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Coca-Ruiz V, Cabrera-Gómez N, Collado IG, Aleu J. Improved Protoplast Production Protocol for Fungal Transformations Mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 in Botrytis cinerea Non-Sporulating Isolates. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1754. [PMID: 38999594 PMCID: PMC11244380 DOI: 10.3390/plants13131754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that causes considerable economic losses in commercial crops. Fungi of the genus Botrytis exhibit great morphological and genetic variability, ranging from non-sporogenic and non-infective isolates to highly virulent sporogenic ones. There is growing interest in the different isolates in terms of their methodological applications aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the biology of these fungal species for more efficient control of the infections they cause. This article describes an improvement in the protoplast production protocol from non-sporogenic isolates, resulting in viable protoplasts with regenerating capacity. The method improvements consist of a two-day incubation period with mycelium plugs and orbital shaking. Special mention is made of our preference for the VinoTaste Pro enzyme in the KC buffer as a replacement for Glucanex, as it enhances the efficacy of protoplast isolation in B459 and B371 isolates. The methodology described here has proven to be very useful for biotechnological applications such as genetic transformations mediated by the CRISPR/Cas9 tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Coca-Ruiz
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Nuria Cabrera-Gómez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Isidro G Collado
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Josefina Aleu
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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2
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Yilmaz I, Ozbek T. Genome editing in Acinetobacter baumannii through enhanced natural transformation. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300644. [PMID: 38412427 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300644] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii, a multidrug-resistant bacterium has become a significant cause of life-threatening infections acquired in hospitals worldwide. The existing drugs used to treat A. baumannii infections are rapidly losing efficacy, and the increasing antimicrobial resistance, which is expected to turn into a global health crisis, underscores the urgency to develop novel prevention and treatment strategies. We reasoned that the discovery of novel virulence targets for vaccine and therapy interventions requires a more enhanced method for the introduction of multiple elements of foreign DNA for genome editing than the current methods of natural transformation techniques. Herein, we employed a novel and a much-improved enhanced technique for the natural transformation of elements of the genome editing system CRISPR-Cas9 to suppress specific genomic regions linked to selectively suppress bacterial virulence. We modified the genome of the laboratory-adapted strain of A. baumannii BAA-747 by targeting the AmpC, as a marker gene, for disruption by three different genomic manipulation strategies, and created mutant strains of A. baumannii that are, at least, fourfold susceptible to ampicillin. This work has established an optimized enhanced natural transformation system that enables efficient genome editing of pathogenic bacteria in a laboratory setting, providing a valuable future tool for exploring the function of unidentified virulence genes in bacterial genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Yilmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tulin Ozbek
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Alqarihi A, Kontoyiannis DP, Ibrahim AS. Mucormycosis in 2023: an update on pathogenesis and management. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1254919. [PMID: 37808914 PMCID: PMC10552646 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1254919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis (MCR) is an emerging and frequently lethal fungal infection caused by the Mucorales family, with Rhizopus, Mucor, and Lichtheimia, accounting for > 90% of all cases. MCR is seen in patients with severe immunosuppression such as those with hematologic malignancy or transplantation, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and immunocompetent patients with severe wounds. The recent SARS COV2 epidemy in India has resulted in a tremendous increase in MCR cases, typically seen in the setting of uncontrolled DM and corticosteroid use. In addition to the diversity of affected hosts, MCR has pleiotropic clinical presentations, with rhino-orbital/rhino-cerebral, sino-pulmonary and necrotizing cutaneous forms being the predominant manifestations. Major insights in MCR pathogenesis have brought into focus the host receptors (GRP78) and signaling pathways (EGFR activation cascade) as well as the adhesins used by Mucorales for invasion. Furthermore, studies have expanded on the importance of iron availability and the complex regulation of iron homeostasis, as well as the pivotal role of mycotoxins as key factors for tissue invasion. The molecular toolbox to study Mucorales pathogenesis remains underdeveloped, but promise is brought by RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches. Important recent advancements have been made in early, culture-independent molecular diagnosis of MCR. However, development of new potent antifungals against Mucorales remains an unmet need. Therapy of MCR is multidisciplinary and requires a high index of suspicion for initiation of early Mucorales-active antifungals. Reversal of underlying immunosuppression, if feasible, rapid DKA correction and in selected patients, surgical debulking are crucial for improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alqarihi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Ashraf S Ibrahim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Mapook A, Hyde KD, Hassan K, Kemkuignou BM, Čmoková A, Surup F, Kuhnert E, Paomephan P, Cheng T, de Hoog S, Song Y, Jayawardena RS, Al-Hatmi AMS, Mahmoudi T, Ponts N, Studt-Reinhold L, Richard-Forget F, Chethana KWT, Harishchandra DL, Mortimer PE, Li H, Lumyong S, Aiduang W, Kumla J, Suwannarach N, Bhunjun CS, Yu FM, Zhao Q, Schaefer D, Stadler M. Ten decadal advances in fungal biology leading towards human well-being. FUNGAL DIVERS 2022; 116:547-614. [PMID: 36123995 PMCID: PMC9476466 DOI: 10.1007/s13225-022-00510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are an understudied resource possessing huge potential for developing products that can greatly improve human well-being. In the current paper, we highlight some important discoveries and developments in applied mycology and interdisciplinary Life Science research. These examples concern recently introduced drugs for the treatment of infections and neurological diseases; application of -OMICS techniques and genetic tools in medical mycology and the regulation of mycotoxin production; as well as some highlights of mushroom cultivaton in Asia. Examples for new diagnostic tools in medical mycology and the exploitation of new candidates for therapeutic drugs, are also given. In addition, two entries illustrating the latest developments in the use of fungi for biodegradation and fungal biomaterial production are provided. Some other areas where there have been and/or will be significant developments are also included. It is our hope that this paper will help realise the importance of fungi as a potential industrial resource and see the next two decades bring forward many new fungal and fungus-derived products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ausana Mapook
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Kevin D. Hyde
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Innovative Institute of Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510225 China
| | - Khadija Hassan
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Blondelle Matio Kemkuignou
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Adéla Čmoková
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Frank Surup
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Eric Kuhnert
- Centre of Biomolecular Drug Research (BMWZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Pathompong Paomephan
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 272 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Tian Cheng
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center / Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Yinggai Song
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruvishika S. Jayawardena
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Abdullah M. S. Al-Hatmi
- Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center / Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Tokameh Mahmoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia Ponts
- INRAE, UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety (MycSA), 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Lena Studt-Reinhold
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Microbial Genetics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | | | - K. W. Thilini Chethana
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Dulanjalee L. Harishchandra
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environment Friendly Management on Fruit Diseases and Pests in North China, Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097 China
| | - Peter E. Mortimer
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- Centre for Mountain Futures (CMF), Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Huili Li
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- Centre for Mountain Futures (CMF), Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Saisamorm Lumyong
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
| | - Worawoot Aiduang
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Chitrabhanu S. Bhunjun
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Feng-Ming Yu
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Doug Schaefer
- Centre for Mountain Futures (CMF), Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Marc Stadler
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Brunswick, Germany
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5
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Transcontinental Dispersal of Nonendemic Fungal Pathogens through Wooden Handicraft Imports. mBio 2022; 13:e0107522. [PMID: 35766379 PMCID: PMC9426497 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01075-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the viability and diversity of fungi harbored in imported wooden handicraft products sold in six retail stores in Florida, United States. Despite being subjected to trade regulations that require various sterilization/fumigation protocols, our study demonstrates high survival and diversity of fungi in wood products originating from at least seven countries on three continents. Among these fungi were nonendemic plant and human pathogens, as well as mycotoxin producers. Several products that are sold for use in food preparation and consumption harbored a novel (to North America) plant and human pathogen, Paecilomyces formosus. In addition, a high number of species isolated were thermophilic and included halophilic species, suggesting adaptability and selection through current wood treatment protocols that utilize heat and/or fumigation with methyl-bromide. This research suggests that current federal guidelines for imports of wooden goods are not sufficient to avoid the transit of potential live pathogens and demonstrates the need to increase safeguards at both points of origin and entry for biosecurity against introduction from invasive fungal species in wood products. Future import regulations should consider living fungi, their tolerance to extreme conditions, and their potential survival in solid substrates. Mitigation efforts may require additional steps such as more stringent fumigation and/or sterilization strategies and limiting use of wood that has not been processed to remove bark and decay.
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Genetic Manipulation in Mucorales and New Developments to Study Mucormycosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073454. [PMID: 35408814 PMCID: PMC8998210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073454] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the Mucoralean fungi physiology is a neglected field that the lack of effective genetic tools has hampered in the past. However, the emerging fungal infection caused by these fungi, known as mucormycosis, has prompted many researchers to study the pathogenic potential of Mucorales. The main reasons for this current attraction to study mucormycosis are its high lethality, the lack of effective antifungal drugs, and its recent increased incidence. The most contemporary example of the emergence character of mucormycosis is the epidemics declared in several Asian countries as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, this pressure to understand mucormycosis and develop new treatment strategies has encouraged the blossoming of new genetic techniques and methodologies. This review describes the history of genetic manipulation in Mucorales, highlighting the development of methods and how they allowed the main genetic studies in these fungi. Moreover, we have emphasized the recent development of new genetic models to study mucormycosis, a landmark in the field that will configure future research related to this disease.
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Garre V. Recent Advances and Future Directions in the Understanding of Mucormycosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:850581. [PMID: 35281441 PMCID: PMC8907824 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.850581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an emerging infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that has recently gained public relevance due to the high incidence among COVID-19 patients in some countries. The reduced knowledge about Mucorales pathogenesis is due, in large part, to the historically low interest for these fungi fostered by their reluctance to be genetically manipulated. The recent introduction of more tractable genetic models together with an increasing number of available whole genome sequences and genomic analyses have improved our understanding of Mucorales biology and mucormycosis in the last ten years. This review summarizes the most significant advances in diagnosis, understanding of the innate and acquired resistance to antifungals, identification of new virulence factors and molecular mechanisms involved in the infection. The increased awareness about the disease and the recent successful genetic manipulation of previous intractable fungal models using CRISPR-Cas9 technology are expected to fuel the characterization of Mucorales pathogenesis, facilitating the development of effective treatments to fight this deadly infection.
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Dubey AK, Kumar Gupta V, Kujawska M, Orive G, Kim NY, Li CZ, Kumar Mishra Y, Kaushik A. Exploring nano-enabled CRISPR-Cas-powered strategies for efficient diagnostics and treatment of infectious diseases. JOURNAL OF NANOSTRUCTURE IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 12:833-864. [PMID: 35194511 PMCID: PMC8853211 DOI: 10.1007/s40097-022-00472-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Biomedical researchers have subsequently been inspired the development of new approaches for precisely changing an organism's genomic DNA in order to investigate customized diagnostics and therapeutics utilizing genetic engineering techniques. Clustered Regulatory Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is one such technique that has emerged as a safe, targeted, and effective pharmaceutical treatment against a wide range of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, as well as genetic abnormalities. The recent discovery of very flexible engineered nucleic acid binding proteins has changed the scientific area of genome editing in a revolutionary way. Since current genetic engineering technique relies on viral vectors, issues about immunogenicity, insertional oncogenesis, retention, and targeted delivery remain unanswered. The use of nanotechnology has the potential to improve the safety and efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 component distribution by employing tailored polymeric nanoparticles. The combination of two (CRISPR/Cas9 and nanotechnology) offers the potential to open new therapeutic paths. Considering the benefits, demand, and constraints, the goal of this research is to acquire more about the biology of CRISPR technology, as well as aspects of selective and effective diagnostics and therapies for infectious illnesses and other metabolic disorders. This review advocated combining nanomedicine (nanomedicine) with a CRISPR/Cas enabled sensing system to perform early-stage diagnostics and selective therapy of specific infectious disorders. Such a Nano-CRISPR-powered nanomedicine and sensing system would allow for successful infectious illness control, even on a personal level. This comprehensive study also discusses the current obstacles and potential of the predicted technology. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40097-022-00472-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Kumar Dubey
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 600036, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG UK
| | - Małgorzata Kujawska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznań, Poland
| | - Gorka Orive
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBER Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBERBBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Nanobiocel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- University Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Oral Implantology, UIRMI (UPV/EHU-Fundación Eduardo Anitua), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nam-Young Kim
- Department of Electronics Engineering, RFIC Bio Centre, NDAC Centre, RFIC Bio Centre, NDAC Centre, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01897 South Korea
| | - Chen-zhong Li
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Yogendra Kumar Mishra
- Mads Clausen Institute, NanoSYD, University of Southern Denmark, Alison 2, 6400 Sønderborg, Denmark
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Health System Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL-33805 USA
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Tsuboi Y, Sakuma T, Yamamoto T, Horiuchi H, Takahashi F, Igarashi K, Hagihara H, Takimura Y. OUP accepted manuscript. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2022; 369:6524178. [PMID: 35137045 PMCID: PMC8863565 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mucorales fungal genus Rhizopus is used for the industrial production of organic acids, enzymes and fermented foods. The metabolic engineering efficiency of Rhizopus could be improved using gene manipulation; however, exogenous DNA rarely integrates into the host genome. Consequently, a genetic tool for Mucorales fungi needs to be developed. Recently, programmable nucleases that generate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at specific genomic loci have been used for genome editing in various organisms. In this study, we examined gene disruption in Rhizopus oryzae using transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), with and without exonuclease overexpression. TALENs with an overexpressing exonuclease induced DSBs, followed by target site deletions. Although DSBs are repaired mainly by nonhomologous end joining in most organisms, our results suggested that in R. oryzae microhomology-mediated end joining was the major DSB repair system. Our gene manipulation method using TALENs coupled with exonuclease overexpression contributes to basic scientific knowledge and the metabolic engineering of Rhizopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Tsuboi
- Corresponding author: Biological Science Laboratories, KAO Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama 640-8580, Japan. Tel: +81-70-3297-1291; Fax: +81-73-426-5027; E-mail:
| | | | - Takashi Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Horiuchi
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Takahashi
- Biological Science Laboratories, KAO Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama 640-8580, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Igarashi
- Biological Science Laboratories, KAO Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama 640-8580, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hagihara
- Biological Science Laboratories, KAO Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama 640-8580, Japan
| | - Yasushi Takimura
- Biological Science Laboratories, KAO Corporation, 1334 Minato, Wakayama, Wakayama 640-8580, Japan
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10
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Lax C, Navarro-Mendoza MI, Pérez-Arques C, Navarro E, Nicolás FE, Garre V. Stable and reproducible homologous recombination enables CRISPR-based engineering in the fungus Rhizopus microsporus. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2021; 1:100124. [PMID: 35475217 PMCID: PMC9017206 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a lethal and emerging disease that has lacked a genetic model fulfilling both high virulence and the possibility of performing stable and reproducible gene manipulation by homologous recombination (HR). Here, we developed a new methodology to successfully perform HR in Rhizopus microsporus. We isolated an uracil auxotrophic recipient strain and optimized the critical steps in the genetic transformation of this fungus. This was followed by an adaptation of a plasmid-free CRISPR-Cas9 system coupled with microhomology repair templates. We reproducibly generated stable mutants in the genes leuA and crgA, encoding a 3-isopropylmalate dehydratase and an ubiquitin ligase, respectively. Our new genetic model showed that mutations in the gene pyrF, a key virulence gene in several bacterial and fungal pathogens, correlated with an avirulent phenotype in an immunocompetent murine host. This was reverted by gene complementation, showing the broad possibilities of our methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lax
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Pérez-Arques
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Eusebio Navarro
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Esteban Nicolás
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Victoriano Garre
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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11
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Recent Advances in Genome Editing Tools in Medical Mycology Research. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040257. [PMID: 33808382 PMCID: PMC8067129 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulating fungal genomes is an important tool to understand the function of target genes, pathobiology of fungal infections, virulence potential, and pathogenicity of medically important fungi, and to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutic targets. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in genetic manipulation techniques used in the field of medical mycology. Fungi use several strategies to cope with stress and adapt themselves against environmental effectors. For instance, mutations in the 14 alpha-demethylase gene may result in azole resistance in Aspergillusfumigatus strains and shield them against fungicide's effects. Over the past few decades, several genome editing methods have been introduced for genetic manipulations in pathogenic fungi. Application of restriction enzymes to target and cut a double-stranded DNA in a pre-defined sequence was the first technique used for cloning in Aspergillus and Candida. Genome editing technologies, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), have been also used to engineer a double-stranded DNA molecule. As a result, TALENs were considered more practical to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms. Recently, Class 2 type II Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology has emerged as a more useful tool for genome manipulation in fungal research.
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12
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Jiang C, Lv G, Tu Y, Cheng X, Duan Y, Zeng B, He B. Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in the Synthesis of Secondary Metabolites in Filamentous Fungi. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:638096. [PMID: 33643273 PMCID: PMC7905030 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.638096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi possess the capacity to produce a wide array of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities and structures, such as lovastatin and swainsonine. With the advent of the post-genomic era, increasing amounts of cryptic or uncharacterized secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters are continually being discovered. However, owing to the longstanding lack of versatile, comparatively simple, and highly efficient genetic manipulation techniques, the broader exploration of industrially important secondary metabolites has been hampered thus far. With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technology, this dilemma may be alleviated, as this advanced technique has revolutionized genetic research and enabled the exploitation and discovery of new bioactive compounds from filamentous fungi. In this review, we introduce the CRISPR/Cas9 system in detail and summarize the latest applications of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in filamentous fungi. We also briefly introduce the specific applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and CRISPRa in the improvement of secondary metabolite contents and discovery of novel biologically active compounds in filamentous fungi, with specific examples noted. Additionally, we highlight and discuss some of the challenges and deficiencies of using the CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technology in research on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites as well as future application of CRISPR/Cas9 strategy in filamentous fungi are highlighted and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmiao Jiang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-Vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Gongbo Lv
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-Vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yayi Tu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-Vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaojie Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yitian Duan
- School of Information, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-Vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China.,College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin He
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-Vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
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13
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Arazoe T. CRISPR-based pathogenic fungal genome editing for control of infection and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 179:161-196. [PMID: 33785176 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fungi play important roles in many aspects of human life, such as in various food, beverage, agricultural, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Meanwhile, some fungal species cause several severe diseases in plants, humans and animals. Fungal and fungal-like diseases pose a severe threat to human health, food security, and ecosystem health worldwide. This chapter introduces CRISPR-based genome editing technologies for pathogenic fungi and their application in controlling fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Arazoe
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan.
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14
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Wang P. Genetic Transformation in Cryptococcus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010056. [PMID: 33467426 PMCID: PMC7829943 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic transformation plays an imperative role in our understanding of the biology in unicellular yeasts and filamentous fungi, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus nidulans, Cryphonectria parasitica, and Magnaporthe oryzae. It also helps to understand the virulence and drug resistance mechanisms of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus that causes cryptococcosis in health and immunocompromised individuals. Since the first attempt at DNA transformation in this fungus by Edman in 1992, various methods and techniques have been developed to introduce DNA into this organism and improve the efficiency of homology-mediated gene disruption. There have been many excellent summaries or reviews covering the subject. Here we highlight some of the significant achievements and additional refinements in the genetic transformation of Cryptococcus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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15
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Wang T, Yue S, Jin Y, Wei H, Lu L. Advances allowing feasible pyrG gene editing by a CRISPR-Cas9 system for the edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii. Fungal Genet Biol 2021; 147:103509. [PMID: 33400990 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2020.103509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
For decades, the edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii (P. eryngii) has been cultivated as important raw materials for food and pharmaceutical industries in most of Asian countries, especially in China. Unfortunately, the generation and improvement of new cultivars are very difficult since there are many barriers which have not been solved thoroughly by gene editing tools, even though the CRISPR-Cas9 technique has been widely applied in other species. In this study, we identified the point-mutated variant of the endogenous sdhB gene (cbxr) as a more stable selection marker than hygromycin B resistance gene (hph) in P. eryngii. Furthermore, using a codon-optimized Cas9, a predicted native U6 promoter-guided sgRNA, as well as an optimized protoplast transformation system, a highly efficient pyrG gene editing system was established in P. eryngii, that incorporated varied insertions and deletions (indels) by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homology-directed repair (HDR). Findings for a successful targeted gene editing strategy in the edible mushroom P. eryngii may open a new chapter for the improvement of edible mushroom cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingli Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shang Yue
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yating Jin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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16
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Ullah M, Xia L, Xie S, Sun S. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering: A new breakthrough in the genetic manipulation of filamentous fungi. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2020; 67:835-851. [PMID: 33179815 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi have several industrial, environmental, and medical applications. However, they are rarely utilized owing to the limited availability of full-genome sequences and genetic manipulation tools. Since the recent discovery of the full-genome sequences for certain industrially important filamentous fungi, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has drawn attention for the efficient development of engineered strains of filamentous fungi. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been successfully applied to diverse filamentous fungi. In this review, we briefly discuss the use of common genetic transformation techniques as well as CRISPR/Cas9-based systems in filamentous fungi. Furthermore, we describe potential limitations and challenges in the practical application of genome engineering of filamentous fungi. Finally, we provide suggestions and highlight future research prospects in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mati Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shangxian Xie
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Su Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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17
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Jayawardena RS, Hyde KD, Chen YJ, Papp V, Palla B, Papp D, Bhunjun CS, Hurdeal VG, Senwanna C, Manawasinghe IS, Harischandra DL, Gautam AK, Avasthi S, Chuankid B, Goonasekara ID, Hongsanan S, Zeng X, Liyanage KK, Liu N, Karunarathna A, Hapuarachchi KK, Luangharn T, Raspé O, Brahmanage R, Doilom M, Lee HB, Mei L, Jeewon R, Huanraluek N, Chaiwan N, Stadler M, Wang Y. One stop shop IV: taxonomic update with molecular phylogeny for important phytopathogenic genera: 76–100 (2020). FUNGAL DIVERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13225-020-00460-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis is a continuation of a series focused on providing a stable platform for the taxonomy of phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like organisms. This paper focuses on one family: Erysiphaceae and 24 phytopathogenic genera: Armillaria, Barriopsis, Cercospora, Cladosporium, Clinoconidium, Colletotrichum, Cylindrocladiella, Dothidotthia,, Fomitopsis, Ganoderma, Golovinomyces, Heterobasidium, Meliola, Mucor, Neoerysiphe, Nothophoma, Phellinus, Phytophthora, Pseudoseptoria, Pythium, Rhizopus, Stemphylium, Thyrostroma and Wojnowiciella. Each genus is provided with a taxonomic background, distribution, hosts, disease symptoms, and updated backbone trees. Species confirmed with pathogenicity studies are denoted when data are available. Six of the genera are updated from previous entries as many new species have been described.
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18
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Liu M, Zhang Z, Ding C, Wang T, Kelly B, Wang P. Transcriptomic Analysis of Extracellular RNA Governed by the Endocytic Adaptor Protein Cin1 of Cryptococcus deneoformans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:256. [PMID: 32656093 PMCID: PMC7324655 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane vesicles are considered virulence cargoes as they carry capsular and melanin components whose secretory transport is critical for the virulence of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus species. However, other components of the vesicles and their function in the growth and virulence of the fungus remain unclear. We have previously found that the cryptococcal intersectin protein Cin1 governs a unique Cin1-Wsp1-Cdc42 endocytic pathway required for intracellular transport and virulence. Using RNA sequencing, we compared the profiles of extracellular RNA (exRNA), including microRNA (miRNA), small interference RNA (siRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) between the wild-type (WT), and derived Δcin1 mutant strains of Cryptococcus deneoformans. Seven hundred twelve miRNAs and 88 siRNAs were identified from WT, whereas 799 miRNAs and 66 siRNAs were found in Δcin1. Also, 572 lncRNAs and 7,721 mRNAs were identified from WT and 584 lncRNAs and 7,703 mRNAs from Δcin1. Differential expression analysis revealed that the disruption of CIN1 results in many important cellular changes, including those in exRNA expression, transport, and function. First, for miRNA target genes, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that cellular processes, components, and macromolecular functions are the most affected pathways. A higher number of genes were involved in the intracellular transport of endocytosis. Second, the results of GO term and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed lncRNA target genes and mRNA genes were consistent with those of miRNA targets. In particular, protein export is the topmost affected pathway among lncRNA target genes and one of the affected pathways among mRNA genes. The result of quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) from 12 mRNAs tested is largely agreeable with that of RNA-Seq. Taken together, our studies provide a comprehensive reference that Cryptococcus secretes abundant RNAs and that Cin1 plays a critical role in regulating their secretion. Given the growing clinical importance of exRNAs, our studies illuminate the significance of exploring this cutting-edge technology in studies of cryptococcal pathogenesis for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muxing Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengguang Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Liaoning, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Ben Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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19
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Malavia D, Gow NAR, Usher J. Advances in Molecular Tools and In Vivo Models for the Study of Human Fungal Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E803. [PMID: 32466582 PMCID: PMC7356103 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi represent an increasing infectious disease threat to humans, especially with an increasing challenge of antifungal drug resistance. Over the decades, numerous tools have been developed to expedite the study of pathogenicity, initiation of disease, drug resistance and host-pathogen interactions. In this review, we highlight advances that have been made in the use of molecular tools using CRISPR technologies, RNA interference and transposon targeted mutagenesis. We also discuss the use of animal models in modelling disease of human fungal pathogens, focusing on zebrafish, the silkworm, Galleria mellonella and the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (D.M.); (N.A.R.G.)
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20
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CRISPR-Cas9-Based Mutagenesis of the Mucormycosis-Causing Fungus Lichtheimia corymbifera. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103727. [PMID: 32466287 PMCID: PMC7279233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lichtheimia corymbifera is considered as one of the most frequent agents of mucormycosis. The lack of efficient genetic manipulation tools hampers the characterization of the pathomechanisms and virulence factors of this opportunistic pathogenic fungus. Although such techniques have been described for certain species, the performance of targeted mutagenesis and the construction of stable transformants have remained a great challenge in Mucorales fungi. In the present study, a plasmid-free CRISPR-Cas9 system was applied to carry out a targeted gene disruption in L. corymbifera. The described method is based on the non-homologous end-joining repair of the double-strand break caused by the Cas9 enzyme. Using this method, short, one-to-five nucleotide long-targeted deletions could be induced in the orotidine 5′-phosphate decarboxylase gene (pyrG) and, as a result, uracil auxotrophic strains were constructed. These strains are applicable as recipient strains in future gene manipulation studies. As we know, this is the first genetic modification of this clinically relevant fungus.
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21
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Cultivable fungi associated with bryosphere of bipolar mosses Polytrichastrum alpinum and Polytrichum juniperinum in King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctica. Polar Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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22
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Abstract
Fungal pathogens represent a major human threat affecting more than a billion people worldwide. Invasive infections are on the rise, which is of considerable concern because they are accompanied by an escalation of antifungal resistance. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying virulence traits and drug resistance strongly relies on genetic manipulation techniques such as generating mutant strains carrying specific mutations, or gene deletions. However, these processes have often been time-consuming and cumbersome in fungi due to a number of complications, depending on the species (e.g., diploid genomes, lack of a sexual cycle, low efficiency of transformation and/or homologous recombination, lack of cloning vectors, nonconventional codon usage, and paucity of dominant selectable markers). These issues are increasingly being addressed by applying clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 mediated genetic manipulation to medically relevant fungi. Here, we summarize the state of the art of CRISPR-Cas9 applications in four major human fungal pathogen lineages: Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Mucorales. We highlight the different ways in which CRISPR has been customized to address the critical issues in different species, including different strategies to deliver the CRISPR-Cas9 elements, their transient or permanent expression, use of codon-optimized CAS9, and methods of marker recycling and scarless editing. Some approaches facilitate a more efficient use of homology-directed repair in fungi in which nonhomologous end joining is more commonly used to repair double-strand breaks (DSBs). Moreover, we highlight the most promising future perspectives, including gene drives, programmable base editors, and nonediting applications, some of which are currently available only in model fungi but may be adapted for future applications in pathogenic species. Finally, this review discusses how the further evolution of CRISPR technology will allow mycologists to tackle the multifaceted issue of fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Morio
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Université de Nantes, Nantes Université, EA1155 –IICiMed, Nantes, France
| | - Lisa Lombardi
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Strategies for gene disruption and expression in filamentous fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:6041-6059. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09953-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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24
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Progress and Challenges: Development and Implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology in Filamentous Fungi. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:761-769. [PMID: 31312414 PMCID: PMC6607083 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Widely distributed in various environmental niches, filamentous fungi play an important role in industry, drug development, and plant/animal health. Manipulation of the genome and the coding sequences are essential for a better understanding of the function of genes and their regulation, but traditional genetic approaches in some filamentous fungi are either inefficient or nonfunctional. The rapid development and wide implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats /(CRISPR)-associated protein-9 nuclease) technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this gene editing technology for filamentous fungi. In this review, an overview of the CRISPR/Cas9 tools and strategies that have been developed for different filamentous fungi is presented, including integration of the CAS9 gene into the genome, transient expression of Cas9/sgRNA, the AMA1-based plasmid approach, and the Cas9 RNP method. The various applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in filamentous fungi that have been implemented are explored, with particular emphasis on gene disruption/deletion and precise genome modification through gene tagging and alteration in gene regulation. Potential challenges that are confronted when developing a CRISPR/Cas9 system for filamentous fungi are also discussed such as the nuclear localization sequence for the CAS9 gene, potential off-target effects, and highly efficient transformation methods. Overcoming these obstacles may further facilitate wide application of this technology. As a simple, economical, and powerful tool, CRISPR/Cas9 systems have the potential for future implementation into many molecular aspects of filamentous fungi.
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25
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Schuster M, Kahmann R. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing approaches in filamentous fungi and oomycetes. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 130:43-53. [PMID: 31048007 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Due to their biotechnological relevance as well as their importance as disease agents, filamentous fungi and oomycetes have been prime candidates for genetic selection and in vitro manipulation for decades. With the advent of new genome editing technologies such manipulations have reached a new level of speed and sophistication. The CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology in particular has revolutionized the ways how desired mutations can be introduced. To date, the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system has been established in more than 40 different species of filamentous fungi and oomycetes. In this review we describe the various approaches taken to assure expression of the components necessary for editing and describe the varying strategies used to achieve gene disruptions, gene replacements and precise editing. We discuss potential problems faced when establishing the system, propose ways to circumvent them and suggest future approaches not yet realized in filamentous fungi or oomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Schuster
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Dept. Organismic Interactions, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Regine Kahmann
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Dept. Organismic Interactions, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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