1
|
Fang J, Zhou G, Zhao H, Xie D, Zhang J, Kües U, Xiao Y, Fang Z, Liu J. An apoptosis-inducing factor controls programmed cell death and laccase expression during fungal interactions. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:135. [PMID: 38229306 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Apoptotic-like programmed cell death (PCD) is one of the main strategies for fungi to resist environmental stresses and maintain homeostasis. The apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) has been shown in different fungi to trigger PCD through upregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study identified a mitochondrial localized AIF homolog, CcAIF1, from Coprinopsis cinerea monokaryon Okayama 7. Heterologous overexpression of CcAIF1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae caused apoptotic-like PCD of the yeast cells. Ccaif1 was increased in transcription when C. cinerea interacted with Gongronella sp. w5, accompanied by typical apoptotic-like PCD in C. cinerea, including phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation. Decreased mycelial ROS levels were observed in Ccaif1 silenced C. cinerea transformants during cocultivation, as well as reduction of the apoptotic levels, mycelial growth, and asexual sporulation. By comparison, Ccaif1 overexpression led to the opposite phenotypes. Moreover, the transcription and expression levels of laccase Lcc9 decreased by Ccaif1 silencing but increased firmly in Ccaif1 overexpression C. cinerea transformants in coculture. Thus, in conjunction with our previous report that intracellular ROS act as signal molecules to stimulate defense responses, we conclude that CcAIF1 is a regulator of ROS to promote apoptotic-like PCD and laccase expression in fungal-fungal interactions. In an axenic culture of C. cinerea, CcAIF1 overexpression and H2O2 stimulation together increased laccase secretion with multiplied production yield. The expression of two other normally silent isozymes, Lcc8 and Lcc13, was unexpectedly triggered along with Lcc9. KEY POINTS: • Mitochondrial CcAIF1 induces PCD during fungal-fungal interactions • CcAIF1 is a regulator of ROS to trigger the expression of Lcc9 for defense • CcAIF1 overexpression and H2O2 stimulation dramatically increase laccase production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junnan Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Huifang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Dengdeng Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Jingna Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Ursula Kües
- Molecular Wood Biotechnology and Technical Mycology, Büsgen‑Institute, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Yazhong Xiao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Zemin Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
| | - Juanjuan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Microorganisms and Biocatalysis, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Flipphi M, Márton A, Bíró V, Ág N, Sándor E, Fekete E, Karaffa L. Mutations in the Second Alternative Oxidase Gene: A New Approach to Group Aspergillus niger Strains. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050570. [PMID: 37233281 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative oxidase is a terminal oxidase in the branched mitochondrial electron transport chain of most fungi including Aspergillus niger (subgenus Circumdati, section Nigri). A second, paralogous aox gene (aoxB) is extant in some A. niger isolates but also present in two divergent species of the subgenus Nidulantes-A. calidoustus and A. implicatus-as well as in Penicillium swiecickii. Black aspergilli are cosmopolitan opportunistic fungi that can cause diverse mycoses and acute aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. Amongst the approximately 75 genome-sequenced A. niger strains, aoxB features considerable sequence variation. Five mutations were identified that rationally affect transcription or function or terminally modify the gene product. One mutant allele that occurs in CBS 513.88 and A. niger neotype strain CBS 554.65 involves a chromosomal deletion that removes exon 1 and intron 1 from aoxB. Another aoxB allele results from retrotransposon integration. Three other alleles result from point mutations: a missense mutation of the start codon, a frameshift, and a nonsense mutation. A. niger strain ATCC 1015 has a full-length aoxB gene. The A. niger sensu stricto complex can thus be subdivided into six taxa according to extant aoxB allele, which may facilitate rapid and accurate identification of individual species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel Flipphi
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Márton
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vivien Bíró
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Norbert Ág
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Sándor
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Fekete
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Karaffa
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kajjumba GW, Bokota RE, Attene-Ramos M, Marti EJ. Evaluation of disinfection byproducts for their ability to affect mitochondrial function. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 117:295-304. [PMID: 35725082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the race to deliver clean water to communities through potable water reuse, disinfection and water quality assessment are and will continue to be fundamental factors. There are over 700 disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in water; evaluating each compound is practically impossible and very time consuming. A bioanalytical approach could be an answer to this challenge. In this work, the response of four major classes of DBPs toward mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and cytoplasmic adenosine triphosphate (C-ATP) was investigated with human carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Within 90 min of cell exposure, only the haloacetic acid (HAA) mixture caused a cytotoxic response as measured by C-ATP. All four groups (haloacetonitriles (HANs), trihalomethanes (THMs), nitrosamines (NOAs), and HAAs) responded well to ΔΨm, R2 > 0.70. Based on the half-maximum concentration that evoked a 50% response in ΔΨm, the response gradient was HANs >> HAAs ∼ THM > NOAs. The inhibition of the ΔΨm by HANs is driven by dibromoacetonitrile (DBAN), while dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) did not cause a significant change in the ΔΨm at less than 2000 µM. A mixture of HANs exhibited an antagonistic behavior on the ΔΨm compared to individual compounds. If water samples are concentrated to increase HAN concentrations, especially DBAN, then ΔΨm could be used as a biomonitoring tool for DBP toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachael E Bokota
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Matias Attene-Ramos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Erica J Marti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is one of the most studied cell-cell communication mechanisms in fungi. Research in the last 20 years has explored various fungal QS systems that are involved in a wide range of biological processes, especially eukaryote- or fungus-specific behaviors, mirroring the significant contribution of QS regulation to fungal biology and evolution. Based on recent progress, we summarize in this review fungal QS regulation, with an emphasis on its functional role in behaviors unique to fungi or eukaryotes. We suggest that using fungi as genetically amenable eukaryotic model systems to address why and how QS regulation is integrated into eukaryotic reproductive strategies and molecular or cellular processes could be an important direction for QS research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Weixin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Linqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Leiter É, Csernoch L, Pócsi I. Programmed cell death in human pathogenic fungi - a possible therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:1039-1048. [PMID: 30360667 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1541087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are increasing because of antibiotic overuse, the rise of immunosuppressive therapies, and climate change. The limited variety of antimycotics and the rapid adaptation of pathogenic fungi to antifungal agents serve to exacerbate this issue. Unfortunately, about 1.6 million people are killed by fungal infections annually. Areas covered: The discovery of the small antimicrobial proteins produced by microorganisms, animals, humans, and plants will hopefully overcome challenges in the treatment of fungal infections. These small proteins are highly stable and any resistance to them rarely evolves; therefore, they are potentially good candidates for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by pathogenic fungi. Some of these proteins target the programmed cell death machinery of pathogenic fungi; this is potentially a novel approach in antimycotic therapies. In this review, we highlight the elements of apoptosis in human pathogenic fungi and related model organisms and discuss the possible therapeutic potential of the apoptosis-inducing, small, antifungal proteins. Expert opinion: Small antimicrobial proteins may establish a new class of antimycotics in the future. The rarity of resistance and their synergistic effects with other frequently used antifungal agents may help pave the way for their use in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Éva Leiter
- a Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - László Csernoch
- b Department of Physiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- a Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gonçalves AP, Heller J, Daskalov A, Videira A, Glass NL. Regulated Forms of Cell Death in Fungi. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1837. [PMID: 28983298 PMCID: PMC5613156 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death occurs in all domains of life. While some cells die in an uncontrolled way due to exposure to external cues, other cells die in a regulated manner as part of a genetically encoded developmental program. Like other eukaryotic species, fungi undergo programmed cell death (PCD) in response to various triggers. For example, exposure to external stress conditions can activate PCD pathways in fungi. Calcium redistribution between the extracellular space, the cytoplasm and intracellular storage organelles appears to be pivotal for this kind of cell death. PCD is also part of the fungal life cycle, in which it occurs during sexual and asexual reproduction, aging, and as part of development associated with infection in phytopathogenic fungi. Additionally, a fungal non-self-recognition mechanism termed heterokaryon incompatibility (HI) also involves PCD. Some of the molecular players mediating PCD during HI show remarkable similarities to major constituents involved in innate immunity in metazoans and plants. In this review we discuss recent research on fungal PCD mechanisms in comparison to more characterized mechanisms in metazoans. We highlight the role of PCD in fungi in response to exogenic compounds, fungal development and non-self-recognition processes and discuss identified intracellular signaling pathways and molecules that regulate fungal PCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pedro Gonçalves
- Plant and Microbial Biology Department, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, United States
| | - Jens Heller
- Plant and Microbial Biology Department, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, United States
| | - Asen Daskalov
- Plant and Microbial Biology Department, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, United States
| | - Arnaldo Videira
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal.,I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdePorto, Portugal
| | - N Louise Glass
- Plant and Microbial Biology Department, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu J, Wang F, Ma A, Zhuang G, Liu Y, Lu J, Guo C, Liu C. Farnesol stimulates laccase production in
Trametes versicolor. Eng Life Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201500082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Anzhou Ma
- Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Zhuang
- Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Jingsong Lu
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Chunzhao Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wongsuk T, Pumeesat P, Luplertlop N. Fungal quorum sensing molecules: Role in fungal morphogenesis and pathogenicity. J Basic Microbiol 2016; 56:440-7. [PMID: 26972663 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
When microorganisms live together in high numbers, they need to communicate with each other. To achieve cell-cell communication, microorganisms secrete molecules called quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) that control their biological activities and behaviors. Fungi secrete QSMs such as farnesol, tyrosol, phenylethanol, and tryptophol. The role of QSMs in fungi has been widely studied in both yeasts and filamentous fungi, for example in Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, Aspergillus niger, A. nidulans, and Fusarium graminearum. QSMs impact fungal morphogenesis (yeast-to-hypha formation) and also play a role in the germination of macroconidia. QSMs cause fungal cells to initiate programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and play a role in fungal pathogenicity. Several types of QSMs are produced during stages of biofilm development to control cell population or morphology in biofilm communities. This review article emphasizes the role of fungal QSMs, especially in fungal morphogenesis, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity. Information about QSMs may lead to improved measures for controlling fungal infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanwa Wongsuk
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Potjaman Pumeesat
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natthanej Luplertlop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Emerging and Neglected Infectious Diseases, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Involvement of mitochondrial proteins in calcium signaling and cell death induced by staurosporine in Neurospora crassa. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2015; 1847:1064-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
10
|
Multiple Phosphatases Regulate Carbon Source-Dependent Germination and Primary Metabolism in Aspergillus nidulans. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2015; 5:857-72. [PMID: 25762568 PMCID: PMC4426372 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.016667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus nidulans is an important mold and a model system for the study of fungal cell biology. In addition, invasive A. nidulans pulmonary infections are common in humans with chronic granulomatous disease. The morphological and biochemical transition from dormant conidia into active, growing, filamentous hyphae requires the coordination of numerous biosynthetic, developmental, and metabolic processes. The present study exhibited the diversity of roles performed by seven phosphatases in regulating cell cycle, development, and metabolism in response to glucose and alternative carbon sources. The identified phosphatases highlighted the importance of several signaling pathways regulating filamentous growth, the action of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex as a metabolic switch controlling carbon usage, and the identification of the key function performed by the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase during germination. These novel insights into the fundamental roles of numerous phosphatases in germination and carbon sensing have provided new avenues of research into the identification of inhibitors of fungal germination, with implications for the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gonçalves AP, Videira A. Mitochondrial type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenases in fungal cell death. MICROBIAL CELL 2015; 2:68-73. [PMID: 28357279 PMCID: PMC5349180 DOI: 10.15698/mic2015.03.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
During aerobic respiration, cells produce energy through oxidative phosphorylation, which includes a specialized group of multi-subunit complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane known as the electron transport chain. However, this canonical pathway is branched into single polypeptide alternative routes in some fungi, plants, protists and bacteria. They confer metabolic plasticity, allowing cells to adapt to different environmental conditions and stresses. Type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenases (also called alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases) are non-proton pumping enzymes that bypass complex I. Recent evidence points to the involvement of fungal alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases in the process of programmed cell death, in addition to their action as overflow systems upon oxidative stress. Consistent with this, alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases are phylogenetically related to cell death - promoting proteins of the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)-family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pedro Gonçalves
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal. ; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal. ; Current address: Plant and Microbial Biology Department, The University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Arnaldo Videira
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal. ; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal. ; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Perkhofer S, Zenzmaier C, Frealle E, Blatzer M, Hackl H, Sartori B, Lass-Flörl C. Differential gene expression in Aspergillus fumigatus induced by human platelets in vitro. Int J Med Microbiol 2015; 305:327-38. [PMID: 25661519 PMCID: PMC4415150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is characterized by vascular invasion and thrombosis. In order to determine the antifungal activity of human platelets, hyphal elongation and metabolic activity of a clinical A. fumigatus isolate were measured. Genome-wide identification of differentially expressed genes in A. fumigatus was performed after exposure to platelets for 15, 30, 60 and 180 min. Data were analyzed by gene ontology annotation as well as functional categories (FunCat) and KEGG enrichment analyses. Platelets attenuated hyphal elongation and viability of A. fumigatus and in total 584 differentially expressed genes were identified, many of which were associated with regulation of biological processes, stress response, transport and metabolism. FunCat and KEGG enrichment analyses showed stress response and metabolic adaptation to be increased in response to platelets. Our findings demonstrate that A. fumigatus displayed a specific transcriptional response when exposed to platelets, thus reflecting their antifungal activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Perkhofer
- University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | - Emilie Frealle
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Institut Pasteur de Lille, Biology and Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDEEP), INSERM U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Univ. Lille Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Michael Blatzer
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Sartori
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Colabardini AC, Ries LNA, Brown NA, Savoldi M, Dinamarco TM, von Zeska MR, Goldman MHS, Goldman GH. Protein kinase C overexpression suppresses calcineurin-associated defects in Aspergillus nidulans and is involved in mitochondrial function. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104792. [PMID: 25153325 PMCID: PMC4143261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In filamentous fungi, intracellular signaling pathways which are mediated by changing calcium levels and/or by activated protein kinase C (Pkc), control fungal adaptation to external stimuli. A rise in intracellular Ca2+ levels activates calcineurin subunit A (CnaA), which regulates cellular calcium homeostasis among other processes. Pkc is primarily involved in maintaining cell wall integrity (CWI) in response to different environmental stresses. Cross-talk between the Ca2+ and Pkc-mediated pathways has mainly been described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in a few other filamentous fungi. The presented study describes a genetic interaction between CnaA and PkcA in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Overexpression of pkcA partially rescues the phenotypes caused by a cnaA deletion. Furthermore, CnaA appears to affect the regulation of a mitogen-activated kinase, MpkA, involved in the CWI pathway. Reversely, PkcA is involved in controlling intracellular calcium homeostasis, as was confirmed by microarray analysis. Furthermore, overexpression of pkcA in a cnaA deletion background restores mitochondrial number and function. In conclusion, PkcA and CnaA-mediated signaling appear to share common targets, one of which appears to be MpkA of the CWI pathway. Both pathways also regulate components involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. This study describes targets for PkcA and CnaA-signaling pathways in an A. nidulans and identifies a novel interaction of both pathways in the regulation of cellular respiration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Neil Andrew Brown
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela Savoldi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taísa Magnani Dinamarco
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Regina von Zeska
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena S. Goldman
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Henrique Goldman
- Laboratório Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia do Bioetanol – CTBE, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The Aspergillus nidulans ATM kinase regulates mitochondrial function, glucose uptake and the carbon starvation response. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2014; 4:49-62. [PMID: 24192833 PMCID: PMC3887539 DOI: 10.1534/g3.113.008607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria supply cellular energy and also perform a role in the adaptation to metabolic stress. In mammals, the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase acts as a redox sensor controlling mitochondrial function. Subsequently, transcriptomic and genetic studies were utilized to elucidate the role played by a fungal ATM homolog during carbon starvation. In Aspergillus nidulans, AtmA was shown to control mitochondrial function and glucose uptake. Carbon starvation responses that are regulated by target of rapamycin (TOR) were shown to be AtmA-dependent, including autophagy and hydrolytic enzyme secretion. AtmA also regulated a p53-like transcription factor, XprG, inhibiting starvation-induced XprG-dependent protease secretion and cell death. Thus, AtmA possibly represents a direct or indirect link between mitochondrial stress, metabolism, and growth through the influence of TOR and XprG function. The coordination of cell growth and division with nutrient availability is crucial for all microorganisms to successfully proliferate in a heterogeneous environment. Mitochondria supply cellular energy but also perform a role in the adaptation to metabolic stress and the cross-talk between prosurvival and prodeath pathways. The present study of Aspergillus nidulans demonstrated that AtmA also controlled mitochondrial mass, function, and oxidative phosphorylation, which directly or indirectly influenced glucose uptake. Carbon starvation responses, including autophagy, shifting metabolism to the glyoxylate cycle, and the secretion of carbon scavenging enzymes were AtmA-dependent. Transcriptomic profiling of the carbon starvation response demonstrated how TOR signaling and the retrograde response, which signals mitochondrial dysfunction, were directly or indirectly influenced by AtmA. The AtmA kinase was also shown to influence a p53-like transcription factor, inhibiting starvation-induced XprG-dependent protease secretion and cell death. Therefore, in response to metabolic stress, AtmA appears to perform a role in the regulation of TOR signaling, involving the retrograde and SnfA pathways. Thus, AtmA may represent a link between mitochondrial function and cell cycle or growth, possibly through the influence of the TOR and XprG function.
Collapse
|
15
|
Luis P, Gauthier A, Trouvelot S, Poinssot B, Frettinger P. Identification of Plasmopara viticola genes potentially involved in pathogenesis on grapevine suggests new similarities between oomycetes and true fungi. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2013; 103:1035-44. [PMID: 23634808 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-06-12-0121-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Plant diseases caused by fungi and oomycetes result in significant economic losses every year. Although phylogenetically distant, these organisms share many common features during infection. We identified genes in the oomycete Plasmopara viticola that are potentially involved in pathogenesis in grapevine by using fungal databases and degenerate primers. Fragments of P. viticola genes encoding NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (PvNuo), laccase (PvLac), and invertase (PvInv) were obtained. PvNuo was overexpressed at 2 days postinoculation (dpi), during the development of the first hyphal structures and haustoria. PvLac was overexpressed at 5 dpi when genes related to pterostilbene biosynthesis were induced in grapevine. Transcript level for PvInv increased between 1 and 4 dpi before reaching a plateau. These results might suggest a finely tuned strategy of infection depending on nutrition and plant response. Phylogenetic analyses of PvNuo showed that P. viticola clustered with other oomycetes and was associated with brown algae and diatoms, forming a typical Straminipila clade. Based on the comparison of available sequences for laccases and invertases, the group formed by P. viticola and other oomycetes tended to be more closely related to Opisthokonta than to Straminipila. Convergent evolution or horizontal gene transfer could explain the presence of fungus-like genes in P. viticola.
Collapse
|
16
|
Shirazi F, Kontoyiannis DP. Mitochondrial respiratory pathways inhibition in Rhizopus oryzae potentiates activity of posaconazole and itraconazole via apoptosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63393. [PMID: 23696824 PMCID: PMC3656966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of mucormycosis has increased drastically in immunocompromised patients. Also the array of targets whose inhibition results in Mucorales death is limited. Recently, researchers identified mitochondria as important regulators of detoxification and virulence mechanisms in fungi. In this context, targeting the mitochondrial respiratory chain may provide a new platform for antifungal development. We hypothesized that targeting respiratory pathways potentiates triazoles activity via apoptosis. We found that simultaneous administration of antimycin A (AA) and benzohydroxamate (BHAM), inhibitors of classical and alternative mitochondrial pathways respectively, resulted in potent activity of posaconazole (PCZ) and itraconazole (ICZ) against Rhizopus oryzae. We observed cellular changes characteristic of apoptosis in R. oryzae cells treated with PCZ or ICZ in combination with AA and BHAM. The fungicidal activity of this combination against R. oryzae was correlated with intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation (ROS), phosphatidylserine externalization, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and increased caspase like activity. DNA fragmentation and condensation assays also revealed apoptosis of R. oryzae cells. These apoptotic features were prevented by the addition of the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine. Taken together, these findings suggest that the use of PCZ or ICZ in combination with AA and BHAM makes R. oryzae exquisitely sensitive to treatment with triazoles via apoptosis. This strategy may serve as a new model for the development of improved or novel antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Shirazi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Unit 402, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Unit 402, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Szilágyi M, Miskei M, Karányi Z, Lenkey B, Pócsi I, Emri T. Transcriptome changes initiated by carbon starvation in Aspergillus nidulans. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2012; 159:176-190. [PMID: 23154970 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.062935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Carbon starvation is a common stress for micro-organisms both in nature and in industry. The carbon starvation stress response (CSSR) involves the regulation of several important processes including programmed cell death and reproduction of fungi, secondary metabolite production and extracellular hydrolase formation. To gain insight into the physiological events of CSSR, DNA microarray analyses supplemented with real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) experiments on 99 selected genes were performed. These data demonstrated that carbon starvation induced very complex changes in the transcriptome. Several genes contributing to protein synthesis were upregulated together with genes involved in the unfolded protein stress response. The balance between biosynthesis and degradation moved towards degradation in the case of cell wall, carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism, which was accompanied by the production of several hydrolytic enzymes and the induction of macroautophagy. These processes provide the cultures with long-term survival by liberating nutrients through degradation of the cell constituents. The induced synthesis of secondary metabolites, antifungal enzymes and proteins as well as bacterial cell wall-degrading enzymes demonstrated that carbon-starving fungi should have marked effects on the micro-organisms in their surroundings. Due to the increased production of extracellular and vacuolar enzymes during carbon starvation, the importance of the endoplasmic reticulum increased considerably.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Szilágyi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márton Miskei
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Karányi
- Department of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Körút 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Béla Lenkey
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Emri
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Proteome analysis of the farnesol-induced stress response in Aspergillus nidulans--The role of a putative dehydrin. J Proteomics 2012; 75:4038-49. [PMID: 22634043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The isoprenoid alcohol farnesol represents a quorum-sensing molecule in pathogenic yeasts, but was also shown to inhibit the growth of many filamentous fungi. In order to gain a deeper insight into the antifungal activity of farnesol, we performed 2D-differential gel electrophoretic analysis (2D-DIGE) of Aspergillus nidulans exposed to farnesol. We observed an increased abundance of antioxidative enzymes and proteins involved in protein folding and the ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. A striking finding was the strong up-regulation of a dehydrin-like protein (DlpA). Expression analyses suggested the involvement of DlpA in the cellular response to oxidative, osmotic and cold stress. In line with these data, we demonstrated that dlpA expression was regulated by the MAP kinase SakA/HogA. The generation of both a dlpA Tet(on) antisense RNA-producing A. nidulans strain (dlpA-inv) and a ΔdlpA deletion mutant indicated a role of DlpA in conidiation and stress resistance of dormant conidia against heat and ROS. Furthermore, the production of the secondary metabolite sterigmatocystin was absent in both strains dlpA-inv and ΔdlpA. Our results demonstrate the complexity of the farnesol-mediated stress response in A. nidulans and describe a farnesol-inducible dehydrin-like protein that contributes to the high tolerance of resting conidia against oxidative and heat stress.
Collapse
|
19
|
Carneiro P, Duarte M, Videira A. Characterization of apoptosis-related oxidoreductases from Neurospora crassa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34270. [PMID: 22470547 PMCID: PMC3314617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome from Neurospora crassa presented three open reading frames homologous to the genes coding for human AIF and AMID proteins, which are flavoproteins with oxidoreductase activities implicated in caspase-independent apoptosis. To investigate the role of these proteins, namely within the mitochondrial respiratory chain, we studied their cellular localization and characterized the respective null mutant strains. Efficiency of the respiratory chain was analyzed by oxygen consumption studies and supramolecular organization of the OXPHOS system was assessed through BN-PAGE analysis in the respective null mutant strains. The results demonstrate that, unlike in mammalian systems, disruption of AIF in Neurospora does not affect either complex I assembly or function. Furthermore, the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes of the mutant strains display a similar supramolecular organization to that observed in the wild type strain. Further characterization revealed that N. crassa AIF appears localized to both the mitochondria and the cytoplasm, whereas AMID was found exclusively in the cytoplasm. AMID2 was detected in both mitochondria and cytoplasm of the amid mutant strain, but was barely discernible in wild type extracts, suggesting overlapping functions for the two proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Carneiro
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail: (PC); (AV)
| | - Margarida Duarte
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Arnaldo Videira
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail: (PC); (AV)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Farnesol-induced cell death in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Biochem Soc Trans 2011; 39:1544-8. [DOI: 10.1042/bst0391544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
FOH (farnesol), a non-sterol isoprenoid produced by dephosphorylation of farnesyl pyrophosphate, has been shown to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. We have been using Aspergillus nidulans and FOH as a model system and cell death stimulus, respectively, aiming to understand by which means filamentous fungi are driven towards cell death. Here, we review some of our findings about FOH-induced cell death in A. nidulans.
Collapse
|
21
|
Martins VP, Dinamarco TM, Soriani FM, Tudella VG, Oliveira SC, Goldman GH, Curti C, Uyemura SA. Involvement of an alternative oxidase in oxidative stress and mycelium-to-yeast differentiation in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 10:237-48. [PMID: 21183691 PMCID: PMC3067407 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00194-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermodimorphic human pathogenic fungus that causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), which is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. Differentiation from the mycelial to the yeast form (M-to-Y) is an essential step for the establishment of PCM. We evaluated the involvement of mitochondria and intracellular oxidative stress in M-to-Y differentiation. M-to-Y transition was delayed by the inhibition of mitochondrial complexes III and IV or alternative oxidase (AOX) and was blocked by the association of AOX with complex III or IV inhibitors. The expression of P. brasiliensis aox (Pbaox) was developmentally regulated through M-to-Y differentiation, wherein the highest levels were achieved in the first 24 h and during the yeast exponential growth phase; Pbaox was upregulated by oxidative stress. Pbaox was cloned, and its heterologous expression conferred cyanide-resistant respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli and reduced oxidative stress in S. cerevisiae cells. These results reinforce the role of PbAOX in intracellular redox balancing and demonstrate its involvement, as well as that of other components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, in the early stages of the M-to-Y differentiation of P. brasiliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sergio C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas
- Laboratório Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia do Bioetanol (CTBE), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Curti
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
The Aspergillus nidulans nucA(EndoG) homologue is not involved in cell death. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2010; 10:276-83. [PMID: 21131437 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00224-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Upon apoptosis induction, translocation of mammalian mitochondrial endonuclease G (EndoG) to the nucleus coincides with large-scale DNA fragmentation. Here, we describe for the first time a homologue of EndoG in filamentous fungi by investigating if the Aspergillus nidulans homologue of the EndoG gene, named nucA(EndoG), is being activated during farnesol-induced cell death. Our results suggest that NucA is not involved in cell death, but it plays a role in the DNA-damaging response in A. nidulans.
Collapse
|
23
|
Colabardini AC, De Castro PA, De Gouvêa PF, Savoldi M, Malavazi I, Goldman MHS, Goldman GH. Involvement of the Aspergillus nidulans protein kinase C with farnesol tolerance is related to the unfolded protein response. Mol Microbiol 2010; 78:1259-79. [PMID: 21091509 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07403.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that the Aspergillus nidulans calC2 mutation in protein kinase C pkcA was able to confer tolerance to farnesol (FOH), an isoprenoid that has been shown to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. Here, we investigate in more detail the role played by A. nidulans pkcA in FOH tolerance. We demonstrate that pkcA overexpression during FOH exposure causes increased cell death. FOH is also able to activate several markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Our results suggest an intense cross-talk between PkcA and the UPR during FOH-induced cell death. Furthermore, the overexpression of pkcA increases both mRNA accumulation and metacaspases activity, and there is a genetic interaction between PkcA and the caspase-like protein CasA. Mutant analyses imply that MAP kinases are involved in the signal transduction in response to the effects caused by FOH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|