1
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Moraes D, Tristão GB, Rappleye CA, Ray SC, Ribeiro-Dias F, Gomes RS, Assunção LDP, Paccez JD, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Silva-Bailão MG, Soares CMDA, Bailão AM. The influence of a copper efflux pump in Histoplasma capsulatum virulence. FEBS J 2024; 291:744-760. [PMID: 37950580 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16999] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
During the infectious process, pathogenic microorganisms must obtain nutrients from the host in order to survive and proliferate. These nutritional sources include the metallic nutrient copper. Despite its essentiality, copper in large amounts is toxic. Host defense mechanisms use high copper poisoning as a fungicidal strategy to control infection. Transcriptional analyses showed that yeast cultured in the presence of copper or inside macrophages (24 h) had elevated expression of CRP1, a copper efflux pump, suggesting that Histoplasma capsulatum could be exposed to a high copper environment in macrophages during the innate immune stage of infection. Accordingly, macrophages cultured in high copper are more efficient in controlling H. capsulatum growth. Also, silencing of ATP7a, a copper pump that promotes the copper influx in phagosomes, increases fungal survival in macrophages. The rich copper environment faced by the fungus is not dependent on IFN-γ, since fungal CRP1 expression is induced in untreated macrophages. Appropriately, CRP1 knockdown fungal strains are more susceptible to macrophage control than wild-type yeasts. Additionally, CRP1 silencing decreases fungal burden in mice during the phase of innate immune response (4-day postinfection) and CRP1 is required for full virulence in a macrophage cell lines (J774 A.1 and RAW 264.7), as well as primary cells (BMDM). Thus, induction of fungal copper detoxifying genes during innate immunity and the attenuated virulence of CRP1-knockdown yeasts suggest that H. capsulatum is exposed to a copper-rich environment at early infection, but circumvents this condition to establish infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Moraes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Brum Tristão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Chad A Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie C Ray
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Fátima Ribeiro-Dias
- Laboratório de Imunidade Natural (LIN), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Saar Gomes
- Laboratório de Imunidade Natural (LIN), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Leandro do Prado Assunção
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Juliano Domiraci Paccez
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mirelle Garcia Silva-Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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2
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Ciaffaglione V, Rizzarelli E. Carnosine, Zinc and Copper: A Menage a Trois in Bone and Cartilage Protection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16209. [PMID: 38003398 PMCID: PMC10671046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216209] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated metal homeostasis is associated with many pathological conditions, including arthritic diseases. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most prevalent disorders that damage the joints and lead to cartilage and bone destruction. Recent studies show that the levels of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are generally altered in the serum of arthritis patients. Therefore, metal dyshomeostasis may reflect the contribution of these trace elements to the disease's pathogenesis and manifestations, suggesting their potential for prognosis and treatment. Carnosine (Car) also emerged as a biomarker in arthritis and exerts protective and osteogenic effects in arthritic joints. Notably, its zinc(II) complex, polaprezinc, has been recently proposed as a drug-repurposing candidate for bone fracture healing. On these bases, this review article aims to provide an overview of the beneficial roles of Cu and Zn in bone and cartilage health and their potential application in tissue engineering. The effects of Car and polaprezinc in promoting cartilage and bone regeneration are also discussed. We hypothesize that polaprezinc could exchange Zn for Cu, present in the culture media, due to its higher sequestering ability towards Cu. However, future studies should unveil the potential contribution of Cu in the beneficial effects of polaprezinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ciaffaglione
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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3
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Balla N, Jakab Á, Kovács F, Ragyák Á, Tóth Z, Balázsi D, Forgács L, Bozó A, Al Refai F, Borman AM, Majoros L, Kovács R. Total transcriptome analysis of Candida auris planktonic cells exposed to tyrosol. AMB Express 2023; 13:81. [PMID: 37532970 PMCID: PMC10397170 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01586-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosol, a secondary metabolite of Candida species, regulates fungal morphogenesis, and its application may represent a novel innovative therapy against emerging multi-resistant fungal superbug such as Candida auris. In the current study, the effects of tyrosol on growth, redox homeostasis, intracellular microelement contents and activities of virulence-related enzymes released by C. auris were examined. To gain further information about the effect of tyrosol exposure, we revealed gene transcriptional changes using total transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). At a concentration of 15 mM, tyrosol significantly decrease the growth of fungal cells within 2 h of its addition (5.6 × 107±1.2 × 107 and 2.5 × 107±0.6 × 107 colony forming unit/mL for control and tyrosol-treated cells, respectively). Furthermore, it enhanced the release of reactive oxygen species as confirmed by a dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay (7.3 ± 1.8 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] versus 16.8 ± 3.9 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1]), which was coincided with elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Tyrosol exerted in a 37%, 25%, 34% and 55% decrease in intracellular manganese, iron, zinc and copper contents, respectively, compared to control cells. The tyrosol treatment led to a 142 and 108 differentially transcripted genes with at least a 1.5-fold increase or decrease in transcription, respectively. Genes related to iron and fatty acid metabolism as well as nucleic acid synthesis were down-regulated, whereas those related to the antioxidative defence, adhesion and oxoacid metabolic processes were up-regulated. This study shows that tyrosol significantly influences growth, intracellular physiological processes and gene transcription in C. auris, which could highly support the development of novel treatment approaches against this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Balla
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ragyák
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Dávid Balázsi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Aliz Bozó
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Farah Al Refai
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRCCMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.
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4
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Seo H, Kang S, Lee D, Yun CW. Regulation of pseurotin A biosynthesis by GliZ and zinc in Aspergillus fumigatus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2431. [PMID: 36765124 PMCID: PMC9918513 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29753-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported that zinc regulates gliotoxin biosynthesis via ZafA, which is a zinc-responsive transcriptional activator. From an HPLC analysis of culture media of Aspergillus fumigatus, we found a trend of decreasing gliotoxin production but increasing pseurotin A and fumagillin production in proportion to the zinc concentration. The expression of the genes involved in pseurotin A biosynthesis was upregulated under high zinc concentrations. Furthermore, upregulated expression of pseurotin A biosynthetic genes and higher production of pseurotin A were observed in the zafA deletion strain. Interestingly, the deletion of gliZ, a transcriptional activator of gliotoxin biosynthesis genes, resulted in upregulated expression of pseurotin A biosynthetic genes and increased production of pseurotin A. We detected upregulation of fumR expression in the gliZ and zafA deletion mutants. The overexpression of gliZ observed in the zafA deletion mutant resulted in the failure of the mutant to increase pseurotin A production, which is a phenotype of the zafA deletion mutant. These results suggest that ZafA sequentially regulates pseurotin A biosynthesis through GliZ. Finally, we found through a murine virulence test that the gliZ and fumR double-deletion mutants showed a delayed death rate compared with the single-deletion mutants of either gliZ or fumR. Taken together, these results suggested that the biosynthesis of gliotoxin and pseurotin A are regulated in opposite ways by zinc utilization and that each secondary metabolite is synthesized when the synthesis of another secondary metabolite fails to protect it against the defense system of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyewon Seo
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suzie Kang
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongho Lee
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Won Yun
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- NeuroEsgel Co., Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Zhao J, Peng M, Chen W, Xing X, Shan Y, Fan Z, Shi Y, Li H, Yang X, Li H, Chen L. Transcriptome Analysis and Functional Validation Identify a Putative bZIP Transcription Factor, Fpkapc, that Regulates Development, Stress Responses, and Virulence in Fusarium pseudograminearum. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:1299-1309. [PMID: 35000433 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-12-21-0520-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium pseudograminearum is a soilborne, hemibiotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that causes Fusarium crown rot and Fusarium head blight in wheat. The basic leucine zipper proteins (bZIPs) are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that play crucial roles in a range of growth and developmental processes and the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the roles of bZIP transcription factors remains unknown in F. pseudograminearum. In this study, a bZIP transcription factor Fpkapc was identified to localize to the nucleus in F. pseudograminearum. A mutant strain (Δfpkapc) was constructed to determine the role of Fpkapc in growth and pathogenicity of F. pseudograminearum. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that many genes involved in basic metabolism and oxidation-reduction processes were downregulated, whereas many genes involved in metal iron binding were upregulated in the Δfpkapc strain, compared with the wild type (WT). Correspondingly, the mutant had severe growth defects and displayed abnormal hyphal tips. Conidiation in the Fpkapc mutant was reduced, with more conidia in smaller size and fewer septa than in the WT. Also, relative to WT, the Δfpkapc strain showed greater tolerance to ion stress, but decreased tolerance to H2O2. The mutant caused smaller disease lesions on wheat and barley plants, but significantly increased TRI gene expression, compared with the WT. In summary, Fpkapc plays multiple roles in governing growth, development, stress responses, and virulence in F. pseudograminearum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingya Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Mengya Peng
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Wenbo Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xiaoping Xing
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yixuan Shan
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Zhuo Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yan Shi
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Haiyang Li
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xue Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Honglian Li
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Zhengzhou 450000, China
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6
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The putative role of zinc homeostasis in grain formation by Madurella mycetomatis during mycetoma infection. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Ball B, Woroszchuk E, Sukumaran A, West H, Afaq A, Carruthers-Lay D, Muselius B, Gee L, Langille M, Pladwig S, Kazi S, Hendriks A, Geddes-McAlister J. Proteome and secretome profiling of zinc availability in Cryptococcus neoformans identifies Wos2 as a subtle influencer of fungal virulence determinants. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:341. [PMID: 34903172 PMCID: PMC8667453 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal infections impact over 25% of the global population. For the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, infection leads to cryptococcosis. In the presence of the host, disease is enabled by elaboration of sophisticated virulence determinants, including polysaccharide capsule, melanin, thermotolerance, and extracellular enzymes. Conversely, the host protects itself from fungal invasion by regulating and sequestering transition metals (e.g., iron, zinc, copper) important for microbial growth and survival. RESULTS Here, we explore the intricate relationship between zinc availability and fungal virulence via mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics. We observe a core proteome along with a distinct zinc-regulated protein-level signature demonstrating a shift away from transport and ion binding under zinc-replete conditions towards transcription and metal acquisition under zinc-limited conditions. In addition, we revealed a novel connection among zinc availability, thermotolerance, as well as capsule and melanin production through the detection of a Wos2 ortholog in the secretome under replete conditions. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we provide new biological insight into cellular remodeling at the protein level of C. neoformans under regulated zinc conditions and uncover a novel connection between zinc homeostasis and fungal virulence determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ball
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E Woroszchuk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A Sukumaran
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - H West
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A Afaq
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - D Carruthers-Lay
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - B Muselius
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - L Gee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M Langille
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S Pladwig
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S Kazi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A Hendriks
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J Geddes-McAlister
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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8
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Wilson D. The role of zinc in the pathogenicity of human fungal pathogens. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 117:35-61. [PMID: 34742366 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens now account for an unprecedented burden on human health. Like all microorganisms, these fungi must successfully forage for essential micronutrients such as zinc in order to proliferate. However, pathogenic microbes face an additional hurdle in securing zinc from their environment: the action of host nutritional immunity which strictly manipulates microbial access to this essential, but also potentially toxic trace metal. This review introduces the relevant pathogenic species and goes on to cover the molecular mechanisms of zinc uptake by human fungal pathogens. Fungi scavenge zinc from their environment via two basic mechanisms: via a family of cellular zinc importers-the ZIP transporters; and via a unique secreted zinc binding protein-the zincophore. However the genetic requirement of these systems for fungal virulence is highly species-specific. As well as zinc scarcity, potential intoxification with this heavy metal can occur and, unlike bacteria, fungi deal with environmental insult this via intraorganellar compartmentalization. Zinc availability also modulates the morphogenic behavior of a subset of pathogenic yeast species. This chapter will cover these different aspects of zinc availability on the physiology of human fungal pathogens with emphasis on the major pathogenic species Candida albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
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9
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Sun T, Li Y, Li Y, Li H, Gong Y, Wu J, Ning Y, Ding C, Xu Y. Proteomic Analysis of Copper Toxicity in Human Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:662404. [PMID: 34485169 PMCID: PMC8415117 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.662404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an invasive human fungal pathogen that causes more than 181,000 deaths each year. Studies have demonstrated that pulmonary C. neoformans infection induces innate immune responses involving copper, and copper detoxification in C. neoformans improves its fitness and pathogenicity during pulmonary C. neoformans infection. However, the molecular mechanism by which copper inhibits C. neoformans proliferation is unclear. We used a metallothionein double-knockout C. neoformans mutant that was highly sensitive to copper to demonstrate that exogenous copper ions inhibit fungal cell growth by inducing reactive oxygen species generation. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we found that copper down-regulated factors involved in protein translation, but up-regulated proteins involved in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. We propose that the down-regulation of protein synthesis and the up-regulation of protein degradation are the main effects of copper toxicity. The ubiquitin modification of total protein and proteasome activity were promoted under copper stress, and inhibition of the proteasome pathway alleviated copper toxicity. Our proteomic analysis sheds new light on the antifungal mechanisms of copper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Sun
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjian Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingxing Li
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hailong Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiyi Gong
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yating Ning
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Verduci E, D'Auria E, Bosetti A, DI Profio E, Vizzuso S, Milanta C, Pendezza E, Borsani B, Zuccotti GV. Immunomodulatory diet in pediatric age. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2021; 73:128-149. [PMID: 33880904 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.21.06214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, the importance of a functioning immune system and health status has become more evident. Multiple factors are able to influence the development of chronic diseases and diet is one of the most important environmental factors. Evidence demonstrates that dietary patterns high in fat and low in fiber are associated with the development of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, optimal nutritional status can modulate immune maturation and response to inflammation. During inflammatory conditions, nutritional deficiencies may occur, establishing a vicious circle, consequently a balanced nutritional status is essential to prevent and counteract infections. Dietary diversity can prevent allergic diseases and nutrients such as DHA, arginine, vitamins and trace elements have an impact on physical barriers (such as gut mucosal barrier and skin), on the immune system response and on microbiome modulation. Protein deficiencies can compromise innate and adaptive immune functions; arginine availability can affect the immune response in injured states and other disease processes; EPA and DHA can modulate both innate and adaptive immunity; prebiotics have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system. Zinc, copper, selenium and iron are involved in the correct development and function of the immune system. Vitamins D, E, A, B and C have a role on immune system through different mechanisms of action. Since a complex interplay exists between diet, microbiome and epigenetic factors which determine nutrient-induced changes on the immune function, the effect of each single nutrient may be difficult to study. Well-designed intervention studies, investigating the effects of whole dietary pattern, should be performed to clarify impact of foods on the immune function and disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy - .,Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy -
| | - Enza D'Auria
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Vizzuso
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Milanta
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Pendezza
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Borsani
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
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11
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Zrg1, a cryptococcal protein associated with regulation of growth in nutrient deprivation conditions. Genomics 2021; 113:805-814. [PMID: 33529779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is one of the causes of cryptococcosis, a life-threatening disease generally characterized by pneumonia and/or meningitis. Zinc is an essential element for life, being required for the activity of many proteins with catalytic and structural roles. Here, we characterize ZRG1 (zinc-related gene 1), which codes a product involved in zinc metabolism. Transcriptional profiling revealed that zinc availability regulated the expression of ZRG1, and its null mutants demonstrated impaired growth in zinc- and nitrogen-limiting conditions. Moreover, zrg1 strains displayed alterations in the expression of the zinc homeostasis-related genes ZAP1 and ZIP1. Notably, cryptococcal cells lacking Zrg1 displayed upregulation of autophagy-like phenotypes. Despite no differences were detected in the classical virulence-associated traits; cryptococcal cells lacking ZRG1 displayed decreased capacity for survival inside macrophages and attenuated virulence in an invertebrate model. Together, these results indicate that ZRG1 plays an important role in proper zinc metabolism, and is necessary for cryptococcal fitness and virulence.
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Stevanović NL, Aleksic I, Kljun J, Skaro Bogojevic S, Veselinovic A, Nikodinovic-Runic J, Turel I, Djuran MI, Glišić BĐ. Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes with the Clinically Used Fluconazole: Comparison of Antifungal Activity and Therapeutic Potential. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:24. [PMID: 33396681 PMCID: PMC7823955 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with clinically used antifungal drug fluconazole (fcz), {[CuCl2(fcz)2].5H2O}n, 1, and {[ZnCl2(fcz)2]·2C2H5OH}n, 2, were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. The polymeric structure of the complexes comprises four fluconazole molecules monodentately coordinated via the triazole nitrogen and two chlorido ligands. With respect to fluconazole, complex 2 showed significantly higher antifungal activity against Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis. All tested compounds reduced the total amount of ergosterol at subinhibitory concentrations, indicating that the mode of activity of fluconazole was retained within the complexes, which was corroborated via molecular docking with cytochrome P450 sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) as a target. Electrostatic, steric and internal energy interactions between the complexes and enzyme showed that 2 has higher binding potency to this target. Both complexes showed strong inhibition of C. albicans filamentation and biofilm formation at subinhibitory concentrations, with 2 being able to reduce the adherence of C. albicans to A549 cells in vitro. Complex 2 was able to reduce pyocyanin production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa between 10% and 25% and to inhibit its biofilm formation by 20% in comparison to the untreated control. These results suggest that complex 2 may be further examined in the mixed Candida-P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Lj. Stevanović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Ivana Aleksic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.A.); (S.S.B.)
| | - Jakob Kljun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Sanja Skaro Bogojevic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.A.); (S.S.B.)
| | - Aleksandar Veselinovic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd. Dr Zorana Djindjica 81, 18108 Niš, Serbia;
| | - Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.A.); (S.S.B.)
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Miloš I. Djuran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Đ. Glišić
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
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13
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Liu X, Jiang Y, He D, Fang X, Xu J, Lee YW, Keller NP, Shi J. Copper Tolerance Mediated by FgAceA and FgCrpA in Fusarium graminearum. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1392. [PMID: 32676062 PMCID: PMC7333239 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
All organisms must secure essential trace elements (e.g., Cu) for survival and reproduction. However, excess trace element accumulation in cells is highly toxic. The maintenance of copper (Cu) homeostasis has been extensively studied in mammals, bacteria, and yeast but not in plant pathogens. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of copper tolerance in Fusarium graminearum, the important wheat head scab fungus. RNA-seq revealed induced expression of the P-type ATPase transporter FgCrpA and metallothionein (MT) FgCrdA after excess Cu treatment. Deletion of FgCrpA but not FgCrdA resulted in reduced tolerance to Cu toxicity. The “Cu fist” transcription factor FgAceA was involved in Cu detoxification through activation of FgCrpA. △FgAceA was more sensitive to copper toxicity than △FgCrpA and overexpression of FgCrpA restored copper tolerance in △FgAceA. FgAceA negatively regulated aurofusarin production and its biosynthetic gene expression. △FgCrpA and △FgAceA were reduced in virulence in flowering wheat heads and synthesized decreased amounts of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol when challenged with excess Cu. Taken together, these results suggest that mediation of Cu tolerance in F. graminearum mainly relies on the Cu efflux pump and that FgAceA governs Cu detoxification through activation of FgCrpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yichen Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,College of Food Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Nyingchi, China
| | - Dan He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yin-Won Lee
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jianrong Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology/Key Laboratory for Control Technology and Standard for Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory for Agro-product Safety Risk Evaluation (Nanjing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety/Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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14
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Hunsaker EW, Franz KJ. Candida albicans reprioritizes metal handling during fluconazole stress. Metallomics 2020; 11:2020-2032. [PMID: 31709426 DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00228f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of metal homeostasis is critical to cell survival due to the multitude of cellular processes that depend on one or more metal cofactors. Here, we show that the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans extensively remodels its metal homeostasis networks to respond to treatment with the antifungal drug fluconazole. Disruption of the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway by fluconazole requires C. albicans adaptation, including increased Cu import and storage, increased retention of Fe, Mn, and Zn, altered utilization of Cu- and Mn-dependent enzymes, mobilization of Fe stores, and increased production of the heme prosthetic group utilized by the enzyme target of fluconazole. The findings offer a new perspective for thinking about fungal response to drug stress that pushes cells out of their metal homeostatic zones, leading them to enact metal-associated adaptation mechanisms to restore homeostasis to survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Hunsaker
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, French Family Science Center, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA.
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15
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Ciurea CN, Kosovski IB, Mare AD, Toma F, Pintea-Simon IA, Man A. Candida and Candidiasis-Opportunism Versus Pathogenicity: A Review of the Virulence Traits. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060857. [PMID: 32517179 PMCID: PMC7355540 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important questions in microbiology nowadays, is how apparently harmless, commensal yeasts like Candida spp. can cause a rising number of infections. The occurrence of the disease requires firstly the attachment to the host cells, followed by the invasion of the tissue. The adaptability translates into a rapid ability to respond to stress factors, to take up nutrients or to multiply under different conditions. By forming complex intracellular networks such as biofilms, Candida spp. become not only more refractive to antifungal therapies but also more prone to cause disease. The inter-microbial interactions can enhance the virulence of a strain. In vivo, the fungal cells face a multitude of challenges and, as a result, they develop complex strategies serving one ultimate goal: survival. This review presents the virulence factors of the most important Candida spp., contributing to a better understanding of the onset of candidiasis and raising awareness of the highly complex interspecies interactions that can change the outcome of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Nicoleta Ciurea
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.P.-S.); (A.M.)
- Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Irina-Bianca Kosovski
- Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
- Department of Physiopathology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Anca Delia Mare
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.P.-S.); (A.M.)
| | - Felicia Toma
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.P.-S.); (A.M.)
| | - Ionela Anca Pintea-Simon
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.P.-S.); (A.M.)
- Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Adrian Man
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.P.-S.); (A.M.)
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16
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Riedelberger M, Penninger P, Tscherner M, Hadriga B, Brunnhofer C, Jenull S, Stoiber A, Bourgeois C, Petryshyn A, Glaser W, Limbeck A, Lynes MA, Schabbauer G, Weiss G, Kuchler K. Type I Interferons Ameliorate Zinc Intoxication of Candida glabrata by Macrophages and Promote Fungal Immune Evasion. iScience 2020; 23:101121. [PMID: 32428860 PMCID: PMC7232100 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Host and fungal pathogens compete for metal ion acquisition during infectious processes, but molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we show that type I interferons (IFNs-I) dysregulate zinc homeostasis in macrophages, which employ metallothionein-mediated zinc intoxication of pathogens as fungicidal response. However, Candida glabrata can escape immune surveillance by sequestering zinc into vacuoles. Interestingly, zinc-loading is inhibited by IFNs-I, because a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)-dependent suppression of zinc homeostasis affects zinc distribution in macrophages as well as generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, systemic fungal infections elicit IFN-I responses that suppress splenic zinc homeostasis, thereby altering macrophage zinc pools that otherwise exert fungicidal actions. Thus, IFN-I signaling inadvertently increases fungal fitness both in vitro and in vivo during fungal infections. Our data reveal an as yet unrecognized role for zinc intoxication in antifungal immunity and suggest that interfering with host zinc homeostasis may offer therapeutic options to treat invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Riedelberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Penninger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Hadriga
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Brunnhofer
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Jenull
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Stoiber
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christelle Bourgeois
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andriy Petryshyn
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Glaser
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Limbeck
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael A Lynes
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, CT, USA
| | - Gernot Schabbauer
- Institute for Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guenter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, and Pneumology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria.
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17
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Khemiri I, Tebbji F, Sellam A. Transcriptome Analysis Uncovers a Link Between Copper Metabolism, and Both Fungal Fitness and Antifungal Sensitivity in the Opportunistic Yeast Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:935. [PMID: 32508775 PMCID: PMC7248230 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper homeostasis is an important determinant for virulence of many human pathogenic fungi such as the highly prevalent yeast Candida albicans. However, beyond the copper transporter Ctr1, little is known regarding other genes and biological processes that are affected by copper. To gain insight into the cellular processes that are modulated by copper abundance in C. albicans, we monitored the global gene expression dynamic under both copper depletion and excess using RNA-seq. Beyond copper metabolism, other different transcriptional programs related to fungal fitness such as stress responses, antifungal sensitivity, host invasion and commensalism were modulated in response to copper variations. We have also investigated the transcriptome of the mutant of the copper utilization regulator, mac1, and identified potential direct targets of this transcription factor under copper starvation. We also showed that Mac1 was required for the invasion and adhesion to host cells and antifungal tolerance. This study provides a framework for future studies to examine the link between copper metabolism and essential functions that modulate fungal virulence and fitness inside the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Khemiri
- CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Faiza Tebbji
- CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Adnane Sellam
- CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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18
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Zinc(II) complexes with aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocycles as antifungal agents: Synergistic activity with clinically used drug nystatin. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 208:111089. [PMID: 32442762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Three novel Zn(II) complexes, [ZnCl2(qz)2] (1), [ZnCl2(1,5-naph)]n (2) and [ZnCl2(4,7-phen)2] (3), where qz is quinazoline, 1,5-naph is 1,5-naphthyridine and 4,7-phen is 4,7-phenanthroline, were synthesized by the reactions of ZnCl2 and the corresponding N-heterocyclic ligand in 1:2 molar ratio in ethanol at ambient temperature. The characterization of these complexes was done by NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 1 and 3 are mononuclear species, in which Zn(II) ion is tetrahedrally coordinated by two nitrogen atoms belonging to two qz or 4,7-phen ligands, respectively, and by two chloride anions, while complex 2 is a 1D coordination polymer that contains 1,5-naph as bridging ligand between two metal ions. In agar disc-diffusion assay, complexes 1-3 manifested good inhibitory activity against two investigated Candida strains (C. albicans and C. parapsilosis), while not inducing toxic effects on the healthy human fibroblast cell line (MRC-5). This activity was not fungicidal, as revealed by the broth microdilution assay, however complex 3 showed the ability to modulate Candida hyphae formation, which is an important process during infection and showed significant synergistic effect with clinically used antifungal polyene nystatin.
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Alves R, Barata-Antunes C, Casal M, Brown AJP, Van Dijck P, Paiva S. Adapting to survive: How Candida overcomes host-imposed constraints during human colonization. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008478. [PMID: 32437438 PMCID: PMC7241708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful human colonizers such as Candida pathogens have evolved distinct strategies to survive and proliferate within the human host. These include sophisticated mechanisms to evade immune surveillance and adapt to constantly changing host microenvironments where nutrient limitation, pH fluctuations, oxygen deprivation, changes in temperature, or exposure to oxidative, nitrosative, and cationic stresses may occur. Here, we review the current knowledge and recent findings highlighting the remarkable ability of medically important Candida species to overcome a broad range of host-imposed constraints and how this directly affects their physiology and pathogenicity. We also consider the impact of these adaptation mechanisms on immune recognition, biofilm formation, and antifungal drug resistance, as these pathogens often exploit specific host constraints to establish a successful infection. Recent studies of adaptive responses to physiological niches have improved our understanding of the mechanisms established by fungal pathogens to evade the immune system and colonize the host, which may facilitate the design of innovative diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches for Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Alves
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Barata-Antunes
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Casal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Flanders, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Paiva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- * E-mail: mailto:
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20
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Ma Y, Zhang X, Fan D, Xia Q, Wang M, Pan F. Common trace metals in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 56:81-89. [PMID: 31442958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Environmental risk factors regrading rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been explored extensively. Selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) nutrients were reported to associate with RA, but the results were inconsistent. Therefore, we conduct present study to meta-analyze the relationship between serum Se, Zn and Cu and RA and review the potential mechanisms. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched till October 1, 2018 for pertinent studies. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confident intervals (CIs) were calculated according to random effects model. RESULTS Finally 41 literatures were included. Meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 806 RA patients and 959 health controls showed that serum Se (SMD = -1.04, 95% CI = -1.58 to -0.50) was decreased in RA patients, and 23 literatures with 1398 patients and 1299 controls reported serum Zn (SMD = -1.20, 95% CI = -1.74 to -0.67) was decreased. But serum Cu (SMD = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.63 to -1.89) was increased with 26 studies including 1723 patients and 1451 controls. Meta-regression reported that steroid use was positively related to serum level of Se in RA (β = 0.041, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.079). Differences in serum Se, Zn and Cu between rheumatoid arthritis patients and controls were all related with the geographical distribution. CONCLUSIONS Patients with RA have significant decreased serum Se and Zn and increased serum Cu than health controls, suggesting potential roles of Se, Zn and Cu in the pathogenesis of RA. Patients and rheumatologist should give enough attention to the monitor of these elements during follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Dazhi Fan
- Foshan Institute of Fetal Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
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21
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Green CM, Li Z, Smith AD, Novikova O, Bacot-Davis VR, Gao F, Hu S, Banavali NK, Thiele DJ, Li H, Belfort M. Spliceosomal Prp8 intein at the crossroads of protein and RNA splicing. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000104. [PMID: 31600193 PMCID: PMC6805012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The spliceosome is a large ribonucleoprotein complex that removes introns from pre-mRNAs. At its functional core lies the essential pre-mRNA processing factor 8 (Prp8) protein. Across diverse eukaryotes, this protein cofactor of RNA catalysis harbors a self-splicing element called an intein. Inteins in Prp8 are extremely pervasive and are found at 7 different sites in various species. Here, we focus on the Prp8 intein from Cryptococcus neoformans (Cne), a human fungal pathogen. We solved the crystal structure of this intein, revealing structural homology among protein splicing sequences in eukaryotes, including the Hedgehog C terminus. Working with the Cne Prp8 intein in a reporter assay, we find that the biologically relevant divalent metals copper and zinc inhibit intein splicing, albeit by 2 different mechanisms. Copper likely stimulates reversible modifications on a catalytically important cysteine, whereas zinc binds at the terminal asparagine and the same critical cysteine. Importantly, we also show that copper treatment inhibits Prp8 protein splicing in Cne. Lastly, an intein-containing Prp8 precursor model is presented, suggesting that metal-induced protein splicing inhibition would disturb function of both Prp8 and the spliceosome. These results indicate that Prp8 protein splicing can be modulated, with potential functional implications for the spliceosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen M. Green
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Zhong Li
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Aaron D. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Olga Novikova
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Valjean R. Bacot-Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Fengshan Gao
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Saiyang Hu
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Nilesh K. Banavali
- Division of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America,Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Dennis J. Thiele
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America,Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hongmin Li
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America,Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America,* E-mail: (MB); (HL)
| | - Marlene Belfort
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America,Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America,* E-mail: (MB); (HL)
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22
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Antsotegi-Uskola M, Markina-Iñarrairaegui A, Ugalde U. New insights into copper homeostasis in filamentous fungi. Int Microbiol 2019; 23:65-73. [PMID: 31093811 PMCID: PMC6981102 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-019-00081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper is a metal ion that is required as a micronutrient for growth and proliferation. However, copper accumulation generates toxicity by multiple mechanisms, potentially leading to cell death. Due to its toxic nature at high concentrations, different chemical variants of copper have been extensively used as antifungal agents in agriculture and medicine. Most studies on copper homeostasis have been carried out in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian organisms. However, knowledge on filamentous fungi is less well documented. This review summarizes the knowledge gathered in the last few years about copper homeostasis in the filamentous fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus nidulans: The mechanism of action of copper, the uptake and detoxification systems, their regulation at the transcriptional level, and the role of copper homeostasis in fungal pathogenicity are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martzel Antsotegi-Uskola
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ane Markina-Iñarrairaegui
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Unai Ugalde
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain.
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23
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Kousser C, Clark C, Sherrington S, Voelz K, Hall RA. Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits Rhizopus microsporus germination through sequestration of free environmental iron. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5714. [PMID: 30952923 PMCID: PMC6450908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhizopus spp are the most common etiological agents of mucormycosis, causing over 90% mortality in disseminated infection. Key to pathogenesis is the ability of fungal spores to swell, germinate, and penetrate surrounding tissues. Antibiotic treatment in at-risk patients increases the probability of the patient developing mucormycosis, suggesting that bacteria have the potential to control the growth of the fungus. However, research into polymicrobial relationships involving Rhizopus spp has not been extensively explored. Here we show that co-culturing Rhizopus microsporus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa results in the inhibition of spore germination. This inhibition was mediated via the secretion of bacterial siderophores, which induced iron stress on the fungus. Addition of P. aeruginosa siderophores to R. microsporus spores in the zebrafish larval model of infection resulted in inhibition of fungal germination and reduced host mortality. Therefore, during infection antibacterial treatment may relieve bacterial imposed nutrient restriction resulting in secondary fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Kousser
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Callum Clark
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sarah Sherrington
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kerstin Voelz
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Rebecca A Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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24
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Molecular Characteristics of the Conserved Aspergillus nidulans Transcription Factor Mac1 and Its Functions in Response to Copper Starvation. mSphere 2019; 4:4/1/e00670-18. [PMID: 30700512 PMCID: PMC6354809 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00670-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential cofactor of enzymes during a variety of biochemical processes. Therefore, Cu acquisition plays critical roles in cell survival and proliferation, especially during Cu starvation. Knowledge of the key motif(s) by which the low-Cu-responsive transcription factor Mac1 senses Cu is important for understanding how Cu uptake is controlled. Findings in this study demonstrated that the Cu fist motif, but not Cys-rich motifs, is essential for Mac1-mediated Cu uptake in Aspergillus. In addition, Cu transporters CtrA2 and CtrC are both required for Mac1-mediated Cu uptake during Cu starvation in A. nidulans, indicating that species-specific machinery exists for Cu acquisition in Aspergillus. Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element in all organisms, and Cu acquisition during periods of starvation is important for cell survival and proliferation. Although the Cu starvation-responsive transcription factor Mac1 as well as its targeted Cu transporters have been identified in Aspergillus fumigatus, the molecular mechanisms of Mac1-mediated Cu acquisition have not yet been investigated in Aspergillus. We demonstrated that Mac1 and its regulated Cu transporters are required for growth and conidiophore development during Cu starvation in Aspergillus nidulans. Moreover, A. nidulans Mac1 (AnMac1) showed highly functional conservation with the A. fumigatus homolog but not with homologs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Molecular characterization of Mac1 in A. nidulans demonstrated that the “Cu fist” motif (i.e., residues 1 through 40) harboring Cys, RGHR, and GRP residues is required for the Mac1-mediated low-Cu response but not the Cys-rich motifs REP-I and REP-II. Notably, overexpression of either the CtrA2 Cu transporter or the CtrC Cu transporter individually was unable to functionally rescue the defects in the AnMac1 deletion strain, implying that Cu uptake might require both CtrA2 and CtrC during Cu starvation, which is different from results seen with A. fumigatus. Findings in this study further suggest that the conserved Mac1-mediated Cu uptake machinery in A. fumigatus and A. nidulans is also species specific. IMPORTANCE Copper is an essential cofactor of enzymes during a variety of biochemical processes. Therefore, Cu acquisition plays critical roles in cell survival and proliferation, especially during Cu starvation. Knowledge of the key motif(s) by which the low-Cu-responsive transcription factor Mac1 senses Cu is important for understanding how Cu uptake is controlled. Findings in this study demonstrated that the Cu fist motif, but not Cys-rich motifs, is essential for Mac1-mediated Cu uptake in Aspergillus. In addition, Cu transporters CtrA2 and CtrC are both required for Mac1-mediated Cu uptake during Cu starvation in A. nidulans, indicating that species-specific machinery exists for Cu acquisition in Aspergillus.
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25
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Bellotti D, Tocchio C, Guerrini R, Rowińska-Żyrek M, Remelli M. Thermodynamic and spectroscopic study of Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes with the (148–156) peptide fragment of C4YJH2, a putative metal transporter of Candida albicans. Metallomics 2019; 11:1988-1998. [DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00251k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The linker sequence between the two main Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) coordination sites of C4YJH2, a putative metal transporter of Candida albicans, contributes in a non-negligible way to the protein chelating capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Bellotti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Ferrara
- Ferrara
- Italy
- Faculty of Chemistry
| | - Cinzia Tocchio
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Ferrara
- Ferrara
- Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Ferrara
- Ferrara
- Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Remelli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Ferrara
- Ferrara
- Italy
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26
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Cai Z, Du W, Zhang Z, Guan L, Zeng Q, Chai Y, Dai C, Lu L. TheAspergillus fumigatustranscription factor AceA is involved not only in Cu but also in Zn detoxification through regulating transporters CrpA and ZrcA. Cell Microbiol 2018; 20:e12864. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Cai
- 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
| | - Wenlong Du
- 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
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine; Nanjing University; Nanjing China
| | - Luyu Guan
- 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
| | - Qiuqiong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine; Nanjing University; Nanjing China
| | - Yanfei Chai
- 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
| | - Chuanchao Dai
- 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
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27
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Meir Z, Osherov N. Vitamin Biosynthesis as an Antifungal Target. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:E72. [PMID: 29914189 PMCID: PMC6023522 DOI: 10.3390/jof4020072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The large increase in the population of immunosuppressed patients, coupled with the limited efficacy of existing antifungals and rising resistance toward them, have dramatically highlighted the need to develop novel drugs for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. An attractive possibility is the identification of possible drug targets within essential fungal metabolic pathways not shared with humans. Here, we review the vitamin biosynthetic pathways (vitamins A⁻E, K) as candidates for the development of antifungals. We present a set of ranking criteria that identify the vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B9 (folate) biosynthesis pathways as being particularly rich in new antifungal targets. We propose that recent scientific advances in the fields of drug design and fungal genomics have developed sufficiently to merit a renewed look at these pathways as promising sources for the development of novel classes of antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Meir
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
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28
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Garcia Silva-Bailão M, Lobato Potenciano da Silva K, Raniere Borges dos Anjos L, de Sousa Lima P, de Melo Teixeira M, Maria de Almeida Soares C, Melo Bailão A. Mechanisms of copper and zinc homeostasis in pathogenic black fungi. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:526-537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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29
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Kosman DJ. For Cryptococcus neoformans, responding to the copper status in a colonization niche is not just about copper. Mol Microbiol 2018; 108:463-466. [PMID: 29633394 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most fungi express two transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes associated with copper uptake for nutritional needs, and with copper resistance when copper approaches a cytotoxic level. These factors are characterized by cysteine-rich motifs which are associated with copper-sensing, DNA-binding and release, and/or cytoplasmic retention. Cryptococcus neoformans differs from most in that it expresses a single such copper-sensing trans-factor, Cuf1, a protein that up-regulates copper uptake when copper is scarce, and up-regulates copper sequestration when cells become super-replete. For C. neoformans this is an essential task in as much as copper is relatively bioavailable in lung airways while the brain interstitium can be copper-limiting for growth. While fungal dependence on and sensitivity to copper have long been considered targets for anti-fungal chemistry, fungi have proven adept at finding 'work arounds' by using a chelated form of copper as nutrient or adapting to a copper-surfaced hospital bed by increased resistance. However, the cohort of Cuf1 targets identified in this report represent far more than just the uptake and sequestration machinery, but include additional loci that, perhaps, are less easily 'defended' by the fungus. Garcia-Santamarina et al. provide that list and thus lay the ground-work for developing novel anti-fungal reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Kosman
- Department of Biochemistry, The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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30
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Kjellerup L, Winther AML, Wilson D, Fuglsang AT. Cyclic AMP Pathway Activation and Extracellular Zinc Induce Rapid Intracellular Zinc Mobilization in Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:502. [PMID: 29619016 PMCID: PMC5871664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient, required for a range of zinc-dependent enzymes and transcription factors. In mammalian cells, zinc serves as a second messenger molecule. However, a role for zinc in signaling has not yet been established in the fungal kingdom. Here, we used the intracellular zinc reporter, zinbo-5, which allowed visualization of zinc in the endoplasmic reticulum and other components of the internal membrane system in Candida albicans. We provide evidence for a link between cyclic AMP/PKA- and zinc-signaling in this major human fungal pathogen. Glucose stimulation, which triggers a cyclic AMP spike in this fungus resulted in rapid intracellular zinc mobilization and this “zinc flux” could be stimulated with phosphodiesterase inhibitors and blocked via inhibition of adenylate cyclase or PKA. A similar mobilization of intracellular zinc was generated by stimulation of cells with extracellular zinc and this effect could be reversed with the chelator EDTA. However, zinc-induced zinc flux was found to be cyclic AMP independent. In summary, we show that activation of the cyclic AMP/PKA pathway triggers intracellular zinc mobilization in a fungus. To our knowledge, this is the first described link between cyclic AMP signaling and zinc homeostasis in a human fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Kjellerup
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Pcovery ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Anja T Fuglsang
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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31
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Abstract
The balance between reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species production by the host and stress response by fungi is a key axis of the host-pathogen interaction. This review will describe emerging themes in fungal pathogenesis underpinning this axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Centre for Medical Mycology, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Elizabeth R Ballou
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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32
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Candida-Epithelial Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4010022. [PMID: 29419738 PMCID: PMC5872325 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A plethora of intricate and dynamic molecular interactions occur between microbes and the epithelial cells that form the mucosal surfaces of the human body. Fungi, particularly species of Candida, are commensal members of our microbiota, continuously interacting with epithelial cells. Transient and localised perturbations to the mucosal environment can facilitate the overgrowth of fungi, causing infection. This minireview will examine the direct and indirect mechanisms by which Candida species and epithelial cells interact with each other, and explore the factors involved in the central processes of adhesion, invasion, and destruction of host mucosal surfaces.
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33
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Bellotti D, Łoboda D, Rowińska-Żyrek M, Remelli M. Investigation on the metal binding sites of a putative Zn(ii) transporter in opportunistic yeast species Candida albicans. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8nj00533h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The protein fragment C4YJH2 of Candida albicans has the ability to tightly coordinate Zn(ii) at its C-terminal region by means of an evolutionarily well-conserved histidine-rich sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Bellotti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Ferrara
- I-44121 Ferrara
- Italy
| | - Dorota Łoboda
- Faculty of Chemistry
- University of Wroclaw
- 50-383 Wroclaw
- Poland
| | | | - Maurizio Remelli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Ferrara
- I-44121 Ferrara
- Italy
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34
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Blatzer M, Latgé JP. Metal-homeostasis in the pathobiology of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 40:152-159. [PMID: 29179120 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to obligate pathogens opportunistic pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus do not need a specific host to propagate or survive. However several characteristics of the saprophytic life-style and the selective pressure encountered in the primary ecological niche contribute to the virulence of A. fumigatus. All fungi depend on metals for growth and proliferation, like iron, copper, zinc, manganese or calcium. In the recent past several studies explored the manifold impact of metals modulating virulence of pathogens. Components which might be scarce in the natural environment but also in the host due to nutritional immunity. This review recapitulates molecular constituents of metal ion uptake systems in A. fumigatus, their regulation and their significance at the host-pathogen battlefield.
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35
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Sephton-Clark PCS, Voelz K. Spore Germination of Pathogenic Filamentous Fungi. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2017; 102:117-157. [PMID: 29680124 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Fungi, algae, plants, protozoa, and bacteria are all known to form spores, especially hardy and ubiquitous propagation structures that are also often the infectious agents of diseases. Spores can survive for thousands of years, frozen in the permafrost (Kochkina et al., 2012), with the oldest viable spores extracted after 250 million years from salt crystals (Vreeland, Rosenzweig, & Powers, 2000). Their resistance to high levels of UV, desiccation, pressure, heat, and cold enables the survival of spores in the harshest conditions (Setlow, 2016). For example, Bacillus subtilis spores can survive and remain viable after experiencing conditions similar to those on Mars (Horneck et al., 2012). Spores are disseminated through environmental factors. Wind, water, or animal carriage allow spores to be spread ubiquitously throughout the environment. Spores will break dormancy and begin to germinate once exposed to favorable conditions. Germination is the mechanism that converts the spore from a dormant biological organism to one that grows vegetatively and is capable of either sexual or asexual reproduction. The process of germination has been well studied in plants, moss, bacteria, and many fungi (Hohe & Reski, 2005; Huang & Hull, 2017; Vesty et al., 2016). Unfortunately, information on the complex signaling involved in the regulation of germination, particularly in fungi remains lacking. This chapter will discuss germination of fungal spores covering our current understanding of the regulation, signaling, outcomes, and implications of germination of pathogenic fungal spores. Owing to the morphological similarities between the spore-hyphal and yeast-hyphal transition and their relevance for disease progression, relevant aspects of fungal dimorphism will be discussed alongside spore germination in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy C S Sephton-Clark
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kerstin Voelz
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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36
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Zhang X, Dai P, Gao Y, Gong X, Cui H, Jin Y, Zhang Y. Transcriptome sequencing and analysis of zinc-uptake-related genes in Trichophyton mentagrophytes. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:888. [PMID: 29157209 PMCID: PMC5697147 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4284-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trichophyton mentagrophytes is an important zoonotic dermatophytic (ringworm) pathogen; causing severe skin infection in humans and other animals worldwide. Fortunately, commonly used fungal skin disease prevention and treatment measures are relatively simple. However, T. mentagrophytes is primarily studied at the epidemiology and drug efficacy research levels, yet current study has been unable to meet the needs of clinical medicine. Zinc is a crucial trace element for the growth and reproduction of fungi and other microorganisms. The metal ions coordinate within a variety of proteins to form zinc finger proteins, which perform many vital biological functions. Zinc transport regulatory networks have not been resolved in T. mentagrophytes. The T. mentagrophytes transcriptome will allow us to discover new genes, particularly those genes involved in zinc uptake. Result We found T. mentagrophytes growth to be restricted by zinc deficiency; natural T. mentagrophytes growth requires zinc ions. T. Mentagrophytes must acquire zinc ions for growth and development. The transcriptome of T. mentagrophytes was sequenced by using Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 technology and the de novo assembly of the transcriptome was performed by using the Trinity method, and functional annotation was analyzed. We got 10,751 unigenes. The growth of T. mentagrophytes is severely inhibited and there were many genes showing significant up regulation and down regulation respectively in T. mentagrophytes when zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can affect the expression of multiple genes of T. mentagrophytes. The effect of the zinc deficiency could be recovered in the normal medium. And we finally found the zinc-responsive activating factor (ZafA) and speculated that 4 unigenes are zinc transporters. We knocked ZafA gene by ATMT transformation in T. mentagrophytes, the result showed that ZafA gene is very important for the growth and the generation of conidia in T. mentagrophytes. The expression of 4 zinc transporter genes is potentially regulated by the zinc-responsive activating factor. The data of this study is also sufficient to be used as a support to study T. mentagrophytes. Conclusion We reported the first large transcriptome study carried out in T. mentagrophytes where we have compared physiological and transcriptional responses to zinc deficiency, and analyzed the expression of genes involved in zinc uptake. The study also produced high-resolution digital profiles of global genes expression relating to T. mentagrophytes growth. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4284-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinke Zhang
- The College of Veterinary Medicine of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengxiu Dai
- The College of Veterinary Medicine of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongping Gao
- The College of Veterinary Medicine of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Gong
- The College of Veterinary Medicine of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Cui
- The College of Veterinary Medicine of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yipeng Jin
- Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihua Zhang
- The College of Veterinary Medicine of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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37
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Ballou ER, Johnston SA. The cause and effect of Cryptococcus interactions with the host. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 40:88-94. [PMID: 29154043 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Upon Cryptococcus neoformans infection of the host lung, the fungus enters a nutrient poor environment and must adapt to a variety of host-specific stress conditions (temperature, nutrient limitation, pH, CO2). Fungal spores enter this milieu with limited nutritional reserves, germinate, and begin proliferating by budding as yeast. Although relatively little is known about the initial stages of infection, recent work has characterized changes that occur upon germination. This program and subsequent yeast-phase proliferation progress in a dynamic environment as host nutrient immunity responds to the infection via toxic accumulation or sequestration of essential micronutrients and innate immune cells are recruited to the site of infection. Adaptation to the host environment and evasion of the immune response through pathogenicity factor expression allows proliferation and dissemination to multiple sites throughout the body, including, most significantly for human disease, the central nervous system. Here we will discuss recent insights into mechanisms underlying C. neoformans interactions with the host during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Ballou
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Simon A Johnston
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, UK; Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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38
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Malavia D, Lehtovirta-Morley LE, Alamir O, Weiß E, Gow NAR, Hube B, Wilson D. Zinc Limitation Induces a Hyper-Adherent Goliath Phenotype in Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2238. [PMID: 29184547 PMCID: PMC5694484 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic microorganisms often face acute micronutrient limitation during infection due to the action of host-mediated nutritional immunity. The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is polymorphic and its morphological plasticity is one of its most widely recognized pathogenicity attributes. Here we investigated the effect of zinc, iron, manganese, and copper limitation on C. albicans morphology. Restriction of zinc specifically resulted in the formation of enlarged, spherical yeasts, a phenotype which we term Goliath cells. This cellular response to zinc restriction was conserved in C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis, but not in C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae or Debaryomyces hansenii, suggesting that it may have emerged in the last common ancestor of these related pathogenic species. Cell wall analysis revealed proportionally more chitin exposure on the Goliath cell surface. Importantly, these cells were hyper-adherent, suggesting a possible role in pathogenicity. Interestingly, the zincophore-encoding gene PRA1 was expressed by Goliath cells in zinc limited media and lack of Pra1 inhibited both cellular enlargement and adhesion. Goliath cells represent a further layer of Candida phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhara Malavia
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Laura E Lehtovirta-Morley
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Omran Alamir
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabeth Weiß
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A R Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care, University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Microbial Pathogenicity, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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39
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Ribeiro NS, Dos Santos FM, Garcia AWA, Ferrareze PAG, Fabres LF, Schrank A, Kmetzsch L, Rott MB, Vainstein MH, Staats CC. Modulation of Zinc Homeostasis in Acanthamoeba castellanii as a Possible Antifungal Strategy against Cryptococcus gattii. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1626. [PMID: 28883816 PMCID: PMC5573748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is a basidiomycetous yeast that can be found in the environment and is one of the agents of cryptococcosis, a life-threatening disease. During its life cycle, cryptococcal cells take hold inside environmental predators such as amoebae. Despite their evolutionary distance, macrophages and amoebae share conserved similar steps of phagocytosis and microbial killing. To evaluate whether amoebae also share other antifungal strategies developed by macrophages, we investigated nutritional immunity against cryptococcal cells. We focused on zinc homeostasis modulation in Acanthamoeba castellanii infected with C. gattii. The intracellular proliferation rate (IPR) in amoebae was determined using C. gattii R265 and mutants for the ZIP1 gene, which displays defects of growth in zinc-limiting conditions. We detected a reduced IPR in cells lacking the ZIP1 gene compared to wild-type strains, suggesting that amoebae produce a low zinc environment to engulfed cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis employing the zinc probe Zinpyr-1 confirmed the reduced concentration of zinc in cryptococcal-infected amoebae. qRT-PCR analysis of zinc transporter-coding genes suggests that zinc export by members of the ZnT family would be involved in the reduced intracellular zinc concentration. These results indicate that amoebae may use nutritional immunity to reduce fungal cell proliferation by reducing zinc availability for the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francine M Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ane W A Garcia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A G Ferrareze
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Laura F Fabres
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Livia Kmetzsch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilise B Rott
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilene H Vainstein
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Charley C Staats
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil
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40
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Cai Z, Du W, Zeng Q, Long N, Dai C, Lu L. Cu-sensing transcription factor Mac1 coordinates with the Ctr transporter family to regulate Cu acquisition and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 107:31-43. [PMID: 28803907 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element and is regarded as an important virulence factor in fungal pathogens. Previous studies suggest that a putative Cu-sensing transcription factor Mac1 and the Cu transporter Ctr family play important roles during fungal development and virulence. However, how Cu importers of the Ctr family are involved in the Cu acquisition and what is the functional relationship between them have not been fully investigated yet. Here, we demonstrate that the yeast Mac1 homolog in the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is required during colony development under low Cu conditions. Transcriptional profiling combined with LacZ reporter analyses indicate that Cu transporters ctrA2 and ctrC are expressed in an Afmac1-dependent manner upon Cu starvation, and over-expression of ctrA2 or ctrC transporters almost completely rescue the Afmac1-deletion defects, suggesting a redundancy of both transporters in Afmac1-mediated Cu uptake. Genetic analysis showed that ctrC may play a dominant role against Cu starvation relative to ctrA2 and elevated expression of ctrA2 can compensate for ctrC deletion under Cu starvation. Interestingly, both ctrA2 and ctrC deletions can suppress ctrB deletion colony defects. Our findings suggest that Ctr family proteins might coordinately regulate their functions to adapt to different Cu environments. Compared to yeast homologs, Cu family proteins in A. fumigatus may have their own working styles. Most importantly, the Afmac1 deletion strain shows a significantly attenuated pathogenicity in the neutropenic immunocompromised (a combination of cyclophosphamide and hydrocortisone) mice model, demonstrating that Afmac1 is required for pathogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Cai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wenlong Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qiuqiong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Nanbiao Long
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chuanchao Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, 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 210023, China.
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41
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Prescott TAK, Panaretou B. A Mini HIP HOP Assay Uncovers a Central Role for Copper and Zinc in the Antifungal Mode of Action of Allicin. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:3659-3664. [PMID: 28421744 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Garlic contains the organosulfur compound allicin which exhibits potent antifungal activity. Here we demonstrate the use of a highly simplified yeast chemical genetic screen to characterize its mode of action. By screening 24 validated yeast gene deletion "signature" strains for which hypersensitivity is characteristic for common antifungal modes of action, yeast lacking the high affinity Cu2+ transporter Ctr1 was found to be hypersensitive to allicin. Focusing on transition metal related genes identified two more hypersensitive strains lacking the Cu2+ and Zn2+ transcription factors Mac1 and Zap1. Hypersensitivity in these strains was reversed by the addition of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions, respectively. The results suggest the antifungal activity of allicin is mediated through restricted Cu2+ and Zn2+ uptake or inhibition of Cu2+ and Zn2+ metalloproteins. As certain antimicrobial modes of action are much more common than others, the approach taken here provides a useful way to identify them early on.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry Panaretou
- King's College London , Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
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42
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Ferrareze PAG, Streit RSA, Dos Santos FM, Schrank A, Kmetzsch L, Vainstein MH, Staats CC. sRNAs as possible regulators of retrotransposon activity in Cryptococcus gattii VGII. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:294. [PMID: 28403818 PMCID: PMC5389150 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3688-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The absence of Argonaute genes in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus gattii R265 and other VGII strains indicates that yeasts of this genotype cannot have a functional RNAi pathway, an evolutionarily conserved gene silencing mechanism performed by small RNAs. The success of the R265 strain as a pathogen that caused the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island outbreaks may imply that RNAi machinery loss could be beneficial under certain circumstances during evolution. As a result, a hypermutant phenotype would be created with high rates of genome retrotransposition, for instance. This study therefore aimed to evaluate in silicio the effect of retrotransposons and their control mechanisms by small RNAs on genomic stability and synteny loss of C. gattii R265 through retrotransposons sequence comparison and orthology analysis with other 16 C. gattii genomic sequences available. Results Retrotransposon mining identified a higher sequence count to VGI genotype compared to VGII, VGIII, and VGIV. However, despite the lower retrotransposon number, VGII exhibited increased synteny loss and genome rearrangement events. RNA-Seq analysis indicated highly expressed retrotransposons as well as sRNA production. Conclusions Genome rearrangement and synteny loss may suggest a greater retrotransposon mobilization caused by RNAi pathway absence, but the effective presence of sRNAs that matches retrotransposon sequences means that an alternative retrotransposon silencing mechanism could be active in genomic integrity maintenance of C. gattii VGII strains. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3688-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Aline Gröhs Ferrareze
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Silva Araujo Streit
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Francine Melise Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Livia Kmetzsch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marilene Henning Vainstein
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Charley Christian Staats
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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43
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Thomma BP, Bignell E. Editorial overview: The fungal infection arena in animal and plant hosts: dynamics at the interface. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 32:v-vii. [PMID: 27422760 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bart Phj Thomma
- Laboratory of Phytopathology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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