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Wu H, Ji Z, Huang X, Li L, Hang S, Yu J, Lu H, Jiang Y. Isobavachalcone Exhibits Potent Antifungal Efficacy by Inhibiting Enolase Activity and Glycolysis in Candida albicans. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:3059-3070. [PMID: 38995732 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are becoming increasingly acknowledged as a significant concern linked to heightened rates of morbidity and mortality. Regrettably, the available antifungal therapies for managing IFDs are constrained. Emerging evidence indicates that enolase holds promise as a potential target protein for combating IFDs; however, there is currently a deficiency in antifungal medications specifically targeting enolase. This study establishes that isobavachalcone (IBC) exhibits noteworthy antifungal efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, our study has demonstrated that IBC effectively targets Eno1 in Candida albicans (CaEno1), resulting in the suppression of the glycolytic pathway. Additionally, our research has indicated that IBC exhibits a higher affinity for CaEno1 compared to human Eno1 (hEno1), with the presence of isoprenoid in the side chain of IBC playing a crucial role in its ability to inhibit enolase activity. These findings contribute to the comprehension of antifungal approaches that target Eno1, identifying IBC as a potential inhibitor of Eno1 in human pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhe Ji
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Hair Medical Center of Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sijin Hang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jinhua Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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Luo G, Zhang J, Wang T, Cui H, Bai Y, Luo J, Zhang J, Zhang M, Di L, Yuan Y, Xiong K, Yu X, Zhang Y, Shen C, Zhu C, Wang Y, Su C, Lu Y. A human commensal-pathogenic fungus suppresses host immunity via targeting TBK1. Cell Host Microbe 2024:S1931-3128(24)00262-2. [PMID: 39084229 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.07.003] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans stably colonizes humans but is the leading cause of hospital-acquired fungemia. Traditionally, masking immunogenic moieties has been viewed as a tactic for immune evasion. Here, we demonstrate that C. albicans blocks type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling via translocating an effector protein Cmi1 into host cells. Mechanistically, Cmi1 binds and inhibits TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) to abrogate IFN-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation, thereby suppressing the IFN-I cascade. Murine infection with a cmi1 mutant displays an exaggerated IFN-I response in both kidneys and bone-marrow-derived macrophages, leading to rapid fungal clearance and host survival. Remarkably, the lack of CMI1 compromises gut commensalism and increases IFN-I response in mouse colonic cells. These phenotypes of cmi1 are rescued by the depletion of IFN-I receptor. This work establishes the importance of TBK1 inhibition in fungal pathogenesis and reveals that a human commensal-pathogenic fungus significantly impacts host immunity during gut colonization and infection via delivering effector proteins into host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jingkai Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tianxu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hao Cui
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yukun Bai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jianchen Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jinqiu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Mao Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Linyan Di
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yuncong Yuan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kang Xiong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiangtai Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yaling Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chao Shen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chang Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Zhen C, Wang L, Feng Y, Whiteway M, Hang S, Yu J, Lu H, Jiang Y. Otilonium Bromide Exhibits Potent Antifungal Effects by Blocking Ergosterol Plasma Membrane Localization and Triggering Cytotoxic Autophagy in Candida Albicans. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2406473. [PMID: 38995235 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202406473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Candidiasis, which presents a substantial risk to human well-being, is frequently treated with azoles. However, drug-drug interactions caused by azoles inhibiting the human CYP3A4 enzyme, together with increasing resistance of Candida species to azoles, represent serious issues with this class of drug, making it imperative to develop innovative antifungal drugs to tackle this growing clinical challenge. A drug repurposing approach is used to examine a library of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, ultimately identifying otilonium bromide (OTB) as an exceptionally encouraging antifungal agent. Mechanistically, OTB impairs vesicle-mediated trafficking by targeting Sec31, thereby impeding the plasma membrane (PM) localization of the ergosterol transporters, such as Sip3. Consequently, OTB obstructs the movement of ergosterol across membranes and triggers cytotoxic autophagy. It is noteworthy that C. albicans encounters challenges in developing resistance to OTB because it is not a substrate for drug transporters. This study opens a new door for antifungal therapy, wherein OTB disrupts ergosterol subcellular distribution and induces cytotoxic autophagy. Additionally, it circumvents the hepatotoxicity associated with azole-mediated liver enzyme inhibition and avoids export-mediated drug resistance in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanru Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Sijin Hang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jinhua Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
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Xiong J, Wang L, Feng Y, Zhen C, Hang S, Yu J, Lu H, Jiang Y. Geldanamycin confers fungicidal properties to azole by triggering the activation of succinate dehydrogenase. Life Sci 2024; 348:122699. [PMID: 38718854 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Azoles have been widely employed for the treatment of invasive fungal diseases; however, their efficacy is diminished as pathogenic fungi tolerate them due to their fungistatic properties. Geldanamycin (GdA) can render azoles fungicidal by inhibiting the ATPase and molecular chaperone activities of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Nonetheless, the clinical applicability of GdA is restricted due to its cytotoxic ansamycin scaffold structure, its induction of cytoprotective heat shock responses, and the conservative nature of Hsp90. Hence, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanism of action of GdA to confer fungicidal properties to azoles and mitigate the toxic adverse effects associated with GdA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Through various experimental methods, including the construction of gene-deleted Candida albicans mutants, in vitro drug sensitivity experiments, Western blot analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and succinate dehydrogenase activity assays, we identified Hsp90 client proteins associated with the tolerance of C. albicans to azoles. KEY FINDINGS It was observed that GdA effectively hindered the entry of Hsp90 into mitochondria, resulting in the alleviation of inhibitory effect of Hsp90 on succinate dehydrogenase. Consequently, the activation of succinate dehydrogenase led to an increased production of ROS. within the mitochondria, thereby facilitating the antifungal effects of azoles against C. albicans. SIGNIFICANCE This research presents a novel approach for conferring fungicidal properties to azoles, which involves specifically disrupting the interaction of between Hsp90 and succinate dehydrogenase rather than employing a non-specific inhibition of ATPase activity of Hsp90.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanru Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Cheng Zhen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sijin Hang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jinhua Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Li W, Feng Y, Feng Z, Wang L, Whiteway M, Lu H, Jiang Y. Pitavastatin Calcium Confers Fungicidal Properties to Fluconazole by Inhibiting Ubiquinone Biosynthesis and Generating Reactive Oxygen Species. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:667. [PMID: 38929106 PMCID: PMC11200976 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060667] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluconazole (FLC) is extensively employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). However, the fungistatic nature of FLC renders pathogenic fungi capable of developing tolerance towards it. Consequently, converting FLC into a fungicidal agent using adjuvants assumes significance to circumvent FLC resistance and the perpetuation of fungal infections. This drug repurposing study has successfully identified pitavastatin calcium (PIT) as a promising adjuvant for enhancing the fungicidal activity of FLC from a comprehensive library of 2372 FDA-approved drugs. PIT could render FLC fungicidal even at concentrations as low as 1 μM. The median lethal dose (LD50) of PIT was determined to be 103.6 mg/kg. We have discovered that PIT achieves its synergistic effect by inhibiting the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, thereby impeding ubiquinone biosynthesis, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, triggering apoptosis, and disrupting Golgi function. We employed a Candida albicans strain that demonstrated a notable tolerance to FLC to infect mice and found that PIT effectively augmented the antifungal efficacy of FLC against IFIs. This study is an illustrative example of how FDA-approved drugs can effectively eliminate fungal tolerance to FLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yanru Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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Liu Y, Wang R, Liu J, Fan M, Ye Z, Hao Y, Xie F, Wang T, Jiang Y, Liu N, Cui X, Lv Q, Yan L. The vacuolar fusion regulated by HOPS complex promotes hyphal initiation and penetration in Candida albicans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4131. [PMID: 38755250 PMCID: PMC11099166 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48525-5] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition between yeast and hyphae is crucial for regulating the commensalism and pathogenicity in Candida albicans. The mechanisms that affect the invasion of hyphae in solid media, whose deficiency is more related to the pathogenicity of C. albicans, have not been elucidated. Here, we found that the disruption of VAM6 or VPS41 which are components of the homotypic vacuolar fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex, or the Rab GTPase YPT72, all responsible for vacuole fusion, led to defects in hyphal growth in both liquid and solid media, but more pronounced on solid agar. The phenotypes of vac8Δ/Δ and GTR1OE-vam6Δ/Δ mutants indicated that these deficiencies are mainly caused by the reduced mechanical forces that drive agar and organs penetration, and confirmed that large vacuoles are required for hyphal mechanical penetration. In summary, our study revealed that large vacuoles generated by vacuolar fusion support hyphal penetration and provided a perspective to refocus attention on the role of solid agar in evaluating C. albicans invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Ruina Wang
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Jiacun Liu
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Mengting Fan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Zi Ye
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Yumeng Hao
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Fei Xie
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Ting Wang
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Ningning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyan Cui
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China.
| | - Quanzhen Lv
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
| | - Lan Yan
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
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Xiong J, Wang L, Feng Z, Hang S, Yu J, Feng Y, Lu H, Jiang Y. Halofantrine Hydrochloride Acts as an Antioxidant Ability Inhibitor That Enhances Oxidative Stress Damage to Candida albicans. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:223. [PMID: 38397821 PMCID: PMC10886025 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020223] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a prominent opportunistic pathogenic fungus in the human population, possesses the capacity to induce life-threatening invasive candidiasis in individuals with compromised immune systems despite the existence of antifungal medications. When faced with macrophages or neutrophils, C. albicans demonstrates its capability to endure oxidative stress through the utilization of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, the enhancement of oxidative stress in innate immune cells against C. albicans presents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of a library of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We discovered that halofantrine hydrochloride (HAL) can augment the antifungal properties of oxidative damage agents (plumbagin, menadione, and H2O2) by suppressing the response of C. albicans to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, our investigation revealed that the inhibitory mechanism of HAL on the oxidative response is dependent on Cap1. In addition, the antifungal activity of HAL has been observed in the Galleria mellonella infection model. These findings provide evidence that targeting the oxidative stress response of C. albicans and augmenting the fungicidal capacity of oxidative damage agents hold promise as effective antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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Yang J, Liu M, Jiao Y, Guo HS, Shan CM, Wang H. An Efficient Homologous Recombination-Based In Situ Protein-Labeling Method in Verticillium dahliae. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:81. [PMID: 38392300 PMCID: PMC10886240 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Accurate determination of protein localization, levels, or protein-protein interactions is pivotal for the study of their function, and in situ protein labeling via homologous recombination has emerged as a critical tool in many organisms. While this approach has been refined in various model fungi, the study of protein function in most plant pathogens has predominantly relied on ex situ or overexpression manipulations. To dissect the molecular mechanisms of development and infection for Verticillium dahliae, a formidable plant pathogen responsible for vascular wilt diseases, we have established a robust, homologous recombination-based in situ protein labeling strategy in this organism. Utilizing Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), this methodology facilitates the precise tagging of specific proteins at their C-termini with epitopes, such as GFP and Flag, within the native context of V. dahliae. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach through the in situ labeling of VdCf2 and VdDMM2, followed by subsequent confirmation via subcellular localization and protein-level analyses. Our findings confirm the applicability of homologous recombination for in situ protein labeling in V. dahliae and suggest its potential utility across a broad spectrum of filamentous fungi. This labeling method stands to significantly advance the field of functional genomics in plant pathogenic fungi, offering a versatile and powerful tool for the elucidation of protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue Jiao
- Development Center of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chun-Min Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haiting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Fang T, Xiong J, Wang L, Feng Z, Hang S, Yu J, Li W, Feng Y, Lu H, Jiang Y. Unexpected Inhibitory Effect of Octenidine Dihydrochloride on Candida albicans Filamentation by Impairing Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Disrupting Cell Membrane Integrity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1675. [PMID: 38136708 PMCID: PMC10741164 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121675] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans filamentation plays a significant role in developing both mucosal and invasive candidiasis, making it a crucial virulence factor. Consequently, exploring and identifying inhibitors that impede fungal hyphal formation presents an intriguing approach toward antifungal strategies. In line with this anti-filamentation strategy, we conducted a comprehensive screening of a library of FDA-approved drugs to identify compounds that possess inhibitory properties against hyphal growth. The compound octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) exhibits potent inhibition of hyphal growth in C. albicans across different hyphae-inducing media at concentrations below or equal to 3.125 μM. This remarkable inhibitory effect extends to biofilm formation and the disruption of mature biofilm. The mechanism underlying OCT's inhibition of hyphal growth is likely attributed to its capacity to impede ergosterol biosynthesis and induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), compromising the integrity of the cell membrane. Furthermore, it has been observed that OCT demonstrates protective attributes against invasive candidiasis in Galleria mellonella larvae through its proficient eradication of C. albicans colonization in infected G. mellonella larvae by impeding hyphal formation. Although additional investigation is required to mitigate the toxicity of OCT in mammals, it possesses considerable promise as a potent filamentation inhibitor against invasive candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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10
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Wu H, Wang L, Wang W, Shao Z, Jia X, Xiao H, Chen J. The secretory Candida effector Sce1 licenses fungal virulence by masking the immunogenic β-1,3-glucan and promoting apoptosis of the host cells. MLIFE 2023; 2:159-177. [PMID: 38817625 PMCID: PMC10989805 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans deploys a variety of mechanisms such as morphological switch and elicitor release to promote virulence. However, the intricate interactions between the fungus and the host remain poorly understood, and a comprehensive inventory of fungal virulence factors has yet to be established. In this study, we identified a C. albicans secretory effector protein Sce1, whose induction and secretion are associated with vagina-simulative conditions and chlamydospore formation. Sequence alignment showed that Sce1 belongs to a Pir family in C. albicans, which is conserved across several fungi and primarily characterized as a β-glucan binding protein in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mechanically, Sce1 is primarily localized to the cell wall in a cleaved form as an alkali-labile β-1,3-glucan binding protein and plays a role in masking β-glucan in acidic environments and chlamydospores, a feature that might underline C. albicans' ability to evade host immunity. Further, a cleaved short form of Sce1 protein could be released into extracellular compartments and presented in bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with chlamydospores. This cleaved short form of Sce1 also demonstrated a unique ability to trigger the caspases-8/9-dependent apoptosis in various host cells. Correspondingly, genetic deletion of SCE1 led to dampened vaginal colonization of C. albicans and diminished fungal virulence during systemic infection. The discovery of Sce1 as a versatile virulence effector that executes at various compartments sheds light on the fungus-host interactions and C. albicans pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Li Wang
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Zhugui Shao
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Biomedical SciencesShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xin‐Ming Jia
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Xiao
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Jiangye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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A Small Molecule Inhibitor of Erg251 Makes Fluconazole Fungicidal by Inhibiting the Synthesis of the 14α-Methylsterols. mBio 2023; 14:e0263922. [PMID: 36475771 PMCID: PMC9973333 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02639-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluconazole (FLC) is widely used to prevent and treat invasive fungal infections. However, FLC is a fungistatic agent, allowing clinical FLC-susceptible isolates to tolerate FLC. Making FLC fungicidal in combination with adjuvants is a promising strategy to avoid FLC resistance and eliminate the persistence and recurrence of fungal infections. Here, we identify a new small molecule compound, CZ66, that can make FLC fungicidal. The mechanism of action of CZ66 is targeting the C-4 sterol methyl oxidase, encoded by the ERG251 gene, resulting in decreased content of sterols with the 14α-methyl group and ultimately eliminating FLC tolerance of Candida albicans. CZ66 most likely interacts with Erg251 through residues Glu195, Gly206, and Arg241. Establishing Erg251 as a synergistic lethal target protein of FLC should direct research to identify specific small molecule inhibitors of 14α-methylsterol synthesis and open the way to abolishing fungal FLC tolerance. IMPORTANCE Fluconazole (FLC) tolerance increases the frequency of acquired FLC resistance, and a high FLC tolerance level is associated with persistent candidemia. Multiple functional proteins, such as calcineurin, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), and ADP ribosylation factor, are essential for the survival of C. albicans exposed to FLC, but how these factors increase the fungicidal activity of FLC remains to be determined. In this study, we found that 14α-methylsterols replace ergosterol to allow C. albicans to survive FLC, but Erg251 inactivated by CZ66 results in loss of 14α-methylsterol synthesis and cell death of C. albicans treated with FLC. Establishing Erg251 as a synergistic lethal target protein of FLC should direct research to identify specific small molecule inhibitors of 14α-methylsterol synthesis and open the way to abolishing fungal FLC tolerance.
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Wang H, Ji Z, Feng Y, Yan T, Cao Y, Lu H, Jiang Y. Myriocin enhances the antifungal activity of fluconazole by blocking the membrane localization of the efflux pump Cdr1. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1101553. [PMID: 36618949 PMCID: PMC9815617 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1101553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Extrusion of azoles from the cell, mediated by an efflux pump Cdr1, is one of the most frequently used strategies for developing azole resistance in pathogenic fungi. The efflux pump Cdr1 is predominantly localized in lipid rafts within the plasma membrane, and its localization is sensitive to changes in the composition of lipid rafts. Our previous study found that the calcineurin signal pathway is important in transferring sphingolipids from the inner to the outer membrane. Methods: We investigated multiple factors that enhance the antifungal activity of fluconazole (FLC) using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and disk diffusion assays. We studied the mechanism of action of myriocin through qRT-PCR analysis and confocal microscopy analysis. We tested whether myriocin enhanced the antifungal activity of FLC and held therapeutic potential using a mouse infection model. Results: We found that this signal pathway has no function in the activity of Cdr1. We found that inhibiting sphingolipid biosynthesis by myriocin remarkably increased the antifungal activity of FLC with a broad antifungal spectrum and held therapeutic potential. We further found that myriocin potently enhances the antifungal activity of FLC against C. albicans by blocking membrane localization of the Cdr1 rather than repressing the expression of Cdr1. In addition, we found that myriocin enhanced the antifungal activity of FLC and held therapeutic potential. Discussion: Our study demonstrated that blocking the membrane location and inactivating Cdr1 by inhibiting sphingolipids biogenesis is beneficial for enhancing the antifungal activity of azoles against azole-resistant C. albicans due to Cdr1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkang Wang
- Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Ji
- Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanru Feng
- Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhua Yan
- Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongbing Cao
- Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yongbing Cao, ; Hui Lu, ; Yuanying Jiang,
| | - Hui Lu
- Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yongbing Cao, ; Hui Lu, ; Yuanying Jiang,
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Institute of Vascular Anomalies, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yongbing Cao, ; Hui Lu, ; Yuanying Jiang,
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A new toolkit for gene tagging in Candida albicans containing recyclable markers. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219715. [PMID: 31295309 PMCID: PMC6622542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene manipulation and epitope tagging are essential tools for understanding the molecular function of specific genes. The opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans is a diploid fungus that utilizes a non-canonical genetic code. Since selection markers available in this organism are scarce, several tools based on recyclable markers have been developed for gene disruption, such as the Clox system. This system relies on the Cre recombinase, which recycles selection markers flanked by loxP sites with high efficiency, facilitating single marker or multi-marker recycling. However, PCR-based modules for epitope tagging, such the pFA-modules, mainly use limited non-recyclable auxotrophic markers. To solve this problem, we have used a Gibson assembly strategy to construct a set of new plasmids where the auxotrophic markers of the pFA vectors were swapped with five recyclable marker modules of the Clox system, enhancing the versatility of the pFA plasmids. This new toolkit, named pFA-Clox, is composed of 36 new vectors for gene disruption and epitope tagging (GFP, 3xGFP, mCherry, 3xHA, 5xmyc and TAP). These plasmids contain the dominant NAT1 marker, as well as URA3, HIS1 and ARG4 cassettes, thereby permitting functional analysis of laboratory strains as well as clinical isolates of C. albicans. In summary, we have adapted the Clox system to the pFA-backbone vectors. Thus, the set of primers used for the amplification of previously published pFA modules can also be utilized in this new pFA-Clox system. Therefore, this new toolkit harbors the advantages of both systems, allowing accelerated gene modification strategies that could reduce time and costs in strain construction for C. albicans.
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Wang W, Deng Z, Wu H, Zhao Q, Li T, Zhu W, Wang X, Tang L, Wang C, Cui SZ, Xiao H, Chen J. A small secreted protein triggers a TLR2/4-dependent inflammatory response during invasive Candida albicans infection. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1015. [PMID: 30833559 PMCID: PMC6399272 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08950-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans can switch from commensal to pathogenic mode, causing mucosal or disseminated candidiasis. The host relies on pattern-recognition receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) to sense invading fungal pathogens and launch immune defense mechanisms. However, the complex interplay between fungus and host innate immunity remains incompletely understood. Here we report that C. albicans upregulates expression of a small secreted cysteine-rich protein Sel1 upon encountering limited nitrogen and abundant serum. Sel1 activates NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, leading to expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Comprehensive genetic and biochemical analyses reveal both TLR2 and TLR4 are required for the recognition of Sel1. Further, SEL1-deficient C. albicans display an impaired immune response in vivo, causing increased morbidity and mortality in a bloodstream infection model. We identify a critical component in the Candida-host interaction that opens a new avenue to tackle Candida infection and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zihou Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hongyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wencheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiongjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Longhai Tang
- Suzhou Blood Center, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shu-Zhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Jiangye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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