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Rodrigues ML, Alviano DS, Kneipp LF, Alviano CS, Barreto-Bergter E, Nimrichter L. Professor Luiz R. Travassos and the study of surface structures of fungal pathogens. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:2571-2575. [PMID: 36720842 PMCID: PMC9889240 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00916-4] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Brazilian medical mycology considerably expanded in the last decades due to the efforts of several pioneers who started and expanded mycology during the twentieth century. In this manuscript, we highlight some of the contributions of one of these pioneers: Professor Luiz R. Travassos, who started his career in the field of microbiology in the 1960s. We will discuss his contributions to the areas of medical mycology and glycobiology, with a focus on glycosphingolipids, sialic acids, and surface enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio L Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil.
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Daniela S Alviano
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucimar F Kneipp
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos (LTBBF), Instituto Oswaldo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celuta S Alviano
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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2
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Glucosylceramides from Cladosporium and Their Roles in Fungi–Plant Interaction. MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres13030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cladosporium species are widely distributed filamentous fungi. One of the most important species is C. herbarum, which is related to infections in a variety of plants and of concern in plantations. Fungal cerebrosides, such as glucosylceramide (GlcCer), have been described as playing important roles in fungal growth and pathogenesis, but GlcCer from C. herbarum has not been characterized so far. For this reason, the present study aimed to elucidate the chemical structure of GlcCer from C. herbarum and its role in the interaction with Passiflora edulis. Mass spectrometry characterization of purified GlcCer revealed two major molecular ions, m/z 760 and m/z 774, and it reacts with monoclonal anti-GlcCer antibodies and is exposed on the fungal surface. P. edulis treatment with GlcCer induced increased levels of superoxide as well as the expression of some genes related to plant defense, such as PR3, POD, LOX and PAL. GlcCer also enhanced growth parameters, such as plant height and root weight. All these results suggest that C. herbarum GlcCer can stimulate plant defense mechanisms, which could help plants to face fungal infections.
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3
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Rollin-Pinheiro R, Almeida YDC, Rochetti VP, Xisto MIDDS, Borba-Santos LP, Rozental S, Barreto-Bergter E. Miltefosine Against Scedosporium and Lomentospora Species: Antifungal Activity and Its Effects on Fungal Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:698662. [PMID: 34368017 PMCID: PMC8343104 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.698662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium and Lomentospora species are filamentous fungi responsible for a wide range of infections in humans and are frequently associated with cystic fibrosis and immunocompromising conditions. Because they are usually resistant to many antifungal drugs available in clinical settings, studies of alternative targets in fungal cells and therapeutic approaches are necessary. In the present work, we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of miltefosine against Scedosporium and Lomentospora species and how this phospholipid analogue affects the fungal cell. Miltefosine inhibited different Scedosporium and Lomentospora species at 2–4 µg/ml and reduced biofilm formation. The loss of membrane integrity in Scedosporium aurantiacum caused by miltefosine was demonstrated by leakage of intracellular components and lipid raft disorganisation. The exogenous addition of glucosylceramide decreased the inhibitory activity of miltefosine. Reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial activity were also affected by miltefosine, as well as the susceptibility to fluconazole, caspofungin and myoricin. The data obtained in the present study contribute to clarify the dynamics of the interaction between miltefosine and Scedosporium and Lomentospora cells, highlighting its potential use as new antifungal drug in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yuri de Castro Almeida
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Pereira Rochetti
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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4
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Breda LCD, Menezes IG, Paulo LNM, de Almeida SR. Immune Sensing and Potential Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Control Chromoblastomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 7:jof7010003. [PMID: 33375204 PMCID: PMC7822212 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected, chronic, and progressive subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of fungi from the Herpotrichiellaceae family. CBM disease is usually associated with agricultural activities, and its infection is characterized by verrucous, erythematous papules, and atrophic lesions on the upper and lower limbs, leading to social stigma and impacts on patients' welfare. The economic aspect of disease treatment is another relevant issue. There is no specific treatment for CBM, and different anti-fungal drug associations are used to treat the patients. However, the long period of the disease and the high cost of the treatment lead to treatment interruption and, consequently, relapse of the disease. In previous years, great progress had been made in the comprehension of the CBM pathophysiology. In this review, we discuss the differences in the cell wall composition of conidia, hyphae, and muriform cells, with a particular focus on the activation of the host immune response. We also highlight the importance of studies about the host skin immunology in CBM. Finally, we explore different immunotherapeutic studies, highlighting the importance of these approaches for future treatment strategies for CBM.
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5
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Glucosylceramide Plays a Role in Fungal Germination, Lipid Raft Organization and Biofilm Adhesion of the Pathogenic Fungus Scedosporium aurantiacum. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040345. [PMID: 33302332 PMCID: PMC7762401 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Scedosporium species present a wide range of clinical manifestations, from superficial to disseminated, especially in immunocompromised patients. Glucosylceramides (GlcCer) are glycosphingolipids found on the fungal cell surface and play an important role in growth and pathogenicity processes in different fungi. The present study aimed to evaluate the structure of GlcCer and its role during growth in two S. aurantiacum isolates. Purified GlcCer from both isolates were obtained and its chemical structure identified by mass spectrometry. Using ELISA and immunofluorescence techniques it was observed that germination and NaOH-treatment of conidia favor GlcCer exposure. Monoclonal anti-GlcCer antibody reduced germination when cultivated with the inhibitor of melanin synthesis tricyclazole and also reduced germ tube length of conidia, both cultivated or not with tricyclazole. It was also demonstrated that anti-GlcCer altered lipid rafts organization, as shown by using the fluorescent stain filipin, but did not affect the susceptibility of the cell surface to damaging agents. Anti-GlcCer reduced total biomass and viability in biofilms formed on polystyrene plates. In the presence of anti-GlcCer, germinated S. aurantiacum conidia and biofilms could not adhere to polystyrene with the same efficacy as control cells. These results highlight the relevance of GlcCer in growth processes of S. aurantiacum.
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6
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Bernardino MC, Couto MLCO, Vaslin MFS, Barreto-Bergter E. Antiviral activity of glucosylceramides isolated from Fusarium oxysporum against Tobacco mosaic virus infection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242887. [PMID: 33237955 PMCID: PMC7688173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural elicitors derived from pathogenic microorganisms represent an ecologic strategy to achieve resistance in plants against diseases. Glucosylceramides (GlcCer) are classified as neutral glycosphingolipids. GlcCer were isolated and purified from Fusarium oxysporum mycelium. F. oxysporum is a plant pathogenic fungus, abundant in soil and causing severe losses in economically important crops such as corn, tobacco, banana, cotton and passion fruit. In this study we evaluate the capacity of GlcCer in inducing resistance in N. tabacum cv Xanthi plants against Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Spraying tobacco plants with GlcCer before virus infection reduced the incidence of necrotic lesions caused by TMV. In addition, plants already infected with the virus showed a reduction in hypersensitive response (HR) lesions after GlcCer treatment, suggesting an antiviral effect of GlcCer. Our investigations showed that GlcCer stimulates the early accumulation of H2O2 and superoxide radicals. In addition, the expression of PR-1 (pathogenesis-related 1, with suggested antifungal action), PR-2 (β-1,3-glucanase), PR-3 (Chitinase), PR-5 (Osmotin), PAL (Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), LOX (Lipoxygenase) and POX (Peroxidase) genes was highly induced after treatment of tobacco plants with GlcCer and induction levels remained high throughout a period of 6 to 120 hours. Our experiments demonstrate that GlcCer induces resistance in tobacco plants against infection by TMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C. Bernardino
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michel Leon C. O. Couto
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maite F. S. Vaslin
- Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7
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Vahedi-Shahandashti R, Lass-Flörl C. Novel Antifungal Agents and Their Activity against Aspergillus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E213. [PMID: 33050302 PMCID: PMC7711508 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for new antifungal agents, mainly due to increased incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI), high frequency of associated morbidity and mortality and limitations of the current antifungal agents (e.g., toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and resistance). The clinically available antifungals for IFI are restricted to four main classes: polyenes, flucytosine, triazoles, and echinocandins. Several antifungals are hampered by multiple resistance mechanisms being present in fungi. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with new targets and modified chemical structures are required to combat fungal infections. This review will describe novel antifungals, with a focus on the Aspergillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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8
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Chen YC, Hsieh SL, Hu CY. Effects of Red-Bean Tempeh with Various Strains of Rhizopus on GABA Content and Cortisol Level in Zebrafish. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1330. [PMID: 32878315 PMCID: PMC7565155 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tempeh is traditionally produced by fermenting soybean with the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus found in banana leafs. We wanted to investigate if Taiwan's flavorful red bean could be used as a healthy substitute for soybeans in tempeh. One bioactive component of tempeh is γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). We measured GABA content and shelf-life-related antimicrobial activity in red-bean tempeh made with four strains of Rhizopus, one purchased strain of Rhizopus, and an experimental co-cultured group (Rhizopus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus BCRC16000) as well as cortisol in red-bean-tempeh-treated zebrafish. GABA was highest in the co-culture group (19.028 ± 1.831 g kg-1), followed by screened Strain 1, the purchased strain, and screened Strain 4. All strains had antibacterial activity on S. aureus and B. cereus. The extract significantly reduced cortisol in zebrafish. However, Strain 1, with less GABA than some of the other strains, had the best effect on cortisol level, suggesting that other components in red-bean tempeh may also affect stress-related cortisol. We found the benefits of red-bean tempeh to be similar to those reported for soybean-produced tempeh, suggesting that it could be produced as an alternative product. Considering the Taiwanese appreciation of the red-bean flavor, it might find a welcoming market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo-Chia Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-Yi Hu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Meiho University, Pingtung 912009, Taiwan
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9
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McEvoy K, Normile TG, Poeta MD. Antifungal Drug Development: Targeting the Fungal Sphingolipid Pathway. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030142. [PMID: 32825250 PMCID: PMC7559796 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are becoming more prevalent and problematic due to the continual rise of immune deficient patients as well as the progressive development of drug resistance towards currently available antifungal drugs. There has been a significant increase in the development of antifungal compounds with a similar mechanism of action of current drugs. In contrast, there has been very little progress in developing compounds inhibiting totally new fungal targets or/and fungal pathways. This review focuses on novel compounds recently discovered to target the fungal sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle McEvoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (K.M.); (T.G.N.)
| | - Tyler G. Normile
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (K.M.); (T.G.N.)
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (K.M.); (T.G.N.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-631-632-4024
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10
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Sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway is crucial for growth, biofilm formation and membrane integrity of Scedosporium boydii. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:2905-2917. [PMID: 31713454 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Glycosphingolipids are conserved lipids displaying a variety of functions in fungal cells, such as determination of cell polarity and virulence. They have been considered as potent targets for new antifungal drugs. The present work aimed to test two inhibitors, myriocin and DL-threo-1-Phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol, in Scedosporium boydii, a pathogenic fungus which causes a wide range of disease. Materials & methods: Mass spectrometry, microscopy and cell biology approaches showed that treatment with both inhibitors led to defects in fungal growth and membrane integrity, and caused an increased susceptibility to the current antifungal agents. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the antifungal potential of drugs inhibiting sphingolipid biosynthesis, as well as the usefulness of sphingolipids as promising targets for the development of new therapeutic options.
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Caneppa A, de Meirelles JV, Rollin-Pinheiro R, Dutra Xisto MIDS, Liporagi-Lopes LC, Souza LD, Villela Romanos MT, Barreto-Bergter E. Structural Differences Influence Biological Properties of Glucosylceramides from Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Scedosporium aurantiacum and Pseudallescheria minutispora. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5030062. [PMID: 31311197 PMCID: PMC6787682 DOI: 10.3390/jof5030062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium/Lomentospora complex is composed of filamentous fungi, including some clinically relevant species, such as Pseudallescheria boydii, Scedosporium aurantiacum, and Scedosporium apiospermum. Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), a conserved neutral glycosphingolipid, has been described as an important cell surface molecule playing a role in fungal morphological transition and pathogenesis. The present work aimed at the evaluation of GlcCer structures in S. aurantiacum and Pseudallescheria minutispora, a clinical and an environmental isolate, respectively, in order to determine their participation in fungal growth and host-pathogen interactions. Structural analysis by positive ion-mode ESI-MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometer) revealed the presence of different ceramide moieties in GlcCer in these species. Monoclonal antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus GlcCer could recognize S. aurantiacum and P. minutispora conidia, suggesting a conserved epitope in fungal GlcCer. In addition, these antibodies reduced fungal viability, enhanced conidia phagocytosis by macrophages, and decreased fungal survival inside phagocytic cells. Purified GlcCer from both species led to macrophage activation, increasing cell viability as well as nitric oxide and superoxide production in different proportions between the two species. These results evidenced some important properties of GlcCer from species of the Scedosporium/Lomentospora complex, as well as the effects of monoclonal anti-GlcCer antibodies on fungal cells and host-pathogen interaction. The differences between the two species regarding the observed biological properties suggest that variation in GlcCer structures and strain origin could interfere in the role of GlcCer in host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Caneppa
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Jardel Vieira de Meirelles
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ingrid da Silva Dutra Xisto
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Livia Cristina Liporagi-Lopes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Lauro de Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba/PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Villela Romanos
- Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ 21941-901, Brazil.
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12
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Huang Y, Li B, Yin J, Yang Q, Sheng O, Deng G, Li C, Hu C, Dong T, Dou T, Gao H, Bi F, Yi G. CgGCS, Encoding a Glucosylceramide Synthase, Is Required for Growth, Conidiation and Pathogenicity in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1016. [PMID: 31164871 PMCID: PMC6536669 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal glucosylceramide plays important role in cell division, hyphal formation and growth, spore germination and the modulation of virulence and has recently been considered as target for small molecule inhibitors. In this study, we characterized CgGCS, a protein encoding a glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Disruption of CgGCS resulted in a severe reduction of mycelial growth and defects in conidiogenesis. Sphingolipid profile analysis revealed large decreases in glucosylceramide production in the mutant strains. Pathogenicity assays indicated that the ability of the ΔCgGCS mutants to invade both tomato and mango hosts was almost lost. In addition, the expression levels of many genes, especially those related to metabolism, were shown to be affected by the mutation of CgGCS via transcriptome analysis. Overall, our results demonstrate that C. gloeosporioides glucosylceramide is an important regulatory factor in fungal growth, conidiation, and pathogenesis in hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimei Huang
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Li
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Yin
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaosong Yang
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ou Sheng
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guiming Deng
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunhua Hu
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tongxin Dou
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijun Gao
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangcheng Bi
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ganjun Yi
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Amaral VSG, Fernandes CM, Felício MR, Valle AS, Quintana PG, Almeida CC, Barreto-Bergter E, Gonçalves S, Santos NC, Kurtenbach E. Psd2 pea defensin shows a preference for mimetic membrane rafts enriched with glucosylceramide and ergosterol. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:713-728. [PMID: 30639288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Psd2 is a pea defensin with 47 amino acid residues that inhibits the growth of fungal species by an uncharacterized mechanism. In this work, Psd2 interactions with model membranes mimicking the lipid compositions of different organisms were evaluated. Protein-lipid overlay assays indicated that Psd2 recognizes Fusarium solani glucosylceramide (GlcCerF.solani) and ergosterol (Erg) in addition to phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and some phosphatidylinositol species, such as PtdIns (3)P, (5)P and (3,5)P2, suggesting that these lipids may play important roles as Psd2 targets. Assays using lipid vesicles were also performed to study the behaviour and dynamics that occur after peptide-membrane interactions. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that Psd2 has a higher affinity for pure POPC and POPC-based vesicles containing GlcCer and Erg at a 70:30 proportion than for vesicles containing cholesterol (Chol). Partition experiments by fluorescence spectroscopy showed a decrease in Trp42 quantum yield of Psd2 in the presence of GlcCerF.solani and Erg, individually or in simultaneously enriched membranes. The partition coefficient (Kp) obtained indicated a Psd2 partition preference for this vesicles, confirmed by quenching assays using acrylamide and 5/16-doxyl-stearic acid. Furthermore, we showed that the presence of C8C9 double bonds and a methyl group at position C9 of the sphingoid base backbone of GlcCer was relevant to Psd2 activity against Aspergillus nidulans. These results are consistent with the selectivity of Psd2 against fungi and its lack of toxicity in human erythrocytes. Psd2 represents a promising natural compound for the treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Sara Grancieri Amaral
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Aline Sol Valle
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula G Quintana
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caroline Correa Almeida
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eleonora Kurtenbach
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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14
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Xisto MIDDS, Henao JEM, Dias LDS, Santos GMP, Calixto RDOR, Bernardino MC, Taborda CP, Barreto-Bergter E. Glucosylceramides From Lomentospora prolificans Induce a Differential Production of Cytokines and Increases the Microbicidal Activity of Macrophages. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:554. [PMID: 30967849 PMCID: PMC6440385 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lomentospora prolificans is an emerging opportunistic fungus with a high resistance to antifungal agents and it can cause localized infections in immunocompetent patients and disseminated infections with a high mortality rate in immunosuppressed patients. Glucosylceramides (GlcCer) are synthetized in the majority of known fungal pathogens. They are bioactive molecules presenting different functions, such as involvement in fungal growth and morphological transitions in several fungi. The elucidation of the primary structure of the fungal surface glycoconjugates could contribute for the understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenicity. In this work, GlcCer species were isolated from mycelium and conidia forms of L. prolificans and their chemical structures were elucidated by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). GlcCer purified from both forms presented a major species at m/z 750 that corresponds to N-2-hydroxyhexadecanoyl-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl-9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine. Monoclonal antibodies against GlcCer could recognize L. prolificans GlcCer species from mycelium and conidia, suggesting a conserved epitope in fungal GlcCer. In addition, in vivo assays showed that purified GlcCer species from both forms was able to induce a high secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by splenocytes. GlcCer species also promote the recruitment of polymorphonuclear, eosinophils, small peritoneal macrophage (SPM) and mononuclear cells to the peritoneal cavity. GlcCer species were also able to induce the oxidative burst by peritoneal macrophages with NO and superoxide radicals production, and to increase the killing of L. prolificans conidia by peritoneal macrophages. These results indicate that GlcCer species from L. prolificans are a potent immune response activator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Julián Esteban Muñoz Henao
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lucas Dos Santos Dias
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Medical Mycology Laboratory, Medical School and Tropical Medicine Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pediatric, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Giulia Maria Pires Santos
- Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Renata de Oliveira Rocha Calixto
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Collodetti Bernardino
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Medical Mycology Laboratory, Medical School and Tropical Medicine Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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15
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Ramirez-Garcia A, Pellon A, Rementeria A, Buldain I, Barreto-Bergter E, Rollin-Pinheiro R, de Meirelles JV, Xisto MIDS, Ranque S, Havlicek V, Vandeputte P, Govic YL, Bouchara JP, Giraud S, Chen S, Rainer J, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Martin-Gomez MT, López-Soria LM, Peman J, Schwarz C, Bernhardt A, Tintelnot K, Capilla J, Martin-Vicente A, Cano-Lira J, Nagl M, Lackner M, Irinyi L, Meyer W, de Hoog S, Hernando FL. Scedosporium and Lomentospora: an updated overview of underrated opportunists. Med Mycol 2018. [PMID: 29538735 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of Scedosporium and Lomentospora are considered as emerging opportunists, affecting immunosuppressed and otherwise debilitated patients, although classically they are known from causing trauma-associated infections in healthy individuals. Clinical manifestations range from local infection to pulmonary colonization and severe invasive disease, in which mortality rates may be over 80%. These unacceptably high rates are due to the clinical status of patients, diagnostic difficulties, and to intrinsic antifungal resistance of these fungi. In consequence, several consortia have been founded to increase research efforts on these orphan fungi. The current review presents recent findings and summarizes the most relevant points, including the Scedosporium/Lomentospora taxonomy, environmental distribution, epidemiology, pathology, virulence factors, immunology, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aize Pellon
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Idoia Buldain
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephane Ranque
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HM / CHU Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Vladimir Havlicek
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Vandeputte
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Yohann Le Govic
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Sharon Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Johannes Rainer
- Institute of Microbiology, Leopold-Franzens University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology. Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Javier Peman
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre Berlin/Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Bernhardt
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathrin Tintelnot
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Javier Capilla
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Jose Cano-Lira
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Markus Nagl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laszlo Irinyi
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando L Hernando
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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16
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Vieira ER, Xisto MIDDS, Pele MA, Alviano DS, Alviano CS, Barreto-Bergter E, de Campos-Takaki GM. Monohexosylceramides from Rhizopus Species Isolated from Brazilian Caatinga: Chemical Characterization and Evaluation of Their Anti-Biofilm and Antibacterial Activities. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061331. [PMID: 29865153 PMCID: PMC6100016 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Monohexosylceramides (CMHs) are highly conserved fungal glycosphingolipids playing a role in several cellular processes such as growth, differentiation and morphological transition. In this study, we report the isolation, purification and chemical characterization of CMHs from Rhizopus stolonifer and R. microspores. Using positive ion mode ESI-MS, two major ion species were observed at m/z 750 and m/z 766, respectively. Both ion species consisted of a glucose/galactose residue attached to a ceramide moiety containing 9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine with an amidic linkage to a hydroxylated C16:0 fatty acid. The antimicrobial activity of CMH was evaluated against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria using the agar diffusion assay. CMH from both Rhizopus species inhibited the growth of Bacillus terrae, Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus) and Pseudomonas stutzeri (P. stutzeri) with a MIC50 of 6.25, 6.25 and 3.13 mg/mL, respectively. The bactericidal effect was detected only for M. luteus and P. stutzeri, with MBC values of 25 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the action of CMH on the biofilm produced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was analyzed using 12.5 and 25 mg/mL of CMH from R. microsporus. Total biofilm biomass, biofilm matrix and viability of the cells that form the biofilm structure were evaluated. CMH from R. microsporus was able to inhibit the MRSA biofilm formation in all parameters tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Rodrigues Vieira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Ambientais e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Recife 50050-590, PE, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Milagre Américo Pele
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Ambientais e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Recife 50050-590, PE, Brazil.
| | - Daniela Sales Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Celuta Sales Alviano
- Laboratório de Estrutura de Microrganismos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Galba Maria de Campos-Takaki
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Ambientais e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Recife 50050-590, PE, Brazil.
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17
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Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), also known as chromomycosis, is one of the most prevalent implantation fungal infections, being the most common of the gamut of mycoses caused by melanized or brown-pigmented fungi. CBM is mainly a tropical or subtropical disease that may affect individuals with certain risk factors around the world. The following characteristics are associated with this disease: (i) traumatic inoculation by implantation from an environmental source, leading to an initial cutaneous lesion at the inoculation site; (ii) chronic and progressive cutaneous and subcutaneous tissular involvement associated with fibrotic and granulomatous reactions associated with microabscesses and often with tissue proliferation; (iii) a nonprotective T helper type 2 (Th2) immune response with ineffective humoral involvement; and (iv) the presence of muriform (sclerotic) cells embedded in the affected tissue. CBM lesions are clinically polymorphic and are commonly misdiagnosed as various other infectious and noninfectious diseases. In its more severe clinical forms, CBM may cause an incapacity for labor due to fibrotic sequelae and also due to a series of clinical complications, and if not recognized at an early stage, this disease can be refractory to antifungal therapy.
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18
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections have significantly increased in the last few decades. Three classes of drugs are commonly used to treat these infections: polyenes, azoles and echinocandins. Unfortunately each of these drugs has drawbacks; polyenes are toxic, resistance against azoles is emerging and echinocandins have narrow spectrum of activity. Thus, the development of new antifungals is urgently needed. In this context, fungal sphingolipids have emerged as a potential target for new antifungals, because their biosynthesis in fungi is structurally different than in mammals. Besides, some fungal sphingolipids play an important role in the regulation of virulence in a variety of fungi. This review aims to highlight the diverse strategies that could be used to block the synthesis or/and function of fungal sphingolipids.
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19
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Haq IU, Calixto RODR, Yang P, Dos Santos GMP, Barreto-Bergter E, van Elsas JD. Chemotaxis and adherence to fungal surfaces are key components of the behavioral response of Burkholderia terrae BS001 to two selected soil fungi. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2016; 92:fiw164. [PMID: 27495244 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiw164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia terrae BS001 has previously been proposed to be a 'generalist' associate of soil fungi, but its strategies of interaction have been largely ignored. Here, we studied the chemotactic behavior of B. terrae BS001 towards Lyophyllum sp. strain Karsten and Trichoderma asperellum 302 and the role of fungal surface molecules in their physical interaction with the bacteria. To assess the involvement of the type 3 secretion system (T3SS), wild-type strain BS001 and T3SS mutant strain BS001-ΔsctD were used in the experiments. First, the two fungi showed divergent behavior when confronted with B. terrae BS001 on soil extract agar medium. Lyophyllum sp. strain Karsten revealed slow growth towards the bacterium, whereas T. asperellum 302 grew avidly over it. Both on soil extract and M9 agar, B. terrae BS001 and BS001-ΔsctD moved chemotactically towards the hyphae of both fungi, with a stronger response to Lyophyllum sp. strain Karsten than to T. asperellum 302. The presence of a progressively increasing glycerol level in the M9 agar enhanced the level of movement. Different oxalic acid concentrations exerted varied effects, with a significantly raised chemotactic response at lower, and a subdued response at higher concentrations. Testing of the adherence of B. terrae BS001 and BS001-ΔsctD to Lyophyllum sp. strain Karsten and to cell envelope-extracted ceramide monohexosides (CMHs) revealed that CMHs in both conidia and hyphae could bind strain BS001 cells. As BS001-ΔsctD adhered significantly less to the CMHs than BS001, the T3SS was presumed to have a role in the interaction. In contrast, such avid adherence was not detected with T. asperellum 302. Thus, B. terrae BS001 shows a behavior characterized by swimming towards Lyophyllum sp. strain Karsten and T. asperellum 302 and attachment to the CMH moiety in the cell envelope, in particular of the former.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Ul Haq
- Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renata Oliveira da Rocha Calixto
- Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, University of Groningen, The Netherlands Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pu Yang
- Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Maria Pires Dos Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jan Dirk van Elsas
- Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Calixto ROR, Rollin-Pinheiro R, da Silva MID, Liporagi-Lopes LC, Vieira JM, Sassaki GL, Barreto-Bergter E. Structural analysis of glucosylceramides (GlcCer) from species of the Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium complex. Fungal Biol 2015; 120:166-72. [PMID: 26781373 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glucosylceramides (GlcCer) are the main neutral glycosphingolipids expressed in fungal cells. In this work, glucosylceramides (GlcCer) were extracted from three strains of Scedosporium (Pseudallescheria) boydii, one strain of Pseudallescheria ellipsoidea and one strain of Pseudallescheria angusta and purified by several chromatographic steps. Using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), we found a similarity between GlcCer obtained from all of the analysed strains. A detailed structural analysis of the P. ellipsoidea GlcCer was performed via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and confirmed in 1- and 2-D heteronuclear NMR experiments ((1)H-(13) C HSQC). GlcCer species produced by mycelial forms of these strains displayed the same structure previously demonstrated by our group for P. boydii, Cryptococcus neoformans, Pseudallescheria minustipora, Fusarium solani, and Colletotrichum gloesporioides. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) against GlcCer was used for immunofluorescence experiments. Our results revealed that GlcCer is present on the surface of these fungi, and no difference was observed in the GlcCer structure of the present set of strains in terms of geographic or clinical origin, suggesting a conserved GlcCer structure similar to those previously described for Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium aurantiacum, and P. minutispora. The surface distribution of GlcCer in these fungi is suggestive of the involvement of this molecule in fungal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata O R Calixto
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana I D da Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Livia C Liporagi-Lopes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmacia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jardel M Vieira
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme L Sassaki
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, UFPR, Curitiba, 81531-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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21
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Salman A, Shufan E, Lapidot I, Tsror L, Moreh R, Mordechai S, Huleihel M. Assignment of Colletotrichum coccodes isolates into vegetative compatibility groups using infrared spectroscopy: a step towards practical application. Analyst 2015; 140:3098-106. [DOI: 10.1039/c5an00213c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
FTIR spectroscopy may provide a specific, rapid, and inexpensive method for the successful classification of Colletotrichum coccodes isolates into vegetative compatibility groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Salman
- Department of Physics
- SCE – Shamoon College of Engineering
- Beer-Sheva 84100
- Israel
| | - E. Shufan
- Department of Physics
- SCE – Shamoon College of Engineering
- Beer-Sheva 84100
- Israel
| | - I. Lapidot
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering ACLP-Afeka Center for Language Processing
- Afeka. Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering
- Israel
| | - L. Tsror
- Department of Plant Pathology
- Institute of Plant Protection
- Agricultural Research Organization
- Gilat Research Center
- M.P. Negev
| | - R. Moreh
- Department of Physics
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Beer-Sheva 84105
- Israel
| | - S. Mordechai
- Department of Physics
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Beer-Sheva 84105
- Israel
| | - M. Huleihel
- Department of Microbiology
- Immunology and Genetics
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Beer-Sheva 84105
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22
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Classification of Colletotrichum coccodes isolates into vegetative compatibility groups using infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy and multivariate analysis. Methods 2014; 68:325-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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23
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Rollin-Pinheiro R, Liporagi-Lopes LC, de Meirelles JV, de Souza LM, Barreto-Bergter E. Characterization of Scedosporium apiospermum glucosylceramides and their involvement in fungal development and macrophage functions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98149. [PMID: 24878570 PMCID: PMC4039464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium apiospermum is an emerging fungal pathogen that causes both localized and disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. Glucosylceramides (CMH, GlcCer) are the main neutral glycosphingolipids expressed in fungal cells. In this study, glucosylceramides (GlcCer) were extracted and purified in several chromatographic steps. Using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), N-2′-hydroxyhexadecanoyl-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl-9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine was identified as the main GlcCer in S. apiospermum. A monoclonal antibody (Mab) against this molecule was used for indirect immunofluorescence experiments, which revealed that this CMH is present on the surface of the mycelial and conidial forms of S. apiospermum. Treatment of S. apiospermum conidia with the Mab significantly reduced fungal growth. In addition, the Mab also enhanced the phagocytosis and killing of S. apiospermum by murine cells. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the CMHs for their cytotoxic activities against the mammalian cell lines L.929 and RAW, and an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation was observed. Synergistic invitro interactions were observed between the Mab against GlcCer and both amphotericin B (AmB) and itraconazole. Because Scedosporium species develop drug resistance, the number of available antifungal drugs is limited; our data indicate that combining immunotherapy with the available drugs might be a viable treatment option. These results suggest that in S. apiospermum, GlcCer are most likely cell wall components that are targeted by antifungal antibodies, which directly inhibit fungal development and enhance macrophage function; furthermore, these results suggest the combined use of monoclonal antibodies against GlcCer and antifungal drugs for antifungal immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Livia Cristina Liporagi-Lopes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jardel Vieira de Meirelles
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lauro M. de Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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24
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Silva PM, Gonçalves S, Santos NC. Defensins: antifungal lessons from eukaryotes. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:97. [PMID: 24688483 PMCID: PMC3960590 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been the focus of intense research toward the finding of a viable alternative to current antifungal drugs. Defensins are one of the major families of AMPs and the most represented among all eukaryotic groups, providing an important first line of host defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Several of these cysteine-stabilized peptides present a relevant effect against fungi. Defensins are the AMPs with the broader distribution across all eukaryotic kingdoms, namely, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, and were recently shown to have an ancestor in a bacterial organism. As a part of the host defense, defensins act as an important vehicle of information between innate and adaptive immune system and have a role in immunomodulation. This multidimensionality represents a powerful host shield, hard for microorganisms to overcome using single approach resistance strategies. Pathogenic fungi resistance to conventional antimycotic drugs is becoming a major problem. Defensins, as other AMPs, have shown to be an effective alternative to the current antimycotic therapies, demonstrating potential as novel therapeutic agents or drug leads. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on some eukaryotic defensins with antifungal action. An overview of the main targets in the fungal cell and the mechanism of action of these AMPs (namely, the selectivity for some fungal membrane components) are presented. Additionally, recent works on antifungal defensins structure, activity, and cytotoxicity are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia M Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
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25
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Del Poeta M, Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML, Luberto C. Synthesis and biological properties of fungal glucosylceramide. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1003832. [PMID: 24415933 PMCID: PMC3887071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MD); (CL)
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – Fiocruz, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Chiara Luberto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MD); (CL)
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26
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Salman A, Pomerantz A, Tsror L, Lapidot I, Moreh R, Mordechai S, Huleihel M. Utilizing FTIR-ATR spectroscopy for classification and relative spectral similarity evaluation of different Colletotrichum coccodes isolates. Analyst 2012; 137:3558-64. [PMID: 22728584 DOI: 10.1039/c2an35233h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colletotrichum coccodes (C. coccodes) is a pathogenic fungus which causes anthracnose on tomatoes and black dot disease in potatoes. It is important to differentiate among these isolates and to detect the origin of newly discovered isolates, in order to treat the disease in its early stages. However, distinguishing between isolates using common biological methods is time-consuming, and not always available. We used Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR)-Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy and advanced mathematical and statistical methods to distinguish between different isolates of C. coccodes. To our knowledge, this is the first time that FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was used, combined with multivariate analysis, to classify such a large number of 15 isolates belonging to the same species. We obtained a success rate of approximately 90% which was achieved using the region 800-1775 cm(-1). In addition we succeeded in determining the relative spectral similarity between different fungal isolates by developing a new algorithm. This method could be an important potential diagnostic tool in agricultural research, since it may outline the extent of the biological similarity between fungal isolates. Based on the PCA calculations, we grouped the fifteen isolates included in this study into four different degrees of similarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Salman
- Department of Physics, SCE-Shamoon College of Engineering, Beer-Sheva 84100, Israel.
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27
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Barreto-Bergter E, Sassaki GL, de Souza LM. Structural analysis of fungal cerebrosides. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:239. [PMID: 22164155 PMCID: PMC3230030 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the ceramide monohexosides (CMHs), gluco- and galactosyl-ceramides are the main neutral glycosphingolipids expressed in fungal cells. Their structural determination is greatly dependent on the use of mass spectrometric techniques, including fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry, electrospray ionization, and energy collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry. Nuclear magnetic resonance has also been used successfully. Such a combination of techniques, combined with classical analytical separation, such as high-performance thin layer chromatography and column chromatography, has led to the structural elucidation of a great number of fungal CMHs. The structure of fungal CMH is conserved among fungal species and consists of a glucose or galactose residue attached to a ceramide moiety containing 9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine with an amidic linkage to hydroxylated fatty acids, most commonly having 16 or 18 carbon atoms and unsaturation between C-3 and C-4. Along with their unique structural characteristics, fungal CMHs have a peculiar subcellular distribution and striking biological properties. Fungal cerebrosides were also characterized as antigenic molecules directly or indirectly involved in cell growth or differentiation in Schizophyllum commune, Cryptococcus neoformans, Pseudallescheria boydii, Candida albicans, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Besides classical techniques for cerebroside (CMH) analysis, we now describe new approaches, combining conventional thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry, as well as emerging technologies for subcellular localization and distribution of glycosphingolipids by secondary ion mass spectrometry and imaging matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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28
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Guimarães AJ, de Cerqueira MD, Nosanchuk JD. Surface architecture of histoplasma capsulatum. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:225. [PMID: 22121356 PMCID: PMC3220077 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The dimorphic fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum is the most frequent cause of clinically significant fungal pneumonia in humans. H. capsulatum virulence is achieved, in part, through diverse and dynamic alterations to the fungal cell surface. Surface components associated with H. capsulatum pathogenicity include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and melanins. Here, we describe the various structures comprising the cell surface of H. capsulatum that have been associated with virulence and discuss their involvement in the pathobiology of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan J Guimarães
- Department of Microbiology and Imunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
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29
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Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML. Fungal glucosylceramides: from structural components to biologically active targets of new antimicrobials. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:212. [PMID: 22025918 PMCID: PMC3198225 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The first work reporting synthesis of glucosylceramide (cerebrin, GlcCer) by yeasts was published in 1930. During approximately 70 years members of this class of glycosphingolipids (GSL) were considered merely structural components of plasma membrane in fungi. However, in the last decade GlcCer was reported to be involved with fungal growth, differentiation, virulence, immunogenicity, and lipid raft architecture in at least two human pathogens. Fungal GlcCer are structurally distinct from their mammalian counterparts and enriched at the cell wall, which makes this molecule an effective target for antifungal activity of specific ligands (peptides and antibodies to GlcCer). Therefore, GSL are promising targets for new drugs to combat fungal diseases. This review discusses the most recent information on biosynthesis and role of GlcCer in fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nimrichter
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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30
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Santos ALS, Bittencourt VCB, Pinto MR, Silva BA, Barreto-Bergter E. Biochemical characterization of potential virulence markers in the human fungal pathogen Pseudallescheria boydii. Med Mycol 2009; 47:375-86. [PMID: 19235547 DOI: 10.1080/13693780802610305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous Pseudallescheria boydii (anamorph Scedosporium apiospermum) is a saprophytic filamentous fungus recognized as a potent etiologic agent of a wide variety of infections in immunocompromised as well as in immunocompetent patients. Very little is known about the virulence factors expressed by this fungal pathogen. The present review provides an overview of recent discoveries related to the identification and biochemical characterization of potential virulence attributes produced by P. boydii, with special emphasis on surface and released molecules. These structures include polysaccharides (glucans), glycopeptides (peptidorhamnomannans), glycolipids (glucosylceramides) and hydrolytic enzymes (proteases, phosphatases and superoxide dismutase), which have been implicated in some fundamental cellular processes in P. boydii including growth, differentiation and interaction with host molecules. Elucidation of the structure of cell surface components as well as the secreted molecules, especially those that function as virulence determinants, is of great relevance to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of P. boydii.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L S Santos
- Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral/IMPPG, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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31
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In vitro activity of the antifungal plant defensin RsAFP2 against Candida isolates and its in vivo efficacy in prophylactic murine models of candidiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:4522-5. [PMID: 18824606 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00448-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We show that RsAFP2, a plant defensin that interacts with fungal glucosylceramides, is active against Candida albicans, inhibits to a lesser extent other Candida species, and is nontoxic to mammalian cells. Moreover, glucosylceramide levels in Candida species correlate with RsAFP2 sensitivity. We found RsAFP2 prophylactically effective against murine candidiasis.
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32
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Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML, Barreto-Bergter E, Travassos LR. Sophisticated Functions for a Simple Molecule: The Role of Glucosylceramides in Fungal Cells. Lipid Insights 2008. [DOI: 10.4137/lpi.s1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that mammalian glycosphingolipids (GSL) play key roles in different physiological and pathophysiological processes. The simplest GSL, glucosylceramide (GlcCer), is formed through the enzymatic transfer of glucose to a ceramide moiety. In mammalian cells this molecule is the building block for the synthesis of lactosylceramides and many other complex GSLs. In fungal cells GlcCer is a major neutral GSL that has been considered during decades merely as a structural component of cell membranes. The recent literature, however, describes the participation of fungal GlcCer in vital processes such as secretion, cell wall assembly, recognition by the immune system and regulation of virulence. In this review we discuss the most recent information regarding fungal GlcCer, including (i) new aspects of GlcCer metabolism, (ii) the involvement of these molecules in virulence mechanisms, (iii) their role as targets of new antifungal drugs and immunotherapeutic agents and, finally, (v) their potential participation on cellular signaling in response to different stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Luiz R. Travassos
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental and Disciplina de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
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33
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Pinto MR, Barreto-Bergter E, Taborda CP. Glycoconjugates and polysaccharides of fungal cell wall and activation of immune system. Braz J Microbiol 2008; 39:195-208. [PMID: 24031202 PMCID: PMC3768395 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822008000200001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2007] [Accepted: 02/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoproteins, glycosphingolipids and polysaccharides exposed at the most external layers of the wall are involved in several types of interactions of fungal cells with the exocellular environment. These molecules are fundamental building blocks of organisms, contributing to the structure, integrity, cell growth, differentiation and signaling. Several of them are immunologically active compounds with potential as regulators of pathogenesis and the immune response of the host. Some of these structures can be specifically recognized by antibodies from patients’ sera, suggesting that they can be also useful in the diagnosis of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Pinto
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo, SP , Brasil
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34
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Rodrigues ML, Shi L, Barreto-Bergter E, Nimrichter L, Farias SE, Rodrigues EG, Travassos LR, Nosanchuk JD. Monoclonal antibody to fungal glucosylceramide protects mice against lethal Cryptococcus neoformans infection. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 14:1372-6. [PMID: 17715331 PMCID: PMC2168121 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00202-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Glucosylceramides (GlcCer) are involved in the regulation of Cryptococcus neoformans virulence. In the present study, we demonstrate that passive immunization with a monoclonal antibody to GlcCer significantly reduces host inflammation and prolongs the survival of mice lethally infected with C. neoformans, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy to control cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio L Rodrigues
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil.
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35
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Santos ALS, Palmeira VF, Rozental S, Kneipp LF, Nimrichter L, Alviano DS, Rodrigues ML, Alviano CS. Biology and pathogenesis of Fonsecaea pedrosoi, the major etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2007; 31:570-91. [PMID: 17645522 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2007.00077.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the principal etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis, a fungal disease whose pathogenic events are poorly understood. Treatment of the disease presents poor effectiveness and serious side effects. The disease is epidemiologically important in several regions, which has stimulated studies focused on the biology and pathogenic potential of its major causative agent. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the biological aspects of F. pedrosoi, including cell differentiation and pathogenic mechanisms during the interaction of fungi with different hosts' elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, IMPPG/Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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36
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Nimrichter L, Cerqueira MD, Leitão EA, Miranda K, Nakayasu ES, Almeida SR, Almeida IC, Alviano CS, Barreto-Bergter E, Rodrigues ML. Structure, cellular distribution, antigenicity, and biological functions of Fonsecaea pedrosoi ceramide monohexosides. Infect Immun 2006; 73:7860-8. [PMID: 16299276 PMCID: PMC1307093 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.12.7860-7868.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Monohexosylceramides (CMHs, or cerebrosides) have been reported as membrane and cell wall constituents of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic fungi, presenting remarkable differences in their ceramide moiety compared to mammalian CMHs. Current evidence suggests that CMHs are involved in fungal differentiation and growth and contribute to host immune response. Here we describe a structural diversity between cerebrosides obtained from different forms of the human pathogen Fonsecaea pedrosoi. The major CMH species produced by conidial forms displayed the same structure previously demonstrated by our group for mycelia, an N-2'-hydroxyhexadecanoyl-1-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine. However, the major cerebroside species purified from sclerotic cells carries an additional hydroxyl group, bound to its long-chain base. The structural difference between cerebrosides from mycelial and sclerotic cells was apparently not relevant for their antigenicity, since they were both recognized at similar levels by sera from individuals with chromoblastomycosis and a monoclonal antibody to a conserved cerebroside structure. Preincubation of fungal cells with anti-CMH monoclonal antibodies had no effect on the interaction of F. pedrosoi sclerotic cells with murine macrophages. In contrast to what has been described for other fungal species, sclerotic bodies are resistant to the antifungal action of anti-CMH antibodies. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that recognition of sclerotic cells by these antibodies only occurs at cell wall regions in which melanization is not evident. Accordingly, melanin removal with alkali results in an increased reaction of fungal cells with anti-CMH antibodies. Our results indicate that cerebroside expression in F. pedrosoi cells is associated with dimorphism and melanin assembly on the fungal cell wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil.
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37
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Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML, Rodrigues EG, Travassos LR. The multitude of targets for the immune system and drug therapy in the fungal cell wall. Microbes Infect 2005; 7:789-98. [PMID: 15823515 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2004] [Revised: 12/28/2004] [Accepted: 12/30/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies on fungi revealed that several cytosolic and membrane components migrate to the cell wall together with secreted proteins and biosynthetic polysaccharides to build a dynamic immunoreactive structure. New aspects of fungal cell wall assembly and biosynthesis, focusing on the potential of glycolipids, melanin, heat-shock proteins, histone and surface antigens as targets of drugs and antifungal antibodies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nimrichter
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Bioquímica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, CCS, Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941590, Brazil
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38
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Abstract
Sphingosines, or sphingoids, are a family of naturally occurring long-chain hydrocarbon derivatives sharing a common 1,3-dihydroxy-2-amino-backbone motif. The majority of sphingolipids, as their derivatives are collectively known, can be found in cell membranes in the form of amphiphilic conjugates, each composed of a polar head group attached to an N-acylated sphingoid, or ceramide. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), which are the glycosides of either ceramide or myo-inositol-(1-O)-phosphoryl-(O-1)-ceramide, are a structurally and functionally diverse sphingolipid subclass; GSLs are ubiquitously distributed among all eukaryotic species and are found in some bacteria. Since GSLs are secondary metabolites, direct and comprehensive analysis (metabolomics) must be considered an essential complement to genomic and proteomic approaches for establishing the structural repertoire within an organism and deducing its possible functional roles. The glycosphingolipidome clearly comprises an important and extensive subset of both the glycome and the lipidome, but the complexities of GSL structure, biosynthesis, and function form the outlines of a considerable analytical problem, especially since their structural diversity confers by extension an enormous variability with respect to physicochemical properties. This chapter covers selected developments and applications of techniques in mass spectrometric (MS) that have contributed to GSL structural analysis and glycosphingolipidomics since 1990. Sections are included on basic characteristics of ionization and fragmentation of permethylated GSLs and of lithium-adducted nonderivatized GSLs under positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and collision-induced mass spectrometry (CID-MS) conditions; on the analysis of sulfatides, mainly using negative-ion techniques; and on selected applications of ESI-MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) to emerging GSL structural, functional, and analytical issues. The latter section includes a particular focus on evolving techniques for analysis of gangliosides, GSLs containing sialic acid, as well as on characterizations of GSLs from selected nonmammalian eukaryotes, such as dipterans, nematodes, cestodes, and fungi. Additional sections focus on the issue of whether it is better to leave GSLs intact or remove the ceramide; on development and uses of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) blotting and TLC-MS techniques; and on emerging issues of high-throughput analysis, including the use of flow injection, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE-MS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven B Levery
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Hamphsire, Durham, USA
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39
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Shu RG, Wang FW, Yang YM, Liu YX, Tan RX. Antibacterial and xanthine oxidase inhibitory cerebrosides from Fusarium sp. IFB-121, and endophytic fungus in Quercus variabilis. Lipids 2004; 39:667-73. [PMID: 15588024 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-004-1280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Two antibacterial and xanthine oxidase inhibitory cerebrosides, one of which is chemically new, were characterized from the chloroform-methanol (1:1) extract of Fusarium sp. IFB-121, an endophytic fungus in Quercus variabilis. By means of chemical and spectral methods [IR, electrospray ionization MS (ESI-MS), tandem ESI-MS, 1H and 13C NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer, COSY, heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence, heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation, and 2-D nuclear Overhauser effect correlation spectroscopy], the structure of the new metabolite named fusaruside was established as (2S,2'R,3R,3'E,4E,8E,10E)-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2-N-(2'-hydroxy-3'-octadecenoyl)-3-hydroxy-9-methyl-4,8,10-sphingatrienine, and the structure of the other was identified as (2S,2'R,3R,3'E,4E,8E)-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2-N-(2'-hydroxy-3'-octadecenoyl)-3-hydroxy-9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine. Both new and known cerebrosides, although inactive to Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans, showed strong antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, with their minimum inhibitory concentrations being 3.9, 3.9, and 1.9 microg/mL, and 7.8, 3.9, and 7.8 microg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, both metabolites were inhibitory to xanthine oxidase, with the IC50 value of fusaruside being 43.8 +/- 3.6 microM and the known cerebroside being 55.5 +/- 1.8 microM.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Shu
- Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
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Nimrichter L, Barreto-Bergter E, Mendonça-Filho RR, Kneipp LF, Mazzi MT, Salve P, Farias SE, Wait R, Alviano CS, Rodrigues ML. A monoclonal antibody to glucosylceramide inhibits the growth of Fonsecaea pedrosoi and enhances the antifungal action of mouse macrophages. Microbes Infect 2004; 6:657-65. [PMID: 15158773 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2004.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2004] [Accepted: 03/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Fungal glucosylceramides (GlcCer) are conserved lipid components in a large variety of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungal species, but their biological functions are still unclear. Recent studies demonstrate that GlcCer are immunologically active components inducing the production of antifungal antibodies. In this work, a major GlcCer was purified and characterized from mycelial forms of Fonsecaea pedrosoi, the most frequent causative agent of chromoblastomycosis. As determined by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) analysis, the purified molecule was identified as the conserved structure N-2'-hydroxyhexadecanoyl-1-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine. A monoclonal antibody (Mab) against this structure was used in indirect immunofluorescence with the different morphological stages of F. pedrosoi. Only the surface of young dividing cells was recognized by the antibody. Treatment of F. pedrosoi conidia with the Mab against GlcCer resulted in a clear reduction in fungal growth. In addition, the Mab also enhanced phagocytosis and killing of F. pedrosoi by murine cells. These results suggest that, in F. pedrosoi, GlcCer seem to be cell wall components targeted by antifungal antibodies that directly inhibit fungal development and also enhance macrophage function, supporting the use of monoclonal antibodies to GlcCer as potential tools in antifungal immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nimrichter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, CCS, Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-590, Brazil
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