise in mycosis cases globally. Around 300 million people suffer from severe fungal diseases annually, while one-third of food crops are decimated by fungi. Vertebrate, including livestock, are also affected. Our limited understanding of fungal virulence mechanisms hampers our ability to prevent and treat cattle mycoses. Here we aim to bridge knowledge gaps in fungal virulence factors and the role of melanin in evading bovine immune responses. We investigate mycosis in bovines employing a PRISMA-based methodology, bioinformatics, and data mining techniques. Our analysis identified 107 fungal species causing mycoses, primarily within the Ascomycota division. Candida, Aspergillus, Malassezia, and Trichophyton were the most prevalent genera. Of these pathogens, 25% produce melanin. Further research is required to explore the involvement of melanin and develop intervention strategies. While the literature on melanin-mediated fungal evasion mechanisms in cattle is lacking, we successfully evaluated the transferability of immunological mechanisms from other model mammals through homology. Bioinformatics enables knowledge transfer and enhances our understanding of mycosis in cattle. This synthesis fills critical information gaps and paves the way for proposing biotechnological strategies to mitigate the impact of mycoses in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Romero
- Maestría en Biotecnología Agropecuaria, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Calle París s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
- Museo de Zoología, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Calle París s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Kalinhoff
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Calle París s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador; (C.K.)
| | - Luis Rodrigo Saa
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Calle París s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador; (C.K.)
| | - Aminael Sánchez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Calle París s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador; (C.K.)
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Favilla LD, Herman TS, Goersch CDS, de Andrade RV, Felipe MSS, Bocca AL, Fernandes L. Expanding the Toolbox for Functional Genomics in Fonsecaea pedrosoi: The Use of Split-Marker and Biolistic Transformation for Inactivation of Tryptophan Synthase ( trpB) Gene. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020224. [PMID: 36836338 PMCID: PMC9963410 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a disease caused by several dematiaceous fungi from different genera, and Fonsecaea is the most common which has been clinically isolated. Genetic transformation methods have recently been described; however, molecular tools for the functional study of genes have been scarcely reported for those fungi. In this work, we demonstrated that gene deletion and generation of the null mutant by homologous recombination are achievable for Fonsecaea pedrosoi by the use of two approaches: use of double-joint PCR for cassette construction, followed by delivery of the split-marker by biolistic transformation. Through in silico analyses, we identified that F. pedrosoi presents the complete enzymatic apparatus required for tryptophan (trp) biosynthesis. The gene encoding a tryptophan synthase trpB -which converts chorismate to trp-was disrupted. The ΔtrpB auxotrophic mutant can grow with external trp supply, but germination, viability of conidia, and radial growth are defective compared to the wild-type and reconstituted strains. The use of 5-FAA for selection of trp- phenotypes and for counter-selection of strains carrying the trp gene was also demonstrated. The molecular tools for the functional study of genes, allied to the genetic information from genomic databases, significantly boost our understanding of the biology and pathogenicity of CBM causative agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Dan Favilla
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Sobianski Herman
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Molecular Patology, Faculty of Medicine, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Camila da Silva Goersch
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Microbial Biology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Vieira de Andrade
- Graduate Program of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Campus Asa Norte, Asa Norte, Federal District, Taguatinga 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Maria Sueli Soares Felipe
- Graduate Program of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, Campus Asa Norte, Asa Norte, Federal District, Taguatinga 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Anamélia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Molecular Patology, Faculty of Medicine, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Larissa Fernandes
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Microbial Biology, Institute of Biology, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Federal District, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
- Centro Metropolitano, Faculty of Ceilândia, Campus UnB Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Ceilândia Sul, Federal District, Brasilia 72220-275, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Mechanism Underlying Light Intensity-Induced Melanin Synthesis of Auricularia heimuer Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010056. [PMID: 36611851 PMCID: PMC9818193 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Auricularia heimuer is a traditional edible and medicinal mushroom, which is widely used in biochemical research and is regarded as a good dietary supplement. The color of the ear-like fruiting body is an important indicator of its commercial quality. However, the mechanism by which light intensity influences the melanin synthesis of A. heimuer remains unclear. Here, we show that fruiting body color is significantly affected by light intensity. Transcriptional profiles of the fruiting bodies of A. heimuer grown in different light intensities were further analyzed. More differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with a greater light intensity difference. A total of 1388 DEGs were identified from six comparisons, including 503 up-regulated genes and 885 down-regulated genes. The up-regulated genes were mainly associated with light sensing via photoreceptors, signal transduction via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and melanin synthesis via the tyrosine metabolic pathway. Therefore, the genes involved in these processes may participate in regulating melanin synthesis under high light intensity. This insight into the transcriptional regulation of A. heimuer to light intensity should help to further comprehensively elucidate the underlying mechanism of light-induced melanin synthesis.
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Pathogenesis and Pathology of COVID-Associated Mucormycosis: What Is New and Why. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022; 16:206-220. [PMID: 36193101 PMCID: PMC9520103 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00443-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review There is global increase in the incidence of mucormycosis. However, a sudden increase in the COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM) was noted, particularly in India, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The interplay of factors involved in the pathogenesis is complex. In this review, the influence of pre-existing disease, exaggerated risk factors, altered milieu due to COVID-19 itself and the consequences of its treatment on the host pathogen interactions leading to the disease and morphology of the fungus will be highlighted. Recent Findings Hyperglycemia, acidosis, available free iron, lowered host defenses, and the fungal virulence factors promote the growth of Mucorales. There is a high background prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in India. Uncontrolled or undiagnosed DM, COVID-19 itself, and inappropriate administration of corticosteroids in high doses and for prolonged periods result in hyperglycemia. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and metabolic acidosis due to hypoxia or renal failure contribute to acidic pH and dissociate bound iron from serum proteins. The host defenses are lowered due to COVID-19-induced immune dysregulation, hyperglycemia itself, and administration of corticosteroids and immune suppressants for the treatment of COVID-19. The altered metabolic milieu in the local microenvironment of nose and paranasal sinuses (PNS) promotes specific interaction of glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78) on host cells with spore coat protein homologue (CotH 3) on Mucorales resulting in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) as the predominant clinical form in CAM. The pathology is extensive soft tissue involvement with angioinvasion and perineural invasion. Melanized hyphae and sporangia were seen on histopathology, which is unique to CAM. While many factors favor the growth of Mucorales in CAM, hyperglycemia, hyperferritinemia, and administration of hyperbaric oxygen result in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inadequate humidification results in dehydration. Melanization is possibly the adaptive and protective mechanism of Mucorales to escape the unfavorable conditions due to the treatment of COVID-19. Summary High background prevalence of DM, inappropriate administration of corticosteroids and immune dysregulation due to COVID-19 favor the growth of Mucorales in CAM. Melanization of Mucorales hyphae and sporangia on histopathology probably represent adaptive and protective mechanism due to the treatment with hyperbaric oxygen with inadequate humidification as well as the metabolic alterations.
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Dark Mold Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ma Z, Liu X, Liu Y, Chen W, Wang C. Studies on the biosynthetic pathways of melanin in Auricularia auricula. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:843-856. [PMID: 35419841 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is a natural pigment ubiquitously present in living organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. Melanin produced by the edible mushroom Auricularia auricula has a remarkable potential for resource development. Several A. auricula strains planted across China were collected and analyzed for mycelial growth rate and colony RGB value for color block. Further, the effects of various nutrients on melanin formation, including different carbon and nitrogen sources were evaluated to optimize medium for submerged fermentation. The pathways involved in the biosynthesis of melanin in A. auricula were investigated using an enzyme inhibitor assay and intermediate determination. In addition, the functional activity of purified A. auricula melanin was assessed. The highest melanin yield (1.797 g/L) was displayed by strain AU-3 in medium I. A. auricula melanin was composed of eumelanin, pheomelanin and 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin, and the biosynthetic pathways involved were Raper-Mason and 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin pathway. In addition, melanin purified from A. auricula exhibited substantial antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihui Ma
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengtao Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
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Fungal Keratitis in Northern Thailand: Spectrum of Agents, Risk Factors and Putative Virulence Factors. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060475. [PMID: 34208353 PMCID: PMC8231135 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious ocular infection that can result in various degrees of vision loss, including blindness. The aim of the study was to identify and retrospectively review all FK cases diagnosed between August 2012 and December 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in northern Thailand with a specific focus on epidemiologic features, including season, patient sex and age, the spectrum of pathogens, and presence of certain putative virulence factors. Of 1237 patients with corneal ulcers, 294 (23.8%) were confirmed by direct microscopic examination and/or fungal culture. For the positive cases, direct examinations of Calcofluor white (CW) stains and KOH mounts were found in 97.3% (286/294) and 76.5% (225/294), respectively (p < 0.05). Of the cases diagnosed by microscopy and culture, fungi were isolated in 152 (51.7%), with Fusarium spp. being the most frequently identified (n = 69, 45.5%) followed by dematiaceous fungi (n = 45, 29.6%) and Aspergillus spp. (n = 18, 11.8%). The incidence of FK was higher in the rainy season of July to October. The mean age was 54.4 ± 14.4 (SD) years, with a range of 9–88 years. Males (75.8%) were affected significantly more than females (24.2%) (p < 0.05). Of 294 patients, 132 (44.9%) were middle-aged adults (41–60 years) and 107 (36.4%) were older than 60 years. Trauma to the eye by soil or vegetative matter were the most common preceding factors (188/294; 64.0%). We assessed two virulence factors. First, 142 of the 152 culture-positive FK cases were due to molds, indicating that hyphal morphogenesis is extremely important in disease. We also demonstrated that fungal melanization occurs in the molds during the course of FK by applying a melanin-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) that labeled fungal elements in corneal samples of patients, and melanin particles derived from the hyphae were also recovered after treatment of the samples with proteolytic enzymes, denaturant and hot concentrated acid. In summary, we demonstrate that northern Thailand has a high rate of FK that is influenced by season and males engaged in outside activities are at highest risk for disease. Moulds are significantly more commonly responsible for FK, in part due to their capacity to form hyphae and melanins. Future studies will examine models of fungal corneal interactions and assess additional factors of virulence, such as secreted enzymes, to more deeply decipher the pathogenesis of FK.
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Hoffman JJ, Burton MJ, Leck A. Mycotic Keratitis-A Global Threat from the Filamentous Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:273. [PMID: 33916767 PMCID: PMC8066744 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotic or fungal keratitis (FK) is a sight-threatening disease, caused by infection of the cornea by filamentous fungi or yeasts. In tropical, low and middle-income countries, it accounts for the majority of cases of microbial keratitis (MK). Filamentous fungi, in particular Fusarium spp., the aspergilli and dematiaceous fungi, are responsible for the greatest burden of disease. The predominant risk factor for filamentous fungal keratitis is trauma, typically with organic, plant-based material. In developed countries, contact lens wear and related products are frequently implicated as risk factors, and have been linked to global outbreaks of Fusarium keratitis in the recent past. In 2020, the incidence of FK was estimated to be over 1 million cases per year, and there is significant geographical variation; accounting for less than 1% of cases of MK in some European countries to over 80% in parts of south and south-east Asia. The proportion of MK cases is inversely correlated to distance from the equator and there is emerging evidence that the incidence of FK may be increasing. Diagnosing FK is challenging; accurate diagnosis relies on reliable microscopy and culture, aided by adjunctive tools such as in vivo confocal microscopy or PCR. Unfortunately, these facilities are infrequently available in areas most in need. Current topical antifungals are not very effective; infections can progress despite prompt treatment. Antifungal drops are often unavailable. When available, natamycin is usually first-line treatment. However, infections may progress to perforation in ~25% of cases. Future work needs to be directed at addressing these challenges and unmet needs. This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and aetiology of FK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J. Hoffman
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (M.J.B.); (A.L.)
- Cornea Service, Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan 56502, Nepal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P.O. Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Matthew J. Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (M.J.B.); (A.L.)
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Astrid Leck
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (M.J.B.); (A.L.)
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Koehler A, Heidrich D, Pagani DM, Corbellini VA, Scroferneker ML. Melanin and chromoblastomycosis agents: Characterization, functions, and relation with antifungals. J Basic Microbiol 2021; 61:203-211. [PMID: 33576034 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Melanins are a diverse group of dark pigments with similar properties. In fungi, the most studied is the dihydroxynaphtalene (DHN)-melanin, present in several species including all the chromoblastomycosis agents, a chronic, disabling, and recalcitrant subcutaneous mycosis. It is synthesized in a pathway known as the pentaketide pathway, which has the agrochemical tricyclazole as an inhibitor, widely used in in vitro studies because it does not prevent the growth of fungi. There are different methodologies for qualitative and quantitative analyses of DHN-melanin, which made it possible to discover its important structural and antioxidant functions, with melanin acting as a protective factor against the host's immune system. Also, it can interact with some of the main antifungals of medical interest, reducing its activity and the susceptibility of fungi to these agents. This review aims to discuss the aspects of DHN-melanin, focusing on chromoblastomycosis, bringing the main findings of the published scientific studies, and highlighting the need for further research to understand this important fungal pathogenicity and a virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Koehler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daiane Heidrich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Danielle M Pagani
- Department of Microbiology, Postgraduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Valeriano A Corbellini
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Postgraduate Program in Health Promotion, Postgraduate Program in Environmental Technology, Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria L Scroferneker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Roy S, Rhim JW. New insight into melanin for food packaging and biotechnology applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:4629-4655. [PMID: 33523716 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1878097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is a dark brown to black biomacromolecule with biologically active multifunctional properties that do not have a precise chemical structure, but its structure mainly depends on the polymerization conditions during the synthesis process. Natural melanin can be isolated from various animal, plant, and microbial sources, while synthetic melanin-like compounds can be synthesized by simple polymerization of dopamine. Melanin is widely used in various areas due to its functional properties such as photosensitivity, light barrier property, free radical scavenging ability, antioxidant activity, etc. It also has an excellent ability to act as a reducing agent and capping agent to synthesize various metal nanoparticles. Melanin nanoparticles (MNP) or melanin-like nanoparticles (MLNP) have the unique potential to act as functional materials to improve nanocomposite films' physical and functional properties. Various food packaging and biomedical applications have been made alone or by mixing melanin or MLNP. In this review, the general aspects of melanin that highlight biological activity, along with a description of MNP and the use as nanofillers in packaging films as well as reducing and capping agents and biomedical applications, were comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarup Roy
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Whan Rhim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Characterization of a novel yeast phase-specific antigen expressed during in vitro thermal phase transition of Talaromyces marneffei. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21169. [PMID: 33273617 PMCID: PMC7713699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Talaromyces marneffei is a dimorphic fungus that has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS. Since its dimorphism has been associated with its virulence, the transition from mold to yeast-like cells might be important for fungal pathogenesis, including its survival inside of phagocytic host cells. We investigated the expression of yeast antigen of T.marneffei using a yeast-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) 4D1 during phase transition. We found that MAb 4D1 recognizes and binds to antigenic epitopes on the surface of yeast cells. Antibody to antigenic determinant binding was associated with time of exposure, mold to yeast conversion, and mammalian temperature. We also demonstrated that MAb 4D1 binds to and recognizes conidia to yeast cells’ transition inside of a human monocyte-like THP-1 cells line. Our studies are important because we demonstrated that MAb 4D1 can be used as a tool to study T.marneffei virulence, furthering the understanding of the therapeutic potential of passive immunity in this fungal pathogenesis.
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Patra V, Gallais Sérézal I, Wolf P. Potential of Skin Microbiome, Pro- and/or Pre-Biotics to Affect Local Cutaneous Responses to UV Exposure. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1795. [PMID: 32560310 PMCID: PMC7353315 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human skin hosts innumerable microorganisms and maintains homeostasis with the local immune system despite the challenges offered by environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes cutaneous alterations such as acute (i.e., sunburn) and chronic inflammation, tanning, photoaging, skin cancer, and immune modulation. Phototherapy on the other hand is widely used to treat inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, polymorphic light eruption and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), as well as neoplastic skin diseases such as cutaneous T cell lymphoma, among others. Previous work has addressed the use of pro- and pre-biotics to protect against UVR through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic and/or pro-and contra-melanogenic properties. Herein, we discuss and share perspectives of the potential benefits of novel treatment strategies using microbes and pro- and pre-biotics as modulators of the skin response to UVR, and how they could act both for protection against UVR-induced skin damage and as enhancers of the UVR-driven therapeutic effects on the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- VijayKumar Patra
- Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Research Unit for Photodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Irène Gallais Sérézal
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden;
- Department of Dermatology, Besançon University Hospital, 25000 Besancon, France
| | - Peter Wolf
- Research Unit for Photodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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