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Ropero-Pérez C, Moreno-Giménez E, Marcos JF, Manzanares P, Gandía M. Studies on the biological role of the antifungal protein PeAfpA from Penicillium expansum by functional gene characterization and transcriptomic profiling. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131236. [PMID: 38554901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Antifungal proteins (AFPs) from filamentous fungi have enormous potential as novel biomolecules for the control of fungal diseases. However, little is known about the biological roles of AFPs beyond their antifungal action. Penicillium expansum encodes three phylogenetically different AFPs (PeAfpA, PeAfpB and PeAfpC) with diverse profiles of antifungal activity. PeAfpA stands out as a highly active AFP that is naturally produced at high yields. Here, we provide new data about the function of PeAfpA in P. expansum through phenotypical characterization and transcriptomic studies of null mutants of the corresponding afpA gene. Mutation of afpA did not affect axenic growth, conidiation, virulence, stress responses or sensitivity towards P. expansum AFPs. However, RNA sequencing evidenced a massive transcriptomic change linked to the onset of PeAfpA production. We identified two large gene expression clusters putatively involved in PeAfpA function, which correspond to genes induced or repressed with the production of PeAfpA. Functional enrichment analysis unveiled significant changes in genes related to fungal cell wall remodeling, mobilization of carbohydrates and plasma membrane transporters. This study also shows a putative co-regulation between the three afp genes. Overall, our transcriptomic analyses provide valuable insights for further understanding the biological functions of AFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Ropero-Pérez
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Moreno-Giménez
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia 46022, Spain
| | - Jose F Marcos
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paloma Manzanares
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mónica Gandía
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
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2
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Barreiro C, Albillos SM, García-Estrada C. Penicillium chrysogenum: Beyond the penicillin. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2024; 127:143-221. [PMID: 38763527 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Almost one century after the Sir Alexander Fleming's fortuitous discovery of penicillin and the identification of the fungal producer as Penicillium notatum, later Penicillium chrysogenum (currently reidentified as Penicillium rubens), the molecular mechanisms behind the massive production of penicillin titers by industrial strains could be considered almost fully characterized. However, this filamentous fungus is not only circumscribed to penicillin, and instead, it seems to be full of surprises, thereby producing important metabolites and providing expanded biotechnological applications. This review, in addition to summarizing the classical role of P. chrysogenum as penicillin producer, highlights its ability to generate an array of additional bioactive secondary metabolites and enzymes, together with the use of this microorganism in relevant biotechnological processes, such as bioremediation, biocontrol, production of bioactive nanoparticles and compounds with pharmaceutical interest, revalorization of agricultural and food-derived wastes or the enhancement of food industrial processes and the agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Barreiro
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Instituto de Biología Molecular, Genómica y Proteómica (INBIOMIC), Universidad de León, León, Spain.
| | - Silvia M Albillos
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
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3
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Akkuş-Dağdeviren ZB, Saleh A, Schöpf C, Truszkowska M, Bratschun-Khan D, Fürst A, Seybold A, Offterdinger M, Marx F, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Phosphatase-degradable nanoparticles: A game-changing approach for the delivery of antifungal proteins. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 646:290-300. [PMID: 37196502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Polyphosphate nanoparticles as phosphatase-degradable carriers for Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein (PAF) can enhance the antifungal activity of the protein against Candida albicans biofilm. EXPERIMENTS PAF-polyphosphate (PP) nanoparticles (PAF-PP NPs) were obtained through ionic gelation. The resulting NPs were characterized in terms of their particle size, size distribution and zeta potential. Cell viability and hemolysis studies were carried out in vitro on human foreskin fibroblasts (Hs 68 cells) and human erythrocytes, respectively. Enzymatic degradation of NPs was investigated by monitoring release of free monophosphates in the presence of isolated as well as C. albicans-derived phosphatases. In parallel, shift in zeta potential of PAF-PP NPs as a response to phosphatase stimuli was determined. Diffusion of PAF and PAF-PP NPs through C. albicans biofilm matrix was analysed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Antifungal synergy was evaluated on C. albicans biofilm by determining the colony forming units (CFU). FINDINGS PAF-PP NPs were obtained with a mean size of 300.9 ± 4.6 nm and a zeta potential of -11.2 ± 2.8 mV. In vitro toxicity assessments revealed that PAF-PP NPs were highly tolerable by Hs 68 cells and human erythrocytes similar to PAF. Within 24 h, 21.9 ± 0.4 μM of monophosphate was released upon incubation of PAF-PP NPs having final PAF concentration of 156 μg/ml with isolated phosphatase (2 U/ml) leading to a shift in zeta potential up to -0.7 ± 0.3 mV. This monophosphate release from PAF-PP NPs was also observed in the presence of C. albicans-derived extracellular phosphatases. The diffusivity of PAF-PP NPs within 48 h old C. albicans biofilm matrix was similar to that of PAF. PAF-PP NPs enhanced antifungal activity of PAF against C. albicans biofilm decreasing the survival of the pathogen up to 7-fold in comparison to naked PAF. In conclusion, phosphatase-degradable PAF-PP NPs hold promise as nanocarriers to augment the antifungal activity of PAF and enable its efficient delivery to C. albicans cells for the potential treatment of Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Burcu Akkuş-Dağdeviren
- Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ahmad Saleh
- Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Pharmacy, Universitas Mandala Waluya, A.H.Nasution, Kendari 93231, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Cristina Schöpf
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martyna Truszkowska
- Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Doris Bratschun-Khan
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Fürst
- Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Seybold
- Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Offterdinger
- Division of Neurobiochemistry, Biooptics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch
- Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Fardella PA, Clarke BB, Belanger FC. The Epichloë festucae Antifungal Protein Efe-AfpA Has Activity against Numerous Plant Pathogens. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040828. [PMID: 37110250 PMCID: PMC10145699 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040828] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal plant pathogens can present major problems for most crop species. Currently, control of fungal diseases relies heavily on the use of fungicides. However, there are problems associated with fungicide use, including potential toxicity to non-target organisms and the development of resistance in the target fungus. New strategies are being sought to reduce fungicide use. One area of active research is the potential use of antifungal proteins from various fungal species as alternatives or complements to traditional fungicides. An antifungal protein, Efe-AfpA, from the fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae was previously found to protect plants from the pathogen Clarireedia jacksonii, the causal agent of dollar spot disease. Here we report that Efe-AfpA also has inhibitory activity against other important plant pathogens. These results suggest that it may be possible to develop Efe-AfpA as a biofungicide to target a broad range of destructive plant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Fardella
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Bruce B Clarke
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Faith C Belanger
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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DMSO-Induced Unfolding of the Antifungal Disulfide Protein PAF and Its Inactive Variant: A Combined NMR and DSC Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021208. [PMID: 36674720 PMCID: PMC9864379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PAF and related antifungal proteins are promising antimicrobial agents. They have highly stable folds around room temperature due to the presence of 3-4 disulfide bonds. However, unfolded states persist and contribute to the thermal equilibrium in aqueous solution, and low-populated states might influence their biological impact. To explore such equilibria during dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-induced chemical unfolding, we studied PAF and its inactive variant PAFD19S using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). According to the NMR monitoring at 310 K, the folded structures disappear above 80 v/v% DMSO concentration, while the unfolding is completely reversible. Evaluation of a few resolved peaks from viscosity-compensated 15N-1H HSQC spectra of PAF yielded ∆G = 23 ± 7 kJ/M as the average value for NMR unfolding enthalpy. The NMR-based structures of PAF and the mutant in 50 v/v% DMSO/H2O mixtures were more similar in the mixed solvents then they were in water. The 15N NMR relaxation dynamics in the same mixtures verified the rigid backbones of the NMR-visible fractions of the proteins; still, enhanced dynamics around the termini and some loops were observed. DSC monitoring of the Tm melting point showed parabolic dependence on the DMSO molar fraction and suggested that PAF is more stable than the inactive PAFD19S. The DSC experiments were irreversible due to the applied broad temperature range, but still suggestive of the endothermic unfolding of PAF.
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Kumarswamyreddy N, Nakagawa A, Endo H, Shimotohno A, Torii KU, Bode JW, Oishi S. Chemical synthesis of the EPF-family of plant cysteine-rich proteins and late-stage dye attachment by chemoselective amide-forming ligations. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1422-1431. [PMID: 36544577 PMCID: PMC9709926 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00155a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical protein synthesis can provide well-defined modified proteins. Herein, we report the chemical synthesis of plant-derived cysteine-rich secretory proteins and late-stage derivatization of the synthetic proteins. The syntheses were achieved with distinct chemoselective amide bond forming reactions - EPF2 by native chemical ligation (NCL), epidermal patterning factor (EPF) 1 by the α-ketoacid-hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation, and fluorescent functionalization of their folded variants by potassium acyltrifluoroborate (KAT) ligation. The chemically synthesized EPFs exhibit bioactivity on stomatal development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Comprehensive synthesis of EPF derivatives allowed us to identify suitable fluorescent variants for bioimaging of the subcellar localization of EPFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandarapu Kumarswamyreddy
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityChikusa Nagoya 464-8602Japan,Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology TirupatiTirupati517619Andhra PradeshIndia
| | - Ayami Nakagawa
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityChikusa Nagoya 464-8602Japan
| | - Hitoshi Endo
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityChikusa Nagoya 464-8602Japan
| | - Akie Shimotohno
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityChikusa Nagoya 464-8602Japan
| | - Keiko U. Torii
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityChikusa Nagoya 464-8602Japan,Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at AustinAustinTX 78712USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Bode
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityChikusa Nagoya 464-8602Japan,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH ZürichZürich 8093Switzerland
| | - Shunsuke Oishi
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityChikusa Nagoya 464-8602Japan
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7
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Kakar A, Sastré-Velásquez LE, Hess M, Galgóczy L, Papp C, Holzknecht J, Romanelli A, Váradi G, Malanovic N, Marx F. The Membrane Activity of the Amphibian Temporin B Peptide Analog TB_KKG6K Sheds Light on the Mechanism That Kills Candida albicans. mSphere 2022; 7:e0029022. [PMID: 35972132 PMCID: PMC9599520 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporin B (TB) is a 13-amino-acid-long, cationic peptide secreted by the granular glands of the European frog Rana temporaria. We recently showed that the modified TB peptide analog TB_KKG6K rapidly killed planktonic and sessile Candida albicans at low micromolar concentrations and was neither hemolytic nor cytotoxic to mammalian cells in vitro. The present study aimed to shed light into its mechanism of action, with a focus on its fungal cell membrane activity. We utilized different fluorescent dyes to prove that it rapidly induces membrane depolarization and permeabilization. Studies on model membrane systems revealed that the TB analog undergoes hydrophobic and electrostatic membrane interactions, showing a preference for anionic lipids, and identified phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin as possible peptide targets. Fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled TB_KKG6K in the presence of the lipophilic dye FM4-64 indicated that the peptide compromises membrane integrity and rapidly enters C. albicans cells in an energy-independent manner. Peptide-treated cells analyzed by cryo-based electron microscopy exhibited no signs of cell lysis; however, subcellular structures had disintegrated, suggesting that intracellular activity may form part of the killing mechanism of the peptide. Taken together, this study proved that TB_KKG6K compromises C. albicans membrane function, which explains the previously observed rapid, fungicidal mode of action and supports its great potential as a future anti-Candida therapeutic. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections with the opportunistic human pathogen C. albicans are associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. This is partly due to the yeast's ability to rapidly develop resistance toward currently available antifungals. Small, cationic, membrane-active peptides are promising compounds to fight against resistance development, as many of them effectuate rapid fungal cell death. This fast killing is believed to hamper the development of resistance, as the fungi do not have sufficient time to adapt to the antifungal compound. We previously reported that the synthetic variant of the amphibian TB peptide, TB_KKG6K, rapidly kills C. albicans. In the current study, the mechanism of action of the TB analog was investigated. We show that this TB analog is membrane-active and impairs cell membrane function, highlighting its potential to be developed as an attractive alternative anti-C. albicans therapeutic that may hinder the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Kakar
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Michael Hess
- Institute for Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Györgyi Váradi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nermina Malanovic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Fardella PA, Tian Z, Clarke BB, Belanger FC. The Epichloë festucae Antifungal Protein Efe-AfpA Protects Creeping Bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera) from the Plant Pathogen Clarireedia jacksonii, the Causal Agent of Dollar Spot Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101097. [PMID: 36294663 PMCID: PMC9605492 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101097] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dollar spot disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Clarireedia jacksonii, is a major problem in many turfgrass species, particularly creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). It is well-established that strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra) exhibits good dollar spot resistance when infected by the fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae. This endophyte-mediated disease resistance is unique to the fine fescues and has not been observed in other grass species infected with other Epichloë spp. The mechanism underlying the unique endophyte-mediated disease resistance in strong creeping red fescue has not yet been established. We pursued the possibility that it may be due to the presence of an abundant secreted antifungal protein produced by E. festucae. Here, we compare the activity of the antifungal protein expressed in Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Active protein was recovered from all systems, with the best activity being from Pe. chrysogenum. In greenhouse assays, topical application of the purified antifungal protein to creeping bentgrass and endophyte-free strong creeping red fescue protected the plants from developing severe symptoms caused by C. jacksonii. These results support the hypothesis that Efe-AfpA is a major contributor to the dollar spot resistance observed with E. festucae-infected strong creeping red fescue in the field, and that this protein could be developed as an alternative or complement to fungicides for the management of this disease on turfgrasses.
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9
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Holzknecht J, Dubrac S, Hedtrich S, Galgóczy L, Marx F. Small, Cationic Antifungal Proteins from Filamentous Fungi Inhibit Candida albicans Growth in 3D Skin Infection Models. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0029922. [PMID: 35499318 PMCID: PMC9241769 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00299-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging resistance of human-pathogenic fungi to antifungal drugs urges the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. The small, cationic antifungal proteins (AFPs) from filamentous ascomycetes represent promising candidates for next-generation antifungals. These bio-molecules need to be tested for tolerance in the host and efficacy against fungal pathogens before they can be safely applied in humans. Testing of the efficacy and possible adverse effects of new drug candidates in three-dimensional (3D) human-cell based models represents an advantageous alternative to animal experiments. In, this study, as a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate the usefulness of 3D skin infection models for screening new antifungal drug candidates for topical application. We established a cutaneous infection with the opportunistic human-pathogenic yeast Candida albicans in a commercially available 3D full-thickness (FT) skin model to test the curative potential of distinct AFPs from Penicillium chrysogenum (PAFopt, PAFB, and PAFC) and Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri (NFAP2) in vitro. All tested AFPs were comparably well tolerated by the skin models. The infected 3D models exhibited reduced epidermal permeability barriers, allowing C. albicans to colonize the epidermal and dermal layers, and showed increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and the chemokine IL-8. AFP treatment diminished the fungal burden and penetration depth of C. albicans in the infected models. The epidermal permeability barrier was restored and the secretion of IL-8 was decreased following AFP treatment. In summary, our study proves that the tested AFPs exhibit antifungal potential against cutaneous C. albicans infection in a 3D FT skin model. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans represents one of the most prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogens, causing superficial skin and mucosal infections in humans with certain predisposing health conditions and life-threatening systemic infections in immunosuppressed patients. The emerging drug resistance of this human-pathogenic yeast and the limited number of antifungal drugs for prevention and treatment of infections urgently demands the identification of new antifungal compounds with novel mechanisms of action. Small, cationic antifungal proteins (AFPs) from filamentous fungi represent promising candidates for next-generation antifungals for topical application. These bio-molecules need to be tested for tolerance by the host and efficacy in pathogen clearance prior to being involved in clinical trials. In a proof-of-principle study, we provide evidence for the suitability of 3D human-cell based models as advantageous alternatives to animal experiments. We document the tolerance of specific AFPs and their curative efficacy against cutaneous C. albicans infection in a 3D skin model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sandrine Dubrac
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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10
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Kumarswamyreddy N, Reddy DN, Robkis DM, Kamiya N, Tsukamoto R, Kanaoka MM, Higashiyama T, Oishi S, Bode JW. Chemical Synthesis of Torenia Plant Pollen Tube Attractant Proteins by KAHA Ligation. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:721-727. [PMID: 35755195 PMCID: PMC9175099 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00039c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of secreted cysteine-rich proteins (CRPs) is a long-standing challenge due to protein aggregation and premature formation of inter- and intramolecular disulfide bonds. Chemical synthesis provides reduced CRPs with a higher purity, which is advantageous for folding and isolation. Herein, we report the chemical synthesis of pollen tube attractant CRPs Torenia fournieri LURE (TfLURE) and Torenia concolor LURE (TcLURE) and their chimeric analogues via α-ketoacid-hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation. The bioactivity of chemically synthesized TfLURE protein was shown to be comparable to E. coli expressed recombinant protein through in vitro assay. The convergent protein synthesis approach is beneficial for preparing these small protein variants efficiently. A convergent chemical synthesis was established for Torenia plant pollen tube attractant proteins, LUREs and their chimeric analogues by KAHA ligation. The synthetic TfLURE showed comparable bioactivity with E.coli expressed recombinant protein.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandarapu Kumarswamyreddy
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati Tirupati Andhra Pradesh 517506 India
| | - Damodara N Reddy
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
- Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow 226031 India
| | - D Miklos Robkis
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Nao Kamiya
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-0602 Japan
| | - Ryoko Tsukamoto
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-0602 Japan
| | - Masahiro M Kanaoka
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-0602 Japan
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-0602 Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
| | - Shunsuke Oishi
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Jeffrey W Bode
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich Zürich 8093 Switzerland
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11
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Gandía M, Kakar A, Giner-Llorca M, Holzknecht J, Martínez-Culebras P, Galgóczy L, Marx F, Marcos JF, Manzanares P. Potential of Antifungal Proteins (AFPs) to Control Penicillium Postharvest Fruit Decay. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:449. [PMID: 34199956 PMCID: PMC8229795 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Penicillium phytopathogenic species provoke severe postharvest disease and economic losses. Penicillium expansum is the main pome fruit phytopathogen while Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum cause citrus green and blue mold, respectively. Control strategies rely on the use of synthetic fungicides, but the appearance of resistant strains and safety concerns have led to the search for new antifungals. Here, the potential application of different antifungal proteins (AFPs) including the three Penicillium chrysogenum proteins (PAF, PAFB and PAFC), as well as the Neosartorya fischeri NFAP2 protein to control Penicillium decay, has been evaluated. PAFB was the most potent AFP against P. digitatum, P. italicum and P. expansum, PAFC and NFAP2 showed moderate antifungal activity, whereas PAF was the least active protein. In fruit protection assays, PAFB provoked a reduction of the incidence of infections caused by P. digitatum and P. italicum in oranges and by P. expansum in apples. A combination of AFPs did not result in an increase in the efficacy of disease control. In conclusion, this study expands the antifungal inhibition spectrum of the AFPs evaluated, and demonstrates that AFPs act in a species-specific manner. PAFB is a promising alternative compound to control Penicillium postharvest fruit decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Gandía
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.); (M.G.-L.); (P.M.-C.); (J.F.M.)
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Ciencias de la Alimentación, Bromatología, Toxicología y Medicina Legal, Universitat de València, Vicente Andrès Estellès s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Anant Kakar
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.K.); (J.H.); (F.M.)
| | - Moisés Giner-Llorca
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.); (M.G.-L.); (P.M.-C.); (J.F.M.)
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.K.); (J.H.); (F.M.)
| | - Pedro Martínez-Culebras
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.); (M.G.-L.); (P.M.-C.); (J.F.M.)
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Ciencias de la Alimentación, Bromatología, Toxicología y Medicina Legal, Universitat de València, Vicente Andrès Estellès s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - László Galgóczy
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.K.); (J.H.); (F.M.)
| | - Jose F. Marcos
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.); (M.G.-L.); (P.M.-C.); (J.F.M.)
| | - Paloma Manzanares
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.); (M.G.-L.); (P.M.-C.); (J.F.M.)
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12
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Struyfs C, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Membrane-Interacting Antifungal Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649875. [PMID: 33912564 PMCID: PMC8074791 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing worldwide, resulting in more than 1.6 million deaths every year. Due to growing antifungal drug resistance and the limited number of currently used antimycotics, there is a clear need for novel antifungal strategies. In this context, great potential is attributed to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are part of the innate immune system of organisms. These peptides are known for their broad-spectrum activity that can be directed toward bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or even cancer cells. Some AMPs act via rapid physical disruption of microbial cell membranes at high concentrations causing cell leakage and cell death. However, more complex mechanisms are also observed, such as interaction with specific lipids, production of reactive oxygen species, programmed cell death, and autophagy. This review summarizes the structure and mode of action of antifungal AMPs, thereby focusing on their interaction with fungal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Struyfs
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bruno P A Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Zhao Z, Cai F, Gao R, Ding M, Jiang S, Chen P, Pang G, Chenthamara K, Shen Q, Bayram Akcapinar G, Druzhinina IS. At least three families of hyphosphere small secreted cysteine-rich proteins can optimize surface properties to a moderately hydrophilic state suitable for fungal attachment. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:5750-5768. [PMID: 33538393 PMCID: PMC8596622 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The secretomes of filamentous fungi contain a diversity of small secreted cysteine‐rich proteins (SSCPs) that have a variety of properties ranging from toxicity to surface activity. Some SSCPs are recognized by other organisms as indicators of fungal presence, but their function in fungi is not fully understood. We detected a new family of fungal surface‐active SSCPs (saSSCPs), here named hyphosphere proteins (HFSs). An evolutionary analysis of the HFSs in Pezizomycotina revealed a unique pattern of eight single cysteine residues (C‐CXXXC‐C‐C‐C‐C‐C) and a long evolutionary history of multiple gene duplications and ancient interfungal lateral gene transfers, suggesting their functional significance for fungi with different lifestyles. Interestingly, recombinantly produced saSSCPs from three families (HFSs, hydrophobins and cerato‐platanins) showed convergent surface‐modulating activity on glass and on poly(ethylene‐terephthalate), transforming their surfaces to a moderately hydrophilic state, which significantly favoured subsequent hyphal attachment. The addition of purified saSSCPs to the tomato rhizosphere had mixed effects on hyphal attachment to roots, while all tested saSSCPs had an adverse effect on plant growth in vitro. We propose that the exceptionally high diversity of saSSCPs in Trichoderma and other fungi evolved to efficiently condition various surfaces in the hyphosphere to a fungal‐beneficial state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Cai
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering (ICEBE), TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renwei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingyue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siqi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peijie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guan Pang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Komal Chenthamara
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering (ICEBE), TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Qirong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Günseli Bayram Akcapinar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irina S Druzhinina
- Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering (ICEBE), TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Czajlik A, Holzknecht J, Galgóczy L, Tóth L, Poór P, Ördög A, Váradi G, Kühbacher A, Borics A, Tóth GK, Marx F, Batta G. Solution Structure, Dynamics, and New Antifungal Aspects of the Cysteine-Rich Miniprotein PAFC. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1183. [PMID: 33504082 PMCID: PMC7865535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome of Penicillium chrysogenum Q176 contains a gene coding for the 88-amino-acid (aa)-long glycine- and cysteine-rich P. chrysogenum antifungal protein C (PAFC). After maturation, the secreted antifungal miniprotein (MP) comprises 64 aa and shares 80% aa identity with the bubble protein (BP) from Penicillium brevicompactum, which has a published X-ray structure. Our team expressed isotope (15N, 13C)-labeled, recombinant PAFC in high yields, which allowed us to determine the solution structure and molecular dynamics by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. The primary structure of PAFC is dominated by 14 glycines, and therefore, whether the four disulfide bonds can stabilize the fold is challenging. Indeed, unlike the few published solution structures of other antifungal MPs from filamentous ascomycetes, the NMR data indicate that PAFC has shorter secondary structure elements and lacks the typical β-barrel structure, though it has a positively charged cavity and a hydrophobic core around the disulfide bonds. Some parts within the two putative γ-core motifs exhibited enhanced dynamics according to a new disorder index presentation of 15N-NMR relaxation data. Furthermore, we also provided a more detailed insight into the antifungal spectrum of PAFC, with specific emphasis on fungal plant pathogens. Our results suggest that PAFC could be an effective candidate for the development of new antifungal strategies in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Czajlik
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.H.); (A.K.)
| | - László Galgóczy
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (L.G.); (L.T.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Liliána Tóth
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (L.G.); (L.T.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Poór
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (P.P.); (A.Ö.)
| | - Attila Ördög
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (P.P.); (A.Ö.)
| | - Györgyi Váradi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (G.V.); (G.K.T.)
| | - Alexander Kühbacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Attila Borics
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Gábor K. Tóth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (G.V.); (G.K.T.)
- MTA-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Florentine Marx
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Gyula Batta
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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15
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Cheng R, Li W, Sample KM, Xu Q, Liu L, Yu F, Nie Y, Zhang X, Luo Z. Characterization of the transcriptional response of Candida parapsilosis to the antifungal peptide MAF-1A. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9767. [PMID: 33194346 PMCID: PMC7482638 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is a major fungal pathogen that leads to sepsis. New and more effective antifungal agents are required due to the emergence of resistant fungal strains. MAF-1A is a cationic antifungal peptide isolated from Musca domestica that is effective against a variety of Candida species. However, the mechanism(s) of its antifungal activity remains undefined. Here, we used RNA-seq to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Candida parapsilosis following MAF-1A exposure. The early (6 h) response included 1,122 upregulated and 1,065 downregulated genes. Late (18 h) responses were associated with the increased expression of 101 genes and the decreased expression of 151 genes. Upon MAF-1A treatment for 18 h, 42 genes were upregulated and 25 genes were downregulated. KEGG enrichment showed that the DEGs in response to MAF-1A were mainly involved in amino acid synthesis and metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, sterol synthesis, and apoptosis. These results indicate that MAF-1A exerts antifungal activity through interference with Candida parapsilosis cell membrane integrity and organelle function. This provides new insight into the interaction between Candida parapsilosis and this antimicrobial peptide and serves as a reference for future Candida parapsilosis therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Cheng
- Guizhou University School of Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Cadiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Klarke M Sample
- Department of Central Lab, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Central Lab, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Lin Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Fuxun Yu
- Department of Central Lab, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Yingjie Nie
- Department of Central Lab, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhenhua Luo
- Department of Central Lab, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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16
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Holzknecht J, Kühbacher A, Papp C, Farkas A, Váradi G, Marcos JF, Manzanares P, Tóth GK, Galgóczy L, Marx F. The Penicillium chrysogenum Q176 Antimicrobial Protein PAFC Effectively Inhibits the Growth of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030141. [PMID: 32824977 PMCID: PMC7557831 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small, cysteine-rich and cationic antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) from filamentous ascomycetes promise treatment alternatives to licensed antifungal drugs. In this study, we characterized the Penicillium chrysogenum Q176 antifungal protein C (PAFC), which is phylogenetically distinct to the other two Penicillium antifungal proteins, PAF and PAFB, that are expressed by this biotechnologically important ascomycete. PAFC is secreted into the culture broth and is co-expressed with PAF and PAFB in the exudates of surface cultures. This observation is in line with the suggested role of AMPs in the adaptive response of the host to endogenous and/or environmental stimuli. The in silico structural model predicted five β-strands stabilized by four intramolecular disulfide bonds in PAFC. The functional characterization of recombinant PAFC provided evidence for a promising new molecule in anti-Candida therapy. The thermotolerant PAFC killed planktonic cells and reduced the metabolic activity of sessile cells in pre-established biofilms of two Candidaalbicans strains, one of which was a fluconazole-resistant clinical isolate showing higher PAFC sensitivity than the fluconazole-sensitive strain. Candidacidal activity was linked to severe cell morphology changes, PAFC internalization, induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and plasma membrane disintegration. The lack of hemolytic activity further corroborates the potential applicability of PAFC in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80–82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Alexander Kühbacher
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80–82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Attila Farkas
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Györgyi Váradi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (G.V.); (G.K.T.)
| | - Jose F. Marcos
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, E-46980 Valencia, Spain; (J.F.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Paloma Manzanares
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, E-46980 Valencia, Spain; (J.F.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Gábor K. Tóth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (G.V.); (G.K.T.)
- MTA-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Galgóczy
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (F.M.); Tel.: +36-62-599-600 (ext. 415) (L.G.); +43-512-9003 (ext. 70207) (F.M.)
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80–82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.H.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (F.M.); Tel.: +36-62-599-600 (ext. 415) (L.G.); +43-512-9003 (ext. 70207) (F.M.)
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