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Zou K, Zhang S, Yin K, Ren S, Zhang M, Li X, Fan L, Zhang R, Li R. Studies on the in vitro mechanism and in vivo therapeutic effect of the antimicrobial peptide ACP5 against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Peptides 2024; 175:171177. [PMID: 38354953 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a zoophilic dermatophyte that can cause dermatophytosis in humans and animals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as a promising agent to overcome the drug-resistance of T. mentagrophytes. Our findings suggest that cationic antimicrobial peptide (ACP5) not only possesses stronger activity against T. mentagrophytes than fluconazole, but also shows lower toxicity to L929 mouse fibroblast cells than terbinafine. Notably, its resistance development rate after resistance induction was lower than terbinafine. The present study aimed to evaluate the fungicidal mechanism of ACP5 in vitro and its potential to treat dermatophyte infections in vivo. ACP5 at 1 ×MIC completely inhibited T. mentagrophytes spore germination in vitro. ACP5 severely disrupts the mycelial morphology, leading to mycelial rupture. Mechanistically, ACP5 induces excessive ROS production, damaging the integrity of the cell membrane and decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential, causing irreversible damage in T. mentagrophytes. Furthermore, 1% ACP5 showed similar efficacy to the commercially available drug 1% terbinafine in a guinea pig dermatophytosis model, and the complete eradication of T. mentagrophytes from the skin by ACP5 was verified by tissue section observation. These results indicate that ACP5 is a promising candidate for the development of new agent to combat dermatophyte resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuiming Zou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Shaojie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Kedong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Information Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Shiming Ren
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Xiatong Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Lixin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; School of Economics and Trade, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
| | - Ruifang Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
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Amina R, Habiba R, Abouddihaj B. Camel urine as a potential source of bioactive molecules showing their efficacy against pathogens: A systematic review. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103966. [PMID: 38495380 PMCID: PMC10940778 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103966] [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] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Camels are highly suited for severe desert conditions and able to provide most of the natural products like urine, which has been used as alternative medicine to treat diverse infections and disorders. There is, however, a shortage and paucity of scientific reviews highlighting the antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral effects of camel urine. By better understanding its antimicrobial characteristics, our overarching aim is to provide an exhaustive overview of this valuable natural product by synthesizing and summarizing data on the efficacy of this biofluid and also describing the potential substances exhibiting antimicrobial properties. We searched three databases in order to point out relevant articles (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) until December 2022. Research articles of interest evaluating the antimicrobial effects of camel urine were selected. Overall, camel urine furnished promising antibacterial activities against gram-positive bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus (30 mm), Bacillus cereus (22 mm), Bacillus subtilis (25 mm) and Micrococcus luteus (21 mm), as well as gram-negative bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Salmonella spp., without forgetting its efficiency on Mycobacterium tuberculosis as well. The excretion also showed its potency against H1N1 virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Similarly, the camel urine featured strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and dermatophytes with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.625 μg/ml against Trichophyton violaceum, 2.5 μg/ml against Microsporum canis and 1.25 μg/ml against Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This comprehensive review will be valuable for researchers interested in investigating the potential of camel urine in the development of novel broad-spectrum key molecules targeting a wide range of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ressmi Amina
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Life Sciences Department, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23023, Morocco
| | - Raqraq Habiba
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Life Sciences Department, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23023, Morocco
| | - Barguigua Abouddihaj
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Life Sciences Department, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23023, Morocco
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Gagna CE, Yodice AN, D'Amico J, Elkoulily L, Gill SM, DeOcampo FG, Rabbani M, Kaur J, Shah A, Ahmad Z, Lambert MW, Clark Lambert W. Novel B-DNA dermatophyte assay for demonstration of canonical DNA in dermatophytes: Histopathologic characterization by artificial intelligence. Clin Dermatol 2024; 42:233-258. [PMID: 38185195 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
We describe a novel assay and artificial intelligence-driven histopathologic approach identifying dermatophytes in human skin tissue sections (ie, B-DNA dermatophyte assay) and demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of dermatophytes in tissue using immunohistochemistry to detect canonical right-handed double-stranded (ds) B-DNA. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-ds-B-DNA monoclonal antibodies with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues to determine the presence of dermatophytes. The B-DNA assay resulted in a more accurate identification of dermatophytes, nuclear morphology, dimensions, and gene expression of dermatophytes (ie, optical density values) than periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Grocott methenamine silver (GMS), or hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. The novel assay guided by artificial intelligence allowed for efficient identification of different types of dermatophytes (eg, hyphae, microconidia, macroconidia, and arthroconidia). Using the B-DNA dermatophyte assay as a clinical tool for diagnosing dermatophytes is an alternative to PAS, GMS, and H&E as a fast and inexpensive way to accurately detect dermatophytosis and reduce the number of false negatives. Our assay resulted in superior identification, sensitivity, life cycle stages, and morphology compared to H&E, PAS, and GMS stains. This method detects a specific structural marker (ie, ds-B-DNA), which can assist with diagnosis of dermatophytes. It represents a significant advantage over methods currently in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude E Gagna
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA; Department of Dermatology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA; Department of Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Anthony N Yodice
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Juliana D'Amico
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Lina Elkoulily
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Shaheryar M Gill
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Francis G DeOcampo
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Maryam Rabbani
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Jai Kaur
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Aangi Shah
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Zainab Ahmad
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Muriel W Lambert
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA; Department of Dermatology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - W Clark Lambert
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA; Department of Dermatology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA; Department of Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Chen J, Gao Y, Xiong S, Peng Z, Zhan P. Expression Profiles of Protease in Onychomycosis-Related Pathogenic Trichophyton rubrum and Tinea Capitis-Related Pathogenic Trichophyton violaceum. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:14. [PMID: 38265566 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00828-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The two fungal species Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton violaceum are common pathogens on human, infecting keratinized tissue of the outer body parts. Both species are belonging to the "Trichophyton rubrum complex" and share very high similarity in the genome. Secreted proteinases, key factors for keratin degradation, are nearly identical. Contrary, the ecological niches are differing. Trichophyton rubrum preferably infects skin and nails, whereas T. violaceum preferably infects the scalp. We postulate, that differences in the protease expression contribute to differences in ecological preferences. We analyzed the expression profiles of all 22 endoprotease genes, 12 subtilisins (S8A), 5 deuterolysins (M35) and 5 fungalysins (M36), for both species. To compare the influence of the keratin source, we designed experiments with human nail keratin, sheep wool keratin and keratin free cultivation media. Samples were taken at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h post incubation in keratin medium. The expression of the proteases is higher in wool-keratin medium compared to human nail medium, with the exception of MEP4 and SUB6. Expression in the keratin-free medium is lowest. The expression profiles of the two species are remarkable different. The expression of MEP1, MEP3, SUB5, SUB11 and SUB12 are higher in T. rubrum compared to T. violaceum. MEP2, NpIIc, NpIIe, SUB1, SUB3, SUB4, SUB7 and SUB8 are higher expressed in T. violaceum compared to T. rubrum. The differences of the protease expression in the two species may expalin the differences in the ecological niches. Further analysis are necessary to verify the hypothesis.Please check and conform the edit made in title.Here I thinke the species of strains shouldnt be capital, and the right expression should be, "Expression Profiles of Protease in Onychomycosis-Related Pathogenic Trichophyton rubrum and Tinea Capitis-Related Pathogenic Trichophyton violaceum"Author names: Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct se-quence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [Jingjing] Last name [Chen], Author 2 Given name: [Yangmin] Last name [Gao], Author 3 Given name: [Shuzhen] Last name [Xiong], Author 4 Given name: [Ping] Last name [Zhan]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.YesPlease check and confirm the inserted city and country are correctly identified for affiliation 3.Please change the affiliations, Affiliation 2: ²Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province,The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330200, Jiangxi; Affiliation 3: 3Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College,Nanchang 330001, Jiangxi. Thanks a lot!
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yangmin Gao
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330200, Jiangxi, China
| | | | - Zimei Peng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330001, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ping Zhan
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Moskaluk AE, Darlington L, VandeWoude S. Subtilisin 3 production from Microsporum canis is independent of keratin substrate availability. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:22-31. [PMID: 37551993 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Dermatophytes are highly infectious fungi that cause superficial infections in keratinized tissues in humans and animals. This group of fungi is defined by their ability to digest keratin and encompasses a wide range of species. We investigated a critical adhesion protein, subtilisin 3, utilized by Microsporum canis during initial stages of infection, analyzing its production and expression under varying growth conditions. Additionally, as this protein must be expressed and produced for dermatophyte infections to occur, we developed and optimized a diagnostic antibody assay targeting this protein. Subtilisin 3 levels were increased in culture when grown in baffled flasks and supplemented with either l-cysteine or cat hair. As subtilisin 3 was also produced in cultures not supplemented with keratin or cysteine, this study demonstrated that subtilisin 3 production is not reliant on the presence of keratin or its derivatives. These findings could help direct future metabolic studies of dermatophytes, particularly during the adherence phase of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex E Moskaluk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lauren Darlington
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Khanipour Machiani M, Jamshidi S, Nikaein D, Khosravi A, Balal A. The inhibitory effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on clinical isolates of Microsporum canis in dogs and cats. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1316. [PMID: 37904671 PMCID: PMC10766060 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microsporum canis is the most common dermatophyte infecting pets and their owners, and its long duration of treatment and increasing rate of drug resistance have caused the attention of researchers to be directed towards the use of nanoparticles and new alternatives for treatment. This study investigated the antifungal effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on clinical isolates of M. canis in dogs and cats and subtilisin 1 (SUB1) gene expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using the wet chemical method at a concentration of 4000 ppm. Its antifungal potential was evaluated at concentrations of 62.5-4000 ppm by disk diffusion and microdilution methods against 10 isolates of M. canis. The effect of this product on SUB1 gene expression was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR method. RESULTS The results of the disk diffusion test showed that the highest inhibitory diameter was at the highest concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (34 mm), and the inhibitory zone was observed in dilutions up to 250 ppm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO nanoparticles was between 250 and 500 ppm, and the minimum fungicidal concentration was between 500 and 1000 ppm. There was a significant reduction in SUB1 gene expression in sub-MIC concentration (125-250 ppm) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study showed that ZnO nanoparticles have a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on M. canis. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles could decrease the expression of SUB1, an enzyme involved in fungi adhesion to the epidermis. Nevertheless, more studies must be done in the future to determine the possible side effects and safety of ZnO nanoparticles along with their efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahram Jamshidi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Donya Nikaein
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Alireza Khosravi
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Asad Balal
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
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Nair SS, Abhishek, Saini S, M S C, Sharun K, V A, Thomas P, Kumar B, Chaturvedi VK. Dermatophytosis caused by Nannizzia nana (Microsporum nanum): a comprehensive review on a novel pathogen. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:509-521. [PMID: 36437438 PMCID: PMC9943922 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00880-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinophilic fungi are mostly soil-inhabiting organisms with occasional infections in humans and animals. Even though most dermatophytes are host-adapted, cross-species infections are common by zoophilic and geophilic dermatophytes. N. nana is considered an etiological agent of ringworm in pigs but has also been isolated from other animals, including humans. However, it also possesses many characteristics of geophilic dermatophytes including the ability to grow in soil. N. nana produces characteristic pear-shaped macroconidia and usually exhibits an ectothrix pattern of hair infection. It has been isolated from dermatitis lesions as well as from soil. N. nana infections in pigs are not of much concern as far as economy or health is concerned. But it has been associated with onychomycosis and gonathritis in humans, which are significant in human medicine. The shift in the predominance of dermatophytes in humans and the ability to evolve into a potential tinea pathogen necessitates more understanding of the physiology and genetics of N. nana. In this review, we have attempted a detailed analysis of the studies about N. nana, emphasizing growth and cultural characters, physiology, isolation, infection in humans and animals, molecular characterization and antifungal susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonu S Nair
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India.
| | - Abhishek
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India.
| | - Shubham Saini
- Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Chandana M S
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Athira V
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Prasad Thomas
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Bablu Kumar
- Division of Biological Products, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - V K Chaturvedi
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
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Gupta C, Das S, Gaurav V, Singh PK, Rai G, Datt S, Tigga RA, Pandhi D, Bhattacharya SN, Ansari MA, Dar SA. Review on host-pathogen interaction in dermatophyte infections. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101331. [PMID: 36272379 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophytosis is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin and its appendages caused by dermatophytes. Recent times have witnessed a dynamic evolution of dermatophytes driven by their ecology, reproduction, pathogenicity and host immune response, influenced by population migration and socioeconomic status. Dermatophytes establish infection following successful adherence of arthroconidia to the surface of keratinized tissues. The proteolytic enzymes released during adherence and invasion not only ascertain their survival but also allow the persistence of infection in the host. While the cutaneous immune surveillance mechanism, after antigen exposure and presentation, leads to activation of T lymphocytes and subsequent clonal expansion generating effector T cells that differentially polarize to a predominant Th17 response, the response fails to eliminate the pathogen despite the presence of high levels of IFN-γ. In chronic dermatophytosis, antigens are a constant source of stimulus promoting a dysregulated Th17 response causing inflammation. The host-derived iTreg response fails to counterbalance the inflammation and instead polarizes to Th17 lineage, aggravating the chronicity of the infection. Increasing antifungal resistance and recalcitrant dermatophytosis has impeded the overall clinical remission. Human genetic research has the potential to generate knowledge to explore new therapeutic targets. The review focuses on understanding specific virulence factors involved in pathogenesis and defining the role of dysregulated host immune response against chronic dermatophytic infections for future management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhavi Gupta
- All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, 110029, India; Present Address: Consultant Infectious Diseases, Fortis Hospital, Sector 62, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201301, India
| | - Shukla Das
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India.
| | - Vishal Gaurav
- Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Praveen K Singh
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Gargi Rai
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Shyama Datt
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Richa A Tigga
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Deepika Pandhi
- Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Sambit N Bhattacharya
- Department of Dermatology & STD, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi) and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Mohammad A Ansari
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), and GTB Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Sajad A Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia.
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Satala D, Bras G, Kozik A, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. More than Just Protein Degradation: The Regulatory Roles and Moonlighting Functions of Extracellular Proteases Produced by Fungi Pathogenic for Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010121. [PMID: 36675942 PMCID: PMC9865821 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases belong to the main virulence factors of pathogenic fungi. Their proteolytic activities plays a crucial role in the acquisition of nutrients from the external environment, destroying host barriers and defenses, and disrupting homeostasis in the human body, e.g., by affecting the functions of plasma proteolytic cascades, and playing sophisticated regulatory roles in various processes. Interestingly, some proteases belong to the group of moonlighting proteins, i.e., they have additional functions that contribute to successful host colonization and infection development, but they are not directly related to proteolysis. In this review, we describe examples of such multitasking of extracellular proteases that have been reported for medically important pathogenic fungi of the Candida, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus, and Pneumocystis genera, as well as dermatophytes and selected endemic species. Additional functions of proteinases include supporting binding to host proteins, and adhesion to host cells. They also mediate self-aggregation and biofilm formation. In addition, fungal proteases affect the host immune cells and allergenicity, understood as the ability to stimulate a non-standard immune response. Finally, they play a role in the proper maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Knowledge about the multifunctionality of proteases, in addition to their canonical roles, greatly contributes to an understanding of the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence:
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10
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Abouzied AS, Alzahrani AM, Abulreesh HH, Elbanna K, Alamri A, Hagbani TA, Alobaida A, Younes KM, Farghaly TA. Assessment of Newly Synthesized Triazole Compounds Using ZnO(NPs) as Antimicrobial Agents and Theoretical Studies for Inhibiting COVID-19. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2153882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amr S. Abouzied
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt
| | - Asma M. Alzahrani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah Almukkarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein H. Abulreesh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Elbanna
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Unit, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Faiyum, Egypt
| | - Abdulwahab Alamri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki Al Hagbani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alobaida
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Kareem M. Younes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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11
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Genome-wide analysis of Keratinibaculum paraultunense strain KD-1 T and its key genes and metabolic pathways involved in the anaerobic degradation of feather keratin. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:634. [PMID: 36127480 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Keratinibaculum paraultunense strain KD-1 T (= JCM 18769 T = DSM 26752 T) is a strictly anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium. Under optimal conditions, feather keratin can be completely degraded by strain KD-1 within 24 h. Genomic sequencing showed that the genome was a single circular chromosome consisting of 2,307,997 base pairs (bp), with an average G + C content of 29.8% and no plasmids. A total of 2308 genes were annotated, accounting for 88.87% of the genomic sequence, and 1495 genes were functionally annotated. Among these, genes Kpa0144, Kpa0540, and Kpa0541 encoding the thioredoxin family members were identified, and may encode the potential disulfide reductases, with redox activity for protein disulfide bonds. Two potential keratinase-encoding genes, Kpa1675 and Kpa2139, were also identified, and corresponded to the ability of strain KD-1 to hydrolyze keratin. Strain KD-1 encoded genes involved in the heterotrophic metabolic pathways of 14 amino acids and various carbohydrates. The metabolic pathways for amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were mapped in strain KD-1 based on KEGG annotations. The complete genome of strain KD-1 provided fundamental data for the further investigation of its physiology and genetics.
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12
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Moskaluk AE, VandeWoude S. Current Topics in Dermatophyte Classification and Clinical Diagnosis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090957. [PMID: 36145389 PMCID: PMC9502385 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are highly infectious fungi that cause superficial infections in keratinized tissues in humans and animals. This group of fungi is defined by their ability to digest keratin and encompasses a wide range of species. Classification of many of these species has recently changed due to genetic analysis, potentially affecting clinical diagnosis and disease management. In this review, we discuss dermatophyte classification including name changes for medically important species, current and potential diagnostic techniques for detecting dermatophytes, and an in-depth review of Microsporum canis, a prevalent zoonotic dermatophyte. Fungal culture is still considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing dermatophytosis; however, modern molecular assays have overcome the main disadvantages of culture, allowing for tandem use with cultures. Further investigation into novel molecular assays for dermatophytosis is critical, especially for high-density populations where rapid diagnosis is essential for outbreak prevention. A frequently encountered dermatophyte in clinical settings is M. canis, which causes dermatophytosis in humans and cats. M. canis is adapting to its primary host (cats) as one of its mating types (MAT1-2) appears to be going extinct, leading to a loss of sexual reproduction. Investigating M. canis strains around the world can help elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of this fungi.
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13
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Costa PDS, Mendes V, Veiga FF, Negri M, Svidzinski TIE. Relevant insights into onychomycosis' pathogenesis related to the effectiveness topical treatment. Microb Pathog 2022; 169:105640. [PMID: 35716926 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Onychomycosis (OM) is a fungal infection, responsible for about 50% of nail diseases. OM has been attributed to the ability of fungi to naturally organize themselves into biofilms on nail surfaces. However, little is known about the exact role of the biofilm in the etiopathogenesis of OM, as well as its influence in the permeation of a topical treatment. The objectives of this study were to review the literature for topical OM treatments in clinical trials, assess the efficiency of these treatments, and discuss factors that could affect the success of these treatments. First, a systematic search of articles published in the MEDLINE database (PubMed) between January 2010 and December 2019 was conducted, focusing on drugs under clinical trials for the topical treatment of OM. Of the publications selected, it was clear that none of them had considered the fungi organized in biofilm. Therefore, we reflected on some important variables involved in OM, such as the nail structure and the mechanism of fungal invasion. Some methods, such as histopathologic analysis and spectroscopy techniques, were found to be effective in the detection of nail biofilm, and could be used in future drug permeation studies. This review allowed us to conclude that novel antifungals for the topical treatment of OM must consider the drug to permeate through biofilm. Natural products, such as propolis, seem strong candidates in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyana de Souza Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá (UEM), Colombo Avenue, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Mendes
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá (UEM), Colombo Avenue, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Flávia Franco Veiga
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá (UEM), Colombo Avenue, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Melyssa Negri
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, State University of Maringá (UEM), Colombo Avenue, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
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Orłowska M, Muszewska A. In Silico Predictions of Ecological Plasticity Mediated by Protein Family Expansions in Early-Diverging Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:67. [PMID: 35050007 PMCID: PMC8778642 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-diverging fungi (EDF) are ubiquitous and versatile. Their diversity is reflected in their genome sizes and complexity. For instance, multiple protein families have been reported to expand or disappear either in particular genomes or even whole lineages. The most commonly mentioned are CAZymes (carbohydrate-active enzymes), peptidases and transporters that serve multiple biological roles connected to, e.g., metabolism and nutrients intake. In order to study the link between ecology and its genomic underpinnings in a more comprehensive manner, we carried out a systematic in silico survey of protein family expansions and losses among EDF with diverse lifestyles. We found that 86 protein families are represented differently according to EDF ecological features (assessed by median count differences). Among these there are 19 families of proteases, 43 CAZymes and 24 transporters. Some of these protein families have been recognized before as serine and metallopeptidases, cellulases and other nutrition-related enzymes. Other clearly pronounced differences refer to cell wall remodelling and glycosylation. We hypothesize that these protein families altogether define the preliminary fungal adaptasome. However, our findings need experimental validation. Many of the protein families have never been characterized in fungi and are discussed in the light of fungal ecology for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Orłowska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Muszewska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Cao X, Xu X, Dong J, Xue Y, Sun L, Zhu Y, Liu T, Jin Q. Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of circRNAs in Trichophyton rubrum conidial and mycelial stages. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:21. [PMID: 34983376 PMCID: PMC8725419 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs that participate in gene expression regulation in various pathways. The essential roles of circRNAs have been revealed in many species. However, knowledge of circRNAs in fungi is still not comprehensive. Results Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) is considered a model organism of human pathogenic filamentous fungi and dermatophytes. In this study, we performed a genome-wide investigation of circRNAs in T. rubrum based on high-throughput sequencing and ultimately identified 4254 circRNAs. Most of these circRNAs were specific to the conidial or mycelial stage, revealing a developmental stage-specific expression pattern. In addition, 940 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between the conidial and mycelial stages. PCR experiments conducted on seven randomly selected differentially expressed (DE-) circRNAs confirmed the circularized structures and relative expression levels of these circRNAs. Based on their genome locations, most circRNAs originated from intergenic regions, unlike those in plants and animals. Furthermore, we constructed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks that included 661 DE-circRNAs targeting 140 miRNAs and further regulating 2753 mRNAs. The relative expression levels of two randomly selected circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes were investigated by qRT-PCR, and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network theory was validated. Functional enrichment analysis of the target genes suggested that they were significantly involved in posttranscriptional processes and protein synthesis as well as some small-molecule metabolism processes. CircRNAs are relatively more conserved in closely related dermatophytes but rarely conserved in distantly related species. Tru_circ07138_001 is a highly conserved circRNA that was conserved in all ten dermatophytes analyzed in our study and three distantly related species. Its host gene TERG_07138 was also highly conserved in two of these distantly related species Gallus gallus and Caenorhabditis elegans. The specific role of this circRNA deserves further exploration. Conclusions Our study is the first to provide a global profile of circRNAs in T. rubrum as well as dermatophytes. These results could serve as valuable resources for research on circRNA regulatory mechanisms in fungi and reveal new insights for further investigation of the physical characteristics of these significant human fungal pathogens. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08184-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwei Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xingye Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie Dong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ying Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lilian Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yafang Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Tao Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Qi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.
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16
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Comprehensive Assessment of the Virulence Factors sub 3, sub 6 and mcpA in the Zoonotic Dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae Using FISH and qPCR. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 8:jof8010024. [PMID: 35049964 PMCID: PMC8778074 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010024] [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] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin infections by keratinophilic fungi are commonly referred to as dermatophytosis and represent a major health burden worldwide. Although patient numbers are on the rise, data on virulence factors, their function and kinetics are scarce. We employed an ex vivo infection model based on guinea pig skin explants (GPSE) for the zoonotic dermatophyte Trichophyton (T.) benhamiae to investigate kinetics of the virulence factors subtilisin (sub) 3, sub 6, metallocarboxypeptidase A (mcpA) and isocitrate lyase (isol) at gene level for ten days. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect and quantify the transcripts, respectively. Kingdom-spanning, species-specific and virulence factor-specific probes were successfully applied to isolated fungal elements showing inhomogeneous fluorescence signals along hyphae. Staining results for inoculated GPSE remained inconsistent despite thorough optimization. qPCR revealed a significant increase of sub 3- and mcpA-transcripts toward the end of culture, sub 6 and isol remained at a low level throughout the entire culture period. Sub 3 is tightly connected to the de novo formation of conidia during culture. Since sub 6 is considered an in vivo disease marker. However, the presented findings urgently call for further research on the role of certain virulence factors during infection and disease.
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Abstract
The human skin is our outermost layer and serves as a protective barrier against external insults. Advances in next generation sequencing have enabled the discoveries of a rich and diverse community of microbes - bacteria, fungi and viruses that are residents of this surface. The genomes of these microbes also revealed the presence of many secretory enzymes. In particular, proteases which are hydrolytic enzymes capable of protein cleavage and degradation are of special interest in the skin environment which is enriched in proteins and lipids. In this minireview, we will focus on the roles of these skin-relevant microbial secreted proteases, both in terms of their widely studied roles as pathogenic agents in tissue invasion and host immune inactivation, and their recently discovered roles in inter-microbial interactions and modulation of virulence factors. From these studies, it has become apparent that while microbial proteases are capable of a wide range of functions, their expression is tightly regulated and highly responsive to the environments the microbes are in. With the introduction of new biochemical and bioinformatics tools to study protease functions, it will be important to understand the roles played by skin microbial secretory proteases in cutaneous health, especially the less studied commensal microbes with an emphasis on contextual relevance.
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18
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Whole genome sequences of two Trichophyton indotineae clinical isolates from India emerging as threats during therapeutic treatment of dermatophytosis. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:402. [PMID: 34458064 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02950-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we report the genome sequence of two different clinical isolates from India, Trichophyton indotineae UCMS-IGIB-CI12 and Trichophyton indotineae UCMS-IGIB-CI14. The resulting genome assembly achieved a 143-fold coverage in 824 contigs for T. indotineae UCMS-IGIB-CI12 and a 136-fold coverage in 904 contigs for T. indotineae UCMS-IGIB-CI14. Both the clinical isolates contain a c.1342G>A mutation corresponding to Ala448Thr amino acid substitution in erg1 and exhibit an intermittent drug response to terbinafine. Comparative genomics analysis with available genomes of Trichophyton interdigitale/Trichophyton mentagrophytes species complex revealed a similar genome architecture and identified large number of genes associated with virulence and pathogenicity, namely, lipases, proteases, LysM domain-containing factors, carbon metabolism enzymes and cytochrome P450 enzymes, in all the genomes. An analysis of single amino acid polymorphisms (SAPs) in the protein sequences of subtilisin and lipase enzyme families identified a higher frequency of SAPs in functionally important proteins, Sub3 and Sub6 and their possible use in multilocus phylogenetic analysis of T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes species complex. The whole genome sequences of T. indotineae clinical isolates provided in this report will, hence, serve as a key reference point for investigation of clinical strains and emerging drug resistance among dermatophytes originating from different parts of the world.
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Li Q. Structure, Application, and Biochemistry of Microbial Keratinases. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:674345. [PMID: 34248885 PMCID: PMC8260994 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.674345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinases belong to a class of proteases that are able to degrade keratins into amino acids. Microbial keratinases play important roles in turning keratin-containing wastes into value-added products by participating in the degradation of keratin. Keratin is found in human and animal hard tissues, and its complicated structures make it resistant to degradation by common proteases. Although breaking disulfide bonds are involved in keratin degradation, keratinase is responsible for the cleavage of peptides, making it attractive in pharmaceutical and feather industries. Keratinase can serve as an important tool to convert keratin-rich wastes such as feathers from poultry industry into diverse products applicable to many fields. Despite of some progress made in isolating keratinase-producing microorganisms, structural studies of keratinases, and biochemical characterization of these enzymes, effort is still required to expand the biotechnological application of keratinase in diverse fields by identifying more keratinases, understanding the mechanism of action and constructing more active enzymes through molecular biology and protein engineering. Herein, this review covers structures, applications, biochemistry of microbial keratinases, and strategies to improve its efficiency in keratin degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Lopes AI, Tavaria FK, Pintado ME. Conventional and natural compounds for the treatment of dermatophytosis. Med Mycol 2021; 58:707-720. [PMID: 31773153 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are a group of pathogenic fungi that exclusively infect the stratum corneum of the skin, nails, and hair, causing dermatophytosis. Superficial skin infections caused by dermatophytes have increased in the last decades. There are conventional antifungals that treat these infections, such as terbinafine, fluconazole, and others. However, the limitations of these treatments (resistance, side effects and toxicity) along with the increasing over-prescription, the misuse of these antifungals and the high treatment costs led to the search for new, alternative, natural-based antifungal drugs. These have multiple mechanisms of action, which works to their advantage, making it difficult for a fungus to create resistance mechanisms against all of them at the same time. The main objective of this work is to provide a state-of-the-art review on dermatophytes, dermatophytosis, and the existing treatments, both conventional and natural, such as chitosan and essential oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Lopes
- Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa/Porto, Rua de Diogo Botelho, 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Freni K Tavaria
- Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa/Porto, Rua de Diogo Botelho, 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela E Pintado
- Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa/Porto, Rua de Diogo Botelho, 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
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22
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Aneke CI, Rhimi W, Hubka V, Otranto D, Cafarchia C. Virulence and Antifungal Susceptibility of Microsporum canis Strains from Animals and Humans. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:296. [PMID: 33809233 PMCID: PMC8000290 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzymatic and antifungal profiles of dermatophytes play an important role in causing infections in humans and animals. This study aimed to assess the virulence factors produced by Microsporum canis strains, in vitro antifungal profile and the relationship between virulence, antifungal profile and occurrence of lesions in animals and humans. A total of 100 M. canis strains from humans with tinea corporis (n = 10) and from animals presenting (n = 64) or not (n = 26) skin lesions was employed to evaluate phospholipase (Pz), hemolytic (Hz), lipase (Lz), catalase (Ca), and thermotolerance (GI) activities. In addition, in vitro antifungal profile was conducted using the CLSI broth microdilution method. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in Lz and Ca values was revealed among strains from hosts with and without lesions. Voriconazole, terbinafine, and posaconazole were the most active drugs followed by ketoconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and fluconazole in decreasing activity order. The significant positive correlation between azole susceptibility profile of M. canis and virulence factors (i.e., hemolysin and catalase) suggest that both enzyme patterns and antifungal susceptibility play a role in the appearance of skin lesions in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma Inyang Aneke
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi “Aldo Moro”, 70010 Bari, Italy; (C.I.A.); (W.R.); (D.O.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Wafa Rhimi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi “Aldo Moro”, 70010 Bari, Italy; (C.I.A.); (W.R.); (D.O.)
| | - Vit Hubka
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12801 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi “Aldo Moro”, 70010 Bari, Italy; (C.I.A.); (W.R.); (D.O.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978 Hamedan, Iran
| | - Claudia Cafarchia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi “Aldo Moro”, 70010 Bari, Italy; (C.I.A.); (W.R.); (D.O.)
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23
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Ge LY, Liu J, Zheng HL, Mei H, Liang GZ, Liu WD. Comprehensive genome and transcriptome analysis of the dermatophyte Trichophyton schoenleinii reveals the candidate pathogenic genes. Mycoses 2021; 64:624-633. [PMID: 33586267 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichophyton schoenleinii is an anthropophilic dermatophyte that causes tinea favosa. Nowadays, it remains an important pathogen in some regions of the world, mainly epidemic in Africa and West Asia. Despite the medical importance of T. schoenleinii infections, a high-quality reference genome for T. schoenleinii is still unavailable, neither its transcriptomic profile. OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to improve understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanism of T. schoenleinii, and to define the candidate pathogenic genes of T. schoenleinii. METHODS Comprehensive genomic analysis of T. schoenleinii was carried out by Illumina and PacBio sequencing platforms. Transcriptome profiles of T. schoenleinii cultured in vitro in two media containing either keratin or soy protein were determined using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. RESULTS Here, we present the first draft genome sequence of T. schoenleinii strain T2s, which consists of 11 scaffolds containing 7474 predicted genes. Transcriptome analysis showed that genes involved in keratin hydrolysis have higher expression in T. schoenleinii grown in keratin medium, including genes encoding proteases, cysteine dioxygenase and acetamidase. Other genes with higher expression include genes encoding the components of the pH-responsive signal transduction pathways and transcription factors, many of which may play a role in pathogenicity. CONCLUSION In summary, this study provides new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of T. schoenleinii and highlights candidate genes for further development of novel targets in disease diagnosis and treatment of tinea favosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yu Ge
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Lin Zheng
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Mei
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Guan-Zhao Liang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Da Liu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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24
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Gene expression profiling of protease and non-protease genes in Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates from dermatophytosis patients by qRT-PCR analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:403. [PMID: 33432046 PMCID: PMC7801629 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79839-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichophyton mentagrophytes secretes Metallocarboxypeptidase A and B of the M14 family as endoproteases and exoprotease. T. mentagrophytes produce Metalloprotease 3 and 4 which degrades the protein into the short peptides and amino acids. To understand the host fungal relationship and identification of such genes expressed during infection is utmost important. T. mentagrophytes encodes some proteins which are associated with the glyoxylate cycle. The glyoxylate cycle enzymes have been involving in virulence of dermatophytes and their up-regulation during dermatophytes growth on keratin. On comparing the expression level of virulence protease and non-protease genes, we observed, among exoprotease protease genes, Metallocarboxypeptidase B was strongly up regulated (134.6 fold high) followed by Metallocarboxypeptidase A (115.6 fold high) and Di-peptidyl-peptidases V (10.1 fold high), in dermatophytic patients as compared to ATCC strain. Furthermore, among endoprotease, Metalloprotease 4 was strongly up regulated (131.6 fold high) followed by Metalloprotease 3 (16.7 fold high), in clinical strains as compared to T. mentagrophytes ATCC strain. While among non-protease genes, Citrate Synthase was highly expressed (118 fold high), followed by Isocitrate Lyase (101.6 fold high) and Malate Synthase (52.9 fold high). All the studied virulence genes were considered the best suitable ones by geNorm, Best keeper, Norm Finder and Ref finder.
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Granato MQ, Sousa IS, Rosa TLSA, Gonçalves DS, Seabra SH, Alviano DS, Pessolani MCV, Santos ALS, Kneipp LF. Aspartic peptidase of Phialophora verrucosa as target of HIV peptidase inhibitors: blockage of its enzymatic activity and interference with fungal growth and macrophage interaction. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:629-638. [PMID: 32037904 PMCID: PMC7034032 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1724994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phialophora verrucosa causes several fungal human diseases, mainly chromoblastomycosis, which is extremely difficult to treat. Several studies have shown that human immunodeficiency virus peptidase inhibitors (HIV-PIs) are attractive candidates for antifungal therapies. This work focused on studying the action of HIV-PIs on peptidase activity secreted by P. verrucosa and their effects on fungal proliferation and macrophage interaction. We detected a peptidase activity from P. verrucosa able to cleave albumin, sensitive to pepstatin A and HIV-PIs, especially lopinavir, ritonavir and amprenavir, showing for the first time that this fungus secretes aspartic-type peptidase. Furthermore, lopinavir, ritonavir and nelfinavir reduced the fungal growth, causing remarkable ultrastructural alterations. Lopinavir and ritonavir also affected the conidia-macrophage adhesion and macrophage killing. Interestingly, P. verrucosa had its growth inhibited by ritonavir combined with either itraconazole or ketoconazole. Collectively, our results support the antifungal action of HIV-PIs and their relevance as a possible alternative therapy for fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Q. Granato
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos (LTBBF), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ingrid S. Sousa
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos (LTBBF), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Diego S. Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sergio H. Seabra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela S. Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, IMPPG, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - André L. S. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucimar F. Kneipp
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos (LTBBF), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Wojda I, Staniec B, Sułek M, Kordaczuk J. The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella: biology and use in immune studies. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:ftaa057. [PMID: 32970818 PMCID: PMC7683414 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is an invertebrate that is increasingly being used in scientific research. Its ease of reproduction, numerous offspring, short development cycle, and finally, its known genome and immune-related transcriptome provide a convenient research model for investigation of insect immunity at biochemical and molecular levels. Galleria immunity, consisting of only innate mechanisms, shows adaptive plasticity, which has recently become the subject of intensive scientific research. This insect serves as a mini host in studies of the pathogenicity of microorganisms and in vivo tests of the effectiveness of single virulence factors as well as new antimicrobial compounds. Certainly, the Galleria mellonella species deserves our attention and appreciation for its contribution to the development of research on innate immune mechanisms. In this review article, we describe the biology of the greater wax moth, summarise the main advantages of using it as a model organism and present some of the main techniques facilitating work with this insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Wojda
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bernard Staniec
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Sułek
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Kordaczuk
- Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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Prakash H, Karuppiah P, A Al-Dhabi N, Prasad GS, Badapanda C, Chakrabarti A, Rudramurthy SM. Comparative genomics of Sporothrix species and identification of putative pathogenic-gene determinants. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:1465-1481. [PMID: 33179528 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To understand the phylogenomics, pathogenic/virulence-associated genes and genomic evolution of pathogenic Sporothrix species. Materials & methods: We performed in silico comparative genome analysis of Sporothrix species using ab initio tools and in-house scripts. We predicted genes and repeats, compared genomes based on synteny, identified orthologous clusters, assessed genes family expansion/contraction, predicted secretory proteins and finally searched for similar sequences from various databases. Results: The phylogenomics revealed that Sporothrix species are closely related to Ophiostoma species. The gene family evolutionary analysis revealed the expansion of genes related to virulence (CFEM domain, iron acquisition genes, lysin motif domain), stress response (Su[var]3-9, Enhancer-of-zeste and Trithorax domain and Domain of unknown function 1996), proteases (aspartic protease, x-pro dipeptidyl-peptidase), cell wall composition associated genes (chitin deacetylase, chitinase) and transporters (major facilitator superfamily transporter, oligo-peptide transporter family) in Sporothrix species. Conclusion: The present study documents the putative pathogenic/virulence-associated genes in the Sporothrix species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hariprasath Prakash
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ponmurugan Karuppiah
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif A Al-Dhabi
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gandham S Prasad
- Technology, Industrial Liaison & Entrepreneurship Unit, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Chandan Badapanda
- Bioinformatics Division, Xcelris Labs Limited, Ahmedabad 380015, Gujarat, India
| | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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González V, Vargas-Straube MJ, Beys-da-Silva WO, Santi L, Valencia P, Beltrametti F, Cámara B. Enzyme Bioprospection of Marine-Derived Actinobacteria from the Chilean Coast and New Insight in the Mechanism of Keratin Degradation in Streptomyces sp. G11C. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E537. [PMID: 33126528 PMCID: PMC7693968 DOI: 10.3390/md18110537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine actinobacteria are viewed as a promising source of enzymes with potential technological applications. They contribute to the turnover of complex biopolymers, such as pectin, lignocellulose, chitin, and keratin, being able to secrete a wide variety of extracellular enzymes. Among these, keratinases are a valuable alternative for recycling keratin-rich waste, which is generated in large quantities by the poultry industry. In this work, we explored the biocatalytic potential of 75 marine-derived actinobacterial strains, focusing mainly on the search for keratinases. A major part of the strains secreted industrially important enzymes, such as proteases, lipases, cellulases, amylases, and keratinases. Among these, we identified two streptomycete strains that presented great potential for recycling keratin wastes-Streptomyces sp. CHA1 and Streptomyces sp. G11C. Substrate concentration, incubation temperature, and, to a lesser extent, inoculum size were found to be important parameters that influenced the production of keratinolytic enzymes in both strains. In addition, proteomic analysis of culture broths from Streptomyces sp. G11C on turkey feathers showed a high abundance and diversity of peptidases, belonging mainly to the serine and metallo-superfamilies. Two proteases from families S08 and M06 were highly expressed. These results contributed to elucidate the mechanism of keratin degradation mediated by streptomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina González
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología Ambiental, Departamento de Química y Centro de Biotecnología Daniel Alkalay Lowitt, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile; (V.G.); (M.J.V.-S.)
| | - María José Vargas-Straube
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología Ambiental, Departamento de Química y Centro de Biotecnología Daniel Alkalay Lowitt, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile; (V.G.); (M.J.V.-S.)
| | - Walter O. Beys-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil; (W.O.B.-d.-S.); (L.S.)
| | - Lucélia Santi
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil; (W.O.B.-d.-S.); (L.S.)
| | - Pedro Valencia
- Laboratorio de Biocatálisis y Procesamiento de Alimentos, Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Ambiental, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile;
| | | | - Beatriz Cámara
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología Ambiental, Departamento de Química y Centro de Biotecnología Daniel Alkalay Lowitt, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile; (V.G.); (M.J.V.-S.)
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Comprehensive analysis of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum transcriptional profile reveals dynamic metabolic modulation. Biochem J 2020; 477:873-885. [PMID: 32022226 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The environmental challenges imposed onto fungal pathogens require a dynamic metabolic modulation, which relies on activation or repression of critical factors and is essential for the establishment and perpetuation of host infection. Wherefore, to overcome the different host microenvironments, pathogens not only depend on virulence factors but also on metabolic flexibility, which ensures their dynamic response to stress conditions in the host. Here, we evaluate Trichophyton rubrum interaction with keratin from a metabolic perspective. We present information about gene modulation of the dermatophyte during early infection stage after shifting from glucose- to keratin-containing culture media, in relation to its use of glucose as the carbon source. Analyzing T. rubrum transcriptome using high-throughput RNA-sequencing technology, we identified the modulation of essential genes related to nitrogen, fatty acid, ergosterol, and carbohydrate metabolisms, among a myriad of other genes necessary for the growth of T. rubrum in keratinized tissues. Our results provide reliable and critical strategies for adaptation to keratin and confirm that the urea-degrading activity associated with the reduction in disulfide bonds and proteolytic activity facilitated keratin degradation. The global modulation orchestrates the responses that support virulence and the proper adaptation to keratin compared with glucose as the carbon source. The gene expression profiling of the host-pathogen interaction highlights candidate genes involved in fungal adaptation and survival and elucidates the machinery required for the establishment of the initial stages of infection.
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Mercer DK, O'Neil DA. Innate Inspiration: Antifungal Peptides and Other Immunotherapeutics From the Host Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2177. [PMID: 33072081 PMCID: PMC7533533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe antifungal therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical development derived from, or directly influenced by, the immune system, with a specific focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Although the focus of this review is AMP with direct antimicrobial effects on fungi, we will also discuss compounds with direct antifungal activity, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), as well as immunomodulatory molecules that can enhance the immune response to fungal infection, including immunomodulatory AMP, vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, interferon and colony stimulating factors as well as immune cell therapies. The focus of this manuscript will be a non-exhaustive review of antifungal compounds in preclinical and clinical development that are based on the principles of immunology and the authors acknowledge the incredible amount of in vitro and in vivo work that has been conducted to develop such therapeutic candidates.
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Feroz S, Muhammad N, Ranayake J, Dias G. Keratin - Based materials for biomedical applications. Bioact Mater 2020; 5:496-509. [PMID: 32322760 PMCID: PMC7171262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratin constitutes the major component of the feather, hair, hooves, horns, and wool represents a group of biological material having high cysteine content (7-13%) as compared to other structural proteins. Keratin -based biomaterials have been investigated extensively over the past few decades due to their intrinsic biological properties and excellent biocompatibility. Unlike other natural polymers such as starch, collagen, chitosan, the complex three-dimensional structure of keratin requires the use of harsh chemical conditions for their dissolution and extraction. The most commonly used methods for keratin extraction are oxidation, reduction, steam explosion, microbial method, microwave irradiation and use of ionic liquids. Keratin -based materials have been used extensively for various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering. This review covers the structure, properties, history of keratin research, methods of extraction and some recent advancements related to the use of keratin derived biomaterials in the form of a 3-D scaffold, films, fibers, and hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandleen Feroz
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences University of Otago, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Nawshad Muhammad
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Pakistan
| | - Jithendra Ranayake
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences University of Otago, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
| | - George Dias
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences University of Otago, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
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Identification of subtilisin virulence genes (SUB1-7) in Epidermophyton floccosum isolated from patients with dermatophytosis in Iran. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Baumbach CM, Michler JK, Nenoff P, Uhrlaß S, Schrödl W. Visualising virulence factors: Trichophyton benhamiaes subtilisins demonstrated in a guinea pig skin ex vivo model. Mycoses 2020; 63:970-978. [PMID: 32620041 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatophytoses rank among the most frequent communicable diseases in humans, and the zoonotic transmission is increasing. The zoophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton (T.) benhamiae is nowadays one of the main causes of tinea faciei et corporis in children. However, scientific data on molecular pathomechanisms and specific virulence factors enabling this ubiquitous occurrence are scarce. OBJECTIVES To study tissue invasion and the expression of important virulence factors of T. benhamiae, isolates that were recovered from two groups of hosts (humans vs. guinea pigs (GP)) using an ex vivo skin model. METHODS After confirmation of species identity by ITS sequencing, CFU suspensions of dermatophyte isolates (n = 20) were applied to the skin infection model and cultured. Employing specific immunofluorescence staining techniques, the expression of subtilisin 3 and 6 and metallocarboxypeptidase A was analysed. The general mode of invasion was explored. Results were compared with biopsies of naturally infected GP. RESULTS All isolates were successfully recovered and proliferated well after application to the infection model. Progressive invasion of hyphae through all skin structures and destruction of explants were observed with early events being comparable to natural infection. An increasing expression of the examined virulence factors towards the end of culture was noticed but no difference between the two groups of isolates. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, important in vivo markers of dermatophytosis were visualised immunohistochemically in an ex vivo skin infection model and in skin biopsies of GP naturally infected with T. benhamiae. More research on the underlying pathomechanisms of dermatophyte infection is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina-Marie Baumbach
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jule Kristin Michler
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pietro Nenoff
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Mölbis, Germany
| | - Silke Uhrlaß
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Mölbis, Germany
| | - Wieland Schrödl
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Paryuni AD, Indarjulianto S, Widyarini S. Dermatophytosis in companion animals: A review. Vet World 2020; 13:1174-1181. [PMID: 32801570 PMCID: PMC7396343 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1174-1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytosis, a zoonotic disease, is caused by fungi of three main genera, namely, Micropsorum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Specific lesions of dermatophyte infections are localized in the face, legs, and/or tail. Skin lesions in infected animals demonstrate localized alopecia, erythema, and crust, which are more commonly known as ringworm. Factors that affect dermatophytosis include the dermatophyte species; virulence factors of the agent; and the immune status, age, and sex of the host. High levels of cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines have also been reported to play an important role in dermatophyte infection. This review aims to explore and understand factors that affect dermatophyte infection with an emphasis on the prevalence, clinical signs, pathogenesis, immune response, and the roles of cortisol and cytokines in companion animals infected by a dermatophyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alsi Dara Paryuni
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Soedarmanto Indarjulianto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Sitarina Widyarini
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
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Abstract
Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail infection. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it impacts the quality of life for many patients and often imposes a challenging diagnostic problem. The causative agents are dermatophytes, yeasts and non-dermatophytic moulds. Accurate and early diagnosis, including the identification of the causative species, is the key factor for rational therapy. Still, early diagnosis is not optimal as the current gold standard for the differentiation of the infectious agents is culture-based approaches. On the other hand, noninvasive optical technologies may enable differential diagnosis of nail pathologies including onychomycosis. When light penetrates and propagates along the nail tissue, it interacts in different ways with the components of either infected or healthy nail segments, providing a wealth of diagnostic information upon escaping the tissue. This review aims to assess alternative optical techniques for the rapid diagnosis of onychomycosis with a potential to monitor therapeutic response or even identify the fungal agent non-invasively and in real time in a clinical setting.
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Preczeski KP, Dalastra C, Czapela FF, Kubeneck S, Scapini T, Camargo AF, Zanivan J, Bonatto C, Stefanski FS, Venturin B, Fongaro G, Treichel H. Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus sp. as Keratinase Producers Using Swine Hair From Agroindustrial Residues. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:71. [PMID: 32117946 PMCID: PMC7026017 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological processes mediated by microorganisms and enzymes are promising alternatives for treatment of recalcitrant residues. Keratinases hydrolyze keratin, the primary component of some wastes generated in many industrial activities. The present study was designed to evaluate strategies for obtaining keratinases produced by fungi using submerged fermentation and two residues as substrates, chicken feathers and swine hair. Two fungi isolated from feather residues showed potential for keratinase production, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus sp. These were subjected to submerged fermentation using chicken feathers and swine hair prepared in three conditions (microbial concentration reduction, sterilization and hydrogen peroxide). The residual mass was quantified and tested for keratinase production. The most potent enzymatic extract was used in the precipitation technique with salts and organic solvents. The best results of enzymatic activity were obtained using F. oxysporum, on the 6thday of fermentation, obtaining 243.25 U mL–1 using sterilized swine hair as the substrate. Aspergillus sp. showed the highest keratinolytic activity on the 9thday, 113.50 U mL–1 using feathers as the substrate. The highest degradation percentage was 59.20% (w/w) in swine hair and the precipitation technique, with relative activities close to 50%. The results are promising for the application of residues and microorganisms in biotechnological processes of economic and environmental interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Paula Preczeski
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Caroline Dalastra
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Kubeneck
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Thamarys Scapini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Aline Frumi Camargo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Jessica Zanivan
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Charline Bonatto
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil.,Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Fábio Spitza Stefanski
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil
| | - Bruno Venturin
- Department of Agricultural Science, Agricultural Engineering Post-Graduate Program, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil.,Laboratory of Applied Virology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Helen Treichel
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocess, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Erechim, Brazil.,Laboratory of Applied Virology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Abdel-Aziz MM, Al-Omar MS, Mohammed HA, Emam TM. In Vitro and Ex Vivo Antibiofilm Activity of a Lipopeptide Biosurfactant Produced by the Entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana Strain against Microsporum canis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020232. [PMID: 32050410 PMCID: PMC7074774 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporum canis is one of the most important dermatophyte causing tinea corporis and tinea capitis and its biofilm-form has a poor therapeutic response. The biosurfactant production by entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) has not been reported yet. The study aimed to investigate the potential usage of the EPF biosurfactant in the eradication of an ex vivo biofilm of Microsporum canis (M. canis) for the first time. An entomopathogenic fungus was isolated from the fungal-infected Vespa orientalis wasp and identified as Beauveria bassiana (MN173375). Chemical characterization revealed the lipopeptide nature of the B. bassiana biosurfactant (BBLP). Efficient antifungal and antibiofilm activities of BBLP against M. canis in vitro were detected. An ex vivo hair model was used to investigate the efficiency of BBLP against M. canis biofilm, in a scenario close to the in vivo conditions. M. canis ex vivo biofilm eradication was confirmed in stereo, scanning electron, and fluorescent images. Also, the ex vivo biofilm was less susceptible to BBLP treatment compared to its in vitro counterpart. In conclusion, BBLP showed significant eradication to the M. canis ex vivo biofilm and open horizons to use bio-resource derived from EPF in controlling microbial biofilm and holding great promise for combating recalcitrant dermatophytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M. Abdel-Aziz
- Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology (RCMB), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11371, Egypt;
| | - Mohsen S. Al-Omar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, JUST, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Hamdoon A. Mohammed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11371, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +96-6566-176-074
| | - Tamer M. Emam
- Department of Microbiology, Desert Research Center, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
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Tartor YH, Abo Hashem ME, Enany S. Towards a rapid identification and a novel proteomic analysis for dermatophytes from human and animal dermatophytosis. Mycoses 2019; 62:1116-1126. [PMID: 31493312 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since accurate identification of dermatophyte species is essential for epidemiological studies and implementing antifungal treatment, overcoming limitations of conventional diagnostics is a fruitful subject. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS In this study, we investigated real-time polymerase chain reaction(q-PCR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and nano-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (nano-ESI-MS) to detect and identify the most frequently isolated dermatophytes from human and animal dermatophytosis in comparison with conventional methods. RESULTS Among 200 samples, the identified species were Microsporum canis (78.22%), Trichophyton verrucosum (10.89%) and T. mentagrophytes (5.94%). Q-PCR assay displayed great execution attributes for dermatophytes detection and identification. Using MALDI-TOF MS, M. canis, but none of T. violacium, T. verrucosum or T. mentagrophytes, could be identified. Nano-ESI-MS accurately identified all species. The potential virulence attributes of secreted proteases were anticipated and compared between species. Secreted endoproteases belonging to families/subfamilies of metalloproteases, subtilisins and aspartic protease were detected. The analysed exoproteases are aminopeptidases, dipeptidyl peptidases and carboxypeptidases. Microsporum canis have three immunogenic proteins, siderophore iron transporter mirB, protease inhibitors, plasma membrane proteolipid 3 and annexin. CONCLUSION In essence, q-PCR, MALDI-TOF MS and nano-ESI-MS assays are very nearly defeating difficulties of dermatophytes detection and identification, thereby, supplement or supplant conventional diagnosis of dermatophytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine H Tartor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Marwa E Abo Hashem
- Department of Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Shymaa Enany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Kang E, Jin HS, La JW, Sung JY, Park SY, Kim WC, Lee DW. Identification of keratinases from Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1 using dynamic gene expression profiling. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 13:442-457. [PMID: 31613061 PMCID: PMC7017815 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratin degradation is of great interest for converting agro‐industrial waste into bioactive peptides and is directly relevant for understanding the pathogenesis of superficial infections caused by dermatophytes. However, the mechanism of this process remains unclear. Here, we obtained the complete genome sequence of a feather‐degrading, extremely thermophilic bacterium, Fervidobacterium islandicum AW‐1 and performed bioinformatics‐based functional annotation. Reverse transcription PCR revealed that 57 putative protease‐encoding genes were differentially expressed in substrate‐dependent manners. Consequently, 16 candidate genes were highly expressed under starvation conditions, when keratin degradation begun. Subsequently, the dynamic expression profiles of these 16 selected genes in response to feathers, as determined via quantitative real‐time PCR, suggested that they included four metalloproteases and two peptidases including an ATP‐dependent serine protease, all of which might act as key players in feather decomposition. Furthermore, in vitro keratinolytic assays supported the notion that recombinant enzymes enhanced the decomposition of feathers in the presence of cell extracts. Therefore, our genome‐based systematic and dynamic expression profiling demonstrated that these identified metalloproteases together with two additional peptidases might be primarily associated with the decomposition of native feathers, suggesting that keratin degradation can be achieved via non‐canonical catalysis of several membrane‐associated metalloproteases in cooperation with cytosolic proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunju Kang
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Hyeon-Su Jin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Jae Won La
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Jae-Yoon Sung
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Soo-Young Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Won-Chan Kim
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
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A microtiter plate-based quantitative method to monitor the growth rate of dermatophytes and test antifungal activity. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 165:105722. [PMID: 31520656 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.105722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophytosis is one of the most common superficial fungal infections, which is mainly caused by filamentous fungi such as Trichophyton species. A challenging aspect in dermatophyte research is the lack of a straightforward method to measure the rate of growth, in particular when growing dermatophytes in small volumes such as in microtitre plates. However, one characteristic of dermatophytes is their ability to produce compounds such as ammonia that make the growth medium more alkaline. The objective of this study was to test whether the change in pH in a liquid medium, colourimetrically established using the indicator phenol red, was linearly and directly proportional to the growth rate for Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. The changes in the colour determined by the phenol-red based assay showed a good correlation with the amount of fungal biomass over an incubation period of 24-120 h. The functionality of the phenol red assay was also validated in experiments on the growth of T. rubrum in the presence of antifungals. The changes in colour showed a clear dose-response relationship compounds and enabled determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration. The phenol red assay is thus a simple and straightforward assay to monitor the rate of growth of Trichophyton spp. and test antifungal activity.
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41
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Kaplan E, Gonca S, Kandemir H, Döğen A, Hilmioğlu-Polat S, Ilkit M, Tanaka R, Yaguchi T, Uhrlaβ S, Nenoff P. Genes Encoding Proteolytic Enzymes Fungalysin and Subtilisin in Dermatophytes of Human and Animal Origin: A Comparative Study. Mycopathologia 2019; 185:137-144. [PMID: 31376040 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-019-00367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Dermatophytes are among the most successful fungal pathogens in humans, but their virulence mechanisms have not yet been fully characterized. Dermatophytic fungi secrete proteases in vivo, which are responsible for fungal colonization and degradation of the keratinized tissue during infection. In the present study, we used PCR to investigate the presence of genes encoding fungalysins (MEP) and subtilisins (SUB) in three dermatophyte species whose incidence is increasing in Europe: the anthropophilic Trichophyton rubrum (n = 58), zoophilic Microsporum canis (n = 33), and Trichophyton benhamiae (n = 6). MEP2 and SUB4 genes were significantly correlated with T. rubrum; MEP3 and SUB1 were mostly frequently harbored by M. canis; and MEP1, 2, and 4 and SUB3-7 were most frequently harbored by T. benhamiae isolates (p < 0.05). Furthermore, MEP1-5 and SUB1-3 genes were significantly more prevalent among human clinical isolates of M. canis (n = 17) than among asymptomatic cat isolates of M. canis (n = 16; p < 0.05). Unidentified MEP and/or SUB genes in some isolates in the current study may suggest that other gene repertoires may be involved in the degradation of keratin. The presented analysis of the incidence of MEP and SUB virulence genes in three dermatophyte species of diverse origins provides an insight into the host-fungus interaction and dermatophyte pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engin Kaplan
- Advanced Technology Education, Research, and Application Center, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.,Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Serpil Gonca
- Advanced Technology Education, Research, and Application Center, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Hazal Kandemir
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey.,Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Centre/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aylin Döğen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Mersin, Mersin, Turkey.
| | | | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Reiko Tanaka
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8673, Japan
| | - Takashi Yaguchi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8673, Japan
| | - Silke Uhrlaβ
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Mölbis, Germany
| | - Pietro Nenoff
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Mölbis, Germany
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42
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Mercer DK, Stewart CS. Keratin hydrolysis by dermatophytes. Med Mycol 2019; 57:13-22. [PMID: 29361043 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are the most common cause of superficial fungal infections (tinea infections) and are a specialized group of filamentous fungi capable of infecting and degrading keratinised tissues, including skin, hair, and nail. Essential to their pathogenicity and virulence is the production of a broad spectrum of proteolytic enzymes and other key proteins involved in keratin biodegradation and utilization of its breakdown products. The initial stage of biodegradation of native keratin is considered to be sulfitolysis, in which the extensive disulfide bridges present in keratin are hydrolyzed, although some secreted subtilisins can degrade dye-impregnated keratin azure without prior reduction (Sub3 and Sub4). Sulfitolysis facilitates the extracellular biodegradation of keratin by the dermatophytes' extensive array of endo- and exoproteases. The importance of dermatophyte proteases in infection is widely recognized, and these enzymes have also been identified as important virulence determinants and allergens. Finally, the short peptide and amino acid breakdown products are taken up by the dermatophytes, using as yet poorly characterised transporters, and utilized for metabolism. In this review, we describe the process of keratin biodegradation by dermatophytes, with an especial focus on recent developments in cutting edge molecular biology and '-omic' studies that are helping to dissect the complex process of keratin breakdown and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derry K Mercer
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Cruickshank Building, Craibstone, Aberdeen, AB21 9TR, United Kingdom
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Beekman C, Jiang Z, Suzuki BM, Palmer JM, Lindner DL, O'Donoghue AJ, Knudsen GM, Bennett RJ. Characterization of PdCP1, a serine carboxypeptidase from Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causal agent of White-nose Syndrome. Biol Chem 2019; 399:1375-1388. [PMID: 30367778 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is a pathogenic fungus responsible for White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease afflicting multiple species of North American bats. Pseudogymnoascus destructans infects susceptible bats during hibernation, invading dermal tissue and causing extensive tissue damage. In contrast, other Pseudogymnoascus species are non-pathogenic and cross-species comparisons may therefore reveal factors that contribute to virulence. In this study, we compared the secretome of P. destructans with that from several closely related Pseudogymnoascus species. A diverse set of hydrolytic enzymes were identified, including a putative serine peptidase, PdCP1, that was unique to the P. destructans secretome. A recombinant form of PdCP1 was purified and substrate preference determined using a multiplexed-substrate profiling method based on enzymatic degradation of a synthetic peptide library and analysis by mass spectrometry. Most peptide substrates were sequentially truncated from the carboxyl-terminus revealing that this enzyme is a bona fide carboxypeptidase. Peptides with arginine located close to the carboxyl-terminus were rapidly cleaved, and a fluorescent substrate containing arginine was therefore used to characterize PdCP1 activity and to screen a selection of peptidase inhibitors. Antipain and leupeptin were found to be the most potent inhibitors of PdCP1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chapman Beekman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, 171 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Zhenze Jiang
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Palmer
- Center for Forest Mycology Research, Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daniel L Lindner
- Center for Forest Mycology Research, Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Giselle M Knudsen
- Alaunus Biosciences, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard J Bennett
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, 171 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Gnat S, Nowakiewicz A, Łagowski D, Zięba P. Host- and pathogen-dependent susceptibility and predisposition to dermatophytosis. J Med Microbiol 2019; 68:823-836. [PMID: 31050630 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are a highly specialized group of keratinophilic and keratinolytic filamentous fungi causing a ringworm disease called dermatophytosis or superficial mycoses. Although dermatophyte infections do not threaten the host's life, they lower its quality in humans by causing discomfort related to cosmetic problems and through their epidemiological significance, whereas in farm animals they are responsible for economic losses and constitute a source of the spread of spores. Evidence from countless observational studies that have been conducted over the last 90 years indicates that dermatophytes infect humans of every age, race, gender and socioeconomic status with strikingly high rates, as well as both farmed and wild animals in various health conditions and with various epidemiological statuses. However, the prevalence of superficial fungal infections is highly variable, since it depends on several parameters associated with the infected individual and the dermatophyte, their mutual interactions, and epidemiological and geographical factors. The curious disparity in dermatophyte infection patterns has prompted many investigators to search for a link between the host, the host's predispositions and susceptibility to the disease, and the dermatophyte species and virulence. Thus, the question arises as to whether, in addition to the generally recognized factors predisposing hosts to diseases, there are some other predispositions to dermatophyte infections in a species-specific host. In this review, we describe recent findings about the mechanism of dermatophyte infections, focusing on the adaptation of the fungi to the host and conditions predisposing each side to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gnat
- 1 University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Nowakiewicz
- 1 University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dominik Łagowski
- 1 University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Przemysław Zięba
- 2 State Veterinary Laboratory, Droga Męczenników Majdanka 50, 20-325 Lublin, Poland
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Improved Methods for Assessing Therapeutic Potential of Antifungal Agents against Dermatophytes and Their Application in the Development of NP213, a Novel Onychomycosis Therapy Candidate. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02117-18. [PMID: 30858219 PMCID: PMC6496068 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02117-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a common, difficult-to-treat nail infection that is mainly caused by dermatophytes. Current therapies are not wholly effective and are associated with manifold side effects. Onychomycosis is a common, difficult-to-treat nail infection that is mainly caused by dermatophytes. Current therapies are not wholly effective and are associated with manifold side effects. The development of treatments for onychomycosis is challenging because standard in vitro tests are not predictive of antifungal efficacy within the nail. We have developed a new antifungal agent, NP213, for the treatment of onychomycosis. NP213 is based on endogenous host defense peptides produced within the nail. We compared the in vitro activity of NP213 and existing antifungal agents using conventional antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) systems and more physiologically relevant models based on the human nail. We observed that the standard in vitro AST methodologies failed to predict the efficacy of antifungal agents within the nail. To address that, we present a more physiologically relevant modified AST method. This method, alongside other standard in vitro assessments of activity (including mechanism-of-action and time-of-kill studies), better reflected the activity of NP213 and other antifungal agents within the nail than standard in vitro AST methods. NP213 is a rapidly acting, fungicidal peptide that is superior to existing antifungal agents in vitro. It penetrated the nail more effectively than other antifungals, as confirmed by using an optimized in vitro nail infection model. The data presented here support the current clinical development status of NP213 as a novel agent for treating onychomycosis. We propose that the modified tests developed and applied for NP213 characterization are the most relevant to use for screening any potential therapeutic candidates for onychomycosis.
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Zeng X, Kudinha T, Kong F, Zhang QQ. Comparative Genome and Transcriptome Study of the Gene Expression Difference Between Pathogenic and Environmental Strains of Prototheca zopfii. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:443. [PMID: 30899253 PMCID: PMC6416184 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prototheca zopfii commonly exists in the environment, and causes invasive infections (protothecosis) in humans. The morbidity of protothecosis has increased rapidly in recent years, especially in systemic infections of patients with an impaired immune system. The infection in immunocompromised patients has a poor prognosis due to limited understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, as most previous studies mainly focused on classification and recognition of pathogenic strains. In this study, we constructed the genome and transcriptome of two pathogenic strains and one environmental strain, by next generation sequencing methods. Based on our preliminary gene expression findings, genes in P. zopfii pathogenic strains are significantly up-regulated in metabolism in peroxisome, such as glyoxylate cycle, which may improve the organism's resistance to the harsh environment in phagolysosome of macrophage and its ability to survive in an anaerobic environment. We also found some significant up-regulated genes, which are related to adherence and penetration in dermatophytes, and we speculate that this may enhance the virulence capacity of pathogenic strains. Finally, the genomes and transcriptomes of P. zopfii described here provide some base for further studies on the pathogenesis of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanhao Zeng
- Division of Mycology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Timothy Kudinha
- Charles Sturt University, Leeds Parade, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Fanrong Kong
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR-Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Qiang-Qiang Zhang
- Division of Mycology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Gnat S, Łagowski D, Nowakiewicz A, Zięba P. The host range of dermatophytes, it is at all possible? Phenotypic evaluation of the keratinolytic activity of Trichophyton verrucosum clinical isolates. Mycoses 2019; 62:274-283. [PMID: 30537378 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophytes are fungi that have an ability to invade keratinised structures. Enzymes secreted by dermatophytes can underlie fungal survival on the host and development of infection. It is possible that the range of activity of keratinases from various dermatophytes is limited to specific species of animals and groups of people. The aim of this study was to carry out phenotypic analysis of the degree of keratinolytic activity of Trichophyton verrucosum strains using hairs of humans and various animal species as substrates. Our results indicated that the activity of keratinases is substrate-induced. The host range of T. verrucosum can be defined as wide. The highest activity of keratinases was recorded in media containing keratin from cow (Bos taurus) and sheep (Ovis aries) hairs in comparison with that from other tested species. The production of keratin-degrading enzymes is a function of time, with the peak of their activity occurring on day 15 of incubation. The role of keratin-degrading enzymes in the pathogenesis of dermatophytosis is becoming increasingly clearer. Given the conceptual understanding that keratin breakdown may require more than just one enzyme, the use of phenotypic methods is an optimal approach to in vitro study of the decomposition of species-specific keratin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gnat
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dominik Łagowski
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Nowakiewicz
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
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Bartosch T, Heydel T, Uhrlaß S, Nenoff P, Müller H, Baums CG, Schrödl W. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of bovine and zoonotic Trichophyton verrucosum isolates reveals a distinct peak and cluster formation of a subgroup with Trichophyton benhamiae. Med Mycol 2018; 56:602-609. [PMID: 29420802 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton verrucosum is the most important causative agent of bovine dermatophytosis. Additionally, it causes profound and poorly healing skin infections in humans indicating the high zoonotic potential. The objective of this study was to establish differentiation of T. verrucosum from other dermatophytes by mass spectrometry and to identify distinct features of the mass spectra. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was successful for identification of this pathogen only after extension of the database of the manufacturer with spectra from T. verrucosum strains, which were identified as such by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. MALDI-TOF MS analysis was conducted with 46 field isolates from cattle, two live vaccine strains, and 10 isolates from humans identified as T. verrucosum by sequence analysis of the ITS region. The results suggest a very good agreement of both methods. Comparison with the mass spectra of 68 strains of other keratinophilic fungi revealed that most T. verrucosum wild-type isolates showed a characteristic peak at 7950-7954 m/z, which was missing in the spectra of other keratinophilic fungi and the live vaccine strains. The spectra of T. verrucosum were most similar to the spectra of T. benhamiae, an emerging zoophilic dermatophyte. In summary, MALDI-TOF MS is a powerful and reliable tool to identify T. verrucosum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Bartosch
- Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tilo Heydel
- Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Silke Uhrlaß
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Mölbis, Germany
| | - Pietro Nenoff
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Mölbis, Germany
| | - Hendrik Müller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Georg Baums
- Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Schrödl
- Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Tamreihao K, Mukherjee S, Khunjamayum R, Devi LJ, Asem RS, Ningthoujam DS. Feather degradation by keratinolytic bacteria and biofertilizing potential for sustainable agricultural production. J Basic Microbiol 2018; 59:4-13. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201800434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Tamreihao
- Advanced Level State Biotech Hub; Microbial Biotechnology Research Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Manipur University; Canchipur India
| | - Saikat Mukherjee
- Advanced Level State Biotech Hub; Microbial Biotechnology Research Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Manipur University; Canchipur India
| | - Rakhi Khunjamayum
- Advanced Level State Biotech Hub; Microbial Biotechnology Research Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Manipur University; Canchipur India
| | - Laishram Jaya Devi
- Advanced Level State Biotech Hub; Microbial Biotechnology Research Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Manipur University; Canchipur India
| | - Roshan Singh Asem
- Advanced Level State Biotech Hub; Microbial Biotechnology Research Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Manipur University; Canchipur India
| | - Debananda S. Ningthoujam
- Advanced Level State Biotech Hub; Microbial Biotechnology Research Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Manipur University; Canchipur India
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Growth and protease secretion of Scedosporium aurantiacum under conditions of hypoxia. Microbiol Res 2018; 216:23-29. [PMID: 30269853 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
One of the micro-environmental stresses that fungal pathogens, such as Scedosporium aurantiacum, colonising human lungs encounter in vivo is hypoxia, or deficiency of oxygen. In this work, we studied the impacts of a hypoxic micro-environment (oxygen levels ≤1%) on the growth of a clinical S. aurantiacum isolate (WM 06.482; CBS 136046) and an environmental strain (S. aurantiacum WM 10.136; CBS 136049) on mucin-containing synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum medium. Additionally, profiles of secreted proteases were compared between the two isolates and protease activity was assessed using class-specific substrates and inhibitors. Overall, both isolates grew slower and produced less biomass under hypoxia compared to normoxic conditions. The pH of the medium decreased to 4.0 over the cultivation time, indicating that S. aurantiacum released acidic compounds into the medium. Accordingly, secreted proteases of the two isolates were dominated by acidic proteases, including aspartic and cysteine proteases, with optimal protease activity at pH 4.0 and 6.0 respectively. The clinical isolate produced higher aspartic and cysteine protease activities. Conversely, all serine proteases, including elastase-like, trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and subtilisin-like proteases had higher activities in the environmental isolate. Sequence similarities to 13 secreted proteases were identified by mass spectrometry (MS) by searching against other fungal proteases in the NCBI database. Results from MS analysis were consistent with those from activity assays. The clinical highly-virulent, and environmental low-virulence S. aurantiacum isolates responded differently to hypoxia in terms of the type of proteases secreted, which may reflect their different virulence properties.
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