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Alves V, de Andrade IB, Corrêa-Junior D, Avellar-Moura I, Passos K, Soares J, Pontes B, Almeida MA, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Revealing the impact of Rapamycin on the virulence factors of the Candida haemulonii complex. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 7:100247. [PMID: 38974670 PMCID: PMC11225706 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species is increasing, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This increasing incidence poses a dual challenge, comprising escalating antifungal resistance and the necessity for accurate fungal identification. The Candida haemulonii complex further complicates these challenges due to limited identification tools. Like some other Candida species, infections involving this complex show resistance to multiple antifungals, requiring innovative therapeutic approaches. Rapamycin, known for its antifungal properties and immunosuppressive characteristics, was investigated against the C. haemulonii complex species. Results revealed a rapamycin minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 0.07 to >20 µM, with fungicidal effects in most strains. In vitro analyses using the rapamycin maximum plasma concentration (0.016 µM) showed reduced surface properties and decreased production of extracellular enzymes. Rapamycin also hindered biofilm formation by some strains. Even when treated at the human therapeutic dose, which is lower than the MIC, phenotypic variations in C. haemulonii were detected, hinting at the possible attenuation of some virulence factors when exposed to rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Igor Avellar-Moura
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Karini Passos
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Juliana Soares
- Laboratório de Pinças Ópticas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas & Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Bruno Pontes
- Laboratório de Pinças Ópticas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas & Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Abreu Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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2
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Allert S, Schulz D, Kämmer P, Großmann P, Wolf T, Schäuble S, Panagiotou G, Brunke S, Hube B. From environmental adaptation to host survival: Attributes that mediate pathogenicity of Candida auris. Virulence 2022; 13:191-214. [PMID: 35142597 PMCID: PMC8837256 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2026037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species are a major cause of invasive fungal infections. While Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis are the most dominant species causing life-threatening candidiasis, C. auris recently emerged as a new species causing invasive infections with high rates of clinical treatment failures. To mimic initial phases of systemic Candida infections with dissemination via the bloodstream and to elucidate the pathogenic potential of C. auris, we used an ex vivo whole blood infection model. Similar to other clinically relevant Candida spp., C. auris is efficiently killed in human blood, but showed characteristic patterns of immune cell association, survival rates, and cytokine induction. Dual-species transcriptional profiling of C. auris-infected blood revealed a unique C. auris gene expression program during infection, while the host response proofed similar and conserved compared to other Candida species. C. auris-specific responses included adaptation and survival strategies, such as counteracting oxidative burst of immune cells, but also expression of potential virulence factors, (drug) transporters, and cell surface-associated genes. Despite comparable pathogenicity to other Candida species in our model, C. auris-specific transcriptional adaptations as well as its increased stress resistance and long-term environmental survival, likely contribute to the high risk of contamination and distribution in a nosocomial setting. Moreover, infections of neutrophils with pre-starved C. auris cells suggest that environmental preconditioning can have modulatory effects on the early host interaction. In summary, we present novel insights into C. auris pathogenicity, revealing adaptations to human blood and environmental niches distinctive from other Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniela Schulz
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Kämmer
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Großmann
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Wolf
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Gianni Panagiotou
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.,Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
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3
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Transient Mitochondria Dysfunction Confers Fungal Cross-Resistance against Phagocytic Killing and Fluconazole. mBio 2021; 12:e0112821. [PMID: 34061590 PMCID: PMC8262853 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01128-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss or inactivation of antivirulence genes is an adaptive strategy in pathogen evolution. Candida glabrata is an important opportunistic pathogen related to baker’s yeast, with the ability to both quickly increase its intrinsic high level of azole resistance and persist within phagocytes. During C. glabrata’s evolution as a pathogen, the mitochondrial DNA polymerase CgMip1 has been under positive selection. We show that CgMIP1 deletion not only triggers loss of mitochondrial function and a petite phenotype, but increases C. glabrata’s azole and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress resistance and, importantly, its survival in phagocytes. The same phenotype is induced by fluconazole and by exposure to macrophages, conferring a cross-resistance between antifungals and immune cells, and can be found in clinical isolates despite a slow growth of petite strains. This suggests that petite constitutes a bet-hedging strategy of C. glabrata and, potentially, a relevant cause of azole resistance. Mitochondrial function may therefore be considered a potential antivirulence factor.
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4
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Mba IE, Nweze EI. Mechanism of Candida pathogenesis: revisiting the vital drivers. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:1797-1819. [PMID: 32372128 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03912-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Candida is the most implicated fungal pathogen in the clinical setting. Several factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of Candida spp. Multiple transcriptional circuits, morphological and phenotypic switching, biofilm formation, tissue damaging extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, metabolic flexibility, genome plasticity, adaptation to environmental pH fluctuation, robust nutrient acquisition system, adherence and invasions (mediated by adhesins and invasins), heat shock proteins (HSPs), cytolytic proteins, escape from phagocytosis, evasion from host immune system, synergistic coaggregation with resident microbiota, resistance to antifungal agents, and the ability to efficiently respond to multiple stresses are some of the major pathogenic determinants of Candida species. The existence of multiple connections, in addition to the interactions and associations among all of these factors, are distinctive features that play important roles in the establishment of Candida infections. This review describes all the underlying factors and mechanisms involved in Candida pathogenesis by evaluating pathogenic determinants of Candida species. It reinforces the already available pool of data on the pathogenesis of Candida species by providing a clear and simplified understanding of the most important factors implicated in the pathogenesis of Candida species. The Candida pathogenesis network, an illustration linking all the major determinants of Candida pathogenesis, is also presented. Taken together, they will further improve our current understanding of how these factors modulate virulence and consequent infection(s). Development of new antifungal drugs and better therapeutic approaches to candidiasis can be achieved in the near future with continuing progress in the understanding of the mechanisms of Candida pathogenesis.
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5
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Romero-Núñez A, González G, Moreno A, Cuéllar-Cruz M. Biomineralization and biosynthesis of nanocrystalline materials and selective uptake of toxic metals controlled by five types of Candida species. CrystEngComm 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c8ce02197j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Candida species exposed to Pb(ii) and Cd(ii) triggers the biosynthesis of heterogeneous extracellular PbS : Cd and intracellular CdS : Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Romero-Núñez
- Departamento de Biología
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas
- Campus Guanajuato
- Universidad de Guanajuato
- Guanajuato
| | - Gonzalo González
- Departamento de Metálicos y Cerámicos
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- CDMX
- Mexico
| | - Abel Moreno
- Instituto de Química
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- Ciudad de México
- Mexico
| | - Mayra Cuéllar-Cruz
- Departamento de Biología
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas
- Campus Guanajuato
- Universidad de Guanajuato
- Guanajuato
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6
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Sieber P, Voigt K, Kämmer P, Brunke S, Schuster S, Linde J. Comparative Study on Alternative Splicing in Human Fungal Pathogens Suggests Its Involvement During Host Invasion. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2313. [PMID: 30333805 PMCID: PMC6176087 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is an important regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes but only little is known about its impact in fungi. Human fungal pathogens are of high clinical interest causing recurrent or life-threatening infections. AS can be well-investigated genome-wide and quantitatively with the powerful technology of RNA-Seq. Here, we systematically studied AS in human fungal pathogens based on RNA-Seq data. To do so, we investigated its effect in seven fungi during conditions simulating ex vivo infection processes and during in vitro stress. Genes undergoing AS are species-specific and act independently from differentially expressed genes pointing to an independent mechanism to change abundance and functionality. Candida species stand out with a low number of introns with higher and more varying lengths and more alternative splice sites. Moreover, we identified a functional difference between response to host and other stress conditions: During stress, AS affects more genes and is involved in diverse regulatory functions. In contrast, during response-to-host conditions, genes undergoing AS have membrane functionalities and might be involved in the interaction with the host. We assume that AS plays a crucial regulatory role in pathogenic fungi and is important in both response to host and stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Sieber
- Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Research Group Systems Biology, Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Voigt
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Kämmer
- Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schuster
- Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Linde
- Research Group PiDOMICS, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health-Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Jena, Germany
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7
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Huang M, Kao KC. Identifying novel genetic determinants for oxidative stress tolerance in Candida glabrata via adaptive laboratory evolution. Yeast 2018; 35:605-618. [PMID: 30141215 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata (C glabrata) is an important yeast of industrial and medical significance. Resistance to oxidative stress is an important trait affecting its robustness as a production host or virulence as a pathogenic agent, but current understanding of resistance mechanisms is still limited in this fungus. In this study, we rapidly evolved C glabrata population to adapt to oxidative challenge (from 80mM to 350mM of H2 O2 ) through short-term adaptive laboratory evolution. Adaptive mutants were isolated from evolved populations and subjected to phenotypic and omics analyses to identify potential mechanisms of tolerance to H2 O2 . Phenotypic characterizations revealed faster detoxification of H2 O2 and ability to initiate growth at a higher concentration of the oxidant in the isolated adaptive mutants compared with the wild type. Genome resequencing and genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed multiple genetic determinants (eg, CAGL0E01243g, CAGL0F06831g, and CAGL0C00385g) that potentially contribute to enhanced H2 O2 resistance. Subsequent experimental verification confirmed that CgCth2 (CAGL0E01243g) and CgMga2 (CAGL0F06831g) are important in C glabrata tolerance to oxidative stress. Transcriptome profiling of adaptive mutants and bioinformatic analysis suggest that NADPH regeneration, modulation of membrane composition, cell wall remodeling, and/or global regulatory changes are involved in C glabrata tolerance to H2 O2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Huang
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Katy C Kao
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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8
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Gong Y, Li T, Yu C, Sun S. Candida albicans Heat Shock Proteins and Hsps-Associated Signaling Pathways as Potential Antifungal Targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:520. [PMID: 29312897 PMCID: PMC5742142 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the incidence of invasive fungal infections has increased notably. Candida albicans (C. albicans), a common opportunistic fungal pathogen that dwells on human mucosal surfaces, can cause fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised and high-risk surgical patients. In addition, the wide use of antifungal agents has likely contributed to resistance of C. albicans to traditional antifungal drugs, increasing the difficulty of treatment. Thus, it is urgent to identify novel antifungal drugs to cope with C. albicans infections. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) exist in most organisms and are expressed in response to thermal stress. In C. albicans, Hsps control basic physiological activities or virulence via interaction with a variety of diverse regulators of cellular signaling pathways. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that Hsps confer drug resistance to C. albicans. Many studies have shown that disrupting the normal functions of C. albicans Hsps inhibits fungal growth or reverses the tolerance of C. albicans to traditional antifungal drugs. Here, we review known functions of the diverse Hsp family, Hsp-associated intracellular signaling pathways and potential antifungal targets based on these pathways in C. albicans. We hope this review will aid in revealing potential new roles of C. albicans Hsps in addition to canonical heat stress adaptions and provide more insight into identifying potential novel antifungal targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cuixiang Yu
- Respiration Medicine, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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9
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Zhang D, Dong Y, Yu Q, Kai Z, Zhang M, Jia C, Xiao C, Zhang B, Zhang B, Li M. Function of glutaredoxin 3 (Grx3) in oxidative stress response caused by iron homeostasis disorder in Candida albicans. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:1397-1412. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Glutaredoxin is a conserved oxidoreductase in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. This study aimed to determine the role of Grx3 in cell survival, iron homeostasis and the oxidative stress response in Candida albicans. Materials & methods: A grx3Δ/Δ mutant was obtained using PCR-mediated homologs recombination. The function of Grx3 was investigated by a series of biochemical methods. Results: Deletion of GRX3 impaired growth and cell cycle, disturbance of iron homeostasis and activated the oxidative stress response. Furthermore, disruption of GRX3 caused oxidative damage and growth defects of C. albicans. Conclusion: Our findings provide new insights into the role of GRX3 in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease & Insect Pests, Institute of Plant protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural sciences, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhang Kai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chenpeng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- College of language and culture, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology & Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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10
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Increasing the Fungicidal Action of Amphotericin B by Inhibiting the Nitric Oxide-Dependent Tolerance Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:4064628. [PMID: 29129987 PMCID: PMC5654257 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4064628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Amphotericin B (AmB) induces oxidative and nitrosative stresses, characterized by production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, in fungi. Yet, how these toxic species contribute to AmB-induced fungal cell death is unclear. We investigated the role of superoxide and nitric oxide radicals in AmB's fungicidal activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using a digital microfluidic platform, which enabled monitoring individual cells at a spatiotemporal resolution, and plating assays. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME was used to interfere with nitric oxide radical production. L-NAME increased and accelerated AmB-induced accumulation of superoxide radicals, membrane permeabilization, and loss of proliferative capacity in S. cerevisiae. In contrast, the nitric oxide donor S-nitrosoglutathione inhibited AmB's action. Hence, superoxide radicals were important for AmB's fungicidal action, whereas nitric oxide radicals mediated tolerance towards AmB. Finally, also the human pathogens Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were more susceptible to AmB in the presence of L-NAME, pointing to the potential of AmB-L-NAME combination therapy to treat fungal infections.
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11
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Rodrigues CF, Gonçalves B, Rodrigues ME, Silva S, Azeredo J, Henriques M. The Effectiveness of Voriconazole in Therapy of Candida glabrata's Biofilms Oral Infections and Its Influence on the Matrix Composition and Gene Expression. Mycopathologia 2017; 182:653-664. [PMID: 28439794 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Candida glabrata is one of most prevalent yeast in fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Its azole resistance results in a low therapeutic response, particularly when associated with biofilms. The main goal of this work was to study the effectiveness of voriconazole (Vcz) against C. glabrata biofilms oral pathologies, as esophageal or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Antifungal susceptibilities were determined in pre-formed 24-h-biofilms and ERG genes expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Protein quantification was performed using BCA® Kit, carbohydrate was estimated according to the Dubois assay and β-1,3 glucans concentration were determined using Glucatell® kit. Finally, ergosterol, Vcz, and fluconazole (Flu) concentrations within the biofilm matrices were determined by RP-HPLC. Results showed that C. glabrata biofilms were more susceptible to Vcz than to Flu and that ERG genes expression evidenced an overexpression of the three ERG genes in the presence of both azoles. The matrix content presented a remarked decrease in proteins and an increase in carbohydrates, namely β-1,3 glucans. Ergosterol was successfully detected and quantified in the biofilm matrices, with no differences in all the considered conditions. Vcz demonstrated better diffusion through the biofilms and better cell penetration capacities, than Flu, indicating that the structure of the drug molecule fully influences its dissemination through the biofilm matrices. This work showed that Vcz is notably more effective than Flu for the treatment of resistant C. glabrata oral biofilms, which demonstrates a clinical relevance in its future use for the treatment of oropharyngeal/esophageal candidiasis caused by this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia F Rodrigues
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Bruna Gonçalves
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Elisa Rodrigues
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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12
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Chakravarti A, Camp K, McNabb DS, Pinto I. The Iron-Dependent Regulation of the Candida albicans Oxidative Stress Response by the CCAAT-Binding Factor. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170649. [PMID: 28122000 PMCID: PMC5266298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most frequently encountered fungal pathogen in humans, capable of causing mucocutaneous and systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. C. albicans virulence is influenced by multiple factors. Importantly, iron acquisition and avoidance of the immune oxidative burst are two critical barriers for survival in the host. Prior studies using whole genome microarray expression data indicated that the CCAAT-binding factor is involved in the regulation of iron uptake/utilization and the oxidative stress response. This study examines directly the role of the CCAAT-binding factor in regulating the expression of oxidative stress genes in response to iron availability. The CCAAT-binding factor is a heterooligomeric transcription factor previously shown to regulate genes involved in respiration and iron uptake/utilization in C. albicans. Since these pathways directly influence the level of free radicals, it seemed plausible the CCAAT-binding factor regulates genes necessary for the oxidative stress response. In this study, we show the CCAAT-binding factor is involved in regulating some oxidative stress genes in response to iron availability, including CAT1, SOD4, GRX5, and TRX1. We also show that CAT1 expression and catalase activity correlate with the survival of C. albicans to oxidative stress, providing a connection between iron obtainability and the oxidative stress response. We further explore the role of the various CCAAT-binding factor subunits in the formation of distinct protein complexes that modulate the transcription of CAT1 in response to iron. We find that Hap31 and Hap32 can compensate for each other in the formation of an active transcriptional complex; however, they play distinct roles in the oxidative stress response during iron limitation. Moreover, Hap43 was found to be solely responsible for the repression observed under iron deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Chakravarti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Kyle Camp
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - David S. McNabb
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Inés Pinto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We identified auranofin as an antimicrobial compound utilizing a high-throughput screen using a Caenorhabditis elegans-Staphylococcus aureus infection model. Results/methodology: Treatment of infected nematodes with auranofin resulted in a prolonged survival rate of 95%, reached with 0.78 μg/ml. Further investigation of the antimicrobial activity of auranofin found inhibition against S. aureus, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis. Importantly, the fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans was also effectively inhibited with an MIC at 0.5 μg/ml. Auranofin appears to target the thioredoxin system. CONCLUSION This work provides extensive additional data on the antibacterial effects of auranofin that includes both reference and clinical isolates and reports a novel inhibition of fungal pathogens by this compound.
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14
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Serrano-Fujarte I, López-Romero E, Cuéllar-Cruz M. Moonlight-like proteins of the cell wall protect sessile cells of Candida from oxidative stress. Microb Pathog 2015; 90:22-33. [PMID: 26550764 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms of Candida species are associated with high morbidity and hospital mortality. Candida forms biofilms by adhering to human host epithelium through cell wall proteins (CWP) and simultaneously neutralizing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during the respiratory burst by phagocytic cells. The purpose of this paper is to identify the CWP of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis expressed after exposure to different concentrations of H2O2 using a proteomic approach. CWP obtained from sessile cells, both treated and untreated with the oxidizing agent, were resolved by one and two-dimensional (2D-PAGE) gels and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Some of these proteins were identified and found to correspond to moonlighting CWP such as: (i) glycolytic enzymes, (ii) heat shock, (iii) OSR proteins, (iv) general metabolic enzymes and (v) highly conserved proteins, which are up- or down-regulated in the presence or absence of ROS. We also found that the expression of these CWP is different for each Candida species. Moreover, RT-PCR assays allowed us to demonstrate that transcription of the gene coding for Eno1, one of the moonlight-like CWP identified in response to the oxidant agent, is differentially regulated. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration that, in response to oxidative stress, each species of Candida, differentially regulates the expression of moonlighting CWP, which may protect the organism from the ROS generated during phagocytosis. Presumptively, these proteins allow the pathogen to adhere and form a biofilm, and eventually cause invasive candidiasis in the human host. We propose that, in addition to the antioxidant mechanisms present in Candida, the moonlighting CWP also confer protection to these pathogens from oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isela Serrano-Fujarte
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Everardo López-Romero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Mayra Cuéllar-Cruz
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
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15
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Kasper L, Seider K, Hube B. Intracellular survival of Candida glabrata in macrophages: immune evasion and persistence. FEMS Yeast Res 2015; 15:fov042. [PMID: 26066553 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fov042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is a successful human opportunistic pathogen which causes superficial but also life-threatening systemic infections. During infection, C. glabrata has to cope with cells of the innate immune system such as macrophages, which belong to the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Candida glabrata is able to survive and even replicate inside macrophages while causing surprisingly low damage and cytokine release. Here, we present an overview of recent studies dealing with the interaction of C. glabrata with macrophages, from phagocytosis to intracellular growth and escape. We review the strategies of C. glabrata that permit intracellular survival and replication, including poor host cell activation, modification of phagosome maturation and phagosome pH, adaptation to antimicrobial activities, and mechanisms to overcome the nutrient limitations within the phagosome. In summary, these studies suggest that survival within macrophages may be an immune evasion and persistence strategy of C. glabrata during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Katja Seider
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Sepsis und Sepsisfolgen, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
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16
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Duggan S, Essig F, Hünniger K, Mokhtari Z, Bauer L, Lehnert T, Brandes S, Häder A, Jacobsen ID, Martin R, Figge MT, Kurzai O. Neutrophil activation by Candida glabrata but not Candida albicans promotes fungal uptake by monocytes. Cell Microbiol 2015; 17:1259-76. [PMID: 25850517 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans and Candida glabrata account for the majority of candidiasis cases worldwide. Although both species are in the same genus, they differ in key virulence attributes. Within this work, live cell imaging was used to examine the dynamics of neutrophil activation after confrontation with either C. albicans or C. glabrata. Analyses revealed higher phagocytosis rates of C. albicans than C. glabrata that resulted in stronger PMN (polymorphonuclear cells) activation by C. albicans. Furthermore, we observed differences in the secretion of chemokines, indicating chemotactic differences in PMN signalling towards recruitment of further immune cells upon confrontation with Candida spp. Supernatants from co-incubations of neutrophils with C. glabrata primarily attracted monocytes and increased the phagocytosis of C. glabrata by monocytes. In contrast, PMN activation by C. albicans resulted in recruitment of more neutrophils. Two complex infection models confirmed distinct targeting of immune cell populations by the two Candida spp.: In a human whole blood infection model, C. glabrata was more effectively taken up by monocytes than C. albicans and histopathological analyses of murine model infections confirmed primarily monocytic infiltrates in C. glabrata kidney infection in contrast to PMN-dominated infiltrates in C. albicans infection. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the human opportunistic fungi C. albicans and C. glabrata are differentially recognized by neutrophils and one outcome of this differential recognition is the preferential uptake of C. glabrata by monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seána Duggan
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Fabian Essig
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hünniger
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Zeinab Mokhtari
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Bauer
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Teresa Lehnert
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Susanne Brandes
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Antje Häder
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.,Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.,German National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
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