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Sardana K, Sharath S, Khurana A, Ghosh S. An update on the myriad antifungal resistance mechanisms in dermatophytes and the place of experimental and existential therapeutic agents for Trichophyton complex implicated in tinea corporis and cruris. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:977-991. [PMID: 37606343 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2250555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an epidemic emergence of increased resistance in dermatophytes with to antifungal drugs with ergosterol1 (Erg1) and Erg11 mutations to terbinafine and azoles. Apart from mutations, mechanisms that predict clinical failure include efflux pumps, cellular kinases, heat shock proteins (Hsp), and biofilms. Apart from itraconazole and SUBATM (Super-Bioavailable) itraconazole, measures that can be used in terbinafine failure include efflux-pump inhibitors, Hsp inhibitors and judicious use of antifungal drugs (topical + systemic) combinations. AREAS COVERED A PubMed search was done for the relevant studies and reviews published in the last 22 years using keywords dermatophytes OR Trichophyton, anti-fungal, resistance, mechanism and fungal AND resistance mechanisms. Our aim was to look for literature on prevalent species and we specifically researched studies on Trichophyton genus. We have analyzed varied antifungal drug mechanisms and detailed varied experimental and approved drugs to treat recalcitrant dermatophytosis. EXPERT OPINION Apart from administering drugs with low minimum inhibitory concentration, combinations of oral and topical antifungals (based on synergy data) and new formulations of existing drugs are useful in recalcitrant cases. There is a need for research into resistance mechanism of the existent Trichophyton strains in therapeutic failures in tinea corporis & cruris instead of data derived from laboratory strains which may not mirror clinical failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Savitha Sharath
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Shamik Ghosh
- Rejuvenation Technologies Inc, Harvard Medical School, New York City, NY, USA
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Bhattacharyya A, Sadhasivam S, Sinha M, Gupta S, Saini S, Singh H, Khurana A, Sachdeva S, Sardana K, Ghosh S. Treatment of recalcitrant cases of tinea corporis/cruris caused by T. mentagrophytes - interdigitale complex with mutations in ERG11 ERG 3, ERG4, MDR1 MFS genes & SQLE and their potential implications. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:637-648. [PMID: 36929499 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recalcitrant dermatophyte infections are being reported from various parts of the world due to varied causes including strain variation, steroid misuse, SQLE mutations, and variable quality of itraconazole pellet formulations. The oral drug preferred in endemic areas is itraconazole, to which MIC levels remain low, and clinical failures to itraconazole reported defy a sound scientific explanation. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to conduct a proteomic and genomic analysis on isolates from therapeutically recalcitrant case with isolation of gene mutations and enzymatic abnormalities to explain azole failures. METHODS Trichophyton mentagrophyte interdigitale complex strains were isolated from seven clinically non-responding tinea corporis/cruris patients, who had failed a sequential course of 6 weeks of terbinafine 250 mg QD and itraconazole 100 mg BID. After AFST 1 strain, KA01 with high MIC to most drugs was characterized using whole genome sequencing, comparative proteomic profiling, and total sterol quantification. RESULTS Sterol quantification showed that the standard strain of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (MTCC-7687) had half the ergosterol content than the resistant KA01 strain. Genomic analysis revealed mutations in SQLE, ERG4, ERG11, MDR1, MFS genes, and a novel ERG3 mutation. Proteomic analysis established the aberrant expression of acetyl Co-A transferase in the resistant strain and upregulation of thioredoxin reductase and peroxiredoxin. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate possible reasons for multidrug resistance in the prevalent strain with mutations in genes that predict terbinafine (SQLE) and azole actions (ERG4, ERG11, ERG3) apart from efflux pumps (MDR1, MFS) that can explain multidrug clinical failures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mau Sinha
- Vyome Therapeutics Limited, New Delhi, India
| | - Swati Gupta
- Vyome Therapeutics Limited, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumya Sachdeva
- Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Anwarpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Rocha CHL, Rocha FMG, Bitencourt TA, Martins MP, Sanches PR, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM. Synergism between the Antidepressant Sertraline and Caspofungin as an Approach to Minimise the Virulence and Resistance in the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080815. [PMID: 36012803 PMCID: PMC9409809 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is responsible for several superficial human mycoses. Novel strategies aimed at controlling this pathogen are being investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of the antidepressant sertraline (SRT), either alone or in combination with caspofungin (CASP). We calculated the minimum inhibitory concentrations of SRT and CASP against T. rubrum. Interactions between SRT and CASP were evaluated using a broth microdilution chequerboard. We assessed the differential expression of T. rubrum cultivated in the presence of SRT or combinations of SRT and CASP. We used MTT and violet crystal assays to compare the effect of SRT alone on T. rubrum biofilms with that of the synergistic combination of SRT and CASP. A human nail infection assay was performed. SRT alone, or in combination with CASP, exhibited antifungal activity against T. rubrum. SRT targets genes involved in the biosyntheses of cell wall and ergosterol. Furthermore, the metabolic activity of the T. rubrum biofilm and its biomass were affected by SRT and the combination of SRT and CASP. SRT alone, or in combination, shows potential as an approach to minimise resistance and reduce virulence.
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Antimicrobials and Resistance Part II: Antifungals, Antivirals, and Antiparasitics. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 86:1207-1226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Ellagic Acid Inhibits Trichophyton rubrum Growth via Affecting Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Apoptotic Induction. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7305818. [PMID: 33193798 PMCID: PMC7641703 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7305818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Trichophyton rubrum, among other dermatophytes, is a major causative agent for superficial dermatomycoses like onychomycosis and tinea pedis, especially among pediatric and geriatric populations. Ellagic acid (EA) and shikonin (SK) have been reported to have many bioactivities, including antifungal activity. However, the mechanism of EA and SK on Trichophyton rubrum has not yet been reported. Objectives The purposes of this study were to evaluate the antifungal activities of EA and SK against Trichophyton rubrum and to illuminate the underlying action mechanisms. Methods The effect of EA (64, 128, and 256 μg/mL) and SK (8, 4, and 2 μg/mL) on Trichophyton rubrum was investigated with different doses via detecting cell viability, ultrastructure with using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), cell apoptosis and necrosis by using the flow cytometry instrument technique (FCIT), and the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway-related fungal cell membrane key gene expressions in vitro. Results SEM detection revealed that the T. rubrum cell surface was shrivelled, folded, and showed deformation and expansion, visible surface peeling, and broken hyphae, and cell contents overflowed after being treated with EA and SK; the cell apoptosis rate was significantly increased in dose-dependent manner after T. rubrum was treated with EA and SK; the qPCR results showed that mRNA expression of MEP4 and SUB1 was downregulated in EA- and SK-treated groups. Conclusions Overall, our results revealed the underlying antifungal mechanism of EA and SK, which may be related to the destruction of the fungal cell membrane and inhibition of C14 demethylase and the catalytic rate of squalene cyclooxidase in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway via downregulation of MEP4 and SUB1, suggesting that EA and SK have the potential to be developed further as a natural antifungal agent for clinical use.
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Petrucelli MF, Matsuda JB, Peroni K, Sanches PR, Silva WA, Beleboni RO, Martinez-Rossi NM, Marins M, Fachin AL. The Transcriptional Profile of Trichophyton rubrum Co-Cultured with Human Keratinocytes Shows New Insights about Gene Modulation by Terbinafine. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040274. [PMID: 31795354 PMCID: PMC6963840 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum is the main causative agent of dermatophytoses worldwide. Although a superficial mycosis, its incidence has been increasing especially among diabetic and immunocompromised patients. Terbinafine is commonly used for the treatment of infections caused by dermatophytes. However, cases of resistance of T. rubrum to this allylamine were reported even with the efficacy of this drug. The present study is the first to evaluate the effect of terbinafine using a co-culture model of T. rubrum and human keratinocytes, mimicking a fungus-host interaction, in conjunction with RNA-seq technique. Our data showed the repression of several genes involved in the ergosterol biosynthesis cascade and the induction of genes encoding major facilitator superfamily (MFS)- and ATP-binding cassette superfamily (ABC)-type membrane transporter which may be involved in T. rubrum mechanisms of resistance to this drug. We observed that some genes reported in the scientific literature as candidates of new antifungal targets were also modulated. In addition, we found the modulation of several genes that are hypothetical in T. rubrum but that possess known orthologs in other dermatophytes. Taken together, the results indicate that terbinafine can act on various targets related to the physiology of T. rubrum other than its main target of ergosterol biosynthetic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monise Fazolin Petrucelli
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto-UNAERP, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, Ribeirão Preto 14960-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.P.); (J.B.M.); (R.O.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Josie Budag Matsuda
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto-UNAERP, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, Ribeirão Preto 14960-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.P.); (J.B.M.); (R.O.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Kamila Peroni
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto 14051-140, SP, Brazil; (K.P.)
| | - Pablo Rodrigo Sanches
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.R.S.); (N.M.M.-R.)
| | - Wilson Araújo Silva
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, Center for Cell-Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto 14051-140, SP, Brazil; (K.P.)
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.R.S.); (N.M.M.-R.)
- Center for Integrative System Biology-CISBi-NAP/USP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
- Center for Medical Genomics, University Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14015-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Rene Oliveira Beleboni
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto-UNAERP, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, Ribeirão Preto 14960-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.P.); (J.B.M.); (R.O.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.R.S.); (N.M.M.-R.)
| | - Mozart Marins
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto-UNAERP, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, Ribeirão Preto 14960-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.P.); (J.B.M.); (R.O.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Ana Lúcia Fachin
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto-UNAERP, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, Ribeirão Preto 14960-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.P.); (J.B.M.); (R.O.B.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: or ; Fax: +55-16-36037030
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Martinez-Rossi NM, Bitencourt TA, Peres NTA, Lang EAS, Gomes EV, Quaresemin NR, Martins MP, Lopes L, Rossi A. Dermatophyte Resistance to Antifungal Drugs: Mechanisms and Prospectus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1108. [PMID: 29896175 PMCID: PMC5986900 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes comprise pathogenic fungi that have a high affinity for the keratinized structures present in nails, skin, and hair, causing superficial infections known as dermatophytosis. A reasonable number of antifungal drugs currently exist on the pharmaceutical market to control mycoses; however, their cellular targets are restricted, and fungi may exhibit tolerance or resistance to these agents. For example, the stress caused by antifungal and cytotoxic drugs in sub-inhibitory concentrations promotes compensatory stress responses, with the over-expression of genes involved in cellular detoxification, drug efflux, and signaling pathways being among the various mechanisms that may contribute to drug tolerance. In addition, the ATP-binding cassette transporters in dermatophytes that are responsible for cellular efflux can act synergistically, allowing one to compensate for the absence of the other, revealing the complexity of drug tolerance phenomena. Moreover, mutations in genes coding for target enzymes could lead to substitutions in amino acids involved in the binding of antifungal agents, hindering their performance and leading to treatment failure. The relevance of each one of these mechanisms of resistance to fungal survival is hard to define, mainly because they can act simultaneously in the cell. However, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the resistance/tolerance processes, the identification of new antifungal targets, as well as the prospective of new antifungal compounds among natural or synthetic products, are expected to bring advances and new insights that facilitate the improvement or development of novel strategies for antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilce M Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tamires A Bitencourt
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nalu T A Peres
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Elza A S Lang
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eriston V Gomes
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Natalia R Quaresemin
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maíra P Martins
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lucia Lopes
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Hu C, Zhou M, Wang W, Sun X, Yarden O, Li S. Abnormal Ergosterol Biosynthesis Activates Transcriptional Responses to Antifungal Azoles. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:9. [PMID: 29387050 PMCID: PMC5776110 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi transcriptionally upregulate expression of azole efflux pumps and ergosterol biosynthesis pathway genes when exposed to antifungal agents that target ergosterol biosynthesis. To date, these transcriptional responses have been shown to be dependent on the presence of the azoles and/or depletion of ergosterol. Using an inducible promoter to regulate Neurospora crassa erg11, which encodes the major azole target, sterol 14α-demethylase, we were able to demonstrate that the CDR4 azole efflux pump can be transcriptionally activated by ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition even in the absence of azoles. By analyzing ergosterol deficient mutants, we demonstrate that the transcriptional responses by cdr4 and, unexpectedly, genes encoding ergosterol biosynthesis enzymes (erg genes) that are responsive to azoles, are not dependent on ergosterol depletion. Nonetheless, deletion of erg2, which encodes C-8 sterol isomerase, also induced expression of cdr4. Deletion of erg2 also induced the expression of erg24, the gene encoding C-14 sterol reductase, but not other tested erg genes which were responsive to erg11 inactivation. This indicates that inhibition of specific steps of ergosterol biosynthesis can result in different transcriptional responses, which is further supported by our results obtained using different ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors. Together with the sterol profiles, these results suggest that the transcriptional responses by cdr4 and erg genes are associated with accumulation of specific sterol intermediate(s). This was further supported by the fact that when the erg2 mutant was treated with ketoconazole, upstream inhibition overrode the effects by downstream inhibition on ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Even though cdr4 expression is associated with the accumulation of sterol intermediates, intra- and extracellular sterol analysis by HPLC-MS indicated that the transcriptional induction of cdr4 did not result in efflux of the accumulated intermediate(s). This study demonstrates, by detailed genetic and chemical analysis, that transcriptional responses by a major efflux pump and genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway to ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors can be independent of the presence of the drugs and are linked with the accumulation of ergosterol intermediate(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianyun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Oded Yarden
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Pellon A, Ramirez-Garcia A, Buldain I, Antoran A, Rementeria A, Hernando FL. Molecular and cellular responses of the pathogenic fungus Lomentospora prolificans to the antifungal drug voriconazole. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174885. [PMID: 28362854 PMCID: PMC5376303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Lomentospora (Scedosporium) prolificans is an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with fatal infections in patients with disturbed immune function. Unfortunately, conventional therapies are hardly of any use against this fungus due to its intrinsic resistance. Therefore, we performed an integrated study of the L. prolificans responses to the first option to treat these mycoses, namely voriconazole, with the aim of unveiling mechanisms involved in the resistance to this compound. To do that, we used a wide range of techniques, including fluorescence and electron microscopy to study morphological alterations, ion chromatography to measure changes in cell-wall carbohydrate composition, and proteomics-based techniques to identify the proteins differentially expressed under the presence of the drug. Significantly, we showed drastic changes occurring in cell shape after voriconazole exposure, L. prolificans hyphae being shorter and wider than under control conditions. Interestingly, we proved that the architecture and carbohydrate composition of the cell wall had been modified in the presence of the drug. Specifically, L. prolificans constructed a more complex organelle with a higher presence of glucans and mannans. In addition to this, we identified several differentially expressed proteins, including Srp1 and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), as the most overexpressed under voriconazole-induced stress conditions. The mechanisms described in this study, which may be directly related to L. prolificans antifungal resistance or tolerance, could be used as targets to improve existing therapies or to develop new ones in order to successfully eliminate these mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aize Pellon
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Idoia Buldain
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitziber Antoran
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Fernando L. Hernando
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Martinez-Rossi NM, Jacob TR, Sanches PR, Peres NTA, Lang EAS, Martins MP, Rossi A. Heat Shock Proteins in Dermatophytes: Current Advances and Perspectives. Curr Genomics 2016; 17:99-111. [PMID: 27226766 PMCID: PMC4864838 DOI: 10.2174/1389202917666151116212437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are proteins whose transcription responds rapidly to temperature shifts. They constitute a family of molecular chaperones, involved in the proper folding and stabilisation of proteins under physiological and adverse conditions. HSPs also assist in the protection and recovery of cells exposed to a variety of stressful conditions, including heat. The role of HSPs extends beyond chaperoning proteins, as they also participate in diverse cellular functions, such as the assembly of macromolecular complexes, protein transport and sorting, dissociation of denatured protein aggregates, cell cycle control, and programmed cell death. They are also important antigens from a variety of pathogens, are able to stimulate innate immune cells, and are implicated in acquired immunity. In fungi, HSPs have been implicated in virulence, dimorphic transition, and drug resistance. Some HSPs are potential targets for therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of HSPs in dermatophytes, which are a group of keratinophilic fungi responsible for superficial mycoses in humans and animals. Computational analyses were performed to characterise the group of proteins in these dermatophytes, as well as to assess their conservation and to identify DNA-binding domains (5′-nGAAn-3′) in the promoter regions of the hsp genes. In addition, the quantification of the transcript levels of few genes in a pacC background helped in the development of an extended model for the regulation of the expression of the hsp genes, which supports the participation of the pH-responsive transcriptional regulator PacC in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilce M Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago R Jacob
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Pablo R Sanches
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Nalu T A Peres
- Present address: Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, SE, Brazil
| | - Elza A S Lang
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maíra P Martins
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Jacob TR, Peres NTA, Martins MP, Lang EAS, Sanches PR, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM. Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) as a Molecular Target for the Development of Novel Drugs Against the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1241. [PMID: 26617583 PMCID: PMC4639609 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of fungal infections is difficult due to several reasons, such as side effects of drugs, emergence of resistant strains, and limited number of molecular targets for the drug compounds. In fungi, heat shock proteins (Hsps) have been implicated in several processes with the conserved molecular chaperone Hsp90 emerging as a potential target for antifungal therapy. It plays key cellular roles by eliciting molecular response to environmental changes, morphogenesis, antifungal resistance, and fungal pathogenicity. Here, we evaluated the transcription profiles of hsp genes of the most prevalent dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum in response to different environmental challenges including nutrient availability, interaction with cells and molecules of the host tissue, and drug exposure. The results suggest that each Hsp responds to a specific stress condition and that the cohort of Hsps facilitates fungal survival under various environmental challenges. Chemical inhibition of Hsp90 resulted in increased susceptibility of the fungus to itraconazole and micafungin, and decreased its growth in human nails in vitro. Moreover, some hsp and related genes were modulated by Hsp90 at the transcriptional level. We are suggesting a role of Hsp90 in the pathogenicity and drug susceptibility of T. rubrum as well as the regulation of other Hsps. The synergism observed between the inhibition of Hsp90 and the effect of itraconazole or micafungin in reducing the fungal growth is of great interest as a novel and potential strategy to treat dermatophytoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago R Jacob
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nalu T A Peres
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Maíra P Martins
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elza A S Lang
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pablo R Sanches
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilce M Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto São Paulo, Brazil
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Gene Expression Response of Trichophyton rubrum during Coculture on Keratinocytes Exposed to Antifungal Agents. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:180535. [PMID: 26257814 PMCID: PMC4516844 DOI: 10.1155/2015/180535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common causative agent of dermatomycoses worldwide, causing infection in the stratum corneum, nails, and hair. Despite the high prevalence of these infections, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the fungal-host interaction, particularly during antifungal treatment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the gene expression of T. rubrum cocultured with keratinocytes and treated with the flavonoid trans-chalcone and the glycoalkaloid α-solanine. Both substances showed a marked antifungal activity against T. rubrum strain CBS (MIC = 1.15 and 17.8 µg/mL, resp.). Cytotoxicity assay against HaCaT cells produced IC50 values of 44.18 to trans-chalcone and 61.60 µM to α-solanine. The interaction of keratinocytes with T. rubrum conidia upregulated the expression of genes involved in the glyoxylate cycle, ergosterol synthesis, and genes encoding proteases but downregulated the ABC transporter TruMDR2 gene. However, both antifungals downregulated the ERG1 and ERG11, metalloprotease 4, serine proteinase, and TruMDR2 genes. Furthermore, the trans-chalcone downregulated the genes involved in the glyoxylate pathway, isocitrate lyase, and citrate synthase. Considering the urgent need for more efficient and safer antifungals, these results contribute to a better understanding of fungal-host interactions and to the discovery of new antifungal targets.
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Persinoti GF, de Aguiar Peres NT, Jacob TR, Rossi A, Vêncio RZ, Martinez-Rossi NM. RNA-sequencing analysis of Trichophyton rubrum transcriptome in response to sublethal doses of acriflavine. BMC Genomics 2014; 15 Suppl 7:S1. [PMID: 25573029 PMCID: PMC4243288 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-s7-s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum is an anthropophilic filamentous fungus that infects keratinized tissues and is the most common etiologic agent isolated in human dermatophytoses. The clinical treatment of these infections is challenging because only few antifungal drugs are commercially available. To understand the mode of action of cytotoxic drugs against fungi, we evaluated the time-dependent effects of acriflavine on T. rubrum transcriptome using high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. RESULTS RNA-seq analysis generated approximately 200 million short reads that were mapped to the Broad Institute's Dermatophyte Comparative Database before differential gene expression analysis was performed. By employing a stringent cut-off threshold of -1.5 and 1.5 log₂-fold changes in gene expression, a subset of 490 unique genes were found to be modulated in T. rubrum in response to acriflavine exposure. Among the selected genes, 69 genes were modulated at all exposure time points. Functional categorization indicated the putative involvement of these genes in various cellular processes such as oxidation-reduction reaction, transmembrane transport, and metal ion binding. Interestingly, genes putatively involved in the pathogenicity of dermatophytoses were down-regulated suggesting that this drug interferes with the virulence of T. rubrum. Moreover, we identified 159 novel putative transcripts in intergenic regions and two transcripts in intron regions of T. rubrum genome. CONCLUSION The results provide insights into the molecular events underlying the stress responses of T. rubrum to acriflavine, revealing that this drug interfered with important molecular events involved in the establishment and maintenance of fungal infection in the host. In addition, the identification of novel transcripts will further enable the improvement of gene annotation and open reading frame prediction of T. rubrum and other dermatophyte genomes.
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Bitencourt TA, Komoto TT, Massaroto BG, Miranda CES, Beleboni RO, Marins M, Fachin AL. Trans-chalcone and quercetin down-regulate fatty acid synthase gene expression and reduce ergosterol content in the human pathogenic dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 13:229. [PMID: 24044691 PMCID: PMC3849095 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a promising antifungal target due to its marked structural differences between fungal and mammalian cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of flavonoids described in the scientific literature as FAS inhibitors (quercetin, trans-chalcone, ellagic acid, luteolin, galangin, and genistein) against the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum and their effects on fatty acid and ergosterol synthesis. METHODS The antifungal activity of the natural products was tested by the microdilution assay for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The effect of the compounds on the cell membrane was evaluated using a protoplast regeneration assay. Ergosterol content was quantified by spectrophotometry. Inhibition of FAS by flavonoids was evaluated by an enzymatic assay to determine IC50 values. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure transcription levels of the FAS1 and ERG6 genes involved in fatty acid and ergosterol biosynthesis, respectively, during exposure of T. rubrum to the flavonoids tested. RESULTS The flavonoids quercetin and trans-chalcone were effective against T. rubrum, with MICs of 125 and 7.5 μg/mL for the wild-type strain (MYA3108) and of 63 and 1.9 μg/mL for the ABC transporter mutant strain (ΔTruMDR2), respectively. The MICs of the fluconazole and cerulenin controls were 63 and 125 μg/mL for the wild-type strain and 30 and 15 μg/mL for the mutant strain, respectively. Quercetin and trans-chalcone also reduced ergosterol content in the two strains, indicating that interference with fatty acid and ergosterol synthesis caused cell membrane disruption. The MIC of quercetin reduced the number of regenerated protoplasts by 30.26% (wild-type strain) and by 91.66% (mutant strain). Half the MIC (0.5 MIC) of quercetin did not reduce the number of regenerated wild-type fungal colonies, but caused a 36.19% reduction in the number of mutant strain protoplasts. In contrast, the MIC and 0.5 MIC of trans-chalcone and cerulenin drastically reduced protoplast regeneration in the two strains. The FAS1 gene was repressed in the presence of MICs of quercetin, trans-chalcone, fluconazole and cerulenin. The ERG6 gene was induced in the presence of MICs of fluconazole and cerulenin and was repressed in the presence of MICs of trans-chalcone and quercetin. Trans-chalcone and quercetin inhibited the enzymatic activity of FAS, with IC50 values of 68.23 and 17.1 μg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION Trans-chalcone and quercetin showed antifungal activity against T. rubrum, reducing ergosterol levels and modulating the expression of FAS1 and ERG6.
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Dermatophyte virulence factors: identifying and analyzing genes that may contribute to chronic or acute skin infections. Int J Microbiol 2011; 2012:358305. [PMID: 21977036 PMCID: PMC3185252 DOI: 10.1155/2012/358305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are prevalent causes of cutaneous mycoses and, unlike many other fungal pathogens, are able to cause disease in immunocompetent individuals. They infect keratinized tissue such as skin, hair, and nails, resulting in tinea infections, including ringworm. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie the ability of these organisms to establish and maintain infection. The recent availability of genome sequence information and improved genetic manipulation have enabled researchers to begin to identify and study the role of virulence factors of dermatophytes. This paper will summarize our current understanding of dermatophyte virulence factors and discuss future directions for identifying and testing virulence factors.
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Burmester A, Shelest E, Glöckner G, Heddergott C, Schindler S, Staib P, Heidel A, Felder M, Petzold A, Szafranski K, Feuermann M, Pedruzzi I, Priebe S, Groth M, Winkler R, Li W, Kniemeyer O, Schroeckh V, Hertweck C, Hube B, White TC, Platzer M, Guthke R, Heitman J, Wöstemeyer J, Zipfel PF, Monod M, Brakhage AA. Comparative and functional genomics provide insights into the pathogenicity of dermatophytic fungi. Genome Biol 2011; 12:R7. [PMID: 21247460 PMCID: PMC3091305 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2011-12-1-r7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of humans and animals suffer from superficial infections caused by a group of highly specialized filamentous fungi, the dermatophytes, which exclusively infect keratinized host structures. To provide broad insights into the molecular basis of the pathogenicity-associated traits, we report the first genome sequences of two closely phylogenetically related dermatophytes, Arthroderma benhamiae and Trichophyton verrucosum, both of which induce highly inflammatory infections in humans. RESULTS 97% of the 22.5 megabase genome sequences of A. benhamiae and T. verrucosum are unambiguously alignable and collinear. To unravel dermatophyte-specific virulence-associated traits, we compared sets of potentially pathogenicity-associated proteins, such as secreted proteases and enzymes involved in secondary metabolite production, with those of closely related onygenales (Coccidioides species) and the mould Aspergillus fumigatus. The comparisons revealed expansion of several gene families in dermatophytes and disclosed the peculiarities of the dermatophyte secondary metabolite gene sets. Secretion of proteases and other hydrolytic enzymes by A. benhamiae was proven experimentally by a global secretome analysis during keratin degradation. Molecular insights into the interaction of A. benhamiae with human keratinocytes were obtained for the first time by global transcriptome profiling. Given that A. benhamiae is able to undergo mating, a detailed comparison of the genomes further unraveled the genetic basis of sexual reproduction in this species. CONCLUSIONS Our results enlighten the genetic basis of fundamental and putatively virulence-related traits of dermatophytes, advancing future research on these medically important pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Burmester
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, Jena, 07745, Germany
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Staib P, Zaugg C, Mignon B, Weber J, Grumbt M, Pradervand S, Harshman K, Monod M. Differential gene expression in the pathogenic dermatophyte Arthroderma benhamiae in vitro versus during infection. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2009; 156:884-895. [PMID: 19942661 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.033464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although dermatophytes are the most common agents of superficial mycoses in humans and animals, the molecular basis of the pathogenicity of these fungi is largely unknown. In vitro digestion of keratin by dermatophytes is associated with the secretion of multiple proteases, which are assumed to be responsible for their particular specialization to colonize and degrade keratinized host structures during infection. To investigate the role of individual secreted proteases in dermatophytosis, a guinea pig infection model was established for the zoophilic dermatophyte Arthroderma benhamiae, which causes highly inflammatory cutaneous infections in humans and rodents. By use of a cDNA microarray covering approximately 20-25 % of the A. benhamiae genome and containing sequences of at least 23 protease genes, we revealed a distinct in vivo protease gene expression profile in the fungal cells, which was surprisingly different from the pattern elicited during in vitro growth on keratin. Instead of the major in vitro -expressed proteases, others were activated specifically during infection. These enzymes are therefore suggested to fulfil important functions that are not exclusively associated with the degradation of keratin. Most notably, the gene encoding the serine protease subtilisin 6, which is a known major allergen in the related dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum and putatively linked to host inflammation, was found to be the most strongly upregulated gene during infection. In addition, our approach identified other candidate pathogenicity-related factors in A. benhamiae, such as genes encoding key enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle and an opsin-related protein. Our work provides what we believe to be the first broad-scale gene expression profile in human pathogenic dermatophytes during infection, and points to putative virulence-associated mechanisms that make these micro-organisms the most successful aetiological agents of superficial mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Staib
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Junior Research Group Fundamental Molecular Biology of Pathogenic Fungi, Beutenbergstr. 11a, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Christophe Zaugg
- Department of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Av. de Beaumont 29, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Mignon
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-43 Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Johann Weber
- DNA Array Facility, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Genopode Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria Grumbt
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Junior Research Group Fundamental Molecular Biology of Pathogenic Fungi, Beutenbergstr. 11a, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sylvain Pradervand
- DNA Array Facility, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Genopode Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Keith Harshman
- DNA Array Facility, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Genopode Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Monod
- Department of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Av. de Beaumont 29, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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