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Liu W, Ou P, Tian F, Liao J, Ma Y, Wang J, Jin X. Anti- Vibrio parahaemolyticus compounds from Streptomyces parvus based on Pan-genome and subtractive proteomics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1218176. [PMID: 37485508 PMCID: PMC10361664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1218176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a foodborne pathogen commonly found in seafood, and drug resistance poses significant challenges to its control. This study aimed to identify novel drug targets for antibacterial drug discovery. Methods To identify drug targets, we performed a pan-genome analysis on 58 strains of V. parahaemolyticus genomes to obtain core genes. Subsequently, subtractive proteomics and physiochemical checks were conducted on the core proteins to identify potential therapeutic targets. Molecular docking was then employed to screen for anti-V. parahaemolyticus compounds using a in-house compound library of Streptomyces parvus, chosen based on binding energy. The anti-V. parahaemolyticus efficacy of the identified compounds was further validated through a series of experimental tests. Results and Discussion Pangenome analysis of 58 V. parahaemolyticus genomes revealed that there were 1,392 core genes. After Subtractive proteomics and physiochemical checks, Flagellar motor switch protein FliN was selected as a therapeutic target against V. parahaemolyticus. FliN was modeled and docked with Streptomyces parvus source compounds, and Actinomycin D was identified as a potential anti-V. parahaemolyticus agent with a strong binding energy. Experimental verification confirmed its effectiveness in killing V. parahaemolyticus and significantly inhibiting biofilm formation and motility. This study is the first to use pan-genome and subtractive proteomics to identify new antimicrobial targets for V. parahaemolyticus and to identify the anti-V. parahaemolyticus effect of Actinomycin D. These findings suggest potential avenues for the development of new antibacterial drugs to control V. parahaemolyticus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyu Ou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangyuan Tian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyang Liao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobao Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Tiwari P, Dufossé L. Focus and Insights into the Synthetic Biology-Mediated Chassis of Economically Important Fungi for the Production of High-Value Metabolites. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1141. [PMID: 37317115 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051141] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial progress has been achieved and knowledge gaps addressed in synthetic biology-mediated engineering of biological organisms to produce high-value metabolites. Bio-based products from fungi are extensively explored in the present era, attributed to their emerging importance in the industrial sector, healthcare, and food applications. The edible group of fungi and multiple fungal strains defines attractive biological resources for high-value metabolites comprising food additives, pigments, dyes, industrial chemicals, and antibiotics, including other compounds. In this direction, synthetic biology-mediated genetic chassis of fungal strains to enhance/add value to novel chemical entities of biological origin is opening new avenues in fungal biotechnology. While substantial success has been achieved in the genetic manipulation of economically viable fungi (including Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the production of metabolites of socio-economic relevance, knowledge gaps/obstacles in fungal biology and engineering need to be remedied for complete exploitation of valuable fungal strains. Herein, the thematic article discusses the novel attributes of bio-based products from fungi and the creation of high-value engineered fungal strains to promote yield, bio-functionality, and value-addition of the metabolites of socio-economic value. Efforts have been made to discuss the existing limitations in fungal chassis and how the advances in synthetic biology provide a plausible solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Tiwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Laurent Dufossé
- Chemistry and Biotechnology of Natural Products, CHEMBIOPRO, Université de La Réunion, ESIROI Agroalimentaire, 15 Avenue René Cassin, F-97490 Saint-Denis, France
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Abstract
Candida albicans has remained the main etiological agent of candidiasis, challenges clinicians with high mortality and morbidity. The emergence of resistance to antifungal drugs, toxicity and lower efficacy have all contributed to an urgent need to develop alternative drugs aiming at novel targets in C. albicans. Targeting the production of virulence factors, which are essential processes for infectious agents, represents an attractive substitute for the development of newer anti-infectives. The present review highlights the recent developments made in the understanding of the pathogenicity of C. albicans. Production of hydrolytic enzymes, morphogenesis and biofilm formation, along with their molecular and metabolic regulation in Candida are discussed with regard to the development of novel antipathogenic drugs against candidiasis. Over the last decade, candidiasis has remained a major problematic disease worldwide. In spite of the existence of many antifungal drugs, the treatment of such diseases has still remained unsuccessful due to drug inefficacy. Therefore, there is a need to discover antifungals with different modes of action, such as antipathogenic drugs against Candida albicans. Here, we describe how various types of virulence factors such as proteinase, phospholipase, hemolysin, adhesion, morphogenesis and biofilm formation, could be targeted to develop novel therapeutics. We can inhibit production of these virulence factors by controlling their molecular/metabolic regulation.
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4
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Yeast Engineering for New Antifungal Compounds: A Contextualized Overview. Fungal Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41870-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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5
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Nicola AM, Albuquerque P, Paes HC, Fernandes L, Costa FF, Kioshima ES, Abadio AKR, Bocca AL, Felipe MS. Antifungal drugs: New insights in research & development. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 195:21-38. [PMID: 30347212 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The need for better antifungal therapy is commonly accepted in view of the high mortality rates associated with systemic infections, the low number of available antifungal classes, their associated toxicity and the increasing number of infections caused by strains with natural or acquired resistance. The urgency to expand the range of therapeutic options for the treatment of fungal infections has led researchers in recent decades to seek alternative antifungal targets when compared to the conventional ones currently used. Although new potential targets are reported, translating the discoveries from bench to bedside is a long process and most of these drugs fail to reach the patients. In this review, we discuss the development of antifungal drugs focusing on the approach of drug repurposing and the search for novel drugs for classical targets, the most recently described gene targets for drug development, the possibilities of immunotherapy using antibodies, cytokines, therapeutic vaccines and antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia Albuquerque
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brazil; Graduate Programme in Microbial Biology, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - Hugo Costa Paes
- Division of Clinical Medicine, University of Brasília Medical School, Brazil
| | - Larissa Fernandes
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brazil; Graduate Programme in Microbial Biology, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fabricio F Costa
- Graduate Programme in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brazil; MATTER, Chicago, IL, USA; Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Erika Seki Kioshima
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ana Karina Rodrigues Abadio
- School for Applied Social and Agricultural Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso, Nova Mutum Campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Sueli Felipe
- Graduate Programme in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brazil; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brazil.
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6
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Zuo C, Zhang W, Chen Z, Chen B, Huang Y. RNA Sequencing Reveals that Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Disruption of Membrane Integrity Underlie Dimethyl Trisulfide Toxicity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1365. [PMID: 28790985 PMCID: PMC5522862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium wilt of banana, a destructive disease that affects banana production, is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4). In a previous study, we confirmed the strong inhibitory effects of Chinese leek (Allium tuberosum) on the incidence of this disease. Sulfur compounds are the primary antifungal constituents of Chinese leek. Among these, dimethyl trisulfide (DT) was the most abundant and exhibited the strongest inhibition of Foc TR4 growth and development. In the present study, the global gene expression profiles of Foc TR4 isolates treated with DT at 4,000-folds dilution (concentration of 1/4,000, v/v) for 1.5, 6, and 12 h were investigated by using RNA sequencing. The expression patterns of 15 DEGs were validated based on quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Untreated sample presented 2,556, 1,691, and 1,150 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 1.5, 6, and 12 h after the onset of the experiment, respectively, whereas DT-treated isolates presented 2,823, 3,546, and 6,197 DEGs. Based on Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, DEGs involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), glycosylation, and steroid biosynthesis were significantly inhibited by DT exposure. The similar expressional patterns of 15 DEGs between RNA-seq and qRT-PCR assays indicated the reliability of the RNA-seq data. In conclusion, ER stress related to glycosylation inhibition and damage to cell membrane integrity might contribute to the toxicity of DT against Foc TR4. As the results presented here evidenced changes in gene expression associated with DT exposure, which might be used to develop new approaches for controlling FWB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunwu Zuo
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural UniversityLanzhou, China
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural SciencesGuangzhou, China
| | - Weina Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural UniversityLanzhou, China
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural SciencesGuangzhou, China
| | - Baihong Chen
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural UniversityLanzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Huang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural UniversityQingdao, China
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7
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Thomas L, Baggen L, Chisholm J, Sharland M. Diagnosis and treatment of aspergillosis in children. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 7:461-72. [DOI: 10.1586/eri.09.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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8
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Hegedus N, Leiter E, Kovács B, Tomori V, Kwon NJ, Emri T, Marx F, Batta G, Csernoch L, Haas H, Yu JH, Pócsi I. The small molecular mass antifungal protein of Penicillium chrysogenum--a mechanism of action oriented review. J Basic Microbiol 2011; 51:561-71. [PMID: 21780144 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201100041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The β-lactam producing filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum secretes a 6.25 kDa small molecular mass antifungal protein, PAF, which has a highly stable, compact 3D structure and is effective against a wide spectrum of plant and zoo pathogenic fungi. Its precise physiological functions and mode of action need to be elucidated before considering possible biomedical, agricultural or food technological applications. According to some more recent experimental data, PAF plays an important role in the fine-tuning of conidiogenesis in Penicillium chrysogenum. PAF triggers apoptotic cell death in sensitive fungi, and cell death signaling may be transmitted through two-component systems, heterotrimeric G protein coupled signal transduction and regulatory networks as well as via alteration of the Ca(2+) -homeostasis of the cells. Possible biotechnological applications of PAF are also outlined in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Hegedus
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre of Arts, Humanities and Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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9
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Zhang N, Bilsland E. Contributions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to understanding mammalian gene function and therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 759:501-523. [PMID: 21863505 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-173-4_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Due to its genetic tractability and ease of manipulation, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been extensively used as a model organism to understand how eukaryotic cells grow, divide, and respond to environmental changes. In this chapter, we reasoned that functional annotation of novel genes revealed by sequencing should adopt an integrative approach including both bioinformatics and experimental analysis to reveal functional conservation and divergence of complexes and pathways. The techniques and resources generated for systems biology studies in yeast have found a wide range of applications. Here we focused on using these technologies in revealing functions of genes from mammals, in identifying targets of novel and known drugs and in screening drugs targeting specific proteins and/or protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianshu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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10
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Gudimella R, Nallapeta S, Varadwaj P, Suravajhala P. Fungome: Annotating proteins implicated in fungal pathogenesis. Bioinformation 2010; 5:202-7. [PMID: 21364798 PMCID: PMC3040500 DOI: 10.6026/97320630005202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequencing genomes of different pathogenic fungi produced plethora of genetic information. This "omics" data might be of great interest to probe strain diversity, identify virulence factors and complementary genes in other fungal species, and importantly in predicting the role of proteins specific to pathogenesis in humans. We propose a component called "fungome" for those fungal proteins implicated in pathogenesis which, we believe, will allow researchers to improve the annotation of fungal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pritish Varadwaj
- Bioinformatics division, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad 211012, UP, India
| | - Prashanth Suravajhala
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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11
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Determination of thein vitro activity of fluconazole against yeast strains using HPLC. ANN MICROBIOL 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03175586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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12
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Antifungal resistance mechanisms in dermatophytes. Mycopathologia 2008; 166:369-83. [PMID: 18478356 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-008-9110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Revised: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although fungi do not cause outbreaks or pandemics, the incidence of severe systemic fungal infections has increased significantly, mainly because of the explosive growth in the number of patients with compromised immune system. Thus, drug resistance in pathogenic fungi, including dermatophytes, is gaining importance. The molecular aspects involved in the resistance of dermatophytes to marketed antifungals and other cytotoxic drugs, such as modifications of target enzymes, over-expression of genes encoding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and stress-response-related proteins are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms used by dermatophytes to overcome the inhibitory action of terbinafine and survival in the host environment. The relevance of identifying new molecular targets, of expanding the understanding about the molecular mechanisms of resistance and of using this information to design new drugs or to modify those that have become ineffective is also discussed.
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Lamping E, Monk BC, Niimi K, Holmes AR, Tsao S, Tanabe K, Niimi M, Uehara Y, Cannon RD. Characterization of three classes of membrane proteins involved in fungal azole resistance by functional hyperexpression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2007; 6:1150-65. [PMID: 17513564 PMCID: PMC1951111 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00091-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The study of eukaryotic membrane proteins has been hampered by a paucity of systems that achieve consistent high-level functional protein expression. We report the use of a modified membrane protein hyperexpression system to characterize three classes of fungal membrane proteins (ABC transporters Pdr5p, CaCdr1p, CaCdr2p, CgCdr1p, CgPdh1p, CkAbc1p, and CneMdr1p, the major facilitator superfamily transporter CaMdr1p, and the cytochrome P450 enzyme CaErg11p) that contribute to the drug resistance phenotypes of five pathogenic fungi and to express human P glycoprotein (HsAbcb1p). The hyperexpression system consists of a set of plasmids that direct the stable integration of a single copy of the expression cassette at the chromosomal PDR5 locus of a modified host Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, ADDelta. Overexpression of heterologous proteins at levels of up to 29% of plasma membrane protein was achieved. Membrane proteins were expressed with or without green fluorescent protein (GFP), monomeric red fluorescent protein, His, FLAG/His, Cys, or His/Cys tags. Most GFP-tagged proteins tested were correctly trafficked within the cell, and His-tagged proteins could be affinity purified. Kinetic analysis of ABC transporters indicated that the apparent K(m) value and the V(max) value of ATPase activities were not significantly affected by the addition of His tags. The efflux properties of seven fungal drug pumps were characterized by their substrate specificities and their unique patterns of inhibition by eight xenobiotics that chemosensitized S. cerevisiae strains overexpressing ABC drug pumps to fluconazole. The modified hyperexpression system has wide application for the study of eukaryotic membrane proteins and could also be used in the pharmaceutical industry for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Lamping
- Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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14
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Chua PR, Roof DM, Lee Y, Sakowicz R, Clarke D, Pierce D, Stephens T, Hamilton M, Morgan B, Morgans D, Nakai T, Tomasi A, Maxon ME. Effective killing of the human pathogen Candida albicans by a specific inhibitor of non-essential mitotic kinesin Kip1p. Mol Microbiol 2007; 65:347-62. [PMID: 17573815 PMCID: PMC1976386 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2007.05787.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Kinesins from the bipolar (Kinesin-5) family are conserved in eukaryotic organisms and play critical roles during the earliest stages of mitosis to mediate spindle pole body separation and formation of a bipolar mitotic spindle. To date, genes encoding bipolar kinesins have been reported to be essential in all organisms studied. We report the characterization of CaKip1p, the sole member of this family in the human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. C. albicans Kip1p appears to localize to the mitotic spindle and loss of CaKip1p function interferes with normal progression through mitosis. Inducible excision of CaKIP1 revealed phenotypes unique to C. albicans, including viable homozygous Cakip1 mutants and an aberrant spindle morphology in which multiple spindle poles accumulate in close proximity to each other. Expression of the C. albicans Kip1 motor domain in Escherichia coli produced a protein with microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity that was inhibited by an aminobenzothiazole (ABT) compound in an ATP-competitive fashion. This inhibition results in ‘rigor-like’, tight association with microtubules in vitro. Upon treatment of C. albicans cells with the ABT compound, cells were killed, and terminal phenotype analysis revealed an aberrant spindle morphology similar to that induced by loss of the CaKIP1 gene. The ABT compound discovered is the first example of a fungal spindle inhibitor targeted to a mitotic kinesin. Our results also show that the non-essential nature and implementation of the bipolar motor in C. albicans differs from that seen in other organisms, and suggest that inhibitors of a non-essential mitotic kinesin may offer promise as cidal agents for antifungal drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope R Chua
- Cytokinetics, 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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Pognan F. Toxicogenomics applied to predictive and exploratory toxicology for the safety assessment of new chemical entities: a long road with deep potholes. PROGRESS IN DRUG RESEARCH. FORTSCHRITTE DER ARZNEIMITTELFORSCHUNG. PROGRES DES RECHERCHES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2007; 64:217, 219-38. [PMID: 17195477 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-7567-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology is the perturbation of metabolism by external factors such as xenobiotics, environmental factors or drugs. As such, toxicology covers a broad range of fields from studies of the whole organism responses to minute biochemical events. Mechanistic toxicogenomics is an attempt to harness genomic tools to understand the physiological basis for a toxic event based on an analysis of transcriptional, translational or metabolomic profiles. These studies are complicated by non-toxic adaptive responses in transcript, protein or metabolite expression levels that have to be distinguished from those that are proximally related to the toxic event. Substantial progress has been made on the identification of biomarkers and the establishment of screens derived from such toxicogenomics studies. The ultimate goal, of course, is predictive toxicogenomics, which is an attempt to infer the likelihood of occurrence of a toxic event with exposure to a new agent based upon comparative responses with large databases of gene, protein or metabolite expression data. Gene expression databases are currently limited by the fact that measurable toxic phenotypes generally precede or at best coincide with the earliest observable changes in transcriptional profiles. Unfortunately, predictive protein databases have been limited by technical difficulties. Metabonomics-based databases, which would probably have the highest predictive value, are limited in turn by the inability to perform high dose studies in humans. This chapter will conclude by reviewing those elements of toxicogenomics that apply specifically to the development of anti-infectives and the potential for accurately modelling the toxicity of future drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Pognan
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Safety Assessment, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
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Abstract
Heat-shock proteins (hsps) have been identified as molecular chaperones conserved between microbes and man and grouped by their molecular mass and high degree of amino acid homology. This article reviews the major hsps of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, their interactions with trehalose, the effect of fermentation and the role of the heat-shock factor. Information derived from this model, as well as from Neurospora crassa and Achlya ambisexualis, helps in understanding the importance of hsps in the pathogenic fungi, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus spp., Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Trichophyton rubrum, Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Fusarium oxysporum, Coccidioides immitis and Pneumocystis jiroveci. This has been matched with proteomic and genomic information examining hsp expression in response to noxious stimuli. Fungal hsp90 has been identified as a target for immunotherapy by a genetically recombinant antibody. The concept of combining this antibody fragment with an antifungal drug for treating life-threatening fungal infection and the potential interactions with human and microbial hsp90 and nitric oxide is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Burnie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
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Tanghe A, Carbrey JM, Agre P, Thevelein JM, Van Dijck P. Aquaporin expression and freeze tolerance in Candida albicans. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:6434-7. [PMID: 16204575 PMCID: PMC1265964 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.10.6434-6437.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins are members of the major intrinsic protein superfamily of integral membrane proteins which enable the transport of water, glycerol, and other solutes across membranes in various organisms. In microorganisms, the physiological role of aquaporins is not yet defined. We found a clear correlation between expression of the Candida albicans aquaporin-encoding gene AQY1 and freeze tolerance. A connection with the function for the aquaporin in the natural environment of C. albicans is, however, not obvious.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Tanghe
- Laboratorium voor Moleculaire Celbiologie, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Leuven-Heverlee, Flanders, Belgium.
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Abstract
Comparative analyses of fungal genomes and molecular research on genes associated with fungal viability and virulence has led to the identification of many putative targets for novel antifungal agents. So far the rational approach to antifungal discovery, in which compounds are optimized against an individual target then progressed to efficacy against intact fungi and ultimately to infected humans has delivered no new agents. However, the approach continues to hold promise for the future. This review critically assesses the molecular target-based approach to antifungal discovery, outlines problems and pitfalls inherent in the genomics and target discovery strategies and describes the status of heavily investigated examples of target-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank C Odds
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M Bruno
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biophysical Studies, Columbia University, 701 West 168th Street, Room HHSC908, New York, NY 10032, USA
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