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Li G, Newman M, Yu H, Rashidzade M, Martínez-Soto D, Caicedo A, Allen KS, Ma LJ. Fungal effectors: past, present, and future. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 81:102526. [PMID: 39180827 PMCID: PMC11442010 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Fungal effector proteins function at the interfaces of diverse interactions between fungi and their plant and animal hosts, facilitating interactions that are pathogenic or mutualistic. Recent advancements in protein structure prediction have significantly accelerated the identification and functional predictions of these rapidly evolving effector proteins. This development enables scientists to generate testable hypotheses for functional validation using experimental approaches. Research frontiers in effector biology include understanding pathways through which effector proteins are secreted or translocated into host cells, their roles in manipulating host microbiomes, and their contribution to interacting with host immunity. Comparative effector repertoires among different fungal-host interactions can highlight unique adaptations, providing insights for the development of novel antifungal therapies and biocontrol strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengtan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Madison Newman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Houlin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Maryam Rashidzade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Department of Biology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, BC, Mexico
| | - Domingo Martínez-Soto
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, BC, Mexico
| | - Ana Caicedo
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Department of Biology, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, BC, Mexico
| | - Kelly S Allen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| | - Li-Jun Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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2
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Steenwyk JL, Knowles S, Bastos RW, Balamurugan C, Rinker D, Mead ME, Roberts CD, Raja HA, Li Y, Colabardini AC, de Castro PA, Dos Reis TF, Gumilang A, Almagro-Molto M, Alanio A, Garcia-Hermoso D, Delbaje E, Pontes L, Pinzan CF, Schreiber AZ, Canóvas D, Sanchez Luperini R, Lagrou K, Torrado E, Rodrigues F, Oberlies NH, Zhou X, Goldman GH, Rokas A. Evolutionary origin and population diversity of a cryptic hybrid pathogen. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8412. [PMID: 39333551 PMCID: PMC11436853 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52639-1] [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: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptic fungal pathogens pose disease management challenges due to their morphological resemblance to known pathogens. Here, we investigated the genomes and phenotypes of 53 globally distributed isolates of Aspergillus section Nidulantes fungi and found 30 clinical isolates-including four isolated from COVID-19 patients-were A. latus, a cryptic pathogen that originated via allodiploid hybridization. Notably, all A. latus isolates were misidentified. A. latus hybrids likely originated via a single hybridization event during the Miocene and harbor substantial genetic diversity. Transcriptome profiling of a clinical isolate revealed that both parental subgenomes are actively expressed and respond to environmental stimuli. Characterizing infection-relevant traits-such as drug resistance and growth under oxidative stress-revealed distinct phenotypic profiles among A. latus hybrids compared to parental and closely related species. Moreover, we identified four features that could aid A. latus taxonomic identification. Together, these findings deepen our understanding of the origin of cryptic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Steenwyk
- Howards Hughes Medical Institute and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Sonja Knowles
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - Rafael W Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal-RN, Brazil
| | - Charu Balamurugan
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - David Rinker
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Matthew E Mead
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
- Ginkgo Bioworks, 27 Drydock Avenue, 8th Floor, Boston, USA
| | - Christopher D Roberts
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - Huzefa A Raja
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - Yuanning Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, China
| | - Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adiyantara Gumilang
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - María Almagro-Molto
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Institut Pasteur, Paris Cité University, National Reference Center for Invasives Mycoses and Antifungals, Translational Mycology Research Group, Mycology Department, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Dea Garcia-Hermoso
- Institut Pasteur, Paris Cité University, National Reference Center for Invasives Mycoses and Antifungals, Translational Mycology Research Group, Mycology Department, Paris, France
| | - Endrews Delbaje
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laís Pontes
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - David Canóvas
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology Unit. Synlab Laboratory at Viamed Sta. Ángela de la Cruz Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Sanchez Luperini
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Centre for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Egídio Torrado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4715-495 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4715-495 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nicholas H Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic, Fungi, Brazil.
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, USA.
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA.
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3
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Gonçalves C, Harrison MC, Steenwyk JL, Opulente DA, LaBella AL, Wolters JF, Zhou X, Shen XX, Groenewald M, Hittinger CT, Rokas A. Diverse signatures of convergent evolution in cactus-associated yeasts. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002832. [PMID: 39312572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Many distantly related organisms have convergently evolved traits and lifestyles that enable them to live in similar ecological environments. However, the extent of phenotypic convergence evolving through the same or distinct genetic trajectories remains an open question. Here, we leverage a comprehensive dataset of genomic and phenotypic data from 1,049 yeast species in the subphylum Saccharomycotina (Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota) to explore signatures of convergent evolution in cactophilic yeasts, ecological specialists associated with cacti. We inferred that the ecological association of yeasts with cacti arose independently approximately 17 times. Using a machine learning-based approach, we further found that cactophily can be predicted with 76% accuracy from both functional genomic and phenotypic data. The most informative feature for predicting cactophily was thermotolerance, which we found to be likely associated with altered evolutionary rates of genes impacting the cell envelope in several cactophilic lineages. We also identified horizontal gene transfer and duplication events of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes in distantly related cactophilic clades, suggesting that putatively adaptive traits evolved independently through disparate molecular mechanisms. Notably, we found that multiple cactophilic species and their close relatives have been reported as emerging human opportunistic pathogens, suggesting that the cactophilic lifestyle-and perhaps more generally lifestyles favoring thermotolerance-might preadapt yeasts to cause human disease. This work underscores the potential of a multifaceted approach involving high-throughput genomic and phenotypic data to shed light onto ecological adaptation and highlights how convergent evolution to wild environments could facilitate the transition to human pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gonçalves
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy and UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO-i4HB, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Marie-Claire Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jacob L Steenwyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Howards Hughes Medical Institute and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Dana A Opulente
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Biology Department, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Abigail L LaBella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - John F Wolters
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing-Xing Shen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology and Centre for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Chris Todd Hittinger
- Laboratory of Genetics, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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4
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de Hoog S, Tang C, Zhou X, Jacomel B, Lustosa B, Song Y, Kandemir H, A Ahmed S, Zhou S, Belmonte-Lopes R, Quan Y, Feng P, A Vicente V, Kang Y. Fungal primary and opportunistic pathogens: an ecological perspective. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae022. [PMID: 39118380 PMCID: PMC11409879 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae022] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal primary pathogenicity on vertebrates is here described as a deliberate strategy where the host plays a role in increasing the species' fitness. Opportunism is defined as the coincidental survival of an individual strain in host tissue using properties that are designed for life in an entirely different habitat. In that case, the host's infection control is largely based on innate immunity, and the etiologic agent is not transmitted after infection, and thus fungal evolution is not possible. Primary pathogens encompass two types, depending on their mode of transmission. Environmental pathogens have a double life cycle, and tend to become enzootic, adapted to a preferred host in a particular habitat. In contrast, pathogens that have a host-to-host transmission pattern are prone to shift to a neighboring, immunologically naive host, potentially leading to epidemics. Beyond these prototypical life cycles, some environmental fungi are able to make large leaps between dissimilar hosts/habitats, probably due to the similarity of key factors enabling survival in an entirely different niche, and thus allowing a change from opportunistic to primary pathogenicity. Mostly, such factors seem to be associated with extremotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybren de Hoog
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 1214GP Hilversum, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of Guizhou & Key Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 561113 Guiyang, China
- Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Biological Sciences, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980 Curitiba, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University of Nijmegen, 6525AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chao Tang
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of Guizhou & Key Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 561113 Guiyang, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630 Guangzhou, China
| | - Bruna Jacomel
- Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Biological Sciences, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980 Curitiba, Brazil
- Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Lustosa
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Postgraduate Program in Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980 Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Yinggai Song
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital,100034 Beijing, China
| | - Hazal Kandemir
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Center, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Ahmed
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 1214GP Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - Shaoqin Zhou
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of Guizhou & Key Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 561113 Guiyang, China
| | - Ricardo Belmonte-Lopes
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Biological Sciences, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980 Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Yu Quan
- RadboudUMC-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 1214GP Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - Peiying Feng
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510630 Guangzhou, China
| | - Vania A Vicente
- Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Biological Sciences, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980 Curitiba, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980 Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Yingqian Kang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of Guizhou & Key Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 561113 Guiyang, China
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5
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Roe K. The epithelial cell types and their multi-phased defenses against fungi and other pathogens. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 563:119889. [PMID: 39117034 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Mucus and its movements are essential to epithelial tissue immune defenses against pathogens, including fungal pathogens, which can infect respiratory, gastrointestinal or the genito-urinary tracts. Several epithelial cell types contribute to their immune defense. This review focuses on the respiratory tract because of its paramount importance, but the observations will apply to epithelial cell defenses of other mucosal tissue, including the gastrointestinal and genito-urinary tracts. Mucus and its movements can enhance or degrade the immune defenses of the respiratory tract, particularly the lungs. The enhancements include inhaled pathogen entrapments, including fungal pathogens, pollutants and particulates, for their removal. The detriments include smaller lung airway obstructions by mucus, impairing the physical removal of pathogens and impairing vital transfers of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveolar circulatory system and the pulmonary air. Inflammation, edema and/or alveolar cellular damage can also reduce vital transfers of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lung alveolar circulatory system and the pulmonary air. Furthermore, respiratory tract defenses are affected by several fatty acid mediators which activate cellular receptors to manipulate neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, various innate lymphoid cells including the natural killer cells, T cells, γδ T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells, NKT cells and mast cells. These mediators include the inflammatory and frequently immunosuppressive prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and the special pro-resolving mediators, which normally resolve inflammation and immunosuppression. The total effects on the various epithelial cell and immune cell types, after exposures to pathogens, pollutants or particulates, will determine respiratory tract health or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Roe
- Retired United States Patent and Trademark Office, San Jose, CA, United States.
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Kumbhar V, Gaiki S, Shelar A, Nikam V, Patil R, Kumbhar A, Gugale G, Pawar R, Khairnar B. Mining for antifungal agents to inhibit biofilm formation of Candida albicans: A study on green synthesis, antibiofilm, cytotoxicity, and in silico ADME analysis of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile derivatives. Microb Pathog 2024; 196:106926. [PMID: 39270755 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106926] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilm infections are quite difficult to manage due to their resistance against conventional antifungal drugs. To address this issue, there is a desperate need for new therapeutic drugs. In the present study, a green and efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile scaffolds 4a-i, 6a-j, and 8a-g by Knoevenagel-Michael-cyclocondensation reaction between aldehydes, malononitrile, and diverse enolizable C-H activated acidic compounds using guanidinium carbonate as a catalyst either under grinding conditions or by stirring at room temperature. This protocol is operationally simple, rapid, inexpensive, has easy workup and column-free purification. A further investigation of the synthesized compounds was conducted to examine their antifungal potential and their ability to inhibit the growth and development of biofilm-forming yeasts like fungus C. albicans. According to our findings, 4b, 4d, 4e, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6i, 8c, 8d, and 8g were found to be active and potential inhibitors for biofilm infection causing C. albicans. The inhibition of biofilm by active compounds were observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Biofilm inhibiting compounds were also tested for in vitro toxicity by using 3T3-L1 cell line, and 4b, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6i, 8c, and 8d were found to be biocompatible. Furthermore, the in silico ADME descriptors revealed drug-like properties with no violation of Lipinski's rule of five. Hence, the result suggested that synthesized derivatives could serve as a useful aid in the development of novel antifungal compounds for the treatment of fungal infections and virulence in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Kumbhar
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India; Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Sagar Gaiki
- Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Amruta Shelar
- Department of Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India.
| | - Vandana Nikam
- Department of Pharmacology, STES's Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411048, India.
| | - Rajendra Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India.
| | - Avinash Kumbhar
- Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Gulab Gugale
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India.
| | - Ramdas Pawar
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India.
| | - Bhushan Khairnar
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India; Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
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7
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Liu J, Wang L, Sun Y, Xiong Y, Li R, Sui M, Gao Z, Wang W, Sun H, Dai J. Antifungal Activity and Multi-Target Mechanism of Action of Methylaervine on Candida albicans. Molecules 2024; 29:4303. [PMID: 39339297 PMCID: PMC11433846 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29184303] [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: 08/13/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of a lead compound against Candida albicans is urgently needed because of the lack of clinically available antifungal drugs and the increase in drug resistance. Herein, a β-carboline alkaloid methylaervine (MET) exhibited potential activity against C. albicans (MIC = 16-128 μg/mL), no hemolytic toxicity, and a low tendency to induce drug resistance. An antifungal mechanism study indicated that MET effectively inhibited the biofilm formation and disrupted the mature biofilm. Moreover, filamentation formation and spore germination were also weakened. The electron microscopy analysis revealed that MET could damage the cell structure, including the cell wall, membrane, and cytoplasm. In particular, the permeability and integrity of the cell membrane were destroyed. When it entered the fungi cell, it interfered with the redox homeostasis and DNA function. Overall, MET can inhibit the growth of C. albicans from multiple channels, such as biofilm, filamentation, cell structure, and intracellular targets, which are difficult to mutate at the same time to generate drug resistance. This work provides a promising lead compound for the creation of new antifungal agents against C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yifan Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yingyan Xiong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Runchu Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Meixia Sui
- College of Biology and Oceanography, Weifang University, Weifang 261061, China
| | - Zhenzhen Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Jiangkun Dai
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
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8
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Gong X, Wani MY, Al-Bogami AS, Ahmad A, Robinson K, Khan A. The Road Ahead: Advancing Antifungal Vaccines and Addressing Fungal Infections in the Post-COVID World. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 39255073 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00245] [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: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
In impoverished nations, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a widespread occurrence of deadly fungal diseases like mucormycosis. The limited availability of effective antifungal treatments and the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains further exacerbate the situation. Factors such as systemic steroid use, intravenous drug misuse, and overutilization of broad-spectrum antimicrobials contribute to the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections caused by drug-resistant fungi. Fungal infections exploit compromised immune status and employ intricate mechanisms to evade immune surveillance. The immune response involves the innate and adaptive immune systems, leading to phagocytic and complement-mediated elimination of fungi. However, resistance to antifungals poses a challenge, highlighting the importance of antifungal prophylaxis and therapeutic vaccination. Understanding the host-fungal immunological interactions and developing vaccines are vital in combating fungal infections. Further research is needed to address the high mortality and morbidity associated with multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens and to develop innovative treatment drugs and vaccines. This review focuses on the global epidemiological burden of fungal infections, host-fungal immunological interactions, recent advancements in vaccine development and the road ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Gong
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Mohmmad Younus Wani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Saad Al-Bogami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Keven Robinson
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Amber Khan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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9
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Rinker DC, Sauters TJC, Steffen K, Gumilang A, Raja HA, Rangel-Grimaldo M, Pinzan CF, de Castro PA, Dos Reis TF, Delbaje E, Houbraken J, Goldman GH, Oberlies NH, Rokas A. Strain heterogeneity in a non-pathogenic Aspergillus fungus highlights factors associated with virulence. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1082. [PMID: 39232082 PMCID: PMC11374809 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens exhibit extensive strain heterogeneity, including variation in virulence. Whether closely related non-pathogenic species also exhibit strain heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively characterized the pathogenic potentials (i.e., the ability to cause morbidity and mortality) of 16 diverse strains of Aspergillus fischeri, a non-pathogenic close relative of the major pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. In vitro immune response assays and in vivo virulence assays using a mouse model of pulmonary aspergillosis showed that A. fischeri strains varied widely in their pathogenic potential. Furthermore, pangenome analyses suggest that A. fischeri genomic and phenotypic diversity is even greater. Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic profiling identified several pathways and secondary metabolites associated with variation in virulence. Notably, strain virulence was associated with the simultaneous presence of the secondary metabolites hexadehydroastechrome and gliotoxin. We submit that examining the pathogenic potentials of non-pathogenic close relatives is key for understanding the origins of fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Rinker
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Thomas J C Sauters
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Karin Steffen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Adiyantara Gumilang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Huzefa A Raja
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Manuel Rangel-Grimaldo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Endrews Delbaje
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Food and Indoor Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Nicholas H Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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10
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Hays M. Genetic conflicts in budding yeast: The 2μ plasmid as a model selfish element. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 161-162:31-41. [PMID: 38598944 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Antagonistic coevolution, arising from genetic conflict, can drive rapid evolution and biological innovation. Conflict can arise both between organisms and within genomes. This review focuses on budding yeasts as a model system for exploring intra- and inter-genomic genetic conflict, highlighting in particular the 2-micron (2μ) plasmid as a model selfish element. The 2μ is found widely in laboratory strains and industrial isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and has long been known to cause host fitness defects. Nevertheless, the plasmid is frequently ignored in the context of genetic, fitness, and evolution studies. Here, I make a case for further exploring the evolutionary impact of the 2μ plasmid as well as other selfish elements of budding yeasts, discuss recent advances, and, finally, future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Hays
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
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11
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Yan ZZ, Hu HW, Xiong C, Peleg AY, Chen QL, Sáez-Sandino T, Maestre F, Delgado-Baquerizo M, Singh BK. Environmental microbiome, human fungal pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance. Trends Microbiol 2024:S0966-842X(24)00215-4. [PMID: 39304419 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, antifungal resistance (AFR) has received much less attention compared with bacterial resistance to antibiotics. However, global changes, pandemics, and emerging new fungal infections have highlighted global health consequences of AFR. The recent report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified fungal priority pathogens, and recognised AFR among the greatest global health threats. This is particularly important given the significant increase in fungal infections linked to climate change and pandemics. Environmental factors play critical roles in AFR and fungal infections, as many clinically relevant fungal pathogens and AFR originate from the environment (mainly soil). In addition, the environment serves as a potential rich source for the discovery of new antifungal agents, including mycoviruses and bacterial probiotics, which hold promise for effective therapies. In this article, we summarise the environmental pathways of AFR development and spread among high priority fungal pathogens, and propose potential mechanisms of AFR development and spread. We identify a research priority list to address key knowledge gaps in our understanding of environmental AFR. Further, we propose an integrated roadmap for predictive risk management of AFR that is critical for effective surveillance and forecasting of public health outcomes under current and future climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Yan
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Hang-Wei Hu
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Ecosystem Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chao Xiong
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Anton Y Peleg
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Centre to Impact Antimicrobial Resistance, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Qing-Lin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Science, Xiamen, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tadeo Sáez-Sandino
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Fernando Maestre
- Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Funcionamiento Ecosistémico, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Brajesh K Singh
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia.
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12
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Lim HJ, Ahn S, No JH, Park MY, Kim MJ, Sohn YH, Shin KS, Park JE, Yang YJ. Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Two Fungal Pathogens Causing Pneumonia. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:619. [PMID: 39330379 PMCID: PMC11433024 DOI: 10.3390/jof10090619] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by fungal sources are of great interest owing to their increasing prevalence. Invasive fungal infections, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, and Pneumocystis pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. The accurate and timely detection of these pathogens in this high-risk population is crucial for effective patient management. We developed a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, RF2 mRT-PCR, specifically designed to detect two respiratory fungi, P. jirovecii and A. fumigatus, and evaluated its performance in specimens of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. The performance was evaluated using 731 clinical samples, 55 reference species, and one synthetic DNA. The reproducibility test yielded a probit curve with a lower limit of detection of 19.82 copies/reaction for P. jirovecii and 64.20 copies/reaction for A. fumigatus. The RF2 mRT-PCR assay did not cross-react with non-A. fumigatus Aspergillus species or other common bacterial and viral species, and showed 100% in vitro sensitivity and specificity with reference assays. Additionally, it simultaneously detected A. fumigatus and P. jirovecii in co-infected samples. Therefore, the RF2 mRT-PCR assay is an efficient and reliable tool for in vitro diagnosis of A. fumigatus and P. jirovecii pulmonary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Jae Lim
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Seojin Ahn
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun No
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Young Park
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hak Sohn
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Soo Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Department of Integrative Biological Sciences & BK21 FOUR Educational Research Group for Age-Associated Disorder Control Technology, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Yang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
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13
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Pan H, Xu J, Wang R, Cheng M, Wang Y, Song B. Development of ROS-sensitive capofungin hydrogel by crosslinking chitosan with four-arm polyethylene glycol derivative for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135157. [PMID: 39214224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135157] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Both exogenous and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) play pivotal roles in promoting the hyphal formation of Candida albicans (CA), which suggests that clearing ROS could inhibit CA hyphae formation. A ROS-sensitive hydrogel (CAS@4Arm-PB/CS) was formulated by using a novel four-arm polyethylene glycol (4Arm-PEG) derivative (4Arm-PB) as a crosslinking agent, chitosan (CS) as the hydrogel matrix, and caspofungin (CAS) as the antifungal drug against CA. The ROS-sensitivity, disintegration mechanism, crosslinking action, swelling degree, microstructure, modulus, and rheological properties of 4Arm-PB were characterized. According to the results, 5.0 % 4Arm-PB could quickly and efficiently cross-link 0.5 mg/mL of CS. The ROS-sensitivity of 4Arm-PB was 10-50 μM, indicating a strong ROS sensitivity. The in vitro and in vivo anti-CA results indicated that CAS@4Arm-PB/CS not only cleared endogenous and exogenous ROS and inhibited the formation of CA hyphae and biofilm but also contributed beneficially to the treatment of VVC mice caused by CA infection, implying a certain safety aspect and an in vivo applicability. This research introduces a novel functional crosslinking agent for CS hydrogel formulation, presenting a new avenue for hydrogel-based drug delivery systems and therapeutic strategies for VVC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Junjing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Ruizhe Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Min Cheng
- Basic Medical School, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Medical Imaging Specialty, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Bo Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
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14
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Yarzábal Rodríguez LA, Álvarez Gutiérrez PE, Gunde-Cimerman N, Ciancas Jiménez JC, Gutiérrez-Cepeda A, Ocaña AMF, Batista-García RA. Exploring extremophilic fungi in soil mycobiome for sustainable agriculture amid global change. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6951. [PMID: 39138171 PMCID: PMC11322326 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51223-x] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
As the Earth warms, alternatives to traditional farming are crucial. Exploring fungi, especially poly extremophilic and extremotolerant species, to be used as plant probiotics, represents a promising option. Extremophilic fungi offer avenues for developing and producing innovative biofertilizers, effective biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, and resilient enzymes active under extreme conditions, all of which are crucial to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability through improved soil fertility and decreased reliance on agrochemicals. Yet, extremophilic fungi's potential remains underexplored and, therefore, comprehensive research is needed to understand their roles as tools to foster sustainable agriculture practices amid climate change. Efforts should concentrate on unraveling the complex dynamics of plant-fungi interactions and harnessing extremophilic fungi's ecological functions to influence plant growth and development. Aspects such as plant's epigenome remodeling, fungal extracellular vesicle production, secondary metabolism regulation, and impact on native soil microbiota are among many deserving to be explored in depth. Caution is advised, however, as extremophilic and extremotolerant fungi can act as both mitigators of crop diseases and as opportunistic pathogens, underscoring the necessity for balanced research to optimize benefits while mitigating risks in agricultural settings.
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Grants
- This work was supported by Fondo Nacional de Innovación y Desarrollo Científico-Tecnológico (FONDOCYT), Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología (MESCYT), Government of Dominican Republic: Project COD. 2022-2B2-078. This work was supported by Darwin Initiative Round 27: Partnership Project DARPP220, and Darwin Initiative Round 30: Project DIR30S2/1004. This study was also supported by funding from the Slovenian Research Agency to Infrastructural Centre Mycosmo (MRIC UL, I0-0022), programs P4-0432 and P1-0198. Authors appreciate the support received from the European Commission – Program H2020, Project GEN4OLIVE: 101000427, Topic SFS-28-2018-2019-2020 Genetic resources and pre-breeding communities. RAB-G received a Sabbatical fellowship (CVU: 389616) from the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCyT), Government of Mexico. This work was supported by RYC2022-037554-I project funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and FSE+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Andrés Yarzábal Rodríguez
- Carrera de Bioquímica y Farmacia. Grupo de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología (GI-M2YB). Unidad de Salud y Bienestar, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | | | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Departament of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Adrián Gutiérrez-Cepeda
- Instituto de Investigación en Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Ana María Fernández Ocaña
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología. Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Ramón Alberto Batista-García
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología. Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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15
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Dubljanin E, Zunic J, Vujcic I, Colovic Calovski I, Sipetic Grujicic S, Mijatovic S, Dzamic A. Host-Pathogen Interaction and Resistance Mechanisms in Dermatophytes. Pathogens 2024; 13:657. [PMID: 39204257 PMCID: PMC11357293 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080657] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are widely distributed in the environment, with an estimated prevalence of 20-25% of the the global population yearly. These fungi are keratinophilic and keratinolytic and cause the infection of keratin-rich structures such as skin, hair, and nails. The pattern of this infectious disease covers a wide spectrum from exposed individuals without symptoms to those with acutely inflammatory or non-inflammatory, chronic to invasive, and even life-threatening symptoms. This review summarizes current information on the pathogenicity, virulence factors, and drug resistance mechanisms associated with dermatophytes. A greater number of virulence factors of these fungi are important for the occurrence of infection and the changes that occur, including those regarding adhesins, the sulfite efflux pump, and proteolytic enzymes. Other virulence factors include mechanisms of evading the host defense, while the development of resistance to antifungal drugs is increasing, resulting in treatment failure. The investigation of host-pathogen interactions is essential for developing a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying dermatophyte pathogenesis and host response to inform the use of diagnostics methods and antifungal therapeutics to minimize the high fungal burden caused by dermatophytes and to control the spread of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Dubljanin
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Zunic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Isidora Vujcic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Colovic Calovski
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sandra Sipetic Grujicic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stefan Mijatovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Dzamic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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16
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Del Olmo V, Gabaldón T. Hybrids unleashed: exploring the emergence and genomic insights of pathogenic yeast hybrids. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 80:102491. [PMID: 38833792 PMCID: PMC11358589 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Hybridisation is the crossing of two divergent lineages that give rise to offspring carrying an admixture of both parental genomes. Genome sequencing has revealed that this process is common in the Saccharomycotina, where a growing number of hybrid strains or species, including many pathogenic ones, have been recently described. Hybrids can display unique traits that may drive adaptation to new niches, and some pathogenic hybrids have been shown to have higher prevalence over their parents in human and environmental niches, suggesting a higher fitness and potential to colonise humans. Here, we discuss how hybridisation and its genomic and phenotypic outcomes can shape the evolution of fungal species and may play a role in the emergence of new pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Del Olmo
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Barcelona, Spain.
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17
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Lai Z, Yuan X, Chen W, Chen H, Li B, Bi Z, Lyu Y, Shan A. Design of Proteolytic-Resistant Antifungal Peptides by Utilizing Minimum d-Amino Acid Ratios. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10891-10905. [PMID: 38934239 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Antifungal peptides are an appealing alternative to standard antifungal medicines due to their unique mechanism of action and low-level resistance. However, their susceptibility to protease degradation keeps hindering their future development. Herein, a library was established to design peptides with protease resistance and high antifungal activity. The peptides were incorporated with minimal D-amino acids to further improve the protease stability. The most active peptide, IR3, demonstrated good antifungal activity and low toxicity, and its molecular integrity was maintained after protease hydrolysis for 8 h at 2 mg/mL. Furthermore, IR3 could permeate the fungal cell wall, disrupt the cell membrane, produce reactive oxygen species, and induce apoptosis in fungal cells. In vivo experiments confirmed that IR3 could effectively treat fungal keratitis. Collectively, these findings suggest that IR3 is a promising antifungal agent and may be beneficial in the design and development of protease-resistant antifungal peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenheng Lai
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Yuan
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Li
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Zhongpeng Bi
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Yinfeng Lyu
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Anshan Shan
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
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18
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Hatmaker EA, Barber AE, Drott MT, Sauters TJC, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Garcia-Hermoso D, Kurzai O, Rokas A. Pathogenicity is associated with population structure in a fungal pathogen of humans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.05.602241. [PMID: 39026826 PMCID: PMC11257439 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.05.602241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a clinically and agriculturally important saprotrophic fungus responsible for severe human infections and extensive crop losses. We analyzed genomic data from 250 (95 clinical and 155 environmental) A. flavus isolates from 9 countries, including 70 newly sequenced clinical isolates, to examine population and pan-genome structure and their relationship to pathogenicity. We identified five A. flavus populations, including a new population, D, corresponding to distinct clades in the genome-wide phylogeny. Strikingly, > 75% of clinical isolates were from population D. Accessory genes, including genes within biosynthetic gene clusters, were significantly more common in some populations but rare in others. Population D was enriched for genes associated with zinc ion binding, lipid metabolism, and certain types of hydrolase activity. In contrast to the major human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus pathogenicity in humans is strongly associated with population structure, making it a great system for investigating how population-specific genes contribute to pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Anne Hatmaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amelia E. Barber
- Institute for Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Milton T. Drott
- Cereal Disease Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Thomas J. C. Sauters
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Heath Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dea Garcia-Hermoso
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Translational Mycology Research Group, Mycology Department, Paris, France
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections NRZMyk, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg. Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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19
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Rolland N, Girard V, Monnin V, Arend S, Perrin G, Ballan D, Beau R, Collin V, D’Arbaumont M, Weill A, Deniel F, Tréguer S, Pawtowski A, Jany JL, Mounier J. Identification of Food Spoilage Fungi Using MALDI-TOF MS: Spectral Database Development and Application to Species Complex. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:456. [PMID: 39057341 PMCID: PMC11277938 DOI: 10.3390/jof10070456] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungi, including filamentous fungi and yeasts, are major contributors to global food losses and waste due to their ability to colonize a very large diversity of food raw materials and processed foods throughout the food chain. In addition, numerous fungal species are mycotoxin producers and can also be responsible for opportunistic infections. In recent years, MALDI-TOF MS has emerged as a valuable, rapid and reliable asset for fungal identification in order to ensure food safety and quality. In this context, this study aimed at expanding the VITEK® MS database with food-relevant fungal species and evaluate its performance, with a specific emphasis on species differentiation within species complexes. To this end, a total of 380 yeast and mold strains belonging to 51 genera and 133 species were added into the spectral database including species from five species complexes corresponding to Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium dimerum, Mucor circinelloides complexes and Aspergillus series nigri. Database performances were evaluated by cross-validation and external validation using 78 fungal isolates with 96.55% and 90.48% correct identification, respectively. This study also showed the capacity of MALDI-TOF MS to differentiate closely related species within species complexes and further demonstrated the potential of this technique for the routine identification of fungi in an industrial context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolwenn Rolland
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
| | - Victoria Girard
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Valérie Monnin
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Sandrine Arend
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Guillaume Perrin
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Damien Ballan
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
| | - Rachel Beau
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Valérie Collin
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Maëlle D’Arbaumont
- bioMérieux, R&D Microbiologie, Route de Port Michaud, F-38390 La Balme les Grottes, France; (N.R.); (V.G.); (V.M.); (S.A.); (G.P.); (R.B.); (V.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Amélie Weill
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
- Univ Brest, UBO Culture Collection, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Franck Deniel
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
| | - Sylvie Tréguer
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
| | - Audrey Pawtowski
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
| | - Jean-Luc Jany
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
| | - Jérôme Mounier
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (D.B.); (A.W.); (F.D.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (J.-L.J.)
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20
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Cissé OH, Ma L, Kovacs JA. Retracing the evolution of Pneumocystis species, with a focus on the human pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0020222. [PMID: 38587383 PMCID: PMC11332345 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00202-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYEvery human being is presumed to be infected by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii at least once in his or her lifetime. This fungus belongs to a large group of species that appear to exclusively infect mammals, with P. jirovecii being the only one known to cause disease in humans. The mystery of P. jirovecii origin and speciation is just beginning to unravel. Here, we provide a review of the major steps of P. jirovecii evolution. The Pneumocystis genus likely originated from soil or plant-associated organisms during the period of Cretaceous ~165 million years ago and successfully shifted to mammals. The transition coincided with a substantial loss of genes, many of which are related to the synthesis of nutrients that can be scavenged from hosts or cell wall components that could be targeted by the mammalian immune system. Following the transition, the Pneumocystis genus cospeciated with mammals. Each species specialized at infecting its own host. Host specialization is presumably built at least partially upon surface glycoproteins, whose protogene was acquired prior to the genus formation. P. jirovecii appeared at ~65 million years ago, overlapping with the emergence of the first primates. P. jirovecii and its sister species P. macacae, which infects macaques nowadays, may have had overlapping host ranges in the distant past. Clues from molecular clocks suggest that P. jirovecii did not cospeciate with humans. Molecular evidence suggests that Pneumocystis speciation involved chromosomal rearrangements and the mounting of genetic barriers that inhibit gene flow among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ousmane H. Cissé
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph A. Kovacs
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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21
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Brown GD, Ballou ER, Bates S, Bignell EM, Borman AM, Brand AC, Brown AJP, Coelho C, Cook PC, Farrer RA, Govender NP, Gow NAR, Hope W, Hoving JC, Dangarembizi R, Harrison TS, Johnson EM, Mukaremera L, Ramsdale M, Thornton CR, Usher J, Warris A, Wilson D. The pathobiology of human fungal infections. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41579-024-01062-w. [PMID: 38918447 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Human fungal infections are a historically neglected area of disease research, yet they cause more than 1.5 million deaths every year. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of these infections has increased considerably over the past decade, through major insights into both the host and pathogen factors that contribute to the phenotype and severity of these diseases. Recent studies are revealing multiple mechanisms by which fungi modify and manipulate the host, escape immune surveillance and generate complex comorbidities. Although the emergence of fungal strains that are less susceptible to antifungal drugs or that rapidly evolve drug resistance is posing new threats, greater understanding of immune mechanisms and host susceptibility factors is beginning to offer novel immunotherapeutic options for the future. In this Review, we provide a broad and comprehensive overview of the pathobiology of human fungal infections, focusing specifically on pathogens that can cause invasive life-threatening infections, highlighting recent discoveries from the pathogen, host and clinical perspectives. We conclude by discussing key future challenges including antifungal drug resistance, the emergence of new pathogens and new developments in modern medicine that are promoting susceptibility to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon D Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | - Elizabeth R Ballou
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Steven Bates
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Elaine M Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Andrew M Borman
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alexandra C Brand
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Carolina Coelho
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter C Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rhys A Farrer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Neil A R Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - William Hope
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - J Claire Hoving
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rachael Dangarembizi
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Johnson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Liliane Mukaremera
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mark Ramsdale
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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22
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Coelho MA, David-Palma M, Shea T, Bowers K, McGinley-Smith S, Mohammad AW, Gnirke A, Yurkov AM, Nowrousian M, Sun S, Cuomo CA, Heitman J. Comparative genomics of the closely related fungal genera Cryptococcus and Kwoniella reveals karyotype dynamics and suggests evolutionary mechanisms of pathogenesis. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002682. [PMID: 38843310 PMCID: PMC11185503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In exploring the evolutionary trajectories of both pathogenesis and karyotype dynamics in fungi, we conducted a large-scale comparative genomic analysis spanning the Cryptococcus genus, encompassing both global human fungal pathogens and nonpathogenic species, and related species from the sister genus Kwoniella. Chromosome-level genome assemblies were generated for multiple species, covering virtually all known diversity within these genera. Although Cryptococcus and Kwoniella have comparable genome sizes (about 19.2 and 22.9 Mb) and similar gene content, hinting at preadaptive pathogenic potential, our analysis found evidence of gene gain (via horizontal gene transfer) and gene loss in pathogenic Cryptococcus species, which might represent evolutionary signatures of pathogenic development. Genome analysis also revealed a significant variation in chromosome number and structure between the 2 genera. By combining synteny analysis and experimental centromere validation, we found that most Cryptococcus species have 14 chromosomes, whereas most Kwoniella species have fewer (11, 8, 5, or even as few as 3). Reduced chromosome number in Kwoniella is associated with formation of giant chromosomes (up to 18 Mb) through repeated chromosome fusion events, each marked by a pericentric inversion and centromere loss. While similar chromosome inversion-fusion patterns were observed in all Kwoniella species with fewer than 14 chromosomes, no such pattern was detected in Cryptococcus. Instead, Cryptococcus species with less than 14 chromosomes showed reductions primarily through rearrangements associated with the loss of repeat-rich centromeres. Additionally, Cryptococcus genomes exhibited frequent interchromosomal translocations, including intercentromeric recombination facilitated by transposons shared between centromeres. Overall, our findings advance our understanding of genetic changes possibly associated with pathogenicity in Cryptococcus and provide a foundation to elucidate mechanisms of centromere loss and chromosome fusion driving distinct karyotypes in closely related fungal species, including prominent global human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Coelho
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Márcia David-Palma
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Terrance Shea
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Katharine Bowers
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sage McGinley-Smith
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Arman W. Mohammad
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andreas Gnirke
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrey M. Yurkov
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Minou Nowrousian
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare und Zelluläre Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Cuomo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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23
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Thambugala KM, Daranagama DA, Tennakoon DS, Jayatunga DPW, Hongsanan S, Xie N. Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans. Pathogens 2024; 13:426. [PMID: 38787278 PMCID: PMC11124197 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human fungal diseases are infections caused by any fungus that invades human tissues, causing superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic diseases. Fungal infections that enter various human tissues and organs pose a significant threat to millions of individuals with weakened immune systems globally. Over recent decades, the reported cases of invasive fungal infections have increased substantially and research progress in this field has also been rapidly boosted. This review provides a comprehensive list of human fungal pathogens extracted from over 850 recent case reports, and a summary of the relevant disease conditions and their origins. Details of 281 human fungal pathogens belonging to 12 classes and 104 genera in the divisions ascomycota, basidiomycota, entomophthoromycota, and mucoromycota are listed. Among these, Aspergillus stands out as the genus with the greatest potential of infecting humans, comprising 16 species known to infect humans. Additionally, three other genera, Curvularia, Exophiala, and Trichophyton, are recognized as significant genera, each comprising 10 or more known human pathogenic species. A phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) of human fungal pathogens was performed to show their phylogenetic relationships and clarify their taxonomies. In addition, this review summarizes the recent advancements in fungal disease diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasun M. Thambugala
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (K.M.T.); (D.P.W.J.)
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
- Center for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Dinushani A. Daranagama
- Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11300, Sri Lanka;
| | - Danushka S. Tennakoon
- Bioengineering and Technological Research Centre for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
| | - Dona Pamoda W. Jayatunga
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (K.M.T.); (D.P.W.J.)
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
- Center for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Sinang Hongsanan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ning Xie
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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24
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Nenciarini S, Renzi S, di Paola M, Meriggi N, Cavalieri D. The yeast-human coevolution: Fungal transition from passengers, colonizers, and invaders. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1639. [PMID: 38146626 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are the cause of more than a billion infections in humans every year, although their interactions with the host are still neglected compared to bacteria. Major systemic fungal infections are very unusual in the healthy population, due to the long history of coevolution with the human host. Humans are routinely exposed to environmental fungi and can host a commensal mycobiota, which is increasingly considered as a key player in health and disease. Here, we review the current knowledge on host-fungi coevolution and the factors that regulate their interaction. On one hand, fungi have learned to survive and inhabit the host organisms as a natural ecosystem, on the other hand, the host immune system finely tunes the response toward fungi. In turn, recognition of fungi as commensals or pathogens regulates the host immune balance in health and disease. In the human gut ecosystem, yeasts provide a fingerprint of the transient microbiota. Their status as passengers or colonizers is related to the integrity of the gut barrier and the risk of multiple disorders. Thus, the study of this less known component of the microbiota could unravel the rules of the transition from passengers to colonizers and invaders, as well as their dependence on the innate component of the host's immune response. This article is categorized under: Infectious Diseases > Environmental Factors Immune System Diseases > Environmental Factors Infectious Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Renzi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica di Paola
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Meriggi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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25
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Dalabehera M, Rathore C, Rathee A, Lal UR. From plants to particles: herbal solutions and nanotechnology combating resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis. Ther Deliv 2024; 15:371-392. [PMID: 38651887 PMCID: PMC11221605 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2023-0133] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite having current advanced therapy, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) remains a common yet debated healthcare-associated topic worldwide due to multi-drug resistance Candida species. In our review, we outlined and highlighted upcoming values with scope of existing and emerging information regarding the possibility of using various natural molecules combined with modern technology that shows promising anti-candida activity in VVC. Furthermore, in this review, we compiled herbal drug molecules and their nanocarriers approach for enhancing the efficacy and stability of herbal molecules. We have also summarized the patent literature available on herbal drug molecules and their nanoformulation techniques that could alternatively become a new innovative era to combat resistance VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Dalabehera
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Ajitgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Charul Rathore
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Ajitgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Ankit Rathee
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Ajitgarh, Punjab, India
| | - Uma Ranjan Lal
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Punjab 160062 Mohali, India
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26
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Jafarlou M. Unveiling the menace: a thorough review of potential pandemic fungal disease. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1338726. [PMID: 38711422 PMCID: PMC11071163 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1338726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Fungal diseases have emerged as a significant global health threat, with the potential to cause widespread outbreaks and significant morbidity and mortality. Anticipating future pandemic fungal diseases is essential for effective preparedness and response strategies. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing research on this topic. Through an extensive examination of scholarly articles, this review identifies potential fungal pathogens that have the potential to become pandemics in the future. It explores the factors contributing to the emergence and spread of these fungal diseases, including climate change, globalization, and antimicrobial resistance. The review also discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating these diseases, including limited access to diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it examines the strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases, such as improved surveillance systems, public health education, and research advancements. The findings of this literature review contribute to our understanding of the potential risks posed by fungal diseases and provide valuable insights for public health professionals and policymakers in effectively preparing for and responding to future pandemic outbreaks. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases.
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27
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Jorge JMP, Martins C, Domingos P, Martins TM, Hartmann DO, Goldman GH, Silva Pereira C. NmrB ( AN9181) expression is activated under oxidative stress conditions acting as a metabolic repressor of Aspergillus nidulans. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1373469. [PMID: 38699477 PMCID: PMC11063244 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1373469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergilli comprise a diversity of species that have been extensively studied due to their catabolic diversity, biotechnological and ecological value, and pathogenicity. An impressive level of structural and functional conservation has been shown for aspergilli, regardless of many (yet) cryptic genomic elements. We have hypothesized the existence of conserved genes responsive to stress in aspergilli. To test the hypothesis of such conserved stress regulators in aspergilli, a straightforward computational strategy integrating well-established bioinformatic tools was used as the starting point. Specifically, five transcriptome-based datasets on exposure to organic compounds were used, covering three distinct Aspergillus species. Among the identified up-regulated genes, only one gene showed the same response in all conditions, AN9181. This gene encodes a protein containing a phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase-like domain and a Nitrogen metabolite repressor regulator domain (NmrA). Deletion of this gene caused significant phenotypic alterations compared to that of the parental strain across diverse conditions. Specifically, the deletion of AN9181 raised the mutant's metabolic activity in different nitrogen sources. The acquired data supports that AN9181 acts by repressing (slowing down) A. nidulans growth when exposed to aromatic compounds in a concentration dependent manner. The same phenotype was observed for amphotericin B. Finally, AN9181 underwent differential upregulation under oxidative stress conditions. Collectively, the data suggest that AN9181, herein assigned as NmrB (Nitrogen Metabolite Repression Regulator B), builds up the genetic machinery of perception of oxidative stress by negatively regulating growth under such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João M. P. Jorge
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Celso Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Domingos
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tiago M. Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Diego O. Hartmann
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cristina Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University Lisbon, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
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Schutz K, Melie T, Smith SD, Quandt CA. Patterns recovered in phylogenomic analysis of Candida auris and close relatives implicate broad environmental flexibility in Candida/Clavispora clade yeasts. Microb Genom 2024; 10. [PMID: 38630608 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens commonly originate from benign or non-pathogenic strains living in the natural environment. The recently emerged human pathogen, Candida auris, is one example of a fungus believed to have originated in the environment and recently transitioned into a clinical setting. To date, however, there is limited evidence about the origins of this species in the natural environment and when it began associating with humans. One approach to overcome this gap is to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships between (1) strains isolated from clinical and non-clinical environments and (2) between species known to cause disease in humans and benign environmental saprobes. C. auris belongs to the Candida/Clavispora clade, a diverse group of 45 yeast species including human pathogens and environmental saprobes. We present a phylogenomic analysis of the Candida/Clavispora clade aimed at understanding the ecological breadth and evolutionary relationships between an expanded sample of environmentally and clinically isolated yeasts. To build a robust framework for investigating these relationships, we developed a whole-genome sequence dataset of 108 isolates representing 18 species, including four newly sequenced species and 18 environmentally isolated strains. Our phylogeny, based on 619 orthologous genes, shows environmentally isolated species and strains interspersed with clinically isolated counterparts, suggesting that there have been many transitions between humans and the natural environment in this clade. Our findings highlight the breadth of environments these yeasts inhabit and imply that many clinically isolated yeasts in this clade could just as easily live outside the human body in diverse natural environments and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Schutz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - Tina Melie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - Stacey D Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - C Alisha Quandt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
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Gierke AM, Hessling M. Photoinactivation by UVA radiation and visible light of Candida auris compared to other fungi. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:681-692. [PMID: 38446403 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
In addition to the rising number of patients affected by viruses and bacteria, the number of fungal infections has also been rising over the years. Due to the increase in resistance to various antimycotics, investigations into further disinfection options are important. In this study, two yeasts (Candida auris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and a mold (Cladosporium cladosporioides) were irradiated at 365, 400, and 450 nm individually. The resulting log 1 reduction doses were determined and compared with other studies. Furthermore, fluorescence measurements of C. auris were performed to detect possible involved photosensitizers. A roughly exponential photoinactivation was observed for all three fungi and all irradiation wavelengths with higher D90 doses for longer wavelengths. The determined log 1 reduction doses of C. auris and S. cerevisiae converged with increasing wavelength. However, S. cerevisiae was more photosensitive than C. auris for all irradiation wavelengths and is therefore not a suitable C. auris surrogate for photoinactivation experiments. For the mold C. cladosporioides, much higher D90 doses were determined than for both yeasts. Concerning potential photosensitizers, flavins and various porphyrins were detected by fluorescence measurements. By excitation at 365 nm, another, so far unreported fluorophore and potential photosensitizer was also observed. Based on its fluorescence spectrum, we assume it to be thiamine.Graphic abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Gierke
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Albert-Einstein-Allee 55, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Martin Hessling
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Albert-Einstein-Allee 55, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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30
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Lax C, Nicolás FE, Navarro E, Garre V. Molecular mechanisms that govern infection and antifungal resistance in Mucorales. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0018822. [PMID: 38445820 PMCID: PMC10966947 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00188-22] [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] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe World Health Organization has established a fungal priority pathogens list that includes species critical or highly important to human health. Among them is the order Mucorales, a fungal group comprising at least 39 species responsible for the life-threatening infection known as mucormycosis. Despite the continuous rise in cases and the poor prognosis due to innate resistance to most antifungal drugs used in the clinic, Mucorales has received limited attention, partly because of the difficulties in performing genetic manipulations. The COVID-19 pandemic has further escalated cases, with some patients experiencing the COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, highlighting the urgent need to increase knowledge about these fungi. This review addresses significant challenges in treating the disease, including delayed and poor diagnosis, the lack of accurate global incidence estimation, and the limited treatment options. Furthermore, it focuses on the most recent discoveries regarding the mechanisms and genes involved in the development of the disease, antifungal resistance, and the host defense response. Substantial advancements have been made in identifying key fungal genes responsible for invasion and tissue damage, host receptors exploited by the fungus to invade tissues, and mechanisms of antifungal resistance. This knowledge is expected to pave the way for the development of new antifungals to combat mucormycosis. In addition, we anticipate significant progress in characterizing Mucorales biology, particularly the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis and antifungal resistance, with the possibilities offered by CRISPR-Cas9 technology for genetic manipulation of the previously intractable Mucorales species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lax
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco E. Nicolás
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eusebio Navarro
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Victoriano Garre
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Shukla R, Soni J, Kumar A, Pandey R. Uncovering the diversity of pathogenic invaders: insights into protozoa, fungi, and worm infections. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1374438. [PMID: 38596382 PMCID: PMC11003270 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1374438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Post COVID-19, there has been renewed interest in understanding the pathogens challenging the human health and evaluate our preparedness towards dealing with health challenges in future. In this endeavour, it is not only the bacteria and the viruses, but a greater community of pathogens. Such pathogenic microorganisms, include protozoa, fungi and worms, which establish a distinct variety of disease-causing agents with the capability to impact the host's well-being as well as the equity of ecosystem. This review summarises the peculiar characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms utilized by these disease-causing organisms. It features their role in causing infection in the concerned host and emphasizes the need for further research. Understanding the layers of pathogenesis encompassing the concerned infectious microbes will help expand targeted inferences with relation to the cause of the infection. This would strengthen and augment benefit to the host's health along with the maintenance of ecosystem network, exhibiting host-pathogen interaction cycle. This would be key to discover the layers underlying differential disease severities in response to similar/same pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Shukla
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Soni
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Pandey
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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32
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Jung P, Briegel-Williams L, Werner L, Jost E, Schultz M, Nürnberg DJ, Grube M, Lakatos M. A direct PCR approach with low-biomass insert opens new horizons for molecular sciences on cryptogam communities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0002424. [PMID: 38349146 PMCID: PMC10952543 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00024-24] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular sequence data have transformed research on cryptogams (e.g., lichens, microalgae, fungi, and symbionts thereof) but methods are still strongly hampered by the small size and intermingled growth of the target organisms, poor cultivability and detrimental effects of their secondary metabolites. Here, we aim to showcase examples on which a modified direct PCR approach for diverse aspects of molecular work on environmental samples concerning biocrusts, biofilms, and cryptogams gives new options for the research community. Unlike traditional approaches, this methodology only requires biomass equivalent to colonies and fragments of 0.2 mm in diameter, which can be picked directly from the environmental sample, and includes a quick DNA lysis followed by a standardized PCR cycle that allows co-cycling of various organisms/target regions in the same run. We demonstrate that this modified method can (i) amplify the most widely used taxonomic gene regions and those used for applied and environmental sciences from single colonies and filaments of free-living cyanobacteria, bryophytes, fungi, and lichens, including their mycobionts, chlorobionts, and cyanobionts from both isolates and in situ material during co-cycling; (ii) act as a tool to confirm that the dominant lichen photobiont was isolated from the original sample; and (iii) optionally remove inhibitory secondary lichen substances. Our results represent examples which highlight the method's potential for future applications covering mycology, phycology, biocrusts, and lichenology, in particular.IMPORTANCECyanobacteria, green algae, lichens, and other cryptogams play crucial roles in complex microbial systems such as biological soil crusts of arid biomes or biofilms in caves. Molecular investigations on environmental samples or isolates of these microorganisms are often hampered by their dense aggregation, small size, or metabolism products which complicate DNA extraction and subsequent PCRs. Our work presents various examples of how a direct DNA extraction and PCR method relying on low biomass inserts can overcome these common problems and discusses additional applications of the workflow including adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Jung
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Laura Briegel-Williams
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Lina Werner
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Emily Jost
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
| | - Matthias Schultz
- Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, Herbarium Hamburgense, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dennis J. Nürnberg
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Dahlem Centre for Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Grube
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Lakatos
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens, Germany
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Rinker DC, Sauters TJC, Steffen K, Gumilang A, Raja HA, Rangel-Grimaldo M, Pinzan CF, de Castro PA, dos Reis TF, Delbaje E, Houbraken J, Goldman GH, Oberlies NH, Rokas A. Strain heterogeneity in a non-pathogenic fungus highlights factors contributing to virulence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.583994. [PMID: 38496489 PMCID: PMC10942418 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.583994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens exhibit extensive strain heterogeneity, including variation in virulence. Whether closely related non-pathogenic species also exhibit strain heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively characterized the pathogenic potentials (i.e., the ability to cause morbidity and mortality) of 16 diverse strains of Aspergillus fischeri, a non-pathogenic close relative of the major pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. In vitro immune response assays and in vivo virulence assays using a mouse model of pulmonary aspergillosis showed that A. fischeri strains varied widely in their pathogenic potential. Furthermore, pangenome analyses suggest that A. fischeri genomic and phenotypic diversity is even greater. Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic profiling identified several pathways and secondary metabolites associated with variation in virulence. Notably, strain virulence was associated with the simultaneous presence of the secondary metabolites hexadehydroastechrome and gliotoxin. We submit that examining the pathogenic potentials of non-pathogenic close relatives is key for understanding the origins of fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Rinker
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Thomas J. C. Sauters
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Karin Steffen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adiyantara Gumilang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Huzefa A. Raja
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Manuel Rangel-Grimaldo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Endrews Delbaje
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Food and Indoor Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicholas H. Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Amin Zadeh H, Zomorodkia AA, Hadi S, Mohammad Zadeh I, Sabetghadam SAA, Hadi V. Synthesis and evaluation of the antifungal activity of 5-hydroxy-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide for use in the oral environment. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2024; 14:211-215. [PMID: 38445048 PMCID: PMC10912861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2024.01.008] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, can cause superficial infections of the oral mucosa as well as disseminated bloodstream and deep-tissue infections. The most frequently employed class of antifungals used for Candida infection treatment are the azole antifungals. Their low price, low toxic qualities, and availability for oral use make fluconazole and similar azole antifungals the preferred treatment for various infections caused by Candida. Nevertheless, developed and intrinsic resistance to antifungals of the azole family has been widely documented in association with various species of Candida. Candida infection management requires synthesizing new compounds to improve azole class antifungals, as Candida isolates resistant to azole are increasingly encountered in the clinical setting. This study aimed to synthesize a new azole compound and investigate its antifungal activity. Methods In this experimental study, 5-hydroxy-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide was synthesized by the reaction between thiosemecarbazide and ethylbezoylacetate. The structure of the synthesized compound was characterized by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and its antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis was investigated by the Spread Plat method to determine its minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results and discussion The Spread Plat test demonstrated that with the increase in 5-hydroxy-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide concentration, colonies of fungi were increasingly eliminated at a significant level(p < 0.001). At a concentration of 1000 ppm, all Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis colonies were destroyed. Conclusions The results indicate that the synthesized compound showed a promising antifungal effect. On the other hand, it had a suitable spectrum of effect, because it showed antifungal effects on both Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Amin Zadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, 76169, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Zomorodkia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Hadi
- Department of Health and Nutriotion, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Mohammad Zadeh
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Hadi
- Department of Health and Nutriotion, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Gao Z, Zhang J, Li K, Sun Y, Wu X, Zhang G, Liu R, Liu R, Zhao D, Cheng M. Design, synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylpyrimidine derivatives as novel antifungal agents targeting CYP51. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:492-505. [PMID: 38389880 PMCID: PMC10880905 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00589e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections, with high morbidity and mortality, have become one of the most serious threats to human health. There are a few kinds of clinical antifungal drugs but large amounts of them are used, so there is an urgent need for a new structural type of antifungal drug. In this study, we carried out three rounds of structural optimisation and modification of the compound YW-01, which was obtained from the preliminary screening of the group, by using the strategy of scaffold hopping. A series of novel phenylpyrimidine CYP51 inhibitors were designed and synthesised. In vitro antifungal testing showed that target compound C6 exhibited good efficacy against seven common clinically susceptible strains, which was significantly superior to the clinical first-line drug fluconazole. Subsequently in vitro tests on metabolic stability and cytotoxicity revealed that C6 was safe and stable for hepatic microsomal function. Finally, C6 warranted further exploration as a possible novel structural type of CYP51 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Jiachen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Kejian Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Yixiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Xudong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Guoqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Rongrong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Rui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District 110016 Shenyang China
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Librais GMN, Jiang Y, Razzaq I, Brandl CJ, Shapiro RS, Lajoie P. Evolutionary diversity of the control of the azole response by Tra1 across yeast species. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkad250. [PMID: 37889998 PMCID: PMC10849324 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Tra1 is an essential coactivator protein of the yeast SAGA and NuA4 acetyltransferase complexes that regulate gene expression through multiple mechanisms including the acetylation of histone proteins. Tra1 is a pseudokinase of the PIKK family characterized by a C-terminal PI3K domain with no known kinase activity. However, mutations of specific arginine residues to glutamine in the PI3K domains (an allele termed tra1Q3) result in reduced growth and increased sensitivity to multiple stresses. In the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the tra1Q3 allele reduces pathogenicity and increases sensitivity to the echinocandin antifungal drug caspofungin, which disrupts the fungal cell wall. Here, we found that compromised Tra1 function, in contrast to what is seen with caspofungin, increases tolerance to the azole class of antifungal drugs, which inhibits ergosterol synthesis. In C. albicans, tra1Q3 increases the expression of genes linked to azole resistance, such as ERG11 and CDR1. CDR1 encodes a multidrug ABC transporter associated with efflux of multiple xenobiotics, including azoles. Consequently, cells carrying tra1Q3 show reduced intracellular accumulation of fluconazole. In contrast, a tra1Q3 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain displayed opposite phenotypes: decreased tolerance to azole, decreased expression of the efflux pump PDR5, and increased intracellular accumulation of fluconazole. Therefore, our data provide evidence that Tra1 differentially regulates the antifungal response across yeast species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Iqra Razzaq
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Christopher J Brandl
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Patrick Lajoie
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
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Money NP. Fungal thermotolerance revisited and why climate change is unlikely to be supercharging pathogenic fungi (yet). Fungal Biol 2024; 128:1638-1641. [PMID: 38341269 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Thermotolerance has been viewed as an uncommon characteristic among the fungi and one of the reasons that less than 1% of the described species operate as opportunistic pathogens of humans. Growth at 37°C is certainly a requirement for a fungus that invades the body core, but tens of thousands of nonpathogenic species are also able to grow at this temperature. Ergo, body temperature does not serve as a thermal barrier to the development of infections by many harmless fungi. The absence of other virulence factors must be more demanding. This observation raises questions about the hypothetical links between climate change and the increasing number of life-threatening human mycoses. Given the widespread distribution of fungal thermotolerance and the 1°C (2°F) increase in global temperature over the last 140 years it seems unlikely that the warming climate has driven the evolution of more virulent strains of fungi. More compelling explanations for the changes in the behavior of fungi as disease agents include their adaptation to the widening use of azole antifungals in hospitals and the wholesale application of millions of tons of the same class of heterocyclic chemicals in agriculture. On the other hand, climate change is having a significant effect on the spread of human mycoses by extending the geographical range of pathogenic fungi. A related increase in fungal asthma caused by spore inhalation is another likely consequence of planetary change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Money
- Western Program and Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA.
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38
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Heuer C, Jiang X, Ron G, Ternyak O, Scheper T, Bahnemann J, Segal E. Photonic Si microwell architectures for rapid antifungal susceptibility determination of Candida auris. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:1305-1308. [PMID: 38197155 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04446g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
We present the application of a photonic silicon chip-based optical sensor system for expeditious and phenotypic antifungal susceptibility testing. This label-free diagnostic assay optically monitors the growth of Candida auris at varying antifungal concentrations on a microwell-structured silicon chip in real-time, and antifungal susceptibility is detected within 6 h, four times faster than in the current gold standard method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Heuer
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel.
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover 30167, Germany
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg 86159, Germany
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel.
| | - Gali Ron
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel.
| | - Orna Ternyak
- Micro- and Nanofabrication and Printing Unit, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Thomas Scheper
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover 30167, Germany
| | - Janina Bahnemann
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg 86159, Germany
| | - Ester Segal
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel.
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Coelho MA, David-Palma M, Shea T, Bowers K, McGinley-Smith S, Mohammad AW, Gnirke A, Yurkov AM, Nowrousian M, Sun S, Cuomo CA, Heitman J. Comparative genomics of Cryptococcus and Kwoniella reveals pathogenesis evolution and contrasting karyotype dynamics via intercentromeric recombination or chromosome fusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.27.573464. [PMID: 38234769 PMCID: PMC10793447 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.27.573464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
A large-scale comparative genomic analysis was conducted for the global human fungal pathogens within the Cryptococcus genus, compared to non-pathogenic Cryptococcus species, and related species from the sister genus Kwoniella. Chromosome-level genome assemblies were generated for multiple species of both genera, resulting in a dataset encompassing virtually all of their known diversity. Although Cryptococcus and Kwoniella have comparable genome sizes (about 19.2 and 22.9 Mb) and similar gene content, hinting at pre-adaptive pathogenic potential, our analysis found evidence in pathogenic Cryptococcus species of specific examples of gene gain (via horizontal gene transfer) and gene loss, which might represent evolutionary signatures of pathogenic development. Genome analysis also revealed a significant variation in chromosome number and structure between the two genera. By combining synteny analysis and experimental centromere validation, we found that most Cryptococcus species have 14 chromosomes, whereas most Kwoniella species have fewer (11, 8, 5 or even as few as 3). Reduced chromosome number in Kwoniella is associated with formation of giant chromosomes (up to 18 Mb) through repeated chromosome fusion events, each marked by a pericentric inversion and centromere loss. While similar chromosome inversion-fusion patterns were observed in all Kwoniella species with fewer than 14 chromosomes, no such pattern was detected in Cryptococcus. Instead, Cryptococcus species with less than 14 chromosomes, underwent chromosome reductions primarily through rearrangements associated with the loss of repeat-rich centromeres. Additionally, Cryptococcus genomes exhibited frequent interchromosomal translocations, including intercentromeric recombination facilitated by transposons shared between centromeres. Taken together, our findings advance our understanding of genomic changes possibly associated with pathogenicity in Cryptococcus and provide a foundation to elucidate mechanisms of centromere loss and chromosome fusion driving distinct karyotypes in closely related fungal species, including prominent global human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Coelho
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Márcia David-Palma
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Terrance Shea
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katharine Bowers
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Andreas Gnirke
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey M. Yurkov
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Minou Nowrousian
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare und Zelluläre Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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40
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Wang JJT, Steenwyk JL, Brem RB. Natural trait variation across Saccharomycotina species. FEMS Yeast Res 2024; 24:foae002. [PMID: 38218591 PMCID: PMC10833146 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foae002] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Among molecular biologists, the group of fungi called Saccharomycotina is famous for its yeasts. These yeasts in turn are famous for what they have in common-genetic, biochemical, and cell-biological characteristics that serve as models for plants and animals. But behind the apparent homogeneity of Saccharomycotina species lie a wealth of differences. In this review, we discuss traits that vary across the Saccharomycotina subphylum. We describe cases of bright pigmentation; a zoo of cell shapes; metabolic specialties; and species with unique rules of gene regulation. We discuss the genetics of this diversity and why it matters, including insights into basic evolutionary principles with relevance across Eukarya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson J -T Wang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jacob L Steenwyk
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rachel B Brem
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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41
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Zhang Z, Li B, Chai Z, Yang Z, Zhang F, Kang F, Ren H, Jin Y, Yue J. Evolution of the ability to evade host innate immune defense by Talaromyces marneffei. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127597. [PMID: 37884245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei is an intracellular pathogenic fungus. Some strains of this fungus have been misidentified due to the similarity between Talaromyces and Penicillium. T. marneffei has mainly been found to afflict immunocompromised individuals, causing respiratory, skin, and systemic mycosis. Mp1p is a key virulence factor that can help T. marneffei evade clearance by the normally functioning immune system. Understanding how novel functions arise is an intriguing question in many fields of biology. Mp1p has two homologous domains (Mp1p-LBD1 and Mp1p-LBD2). Sequence similarity searches with Mp1p-LBD sequences revealed Mp1p homologs in many other pathogenic fungi. Integrated information on the taxonomic distribution, phylogenetic relationships, and sequence similarity of Mp1p domains revealed that the ancestor of Mp1p-LBDs was acquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Additional evidence revealed that Mp1p homologs have undergone extensive gene duplications in T. marneffei. Mp1p might be a result of gene fusion following gene duplication. Furthermore, we propose a new method for identifying Talaromyces and identify 4 strains with misclassification errors. Our results characterize the evolutionary mechanism of T. marneffei evasion of host innate immune defense and clearly demonstrate the role of gene duplication and HGT in the evolution of host immune escape by T. marneffei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Beiping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Zili Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Zilong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Fengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Fuqiang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Hongguang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Yuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Junjie Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China.
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42
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Zhou L, He Z, Zhang K, Wang X. Analysis of Nuclear Dynamics in Nematode-Trapping Fungi Based on Fluorescent Protein Labeling. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1183. [PMID: 38132784 PMCID: PMC10744682 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121183] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nematophagous fungi constitute a category of fungi that exhibit parasitic behavior by capturing, colonizing, and poisoning nematodes, which are critical factors in controlling nematode populations in nature, and provide important research materials for biological control. Arthrobotrys oligospora serves as a model strain among nematophagous fungi, which begins its life as conidia, and then its hyphae produce traps to capture nematodes, completing its lifestyle switch from saprophytic to parasitic. There have been many descriptions of the morphological characteristics of A. oligospora lifestyle changes, but there have been no reports on the nuclear dynamics in this species. In this work, we constructed A. oligospora strains labeled with histone H2B-EGFP and observed the nuclear dynamics from conidia germination and hyphal extension to trap formation. We conducted real-time imaging observations on live cells of germinating and extending hyphae and found that the nucleus was located near the tip. It is interesting that the migration rate of this type of cell nucleus is very fast, and we speculate that this may be related to the morphological changes involved in the transformation to a predatory lifestyle. We suggest that alterations in nuclear shape and fixation imply the immediate disruption of the interaction with cytoskeletal mechanisms during nuclear migration. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the signal initiating nuclear migration into fungal traps is generated at the onset of nucleus entry into a trap cell. Our work provides a reference for analysis of the dynamics of nucleus distribution and a means to visualize protein localization and interactions in A. oligospora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; (L.Z.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhiwei He
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; (L.Z.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Keqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; (L.Z.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; (L.Z.); (Z.H.)
- Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
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43
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Bicer M. Exploring therapeutic avenues: mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and exosomes in confronting enigmatic biofilm-producing fungi. Arch Microbiol 2023; 206:11. [PMID: 38063945 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections concomitant with biofilms can demonstrate an elevated capacity to withstand substantially higher concentrations of antifungal agents, contrasted with infectious diseases caused by planktonic cells. This inherent resilience intrinsic to biofilm-associated infections engenders a formidable impediment to effective therapeutic interventions. The different mechanisms that are associated with the intrinsic resistance of Candida species encompass drug sequestration by the matrix, drug efflux pumps, stress response cell density, and the presence of persister cells. These persisters, a subset of fungi capable of surviving hostile conditions, pose a remarkable challenge in clinical settings in virtue of their resistance to conventional antifungal therapies. Hence, an exigent imperative has arisen for the development of novel antifungal therapeutics with specific targeting capabilities focused on these pathogenic persisters. On a global scale, fungal persistence and their resistance within biofilms generate an urgent clinical need for investigating recently introduced therapeutic strategies. This review delves into the unique characteristics of Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their secreted exosomes, which notably exhibit immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. By comprehensively assessing the current literature and ongoing research in this field, this review sheds light on the plausible mechanisms by which MSCs and their exosomes can be harnessed to selectively target fungal persisters. Additionally, prospective approaches in the use of cell-based therapeutic modalities are examined, emphasizing the importance of further research to overcome the enigmatic fungal persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesude Bicer
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, 38080, Turkey.
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44
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Venice F, Spina F, Davolos D, Ghignone S, Varese GC. The genomes of Scedosporium between environmental challenges and opportunism. IMA Fungus 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38049914 PMCID: PMC10694956 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-023-00128-3] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens are a global challenge for humankind. Many efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms underlying pathogenicity in bacteria, and OMICs techniques are largely responsible for those advancements. By contrast, our limited understanding of opportunism and antifungal resistance is preventing us from identifying, limiting and interpreting the emergence of fungal pathogens. The genus Scedosporium (Microascaceae) includes fungi with high tolerance to environmental pollution, whilst some species can be considered major human pathogens, such as Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium boydii. However, unlike other fungal pathogens, little is known about the genome evolution of these organisms. We sequenced two novel genomes of Scedosporium aurantiacum and Scedosporium minutisporum isolated from extreme, strongly anthropized environments. We compared all the available Scedosporium and Microascaceae genomes, that we systematically annotated and characterized ex novo in most cases. The genomes in this family were integrated in a Phylum-level comparison to infer the presence of putative, shared genomic traits in filamentous ascomycetes with pathogenic potential. The analysis included the genomes of 100 environmental and clinical fungi, revealing poor evolutionary convergence of putative pathogenicity traits. By contrast, several features in Microascaceae and Scedosporium were detected that might have a dual role in responding to environmental challenges and allowing colonization of the human body, including chitin, melanin and other cell wall related genes, proteases, glutaredoxins and magnesium transporters. We found these gene families to be impacted by expansions, orthologous transposon insertions, and point mutations. With RNA-seq, we demonstrated that most of these anciently impacted genomic features responded to the stress imposed by an antifungal compound (voriconazole) in the two environmental strains S. aurantiacum MUT6114 and S. minutisporum MUT6113. Therefore, the present genomics and transcriptomics investigation stands on the edge between stress resistance and pathogenic potential, to elucidate whether fungi were pre-adapted to infect humans. We highlight the strengths and limitations of genomics applied to opportunistic human pathogens, the multifactoriality of pathogenicity and resistance to drugs, and suggest a scenario where pressures other than anthropic contributed to forge filamentous human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Venice
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Spina
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Domenico Davolos
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DIT), INAIL, Research Area, Via R. Ferruzzi 38/40, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), SS Turin-National Research Council (CNR), Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy.
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45
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Wu M, Xu X, Hu R, Chen Q, Chen L, Yuan Y, Li J, Zhou L, Feng S, Wang L, Chen S, Gu M. A Membrane-Targeted Photosensitizer Prevents Drug Resistance and Induces Immune Response in Treating Candidiasis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207736. [PMID: 37875397 PMCID: PMC10724446 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans), a ubiquitous polymorphic fungus in humans, causes different types of candidiasis, including oral candidiasis (OC) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which are physically and mentally concerning and financially costly. Thus, developing alternative antifungals that prevent drug resistance and induce immunity to eliminate Candida biofilms is crucial. Herein, a novel membrane-targeted aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer (PS), TBTCP-QY, is developed for highly efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) of candidiasis. TBTCP-QY has a high molar absorption coefficient and an excellent ability to generate 1 O2 and •OH, entering the interior of biofilms due to its high permeability. Furthermore, TBTCP-QY can efficiently inhibit biofilm formation by suppressing the expression of genes related to the adhesion (ALS3, EAP1, and HWP1), invasion (SAP1 and SAP2), and drug resistance (MDR1) of C. albicans, which is also advantageous for eliminating potential fungal resistance to treat clinical infectious diseases. TBTCP-QY-mediated PDT efficiently targets OC and VVC in vivo in a mouse model, induces immune response, relieves inflammation, and accelerates the healing of mucosal defects to combat infections caused by clinically isolated fluconazole-resistant strains. Moreover, TBTCP-QY demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, suggesting its potential applications in the clinical treatment of OC and VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming‐Yu Wu
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural DrugsSchool of Life Science and EngineeringSouthwest Jiaotong UniversityChengduSichuan610031China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
- Department of Respiratory DiseasesThe Research and Application Center of Precision MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450014China
| | - Qingrong Chen
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
| | - Luojia Chen
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
| | - Yuncong Yuan
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Medical Intensive Care UnitMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei ProvinceTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430070China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
| | - Shun Feng
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural DrugsSchool of Life Science and EngineeringSouthwest Jiaotong UniversityChengduSichuan610031China
| | - Lianrong Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
- Department of Respiratory DiseasesThe Research and Application Center of Precision MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450014China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
| | - Meijia Gu
- Department of GastroenterologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug DiscoveryTaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430071China
- Department of Respiratory DiseasesThe Research and Application Center of Precision MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450014China
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46
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Mikryukov V, Dulya O, Zizka A, Bahram M, Hagh-Doust N, Anslan S, Prylutskyi O, Delgado-Baquerizo M, Maestre FT, Nilsson H, Pärn J, Öpik M, Moora M, Zobel M, Espenberg M, Mander Ü, Khalid AN, Corrales A, Agan A, Vasco-Palacios AM, Saitta A, Rinaldi A, Verbeken A, Sulistyo B, Tamgnoue B, Furneaux B, Duarte Ritter C, Nyamukondiwa C, Sharp C, Marín C, Gohar D, Klavina D, Sharmah D, Dai DQ, Nouhra E, Biersma EM, Rähn E, Cameron E, De Crop E, Otsing E, Davydov E, Albornoz F, Brearley F, Buegger F, Zahn G, Bonito G, Hiiesalu I, Barrio I, Heilmann-Clausen J, Ankuda J, Doležal J, Kupagme J, Maciá-Vicente J, Djeugap Fovo J, Geml J, Alatalo J, Alvarez-Manjarrez J, Põldmaa K, Runnel K, Adamson K, Bråthen KA, Pritsch K, Tchan Issifou K, Armolaitis K, Hyde K, Newsham KK, Panksep K, Lateef AA, Hansson L, Lamit L, Saba M, Tuomi M, Gryzenhout M, Bauters M, Piepenbring M, Wijayawardene NN, Yorou N, Kurina O, Mortimer P, Meidl P, Kohout P, Puusepp R, Drenkhan R, Garibay-Orijel R, Godoy R, Alkahtani S, Rahimlou S, Dudov S, Põlme S, Ghosh S, Mundra S, Ahmed T, Netherway T, Henkel T, Roslin T, Nteziryayo V, Fedosov V, Onipchenko V, Yasanthika WAE, Lim Y, Van Nuland M, Soudzilovskaia N, Antonelli A, Kõljalg U, Abarenkov K, Tedersoo L. Connecting the multiple dimensions of global soil fungal diversity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj8016. [PMID: 38019923 PMCID: PMC10686567 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj8016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
How the multiple facets of soil fungal diversity vary worldwide remains virtually unknown, hindering the management of this essential species-rich group. By sequencing high-resolution DNA markers in over 4000 topsoil samples from natural and human-altered ecosystems across all continents, we illustrate the distributions and drivers of different levels of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of fungi and their ecological groups. We show the impact of precipitation and temperature interactions on local fungal species richness (alpha diversity) across different climates. Our findings reveal how temperature drives fungal compositional turnover (beta diversity) and phylogenetic diversity, linking them with regional species richness (gamma diversity). We integrate fungi into the principles of global biodiversity distribution and present detailed maps for biodiversity conservation and modeling of global ecological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Mikryukov
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Olesya Dulya
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Alexander Zizka
- Department of Biology, Philipps-University, Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Mohammad Bahram
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Niloufar Hagh-Doust
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Sten Anslan
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Oleh Prylutskyi
- Department of Mycology and Plant Resistance, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv 61022, Ukraine
| | - Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Funcionamiento Ecosistemico, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla 41012, Spain
| | - Fernando T. Maestre
- Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio ‘Ramón Margalef’ and Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante 03690, Spain
| | - Henrik Nilsson
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Jaan Pärn
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Maarja Öpik
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Mari Moora
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Martin Zobel
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Mikk Espenberg
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Ülo Mander
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | | | - Adriana Corrales
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Ahto Agan
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Aída-M. Vasco-Palacios
- Grupo de BioMicro y Microbiología Ambiental, Escuela de Microbiologia, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Alessandro Saitta
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | | | - Bobby Sulistyo
- Department Biology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Boris Tamgnoue
- Department of Crop Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Brendan Furneaux
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
| | | | - Casper Nyamukondiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye 10071, Botswana
| | - Cathy Sharp
- Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - César Marín
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación para el Cambio Climático (CiiCC), Universidad SantoTomás, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Daniyal Gohar
- Center of Mycology and Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Darta Klavina
- Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, Salaspils 2169, Latvia
| | - Dipon Sharmah
- Department of Botany, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Pondicherry University, Port Blair 744101, India
| | - Dong-Qin Dai
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan 655011, China
| | - Eduardo Nouhra
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Elisabeth Machteld Biersma
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen 1123, Denmark
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Elisabeth Rähn
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Erin Cameron
- Department of Environmental Science, Saint Mary's University, Halifax B3H 3C3, Canada
| | - Eske De Crop
- Department Biology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Eveli Otsing
- Center of Mycology and Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | | | - Felipe Albornoz
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Wembley 6014, Australia
| | - Francis Brearley
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Franz Buegger
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Geoffrey Zahn
- Biology Department, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT 84058, USA
| | - Gregory Bonito
- Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-6254, USA
| | - Inga Hiiesalu
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Isabel Barrio
- Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Reykjavík 112, Iceland
| | - Jacob Heilmann-Clausen
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
| | - Jelena Ankuda
- Vokė branch, Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), Vilnius LT-02232, Lithuania
| | - Jiri Doležal
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - John Kupagme
- Center of Mycology and Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Jose Maciá-Vicente
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708, Netherlands
| | | | - József Geml
- ELKH-EKKE Lendület Environmental Microbiome Research Group, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, Eger 3300, Hungary
| | - Juha Alatalo
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Kadri Põldmaa
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
- Natural History Museum, University of Tartu, Tartu 51003, Estonia
| | - Kadri Runnel
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Kalev Adamson
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Kari-Anne Bråthen
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9019, Norway
| | - Karin Pritsch
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Kassim Tchan Issifou
- Research Unit Tropical Mycology and Plants-Soil Fungi Interactions, University of Parakou, Parakou 00229, Benin
| | - Kęstutis Armolaitis
- Department of Silviculture and Ecology, Institute of Forestry, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), Girionys 53101, Lithuania
| | - Kevin Hyde
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Kevin K. Newsham
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Kristel Panksep
- Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Adebola Azeez Lateef
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240102, Nigeria
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Linda Hansson
- Gothenburg Centre for Sustainable Development, Gothenburg 41133, Sweden
| | - Louis Lamit
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse 13244, USA
| | - Malka Saba
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Maria Tuomi
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9019, Norway
| | - Marieka Gryzenhout
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Marijn Bauters
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Meike Piepenbring
- Mycology Working Group, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Nalin N. Wijayawardene
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, China
| | - Nourou Yorou
- Research Unit Tropical Mycology and Plants-Soil Fungi Interactions, University of Parakou, Parakou 00229, Benin
| | - Olavi Kurina
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Peter Mortimer
- Center For Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Peter Meidl
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Petr Kohout
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rasmus Puusepp
- Center of Mycology and Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Rein Drenkhan
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Roberto Garibay-Orijel
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Roberto Godoy
- Instituto Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Rahimlou
- Center of Mycology and Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
| | - Sergey Dudov
- Department of Ecology and Plant Geography, Moscow Lomonosov State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Sergei Põlme
- Center of Mycology and Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
- Natural History Museum, University of Tartu, Tartu 51003, Estonia
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Sunil Mundra
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, UAE
| | - Talaat Ahmed
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tarquin Netherway
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Terry Henkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | - Tomas Roslin
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Vincent Nteziryayo
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Burundi, Bujumbura Burundi
| | - Vladimir Fedosov
- Department of Ecology and Plant Geography, Moscow Lomonosov State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Vladimir Onipchenko
- Department of Ecology and Plant Geography, Moscow Lomonosov State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | | | - Young Lim
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Microbiology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Michael Van Nuland
- Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), Dover, DE 19901, USA
| | | | | | - Urmas Kõljalg
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
- Natural History Museum, University of Tartu, Tartu 51003, Estonia
| | - Kessy Abarenkov
- Natural History Museum, University of Tartu, Tartu 51003, Estonia
| | - Leho Tedersoo
- Center of Mycology and Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50409, Estonia
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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47
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Bonincontro G, Scuderi SA, Marino A, Simonetti G. Synergistic Effect of Plant Compounds in Combination with Conventional Antimicrobials against Biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1531. [PMID: 38004397 PMCID: PMC10675371 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and fungal biofilm has increased antibiotic resistance and plays an essential role in many persistent diseases. Biofilm-associated chronic infections are difficult to treat and reduce the efficacy of medical devices. This global problem has prompted extensive research to find alternative strategies to fight microbial chronic infections. Plant bioactive metabolites with antibiofilm activity are known to be potential resources to alleviate this problem. The phytochemical screening of some medicinal plants showed different active groups, such as stilbenes, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenolics, flavonoids, lignans, quinones, and coumarins. Synergistic effects can be observed in the interaction between plant compounds and conventional drugs. This review analyses and summarises the current knowledge on the synergistic effects of plant metabolites in combination with conventional antimicrobials against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The synergism of conventional antimicrobials with plant compounds can modify and inhibit the mechanisms of acquired resistance, reduce undesirable effects, and obtain an appropriate therapeutic effect at lower doses. A deeper knowledge of these combinations and of their possible antibiofilm targets is needed to develop next-generation novel antimicrobials and/or improve current antimicrobials to fight drug-resistant infections attributed to biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Bonincontro
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Sarah Adriana Scuderi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Andreana Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Simonetti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy;
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48
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Del Olmo V, Mixão V, Fotedar R, Saus E, Al Malki A, Księżopolska E, Nunez-Rodriguez JC, Boekhout T, Gabaldón T. Origin of fungal hybrids with pathogenic potential from warm seawater environments. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6919. [PMID: 37903766 PMCID: PMC10616089 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42679-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybridisation is a common event in yeasts often leading to genomic variability and adaptation. The yeast Candida orthopsilosis is a human-associated opportunistic pathogen belonging to the Candida parapsilosis species complex. Most C. orthopsilosis clinical isolates are hybrids resulting from at least four independent crosses between two parental lineages, of which only one has been identified. The rare presence or total absence of parentals amongst clinical isolates is hypothesised to be a consequence of a reduced pathogenicity with respect to their hybrids. Here, we sequence and analyse the genomes of environmental C. orthopsilosis strains isolated from warm marine ecosystems. We find that a majority of environmental isolates are hybrids, phylogenetically closely related to hybrid clinical isolates. Furthermore, we identify the missing parental lineage, thus providing a more complete overview of the genomic evolution of this species. Additionally, we discover phenotypic differences between the two parental lineages, as well as between parents and hybrids, under conditions relevant for pathogenesis. Our results suggest a marine origin of C. orthopsilosis hybrids, with intrinsic pathogenic potential, and pave the way to identify pre-existing environmental adaptations that rendered hybrids more prone than parental lineages to colonise and infect the mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Del Olmo
- Life Sciences Department. Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Mixão
- Life Sciences Department. Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Bioinformatics Unit, Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rashmi Fotedar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Centre, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, P.O Box 20022, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ester Saus
- Life Sciences Department. Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amina Al Malki
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Centre, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, P.O Box 20022, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ewa Księżopolska
- Life Sciences Department. Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Nunez-Rodriguez
- Life Sciences Department. Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teun Boekhout
- College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Department. Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
- Mechanisms of Disease Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain.
- , Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Barcelona, Spain.
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49
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Ramatsitsi MN, Khosa MC, Mashamaite CV, Ramachela K. In Vitro Assessment of Eight Selected Indigenous Fungal Isolates Tolerance to Various Abiotic Stresses and their Effects on Seed Germination. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:386. [PMID: 37875629 PMCID: PMC10598106 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03507-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Fungal bio-control agents (BCA) can minimize use of agro-chemicals while increasing plant productivity and tolerance to biotic-abiotic stressors. Ideally, BCA should tolerate varying environmental conditions they are introduced into, to successfully dominate and protect plants from stressors. However, BCA are living micro-organisms, their survival and efficacy can be impeded by extreme conditions. The current study aimed at evaluating whether indigenous fungal isolates, viz, Aspergillus flavus, A. terreus, Penicillium sp. AL-38 IRH-2012b, Talaromyces minioluteus, T. purpureogenus, T. sayulitensis, Trichoderma ghanense and T. viride can tolerate different levels of salinity, pH, nutrient and temperature. Certain fungal species are pests with potential of destroying many crops; the pathogenic effects of the aforementioned fungal isolates were further assessed on different crops' seeds. The results showed that, although being indigenous, Aspergillus, T. sayulitensis and T. ghanense failed to thrive in high salinity and pH. While Penicillium sp. AL-38 IRH-2012b failed to thrive under reduced nutrient level and all fungal isolates failed to grow at 10-20 °C. Furthermore, it was noted species within the same genus could affect crops in both favorable and unfavorable ways. The study demonstrated that the selected indigenous fungal isolates can tolerate different abiotic conditions and have potential to improve seed germination and seedling growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukondeleli N Ramatsitsi
- School of Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mahikeng, 2745, South Africa.
| | - Mbokota C Khosa
- Agricultural Research Council-Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Mbombela, 1200, South Africa
| | - Chuene V Mashamaite
- Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - Khosi Ramachela
- School of Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mahikeng, 2745, South Africa
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Crop Science Department, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mahikeng, 2745, South Africa
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50
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Shin WS, Xie F, Chen B, Yu J, Lo KW, Tse GMK, To KF, Kang W. Exploring the Microbiome in Gastric Cancer: Assessing Potential Implications and Contextualizing Microorganisms beyond H. pylori and Epstein-Barr Virus. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4993. [PMID: 37894360 PMCID: PMC10605912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204993] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While previous research has primarily focused on the impact of H. pylori and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), emerging evidence suggests that other microbial influences, including viral and fungal infections, may also contribute to gastric cancer (GC) development. The intricate interactions between these microbes and the host's immune response provide a more comprehensive understanding of gastric cancer pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The review highlights the roles of established players such as H. pylori and EBV and the potential impacts of gut bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and fungi such as Candida albicans. Advanced sequencing technologies offer unprecedented insights into the complexities of the gastric microbiome, from microbial diversity to potential diagnostic applications. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential for advanced GC diagnosis and therapies through a better understanding of the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Sum Shin
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
| | - Fuda Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- CUHK—Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Bonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- CUHK—Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
| | - Gary M. K. Tse
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
| | - Ka Fai To
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Wei Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.S.S.); (F.X.); (B.C.); (K.W.L.); (G.M.K.T.); (K.F.T.)
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- CUHK—Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518000, China
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