1
|
Yang Y, Xie P, Li Y, Bi Y, Prusky DB. Updating Insights into the Regulatory Mechanisms of Calcineurin-Activated Transcription Factor Crz1 in Pathogenic Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101082. [PMID: 36294647 PMCID: PMC9604740 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+, as a second messenger in cells, enables organisms to adapt to different environmental stresses by rapidly sensing and responding to external stimuli. In recent years, the Ca2+ mediated calcium signaling pathway has been studied systematically in various mammals and fungi, indicating that the pathway is conserved among organisms. The pathway consists mainly of complex Ca2+ channel proteins, calcium pumps, Ca2+ transporters and many related proteins. Crz1, a transcription factor downstream of the calcium signaling pathway, participates in regulating cell survival, ion homeostasis, infection structure development, cell wall integrity and virulence. This review briefly summarizes the Ca2+ mediated calcium signaling pathway and regulatory roles in plant pathogenic fungi. Based on discussing the structure and localization of transcription factor Crz1, we focus on the regulatory role of Crz1 on growth and development, stress response, pathogenicity of pathogenic fungi and its regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, we explore the cross-talk between Crz1 and other signaling pathways. Combined with the important role and pathogenic mechanism of Crz1 in fungi, the new strategies in which Crz1 may be used as a target to explore disease control in practice are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Pengdong Xie
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yongcai Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Yang Bi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Dov B. Prusky
- Department of Postharvest Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
He H, Wang Y, Fan Y, Li C, Han J. Hypha essential genes in Candida albicans pathogenesis of oral lichen planus: an in-vitro study. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:614. [PMID: 34852796 PMCID: PMC8638143 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01975-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypha essential genes (HEGs) of Candida Albicans have been emerging into scholar's attention, little known about their functions in oral lichen planus (OLP) with an uncovered etiology. This research aimed to observe necessary genes in biphasic C. albicans from OLP and study their relevance in pathogenesis, so as to evaluate possible roles of morphologic switching in etiology of OLP. METHODS Samples were collected from OLP lesions of patients, mycelia were cultured and total RNA was extracted then subjected to reverse transcription-PCR and real-time PCR. RESULTS HWP1 and HGC1 were significantly expressed in hyphae phase and weakly detected in yeast phase, while there was no significant difference of EFG1, ALS3, and ECE1 between in yeast and mycelia. CONCLUSION HGC1 and HWP1 were confirmed to be hypha essential genes, with HGC1 for hypha morphogenesis and HWP1 for adhesion invasion in pathogenesis of C. albicans in OLP. ALS3, ECE1 and EFG1 played minor roles in hyphae maintenance and adhesion for hyphae. These might be deemed as hints for the etiology of OLP and indicate HGC1 and HWP1 to be a priority of potential drug target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong He
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Hangzhou Stomatology Hospital, Pinghai Road, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
| | - Congcong Li
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Jianxin Han
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Squizani ED, Reuwsaat JC, Motta H, Tavanti A, Kmetzsch L. Calcium: a central player in Cryptococcus biology. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
4
|
Cation Transporters of Candida albicans-New Targets to Fight Candidiasis? Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040584. [PMID: 33923411 PMCID: PMC8073359 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is the wide-spread fungal infection caused by numerous strains of yeast, with the prevalence of Candida albicans. The current treatment of candidiasis is becoming rather ineffective and costly owing to the emergence of resistant strains; hence, the exploration of new possible drug targets is necessary. The most promising route is the development of novel antibiotics targeting this pathogen. In this review, we summarize such candidates found in C. albicans and those involved in the transport of (metal) cations, as the latter are essential for numerous processes within the cell; hence, disruption of their fluxes can be fatal for C. albicans.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lange M, Peiter E. Calcium Transport Proteins in Fungi: The Phylogenetic Diversity of Their Relevance for Growth, Virulence, and Stress Resistance. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3100. [PMID: 32047484 PMCID: PMC6997533 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The key players of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and Ca2+ signal generation, which are Ca2+ channels, Ca2+/H+ antiporters, and Ca2+-ATPases, are present in all fungi. Their coordinated action maintains a low Ca2+ baseline, allows a fast increase in free Ca2+ concentration upon a stimulus, and terminates this Ca2+ elevation by an exponential decrease – hence forming a Ca2+ signal. In this respect, the Ca2+ signaling machinery is conserved in different fungi. However, does the similarity of the genetic inventory that shapes the Ca2+ peak imply that if “you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all” in terms of physiological relevance? Individual studies have focused mostly on a single species, and mechanisms elucidated in few model organisms are usually extrapolated to other species. This mini-review focuses on the physiological relevance of the machinery that maintains Ca2+ homeostasis for growth, virulence, and stress responses. It reveals common and divergent functions of homologous proteins in different fungal species. In conclusion, for the physiological role of these Ca2+ transport proteins, “seen one,” in many cases, does not mean: “seen them all.”
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lange
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edgar Peiter
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu D, Zhang X, Zhang B, Zeng X, Mao H, Xu H, Jiang L, Li F. The lipid flippase subunit Cdc50 is required for antifungal drug resistance, endocytosis, hyphal development and virulence in Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 19:5475645. [PMID: 31004489 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cdc50 is the non-catalytic subunit of the flippase that establishes phospholipid asymmetry in membranes and functions in vesicle-mediated trafficking in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we have identified the homologous gene CaCDC50 that encodes a protein of 396 amino acids with two conserved transmembrane domains in Candidaalbicans. Deletion of CaCDC50 results in C. albicans cells becoming sensitive to the antifungal drugs azoles, terbinafine and caspofungin, as well as to the membrane-perturbing agent sodium dodecyl sulfate. We also show that CaCDC50 is involved in both endocytosis and vacuolar function. CaCDC50 confers tolerance to high concentrations of cations, although it is not required for osmolar response. Moreover, deletion of CaCDC50 leads to severe defects in hyphal development of C. albicans cells and highly attenuated virulence in the mouse model of systemic infection. Therefore, CaCDC50 regulates cellular responses to antifungal drugs, cell membrane stress, endocytosis, filamentation and virulence in the human fungal pathogen C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayong Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| | - Hongchen Mao
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| | - Haitao Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| | - Linghuo Jiang
- Laboratory for Yeast Molecular and Cell Biology, The Research Center of Fermentation Technology, School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Y, Sun L, Lu C, Gong Y, Li M, Sun S. Promising Antifungal Targets Against Candida albicans Based on Ion Homeostasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:286. [PMID: 30234023 PMCID: PMC6131588 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, invasive fungal infections have been increasing significantly, contributing to high incidences and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans that can cause severe and often fatal bloodstream infections. Current antifungal agents have several limitations, including that only a small number of classes of antifungals are available, certain of which have severe toxicity and high cost. Moreover, the emergence of drug resistance is a new limitation to successful patient outcomes. Therefore, the development of antifungals with novel targets is an essential strategy for the efficient management of C. albicans infections. It is widely recognized that ion homeostasis is crucial for all living cells. Many studies have identified that ion-signaling and transduction networks are central to fungal survival by regulating gene expression, morphological transition, host invasion, stress response, and drug resistance. Dysregulation of ion homeostasis rapidly mediates cell death, forming the mechanistic basis of a growing number of compounds that elicit antifungal activity. Most of the potent antifungals have been widely used in the clinic, and certain of them have low toxicity, meaning that they may be expected to be used as antifungal drugs in the future. Hence, we briefly summarize the homeostasis regulation of several important ions, potential antifungal targets based on these ion-signaling networks, and antifungal compounds based on the disruption of ion homeostasis. This summary will help in designing effective drugs and identifying new targets for combating fungal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiman Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Licui Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Feicheng Mining Central Hospital, Feicheng, China
| | - Chunyan Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang L, Wang J, Asghar F, Snyder N, Cunningham KW. CaGdt1 plays a compensatory role for the calcium pump CaPmr1 in the regulation of calcium signaling and cell wall integrity signaling in Candida albicans. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:33. [PMID: 29954393 PMCID: PMC6025805 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScGdt1 and mammalian TMEM165 are two members of the UPF0016 membrane protein family that is likely to form a new group of Ca2+/H+ antiporter and/or a Mn2+ transporter in the Golgi apparatus. We have previously shown that Candida albicans CaGDT1 is a functional ortholog of ScGDT1 in the response of S. cerevisiae to calcium stress. However, how CaGdt1 together with the Golgi calcium pump CaPmr1 regulate calcium homeostasis and cell wall integrity in this fungal pathogen remains unknown. METHODS Chemical sensitivity was tested by dilution assay. Cell survival was examined by measuring colony-forming units and staining with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide. Calcium signaling was examined by expression of downstream target gene CaUTR2, while cell wall integrity signaling was revealed by detection of phosphorylated Mkc1 and Cek1. Subcellular localization of CaGdt1 was examined through direct and indirect immunofluorescent approaches. Transcriptomic analysis was carried out with RNA sequencing. RESULTS This study shows that Candida albicans CaGDT1 is also a functional ortholog of ScGDT1 in the response of S. cerevisiae to cell wall stress. CaGdt1 is localized in the Golgi apparatus but at distinct sites from CaPmr1 in C. albicans. Loss of CaGDT1 increases the sensitivity of cell lacking CaPMR1 to cell wall and ER stresses. Deletion of CaGDT1 and/or CaPMR1 increases calcium uptake and activates the calcium/calcineurin signaling. Transcriptomic profiling reveals that core functions shared by CaGdt1 and CaPmr1 are involved in the regulation of cellular transport of metal ions and amino acids. However, CaGdt1 has distinct functions from CaPmr1. Chitin synthase gene CHS2 is up regulated in all three mutants, while CHS3 is only up regulated in the pmr1/pmr1 and the gdt1/gdt1 pmr1/pmr1 mutants. Five genes (DIE2, STT3, OST3, PMT1 and PMT4) of glycosylation pathway and one gene (SWI4) of the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway are upregulated due to deletion of CaGDT1 and/or CaPMR1. Consistently, deletion of either CaPMR1 or CaGDT1 activates the CaCek1-mediated CWI signaling in a cell wall stress-independent fashion. Calcineurin function is required for the integrity of the cell wall and vacuolar compartments of cells lacking both GDT1 and CaPMR1. CONCLUSIONS CaPmr1 is the major player in the regulation of calcium homeostasis and cell wall stress, while CaGdt1 plays a compensatory role for CaPmr1 in the Golgi compartment in C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linghuo Jiang
- Laboratory for Yeast Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China.
| | - Junjun Wang
- Department of Food Engineering, Weihai Ocean Vocational College, Weihai, Shandong, China
| | - Faiza Asghar
- Laboratory for Yeast Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Nathan Snyder
- Department of Biology, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kyle W Cunningham
- Department of Biology, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qian H, Chen Q, Zhang S, Lu L. The Claudin Family Protein FigA Mediates Ca 2+ Homeostasis in Response to Extracellular Stimuli in Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:977. [PMID: 29867880 PMCID: PMC5962676 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The claudin family protein Fig1 is a unique fungal protein that is involved in pheromone-induced calcium influx and membrane fusion during the mating of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Whether and how Fig1 regulates Ca2+ homeostasis in response to extracellular stimuli is poorly understood. Previously, we found Aspergillus nidulans FigA, a homolog of Fig1 in S. cerevisiae, similar to the high-affinity calcium uptake system, is required for normal growth under low-Ca2+ minimal medium. In this study, using the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin to monitor cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) in living cells, we found that the FigA dysfunction decreases the transient [Ca2+]c induced by a high extracellular calcium stress. Furthermore, FigA acts synergistically with CchA (a high-affinity Ca2+ channel) to coordinate cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx in response to an extracellular Ca2+ stimulus. Moreover, FigA mediates ER stress-induced transient [Ca2+]c in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium. Most importantly, these [Ca2+]c responses mediated by FigA are closely related to its conserved claudin superfamily motif, which is also required for hyphal growth and asexual development in A. nidulans. Finally, the function of FigA in Aspergillus fumigatus, the most common airborne human fungal pathogen was studied. The result showed that the two FigA homologous in A. nidulans and A. fumigatus have a large degree of functional homology not only in asexual development but also in regulating transient [Ca2+]c. Our study expands the knowledge of claudin family protein FigA in Ca2+ homeostasis in response to extracellular stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuyi Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ren XX, Wang Y, Liu Y, Tan Y, Ren C, Ge Y, Liu Z. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the calcium signaling and expression analysis of sodium/calcium exchanger in Aspergillus cristatus. J Basic Microbiol 2017; 58:76-87. [PMID: 29152764 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201700277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus cristatus develops into various stages under different Na concentrations: the sexual stage in 0.5 M NaCl and asexual development stage in 3 M NaCl. In order to explore whether the Ca2+ signaling pathway in A. cristatus responded to the changes in the salt stress, we analyzed the gene expression levels in A. cristatus respectively cultured in 0.5 M NaCl and 3 M NaCl. According to the BLAST analysis results, we identified 25 Ca2+ -signaling proteins in A. cristatus. The expression levels of most genes involved in the Ca2+ -signaling pathway in A. cristatus cultured in different salt concentrations showed significant differences, indicating that the Ca2+ signaling pathway was involved in the response to the changes in the salt stress. In yeasts, only calcium ion influx proteins were reported to be involved in the response to the changes in the salt stress. So far, the protein for the exchanger of calcium/sodium ions has not been reported. Therefore, we obtained the sodium/calcium exchanger (termed NCX) proteins from the KEGG Database. The ncx gene of A. cristatus was cloned and characterized. The full length of ncx gene is 3055 bp, including a 2994-bp open reading frame encoding 994 amino acids. The expression levels of ncx in the sexual development stage and asexual development stage were respectively ∼8.94 times and ∼2.57 times of that in the hyphal formation stage. Therefore, we suggested that ncx gene was up-regulated to resist the sodium stress. The study results provide the basis for further exploring the Ca2+ -signaling mechanism and ion exchanger mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Xiu Ren
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, PR China.,College of Ecological Engineering, Guizhou University of Engineering Science, Bijie, PR China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - YongXiang Liu
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Yumei Tan
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Chunguang Ren
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Yongyi Ge
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Zuoyi Liu
- Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Effects of Disruption of PMC1 in the tfp1∆/∆ Mutant on Calcium Homeostasis, Oxidative and Osmotic Stress Resistance in Candida albicans. Mycopathologia 2017; 183:315-327. [PMID: 29086141 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) is essential for many cell processes. Our previous study has demonstrated that Tfp1 is a putative subunit of V-ATPase, loss of which causes disorders in calcium homeostasis and decreased resistance to oxidative stress. In this study, we found that further deletion of PMC1, a vacuolar calcium pump, in tfp1∆/∆ mutant led to more severe dysregulation of calcium homeostasis. Besides, the tfp1∆/∆pmc1∆/∆ mutant was more sensitive to H2O2 and had a higher ROS level. As is known, V-ATPase mutants are sensitive to NaCl, and PMC1 mutant is resistant against NaCl. However, the tfp1∆/∆pmc1∆/∆ mutant exhibited sensitivity to NaCl. Mechanism study demonstrated that their sensitivity was associated with reduced osmotic resistance caused by relatively low expression of GPD1. In addition, we first found that NaCl addition significantly declined ROS levels in tfp1∆/∆ and tfp1∆/∆pmc1∆/∆ mutants. In tfp1∆/∆ mutant, decreased ROS levels were relevant to enhanced antioxidant activities. However, in tfp1∆/∆pmc1∆/∆ mutant, reduced ROS resulted from decreased total calcium content, revealing that NaCl affected ROS levels in the two mutants through different mechanisms. Taken together, our data indicated that loss of both TFP1 and PMC1 further affected calcium homeostasis and other cellular processes in Candida albicans and provides a potential antifungal target.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hwu FY, Lai MW, Liou RF. PpMID1 Plays a Role in the Asexual Development and Virulence of Phytophthora parasitica. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:610. [PMID: 28469602 PMCID: PMC5395580 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytophthora parasitica is a notorious oomycete pathogen that causes severe disease in a wide variety of crop species. Infection of plants involves mainly its asexual life stage, including papillate sporangia and biflagellated zoospores, which are the primary dispersal and infection agents of this pathogen. Calcium signaling has been thought as the key regulator for sporangium formation and zoospore differentiation. However, not much is known about the molecular players involved in these processes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mating pheromone-induced death 1 (MID1) encodes a component of a putative calcium channel. Here, we identified and characterized the function of PpMID1, an MID1 homolog from P. parasitica. The expression of PpMID1 was high in sporangia. Gene silencing of PpMID1 resulted in the formation of sporangia that lacked papilla and showed a tendency for direct germination. Notably, in response to cold shock to induce zoospore formation, these sporangia showed no sign of cytoplasmic cleavage and thereby failed to form zoospores. Nonetheless, the addition of CaCl2 or MgCl2 partially recovered the silenced sporangia phenotype, with the formation of papillate sporangia similar to those of the wild type and the release of zoospores upon cold shock. As well, virulence toward Nicotiana benthamiana was reduced in the PpMID1-silenced transformants. These results indicate a role of PpMID1 in the asexual development and virulence of P. parasitica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yu Hwu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Fen Liou
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Identification of Genes in Candida glabrata Conferring Altered Responses to Caspofungin, a Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitor. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:2893-907. [PMID: 27449515 PMCID: PMC5015946 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.032490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Candida glabrata is an important human fungal pathogen whose incidence continues to rise. Because many clinical isolates are resistant to azole drugs, the drugs of choice to treat such infections are members of the echinocandin family, although there are increasing reports of resistance to these drugs as well. In efforts to better understand the genetic changes that lead to altered responses to echinocandins, we screened a transposon-insertion library of mutants for strains to identify genes that are important for cellular responses to caspofungin, a member of this drug family. We identified 16 genes that, when disrupted, caused increased tolerance, and 48 genes that, when disrupted, caused increased sensitivity compared to the wild-type parental strain. Four of the genes identified as causing sensitivity are orthologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes encoding proteins important for the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. In addition, several other genes are orthologs of the high affinity Ca2+ uptake system (HACS) complex genes. We analyzed disruption mutants representing all 64 genes under 33 different conditions, including the presence of cell wall disrupting agents and other drugs, a variety of salts, increased temperature, and altered pH. Further, we generated knockout mutants in different genes within the CWI pathway and the HACS complex, and found that they too exhibited phenotypes consistent with defects in cell wall construction. Our results indicate that small molecules that inhibit the CWI pathway, or that the HACS complex, may be an important means of increasing the efficacy of caspofungin.
Collapse
|
14
|
The Candida albicans fimbrin Sac6 regulates oxidative stress response (OSR) and morphogenesis at the transcriptional level. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:2255-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
15
|
Liu P, Gong J, Ding X, Jiang Y, Chen G, Li B, Weng Q, Chen Q. The L-type Ca(2+) Channel Blocker Nifedipine Inhibits Mycelial Growth, Sporulation, and Virulence of Phytophthora capsici. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1236. [PMID: 27540377 PMCID: PMC4972815 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oomycete vegetable pathogen Phytophthora capsici causes significant losses of important vegetable crops worldwide. Calcium and other plant nutrients have been used in disease management of oomycete pathogens. Calcium homeostasis and signaling is essential for numerous biological processes, and Ca(2+) channel blockers prevent excessive Ca(2+) influx into the fungal cell. However, it is not known whether voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel blockers improve control over oomycete pathogens. In the present study, we compared the inhibitory effects of CaCl2 and the extracellular Ca(2+) chelator EDTA on mycelial growth and found that calcium assimilation plays a key role in P. capsici mycelial growth. Next, we involved the voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel blockers verapamil (VP) and nifedipine (NFD) to analyze the effect of Ca(2+) channel blockers on mycelial growth and sporulation; the results suggested that NFD, but not VP, caused significant inhibition. Ion rescue in an NFD-induced inhibition assay suggested that NFD-induced inhibition is calcium-dependent. In addition, NFD increased P. capsici sensitivity to H2O2 in a calcium-dependent manner, and extracellular calcium rescued it. Furthermore, NFD inhibited the virulence and gene expression related to its pathogenicity. These results suggest that NFD inhibits mycelial growth, sporulation, and virulence of P. capsici.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qiyong Weng
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural SciencesFuzhou, China
| | - Qinghe Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural SciencesFuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen Y, Yu Q, Wang H, Dong Y, Jia C, Zhang B, Xiao C, Zhang B, Xing L, Li M. The malfunction of peroxisome has an impact on the oxidative stress sensitivity in Candida albicans. Fungal Genet Biol 2016; 95:1-12. [PMID: 27473887 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The peroxisome plays an essential role in eukaryotic cellular metabolism, including β-oxidation of fatty acids and detoxification of hydrogen peroxide. However, its functions in the important fungal pathogen, C. albicans, remain to be investigated. In this study, we identified a homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae peroxisomal protein Pex1 in this pathogen, and explored its functions in stress tolerance. Fluorescence observation revealed that C. albicans Pex1 was localized in the peroxisomes, and its loss led to the defect in peroxisome formation. Interestingly, the pex1Δ/Δ mutant had increased tolerance to oxidative stress, which was neither associated with the Cap1 pathway, nor related to the altered distribution of catalase. However, under oxidative stress, the pex1Δ/Δ mutant showed increased expression of autophagy-related genes, with enhanced cytoplasm-to-vacuole transport and degradation of the autophagy markers Atg8 and Lap41. Moreover, the double mutants pex1Δ/Δatg8Δ/Δ and pex1Δ/Δatg1Δ/Δ, both of which were defective in autophagy and peroxisome formation, showed remarkable attenuated tolerance to oxidative stress. These results indicated that autophagy is involved in resistance to oxidative stress in pex1Δ/Δ mutant. Taken together, this study provides evidence that the peroxisomal protein Pex1 regulates oxidative stress tolerance in an autophagy-dependent manner in C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Honggang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Chang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Chenpeng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Laijun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dong Y, Yu Q, Chen Y, Xu N, Zhao Q, Jia C, Zhang B, Zhang K, Zhang B, Xing L, Li M. The Ccz1 mediates the autophagic clearance of damaged mitochondria in response to oxidative stress in Candida albicans. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 69:41-51. [PMID: 26471407 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a critical role in response to numerous cellular stresses, such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, starvation and organelle damage. The disruption of autophagy pathway affects multiple aspects of cellular stress response. Here we for the first time identified Ccz1 as an essential component for autophagy in Candida albicans. Our experiments demonstrated that loss of CCZ1 gene led to vacuolar fragmentation and disruption of the autophagy pathway. Our results also suggested that Ccz1 functioned in oxidative stress. In the ccz1Δ/Δ mutant, the levels of reactive oxidative species (ROS) sharply increased under H2O2 treatment. Further studies demonstrated that breakdown of the autophagic clearance pathway led to the accumulation of oxidative stress-damaged mitochondria, and consequently elevated cellular ROS levels in the ccz1Δ/Δ mutant. Furthermore, deletion of CCZ1 led to a significant defect in filamentous development at both 30°C and 37°C. The disruption of CCZ1 gene led to decreased capacity of macrophage killing and increased sensitivity to the macrophages. In addition, the ccz1Δ/Δ mutant exhibited attenuated virulence and decreased fungal burdens in the mouse systemic infection model, indicating that CCZ1 might provide a promising target for antifungal drugs development. In summary, our findings provide new insights into the understanding of autophagy-related gene in C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Yulu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Ning Xu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China.
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Chang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Kai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Biao Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Laijun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xu D, Cheng J, Cao C, Wang L, Jiang L. Genetic interactions between Rch1 and the high-affinity calcium influx system Cch1/Mid1/Ecm7 in the regulation of calcium homeostasis, drug tolerance, hyphal development and virulence in Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2015; 15:fov079. [PMID: 26323599 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fov079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The high-affinity calcium influx system (HACS) consisted of CaCch1, CaMid1 and CaEcm7 controls calcium influx into the cell in response to environmental stimuli. The plasma membrane protein CaRch1 is a negative regulator of calcium influx in Candida albicans. In this study, we show that deletion of any of the HACS components suppresses the calcium hypersensitivity of, and the elevated activation level of calcium/calcineurin signaling in, C. albicans cells lacking CaRCH1. In contrast, CaRCH1 is epistatic to the HACS system in the tolerance of antifungal drugs. In addition, cells lacking CaRCH1 are sensitive to tunicamycin, show a delay in in vitro filamentation and an altered colony surface morphology, and are attenuated in virulence in a mouse systemic model. Cells lacking CaCCH1 and CaMID1, but not CaECM7, are sensitive to tunicamycin. Deletion of CaRCH1 increases the tunicamycin sensitivity of cells lacking CaECM7 or CaMID1, but not CaCCH1. Furthermore, deletion of CaRCH1 suppresses the defect in hyphal development due to the deletion of CaCCH1 or CaECM7, and increases the virulence of cells lacking any of the HACS components. Therefore, CaRch1 genetically interacts with the HACS components in different fashions for these functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayong Xu
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
| | - Jianqing Cheng
- School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chunlei Cao
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Litong Wang
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Linghuo Jiang
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tfp1 is required for ion homeostasis, fluconazole resistance and N-Acetylglucosamine utilization in Candida albicans. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1853:2731-44. [PMID: 26255859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) is crucial for the maintenance of ion homeostasis. Dysregulation of ion homeostasis affects various aspects of cellular processes. However, the importance of V-ATPase in Candida albicans is not totally clear. In this study, we demonstrated the essential roles of V-ATPase through Tfp1, a putative V-ATPase subunit. Deletion of TFP1 led to generation of an iron starvation signal and reduced total iron content, which was associated with mislocalization of Fet34p that was finally due to disorders in copper homeostasis. Furthermore, the tfp1∆/∆ mutant exhibited weaker growth and lower aconitase activity on nonfermentable carbon sources, and iron or copper addition partially rescued the growth defect. In addition, the tfp1∆/∆ mutant also showed elevated cytosolic calcium levels in normal or low calcium medium that were relevant to calcium release from vacuole. Kinetics of cytosolic calcium response to an alkaline pulse and VCX1 (VCX1 encodes a putative vacuolar Ca2+/H+ exchanger) overexpression assays indicated that the cytosolic calcium status was in relation to Vcx1 activity. Spot assay and concentration-kill curve demonstrated that the tfp1∆/∆ mutant was hypersensitive to fluconazole, which was attributed to reduced ergosterol biosynthesis and CDR1 efflux pump activity, and iron/calcium dysregulation. Interestingly, carbon source utilization tests found the tfp1∆/∆ mutant was defective for growth on N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) plate, which was associated with ATP depletion due to the decreased ability to catabolize GlcNAc. Taken together, our study gives new insights into functions of Tfp1, and provides the potential to better exploit V-ATPase as an antifungal target.
Collapse
|
20
|
Calcium signaling mediates antifungal activity of triazole drugs in the Aspergilli. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 81:182-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
21
|
Wang Y, Wang J, Cheng J, Xu D, Jiang L. Genetic interactions between the Golgi Ca2+/H+ exchanger Gdt1 and the plasma membrane calcium channel Cch1/Mid1 in the regulation of calcium homeostasis, stress response and virulence in Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2015. [PMID: 26208803 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fov069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Golgi-localized Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScGdt1 is a member of the cation/Ca(2+) exchanger superfamily. We show here that Candida albicans CaGdt1 is the functional homolog of ScGdt1 in calcium sensitivity, and shows genetic interactions with CaCch1 or CaMid1 in response to ER stresses. In addition, similar to ScCCH1 and ScMID1, deletion of either CaCCH1 or CaMID1 leads to a growth sensitivity of cells to cold stress, which can be suppressed by deletion of CaGDT1. Furthermore, deletion of CaCCH1 leads to a severe delay in filamentation of C. albicans cells, and this defect is abolished by deletion of CaGDT1. In contrast, CaGDT1 does not show genetic interaction with CaMID1 in filamentation. Interestingly, C. albicans cells lacking both CaMID1 and CaGDT1 exhibit an intermediate virulence between C. albicans cells lacking CaCCH1 (non-virulent) and C. albicans cells lacking CaGDT1 (partially virulent), while C. albicans cells lacking both CaCCH1 and CaGDT1 are not virulent in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. Therefore, CaGdt1 genetically interacts with the plasma membrane calcium channel, CaCch1/CaMid1, in the response of C. albicans cells to cold and ER stresses and antifungal drug challenge as well as in filamentation and virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jianqing Cheng
- School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Dayong Xu
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Linghuo Jiang
- The National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Components of the calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway in fungal cells and their potential as antifungal targets. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2015; 14:324-34. [PMID: 25636321 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00271-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of fungal resistance has become frequent, partly due to the widespread clinical use of fluconazole, which is minimally toxic and effective in the prevention and treatment of Candida albicans infections. The limited selection of antifungal drugs for clinical fungal infection therapy has prompted us to search for new antifungal drug targets. Calcium, which acts as the second messenger in both mammals and fungi, plays a direct role in controlling the expression patterns of its signaling systems and has important roles in cell survival. In addition, calcium and some of the components, mainly calcineurin, in the fungal calcium signaling pathway mediate fungal resistance to antifungal drugs. Therefore, an overview of the components of the fungal calcium-calcineurin signaling network and their potential roles as antifungal targets is urgently needed. The calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway consists of various channels, transporters, pumps, and other proteins or enzymes. Many transcriptional profiles have indicated that mutant strains that lack some of these components are sensitized to fluconazole or other antifungal drugs. In addition, many researchers have identified efficient compounds that exhibit antifungal activity by themselves or in combination with antifungal drugs by targeting some of the components in the fungal calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway. This targeting disrupts Ca(2+) homeostasis, which suggests that this pathway contains potential targets for the development of new antifungal drugs.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kaweeteerawat C, Ivask A, Liu R, Zhang H, Chang CH, Low-Kam C, Fischer H, Ji Z, Pokhrel S, Cohen Y, Telesca D, Zink J, Mädler L, Holden PA, Nel A, Godwin H. Toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles in Escherichia coli correlates with conduction band and hydration energies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:1105-12. [PMID: 25563693 DOI: 10.1021/es504259s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Metal oxide nanoparticles (MOx NPs) are used for a host of applications, such as electronics, cosmetics, construction, and medicine, and as a result, the safety of these materials to humans and the environment is of considerable interest. A prior study of 24 MOx NPs in mammalian cells revealed that some of these materials show hazard potential. Here, we report the growth inhibitory effects of the same series of MOx NPs in the bacterium Escherichia coli and show that toxicity trends observed in E. coli parallel those seen previously in mammalian cells. Of the 24 materials studied, only ZnO, CuO, CoO, Mn2O3, Co3O4, Ni2O3, and Cr2O3 were found to exert significant growth inhibitory effects; these effects were found to relate to membrane damage and oxidative stress responses in minimal trophic media. A correlation of the toxicological data with physicochemical parameters of MOx NPs revealed that the probability of a MOx NP being toxic increases as the hydration enthalpy becomes less negative and as the conduction band energy approaches those of biological molecules. These observations are consistent with prior results observed in mammalian cells, revealing that mechanisms of toxicity of MOx NPs are consistent across two very different taxa. These results suggest that studying nanotoxicity in E. coli may help to predict toxicity patterns in higher organisms.
Collapse
|
24
|
Yu Q, Zhang B, Yang B, Chen J, Wang H, Jia C, Ding X, Xu N, Dong Y, Zhang B, Xing L, Li M. Interaction among the vacuole, the mitochondria, and the oxidative stress response is governed by the transient receptor potential channel in Candida albicans. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 77:152-67. [PMID: 25308698 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the most important opportunistic pathogens, causing both mucosal candidiasis and life-threatening systemic infections. To survive in the host immune defense system, this pathogen uses an elaborate signaling network to recognize and respond to oxidative stress, which is essential for its pathogenicity. However, the exact mechanisms that this fungus employs to integrate the oxidative stress response (OSR) with functions of various organelles remain uncharacterized. Our previous work implicated a connection between the calcium signaling system and the OSR. In this study, we find that the vacuolar transient receptor potential (TRP) channel Yvc1, one of the calcium signaling members, plays a critical role in cell tolerance to oxidative stress. We further provide evidence that this channel is required not only for activation of Cap1-related transcription of OSR genes but also for maintaining the stability of both the mitochondria and the vacuole in a potassium- and calcium-dependent manner. Element assays reveal that this TRP channel affects calcium influx and potassium transport from the vacuole to the mitochondria. Therefore, the TRP channel governs the novel interaction among the OSR, the vacuole, and the mitochondria by mediating ion transport in this pathogen under oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Baopeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiatong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China; Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Chang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Ding
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Tianjin Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Tianjin 300193, People's Republic of China
| | - Laijun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
de Castro PA, Chiaratto J, Winkelströter LK, Bom VLP, Ramalho LNZ, Goldman MHS, Brown NA, Goldman GH. The involvement of the Mid1/Cch1/Yvc1 calcium channels in Aspergillus fumigatus virulence. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103957. [PMID: 25083783 PMCID: PMC4118995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major opportunistic pathogen and allergen of mammals. Calcium homeostasis and signaling is essential for numerous biological processes and also influences A. fumigatus pathogenicity. The presented study characterized the function of the A. fumigatus homologues of three Saccharomyces cerevisiae calcium channels, voltage-gated Cch1, stretch-activated Mid1 and vacuolar Yvc1. The A. fumigatus calcium channels cchA, midA and yvcA were regulated at transcriptional level by increased calcium levels. The YvcA::GFP fusion protein localized to the vacuoles. Both ΔcchA and ΔmidA mutant strains showed reduced radial growth rate in nutrient-poor minimal media. Interestingly, this growth defect in the ΔcchA strain was rescued by the exogenous addition of CaCl2. The ΔcchA, ΔmidA, and ΔcchA ΔmidA strains were also sensitive to the oxidative stress inducer, paraquat. Restriction of external Ca2+ through the addition of the Ca2+-chelator EGTA impacted upon the growth of the ΔcchA and ΔmidA strains. All the A. fumigatus ΔcchA, ΔmidA, and ΔyvcA strains demonstrated attenuated virulence in a neutropenic murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Infection with the parental strain resulted in a 100% mortality rate at 15 days post-infection, while the mortality rate of the ΔcchA, ΔmidA, and ΔyvcA strains after 15 days post-infection was only 25%. Collectively, this investigation strongly indicates that CchA, MidA, and YvcA play a role in A. fumigatus calcium homeostasis and virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Chiaratto
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lizziane K. Winkelströter
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Leite Pedro Bom
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Helena S. Goldman
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Neil Andrew Brown
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Laboratory of Science and Technology of Bioethanol (CTBE), Campinas, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ding X, Yu Q, Zhang B, Xu N, Jia C, Dong Y, Chen Y, Xing L, Li M. The type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases are involved in the regulation of cell wall integrity and oxidative stress response in Candida albicans. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 446:1073-8. [PMID: 24661877 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The type II Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) are thought to play a vital role in cellular regulation in mammalian cells. Two genes CMK1 and CMK2 in the Candida albicans genome encode homologues of mammalian CaMKs. In this work, we constructed the cmk1Δ/Δ, the cmk2Δ/Δ and the cmk1Δ/Δcmk2Δ/Δ mutants and found that CaMKs function in cell wall integrity (CWI) and cellular redox regulation. Loss of either CMK1 or CMK2, or both resulted in increased expression of CWI-related genes under Calcofluor white (CFW) treatment. Besides, CaMKs are essential for the maintenance of cellular redox balance. Disruption of either CMK1 or CMK2, or both not only led to a significant increase of intracellular ROS levels, but also led to a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), suggesting the important roles that CaMKs play in the maintenance of the mitochondrial function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Ding
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Ning Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Chang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yijie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yulu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Laijun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China..
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yu Q, Xiao C, Zhang K, Jia C, Ding X, Zhang B, Wang Y, Li M. The calcium channel blocker verapamil inhibits oxidative stress response in Candida albicans. Mycopathologia 2014; 177:167-77. [PMID: 24577794 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-014-9735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, causing both superficial candidiasis and life-threatening systemic infections in immune-compromised individuals. Calcium signaling is responsible for this pathogen in responding to several stresses, such as antifungal drugs, alkaline pH and membrane-perturbing agents. Our recent study revealed that it is also involved in oxidative stress response. In this study, we investigated the effect of verapamil, an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, on oxidative stress response in this fungus. The addition of verapamil resulted in increased sensitivity to the oxidative agent H2O2, which is associated with a decrease of calcium fluctuation under the stress. Moreover, this agent caused enhanced oxidative stress, with increased levels of ROS and enhanced dysfunction of the mitochondria under the oxidative stress. Further investigations in SOD activity, GSH contents and expression of oxidative stress response-related genes indicated that the effect of verapamil is related to the repression of oxidative stress response. Our findings demonstrated that verapamil has an inhibitory effect on oxidative stress response, confirming the relationship between calcium signaling and oxidative stress in C. albicans. Therefore, calcium channels may be potential targets for therapy to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress against C. albicans-related infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|