1
|
Huma ZE, Saleem S, Imran M, Raza SM, Jabeen K, Arshad F. Role of ERG11 and MDR1 genes in cycloheximide and multidrug resistance in Candida species. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01436-5. [PMID: 38980650 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01436-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida species are amongst the commensals of the mucosal surfaces of the human body which include the oral cavity, vagina, and intestinal mucosa. Fungal infections are on the rise worldwide. The overall burden of infections due to fungi is difficult to estimate because the majority of them remain undiagnosed. The present study aims to determine the burden of antifungal resistance in low socioeconomic country, Pakistan and the frequency of ERG11 and MDR1 genes involved. A total of 636 Candida isolates were obtained from various tertiary care institutions in Lahore in the form of culture on various culture plates. Sabouraud agar culture plates were used to culture the Candida spp. Antifungal resistance was determined against Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, and Nystatin via disk diffusion technique. Most resistance was observed against Fluconazole followed by Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, and Nystatin. The Candida isolates recovering from CVP tip and tissue have a high resistance profile. Candida species resistant to at least two antifungals were chosen for further ERG11 and MDR1 detection through real-time PCR. Among 255 Candida isolates, 240 contained ERG11 gene while MDR1 gene is present in 149 Candida isolates. The isolates carrying both genes were tested by the broth microdilution technique for the susceptibility against cycloheximide, all of them were able to grow in cycloheximide. The genetic determinants of antifungal resistance such as ERG11 and MDR1 are as important in the multidrug resistance against a variety of compounds and antifungal drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zill-E- Huma
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Sidrah Saleem
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Mohsin Raza
- Department of Allied Health Sciences and Medical Education, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kokab Jabeen
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faiqa Arshad
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Lu Y. Roles of alcohol dehydrogenase 1 in the biological activities of Candida albicans. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38916139 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2371510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans stands as the foremost prevalent human commensal pathogen and a significant contributor to nosocomial fungal infections. In the metabolism of C. albicans, alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (Adh1) is one of the important enzymes that converts acetaldehyde produced by pyruvate decarboxylation into ethanol at the end of glycolysis. Leveraging the foundational processes of alcoholic fermentation, Adh1 plays an active role in multiple biological phenomena, including biofilm formation, interactions between different species, the development of drug resistance, and the potential initiation of gastrointestinal cancer. Additionally, Adh1 within C. albicans has demonstrated associations with regulating the cell cycle, stress responses, and various intracellular states. Furthermore, Adh1 is extracellularly localized on the cell wall surface, where it plays roles in processes such as tissue invasion and host immune responses. Drawing from an analysis of ADH1 gene structure, expression patterns, and fundamental functions, this review elucidates the intricate connections between Adh1 and various biological processes within C. albicans, underscoring its potential implications for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoying Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen L, Sun BX, Zhao Y, Miao ZY. Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Characteristics of Botrytis cinerea Field Isolate Resistance to Pyrisoxazole in Liaoning Province. PLANT DISEASE 2024; 108:866-876. [PMID: 37682225 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-04-23-0743-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a broad-host-range necrotrophic phytopathogen responsible for serious diseases in leading crops worldwide. The novel sterol 14α-demethylase inhibitor (DMI) pyrisoxazole was recently registered for the control of tomato gray mold caused by B. cinerea in China. One hundred fifty-seven isolates of B. cinerea were collected from tomato greenhouses in 14 cities of Liaoning Province from 2016 to 2021 and examined for sensitivity to pyrisoxazole, with a mean EC50 value of 0.151 μg/ml. Three highly resistant isolates, XD-5, DG-4, and GQ-3, were screened, and the EC50 values were 0.734, 0.606, and 0.639 μg/ml with corresponding resistance factors of 12.88, 10.63, and 11.21, respectively. Compared with field-sensitive strains, the highly resistant isolate XD-5 exhibited fitness defects in traits, including mycelial growth, conidial production, and pathogenicity, but DG-4 and GQ-3 did not experience fitness costs. Positive cross-resistance was observed only between pyrisoxazole and the DMIs tebuconazole and prochloraz but not between pyrisoxazole and the non-DMIs iprodione, procymidone, pyrimethanil, fludioxonil, fluazinam, and fluopyram. Sequence alignment of the CYP51 gene indicated that three point mutations were observed in the highly resistant mutant, namely, V24I in XD-5, G461S in GQ-3, and R464K in DG-4. When exposed to pyrisoxazole, the induced expression levels of the ABC transporter AtrD and MFS transporter Mfs1 increased in the resistant isolates compared with those in the sensitive isolates, whereas the expression level of the CYP51 gene did not change significantly. Molecular docking suggested that the G461S and R464K mutations both led to a decrease in the binding energy between CYP51 and pyrisoxazole, whereas no change was found with the V24I mutation. Thus, two point mutations in the CYP51 protein combined with induced expression of the Mfs1 and AtrD genes appeared to mediate the pyrisoxazole resistance of the highly resistant mutants DG-4 and GQ-3, while the overexpression of the Mfs1 and AtrD genes was responsible for the highly resistant mutant XD-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Bai-Xin Sun
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110866, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Yan Miao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110866, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sharma K, Parmanu PK, Sharma M. Mechanisms of antifungal resistance and developments in alternative strategies to combat Candida albicans infection. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:95. [PMID: 38349529 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus that infects the humans and becomes an opportunistic pathogen particularly in immuno-compromised patients. Among the Candida genus, yeast C. albicans is the most frequently incriminated species and is responsible for nearly 50-90% of human candidiasis, with vulvovaginal candidiasis alone, affecting about 75% of the women worldwide. One of the significant virulence traits in C. albicans is its tendency to alternate between the yeast and hyphae morphotypes, accounting for the development of multi-drug resistance in them. Thus, a thorough comprehension of the decision points and genes controlling this transition is necessary, to understand the pathogenicity of this, naturally occurring, pernicious fungus. Additionally, the formation of C. albicans biofilm is yet another pathogenesis trait and a paramount cause of invasive candidiasis. Since 1980 and in 90 s, wide spread use of immune-suppressing therapies and over prescription of fluconazole, a drug used to treat chronic fungal infections, triggered the emergence of novel anti-fungal drug development. Thus, this review thoroughly elucidates the diseases associated with C. albicans infection as well as the anti-fungal resistance mechanism associated with them and identifies the emerging therapeutic agents, along with a rigorous discussion regarding the future strategies that can possibly be adopted for the cure of this deleterious pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Sharma
- Molecular Genetics of Aging, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi, India
| | - Prashant Kumar Parmanu
- Molecular Genetics of Aging, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi, India
| | - Meenakshi Sharma
- Molecular Genetics of Aging, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shrivastava M, Kouyoumdjian GS, Kirbizakis E, Ruiz D, Henry M, Vincent AT, Sellam A, Whiteway M. The Adr1 transcription factor directs regulation of the ergosterol pathway and azole resistance in Candida albicans. mBio 2023; 14:e0180723. [PMID: 37791798 PMCID: PMC10653825 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01807-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Research often relies on well-studied orthologs within related species, with researchers using a well-studied gene or protein to allow prediction of the function of the ortholog. In the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans, orthologs are usually compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and this approach has been very fruitful. Many transcription factors (TFs) do similar jobs in the two species, but many do not, and typically changes in function are driven not by modifications in the structures of the TFs themselves but in the connections between the transcription factors and their regulated genes. This strategy of changing TF function has been termed transcription factor rewiring. In this study, we specifically looked for rewired transcription factors, or Candida-specific TFs, that might play a role in drug resistance. We investigated 30 transcription factors that were potentially rewired or were specific to the Candida clade. We found that the Adr1 transcription factor conferred resistance to drugs like fluconazole, amphotericin B, and terbinafine when activated. Adr1 is known for fatty acid and glycerol utilization in Saccharomyces, but our study reveals that it has been rewired and is connected to ergosterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manjari Shrivastava
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Center for research, Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Daniel Ruiz
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manon Henry
- Center for research, Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antony T. Vincent
- Department of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Adnane Sellam
- Center for research, Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wijayawardene NN, Boonyuen N, Ranaweera CB, de Zoysa HKS, Padmathilake RE, Nifla F, Dai DQ, Liu Y, Suwannarach N, Kumla J, Bamunuarachchige TC, Chen HH. OMICS and Other Advanced Technologies in Mycological Applications. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:688. [PMID: 37367624 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi play many roles in different ecosystems. The precise identification of fungi is important in different aspects. Historically, they were identified based on morphological characteristics, but technological advancements such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing now enable more accurate identification and taxonomy, and higher-level classifications. However, some species, referred to as "dark taxa", lack distinct physical features that makes their identification challenging. High-throughput sequencing and metagenomics of environmental samples provide a solution to identifying new lineages of fungi. This paper discusses different approaches to taxonomy, including PCR amplification and sequencing of rDNA, multi-loci phylogenetic analyses, and the importance of various omics (large-scale molecular) techniques for understanding fungal applications. The use of proteomics, transcriptomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and interactomics provides a comprehensive understanding of fungi. These advanced technologies are critical for expanding the knowledge of the Kingdom of Fungi, including its impact on food safety and security, edible mushrooms foodomics, fungal secondary metabolites, mycotoxin-producing fungi, and biomedical and therapeutic applications, including antifungal drugs and drug resistance, and fungal omics data for novel drug development. The paper also highlights the importance of exploring fungi from extreme environments and understudied areas to identify novel lineages in the fungal dark taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nalin N Wijayawardene
- Centre for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
- Section of Genetics, Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care, No: 393/3, Lily Avenue, Off Robert Gunawardane Mawatha, Battaramulla 10120, Sri Lanka
| | - Nattawut Boonyuen
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Chathuranga B Ranaweera
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Sri Lanka, Kandawala Road, Rathmalana 10390, Sri Lanka
| | - Heethaka K S de Zoysa
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Rasanie E Padmathilake
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Pulliyankulama, Anuradhapura 50000, Sri Lanka
| | - Faarah Nifla
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Dong-Qin Dai
- Centre for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Yanxia Liu
- Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, No.29, Longtanba Road, Guanshanhu District, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Thushara C Bamunuarachchige
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Huan-Huan Chen
- Centre for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
- Key Laboratory of Insect-Pollinator Biology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhattacharyya A, Sadhasivam S, Sinha M, Gupta S, Saini S, Singh H, Khurana A, Sachdeva S, Sardana K, Ghosh S. Treatment of recalcitrant cases of tinea corporis/cruris caused by T. mentagrophytes - interdigitale complex with mutations in ERG11 ERG 3, ERG4, MDR1 MFS genes & SQLE and their potential implications. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:637-648. [PMID: 36929499 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recalcitrant dermatophyte infections are being reported from various parts of the world due to varied causes including strain variation, steroid misuse, SQLE mutations, and variable quality of itraconazole pellet formulations. The oral drug preferred in endemic areas is itraconazole, to which MIC levels remain low, and clinical failures to itraconazole reported defy a sound scientific explanation. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to conduct a proteomic and genomic analysis on isolates from therapeutically recalcitrant case with isolation of gene mutations and enzymatic abnormalities to explain azole failures. METHODS Trichophyton mentagrophyte interdigitale complex strains were isolated from seven clinically non-responding tinea corporis/cruris patients, who had failed a sequential course of 6 weeks of terbinafine 250 mg QD and itraconazole 100 mg BID. After AFST 1 strain, KA01 with high MIC to most drugs was characterized using whole genome sequencing, comparative proteomic profiling, and total sterol quantification. RESULTS Sterol quantification showed that the standard strain of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (MTCC-7687) had half the ergosterol content than the resistant KA01 strain. Genomic analysis revealed mutations in SQLE, ERG4, ERG11, MDR1, MFS genes, and a novel ERG3 mutation. Proteomic analysis established the aberrant expression of acetyl Co-A transferase in the resistant strain and upregulation of thioredoxin reductase and peroxiredoxin. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate possible reasons for multidrug resistance in the prevalent strain with mutations in genes that predict terbinafine (SQLE) and azole actions (ERG4, ERG11, ERG3) apart from efflux pumps (MDR1, MFS) that can explain multidrug clinical failures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mau Sinha
- Vyome Therapeutics Limited, New Delhi, India
| | - Swati Gupta
- Vyome Therapeutics Limited, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumya Sachdeva
- Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Anwarpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Antifungal Tolerance and Resistance Emerge at Distinct Drug Concentrations and Rely upon Different Aneuploid Chromosomes. mBio 2023; 14:e0022723. [PMID: 36877011 PMCID: PMC10127634 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00227-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifungal drug tolerance is a response distinct from resistance, in which cells grow slowly above the MIC. Here, we found that the majority (69.2%) of 133 Candida albicans clinical isolates, including standard lab strain SC5314, exhibited temperature-enhanced tolerance at 37°C and 39°C, and were not tolerant at 30°C. Other isolates were either always tolerant (23.3%) or never tolerant (7.5%) at these three temperatures, suggesting that tolerance requires different physiological processes in different isolates. At supra-MIC fluconazole concentrations (8 to 128 μg/mL), tolerant colonies emerged rapidly at a frequency of ~10-3. In liquid passages over a broader range of fluconazole concentrations (0.25 to 128 μg/mL), tolerance emerged rapidly (within one passage) at supra-MICs. In contrast, resistance appeared at sub-MICs after 5 or more passages. Of 155 adaptors that evolved higher tolerance, all carried one of several recurrent aneuploid chromosomes, often including chromosome R, alone or in combination with other chromosomes. Furthermore, loss of these recurrent aneuploidies was associated with a loss of acquired tolerance, indicating that specific aneuploidies confer fluconazole tolerance. Thus, genetic background and physiology and the degree of drug stress (above or below the MIC) influence the evolutionary trajectories and dynamics with which antifungal drug resistance or tolerance emerges. IMPORTANCE Antifungal drug tolerance differs from drug resistance: tolerant cells grow slowly in drug, while resistant cells usually grow well, due to mutations in a few known genes. More than half of Candida albicans clinical isolates have higher tolerance at body temperature than they do at the lower temperatures used for most lab experiments. This implies that different isolates achieve drug tolerance via several cellular processes. When we evolved different strains at a range of high drug concentrations above inhibitory levels, tolerance emerged rapidly and at high frequency (one in 1,000 cells) while resistance appeared only later at very low drug concentrations. An extra copy of all or part of chromosome R was associated with tolerance, while point mutations or different aneuploidies were seen with resistance. Thus, genetic background and physiology, temperature, and drug concentration all influence how drug tolerance or resistance evolves.
Collapse
|
9
|
Raschig M, Ramírez-Zavala B, Wiest J, Saedtler M, Gutmann M, Holzgrabe U, Morschhäuser J, Meinel L. Azobenzene derivatives with activity against drug-resistant Candida albicans and Candida auris. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200463. [PMID: 36403201 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Increasing resistance against antimycotic drugs challenges anti-infective therapies today and contributes to the mortality of infections by drug-resistant Candida species and strains. Therefore, novel antifungal agents are needed. A promising approach in developing new drugs is using naturally occurring molecules as lead structures. In this work, 4,4'-dihydroxyazobenzene, a compound structurally related to antifungal stilbene derivatives and present in Agaricus xanthodermus (yellow stainer), served as a starting point for the synthesis of five azobenzene derivatives. These compounds prevented the growth of both fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and Candida auris strains. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm the potential therapeutic value of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Raschig
- Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Bernardo Ramírez-Zavala
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Wiest
- Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marco Saedtler
- Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Gutmann
- Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Morschhäuser
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Meinel
- Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for RNA-Based Infection Biology (HIRI), Wuerzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kamble PA, Phadke M. Use of checkerboard assay to determine the synergy between essential oils extracted from leaves of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa and nystatin against Candida albicans. Ayu 2023; 44:38-43. [PMID: 38505112 PMCID: PMC10946663 DOI: 10.4103/ayu.ayu_397_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Candida albicans is one of the most common pathogenic yeasts, responsible for causing candidiasis. The use of conventional antifungal agents for the treatment of Candida is reported to be less effective and hence alternative therapies for the treatment are needed. Essential oils of medicinal plants may serve as a strong candidate for natural products in modern therapies. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the synergistic potential of essential oils extracted from leaves of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa and a potent antifungal agent, nystatin, against three clinical isolates of C. albicans using checkerboard assay. Materials and methods The antifungal activity of the essential oils of A. marmelos was screened against test cultures by disc diffusion technique. Antibiograms of the test organisms were developed. To determine the minimum fungicidal concentration of the essential oil and nystatin, the broth microdilution method was employed, and a checkerboard assay was used to investigate the synergistic potential of the essential oil and nystatin against the clinical isolates under study. The data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results The Σ fractional inhibitory concentration values were calculated as 0.12, 0.37, and 0.28 for three different strains of C. albicans used, respectively, which was <0.5, therefore, the synergy was demonstrated between essential oils and nystatin against the test cultures. Conclusions Combinatorial therapy of the essential oils extracted from the leaves of A. marmelos and nystatin may be considered a line of treatment for candidal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Ananda Kamble
- Department of Microbiology, SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manju Phadke
- Department of Microbiology, SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Harikrishnan P, Arayambath B, Jayaraman VK, Ekambaram K, Ahmed EA, Senthilkumar P, Ibrahim HIM, Sundaresan A, Thirugnanasambantham K. Thidiazuron, a phenyl-urea cytokinin, inhibits ergosterol synthesis and attenuates biofilm formation of Candida albicans. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:224. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03410-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
12
|
Senthilganesh J, Kuppusamy S, Durairajan R, Subramanian S, Veerappan A, Paramasivam N. Phytolectin nanoconjugates in combination with standard antifungals curb multi-species biofilms and virulence of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) causing Candida albicans and Non albicans Candida. Med Mycol 2021; 60:6484805. [PMID: 34958385 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is commonly occurring yeast infection caused by Candida species in women. Among Candida species, C. albicans is the predominant member that causes vaginal candidiasis followed by Candida glabrata. Biofilm formation by Candida albicans on the vaginal mucosal tissue leads to VVC infection and is one of the factors for a commensal organism to get into virulent form leading to disease. In addition to that, morphological switching from yeast to hyphal form increases the risk of pathogenesis as it aids in tissue invasion. In this study, jacalin, a phyto-lectin complexed Copper sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) have been explored to eradicate the mono and mixed species biofilms formed by fluconazole resistant C. albicans and C. glabrata isolated from VVC patients. NPs along with standard antifungals like micafungin and amphotericin B have been evaluated to explore interaction behaviour and we observed synergistic interactions between them. Microscopic techniques like light microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to visualize the inhibition of biofilm by NPs and in synergistic combinations with standard antifungals. Real time PCR analysis was carried out to study the expression pattern of the highly virulent genes which are responsible for yeast to hyphal switch, drug resistance and biofilm formation upon treatment with NPs in combination with standard antifungals. The current study shows that lectin conjugated NPs with standard antifungals might be a different means to disrupt the mixed species population of Candida spp. that causes VVC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayasankari Senthilganesh
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shruthi Kuppusamy
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rubini Durairajan
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivabala Subramanian
- Chemical Biology laboratory, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anbazhagan Veerappan
- Chemical Biology laboratory, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nithyanand Paramasivam
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Darwish RM, AlKawareek MY, Bulatova NR, Alkilany AM. Silver nanoparticles, a promising treatment against clinically important fluconazole-resistant Candida glabrata. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 73:718-724. [PMID: 34510497 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to azole antifungal agents is a challenging limitation in Candida glabrata treatment. It is associated with decreased intracellular concentrations of antifungal agents as a result of overexpression of efflux pumps on the cellular plasma membranes. This work evaluates the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to reverse the resistance of fungal cells to fluconazole. Silver nanoparticles were prepared using wet chemical method and characterised by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. Broth microdilution and pour plates methods were used to study the anticandidal activity using two C. glabrata fluconazole-resistant strains (DSY565 and CBS138) known to overexpress active efflux pumps, and a standard fluconazole sensitive strain ATCC 22553. Silver nanoparticles-fluconazole combinations decreased concentrations of fluconazole substantially without compromising the activity. These findings suggest that AgNPs enhance the efficacy of fluconazole and offer a promising application in therapy of C. glabrata infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Darwish
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - M Y AlKawareek
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - N R Bulatova
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - A M Alkilany
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu C, Xu C, Du Y, Liu J, Ning Y. Role of agglutinin-like sequence protein 3 (Als3) in the structure and antifungal resistance of Candida albicans biofilms. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 368:6316779. [PMID: 34232317 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Agglutinin-like sequence protein 3 (Als3) is a cell surface glycoprotein of Candida albicans that plays essential roles in the processes of adherence and biofilm formation in vitro. In this study, we focused on the contribution of Als3 to the structure and drug susceptibility of biofilms. The C. albicans wild-type (WT) strain DAY185, the als3Δ/Δ null strain and the als3Δ/Δ + pALS3 complemented strain were used. Colony-forming unit enumeration, crystal violet and cell surface hydrophobicity assays, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy coupled with analyses using COMSTAT software were performed to evaluate the biomass and architecture of the biofilms. The detailed architectural analysis showed a significant variation in the biofilm parameters of the als3Δ/Δ biofilms compared with those of the WT biofilms. Fluconazole, miconazole and amphotericin B were selected as the antifungal agents for the antimycotic susceptibility test, and increased susceptibility was found with the ALS3 deletion biofilms. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed downregulation of biofilm formation-related genes (ALS1, EFG1, HWP1 and CSH1) and drug resistance-related genes (ERG11, CDR1, CDR2 and MDR1) in the als3Δ/Δ biofilms. We concluded that Als3 contributes to biofilm formation by changing the biofilm architecture and is involved in the antifungal resistance of C. albicans biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Yu Du
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Yang Ning
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Candida albicans is a prevalent opportunistic human fungal pathogen for which treatment is limited to only four main classes of antifungal drugs, with the azole and echinocandin classes being used most frequently. Drug tolerance, the ability of some cells to grow slowly in supra-MIC drug concentrations, decreases the number of available treatment options. Here, we investigated factors affecting tolerance and resistance to ketoconazole in C. albicans. We found both temperature and the composition of growth medium significantly affected tolerance with little effect on resistance. In deletion analysis of known efflux pump genes, CDR1 was partially required for azole tolerance, while CDR2 and MDR1 were dispensable. Tolerance also required Hsp90 and calcineurin components; CRZ1, which encodes a transcription factor downstream of calcineurin, was required only partially. Deletion of VMA11, which encodes a vacuolar ATPase subunit, and concanamycin A, a V-ATPase inhibitor, abolished tolerance, indicating the importance of vacuolar energy transactions in tolerance. Thus, tolerance to ketoconazole is regulated by multiple factors, including physiological and genetic mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Due to the ever-expanding range of invasive medical procedures and treatments, invasive fungal infections now pose a serious global threat to many people living in an immunocompromised status. Like humans, fungi are eukaryotic, which significantly limits the number of unique antifungal targets; the current arsenal of antifungal agents is limited to just three frontline drug classes. Additional treatment complexities result from the development of drug tolerance and resistance, which further narrows therapeutic options; however, the difference between tolerance and resistance remains largely unknown. This study demonstrates that tolerance and resistance are regulated by multiple genetic and physiological factors. It is prudent to note that some factors affect tolerance only, while other factors affect both tolerance and resistance. The complex underlying mechanisms of these drug responses are highlighted by the fact that there are both shared and distinct mechanisms that regulate tolerance and resistance.
Collapse
|
16
|
Vaginal Isolates of Candida glabrata Are Uniquely Susceptible to Ionophoric Killer Toxins Produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0245020. [PMID: 33972245 PMCID: PMC8218651 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02450-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to other species of Candida yeasts, the growth of Candida glabrata is inhibited by many different strains of Saccharomyces killer yeasts. The ionophoric K1 and K2 killer toxins are broadly inhibitory to all clinical isolates of C. glabrata from patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, despite high levels of resistance to clinically relevant antifungal therapeutics.
Collapse
|
17
|
Holič R, Šťastný D, Griač P. Sec14 family of lipid transfer proteins in yeasts. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158990. [PMID: 34118432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The hydrophobicity of lipids prevents their free movement across the cytoplasm. To achieve highly heterogeneous and precisely regulated lipid distribution in different cellular membranes, lipids are transported by lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) in addition to their transport by vesicles. Sec14 family is one of the most extensively studied groups of LTPs. Here we provide an overview of Sec14 family of LTPs in the most studied yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as in other selected non-Saccharomyces yeasts-Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Yarrowia lipolytica. Discussed are specificities of Sec14-domain LTPs in various yeasts, their mode of action, subcellular localization, and physiological function. In addition, quite few Sec14 family LTPs are target of antifungal drugs, serve as modifiers of drug resistance or influence virulence of pathologic yeasts. Thus, they represent an important object of study from the perspective of human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Holič
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dominik Šťastný
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Griač
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Al-Ani E, Hill D, Doudin K. Chlorhexidine Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablets: The Impact of Formulation Design on Drug Delivery and Release Kinetics Using Conventional and Novel Dissolution Methods. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060493. [PMID: 34070990 PMCID: PMC8224615 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a mucosal infection caused by Candida spp., and it is common among the immunocompromised. This condition is mainly treated using oral antifungals. Chlorhexidine (CHD) is a fungicidal and is available as a mouth wash and oral gel. It is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of OPC due to the low residence time of the current formulations. In this study, its activity was tested against C. albicans biofilm and biocompatibility with the HEK293 human cell line. Then, it was formulated as mucoadhesive hydrogel buccal tablets to extend its activity. Different ratios of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), poloxamer 407 (P407), and three different types of polyols were used to prepare the tablets, which were then investigated for their physicochemical properties, ex vivo mucoadhesion, drug release profiles, and the kinetics of drug release. The release was performed using Apparatus I and a controlled flow rate (CFR) method. The results show that CHD is biocompatible and effective against Candida biofilm at a concentration of 20 µg/mL. No drug excipient interaction was observed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The increase in P407 and polyol ratios showed a decrease in the swelling index and an increase in CHD in vitro release. The release of CHD from the selected formulations was 86-92%. The results suggest that chlorhexidine tablets are a possible candidate for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enas Al-Ani
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Correspondence: (E.A.-A.); (D.H.); Tel.: +44-1902-32-5876 (E.A.-A.)
| | - David Hill
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- School of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Correspondence: (E.A.-A.); (D.H.); Tel.: +44-1902-32-5876 (E.A.-A.)
| | - Khalid Doudin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Roles for Structural Biology in the Discovery of Drugs and Agrochemicals Targeting Sterol 14α-Demethylases. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020067. [PMID: 33498194 PMCID: PMC7908997 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifungal drugs and antifungal agrochemicals have significant limitations. These include several unintended consequences of their use including the growing importance of intrinsic and acquired resistance. These problems underpin an increasingly urgent need to improve the existing classes of antifungals and to discover novel antifungals. Structural insights into drug targets and their complexes with both substrates and inhibitory ligands increase opportunity for the discovery of more effective antifungals. Implementation of this promise, which requires multiple skill sets, is beginning to yield candidates from discovery programs that could more quickly find their place in the clinic. This review will describe how structural biology is providing information for the improvement and discovery of inhibitors targeting the essential fungal enzyme sterol 14α-demethylase.
Collapse
|
20
|
An oxindole efflux inhibitor potentiates azoles and impairs virulence in the fungal pathogen Candida auris. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6429. [PMID: 33353950 PMCID: PMC7755909 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20183-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that exhibits resistance to multiple drugs, including the most commonly prescribed antifungal, fluconazole. Here, we use a combinatorial screening approach to identify a bis-benzodioxolylindolinone (azoffluxin) that synergizes with fluconazole against C. auris. Azoffluxin enhances fluconazole activity through the inhibition of efflux pump Cdr1, thus increasing intracellular fluconazole levels. This activity is conserved across most C. auris clades, with the exception of clade III. Azoffluxin also inhibits efflux in highly azole-resistant strains of Candida albicans, another human fungal pathogen, increasing their susceptibility to fluconazole. Furthermore, azoffluxin enhances fluconazole activity in mice infected with C. auris, reducing fungal burden. Our findings suggest that pharmacologically targeting Cdr1 in combination with azoles may be an effective strategy to control infection caused by azole-resistant isolates of C. auris. The fungal pathogen Candida auris is resistant to multiple drugs including the common antifungal fluconazole. Here, Iyer et al. identify a compound that potentiates fluconazole activity against C. auris in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting a major efflux pump and thus increasing intracellular fluconazole accumulation.
Collapse
|
21
|
The H741D mutation in Tac1p contributes to the upregulation of CDR1 and CDR2 expression in Candida albicans. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1553-1561. [DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00336-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
|
22
|
Iyer KR, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Flow Cytometric Measurement of Efflux in Candida Species. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 59:e121. [PMID: 33047867 DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A technique to assess the ability of distinct Candida strains to efflux substrates, as well as to compare the effectiveness of efflux inhibitors, is important for analysis of antifungal drug resistance mechanisms and the mode of action of antifungals. We describe a method that measures the ability of Candida species to extrude the fluorescent dye Nile red as an output for efflux activity. This involves exposing cells to Nile red and using flow cytometry to quantify cellular fluorescence, enabling numerous samples to be processed in a limited time frame. This protocol provides a simple, yet effective method for quantifying efflux in drug-resistant Candida species. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC Basic Protocol 1: Growth and sample preparation of stained Candida Basic Protocol 2: Quantitative measurement of fluorescence by flow cytometry Alternate Protocol: Qualitative determination of fluorescence using microscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kali R Iyer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rigo GV, Tasca T. Vaginitis: Review on Drug Resistance. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1672-1686. [PMID: 32753007 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200804112340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Female genital tract infections have a high incidence among different age groups and represent an important impact on public health. Among them, vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vulva and/or vagina due to the presence of pathogens that cause trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Several discomforts are associated with these infections, as well as pregnancy complications and the facilitation of HIV transmission and acquisition. The increasing resistance of microorganisms to drugs used in therapy is remarkable, since women report the recurrence of these infections and associated comorbidities. Different resistant mechanisms already described for the drugs used in the therapy against Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and Gardnerella vaginalis, as well as aspects related to pathogenesis and treatment, are discussed in this review. This study aims to contribute to drug design, avoiding therapy ineffectiveness due to drug resistance. Effective alternative therapies to treat vaginitis will reduce the recurrence of infections and, consequently, the high costs generated in the health system, improving women's well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graziela Vargas Rigo
- Research Group on Trichomonas, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Research Group on Trichomonas, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Erol M, Celik I, Uzunhisarcikli E, Kuyucuklu G. Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and DFT Studies of Some New 2,5-Disubstituted Benzoxazoles as Potential Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Agents. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2020.1802305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Erol
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ismail Celik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ebru Uzunhisarcikli
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gulcan Kuyucuklu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
An Erg11 lanosterol 14-α-demethylase-Arv1 complex is required for Candida albicans virulence. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235746. [PMID: 32678853 PMCID: PMC7367482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Azole resistant fungal infections remain a health problem for the immune compromised. Current therapies are limited due to rises in new resistance mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to identify new drug targets for drug discovery and novel therapeutics. Arv1 (are1 are2required for viability 1) function is highly conserved between multiple pathogenic fungal species. Candida albicans (C. albicans) cells lacking CaArv1 are azole hypersusceptible and lack virulence. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) Scarv1 cells are also azole hypersusceptible, a phenotype reversed by expression of CaArv1, indicating conservation in the molecular mechanism for azole susceptibility. To define the relationship between Arv1 function and azole susceptibility, we undertook a structure/function analysis of ScArv1. We identified several conserved amino acids within the ScArv1 homology domain (ScAhd) required for maintaining normal azole susceptibility. Erg11 lanosterol 14-α-demethylase is the rate-limiting enzyme in sterol biosynthesis and is the direct target of azole antifungals, so we used our ScArv1 mutants in order to explore the relationship between ScArv1 and ScErg11. Specific ScArv1 mutants ectopically expressed from a low copy plasmid were unable to restore normal azole susceptibility to Scarv1 cells and had reduced Erg11 protein levels. Erg11 protein stability depended on its ability to form a heterodimeric complex with Arv1. Complex formation was required for maintaining normal azole susceptibility. Scarv1 cells expressing orthologous CaArv1 mutants also had reduced CaErg11 levels, were unable to form a CaArv1-CaErg11 complex, and were azole hypersusceptible. Scarv1 cells expressing CaArv1 mutants unable to interact with CaErg11 could not sustain proper levels of the azole resistant CaErg11Y132F F145L protein. Caarv1/Caarv1 cells expressing CaArv1 mutants unable to interact with CaErg11 were found to lack virulence using a disseminated candidiasis mouse model. Expressing CaErg11Y132F F145L did not reverse the lack of virulence. We hypothesize that the role of Arv1 in Erg11-dependent azole resistance is to stabilize Erg11 protein level. Arv1 inhibition may represent an avenue for treating azole resistance.
Collapse
|
26
|
Endo EH, Makimori RY, Companhoni MVP, Ueda-Nakamura T, Nakamura CV, Dias Filho BP. Ketoconazole-loaded poly-(lactic acid) nanoparticles: Characterization and improvement of antifungal efficacy in vitro against Candida and dermatophytes. J Mycol Med 2020; 30:101003. [PMID: 32586733 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2020.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In order to improve the effect of ketoconazole, poly-lactic acid (PLA) nanoparticles containing ketoconazole were prepared, characterized and tested against dermatophytes and Candida spp planktonic and biofilm cells. METHODS The ketoconazole-PLA nanoparticles obtained by nanoprecipitation were characterized using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, quantification of encapsulated ketoconazole and the in vitro release profile were determined. Antifungal susceptibility tests against dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum and yeasts Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis were performed. RESULTS Spherical nanoparticles, with a mean diameter of 188.5nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 45% ketoconazole, were obtained. The nanoparticles containing ketoconazole had superior antifungal activity against all tested fungi strains than free ketoconazole. Inhibition of yeast biofilm formation was also achieved. CONCLUSION Ketoconazole-PLA nanoparticles resulted in better antifungal activity of ketoconazole nanoparticles than free drug against dermatophytes and Candida species, indicating a promising tool for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E H Endo
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, State University of Maringá, avenue Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - R Y Makimori
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, State University of Maringá, avenue Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil
| | - M V P Companhoni
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, State University of Maringá, avenue Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil
| | - T Ueda-Nakamura
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, avenue Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil
| | - C V Nakamura
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, avenue Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil
| | - B P Dias Filho
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, avenue Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Modulation of ERG Genes Expression in Clinical Isolates of Candida tropicalis Susceptible and Resistant to Fluconazole and Itraconazole. Mycopathologia 2020; 185:675-684. [PMID: 32500312 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Candida tropicalis is a non-albicans Candida specie that causes candidosis in several countries, including Brazil. However, little is known about the mechanisms of drug resistance in C. tropicalis infections. In this study, we used clinical isolates of C. tropicalis susceptible as well as resistant to either Fluconazole or Itraconazole to assess the relationship between drug resistance and the expression of ERG and efflux pump genes. Our results showed that the main mechanism of resistance against both Fluconazole and Itraconazole in this specie is through the up-regulation of ERG rather than that of the efflux pump genes. We demonstrated that, although pre-treatment with azole drugs increases the expression of both ERG6 and ERG11 genes, the resistant or susceptible dose-dependent (SDD) samples are able to maintain high expression levels of these genes for longer periods of time than the susceptible samples.
Collapse
|
28
|
Dupont D, Tirard-Collet P, Persat F, Menotti J, Josse E, Wallon M, Pichon M. K3-EDTA differentially inhibits the growth of Candida strains according to their azole resistance status. Med Mycol 2020; 58:514-520. [PMID: 31309224 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of the life-threatening invasive Candida infections is mainly established using culture of specimens that might be collected on different devices including ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-coated tubes. Despite the knowledge that EDTA inhibits bacterial cultures, and its use to treat oral fungal infections, its impact on Candida cultures has not been completely assessed. This study aimed at assessing it on azole-resistant and azole-susceptible strains. Clinical and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains for Candida albicans (CA), C. glabrata (CGS), C. krusei (CK), azole-susceptible and azole-resistant strains of C. glabrata (CGS and CGR), C. lipolytica (CL), and C. inconspicua (CI) were characterized using MALDI-TOF MS and susceptibility testing and then incubated (1) with serial dilutions of tripotassic EDTA (0%-500% of the concentration in a sample tube) for 2 hours before plating onto ChromID Can2 agar; (2) for 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, or 8 hours at EDTA concentrations at 20% and 33% before seeding; and (3) with sodium citrate or lithium heparinate instead of EDTA for 2 hours before plating. After 48 hours at 35°C, colony-forming units were automatically quantified. An inhibitory effect of EDTA was observed, at different concentrations, for CA (20%), CGS (100%), and CGR (500%) (P < .05), but none was observed for CL, CI, and CK. The effect increased with incubation duration, at a faster rate for azole-susceptible strains. K3-EDTA inhibits Candida growth and EDTA-coated tubes should not be used for mycological culture-based analyses. The correlation between EDTA inhibition and Candida azole-resistance offers perspectives for the development of selective agar and new antifungal strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damien Dupont
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Parasitology and Medical Mycology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Institute, Lyon, France.,Integrative Physiology of the Brain Arousal Systems, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Facultée de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Tirard-Collet
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Parasitology and Medical Mycology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Institute, Lyon, France
| | - Florence Persat
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Parasitology and Medical Mycology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Institute, Lyon, France
| | - Jean Menotti
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Parasitology and Medical Mycology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Institute, Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Josse
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Parasitology and Medical Mycology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Institute, Lyon, France
| | - Martine Wallon
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Parasitology and Medical Mycology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Institute, Lyon, France.,Integrative Physiology of the Brain Arousal Systems, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Facultée de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Maxime Pichon
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Virology Laboratory, Infectious Agents Institute, Lyon, France.,University Hospital of Poitiers,Bacteriology and Infection Control laboratory, Infectious Agents Department, Poitiers, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Khan SH, Younus H, Allemailem KS, Almatroudi A, Alrumaihi F, Alruwetei AM, Alsahli MA, Khan A, Khan MA. Potential of Methylglyoxal-Conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles in Treatment of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans Infection in a Murine Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:3681-3693. [PMID: 32547022 PMCID: PMC7261666 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s249625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal infections are becoming more prevalent and threatening because of the continuous emergence of azole-resistant fungal infections. The present study was aimed to assess the activity of free Methylglyoxal (MG) or MG-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles (MGCN) against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. Materials and Methods A novel formulation of MGCN was prepared and characterized to determine their size, shape and polydispersity index. Moreover, the efficacy of fluconazole or MG or MGCN was determined against intracellular C. albicans in macrophages and the systematic candidiasis in a murine model. The safety of MG or MGCN was tested in mice by analyzing the levels of hepatic and renal toxicity parameters. Results Candida albicans did not respond to fluconazole, even at the highest dose of 20 mg/kg, whereas MG and MGCN effectively eliminated C. albicans from the macrophages and infected mice. Mice in the group treated with MGCN at a dose of 10 mg/kg exhibited a 90% survival rate and showed the lowest fungal load in the kidney, whereas the mice treated with free MG at the same dose exhibited 50% survival rate. Moreover, the administration of MG or MGCN did not induce any liver and kidney toxicity in the treated mice. Conclusion The findings of the present work suggest that MGCN may be proved a promising therapeutic formulation to treat azole-resistant C. albicans infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaheer Hasan Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Hina Younus
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Khaled S Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen M Alruwetei
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alsahli
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Masood Alam Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ji C, Liu N, Tu J, Li Z, Han G, Li J, Sheng C. Drug Repurposing of Haloperidol: Discovery of New Benzocyclane Derivatives as Potent Antifungal Agents against Cryptococcosis and Candidiasis. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:768-786. [PMID: 31550886 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high morbidity and mortality of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), effective and safe antifungal agents are rather limited. Starting from antifungal lead compound haloperidol that was identified by drug repurposing, a series of novel benzocyclane derivatives were designed, synthesized, and assayed. Several compounds showed improved antifungal potency and broader antifungal spectra. Particularly, compound B10 showed good inhibitory activities against a variety of fungal pathogens and was proven to be an inhibitor of several virulence factors important for drug resistance. In the in vivo cryptococcosis and candidiasis models, compound B10 could effectively reduce the brain fungal burden of Cryptococcus neoformans and synergize with fluconazole to treat resistant Candida albicans infections. Preliminary antifungal mechanism studies revealed that compound B10 regained cell membrane damage and down-regulated the overexpression of ERG11 and MDR1 genes when used in combination with fluconazole. Taken together, haloperidol derivative B10 represents a promising lead compound for the development of a new generation of antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changjin Ji
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Tu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuang Li
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guiyan Han
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang MR, Zhao F, Wang S, Lv S, Mou Y, Yao CL, Zhou Y, Li FQ. Molecular mechanism of azoles resistant Candida albicans in a patient with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:126. [PMID: 32046674 PMCID: PMC7014776 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More and more azole-resistant strains emerged through the development of acquired resistance and an epidemiological shift towards inherently less susceptible species. The mechanisms of azoles resistance of Candida albicans is very complicated. In this study, we aim to investigate the mechanism of azole-resistant C. albicans isolated from the oral cavity of a patient with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC). CASE PRESENTATION CMC diagnosis was given based on clinical manifestations, laboratory test findings and gene sequencing technique. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the fungal isolate, obtained from oral cavity termed as CA-R, was obtained by in vitro anti-fungal drugs susceptibility test. To further investigate the resistant mechanisms, we verified the mutations of drug target genes (i.e. ERG11 and ERG3) by Sanger sequencing, and verified the over-expression of ERG11 and drug efflux genes (i.e. CDR1 and CDR2) by RT-PCR. A heterozygous mutation of c.1162A > G resulting in p.K388E was detected in STAT1 of the patient. The expression of CDR1 and CDR2 in CA-R was 4.28-fold and 5.25-fold higher than that of type strain SC5314, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Up-regulation of CDR1 and CDR2 was mainly responsible for the resistance of CA-R. For CMC or other immunodeficiency patients, drug resistance monitoring is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Rui Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang street, Nanguan district, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang street, Nanguan district, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Sha Lv
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang street, Nanguan district, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yan Mou
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang street, Nanguan district, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Chun-Li Yao
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang street, Nanguan district, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang street, Nanguan district, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Fu-Qiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang street, Nanguan district, Changchun, 130000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kano R, Kamata H. Miconazole-tolerant strains of Malassezia pachydermatis generated by culture in medium containing miconazole. Vet Dermatol 2019; 31:97-101. [PMID: 31729813 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tolerance of Malassezia pachydermatis to azole drugs has been reported worldwide, from strains isolated from dogs. Canine Malassezia dermatitis often is treated with shampoos containing 2% miconazole (MCZ) or other topical MCZ products. OBJECTIVES In the in vitro study herein, it was investigated whether MCZ-induced amino acid substitutions in the lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (ERG11) gene 1 lead to azole tolerance in M. pachydermatis. METHODS AND MATERIALS Toleranced to MCZ was induced in an azole-susceptible strain of M. pachydermatis (CBS1879T ) by culture in medium containing MCZ. Antifungal susceptibility to MCZ, clotrimazole (CTZ) and itraconazole (ITZ) was assessed using the modified broth microdilution (BM) method. To assess the potential mechanism of tolerance in the three MCZ-resistant strains, ERG11 was sequenced. The interaction between the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus and MCZ in the azole-tolerant isolates also was examined. RESULTS Three strains (NUBS19001 to NUBS19003) from CBS1879T cultured in medium containing MCZ exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 40 mg/L to MCZ, 5 mg/L to ITZ and >32 mg/L to CTZ, meaning that the isolates were tolerant. The combination of MCZ and tacrolimus exerted an indifferent effect against the MCZ-tolerant strain. BLAST analysis using the NCBI database showed mutations in the cytochrome p450 encoded by ERG11 in the MCZ-tolerant strains. CONCLUSIONS In the present in vitro study, it was shown that MCZ exposure can induce amino acid substitutions in ERG11 and subsequent tolerance of M. pachydermatis to several azoles. Whether topical therapy with azole-containing products can exert a similar effect in vivo is a question that requires further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kano
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kamata
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Trichophyton rubrum Azole Resistance Mediated by a New ABC Transporter, TruMDR3. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00863-19. [PMID: 31501141 PMCID: PMC6811443 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00863-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of terbinafine resistance in a set of clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum have been studied recently. Of these isolates, TIMM20092 also showed reduced sensitivity to azoles. The azole resistance of TIMM20092 could be inhibited by milbemycin oxime, prompting us to examine the potential of T. rubrum to develop resistance through multidrug efflux transporters. The mechanisms of terbinafine resistance in a set of clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum have been studied recently. Of these isolates, TIMM20092 also showed reduced sensitivity to azoles. The azole resistance of TIMM20092 could be inhibited by milbemycin oxime, prompting us to examine the potential of T. rubrum to develop resistance through multidrug efflux transporters. The introduction of a T. rubrum cDNA library into Saccharomyces cerevisiae allowed the isolation of one transporter of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) conferring resistance to azoles (TruMFS1). To identify more azole efflux pumps among 39 ABC and 170 MFS transporters present within the T. rubrum genome, we performed a BLASTp analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata on transporters that were previously shown to confer azole resistance. The identified candidates were further tested by heterologous gene expression in S. cerevisiae. Four ABC transporters (TruMDR1, TruMDR2, TruMDR3, and TruMDR5) and a second MFS transporter (TruMFS2) proved to be able to operate as azole efflux pumps. Milbemycin oxime inhibited only TruMDR3. Expression analysis showed that both TruMDR3 and TruMDR2 were significantly upregulated in TIMM20092. TruMDR3 transports voriconazole (VRC) and itraconazole (ITC), while TruMDR2 transports only ITC. Disruption of TruMDR3 in TIMM20092 abolished its resistance to VRC and reduced its resistance to ITC. Our study highlights TruMDR3, a newly identified transporter of the ABC family in T. rubrum, which can confer azole resistance if overexpressed. Finally, inhibition of TruMDR3 by milbemycin suggests that milbemycin analogs could be interesting compounds to treat dermatophyte infections in cases of azole resistance.
Collapse
|
34
|
El Rabey HA, Almutairi FM, Alalawy AI, Al-Duais MA, Sakran MI, Zidan NS, Tayel AA. Augmented control of drug-resistant Candida spp. via fluconazole loading into fungal chitosan nanoparticles. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 141:511-516. [PMID: 31499111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Fungal chitosan (ACT) extraction from Amylomyces rouxii, its transforming into nano-form, loading with fluconazole (Flu) and evaluation of synthesized nanoconjugates against drug-resistant (DR) Candida spp., were investigated. The produced ACT was characterized with 112.4 kDa molecular weight and 88.7% deacetylation degree. Synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (NACT), and loading them with Flu were succeeded, using ionic gelation protocol, to generate stable Flu/NACT nanoconjugate' particles with mean size of 82 nm and zeta potential of +3.36 mV. The NACT entrapment efficiency was 78.7% and the drug loading capacity was 60.2%. Flu slowly released from NACT during the first 5 h, then release dramatically increased to the maximum (94.8%) after 12 h. The infra-red spectrum of Flu/NACT nanoconjugates confirmed the strong cross-linkage between their molecules. The antimycotic activity of NACT and Flu/NACT was proved against DR strains of C. albicans (2 strains), C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata, using qualitative and quantitative assays; Flu/NACT exhibited significant powerful activity, which was confirmed via observations with scanning microscopy. Finished cotton textiles with Flu/NACT had augmented potentiality for inhibiting challenged DR Candida spp., using in vitro assay. Accordingly, the synthesis and application of Flu/NACT nanoconjugates was astoundingly recommended for controlling DR Candida spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haddad A El Rabey
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Bioinformatics Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt.
| | - Fahad M Almutairi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel I Alalawy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Al-Duais
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Yemen
| | - Mohamed I Sakran
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Biochemistry Section, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Nahla S Zidan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Department of Home Economics, Faculty of Specific Education, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Tayel
- Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nadhe SB, Singh R, Wadhwani SA, Chopade BA. Acinetobacter sp. mediated synthesis of AgNPs, its optimization, characterization and synergistic antifungal activity against C. albicans. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:445-458. [PMID: 31074075 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with cell free extract of Acinetobacter sp. and evaluate antifungal activity against planktonic and biofilm of Candida. Also, to study mechanism of antifungal action of AgNPs. METHODS AND RESULT Acinetobacter spp were screened for synthesis of AgNPs. Physio-chemical parameters were optimized to obtained monodispersed nanoparticles. Optimized nanoparticles were characterized using spectroscopic, microscopic and diffraction techniques. Antifungal and biofilm disruption activity of AgNPs (10 ± 5 nm) were investigated against C. albicans. Mechanism of antifungal activity of nanosilver was deduced by growth curve, reactive oxygen species generation, thiol interaction and microscopic analysis. Acinetobacter sp. GWRFH 45 gave maximum synthesis of AgNPs. At optimized condition monodispersed, spherical nanoparticles were obtained which were crystalline with negative surface charge. AgNPs exhibited antifungal activity against planktonic cells and biofilm of Candida. AgNPs showed synergistic effect with amphotericin B as well as fluconazole against biofilm disruption. AgNPs were found to affect growth of Candida, generate reactive oxygen species and disrupt cellular morphology. CONCLUSIONS Cell free extract of A. calcoaceticus GWRFH 45 has ability to synthesize AgNPs. AgNPs alone and in combination with drugs have potential to inhibit C. albicans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This is the first report of bacteriogenic AgNPs used in combination with antifungal drugs against Candida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S B Nadhe
- Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - R Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, SIES College of Arts Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - S A Wadhwani
- Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - B A Chopade
- Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.,Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kano R, Yokoi S, Kariya N, Oshimo K, Kamata H. Multi-azole-resistant strain of Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from a canine Malassezia dermatitis. Med Mycol 2019; 57:346-350. [PMID: 29800467 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the case presented here, we describe the isolation of an azole-resistant strain of M. pachydermatis from a canine Malassezia dermatitis. The isolate (NUBS18001) from this case exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 320 μg/ml to itraconazole (ITZ) by broth microdilution (BM) assay, >32 μg/ml to ITZ by E-test, and >32 μg/ml to KTZ by E-test. Synergistic effects between FK506 and ITZ in the azole-resistant strain was evaluated using the microdilution checker-board method. The ITZ-resistant strain exhibited MICs of 320 μg/mL of ITZ alone and 5 μg/ml of FK506 alone; the addition of FK506 attenuated the ITZ MIC to 2.5 μg/ml, yielding an ITZ FICI value of 0.507. This result suggested that the combination of ITZ and FK506 exerted an additive effect against the ITZ-resistant strain. To understand the other mechanism inferred to be present in our multi-azole-resistant strain, we sequenced the ERG11 gene from this isolate, and detected missense mutations (A412G and C905T) in the sequence of the ERG11 open reading frame (ORF). To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first report that a multi-azole-resistant M. pacydermatis strain contains mutations in ERG11.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kano
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Nihon University College of Bioresouce Sciences, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shinichi Yokoi
- Sennan Animal Hospital, 3-2297-1 Noda, Kumatori, Sennan, Osaka, 590-0451, Japan
| | - Naoki Kariya
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Nihon University College of Bioresouce Sciences, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Karin Oshimo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Nihon University College of Bioresouce Sciences, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kamata
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Nihon University College of Bioresouce Sciences, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
PINTO ANACAROLINAC, ROCHA DEBORAA, MORAES DANIELCDE, JUNQUEIRA MARIAL, FERREIRA-PEREIRA ANTONIO. Candida albicans Clinical Isolates from a Southwest Brazilian Tertiary Hospital Exhibit MFS-mediated Azole Resistance Profile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 91:e20180654. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
38
|
Khan MA, Aldebasi YH, Alsuhaibani SA, AlSahli MA, Alzohairy MA, Khan A, Younus H. Therapeutic potential of thymoquinone liposomes against the systemic infection of Candida albicans in diabetic mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208951. [PMID: 30589842 PMCID: PMC6320018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was aimed to develop a liposomal formulation of thymoquinone (Lip-TQ) to treat Candida albicans infection in diabetic mice. Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected to induce hyperglycemia and on day 3 post STZ administration, mice were intravenously infected with C. albicans. Various doses (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg) of Free or Lip-TQ were administered in C. albicans infected diabetic mice. The effect of Lip-TQ was also determined on the organ indices, liver and kidney function parameters. Lip-TQ at a dose of 10 mg/kg significantly reduced the level of the blood glucose and alleviated the systemic C. albicans infection in diabetic mice. C. albicans infected diabetic mice treated with Lip-TQ at a dose of 10 mg/kg showed the survival rate of 70% as compared to that of 20% in the group treated with free TQ. The treatment with Lip-TQ resulted in the recovery of the organ indices, liver inflammation, kidney functioning and pancreas regeneration in diabetic mice. Moreover, TQ formulations also showed the direct therapeutic effect against candidiasis in the untreated or metformin-treated diabetic mice. Therefore, the findings of the present study support the use of Lip-TQ in the treatment of candidiasis in the diabetic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masood A Khan
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef H Aldebasi
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed A AlSahli
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Arif Khan
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hina Younus
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Crystal Structures of Full-Length Lanosterol 14α-Demethylases of Prominent Fungal Pathogens Candida albicans and Candida glabrata Provide Tools for Antifungal Discovery. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.01134-18. [PMID: 30126961 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01134-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting lanosterol 14α-demethylase (LDM) with azole drugs provides prophylaxis and treatments for superficial and disseminated fungal infections, but cure rates are not optimal for immunocompromised patients and individuals with comorbidities. The efficacy of azole drugs has also been reduced due to the emergence of drug-resistant fungal pathogens. We have addressed the need to improve the potency, spectrum, and specificity for azoles by expressing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae functional, recombinant, hexahistidine-tagged, full-length Candida albicans LDM (CaLDM6×His) and Candida glabrata LDM (CgLDM6×His) and determining their X-ray crystal structures. The crystal structures of CaLDM6×His, CgLDM6×His, and ScLDM6×His have the same fold and bind itraconazole in nearly identical conformations. The catalytic domains of the full-length LDMs have the same fold as the CaLDM6×His catalytic domain in complex with posaconazole, with minor structural differences within the ligand binding pocket. Our structures give insight into the LDM reaction mechanism and phenotypes of single-site CaLDM mutations. This study provides a practical basis for the structure-directed discovery of novel antifungals that target LDMs of fungal pathogens.
Collapse
|
40
|
Sobel JD, Sobel R. Current treatment options for vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by azole-resistant Candida species. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:971-977. [PMID: 29932786 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1476490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinicians are increasingly challenged by patients with refractory vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by azole-resistant Candida species. Fluconazole resistant C.albicans is a growing and perplexing problem following years of indiscriminate drug prescription and unnecessary drug exposure and for which there are few therapeutic alternatives. Regrettably, although the azole class of drugs has expanded, new classes of antifungal drugs have not been forthcoming, limiting effective treatment options in patients with azole resistant Candida vaginitis. AREAS COVERED This review covers published data on epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment options for women with azole-resistant refractory VVC. EXPERT OPINION Fluconazole resistant C.albicans adds to the challenge of azole resistant non-albicans Candida spp. Both issues follow years of indiscriminate drug prescription and unnecessary fluconazole exposure. Although an understanding of azole resistance in yeast has been established, this knowledge has not translated into useful therapeutic advantage. Treatment options for such women with refractory symptoms are extremely limited. New therapeutic options and strategies are urgently needed to meet this challenge of azole drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Sobel
- a Department of Internal Medicine , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - R Sobel
- b Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology , Jefferson Medical College , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Jóźwiak M, Stępień K, Wrzosek M, Olejarz W, Kubiak-Tomaszewska G, Filipowska A, Filipowski W, Struga M. Synthesis, Structural Studies and Biological Evaluation of Connections of Thiosemicarbazide, 1,2,4-Triazole and 1,3,4-Thiadiazole with Palmitic Acid. Molecules 2018; 23:E822. [PMID: 29614061 PMCID: PMC6017783 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Thirty new derivatives of palmitic acid were efficiently synthesized. All obtained compounds can be divided into three groups of derivatives: Thiosemicarbazides (compounds 1-10), 1,2,4-triazoles (compounds 1a-10a) and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles (compounds 1b-10b) moieties. ¹H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS methods were used to confirm the structure of derivatives. All obtained compounds were tested in vitro against a number of microorganisms, including Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods and Candida albicans. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 8 showed significant inhibition against C. albicans. The range of MIC values was 50-1.56 μg/mL. The halogen atom, especially at the 3rd position of the phenyl group was significantly important for antifungal activity. The biological activity against Candida albicans and selected molecular descriptors were used as a basis for QSAR models, that have been determined by means of multiple linear regression. The models have been validated by means of the Leave-One-Out Cross Validation. The obtained QSAR models were characterized by high determination coefficients and good prediction power.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Jóźwiak
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Biochemistry, Second Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Karolina Stępień
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Wrzosek
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Wioletta Olejarz
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Grażyna Kubiak-Tomaszewska
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Filipowska
- Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Filipowski
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Silesian University of Technology, 44-800 Zabrze, Poland.
| | - Marta Struga
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Biochemistry, First Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Orellana-Muñoz S, Dueñas-Santero E, Arnáiz-Pita Y, Del Rey F, Correa-Bordes J, Vázquez de Aldana CR. The anillin-related Int1 protein and the Sep7 septin collaborate to maintain cellular ploidy in Candida albicans. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2257. [PMID: 29396461 PMCID: PMC5797091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20249-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in cell ploidy is a common feature of Candida albicans clinical isolates that are resistant to the antifungal drug fluconazole. Here, we report that the anillin-related protein Int1 interacts with septins for coupling cytokinesis with nuclear segregation. Loss of Int1 results in a rapid disassembly of duplicated septin rings from the bud neck at the onset of actomyosin ring contraction. Strikingly, this has no major impact on cytokinesis and septum formation. However, Int1 genetically interacts with the Sep7 septin, maintaining the diffusion barrier at the bud neck and guarantying a faithful nuclear segregation. Indeed, int1ΔΔ sep7ΔΔ mutant cells, in contrast to int1ΔΔ cdc10ΔΔ, undergo a premature activation of mitotic exit prior to the alignment of the mitotic spindle with the division axis, producing large multinucleated cells. Some of these multinucleated cells arise from trimeras similar to those observed upon fluconazole exposure. Finally, the defects in nuclear segregation could be in part due to the inability to maintain the Lte1 mitotic exit activator at the cortex of the daughter cell. These results suggest that Int1 and Sep7 play a role in maintaining genome stability by acting as a diffusion barrier for Lte1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Orellana-Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, IBFG-CSIC. Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Yolanda Arnáiz-Pita
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, IBFG-CSIC. Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Francisco Del Rey
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica, IBFG-CSIC. Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jaime Correa-Bordes
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shapiro RS, Chavez A, Porter CBM, Hamblin M, Kaas CS, DiCarlo JE, Zeng G, Xu X, Revtovich AV, Kirienko NV, Wang Y, Church GM, Collins JJ. A CRISPR-Cas9-based gene drive platform for genetic interaction analysis in Candida albicans. Nat Microbiol 2018; 3:73-82. [PMID: 29062088 PMCID: PMC5832965 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-017-0043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the leading cause of fungal infections; yet, complex genetic interaction analysis remains cumbersome in this diploid pathogen. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based 'gene drive array' platform to facilitate efficient genetic analysis in C. albicans. In our system, a modified DNA donor molecule acts as a selfish genetic element, replaces the targeted site and propagates to replace additional wild-type loci. Using mating-competent C. albicans haploids, each carrying a different gene drive disabling a gene of interest, we are able to create diploid strains that are homozygous double-deletion mutants. We generate double-gene deletion libraries to demonstrate this technology, targeting antifungal efflux and biofilm adhesion factors. We screen these libraries to identify virulence regulators and determine how genetic networks shift under diverse conditions. This platform transforms our ability to perform genetic interaction analysis in C. albicans and is readily extended to other fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Biological Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alejandro Chavez
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Caroline B M Porter
- Department of Biological Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Meagan Hamblin
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Christian S Kaas
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Department of Expression Technologies 2, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, 2760, Denmark
| | - James E DiCarlo
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guisheng Zeng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive (Proteos), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive (Proteos), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | | | | | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive (Proteos), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - George M Church
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.
| | - James J Collins
- Department of Biological Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Moraes RC, Carvalho AR, Lana AJD, Kaiser S, Pippi B, Fuentefria AM, Ortega GG. In vitro synergism of a water insoluble fraction of Uncaria tomentosa combined with fluconazole and terbinafine against resistant non-Candida albicans isolates. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2017; 55:406-415. [PMID: 27931150 PMCID: PMC6130498 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1242631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Uncaria tomentosa D.C. (Rubiaceae) has several biological activities, including activity against resistant Candida strains. The synergistic interaction with terbinafine or fluconazole can be an important alternative to overcome this resistance. OBJECTIVES The potential synergy between a water insoluble fraction (WIF) from Uncaria tomentosa bark and the antifungals terbinafine (TRB) and fluconazole (FLZ) against non-Candida albicans resistant strains was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS TRB and FLZ, alone and combined with WIF, were tested by the checkerboard procedure using the micro-dilution technique against seven isolates of Candida glabrata and C. krusei. The molecular interactions occurring outside the cell wall were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. RESULTS The checkerboard inhibitory assay demonstrated synergy for WIF:TRB and WIF:FLZ combinations, respectively. The best synergistic cell damage was demonstrated unequivocally for the associations of WIF and TRB (1.95:4.0 μg/mL) and WIF and FLZ (1.95:8.0 μg/mL). The comparison of the FT-IR spectra of the antifungal alone, and in combination with WIF, allows recognizing clear differences in 3000, 1600, 1400, and 700-800 cm-1 bands. Additionally, modifications on TRB and FLZ thermograms were clearly noticed after their combination with WIF. CONCLUSIONS DSC and infrared analysis demonstrated intermolecular interactions between WIF and either TRB or FLZ. Hence, quite likely the synergistic effect is related to interaction events occurring outside the cell wall between antifungal and cat's claw proanthocyanidins. A direct action on the cell wall is suggested, without connection with the ABC efflux pump mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Cougo Moraes
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Anderson Ramos Carvalho
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Jacobi Dalla Lana
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Samuel Kaiser
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Pippi
- Post-Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology (PPGMAA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology (PPGMAA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - George González Ortega
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPGCF), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida and Cryptococcus Species and Mechanisms of Resistance: Implications for Clinical Laboratories. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-017-0282-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
46
|
Pereira DA, McDonald BA, Brunner PC. Mutations in the CYP51 gene reduce DMI sensitivity in Parastagonospora nodorum populations in Europe and China. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:1503-1510. [PMID: 27860315 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sterol demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) have been widely used to manage agronomically important fungal diseases in wheat, but reports of DMI-resistant pathogens continue to mount. Parastagonospora nodorum shows a wide range of sensitivity to DMIs, but until now no molecular mechanisms have been identified to explain these differences. The aim of this study was to correlate the DMI sensitivity of a global collection of P. nodorum isolates with mutations in the CYP51 gene that encodes the target of DMI fungicides. RESULTS Two non-synonymous mutations connected to DMI resistance in other plant pathogenic fungi were detected for the first time in the CYP51 gene of P. nodorum. The two mutations occurred at amino acid position 144, which is homologous to position 137 in other pathogens. The Y144F mutation was detected in China, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland while the Y144H mutation was found in China and Switzerland. Both mutations were correlated with significantly reduced sensitivity to the DMI fungicide propiconazole. CONCLUSION CYP51 mutations conferred reduced sensitivity against DMIs in field populations of P. nodorum originating from China, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo As Pereira
- Plant Pathology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich/LFW, Universitätstrasse 2, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bruce A McDonald
- Plant Pathology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich/LFW, Universitätstrasse 2, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C Brunner
- Plant Pathology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich/LFW, Universitätstrasse 2, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Competitive Fitness of Fluconazole-Resistant Clinical Candida albicans Strains. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.00584-17. [PMID: 28461316 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00584-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans can develop resistance to the widely used antifungal agent fluconazole, which inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis. Resistance is often caused by gain-of-function mutations in the transcription factors Mrr1 and Tac1, which result in constitutive overexpression of multidrug efflux pumps, and Upc2, which result in constitutive overexpression of ergosterol biosynthesis genes. However, the deregulated gene expression that is caused by hyperactive forms of these transcription factors also reduces the fitness of the cells in the absence of the drug. To investigate whether fluconazole-resistant clinical C. albicans isolates have overcome the fitness costs of drug resistance, we assessed the relative fitness of C. albicans isolates containing resistance mutations in these transcription factors in competition with matched drug-susceptible isolates from the same patients. Most of the fluconazole-resistant isolates were outcompeted by the corresponding drug-susceptible isolates when grown in rich medium without fluconazole. On the other hand, some resistant isolates with gain-of-function mutations in MRR1 did not exhibit reduced fitness under these conditions. In a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis, three out of four tested fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates did not exhibit a significant fitness defect. However, all four fluconazole-resistant isolates were outcompeted by the matched susceptible isolates in a mouse model of gastrointestinal colonization, demonstrating that the effects of drug resistance on in vivo fitness depend on the host niche. Collectively, our results indicate that the fitness costs of drug resistance in C. albicans are not easily remediated, especially when proper control of gene expression is required for successful adaptation to life within a mammalian host.
Collapse
|
48
|
Lotfali E, Ghajari A, Kordbacheh P, Zaini F, Mirhendi H, Mohammadi R, Noorbakhsh F, Rezaie S. Regulation of ERG3, ERG6, and ERG11 Genes in Antifungal-Resistant isolates of Candida parapsilosis. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2017; 21:275-81. [PMID: 28176517 PMCID: PMC5459943 DOI: 10.18869/acadpub.ibj.21.4.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Candida parapsilosis is one of the five common strains of yeasts involved in invasive candidiasis. The expression analysis of sterol biosynthesis pathway genes, which are associated with resistance, can assist the better understanding of antifungal resistance mechanisms. Method The antifungal susceptibility of 120 clinical C. parapsilosis isolates was examined. The changes in the gene expression related to resistance were analyzed. Results Eight strains were resistant to fluconazole (FLC), itraconazole (ITC), and amphotericin B (AMB). The regulation variations included increased mRNA levels of ERG3, ERG6, and ERG11 and decreased mRNA levels of ERG3 and ERG6 in response to FLC. ERG11 mRNA level increases in response to ITC and AMB. Conclusion The mechanism of resistance to azoles in C. parapsilosis is very similar to C. Albicans. This feature may help to design new treatment strategy for candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ensieh Lotfali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ghajari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parivash Kordbacheh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Zaini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Noorbakhsh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Varamin-Pishva, Iran
| | - Sassan Rezaie
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Alizadeh F, Khodavandi A, Zalakian S. Quantitation of ergosterol content and gene expression profile of ERG11 gene in fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. Curr Med Mycol 2017; 3:13-19. [PMID: 29302625 PMCID: PMC5747584 DOI: 10.29252/cmm.3.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The frequency of opportunistic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, especially by Candida species, has sharply increased in the last few decades. The objective of this study was to analyse the ergosterol content and gene expression profiling of clinical isolates of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Sixty clinical samples were identified and collected from immunocompromised patients, namely recurrent oral, vaginal, and cutaneous candidiasis, during 2015-16. Antifungal susceptibility testing of fluconazole against clinical Candida species was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Ergosterol content and gene expression profiling of sterol 14α-demethylase (ERG11) gene in fluconazole-susceptible and –resistant C. albicans were investigated. Results: The specimens consisted of C. albicans (46.67%), Candida krusei (41.67%), and Candida tropicalis (11.67%). All the isolates were resistant to fluconazole. No significant reduction was noted in total cellular ergosterol content in comparison with untreated controls in terms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans. The expressionlevel of ERG11 gene was down-regulated in fluconazole-susceptible C. albicans. Eventually, the expression pattern of ERG11 gene revealed no significant changes in fluconazole-resistant isolates compared to untreated controls. The results revealed no significant differences between fluconazole-susceptible and –resistant C. albicans sequences by comparison with ERG11 reference sequence. Conclusion: Our findings provide an insight into the mechanism of fluconazole resistance in C. albicans. The mechanisms proposed for clinical isolates of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans are alteration in sterol biosynthesis, analysis of expression level of ERG11 gene, and analysis of gene sequences. Nonetheless, further studies are imperative to find molecular mechanisms that could be targeted to control fluconazole resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Alizadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Yasooj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasooj, Iran
| | - A Khodavandi
- Department of Biology, Gachsaran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gachsaran, Iran
| | - S Zalakian
- Department of Microbiology, Yasooj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasooj, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Silva S, Rodrigues CF, Araújo D, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M. Candida Species Biofilms' Antifungal Resistance. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3010008. [PMID: 29371527 PMCID: PMC5715972 DOI: 10.3390/jof3010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida infections (candidiasis) are the most prevalent opportunistic fungal infection on humans and, as such, a major public health problem. In recent decades, candidiasis has been associated to Candida species other than Candida albicans. Moreover, biofilms have been considered the most prevalent growth form of Candida cells and a strong causative agent of the intensification of antifungal resistance. As yet, no specific resistance factor has been identified as the sole responsible for the increased recalcitrance to antifungal agents exhibited by biofilms. Instead, biofilm antifungal resistance is a complex multifactorial phenomenon, which still remains to be fully elucidated and understood. The different mechanisms, which may be responsible for the intrinsic resistance of Candida species biofilms, include the high density of cells within the biofilm, the growth and nutrient limitation, the effects of the biofilm matrix, the presence of persister cells, the antifungal resistance gene expression and the increase of sterols on the membrane of biofilm cells. Thus, this review intends to provide information on the recent advances about Candida species biofilm antifungal resistance and its implication on intensification of the candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Célia F Rodrigues
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Daniela Araújo
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Maria Elisa Rodrigues
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Henriques
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|