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Redrado S, Esteban P, Domingo MP, Lopez C, Rezusta A, Ramirez-Labrada A, Arias M, Pardo J, Galvez EM. Integration of In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Gliotoxin Production Reveals a Narrow Range of Producing Fungal Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040361. [PMID: 35448592 PMCID: PMC9030297 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliotoxin is a fungal secondary metabolite with impact on health and agriculture since it might act as virulence factor and contaminate human and animal food. Homologous gliotoxin (GT) gene clusters are spread across a number of fungal species although if they produce GT or other related epipolythiodioxopiperazines (ETPs) remains obscure. Using bioinformatic tools, we have identified homologous gli gene clusters similar to the A. fumigatus GT gene cluster in several fungal species. In silico study led to in vitro confirmation of GT and Bisdethiobis(methylthio)gliotoxin (bmGT) production in fungal strain cultures by HPLC detection. Despite we selected most similar homologous gli gene cluster in 20 different species, GT and bmGT were only detected in section Fumigati species and in a Trichoderma virens Q strain. Our results suggest that in silico gli homology analyses in different fungal strains to predict GT production might be only informative when accompanied by analysis about mycotoxin production in cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Redrado
- Instituto de Carboquımica ICB-CSIC, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.R.); (M.P.D.)
| | - Patricia Esteban
- Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Fundacion Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Aragon (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.E.); (A.R.-L.); (M.A.); (J.P.)
| | | | - Concepción Lopez
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (C.L.); (A.R.)
| | - Antonio Rezusta
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (C.L.); (A.R.)
| | - Ariel Ramirez-Labrada
- Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Fundacion Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Aragon (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.E.); (A.R.-L.); (M.A.); (J.P.)
| | - Maykel Arias
- Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Fundacion Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Aragon (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.E.); (A.R.-L.); (M.A.); (J.P.)
| | - Julián Pardo
- Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Fundacion Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Aragon (IIS Aragon), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (P.E.); (A.R.-L.); (M.A.); (J.P.)
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva M. Galvez
- Instituto de Carboquımica ICB-CSIC, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.R.); (M.P.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Do Mast Cells Contribute to the Antifungal Host Defense? Cells 2021; 10:cells10102510. [PMID: 34685489 PMCID: PMC8534142 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102510] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal kingdom includes a group of microorganisms that are widely distributed in the environment, and therefore the exposure to them is almost constant. Furthermore, fungal components of the microbiome, i.e., mycobiome, could serve as a reservoir of potentially opportunistic pathogens. Despite close encounters with fungi, defense mechanisms that develop during fungal infections remain unexplored. The strategic location of mast cells (MCs) close to the external environment places them among the first cells to encounter pathogens along with the other innate immune cells. MCs are directly involved in the host defense through the ability to destroy pathogens or indirectly by activating other immune cells. Most available data present MCs’ involvement in antibacterial, antiviral, or antiparasitic defense mechanisms. However, less is known about their contribution in defense mechanisms against fungi. MCs may support immune responses to fungi or their specific molecules through initiated degranulation, synthesis and release of cytokines, chemokines, mediators, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as immune cells’ recruitment, phagocytosis, or provision of extracellular DNA traps. This review summarizes current knowledge on host defense mechanisms against fungi and MCs’ involvement in those processes. It also describes the effects of fungi or fungus-derived constituents on MCs’ activity.
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Berry SB, Haack AJ, Theberge AB, Brighenti S, Svensson M. Host and Pathogen Communication in the Respiratory Tract: Mechanisms and Models of a Complex Signaling Microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:537. [PMID: 33015094 PMCID: PMC7511576 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00537] [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: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe, encompassing a diverse range of conditions from infections with pathogenic microorganisms to underlying genetic disorders. The respiratory tract represents an active interface with the external environment having the primary immune function of resisting pathogen intrusion and maintaining homeostasis in response to the myriad of stimuli encountered within its microenvironment. To perform these vital functions and prevent lung disorders, a chemical and biological cross-talk occurs in the complex milieu of the lung that mediates and regulates the numerous cellular processes contributing to lung health. In this review, we will focus on the role of cross-talk in chronic lung infections, and discuss how different cell types and signaling pathways contribute to the chronicity of infection(s) and prevent effective immune clearance of pathogens. In the lung microenvironment, pathogens have developed the capacity to evade mucosal immunity using different mechanisms or virulence factors, leading to colonization and infection of the host; such mechanisms include the release of soluble and volatile factors, as well as contact dependent (juxtracrine) interactions. We explore the diverse modes of communication between the host and pathogen in the lung tissue milieu in the context of chronic lung infections. Lastly, we review current methods and approaches used to model and study these host-pathogen interactions in vitro, and the role of these technological platforms in advancing our knowledge about chronic lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel B Berry
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Amanda J Haack
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Susanna Brighenti
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Svensson
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Arias M, Santiago L, Vidal-García M, Redrado S, Lanuza P, Comas L, Domingo MP, Rezusta A, Gálvez EM. Preparations for Invasion: Modulation of Host Lung Immunity During Pulmonary Aspergillosis by Gliotoxin and Other Fungal Secondary Metabolites. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2549. [PMID: 30459771 PMCID: PMC6232612 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary aspergillosis is a severe infectious disease caused by some members of the Aspergillus genus, that affects immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised patients. Among the different disease forms, Invasive Aspergillosis is the one causing the highest mortality, mainly, although not exclusively, affecting neutropenic patients. This genus is very well known by humans, since different sectors like pharmaceutical or food industry have taken advantage of the biological activity of some molecules synthetized by the fungus, known as secondary metabolites, including statins, antibiotics, fermentative compounds or colorants among others. However, during infection, in response to a hostile host environment, the fungal secondary metabolism is activated, producing different virulence factors to increase its survival chances. Some of these factors also contribute to fungal dissemination and invasion of adjacent and distant organs. Among the different secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. Gliotoxin (GT) is the best known and better characterized virulence factor. It is able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the disulfide bridge present in its structure. It also presents immunosuppressive activity related with its ability to kill mammalian cells and/or inactivate critical immune signaling pathways like NFkB. In this comprehensive review, we will briefly give an overview of the lung immune response against Aspergillus as a preface to analyse the effect of different secondary metabolites on the host immune response, with a special attention to GT. We will discuss the results reported in the literature on the context of the animal models employed to analyse the role of GT as virulence factor, which is expected to greatly depend on the immune status of the host: why should you hide when nobody is seeking for you? Finally, GT immunosuppressive activity will be related with different human diseases predisposing to invasive aspergillosis in order to have a global view on the potential of GT to be used as a target to treat IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maykel Arias
- Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Fac. Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Matxalen Vidal-García
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiología - Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Lanuza
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Fac. Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Comas
- Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Fac. Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rezusta
- Servicio de Microbiología - Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Abstract
Mast cells are hematopoietic progenitor-derived, granule-containing immune cells that are widely distributed in tissues that interact with the external environment, such as the skin and mucosal tissues. It is well-known that mast cells are significantly involved in IgE-mediated allergic reactions, but because of their location, it has also been long hypothesized that mast cells can act as sentinel cells that sense pathogens and initiate protective immune responses. Using mast cell or mast cell protease-deficient murine models, recent studies by our groups and others indicate that mast cells have pleiotropic regulatory roles in immunological responses against pathogens. In this review, we discuss studies that demonstrate that mast cells can either promote host resistance to infections caused by bacteria and fungi or contribute to dysregulated immune responses that can increase host morbidity and mortality. Overall, these studies indicate that mast cells can influence innate immune responses against bacterial and fungal infections via multiple mechanisms. Importantly, the contribution of mast cells to infection outcomes depends in part on the infection model, including the genetic approach used to assess the influence of mast cells on host immunity, hence highlighting the complexity of mast cell biology in the context of innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M Piliponsky
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Luigina Romani
- Pathology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Center of functional genomics (C.U.R.Ge.F.), Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Health Risks Associated with Exposure to Filamentous Fungi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14070719. [PMID: 28677641 PMCID: PMC5551157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi occur widely in the environment, contaminating soil, air, food and other substrates. Due to their wide distribution, they have medical and economic implications. Regardless of their use as a source of antibiotics, vitamins and raw materials for various industrially important chemicals, most fungi and filamentous fungi produce metabolites associated with a range of health risks, both in humans and in animals. The association of filamentous fungi and their metabolites to different negative health conditions in humans and animals, has contributed to the importance of investigating different health risks induced by this family of heterotrophs. This review aims to discuss health risks associated with commonly occurring filamentous fungal species which belong to genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium, as well as evaluating their pathogenicity and mycotoxic properties.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence highlights the reality of unprecedented human exposure to toxic chemical agents found throughout our environment - in our food and water supply, in the air we breathe, in the products we apply to our skin, in the medical and dental materials placed into our bodies, and even within the confines of the womb. With biomonitoring confirming the widespread bioaccumulation of myriad toxicants among population groups, expanding research continues to explore the pathobiological impact of these agents on human metabolism. METHODS This review was prepared by assessing available medical and scientific literature from Medline as well as by reviewing several books, toxicology journals, government publications, and conference proceedings. The format of a traditional integrated review was chosen. RESULTS Toxicant exposure and accrual has been linked to numerous biochemical and pathophysiological mechanisms of harm. Some toxicants effect metabolic disruption via multiple mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS As a primary causative determinant of chronic disease, toxicant exposures induce metabolic disruption in myriad ways, which consequently result in varied clinical manifestations, which are then categorized by health providers into innumerable diagnoses. Chemical disruption of human metabolism has become an etiological determinant of much illness throughout the lifecycle, from neurodevelopmental abnormalities in-utero to dementia in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Genuis
- a Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Edmond Kyrillos
- b Department of Family Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
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The bacterial quorum-sensing molecule, N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, inhibits mediator release and chemotaxis of murine mast cells. Inflamm Res 2016; 66:259-268. [PMID: 27896412 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-016-1013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bacterial colonization relies on communication between bacteria via so-called "quorum-sensing molecules", which include the acyl-homoserine lactone group. Certain acyl-homoserine lactones can modulate mammalian cell function and are thought to contribute to bacterial pathogenicity. Given the role of mast cells in host defense, we investigated the ability of acyl-homoserine lactones to modulate mast cell function. METHODS We utilized murine primary mast cell cultures to assess the effect of acyl-homoserine lactones on degranulation and cytokine release in response to different stimuli. We also assessed cell migration in response to chemoattractants. The effect of acyl-homoserine lactones in vivo was tested using a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model. RESULTS Two of the tested quorum-sensing molecules, N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone and N-Dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, inhibited IgE dependent and independent degranulation and mediator release from primary mast cells. Further testing of N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, the most potent inhibitor and a product of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, revealed that it also attenuated chemotaxis and LPS induced cytokine production. In vivo, N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis response in mice. CONCLUSION The ability of N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone to stabilize mast cells may contribute to the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa but could potentially be exploited therapeutically in allergic disease.
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Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) play a central role in tissue homoeostasis, sensing the local environment through numerous innate cell surface receptors. This enables them to respond rapidly to perceived tissue insults with a view to initiating a co-ordinated programme of inflammation and repair. However, when the tissue insult is chronic, the ongoing release of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators, proteases, cytokines and chemokines leads to tissue damage and remodelling. In asthma, there is strong evidence of ongoing MC activation, and their mediators and cell-cell signals are capable of regulating many facets of asthma pathophysiology. This article reviews the evidence behind this.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bradding
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - G Arthur
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Tshabalala N, Mrudula P, Dutton MF. Examination of Candida albicans strains from South Africa for the production of gliotoxin and other cytotoxic secondary metabolites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.5897/jyfr2015.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Manzanares-Miralles L, Sarikaya-Bayram Ö, Smith EB, Dolan SK, Bayram Ö, Jones GW, Doyle S. Quantitative proteomics reveals the mechanism and consequence of gliotoxin-mediated dysregulation of the methionine cycle in Aspergillus niger. J Proteomics 2016; 131:149-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Forsythe P. Microbes taming mast cells: Implications for allergic inflammation and beyond. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 778:169-75. [PMID: 26130124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing awareness of a relationship between our microbiota and the pathogenesis of allergy and other inflammatory diseases. In investigating the mechanisms underlying microbiota modulation of allergy the focus has been on the induction phase; alterations in the phenotype and function of antigen presenting cells, induction of regulatory T cells and shifts in Th1/Th2 balance. However there is evidence that microbes can influence the effector phase of disease, specifically that certain potentially beneficial bacteria can attenuate mast cell activation and degranulation. Furthermore, it appears that different non-pathogenic bacteria can utilize distinct mechanisms to stabilize mast cells, acting locally though direct interaction with the mast cell at mucosal sites or attenuating systemic mast cell dependent responses, likely through indirect signaling mechanisms. The position of mast cells on the frontline of defense against pathogens also suggests they may play an important role in fostering the host-microbiota relationship. Mast cells are also conduits of neuro-immuo-endocrine communication, suggesting the ability of microbes to modulate cell responses may have implications for host physiology beyond immunology. Further investigation of mast cell regulation by non-pathogenic or symbiotic bacteria will likely lead to a greater understanding of host microbiota interaction and the role of the microbiome in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Forsythe
- McMaster Brain-Body Institute at St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, The Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Mikkola R, Andersson MA, Hautaniemi M, Salkinoja-Salonen MS. Toxic indole alkaloids avrainvillamide and stephacidin B produced by a biocide tolerant indoor mold Aspergillus westerdijkiae. Toxicon 2015; 99:58-67. [PMID: 25804991 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxic Aspergillus westerdijkiae were present in house dust and indoor air fall-out from a residence and a kindergarten where the occupants suffered from building related ill health. The A. westerdijkiae isolates produced indole alkaloids avrainvillamide (445 Da) and its dimer stephacidin B (890 Da). It grew and sporulated in presence of high concentrations of boron or polyguanidine (PHMB, PHMG) based antimicrobial biocides used to remediate mold infested buildings. The boar sperm cells were used as sensor cells to purify toxins from HPLC fractions of the fungal biomass. Submicromolar concentrations (EC50 0.3-0.4 μM) blocked boar spermatozoan motility and killed porcine kidney tubular epithelial cells (PK-15). Plate grown hyphal mass of the A. westerdijkiae isolates contained 300-750 ng of avrainvillamide and 30-300 ng of stephacidin B per mg (wet weight). The toxins induced rapid (30 min) loss of boar sperm motility, followed (24 h) by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Apoptotic cell death was observed in PK-15 cell monolayers, prior to cessation of glucose uptake or loss of ΔΨm. Avrainvillamide and stephacidin B were 100-fold more potent towards the porcine cells than the mycotoxins stephacidin A, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin and citrinin. The high toxicity of stephacidin B indicates a role of nitrone group in the mechanism of toxicity. Avrainvillamide and stephacidin B represent a new class of toxins with possible a threat to human health in buildings. Furthermore, the use of biocides highly enhanced the growth of toxigenic A. westerdijkiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimo Mikkola
- Dept of Food and Environmental Science, POB56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland.
| | - Maria A Andersson
- Dept of Food and Environmental Science, POB56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
| | - Maria Hautaniemi
- Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA), Mustialankatu 3, FI000790 Helsinki, Finland
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Choi HW, Abraham SN. Mast cell mediator responses and their suppression by pathogenic and commensal microorganisms. Mol Immunol 2014; 63:74-9. [PMID: 24636146 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are selectively found at the host environment interface and are capable of secreting a wide array of pharmacologically active mediators, many of which are prepackaged in granules. Over the past two decades, it has become clear that these cells have the capacity to recognize a range of infectious agents allowing them to play a key role in initiating and modulating early immune responses to infectious agents. However, a number of pathogenic and commensal microbes appear to have evolved distinct mechanisms to suppress MC mediator release to avoid elimination in the host. Understanding how these microbes suppress MC functions may have significant therapeutic value to relieve inflammatory disorders mediated by MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Woong Choi
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Soman N Abraham
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
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16
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Choi HW, Brooking-Dixon R, Neupane S, Lee CJ, Miao EA, Staats HF, Abraham SN. Salmonella typhimurium impedes innate immunity with a mast-cell-suppressing protein tyrosine phosphatase, SptP. Immunity 2014; 39:1108-20. [PMID: 24332031 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The virulence of Salmonella is linked to its invasive capacity and suppression of adaptive immunity. This does not explain, however, the rapid dissemination of the pathogen after it breaches the gut. In our study, S. Typhimurium suppressed degranulation of local mast cells (MCs), resulting in limited neutrophil recruitment and restricting outflow of vascular contents into infection sites, thus facilitating bacterial spread. MC suppression was mediated by secreted effector protein (SptP), which shares structural homology with Yersinia YopH. SptP functioned by dephosphorylating the vesicle fusion protein N-ethylmalemide-sensitive factor and by blocking phosphorylation of Syk. Without SptP, orally challenged S. Typhimurium failed to suppress MC degranulation and exhibited limited colonization of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Administration of SptP to sites of E. coli infection markedly enhanced its virulence. Thus, SptP-mediated inactivation of local MCs is a powerful mechanism utilized by S. Typhimurium to impede early innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Woong Choi
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rhea Brooking-Dixon
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Subham Neupane
- Undergraduate Program in Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Chul-Jin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Edward A Miao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Herman F Staats
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Soman N Abraham
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke - National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
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Clark KB. Biotic activity of Ca(2+)-modulating non-traditional antimicrobial and -viral agents. Front Microbiol 2013; 4:381. [PMID: 24376441 PMCID: PMC3859912 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Clark
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Los Angeles, CA, USA
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18
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Romo-Lozano Y, Hernández-Hernández F, Salinas E. Mast Cell Activation by Conidia of Sporothrix schenckii: Role in the Severity of Infection. Scand J Immunol 2012; 76:11-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2012.02706.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Carberry S, Molloy E, Hammel S, O’Keeffe G, Jones GW, Kavanagh K, Doyle S. Gliotoxin effects on fungal growth: Mechanisms and exploitation. Fungal Genet Biol 2012; 49:302-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Rasmussen R, Rasmussen P, Larsen T, Bladt T, Binderup M. In vitro cytotoxicity of fungi spoiling maize silage. Food Chem Toxicol 2011; 49:31-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Revised: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus in Invasive Aspergillosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2009; 22:447-65. [PMID: 19597008 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00055-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 655] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species are globally ubiquitous saprophytes found in a variety of ecological niches. Almost 200 species of aspergilli have been identified, less than 20 of which are known to cause human disease. Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent and is largely responsible for the increased incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in the immunocompromised patient population. IA is a devastating illness, with mortality rates in some patient groups reaching as high as 90%. Studies identifying and assessing the roles of specific factors of A. fumigatus that contribute to the pathogenesis of IA have traditionally focused on single-gene deletion and mutant characterization. In combination with recent large-scale approaches analyzing global fungal responses to distinct environmental or host conditions, these studies have identified many factors that contribute to the overall pathogenic potential of A. fumigatus. Here, we provide an overview of the significant findings regarding A. fumigatus pathogenesis as it pertains to invasive disease.
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Suzuki Y, Yoshimaru T, Inoue T, Ra C. Discrete generations of intracellular hydrogen peroxide and superoxide in antigen-stimulated mast cells: reciprocal regulation of store-operated Ca2+ channel activity. Mol Immunol 2009; 46:2200-9. [PMID: 19467708 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells and T cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) after stimulation with the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) and T cell receptor. A growing body of evidence suggests the existence of ROS-regulated intracellular and/or plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels in these cells but their molecular entities remain to be identified. Here, we report that store-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOC) activity is regulated by superoxide (O(2)(*-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in mast cells. MnTBaP (Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin) and ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benziso-selenazol-3(2H)-one) selectively blocked the generation of O(2)(*-) and H(2)O(2), respectively, in antigen-stimulated cells. The H(2)O(2) generation was dependent on the Src family kinase (SFK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) activities but independent of extracellular Ca(2+), and the Fc epsilon RI beta-chain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif played an essential role. On the other hand, O(2)(*-) generation was strictly dependent on extracellular Ca(2+), but negatively regulated by the SFK and PI3K activities. Inhibition of O(2)(*-) generation resulted in increased H(2)O(2) generation and reduced SOC activity, although it had a minimal effect on endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) store depletion. On the contrary, inhibition of H(2)O(2) generation resulted in increased intracellular O(2)(*-) generation and augmented SOC activity. The findings suggest that O(2)(*-) and H(2)O(2), which are generated by separate signaling pathways/sources, reciprocally regulate SOC activity in mast cells. Such generations of multiple oxidant species and their distinct roles in the regulation of SOC activity may facilitate the fine tuning of Ca(2+) signaling in mast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Cell Immunology and Allergology, Nihon University Graduate School of Medical Science, 30-1 Oyaguchikami-cho Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Kwon-Chung KJ, Sugui JA. What do we know about the role of gliotoxin in the pathobiology of Aspergillus fumigatus? Med Mycol 2008; 47 Suppl 1:S97-103. [PMID: 18608908 DOI: 10.1080/13693780802056012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliotoxin is a member of the epipolythiodioxopiperazine class of toxins and is both the major and the most potent toxin produced by Aspergillus fumigatus. Since the discovery of the putative gliotoxin biosynthetic 12-gene cluster in the genome of A. fumigatus, five different laboratories have attempted to determine the role of this toxin in the virulence of A. fumigatus. The genes in the cluster that have been disrupted to study the pathobiological importance of gliotoxin include gliZ that encodes a transcription factor and gliP that encodes a nonribosomal peptide synthase. Two of the five laboratories have reported gliotoxin to be an important virulence determinant of A. fumigatus, while the other three laboratories have shown it to be unimportant. Comparisons of the data generated among the five laboratories revealed that the immunosuppressive regimen used for mice was the key factor that contributed to the observed disparity. Regardless of either the mouse strains used or the route of infection, immunosuppression with a combination of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids (neutropenic mice) showed gliotoxin to be unimportant. The mice immunosuppressed with corticosteroids alone, however, revealed that gliotoxin is an important virulence determinant of A. fumigatus. These studies indicate that the neutropenic mice model is inadequate to reveal the pathobiological importance of fungal secondary metabolites in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung J Kwon-Chung
- Molecular Microbiology Section, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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Nedvěd J, Sulc M, Jegorov A, Giannakopulos A, Havlicek V. Application of Fungal Cyclic Peptides and Metabolites. Clin Proteomics 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527622153.ch27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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25
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Inoue T, Suzuki Y, Yoshimaru T, Ra C. Reactive oxygen species produced up- or downstream of calcium influx regulate proinflammatory mediator release from mast cells: role of NADPH oxidase and mitochondria. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2007; 1783:789-802. [PMID: 18178162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 12/06/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Earlier studies have demonstrated that mast cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a role in regulating Ca(2+) influx, while in other cell types ROS are produced in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. We sought to determine whether ROS are produced downstream of the extracellular Ca(2+) entry in mast cells. Thapsigargin (TG), a receptor-independent agonist, could evoke a robust burst of intracellular ROS. However, this response was distinct from the antigen-induced burst of ROS with respect to time course and dependence on Ca(2+) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). The antigen-induced ROS generation occurred immediately, while the TG-induced ROS generation occurred with a significant lag time (~2 min). Antigen but not TG caused extracellular release of superoxide (O(2)(*-))/hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), which was blocked by diphenyleneiodonium, apocynin, and wortmannin. A capacitative Ca(2+) entry resulted in the generation of O(2)(*-) in the mitochondria in a PI3K-independent manner. Blockade of ROS generation inhibited TG-induced mediator release. Finally, when used together, antigen and TG evoked the release of leukotriene C(4), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-13 as well as ROS generation synergistically. These results suggest that ROS produced upstream of Ca(2+) influx by NADPH oxidase and downstream of Ca(2+) influx by the mitochondria regulate the proinflammatory response of mast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Inoue
- Division of Molecular Cell Immunology and Allergology, Advanced Medical Research Center, Nihon University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Choi HS, Shim JS, Kim JA, Kang SW, Kwon HJ. Discovery of gliotoxin as a new small molecule targeting thioredoxin redox system. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 359:523-8. [PMID: 17544368 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.05.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 05/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin redox system has been implicated as an intracellular anti-oxidant defense system leading to reduction of cellular oxidative stresses utilizing electrons from NADPH. From high content screening of small molecules targeting the system, gliotoxin, a fungal metabolite, was identified as an active compound. Gliotoxin potently accelerates NADPH oxidation and reduces H(2)O(2). The compound reduces H(2)O(2) to H(2)O by replacing the function of peroxiredoxin in vitro and decreases intracellular level of H(2)O(2) in HeLa cells. The anti-oxidant activity of gliotoxin was further validated H(2)O(2)-mediated cellular phenotype of angiogenesis. The proliferation of endothelial cells was inhibited by the compound at nanomolar range. In addition, H(2)O(2)-induced tube formation and invasion of the cells were blocked by gliotoxin. Together, these results demonstrate that gliotoxin is a new small molecule targeting thioredoxin redox system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Shim Choi
- Chemical Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
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Swindle EJ, Metcalfe DD. The role of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in mast cell-dependent inflammatory processes. Immunol Rev 2007; 217:186-205. [PMID: 17498060 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2007.00513.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen oxide species (RNOS), including nitric oxide, are produced in cells by a variety of enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. At high levels, both types of oxidants are used to kill ingested organisms within phagocytes. At low levels, RNOS may diffuse outside cells where they impact the vasculature and nervous system. Recent evidence suggests that low levels of ROS produced within cells are involved in cell signaling. Along with these physiological roles, many pathological conditions exist where detrimental high-level ROS and RNOS are produced. Many situations in which ROS/RNOS are associated also involve mast cell activation. In innate immunity, such mast cells are involved in the immune response toward pathogens. In acquired immunity, activation of mast cells by cross-linking of receptor-bound immunoglobulin E causes the release of mediators involved in the allergic inflammatory response. In this review, we describe the principle pathways for ROS and RNOS generation by cells and discuss the existence of such pathways in mast cells. In addition, we examine the evidence for a functional role for ROS and RNOS in mast cell secretory responses and discuss evidence for a direct relationship between ROS, RNOS, and mast cells in mast cell-dependent inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Swindle
- Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-6961, USA.
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28
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Sugui JA, Pardo J, Chang YC, Zarember KA, Nardone G, Galvez EM, Müllbacher A, Gallin JI, Simon MM, Kwon-Chung KJ. Gliotoxin is a virulence factor of Aspergillus fumigatus: gliP deletion attenuates virulence in mice immunosuppressed with hydrocortisone. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2007; 6:1562-9. [PMID: 17601876 PMCID: PMC2043361 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00141-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Gliotoxin is an immunosuppressive mycotoxin long suspected to be a potential virulence factor of Aspergillus fumigatus. Recent studies using mutants lacking gliotoxin production, however, suggested that the mycotoxin is not important for pathogenesis of A. fumigatus in neutropenic mice resulting from treatment with cyclophosphomide and hydrocortisone. In this study, we report on the pathobiological role of gliotoxin in two different mouse strains, 129/Sv and BALB/c, that were immunosuppressed by hydrocortisone alone to avoid neutropenia. These strains of mice were infected using the isogenic set of a wild type strain (B-5233) and its mutant strain (gliPDelta) and the the glip reconstituted strain (gliP(R)). The gliP gene encodes a nonribosomal peptide synthase that catalyzes the first step in gliotoxin biosynthesis. The gliPDelta strain was significantly less virulent than strain B-5233 or gliP(R) in both mouse models. In vitro assays with culture filtrates (CFs) of B-5233, gliPDelta, and gliP(R) strains showed the following: (i) deletion of gliP abrogated gliotoxin production, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis; (ii) unlike the CFs from strains B-5233 and gliP(R), gliPDelta CFs failed to induce proapoptotic processes in EL4 thymoma cells, as tested by Bak conformational change, mitochondrial-membrane potential disruption, superoxide production, caspase 3 activation, and phosphatidylserine translocation. Furthermore, superoxide production in human neutrophils was strongly inhibited by CFs from strain B-5233 and the gliP(R) strain, but not the gliPDelta strain. Our study confirms that gliotoxin is an important virulence determinant of A. fumigatus and that the type of immunosuppression regimen used is important to reveal the pathogenic potential of gliotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janyce A Sugui
- Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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29
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Bok JW, Chung D, Balajee SA, Marr KA, Andes D, Nielsen KF, Frisvad JC, Kirby KA, Keller NP. GliZ, a transcriptional regulator of gliotoxin biosynthesis, contributes to Aspergillus fumigatus virulence. Infect Immun 2006; 74:6761-8. [PMID: 17030582 PMCID: PMC1698057 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00780-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliotoxin is a nonribosomal peptide produced by Aspergillus fumigatus. This compound has been proposed as an A. fumigatus virulence factor due to its cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic properties. Recent identification of the gliotoxin gene cluster identified several genes (gli genes) likely involved in gliotoxin production, including gliZ, encoding a putative Zn(2)Cys(6) binuclear transcription factor. Replacement of gliZ with a marker gene (DeltagliZ) resulted in no detectable gliotoxin production and loss of gene expression of other gli cluster genes. Placement of multiple copies of gliZ in the genome increased gliotoxin production. Using endpoint survival data, the DeltagliZ and a multiple-copy gliZ strain were not statistically different from the wild type in a murine pulmonary model; however, both the wild-type and the multiple-copy gliZ strain were more virulent than DeltalaeA (a mutant reduced in production of gliotoxin and other toxins). A flow-cytometric analysis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) exposed to supernatants from wild-type, DeltagliZ, complemented DeltagliZ, and DeltalaeA strains supported a role for gliotoxin in apoptotic but not necrotic PMN cell death. This may indicate that several secondary metabolites are involved in A. fumigatus virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Woo Bok
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 882 Russell Labs, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Cramer RA, Gamcsik MP, Brooking RM, Najvar LK, Kirkpatrick WR, Patterson TF, Balibar CJ, Graybill JR, Perfect JR, Abraham SN, Steinbach WJ. Disruption of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase in Aspergillus fumigatus eliminates gliotoxin production. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2006; 5:972-80. [PMID: 16757745 PMCID: PMC1489275 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00049-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The fungal secondary metabolite gliotoxin produced by Aspergillus fumigatus has been hypothesized to be important in the development of invasive aspergillosis. In this study, we addressed this hypothesis by disrupting a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) (encoded by gliP) predicted to be involved in gliotoxin production. Mutants with a disrupted gliP locus failed to produce gliotoxin, which confirmed the role of the NRPS encoded by gliP in gliotoxin biosynthesis. We found no morphological, developmental, or physiological defects in DeltagliP mutant strains. In addition, disruption of gliP resulted in down regulation of gene expression in the gliotoxin biosynthesis gene cluster, which was restored with addition of exogenous gliotoxin. This interesting result suggests a role for gliotoxin in regulating its own production. Culture filtrates from the DeltagliP mutant were unable to inhibit ionomycin-dependent degranulation of mast cells, suggesting a role for gliotoxin in suppressing mast cell degranulation and possibly in disease development. However, the DeltagliP mutant did not have an impact on survival or tissue burden in a murine inhalational model of invasive aspergillosis. This result suggests that gliotoxin is not required for virulence in an immunosuppressed host with an invasive pulmonary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Cramer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Jegorov A, Hajduch M, Sulc M, Havlicek V. Nonribosomal cyclic peptides: specific markers of fungal infections. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2006; 41:563-76. [PMID: 16770826 DOI: 10.1002/jms.1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Some cyclic peptides and depsipeptides are synthesized in microorganisms by large multienzymes called nonribosomal peptide synthetases. The structures of peptide products originating in this way are complex and diverse and are microorganism-specific. This work proposes the use of fungal cyclic peptides and depsipeptides as extremely specific markers of fungal infections. Since a reliable molecular tool for diagnosing fungal infections at an early stage is still missing, we present mass spectrometry as a new, modern, broadband (with respect to fungal strain) and specific tool for clinical mycologists. More than 40 different fungal species can be rapidly characterized according to specific families of cyclic peptides, and in some cases, a particular fungal strain can be identified on the basis of its cyclopeptide profile. This paper is also aimed at initiating discussion on the biological role of these secondary metabolites, especially of those synthesized by medically important strains. Proven cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive activities of some cyclic peptides indicate that these molecules may contribute to the synergistic array of fungal virulence factors and support microbial invasion during fungal infection. In addition to an overview on recent mass spectrometric protocols for cyclic peptide sequencing, the structures of new peptides from Paecilomyces and Pseudallescheria are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Jegorov
- IVAX Pharmaceuticals, Branisovska 31, CZ-370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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