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Hargett AA, Azurmendi HF, Crawford CJ, Wear MP, Oscarson S, Casadevall A, Freedberg DI. The structure of a C. neoformans polysaccharide motif recognized by protective antibodies: A combined NMR and MD study. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315733121. [PMID: 38330012 PMCID: PMC10873606 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315733121] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen responsible for cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis. The C. neoformans' capsular polysaccharide and its shed exopolysaccharide function both as key virulence factors and to protect the fungal cell from phagocytosis. Currently, a glycoconjugate of these polysaccharides is being explored as a vaccine to protect against C. neoformans infection. In this study, NOE and J-coupling values from NMR experiments were consistent with a converged structure of the synthetic decasaccharide, GXM10-Ac3, calculated from MD simulations. GXM10-Ac3 was designed as an extension of glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) polysaccharide motif (M2) which is common in the clinically predominant serotype A strains and is recognized by protective forms of GXM-specific monoclonal antibodies. The M2 motif is a hexasaccharide with a three-residue α-mannan backbone, modified by β-(1→2)-xyloses (Xyl) on the first two mannoses (Man) and a β-(1→2)-glucuronic acid (GlcA) on the third Man. Combined NMR and MD analyses reveal that GXM10-Ac3 adopts an extended structure, with Xyl/GlcA branches alternating sides along the α-mannan backbone. O-acetyl esters also alternate sides and are grouped in pairs. MD analysis of a twelve M2-repeating unit polymer supports the notion that the GXM10-Ac3 structure is uniformly represented throughout the polysaccharide. This derived GXM model displays high flexibility while maintaining a structural identity, yielding insights to further explore intermolecular interactions between polysaccharides, interactions with anti-GXM mAbs, and the cryptococcal polysaccharide architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audra A. Hargett
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993
| | - Hugo F. Azurmendi
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993
| | - Conor J. Crawford
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD21205
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Maggie P. Wear
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Stefan Oscarson
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD21205
| | - Darón I. Freedberg
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993
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Elalouf A, Yaniv-Rosenfeld A. Immunoinformatic-guided designing and evaluating protein and mRNA-based vaccines against Cryptococcus neoformans for immunocompromised patients. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:108. [PMID: 37882985 PMCID: PMC10603020 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00560-3] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that can cause serious meningoencephalitis in individuals with compromised immune systems due to HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), liver cirrhosis, and transplantation. Mannoproteins (MPs), glycoproteins in the C. neoformans capsule, crucially impact virulence by mediating adhesion to lung cells and modulating immune response via cytokine induction and phagocytosis influence. Therefore, creating a vaccine that can generate targeted antibodies to fight infection and prevent fungal illnesses is essential. RESULTS This research aims to create a unique, stable, and safe vaccine through bioinformatics methodologies, aiming at epitopes of T and B cells found in the MP of C. neoformans. Based on toxicity, immunogenicity, and antigenicity, this research predicted novel T cells (GNPVGGNVT, NPVGGNVTT, QTSYARLLS, TSVGNGIAS, WVMPGDYTN, AAATGSSSSGSTGSG, GSTGSGSGSAAAGST, SGSTGSGSGSAAAGS, SSGSTGSGSGSAAAG, and SSSGSTGSGSGSAAA) and B cell (ANGSTSTFQQRYTGTYTNGDGSLGTWTQGETVTPQTAYSTPATSNCKTYTSVGNGIASLALSNAGSNSTAAATNSSSGGASAAATGSSSSGSTGSGSGSAAAGSTAAASSSGDSSSSTSAAMSNGI, HGATGLGNPVGGNVTT, TMGPTNPSEPTLGTAI, GNPVGGNVTTNATGSD, and NSTAAATNSSSGGASA) epitopes for a multiple-epitope vaccine and constructed a vaccine subunit with potential immunogenic properties. The present study used four linkers (AAY, GPGPG, KK, and EAAAK linkers) to connect the epitopes and adjuvant. After constructing the vaccine, it was confronted with receptor docking and simulation analysis. Subsequently, the vaccine was cloned into the vector of Escherichia coli pET-28a ( +) by ligation process for the expression using the SnapGene tool, which confirmed a significant immune response. To assess the constructed vaccine's properties, multiple computational tools were employed. Based on the MP sequence, the tools evaluated the antigenicity, immunogenicity, cytokine-inducing capacity, allergenicity, toxicity, population coverage, and solubility. CONCLUSION Eventually, the results revealed a promising multi-epitope vaccine as a potential candidate for addressing global C. neoformans infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Yet, additional in vitro and in vivo investigations are necessary to validate its safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Elalouf
- Department of Management, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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3
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Hargett AA, Azurmendi HF, Crawford CJ, Wear MP, Oscarson S, Casadevall A, Freedberg DI. The structure of a C. neoformans polysaccharide motif recognized by protective antibodies: A combined NMR and MD study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.06.556507. [PMID: 37732210 PMCID: PMC10508755 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.06.556507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen responsible for cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis. The C. neoformans capsular polysaccharide and shed exopolysaccharide functions both as a key virulence factor and to protect the fungal cell from phagocytosis. Currently, a glycoconjugate of these polysaccharides is being explored as a vaccine to protect against C. neoformans infection. In this combined NMR and MD study, experimentally determined NOEs and J-couplings support a structure of the synthetic decasaccharide, GXM10-Ac3, obtained by MD. GXM10-Ac3 was designed as an extension of glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) polysaccharide motif (M2) which is common in the clinically predominant serotype A strains and is recognized by protective forms of GXM-specific monoclonal antibodies. The M2 motif is characterized by a 6-residue α-mannan backbone repeating unit, consisting of a triad of α-(1→3)-mannoses, modified by β-(1→2)-xyloses on the first two mannoses and a β-(1→2)-glucuronic acid on the third mannose. The combined NMR and MD analyses reveal that GXM10-Ac3 adopts an extended structure, with xylose/glucuronic acid branches alternating sides along the α-mannan backbone. O-acetyl esters also alternate sides and are grouped in pairs. MD analysis of a twelve M2-repeating unit polymer supports the notion that the GXM10-Ac3 structure is uniformly represented throughout the polysaccharide. This experimentally consistent GXM model displays high flexibility while maintaining a structural identity, yielding new insights to further explore intermolecular interactions between polysaccharides, interactions with anti-GXM mAbs, and the cryptococcal polysaccharide architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audra A. Hargett
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hugo F. Azurmendi
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Conor J. Crawford
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Current address: Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Maggie P. Wear
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Oscarson
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Darόn I. Freedberg
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Ullah A, Huang Y, Zhao K, Hua Y, Ullah S, Rahman MU, Wang J, Wang Q, Hu X, Zheng L. Characteristics and potential clinical applications of the extracellular vesicles of human pathogenic Fungi. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:227. [PMID: 37598156 PMCID: PMC10439556 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02945-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of lipid membrane-enclosed compartments that contain different biomolecules and are released by almost all living cells, including fungal genera. Fungal EVs contain multiple bioactive components that perform various biological functions, such as stimulation of the host immune system, transport of virulence factors, induction of biofilm formation, and mediation of host-pathogen interactions. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on EVs of human pathogenic fungi, mainly focusing on their biogenesis, composition, and biological effects. We also discuss the potential markers and therapeutic applications of fungal EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ullah
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyi Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kening Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yuneng Hua
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Department of pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiumei Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Jackson KM, Ding M, Nielsen K. Importance of Clinical Isolates in Cryptococcus neoformans Research. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:364. [PMID: 36983532 PMCID: PMC10056780 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is a global health concern. Previous research in the field has focused on studies using reference strains to identify virulence factors, generate mutant libraries, define genomic structures, and perform functional studies. In this review, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using reference strains to study C. neoformans, describe how the study of clinical isolates has expanded our understanding of pathogenesis, and highlight how studies using clinical isolates can further develop our understanding of the host-pathogen interaction during C. neoformans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirsten Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Significance of Pulmonary Endothelial Injury and the Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostanoid Signaling. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:bioengineering10010117. [PMID: 36671689 PMCID: PMC9855370 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The endothelium plays a key role in the dynamic balance of hemodynamic, humoral and inflammatory processes in the human body. Its central importance and the resulting therapeutic concepts are the subject of ongoing research efforts and form the basis for the treatment of numerous diseases. The pulmonary endothelium is an essential component for the gas exchange in humans. Pulmonary endothelial dysfunction has serious consequences for the oxygenation and the gas exchange in humans with the potential of consecutive multiple organ failure. Therefore, in this review, the dysfunction of the pulmonary endothel due to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, ventilator-related injury, and aspiration is presented in a medical context. Selected aspects of the interaction of endothelial cells with primarily alveolar macrophages are reviewed in more detail. Elucidation of underlying causes and mechanisms of damage and repair may lead to new therapeutic approaches. Specific emphasis is placed on the processes leading to the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and downstream prostanoid-based signaling pathways associated with this enzyme.
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McGuire CN, Walter DJ, Wopperer SB. Cryptococcus neoformans endocarditis in an immunocompetentpatient a case report. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:565. [PMID: 36564757 PMCID: PMC9786419 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02997-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcus neoformans is an invasive fungal infection commonly affecting immunocompromised patients as pneumonia or meningitis. More rarely, case reports describe Cryptococcus neoformans endocarditis, though nearly exclusively among patients with active immunosuppression, implanted cardiac devices or prosthetic valves. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a patient with underlying substance abuse disorder and systolic heart failure presenting with fever, altered mental status, and shower emboli subsequently found to have native tricuspid valve vegetations and blood cultures positive for cryptococcus neoformans in the absence of immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS Historically, Cryptococcus neoformans fungemia manifests clinically as pneumonia or meningitis among the immunosuppressed. There have been rare reports of endocarditis in this population and even fewer reports of native valve endocarditis exist. The present case along with mortality reported in prior literature, suggest suspicion must be maintained in the absence of immunosuppression, even in patients with native valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin N. McGuire
- grid.411663.70000 0000 8937 0972Department of Internal Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007 USA
| | - Dylan J. Walter
- grid.411663.70000 0000 8937 0972Department of Internal Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007 USA
| | - Samuel B. Wopperer
- grid.411663.70000 0000 8937 0972Department of Internal Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007 USA
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Oliveira-Brito PKM, de Campos GY, Guimarães JG, Serafim da Costa L, Silva de Moura E, Lazo-Chica JE, Roque-Barreira MC, da Silva TA. Adjuvant Curdlan Contributes to Immunization against Cryptococcus gattii Infection in a Mouse Strain-Specific Manner. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040620. [PMID: 35455369 PMCID: PMC9030172 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040620] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The low efficacy and side effects associated with antifungal agents have highlighted the importance of developing immunotherapeutic approaches to treat Cryptococcus gattii infection. We developed an immunization strategy that uses selective Dectin-1 agonist as an adjuvant. BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice received curdlan or β-glucan peptide (BGP) before immunization with heat-killed C. gattii, and the mice were infected with viable C. gattii on day 14 post immunization and euthanized 14 days after infection. Adjuvant curdlan restored pulmonary tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) levels, as induced by immunization with heat-killed C. gattii. The average area and relative frequency of C. gattii titan cells in the lungs of curdlan-treated BALB/c mice were reduced. However, this did not reduce the pulmonary fungal burden or decrease the i0,nflammatory infiltrate in the pulmonary parenchyma of BALB/c mice. Conversely, adjuvant curdlan induced high levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-10 and decreased the C. gattii burden in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice, which was not replicated in β-glucan peptide-treated mice. The adjuvant curdlan favors the control of C. gattii infection depending on the immune response profile of the mouse strain. This study will have implications for developing new immunotherapeutic approaches to treat C. gattii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Kellen Martins Oliveira-Brito
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Gabriela Yamazaki de Campos
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Júlia Garcia Guimarães
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Letícia Serafim da Costa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14049-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Edanielle Silva de Moura
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Javier Emílio Lazo-Chica
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-189, MG, Brazil;
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.K.M.O.-B.); (G.Y.d.C.); (J.G.G.); (E.S.d.M.); (M.C.R.-B.)
- Thiago Aparecido da Silva, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-3049
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Lu Y, Ding M, Huang J, Fu C, Wan Y, Jiang J, Huang J. Clinical characteristics and image features of pulmonary cryptococcosis: a retrospective analysis of 50 cases in a Chinese hospital. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:137. [PMID: 35395794 PMCID: PMC8994255 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01930-2] [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: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of pulmonary cryptococcosis, and discuss its guidance in diagnosing. Methods The clinical data of patients diagnosed with cryptococcosis in our hospital from January 2014 to May 2020 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the immunocompromised group and the immunocompetent group. The symptomatic features, laboratory examination, imaging manifestations, and curative effect were analyzed. Results The most common symptoms of patients were cough and sputum production, followed by fever. The immunocompetent group has a significantly higher accident rate of cough and fever than the immunocompromised group, while the immunocompromised group has a significantly higher accident rate of headache and dizziness (P < 0.05). The positive rate of serum cryptococcal capsular antigen (CrAg) test of the two groups were 83.33% and 86.96%, respectively. While the positive rate of CrAg test in cerebrospinal fluid of the immunocompromised group was significantly higher than that of the immunocompetent group (P < 0.05). The lesions of pulmonary cryptococcosis were predominantly present in the lower part of the lung periphery and significantly distributed in the right lung (P < 0.05). The most common imaging finding of pulmonary cryptococcosis was halo sign (64.58%), followed by multiple nodules, and trachea sign was significantly more common in the immunocompetent group. Conclusions Cryptococcosis has an insidious onset, which can infect healthy people as well. Conducting a CrAg test is good for screening and diagnosing cryptococcosis. We should be alert for the high risk of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in patients with compromised immune function. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-022-01930-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Ding
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cuiping Fu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Wan
- Department of Health Service, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Health Service, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Samra RM, Maatooq GT, Zaki AA. A new antiprotozoal compound from Calendula officinalis. Nat Prod Res 2022; 36:5747-5752. [PMID: 35007183 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.2023868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A new phytoconstituent; (6Z,9Z)-heptadeca-6,9-diene-5,11-dione (1) was isolated from Calendula officinalis methanol extract. The structure of 1 was determined based on the analysis of NMR spectra and HRESIMS. It was tested for antimicrobial and antiprotozoal activities. Compound 1 showed leishmanicidal activity against L. donovani amastigote with an IC50 of 16.4394 µM and IC90 of 28.9015 µM and a weak antitrypanosomal activity with an IC50 of 37.6136 µM. The cytotoxicity of 1 was evaluated using standard experimental procedures against THP1 cells and no cytotoxicity was observed indicating its selectivity and safety.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham M Samra
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Galal T Maatooq
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Ahmed A Zaki
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt
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Yukuyama MN, Ishida K, de Araujo GLB, Spadari CDC, de Souza A, Löbenberg R, Henostroza MAB, Folchini BR, Peroni CM, Peters MCC, de Oliveira IF, Miyagi MYS, Bou-Chacra NA. Rational design of oral flubendazole-loaded nanoemulsion for brain delivery in cryptococcosis. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Pippa LF, Marques MP, da Silva ACT, Vilar FC, de Haes TM, da Fonseca BAL, Martinez R, Coelho EB, Wichert-Ana L, Lanchote VL. Sensitive LC-MS/MS Methods for Amphotericin B Analysis in Cerebrospinal Fluid, Plasma, Plasma Ultrafiltrate, and Urine: Application to Clinical Pharmacokinetics. Front Chem 2021; 9:782131. [PMID: 34912784 PMCID: PMC8666623 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.782131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocryptococcosis, a meningoencephalitis caused by Cryptococcus spp, is treated with amphotericin B (AmB) combined with fluconazole. The integrity of the brain-blood barrier and the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may change due to infectious and/or inflammatory diseases such as neurocryptococcosis allowing for the penetration of AmB into the central nervous system. The present study aimed to develop LC-MS/MS methods capable of quantifying AmB in CSF at any given time of the treatment in addition to plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, with sensitivity compatible with the low concentrations of AmB reported in the CSF. The methods were successfully validated in the four matrices (25 μl, 5-1,000 ng ml-1 for plasma or urine; 100 μl, 0.625-250 ng ml-1 for plasma ultrafiltrate; 100 μl, 0.1-250 ng ml-1 for CSF) using protein precipitation. The methods were applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of AmB following infusions of 100 mg every 24 h for 16 days administered as a lipid complex throughout the treatment of a neurocryptococcosis male patient. The methods allowed for a detailed description of the pharmacokinetic parameters in the assessed patient in the beginning (4th day) and end of the treatment with AmB (16th day), with total clearances of 7.21 and 4.25 L h-1, hepatic clearances of 7.15 and 4.22 L h-1, volumes of distribution of 302.94 and 206.89 L, and unbound fractions in plasma ranging from 2.26 to 3.25%. AmB was quantified in two CSF samples collected throughout the treatment with concentrations of 12.26 and 18.45 ng ml-1 on the 8th and 15th days of the treatment, respectively. The total concentration of AmB in plasma was 31 and 20 times higher than in CSF. The unbound concentration in plasma accounted for 77 and 44% of the respective concentrations in CSF. In conclusion, the present study described the most complete and sensitive method for AmB analysis in plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, urine, and CSF applied to a clinical pharmacokinetic study following the administration of the drug as a lipid complex in one patient with neurocryptococcosis. The method can be applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of AmB in CSF at any given time of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Francisco Pippa
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maria Paula Marques
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Anna Christina Tojal da Silva
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernando Crivelenti Vilar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tissiana Marques de Haes
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Benedito Antônio Lopes da Fonseca
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Roberto Martinez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Barbosa Coelho
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lauro Wichert-Ana
- Division of Medical Images, Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical, Imaging, Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Lanchote
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Bosch C, Toplis B, Vreulink JM, Volschenk H, Botha A. Nitrogen concentration affects amphotericin B and fluconazole tolerance of pathogenic cryptococci. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 20:5740677. [PMID: 32073632 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foaa010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental stress often causes phenotypic changes among pathogenic cryptococci, such as altered antifungal susceptibility, changes in capsule and melanin formation, as well as altered levels of the membrane sterol and antifungal target, ergosterol. We therefore hypothesised that nitrogen limitation, a prevalent environmental stress in the natural habitat of these yeasts, might affect virulence and antifungal susceptibility. We tested the effect of different nitrogen concentrations on capsule, melanin and ergosterol biosynthesis, as well as amphotericin B (AmB) and fluconazole (FLU) susceptibility. This was achieved by culturing cryptococcal strains representing Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in media with high (0.53 g/l), control (0.42 g/l) and low (0.21 g/l) NH4Cl concentrations. India ink staining was used to determine capsule thickness microscopically, while melanin and ergosterol content were determined spectrophotometrically. We found that lower nitrogen concentrations enhanced both ergosterol and capsule biosynthesis, while a variable effect was observed on melanisation. Evaluation of drug tolerance using time-kill methodology, as well as tests for FLU heteroresistance, revealed that the low nitrogen cultures had the highest survival percentages in the presence of both AmB and FLU, and showed the highest frequency of FLU heteroresistance, suggesting that nitrogen concentration may indeed influence drug tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caylin Bosch
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Van der Bijl Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Barbra Toplis
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Van der Bijl Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Jo-Marie Vreulink
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Van der Bijl Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Heinrich Volschenk
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Van der Bijl Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Alfred Botha
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Van der Bijl Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Cryptococcus neoformans -Infected Macrophages Release Proinflammatory Extracellular Vesicles: Insight into Their Components by Multi-omics. mBio 2021; 12:mBio.00279-21. [PMID: 33785616 PMCID: PMC8092229 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00279-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcal meningitis, which is frequent in patients with HIV/AIDS, especially in less-developed countries. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis is close to 1 million each year globally. Cryptococcus neoformans causes deadly mycosis in immunocompromised individuals. Macrophages are key cells fighting against microbes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-to-cell communication mediators. The roles of EVs from infected host cells in the interaction with Cryptococcus remain uninvestigated. Here, EVs from viable C. neoformans-infected macrophages reduced fungal burdens but led to shorter survival of infected mice. In vitro, EVs induced naive macrophages to an inflammatory phenotype. Transcriptome analysis showed that EVs from viable C. neoformans-infected macrophages activated immune-related pathways, including p53 in naive human and murine macrophages. Conserved analysis demonstrated that basic cell biological processes, including cell cycle and division, were activated by infection-derived EVs from both murine and human infected macrophages. Combined proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics of EVs from infected macrophages showed regulation of pathways such as extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors and phosphatidylcholine. This form of intermacrophage communication could serve to prepare cells at more distant sites of infection to resist C. neoformans infection.
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Last A, Maurer M, Mosig AS, Gresnigt MS, Hube B. In vitro infection models to study fungal-host interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6125970. [PMID: 33524102 PMCID: PMC8498566 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections (mycoses) affect over a billion people per year. Approximately, two million of these infections are life-threatening, especially for patients with a compromised immune system. Fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Histoplasma and Cryptococcus are opportunistic pathogens that contribute to a substantial number of mycoses. To optimize the diagnosis and treatment of mycoses, we need to understand the complex fungal–host interplay during pathogenesis, the fungal attributes causing virulence and how the host resists infection via immunological defenses. In vitro models can be used to mimic fungal infections of various tissues and organs and the corresponding immune responses at near-physiological conditions. Furthermore, models can include fungal interactions with the host–microbiota to mimic the in vivo situation on skin and mucosal surfaces. This article reviews currently used in vitro models of fungal infections ranging from cell monolayers to microfluidic 3D organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms. We also discuss how OOC models can expand the toolbox for investigating interactions of fungi and their human hosts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Last
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Michelle Maurer
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander S Mosig
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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16
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Romiopoulos I, Pana ZD, Pyrpasopoulou A, Linardou I, Avdelidi E, Sidiropoulou M, Chatzidrosou E, Ioannides D, Karagiannis A, Roilides E. Fulminant cryptococcal meningoencephalitis after successful treatment of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis. Germs 2021; 10:388-391. [PMID: 33489955 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2020.1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is a life-threatening disease affecting mainly immunocompromised hosts. Case report We present a case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent patient, who initially developed a traumatic scalp skin infection due to Cryptococcus neoformans. The patient received oral fluconazole and subsequently liposomal amphotericin B due to the development of resistance with resolution of the infection. Two years later, during chemotherapy for newly diagnosed gastric and lung cancer, he developed fulminant cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, which did not respond to liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first case of fulminant cryptococcal meningoencephalitis following long latency after adequately treated primary cutaneous infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoi Dorothea Pana
- MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases Unit, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athina Pyrpasopoulou
- MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases Unit, 2 Propedeutic Dept of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Linardou
- MD, 2 Propedeutic Dept of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eugenia Avdelidi
- MD, Neurology Dept, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Chatzidrosou
- MD, Microbiology Dept, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Ioannides
- MD, PhD, A' Dept for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Asterios Karagiannis
- MD, PhD, 2 Propedeutic Dept of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Roilides
- MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases Unit, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Pereira TC, de Menezes RT, de Oliveira HC, de Oliveira LD, Scorzoni L. In vitro synergistic effects of fluoxetine and paroxetine in combination with amphotericin B against Cryptococcus neoformans. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:6070654. [PMID: 33417701 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast that mainly affects immunocompromised individuals and causes meningoencephalitis depending on the immune status of the host. The present study aimed to validate the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLH) and paroxetine hydrochloride (PAH), alone and in combination with amphotericin B (AmB) against C. neoformans. Susceptibility tests were conducted using the broth microdilution method and synergistic effects of combining FLH and PAH with AmB were analyzed using the checkerboard assay. Effects of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and synergistic concentration were evaluated in biofilms by quantifying the biomass, measuring the viability by counting the colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and examining the size of the induced capsules. Cryptococcus neoformans was susceptible to FLH and PAH and the synergistic effect of FLH and PAH in combination with AmB reduced the MIC of AmB by up to 8-fold. The isolated substances and combination with AmB were able to reduce biofilm biomass and biofilm viability. In addition, FLH and PAH alone or in combination with AmB significantly decreased the size of the yeast capsules. Collectively, our results indicate the use of FLH and PAH as a promising prototype for the development of anti-cryptococcal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Cristine Pereira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Engenheiro Francisco José Longo, 777 São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Raquel Teles de Menezes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Engenheiro Francisco José Longo, 777 São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775 Curitiba, PR 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Luciane Dias de Oliveira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Engenheiro Francisco José Longo, 777 São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. Engenheiro Francisco José Longo, 777 São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
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18
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Roth C, Murray D, Scott A, Fu C, Averette AF, Sun S, Heitman J, Magwene PM. Pleiotropy and epistasis within and between signaling pathways defines the genetic architecture of fungal virulence. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009313. [PMID: 33493169 PMCID: PMC7861560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal disease is estimated to affect nearly a quarter of a million people annually. Environmental isolates of Cryptococcus deneoformans, which make up 15 to 30% of clinical infections in temperate climates such as Europe, vary in their pathogenicity, ranging from benign to hyper-virulent. Key traits that contribute to virulence, such as the production of the pigment melanin, an extracellular polysaccharide capsule, and the ability to grow at human body temperature have been identified, yet little is known about the genetic basis of variation in such traits. Here we investigate the genetic basis of melanization, capsule size, thermal tolerance, oxidative stress resistance, and antifungal drug sensitivity using quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in progeny derived from a cross between two divergent C. deneoformans strains. Using a "function-valued" QTL analysis framework that exploits both time-series information and growth differences across multiple environments, we identified QTL for each of these virulence traits and drug susceptibility. For three QTL we identified the underlying genes and nucleotide differences that govern variation in virulence traits. One of these genes, RIC8, which encodes a regulator of cAMP-PKA signaling, contributes to variation in four virulence traits: melanization, capsule size, thermal tolerance, and resistance to oxidative stress. Two major effect QTL for amphotericin B resistance map to the genes SSK1 and SSK2, which encode key components of the HOG pathway, a fungal-specific signal transduction network that orchestrates cellular responses to osmotic and other stresses. We also discovered complex epistatic interactions within and between genes in the HOG and cAMP-PKA pathways that regulate antifungal drug resistance and resistance to oxidative stress. Our findings advance the understanding of virulence traits among diverse lineages of Cryptococcus, and highlight the role of genetic variation in key stress-responsive signaling pathways as a major contributor to phenotypic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cullen Roth
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Debra Murray
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexandria Scott
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ci Fu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anna F. Averette
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Magwene
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Melanin as a Virulence Factor in Different Species of Genus Paracoccidioides. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040291. [PMID: 33213028 PMCID: PMC7712084 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a granulomatous systemic mycosis caused by the thermo-dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Melanin production by fungi can affect their pathogenesis and virulence. This study evaluates the production of melanin by different isolates of genus Paracoccidioides and examines how the presence of this polymer affects yeast cell phagocytosis, as well as laccase enzyme production. The results obtained showed that the isolates of genus Paracoccidioides: P. lutzii (Pb01, Pb66, ED01, Pb1578, and Pb8334), P. restrepiensis (PS3-Pb60855), P. brasiliensis (S1-Pb18), and P. americana (PS2-Pbcão) produce melanin in the presence of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). Phagocytosis assays were carried out with peritoneal macrophages from C57Bl/6 mice that were challenged with Pb18, Pb60855, and Pb01. We observed that melanin interferes with phagocytosis in the presence or absence of complement or heat-inactivated serum. This article confirms that different species of the genus Paracoccidioides produce melanin in different magnitudes and that the polymer functions as a virulence factor.
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20
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Molecular identification, genotypic heterogeneity and comparative pathogenicity of environmental isolates of Papiliotrema laurentii. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:1285-1292. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.
Papiliotrema laurentii, formerly Cryptococcus laurentii, is typically isolated from environmental sources, but also occasionally from clinical specimens. Other close relatives may be misidentified as P. laurentii by phenotypic methods. P. laurentii usually lacks melanin; however, melanin-forming strains have also been isolated.
Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Although melanin production by encapsulated budding yeasts is considered a major virulence factor, the comparative pathogenicity of melanin-forming and non-melanized environmental strains of P. laurentii has rarely been studied.
Aim. We performed phenotypic and molecular identification and determined the genotypic heterogeneity among P. laurentii isolates. We also studied the pathogenicity of melanin-forming and non-melanized strains in normal and immunosuppressed mice.
Methodology. Eleven environmental isolates were tested for their identity by Vitek2 and/or ID32C systems, and by PCR-sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 domains of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Genotypic heterogeneity was studied by sequence comparisons. The pathogenicity of melanized and non-melanized P. laurentii strains was studied in intravenously infected normal and immunosuppressed BALB/c mice.
Results. Phenotypic methods identified seven of the environmental isolates, while PCR-sequencing of the ITS region and D1/D2 domains of rDNA detected two and five isolates, respectively, as P. laurentii. Sequence comparisons demonstrated genotypic heterogeneity among P. laurentii. The remaining four environmental isolates yielded expected results. None of the normal mice infected with 105 cells of melanized/non-melanized P. laurentii strains died. Infection of immunosuppressed mice with 107 cells caused higher mortality with non-melanized P. laurentii, while viable counts in brain/lung tissue were higher in mice infected with a melanized strain and were detectable for up to 14 days.
Conclusion. Phenotypic methods lacked specificity, but PCR-sequencing of D1/D2 domains correctly identified P. laurentii and sequence comparisons demonstrated the genotypic heterogeneity of the isolates. Both melanized and non-melanized strains at a higher dose caused mortality in immunosuppressed mice and persisted in brain/lung tissue up to 14 days post-infection.
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Lev S, Li C, Desmarini D, Liuwantara D, Sorrell TC, Hawthorne WJ, Djordjevic JT. Monitoring Glycolysis and Respiration Highlights Metabolic Inflexibility of Cryptococcus neoformans. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090684. [PMID: 32839374 PMCID: PMC7559270 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090684] [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: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a human fungal pathogen that adapts its metabolism to cope with limited oxygen availability, nutrient deprivation and host phagocytes. To gain insight into cryptococcal metabolism, we optimized a protocol for the Seahorse Analyzer, which measures extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) as indications of glycolytic and respiratory activities. In doing so we achieved effective immobilization of encapsulated cryptococci, established Rotenone/Antimycin A and 2-deoxyglucose as effective inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, respectively, and optimized a microscopy-based method of data normalization. We applied the protocol to monitor metabolic changes in the pathogen alone and in co-culture with human blood-derived monocytes. We also compared metabolic flux in wild-type C. neoformans, its isogenic 5-PP-IP5/IP7-deficient metabolic mutant kcs1∆, the sister species of C. neoformans, Cryptococcus deuterogattii/VGII, and two other yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Our findings show that in contrast to monocytes and C. albicans, glycolysis and respiration are tightly coupled in C. neoformans and C. deuterogattii, as no compensatory increase in glycolysis occurred following inhibition of respiration. We also demonstrate that kcs1∆ has reduced metabolic activity that correlates with reduced mitochondrial function. Metabolic inflexibility in C. neoformans is therefore consistent with its obligate aerobe status and coincides with phagocyte tolerance of ingested cryptococcal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lev
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (S.L.); (C.L.); (D.D.); (T.C.S.)
- Sydney Medical School—Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Cecilia Li
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (S.L.); (C.L.); (D.D.); (T.C.S.)
- Sydney Medical School—Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Desmarini Desmarini
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (S.L.); (C.L.); (D.D.); (T.C.S.)
- Sydney Medical School—Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - David Liuwantara
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Tania C. Sorrell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (S.L.); (C.L.); (D.D.); (T.C.S.)
- Sydney Medical School—Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Wayne J. Hawthorne
- Sydney Medical School—Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Julianne T. Djordjevic
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (S.L.); (C.L.); (D.D.); (T.C.S.)
- Sydney Medical School—Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Correspondence:
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22
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Role of the ESCRT Pathway in Laccase Trafficking and Virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00954-19. [PMID: 32284371 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00954-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) plays a crucial role in the transportation and degradation of proteins. We determined that Vps27, a key protein of the ESCRT-0 complex, is required for the transport of the virulence factor laccase to the cell wall in Cryptococcus neoformans Laccase activity was perturbed, as was melanin production, in vps27Δ strains. In the absence of VPS27, there was an accumulation of multivesicular bodies with vacuolar fragmentation and mistargeting of the vacuolar carboxypeptidase CPY/Prc1, resulting in an extracellular localization. In addition, deletion of VPS27 resulted in a defect in laccase targeting of a Lac1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion to the cell wall with trapping within intracellular puncta; this deletion was accompanied by reduced virulence in a mouse model. However, the actin cytoskeleton remained intact, suggesting that the trafficking defect is not due to defects in actin-related localization. Extracellular vesicle maturation was also defective in the vps27Δ mutant, which had a larger vesicle size as measured by dynamic light scattering. Our data identify cryptococcal VPS27 as a required gene for laccase trafficking and attenuates virulence of C. neoformans in a mouse intravenous (i.v.) meningitis model.
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Ball B, Geddes‐McAlister J. Quantitative Proteomic Profiling of
Cryptococcus neoformans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:e94. [DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Ball
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of Guelph Guelph Ontario Canada
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24
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Immunodeficiency and Ataxia. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000000766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Deciphering Fungal Extracellular Vesicles: From Cell Biology to Pathogenesis. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-019-00128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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26
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Lacerda MPF, Marcelino MY, Lourencetti NMS, Neto ÁB, Gattas EA, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco-Almeida AM. Methodologies and Applications of Proteomics for Study of Yeast Strains: An Update. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:893-906. [PMID: 31322071 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190715145131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Yeasts are one of the mostly used microorganisms as models in several studies. A wide range of applications in different processes can be attributed to their intrinsic characteristics. They are eukaryotes and therefore valuable expression hosts that require elaborate post-translational modifications. Their arsenal of proteins has become a valuable biochemical tool for the catalysis of several reactions of great value to the food (beverages), pharmaceutical and energy industries. Currently, the main challenge in systemic yeast biology is the understanding of the expression, function and regulation of the protein pool encoded by such microorganisms. In this review, we will provide an overview of the proteomic methodologies used in the analysis of yeasts. This research focuses on the advantages and improvements in their most recent applications with an understanding of the functionality of the proteins of these microorganisms, as well as an update of the advances of methodologies employed in mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Priscila F Lacerda
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Department of Clinical Analysis, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Mônica Yonashiro Marcelino
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Department of Clinical Analysis, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Natália M S Lourencetti
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Department of Clinical Analysis, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Baptista Neto
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Department of Engineering of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Edwil A Gattas
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Department of Engineering of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Department of Clinical Analysis, Araraquara, Brazil
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Samie S, Trollope KM, Joubert LM, Makunga NP, Volschenk H. The antifungal and Cryptococcus neoformans virulence attenuating activity of Pelargonium sidoides extracts. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 235:122-132. [PMID: 30738119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Limitations of clinical antifungal treatments and drug-resistance are drivers of the search for novel antifungal strategies. Extracts prepared from the tubers of the medicinal plant, Pelargonium sidoides, are known for their antiviral and antibacterial activities and are used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of acute respiratory infections. Their impact on fungi has not been well characterised. Here, we provide a first report on the antifungal activity of a P. sidoides aerial tissue extract against Cryptococcus neoformans as well as the effects of both tuber and aerial tissue extracts on selected virulence factors. AIM OF THE STUDY Novel antimicrobial strategies that target multiple cellular pathways or make use of anti-pathogenic compounds that inhibit virulence factors have been proposed. This work aimed to evaluate P. sidoides plant parts for their anticryptococcal activity and antipathogenic properties on selected virulence factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antifungal activity of crude P. sidoides tuber and aerial tissue extracts (15% m/m ethanol) were compared using a modified colourimetric antifungal susceptibility test. Fungicidal activity of the extracts was confirmed by plate counts. To test yeast resistance to the extracts, it was conditioned by multiple passages in sub-lethal doses followed by antifungal susceptibility testing. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested with a blood agar haemolysis assay. Extracts were evaluated for the presence of multiple bioactive compounds by solid-phase fractionation and visualisation by thin-layer chromatography in combination with bioassays. The influence of extracts on the production of the polysaccharide capsule, ergosterol content as well as laccase and urease activities were also evaluated. Cell surface variations after extract exposure were visualised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS Both tuber and aerial tissue extracts were fungicidal and contained multiple bioactive compounds which constrained the development of antifungal resistance. No haemolytic activity was observed, and the extracts did not appear to target ergosterol biosynthesis. However, the extracts displayed anti-pathogenic potential by significantly inhibiting laccase and urease activity while also significantly reducing capsule size. SEM revealed notable cell surface variations and provided support for the observed reduction in capsule size. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide support to the exploration of medicinal plants as sources of alternative antifungal therapies and the potential use of multicomponent inhibition and or virulence attenuation for next-generation treatment strategies. Our data also provide relevant information that may support the further use of P. sidoides in traditional medicines as well as in commercialised phytopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakier Samie
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
| | - Kim M Trollope
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
| | - Lydia-Marié Joubert
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Central Analytical Facility, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
| | - Nokwanda P Makunga
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
| | - Heinrich Volschenk
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
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Calvete CL, Martho KF, Felizardo G, Paes A, Nunes JM, Ferreira CO, Vallim MA, Pascon RC. Amino acid permeases in Cryptococcus neoformans are required for high temperature growth and virulence; and are regulated by Ras signaling. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211393. [PMID: 30682168 PMCID: PMC6347259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an Invasive Fungal Infection (IFI) caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, mainly in immunocompromised patients. Therapeutic failure due to pathogen drug resistance, treatment inconstancy and few antifungal options is a problem. The study of amino acid biosynthesis and uptake represents an opportunity to explore possible development of novel antifungals. C. neoformans has 10 amino acids permeases, two of them (Aap3 and Aap7) not expressed at the conditions tested, and five were studied previously (Aap2, Aap4, Aap5, Mup1 and Mup3). Our previous results showed that Aap4 and Aap5 are major permeases with overlapping functions. The aap4Δ/aap5Δ double mutant fails to grow in amino acids as sole nitrogen source and is avirulent in animal model. Here, we deleted the remaining amino acid permeases (AAP1, AAP6, AAP8) that showed gene expression modulation by nutritional condition and created a double mutant (aap1Δ/aap2Δ). We studied the virulence attributes of these mutants and explored the regulatory mechanism behind amino acid uptake in C. neoformans. The aap1Δ/aap2Δ strain had reduced growth at 37°C in L-amino acids, reduced capsule production and was hypovirulent in the Galleria mellonella animal model. Our data, along with previous studies, (i) complement the analysis for all 10 amino acid permeases mutants, (ii) corroborate the idea that these transporters behave as global permeases, (iii) are required during heat and nutritional stress, and (iv) are important for virulence. Our study also indicates a new possible link between Ras1 signaling and amino acids uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crislaine Lambiase Calvete
- Universidade de São Paulo, Biotechnology Graduate Program, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Kevin Felipe Martho
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Felizardo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Paes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - João Miguel Nunes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Ferreira
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A. Vallim
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata C. Pascon
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Perez-Dulzaides R, Camacho E, Cordero RJB, Casadevall A. Cell-wall dyes interfere with Cryptococcus neoformans melanin deposition. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2018; 164:1012-1022. [PMID: 29939127 PMCID: PMC6152417 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Melanization is an intrinsic characteristic of many fungal species, but details of this process are poorly understood because melanins are notoriously difficult pigments to study. While studying the binding of cell-wall dyes, Eosin Y or Uvitex, to melanized and non-melanized Cryptococcus neoformans cells we noted that melanization leads to reduced fluorescence intensity, suggesting that melanin interfered with dye binding to the cell wall. The growth of C. neoformans in melanizing conditions with either of the cell-wall dyes resulted in an increase in supernatant-associated melanin, consistent with blockage of melanin attachment to the cell wall. This effect provided the opportunity to characterize melanin released into culture supernatants. Released melanin particles appeared mostly as networked structures having dimensions consistent with previously described extracellular vesicles. Hence, dye binding to the cell wall created conditions that resembled the 'leaky melanin' phenotype described for certain cell-wall mutants. In agreement with earlier studies on fungal melanins biosynthesis, our observations are supportive of a model whereby C. neoformans melanization proceeds by the attachment of melanin nanoparticles to the cell wall through chitin, chitosan, and various glucans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Perez-Dulzaides
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emma Camacho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Radames J. B. Cordero
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,*Correspondence: Arturo Casadevall,
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30
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A High-Resolution Map of Meiotic Recombination in Cryptococcus deneoformans Demonstrates Decreased Recombination in Unisexual Reproduction. Genetics 2018; 209:567-578. [PMID: 29625994 PMCID: PMC5972427 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple species within the basidiomycete genus Cryptococcus cause cryptococcal disease. These species are estimated to affect nearly a quarter of a million people leading to ∼180,000 mortalities, annually. Sexual reproduction, which can occur between haploid yeasts of the same or opposite mating type, is a potentially important contributor to pathogenesis as recombination can generate novel genotypes and transgressive phenotypes. However, our quantitative understanding of recombination in this clinically important yeast is limited. Here, we describe genome-wide estimates of recombination rates in Cryptococcus deneoformans and compare recombination between progeny from α-α unisexual and a-α bisexual crosses. We find that offspring from bisexual crosses have modestly higher average rates of recombination than those derived from unisexual crosses. Recombination hot and cold spots across the C. deneoformans genome are also identified and are associated with increased GC content. Finally, we observed regions genome-wide with allele frequencies deviating from the expected parental ratio. These findings and observations advance our quantitative understanding of the genetic events that occur during sexual reproduction in C. deneoformans, and the impact that different forms of sexual reproduction are likely to have on genetic diversity in this important fungal pathogen.
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Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a human pathogenic yeast that causes hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide among susceptible individuals, in particular, HIV+ patients. This yeast has developed several adaptation mechanisms that allow replication within the host. During decades, this yeast has been well known for a very peculiar and unique structure that contributes to virulence, a complex polysaccharide capsule that surrounds the cell wall. In contrast to other fungal pathogens, such as Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigatus, the role of morphological transitions has not been studied in the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans since this yeast does not form hyphae during infection. However, in the last years, different groups have described the ability of this fungus to change its size during infection. In particular, Cryptococcus can form "titan cells," which are blastoconidia of an abnormal large size. Since their discovery, there is increasing evidence that these cells contribute, not only to long-term persistence in the host, but they can also actively participate in the development of the disease. Recently, several groups have simultaneously described different media that induce the appearance of titan cells in laboratory conditions. Using these conditions, new inducing factors and signaling pathways involved in this transition have been described. In this article, we will review the main phenotypic features of these cells, factors, and transduction pathways that induce cell growth, and how titan cells contribute to the disease caused by this pathogen.
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32
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Boral H, Metin B, Döğen A, Seyedmousavi S, Ilkit M. Overview of selected virulence attributes in Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Exophiala dermatitidis. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 111:92-107. [PMID: 29102684 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of fungal diseases has been increasing since 1980, and is associated with excessive morbidity and mortality, particularly among immunosuppressed patients. Of the known 625 pathogenic fungal species, infections caused by the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, and Trichophyton are responsible for more than 300 million estimated episodes of acute or chronic infections worldwide. In addition, a rather neglected group of opportunistic fungi known as black yeasts and their filamentous relatives cause a wide variety of recalcitrant infections in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts. This article provides an overview of selected virulence factors that are known to suppress host immunity and enhance the infectivity of these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazal Boral
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Banu Metin
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aylin Döğen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Mersin, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Seyedmojtaba Seyedmousavi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Invasive Fungi Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Center of Excellence for Infection Biology and Antimicrobial Pharmacology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey.
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Ribeiro NS, Dos Santos FM, Garcia AWA, Ferrareze PAG, Fabres LF, Schrank A, Kmetzsch L, Rott MB, Vainstein MH, Staats CC. Modulation of Zinc Homeostasis in Acanthamoeba castellanii as a Possible Antifungal Strategy against Cryptococcus gattii. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1626. [PMID: 28883816 PMCID: PMC5573748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is a basidiomycetous yeast that can be found in the environment and is one of the agents of cryptococcosis, a life-threatening disease. During its life cycle, cryptococcal cells take hold inside environmental predators such as amoebae. Despite their evolutionary distance, macrophages and amoebae share conserved similar steps of phagocytosis and microbial killing. To evaluate whether amoebae also share other antifungal strategies developed by macrophages, we investigated nutritional immunity against cryptococcal cells. We focused on zinc homeostasis modulation in Acanthamoeba castellanii infected with C. gattii. The intracellular proliferation rate (IPR) in amoebae was determined using C. gattii R265 and mutants for the ZIP1 gene, which displays defects of growth in zinc-limiting conditions. We detected a reduced IPR in cells lacking the ZIP1 gene compared to wild-type strains, suggesting that amoebae produce a low zinc environment to engulfed cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis employing the zinc probe Zinpyr-1 confirmed the reduced concentration of zinc in cryptococcal-infected amoebae. qRT-PCR analysis of zinc transporter-coding genes suggests that zinc export by members of the ZnT family would be involved in the reduced intracellular zinc concentration. These results indicate that amoebae may use nutritional immunity to reduce fungal cell proliferation by reducing zinc availability for the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francine M Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ane W A Garcia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A G Ferrareze
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Laura F Fabres
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Livia Kmetzsch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilise B Rott
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilene H Vainstein
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Charley C Staats
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
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Day JN, Qihui S, Thanh LT, Trieu PH, Van AD, Thu NH, Chau TTH, Lan NPH, Chau NVV, Ashton PM, Thwaites GE, Boni MF, Wolbers M, Nagarajan N, Tan PBO, Baker S. Comparative genomics of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii associated with meningitis in HIV infected and uninfected patients in Vietnam. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005628. [PMID: 28614360 PMCID: PMC5484541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast burden of cryptococcal meningitis occurs in immunosuppressed patients, driven by HIV, and is caused by Cryptococcus neoformansvar. grubii. We previously reported cryptococcal meningitis in Vietnam arising atypically in HIV uninfected, apparently immunocompetent patients, caused by a single amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) cluster of C. neoformansvar. grubii (VNIγ). This variant was less common in HIV infected individuals; it remains unclear why this lineage is associated with apparently immunocompetent patients. To study this host tropism we aimed to further our understanding of clinical phenotype and genomic variation within Vietnamese C. neoformansvar. grubii. After performing MLST on C. neoformans clinical isolates we identified 14 sequence types (STs); ST5 correlated with the VNIγ cluster. We next compared clinical phenotype by lineage and found HIV infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis caused by ST5 organisms were significantly more likely to have lymphadenopathy (11% vs. 4%, p = 0.05 Fisher’s exact test) and higher blood lymphocyte count (median 0.76 versus 0.55 X109 cells/L, p = 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). Furthermore, survivors of ST5 infections had evidence of worse disability outcomes at 70 days (72.7% (40/55) in ST5 infections versus 57.1% (52/91) non-ST5 infections (OR 2.11, 95%CI 1.01 to 4.41), p = 0.046). To further investigate the relationship between strain and disease phenotype we performed genome sequencing on eight Vietnamese C. neoformansvar. grubii. Eight genome assemblies exhibited >99% nucleotide sequence identity and we identified 165 kbp of lineage specific to Vietnamese isolates. ST5 genomes harbored several strain specific regions, incorporating 19 annotated coding sequences and eight hypothetical proteins. These regions included a phenolic acid decarboxylase, a DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase 26, oxoprolinases, a taurine catabolism dioxygenase, a zinc finger protein, membrane transport proteins and various drug transporters. Our work outlines the complexity of genomic pathogenicity in cryptococcal infections and identifies a number of gene candidates that may aid the disaggregation of the pathways associated with the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformansvar. grubii. Cryptococcal meningitis is a brain infection caused by a yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans, and results in an estimated 600 000 deaths each year. Disease usually only occurs in patients who have some problem with their immune systems—most commonly Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. However, it is increasingly recognized that disease can occur, particularly in southeast and east Asia, in patients with apparently normal immune systems (‘immunocompetent’). We previously showed that almost all infections in immunocompetent patients in Vietnam are due to just one small ‘family’ (or lineage) of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, which we called VNIγ. This is in contrast to disease in HIV infected patients, which can be caused by a number of different families. This suggests that VNIγ strains have an increased ability to cause disease. Here, we define the pattern of disease caused by VNIγ infections compared with other strains in HIV infected patients, and use whole genome sequencing—comparing the entire genetic codes from different strains—to try and understand which genes give the VNIγ family this special ability to cause disease in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Seet Qihui
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lam Tuan Thanh
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Phan Hai Trieu
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Anh Duong Van
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nha Hoang Thu
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tran Thi Hong Chau
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen P H Lan
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | | | - Philip M Ashton
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Guy E Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maciej F Boni
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel Wolbers
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Stephen Baker
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an invasive mycosis caused by pathogenic encapsulated yeasts in the genus Cryptococcus. Cryptococcus gained prominence as a pathogen capable of widespread disease outbreaks in vulnerable populations. We have gained insight into the pathobiology of Cryptococcus, including the yeast' s capacity to adapt to environmental pressures, exploit new geographic environments, and cause disease in both immunocompromised and apparently immunocompetent hosts. Inexpensive, point-of-care testing makes diagnosis more feasible than ever. The associated worldwide burden and mortality remains unacceptably high. Novel screening strategies and preemptive therapy offer promise at making a sustained and much needed impact on this sugar-coated opportunistic mycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen K Maziarz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 102359, 315 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 102359, 315 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Ding H, Mayer FL, Sánchez-León E, de S Araújo GR, Frases S, Kronstad JW. Networks of fibers and factors: regulation of capsule formation in Cryptococcus neoformans. F1000Res 2016; 5. [PMID: 27516877 PMCID: PMC4979528 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.8854.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the pathogenic fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans to cause life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals is due in large part to elaboration of a capsule consisting of polysaccharide fibers. The size of the cell-associated capsule is remarkably responsive to a variety of environmental and host conditions, but the mechanistic details of the regulation, synthesis, trafficking, and attachment of the polysaccharides are poorly understood. Recent studies reveal a complex network of transcription factors that influence capsule elaboration in response to several different signals of relevance to disease (e.g., iron deprivation). The emerging complexity of the network is consistent with the diversity of conditions that influence the capsule and illustrates the responsiveness of the fungus to both the environment and mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ding
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - François L Mayer
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Eddy Sánchez-León
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Glauber R de S Araújo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - James W Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Stukes S, Coelho C, Rivera J, Jedlicka AE, Hajjar KA, Casadevall A. The Membrane Phospholipid Binding Protein Annexin A2 Promotes Phagocytosis and Nonlytic Exocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans and Impacts Survival in Fungal Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:1252-61. [PMID: 27371724 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen with a unique intracellular pathogenic strategy that includes nonlytic exocytosis, a phenomenon whereby fungal cells are expunged from macrophages without lysing the host cell. The exact mechanism and specific proteins involved in this process have yet to be completely defined. Using murine macrophages deficient in the membrane phospholipid binding protein, annexin A2 (ANXA2), we observed a significant decrease in both phagocytosis of yeast cells and the frequency of nonlytic exocytosis. Cryptococcal cells isolated from Anxa2-deficient (Anxa2(-/-)) bone marrow-derived macrophages and lung parenchyma displayed significantly larger capsules than those isolated from wild-type macrophages and tissues. Concomitantly, we observed significant differences in the amount of reactive oxygen species produced between Anxa2(-/-) and Anxa2(+/+) macrophages. Despite comparable fungal burden, Anxa2(-/-) mice died more rapidly than wild-type mice when infected with C. neoformans, and Anxa2(-/-) mice exhibited enhanced inflammatory responses, suggesting that the reduced survival reflected greater immune-mediated damage. Together, these findings suggest a role for ANXA2 in the control of cryptococcal infection, macrophage function, and fungal morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabriya Stukes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Carolina Coelho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Johanna Rivera
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Anne E Jedlicka
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Katherine A Hajjar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065; and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205;
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Pemán J, Quindós G. Aspectos actuales de las enfermedades invasoras causadas por Candida y otros hongos levaduriformes. Rev Iberoam Micol 2016; 33:133-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Rossi SA, Trevijano-Contador N, Scorzoni L, Mesa-Arango AC, de Oliveira HC, Werther K, de Freitas Raso T, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Zaragoza O, Fusco-Almeida AM. Impact of Resistance to Fluconazole on Virulence and Morphological Aspects of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Isolates. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:153. [PMID: 26909069 PMCID: PMC4754443 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus sp. are responsible for around 1 million cases of meningitis every year. Fluconazole (FLU) is commonly used in the treatment of cryptococcosis, mainly in immunocompromised patients and the resistance is usually reported after long periods of treatment. In this study, the morphological characterization and virulence profile of FLU-susceptible and FLU-resistant clinical and environmental isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii were performed both in vitro and in vivo using the Galleria mellonella model. FLU-susceptible isolates from C. neoformans were significantly more virulent than the FLU-resistant isolates. FLU-susceptible C. gattii isolates showed a different virulence profile from C. neoformans isolates where only the environmental isolate, CL, was more virulent compared with the resistant isolates. Cell morphology and capsule size were analyzed and the FLU-resistant isolates did not change significantly compared with the most sensitive isolates. Growth at 37°C was also evaluated and in both species, the resistant isolates showed a reduced growth at this temperature, indicating that FLU resistance can affect their growth. Based on the results obtained is possible suggest that FLU resistance can influence the morphology of the isolates and consequently changed the virulence profiles. The most evident results were observed for C. neoformans showing that the adaptation of isolates to antifungal selective pressure influenced the loss of virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suélen A Rossi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clíncas São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nuria Trevijano-Contador
- Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Unidad de Micologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda Madrid, Spain
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clíncas São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clíncas São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin Werther
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Patologia São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tânia de Freitas Raso
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Patologia São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria J S Mendes-Giannini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clíncas São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Oscar Zaragoza
- Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Unidad de Micologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Fusco-Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, Departamento de Análises Clíncas São Paulo, Brazil
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41
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Albataineh MT, Kadosh D. Regulatory roles of phosphorylation in model and pathogenic fungi. Med Mycol 2015; 54:333-52. [PMID: 26705834 PMCID: PMC4818690 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myv098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, considerable advances have been made toward our understanding
of how post-translational modifications affect a wide variety of biological
processes, including morphology and virulence, in medically important fungi.
Phosphorylation stands out as a key molecular switch and regulatory modification that
plays a critical role in controlling these processes. In this article, we first
provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the regulatory roles that both
Ser/Thr and non-Ser/Thr kinases and phosphatases play in model and pathogenic fungi.
Next, we discuss the impact of current global approaches that are being used to
define the complete set of phosphorylation targets (phosphoproteome) in medically
important fungi. Finally, we provide new insights and perspectives into the potential
use of key regulatory kinases and phosphatases as targets for the development of
novel and more effective antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad T Albataineh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - David Kadosh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
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42
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Cazorla A, Alanio A, Bretagne S, Polivka M, Shaar-Chneker C, Kaci R, Brouland JP, Chrétien F, Jouvion G. [Cryptococcus where they are not expected: Five case reports of extra-cerebral and extra-pulmonary cryptococcosis]. Ann Pathol 2015; 35:479-85. [PMID: 26596691 DOI: 10.1016/j.annpat.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a serious infection, possibly lethal, of worldwide distribution. It mainly affects immunosuppressed patients resulting with pulmonary and/or meningeal involvements or disseminated infections. Due to the rarity of visceral and osseous infections, and to the absence of specific clinical symptoms, this diagnosis is often deferred. Resulting of diagnostic errors, samples are often directed to the department of pathology and more rarely to the department of mycology. Histopathological examination appears crucial, highlighting encapsulated yeasts with alcian blue staining. Once the diagnosis is performed, an appropriate antifungal therapy must be quickly introduced because these infections are associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of our work was to report five extra-cerebral and extra-pulmonary cryptococcosis cases, to describe their histopathological features, to evoke diagnostic techniques and to discuss the differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnault Cazorla
- Service de pathologie, AP-HP Lariboisière, 2, avenue Ambroise-Paré, 75475 Paris, France; Service d'anatomie et cytologie pathologiques, AP-HP Lariboisière, 2, avenue Ambroise-Paré, 75475 Paris, France.
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Service de parasitologie-mycologie, AP-HP, hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010 Paris, France; Unité de mycologie moléculaire, CNRS URA3012, Institut Pasteur, Centre national de référence mycoses invasives et antifongiques, 28, rue du Dr.-Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Bretagne
- Service de parasitologie-mycologie, AP-HP, hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010 Paris, France; Unité de mycologie moléculaire, CNRS URA3012, Institut Pasteur, Centre national de référence mycoses invasives et antifongiques, 28, rue du Dr.-Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Marc Polivka
- Service de pathologie, AP-HP Lariboisière, 2, avenue Ambroise-Paré, 75475 Paris, France
| | | | - Rachid Kaci
- Service de pathologie, AP-HP Lariboisière, 2, avenue Ambroise-Paré, 75475 Paris, France
| | | | - Fabrice Chrétien
- Unité d'histopathologie humaine et modèles animaux, Institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Dr.-Roux, 75724 Paris, France; Service de neuropathologie, centre hospitalier Sainte-Anne, 1, rue Cabanis, 75475 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Grégory Jouvion
- Unité d'histopathologie humaine et modèles animaux, Institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Dr.-Roux, 75724 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
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Cordeiro RDA, Serpa R, Marques FJDF, de Melo CVS, Evangelista AJDJ, Mota VF, Brilhante RSN, Bandeira TDJPG, Rocha MFG, Sidrim JJC. Inhibitory activity of isoniazid and ethionamide against Cryptococcus biofilms. Can J Microbiol 2015; 61:827-36. [DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2015-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the search for drugs to treat systemic and opportunistic mycoses has attracted great interest from the scientific community. This study evaluated the in vitro inhibitory effect of the antituberculosis drugs isoniazid and ethionamide alone and combined with itraconazole and fluconazole against biofilms of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Antimicrobials were tested at defined concentrations after susceptibility assays with Cryptococcus planktonic cells. In addition, we investigated the synergistic interaction of antituberculosis drugs and azole derivatives against Cryptococcus planktonic cells, as well as the influence of isoniazid and ethionamide on ergosterol content and cell membrane permeability. Isoniazid and ethionamide inhibited both biofilm formation and viability of mature biofilms. Combinations formed by antituberculosis drugs and azoles proved synergic against both planktonic and sessile cells, showing an ability to reduce Cryptococcus biofilms by approximately 50%. Furthermore, isoniazid and ethionamide reduced the content of ergosterol in Cryptococcus spp. planktonic cells and destabilized or permeabilized the fungal cell membrane, leading to leakage of macromolecules. Owing to the paucity of drugs able to inhibit Cryptococcus biofilms, we believe that the results presented here might be of interest in the designing of new antifungal compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rosana Serpa
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Valquíria Ferreira Mota
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Tereza de Jesus Pinheiro Gomes Bandeira
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- School of Medicine – Christus College – UNICHRISTUS – Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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44
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Rella A, Mor V, Farnoud AM, Singh A, Shamseddine AA, Ivanova E, Carpino N, Montagna MT, Luberto C, Del Poeta M. Role of Sterylglucosidase 1 (Sgl1) on the pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans: potential applications for vaccine development. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:836. [PMID: 26322039 PMCID: PMC4531891 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii affects a large population and is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Despite its public health burden, there are currently no vaccines against cryptococcosis and new strategies against such infections are needed. In this study, we demonstrate that C. neoformans has the biochemical ability to metabolize sterylglucosides (SGs), a class of immunomodulatory glycolipids. Genetic manipulations that eliminate cryptococccal sterylglucosidase lead to the accumulation of SGs and generate a mutant strain (Δsgl1) that is non-pathogenic in the mouse models of cryptococcosis. Interestingly, this mutant strain acts as a vaccine strain and protects mice against cryptococcosis following infection with C. neoformans or C. gattii. The immunity induced by the Δsgl1 strain is not CD4+ T-cells dependent. Immunocompromised mice, which lack CD4+ T-cells, are able to control the infection by Δsgl1 and acquire immunity against the challenge by wild-type C. neoformans following vaccination with the Δsgl1 strain. These findings are particularly important in the context of HIV/AIDS immune deficiency and suggest that the Δsgl1 strain might provide a potential vaccination strategy against cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rella
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
| | - Visesato Mor
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
| | - Amir M Farnoud
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
| | | | - Elitza Ivanova
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Carpino
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
| | - Maria T Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene Section, University of Bari Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Luberto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, USA
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45
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Choi J, Jung WH, Kronstad JW. The cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway in pathogenic basidiomycete fungi: Connections with iron homeostasis. J Microbiol 2015; 53:579-87. [PMID: 26231374 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-015-5247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A number of pathogenic species of basidiomycete fungi are either life-threatening pathogens of humans or major economic pests for crop production. Sensing the host is a key aspect of pathogen proliferation during disease, and signal transduction pathways are critically important for detecting environmental conditions and facilitating adaptation. This review focuses on the contributions of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in Cryptococcus neoformans, a species that causes meningitis in humans, and Ustilago maydis, a model phytopathogen that causes a smut disease on maize. Environmental sensing by the cAMP/PKA pathway regulates the production of key virulence traits in C. neoformans including the polysaccharide capsule and melanin. For U. maydis, the pathway controls the dimorphic transition from budding growth to the filamentous cell type required for proliferation in plant tissue. We discuss recent advances in identifying new components of the cAMP/PKA pathway in these pathogens and highlight an emerging theme that pathway signaling influences iron acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyuk Choi
- Division of Life Sciences, and Culture Collection and DNA Bank of Mushrooms, Incheon National University, Incheon, 406-772, Republic of Korea
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46
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Polvi EJ, Li X, O’Meara TR, Leach MD, Cowen LE. Opportunistic yeast pathogens: reservoirs, virulence mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2261-87. [PMID: 25700837 PMCID: PMC11113693 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1860-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Life-threatening invasive fungal infections are becoming increasingly common, at least in part due to the prevalence of medical interventions resulting in immunosuppression. Opportunistic fungal pathogens of humans exploit hosts that are immunocompromised, whether by immunosuppression or genetic predisposition, with infections originating from either commensal or environmental sources. Fungal pathogens are armed with an arsenal of traits that promote pathogenesis, including the ability to survive host physiological conditions and to switch between different morphological states. Despite the profound impact of fungal pathogens on human health worldwide, diagnostic strategies remain crude and treatment options are limited, with resistance to antifungal drugs on the rise. This review will focus on the global burden of fungal infections, the reservoirs of these pathogens, the traits of opportunistic yeast that lead to pathogenesis, host genetic susceptibilities, and the challenges that must be overcome to combat antifungal drug resistance and improve clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Polvi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 4368, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Xinliu Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 4368, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Teresa R. O’Meara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 4368, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Michelle D. Leach
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 4368, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 4368, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8 Canada
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47
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Farnoud AM, Toledo AM, Konopka JB, Del Poeta M, London E. Raft-like membrane domains in pathogenic microorganisms. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2015; 75:233-68. [PMID: 26015285 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane is thought to be compartmentalized by the presence of lipid-protein microdomains. In eukaryotic cells, microdomains composed of sterols and sphingolipids, commonly known as lipid rafts, are believed to exist, and reports on the presence of sterol- or protein-mediated microdomains in bacterial cell membranes are also appearing. Despite increasing attention, little is known about microdomains in the plasma membrane of pathogenic microorganisms. This review attempts to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of lipid rafts in pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The current literature on characterization of microdomains in pathogens is reviewed, and their potential role in growth, pathogenesis, and drug resistance is discussed. Better insight into the structure and function of membrane microdomains in pathogenic microorganisms might lead to a better understanding of their pathogenesis and development of raft-mediated approaches for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir M Farnoud
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Alvaro M Toledo
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - James B Konopka
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Erwin London
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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48
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Chatterjee S, Prados-Rosales R, Itin B, Casadevall A, Stark RE. Solid-state NMR Reveals the Carbon-based Molecular Architecture of Cryptococcus neoformans Fungal Eumelanins in the Cell Wall. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:13779-90. [PMID: 25825492 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.618389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin pigments protect against both ionizing radiation and free radicals and have potential soil remediation capabilities. Eumelanins produced by pathogenic Cryptococcus neoformans fungi are virulence factors that render the fungal cells resistant to host defenses and certain antifungal drugs. Because of their insoluble and amorphous characteristics, neither the pigment bonding framework nor the cellular interactions underlying melanization of C. neoformans have yielded to comprehensive molecular-scale investigation. This study used the C. neoformans requirement of exogenous obligatory catecholamine precursors for melanization to produce isotopically enriched pigment "ghosts" and applied 2D (13)C-(13)C correlation solid-state NMR to reveal the carbon-based architecture of intact natural eumelanin assemblies in fungal cells. We demonstrated that the aliphatic moieties of solid C. neoformans melanin ghosts include cell-wall components derived from polysaccharides and/or chitin that are associated proximally with lipid membrane constituents. Prior to development of the mature aromatic fungal pigment, these aliphatic moieties form a chemically resistant framework that could serve as the scaffold for melanin synthesis. The indole-based core aromatic moieties show interconnections that are consistent with proposed melanin structures consisting of stacked planar assemblies, which are associated spatially with the aliphatic scaffold. The pyrrole aromatic carbons of the pigments bind covalently to the aliphatic framework via glycoside or glyceride functional groups. These findings establish that the structure of the pigment assembly changes with time and provide the first biophysical information on the mechanism by which melanin is assembled in the fungal cell wall, offering vital insights that can advance the design of bioinspired conductive nanomaterials and novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasish Chatterjee
- From the Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, Graduate Center and Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031-9101
| | - Rafael Prados-Rosales
- the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York 10461, and
| | - Boris Itin
- the New York Structural Biology Center, New York, New York 10027
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York 10461, and
| | - Ruth E Stark
- From the Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, Graduate Center and Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031-9101,
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Coelho C, Souza ACO, Derengowski LDS, de Leon-Rodriguez C, Wang B, Leon-Rivera R, Bocca AL, Gonçalves T, Casadevall A. Macrophage mitochondrial and stress response to ingestion of Cryptococcus neoformans. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 194:2345-57. [PMID: 25646306 PMCID: PMC4340727 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, a common fungal pathogen, follows deposition of yeast spores in the lung alveoli. The subsequent host-pathogen interaction can result in eradication, latency, or extrapulmonary dissemination. Successful control of C. neoformans infection is dependent on host macrophages, but macrophages display little ability to kill C. neoformans in vitro. Recently, we reported that ingestion of C. neoformans by mouse macrophages induces early cell cycle progression followed by mitotic arrest, an event that almost certainly reflects host cell damage. The goal of the present work was to understand macrophage pathways affected by C. neoformans toxicity. Infection of macrophages by C. neoformans was associated with alterations in protein translation rate and activation of several stress pathways, such as hypoxia-inducing factor-1-α, receptor-interacting protein 1, and apoptosis-inducing factor. Concomitantly we observed mitochondrial depolarization in infected macrophages, an observation that was replicated in vivo. We also observed differences in the stress pathways activated, depending on macrophage cell type, consistent with the nonspecific nature of C. neoformans virulence known to infect phylogenetically distant hosts. Our results indicate that C. neoformans infection impairs multiple host cellular functions and undermines the health of these critical phagocytic cells, which can potentially interfere with their ability to clear this fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Coelho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Camila Oliveira Souza
- Cell Biology Department, Biology Science Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia CEP 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos de Leon-Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461; MD Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Rosiris Leon-Rivera
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931; and Undergraduate Research Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Anamelia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Cell Biology Department, Biology Science Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia CEP 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461;
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50
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Maier EJ, Haynes BC, Gish SR, Wang ZA, Skowyra ML, Marulli AL, Doering TL, Brent MR. Model-driven mapping of transcriptional networks reveals the circuitry and dynamics of virulence regulation. Genome Res 2015; 25:690-700. [PMID: 25644834 PMCID: PMC4417117 DOI: 10.1101/gr.184101.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Key steps in understanding a biological process include identifying genes that are involved and determining how they are regulated. We developed a novel method for identifying transcription factors (TFs) involved in a specific process and used it to map regulation of the key virulence factor of a deadly fungus—its capsule. The map, built from expression profiles of 41 TF mutants, includes 20 TFs not previously known to regulate virulence attributes. It also reveals a hierarchy comprising executive, midlevel, and “foreman” TFs. When grouped by temporal expression pattern, these TFs explain much of the transcriptional dynamics of capsule induction. Phenotypic analysis of TF deletion mutants revealed complex relationships among virulence factors and virulence in mice. These resources and analyses provide the first integrated, systems-level view of capsule regulation and biosynthesis. Our methods dramatically improve the efficiency with which transcriptional networks can be analyzed, making genomic approaches accessible to laboratories focused on specific physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezekiel J Maier
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Brian C Haynes
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Stacey R Gish
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Zhuo A Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Michael L Skowyra
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Alyssa L Marulli
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Tamara L Doering
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Michael R Brent
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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