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Gaspar-Cordeiro A, Amaral C, Pobre V, Antunes W, Petronilho A, Paixão P, Matos AP, Pimentel C. Copper Acts Synergistically With Fluconazole in Candida glabrata by Compromising Drug Efflux, Sterol Metabolism, and Zinc Homeostasis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:920574. [PMID: 35774458 PMCID: PMC9237516 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.920574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The synergistic combinations of drugs are promising strategies to boost the effectiveness of current antifungals and thus prevent the emergence of resistance. In this work, we show that copper and the antifungal fluconazole act synergistically against Candida glabrata, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast intrinsically tolerant to fluconazole. Analyses of the transcriptomic profile of C. glabrata after the combination of copper and fluconazole showed that the expression of the multidrug transporter gene CDR1 was decreased, suggesting that fluconazole efflux could be affected. In agreement, we observed that copper inhibits the transactivation of Pdr1, the transcription regulator of multidrug transporters and leads to the intracellular accumulation of fluconazole. Copper also decreases the transcriptional induction of ergosterol biosynthesis (ERG) genes by fluconazole, which culminates in the accumulation of toxic sterols. Co-treatment of cells with copper and fluconazole should affect the function of proteins located in the plasma membrane, as several ultrastructural alterations, including irregular cell wall and plasma membrane and loss of cell wall integrity, were observed. Finally, we show that the combination of copper and fluconazole downregulates the expression of the gene encoding the zinc-responsive transcription regulator Zap1, which possibly, together with the membrane transporters malfunction, generates zinc depletion. Supplementation with zinc reverts the toxic effect of combining copper with fluconazole, underscoring the importance of this metal in the observed synergistic effect. Overall, this work, while unveiling the molecular basis that supports the use of copper to enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, paves the way for the development of new metal-based antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gaspar-Cordeiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Amaral
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pobre
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação da Academia Militar (CINAMIL), Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Petronilho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paulo Paixão
- Unidade de Infeção, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Chronic Diseases Research Centre – CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica – SYNLAB, Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António P. Matos
- Egas Moniz Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Egas Moniz Higher Education Cooperative, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pimentel
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Catarina Pimentel,
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2
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Identification of Six Thiolases and their Effects on Fatty Acid and Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Aspergillus oryzae. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0237221. [PMID: 35138925 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02372-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thiolase plays important roles in lipid metabolism. It can be divided into degradative thiolases (Thioase I) and biosynthetic thiolases (thiolases II), which are involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and acetoacetyl-CoA biosynthesis, respectively. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) genome harbors only one gene each for thioase I and thiolase II, namely, Pot1 and Erg10, respectively. In this study, six thiolases (named AoErg10A-AoErg10F) were identified in Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) genome using bioinformatics analysis. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated that the expression of these six thiolases varied at different growth time and under different forms of abiotic stress. Subcellular localization analysis showed that AoErg10A was located in the cytoplasm, AoErg10B and AoErg10C in the mitochondria, and AoErg10D-AoErg10F in the peroxisome. Yeast heterologous complementation assays revealed that AoErg10A, AoErg10D, AoErg10E, AoErg10F and cytoplasmic AoErg10B (AoErg10BΔMTS) recovered the phenotypes of S. cerevisiae erg10 weak and lethal mutants, and that only AoErg10D-F recovered the phenotype of the pot1 mutant that cannot use oleic acid as the carbon source. Overexpression of AoErg10s either affected the growth speed or sporulation of the transgenic strains. In addition, the fatty acid and ergosterol content changed in all the AoErg10-overexpressing strains. This study revealed the function of six thiolases in A. oryzae and their effect on growth, and fatty acid and ergosterol biosynthesis, which may lay the foundation for genetic engineering for lipid metabolism in A. oryzae or other fungi. Importance Thiolase including thioase I and thiolase II, plays important roles in lipid metabolism. A. oryzae, one of the most industrially important filamentous fungi, has been widely used for manufacturing oriental fermented food such as sauce, miso, and sake for a long time. Besides, A. oryzae has a high capability in production of high lipid content and has been used for lipid production. Thus, it is very important to investigate the function of thiolases in A. oryzae. In this study, six thiolase (named AoErg10A-AoErg10F) were identified by bioinformatics analysis. Unlike other reported thiolases in fungi, three of the six thiolases showed dual function of thioase I and thiolase II in S. cerevisiae, indicating the lipid metabolism is more complex in A. oryzae. The reveal of function of these thiolases in A. oryzae can lay the foundation for genetic engineering for lipid metabolism in A. oryzae or other fungi.
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3
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Hunsaker EW, Yu CHA, Franz KJ. Copper Availability Influences the Transcriptomic Response of Candida albicans to Fluconazole Stress. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6162163. [PMID: 33693623 PMCID: PMC8049437 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of pathogens to maintain homeostatic levels of essential biometals is known to be important for survival and virulence in a host, which itself regulates metal availability as part of its response to infection. Given this importance of metal homeostasis, we sought to address how the availability of copper in particular impacts the response of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans to treatment with the antifungal drug fluconazole. The present study reports whole transcriptome analysis via time-course RNA-seq of C. albicans cells exposed to fluconazole with and without 10 µM supplemental CuSO4 added to the growth medium. The results show widespread impacts of small changes in Cu availability on the transcriptional response of C. albicans to fluconazole. Of the 2359 genes that were differentially expressed under conditions of cotreatment, 50% were found to be driven uniquely by exposure to both Cu and fluconazole. The breadth of metabolic processes that were affected by cotreatment illuminates a fundamental intersectionality between Cu metabolism and fungal response to drug stress. More generally, these results show that seemingly minor fluctuations in Cu availability are sufficient to shift cells’ transcriptional response to drug stress. Ultimately, the findings may inform the development of new strategies that capitalize on drug-induced vulnerabilities in metal homeostasis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Hunsaker
- Department of Chemistry, French Family Science Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | | | - Katherine J Franz
- Department of Chemistry, French Family Science Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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4
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Khemiri I, Tebbji F, Sellam A. Transcriptome Analysis Uncovers a Link Between Copper Metabolism, and Both Fungal Fitness and Antifungal Sensitivity in the Opportunistic Yeast Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:935. [PMID: 32508775 PMCID: PMC7248230 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper homeostasis is an important determinant for virulence of many human pathogenic fungi such as the highly prevalent yeast Candida albicans. However, beyond the copper transporter Ctr1, little is known regarding other genes and biological processes that are affected by copper. To gain insight into the cellular processes that are modulated by copper abundance in C. albicans, we monitored the global gene expression dynamic under both copper depletion and excess using RNA-seq. Beyond copper metabolism, other different transcriptional programs related to fungal fitness such as stress responses, antifungal sensitivity, host invasion and commensalism were modulated in response to copper variations. We have also investigated the transcriptome of the mutant of the copper utilization regulator, mac1, and identified potential direct targets of this transcription factor under copper starvation. We also showed that Mac1 was required for the invasion and adhesion to host cells and antifungal tolerance. This study provides a framework for future studies to examine the link between copper metabolism and essential functions that modulate fungal virulence and fitness inside the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Khemiri
- CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Faiza Tebbji
- CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Adnane Sellam
- CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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5
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Cirigliano A, Amelina A, Biferali B, Macone A, Mozzetta C, Bianchi MM, Mori M, Botta B, Pick E, Negri R, Rinaldi T. Statins interfere with the attachment of S. cerevisiae mtDNA to the inner mitochondrial membrane. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 35:129-137. [PMID: 31694426 PMCID: PMC6844431 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1687461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, a key enzyme of the mevalonate pathway for the synthesis of cholesterol in mammals (ergosterol in fungi), is inhibited by statins, a class of cholesterol lowering drugs. Indeed, statins are in a wide medical use, yet statins treatment could induce side effects as hepatotoxicity and myopathy in patients. We used Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model to investigate the effects of statins on mitochondria. We demonstrate that statins are active in S.cerevisiae by lowering the ergosterol content in cells and interfering with the attachment of mitochondrial DNA to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Experiments on murine myoblasts confirmed these results in mammals. We propose that the instability of mitochondrial DNA is an early indirect target of statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cirigliano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Amelina
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Biferali
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Mozzetta
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Maria Bianchi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elah Pick
- Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa at Oranim, Tivon, Israel
| | - Rodolfo Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Rinaldi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Rome, Italy
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6
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Sun Y, Niu Y, Huang H, He B, Ma L, Tu Y, Tran VT, Zeng B, Hu Z. Mevalonate Diphosphate Decarboxylase MVD/Erg19 Is Required for Ergosterol Biosynthesis, Growth, Sporulation and Stress Tolerance in Aspergillus oryzae. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1074. [PMID: 31156588 PMCID: PMC6532591 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MVD; EC 4.1.1.33) is a key enzyme of the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway. In fungi, the MVA pathway functions as upstream of ergosterol biosynthesis, and MVD is also known as Erg19. Previously, we have identified Aoerg19 in Aspergillus oryzae using bioinformatic analysis. In this study, we showed that AoErg19 function is conserved using phylogenetic analysis and yeast complementation assay. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated that Aoerg19 expression changed in different growth stages and under different forms of abiotic stress. Subcellular localization analysis showed that AoErg19 was located in the vacuole. Overexpression of Aoerg19 decreased the ergosterol content in A. oryzae, which may due to the feedback-mediated downregulation of Aoerg8. Consistent with the decrease in ergosterol content, both Aoerg19 overexpression and RNAi strains of A. oryzae are sensitive to abiotic stressors, including ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor, temperature, salt and ethanol. Thus, we have identified the function of AoErg19 in A. oryzae, which may assist in genetic modification of MVA and the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Sun
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yali Niu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin He
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Long Ma
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yayi Tu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Van-Tuan Tran
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme - Protein Technology, VNU University of Science, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Faculty of Biology, VNU University of Science, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bin Zeng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering and Co-Innovation Center for In-vitro Diagnostic Reagents and Devices of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
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7
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Uchiyama H, Tsujimoto M, Shimada N, Tsutsui K, Nitta A, Yoshida T, Furukubo T, Izumi S, Yamakawa T, Tachiki H, Minegaki T, Nishiguchi K. Evaluation of Trace Elements in Augmentation of Statin-Induced Cytotoxicity in Uremic Serum-Exposed Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10020053. [PMID: 29370118 PMCID: PMC5848154 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at higher risk for rhabdomyolysis induced by statin than patients with normal kidney function. Previously, we showed that this increase in the severity of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis was partly due to uremic toxins. However, changes in the quantity of various trace elements in ESKD patients likely contribute as well. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of trace elements on statin-induced toxicity in rhabdomyosarcoma cells exposed to uremic serum (US cells) for a long time. Cell viability, apoptosis, mRNA expression, and intracellular trace elements were assessed by viability assays, flow cytometry, real-time RT-PCR, and ICP-MS, respectively. US cells exhibited greater simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity than cells long-time exposed with normal serum (NS cells) (non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals). Intracellular levels of Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn were significantly less in US cells compared to that in NS cells (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Pre-treatment with TPEN increased simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity and eliminated the distinction between both cells of simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that Zn deficiencies may be involved in the increased risk for muscle complaints in ESKD patients. In conclusion, the increased severity of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis in ESKD patients may be partly due to trace elements deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Uchiyama
- Research & Development Division, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kyoto Research Park KISTIC#202, 134 Chudoji Minami-Machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8813, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Tsujimoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Misasagi Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
| | - Naomi Shimada
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Misasagi Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
| | - Koji Tsutsui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Misasagi Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
| | - Ayaka Nitta
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Misasagi Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
| | - Takuya Yoshida
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Misasagi Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
- Department of Pharmacy Service, Shirasagi Hospital, 7-11-23 Kumata, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0002, Japan.
| | - Taku Furukubo
- Department of Pharmacy Service, Shirasagi Hospital, 7-11-23 Kumata, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0002, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Izumi
- Department of Pharmacy Service, Shirasagi Hospital, 7-11-23 Kumata, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0002, Japan.
| | - Tomoyuki Yamakawa
- Department of Medicine, Shirasagi Hospital, 7-11-23 Kumata, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 546-0002, Japan.
| | - Hidehisa Tachiki
- Research & Development Division, Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kyoto Research Park KISTIC#202, 134 Chudoji Minami-Machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8813, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Minegaki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Misasagi Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
| | - Kohshi Nishiguchi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Misasagi Nakauchi-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
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8
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Parihar SP, Hartley MA, Hurdayal R, Guler R, Brombacher F. Topical Simvastatin as Host-Directed Therapy against Severity of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33458. [PMID: 27632901 PMCID: PMC5025842 DOI: 10.1038/srep33458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that statins mediate protection against intracellular pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes in mice. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory potential of simvastatin as a topical or systemic host-directed drug therapy in controlling inflammatory responses in an experimental mouse model of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major (LV39). In an ear infection model, topical application of simvastatin directly on established lesions significantly reduced severity of the disease reflected by ear lesion size and ulceration. The host protective effect was further accompanied by decreased parasite burden in the ear and draining lymph nodes in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Pre-treatment of these mice on a low-fat cholesterol diet and systemic simvastatin also reduced footpad swelling, as well as parasite burdens and ulceration/necrosis in the more robust footpad infection model, demonstrating the prophylactic potential of simvastatin for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Mechanistically, following L. major infection, simvastatin-treated primary macrophages responded with significantly reduced cholesterol levels and increased production of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, simvastatin-treated macrophages displayed enhanced phagosome maturation, as revealed by increased LAMP-3 expression in fluorescent microscopy and Western blot analysis. These findings demonstrate that simvastatin treatment enhances host protection against L. major by increasing macrophage phagosome maturation and killing effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj P Parihar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary-Anne Hartley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, Epalinges, CH1066, Switzerland
| | - Ramona Hurdayal
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch-7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Reto Guler
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Brombacher
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Licursi V, Salvi C, De Cesare V, Rinaldi T, Mattei B, Fabbri C, Serino G, Bramasole L, Zimbler JZ, Pick E, Barnes BM, Bard M, Negri R. The COP9 signalosome is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and of transition metals uptake inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. FEBS J 2013; 281:175-90. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Licursi
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
| | - Chiara Salvi
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
| | - Virginia De Cesare
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
| | - Teresa Rinaldi
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
| | - Benedetta Mattei
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
| | - Claudia Fabbri
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
| | - Giovanna Serino
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
| | - Laylan Bramasole
- Department of Biology; University of Haifa at Oranim; Tivon Israel
| | - Jacob Z. Zimbler
- Department of Biology; University of Haifa at Oranim; Tivon Israel
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology; University of Haifa; Israel
| | - Elah Pick
- Department of Biology; University of Haifa at Oranim; Tivon Israel
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology; University of Haifa; Israel
| | - Brett M. Barnes
- Department of Biology; Indiana University - Purdue University; Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Martin Bard
- Department of Biology; Indiana University - Purdue University; Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Rodolfo Negri
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’; Sapienza University of Rome; Italy
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10
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Maciejak A, Leszczynska A, Warchol I, Gora M, Kaminska J, Plochocka D, Wysocka-Kapcinska M, Tulacz D, Siedlecka J, Swiezewska E, Sojka M, Danikiewicz W, Odolczyk N, Szkopinska A, Sygitowicz G, Burzynska B. The effects of statins on the mevalonic acid pathway in recombinant yeast strains expressing human HMG-CoA reductase. BMC Biotechnol 2013; 13:68. [PMID: 24128347 PMCID: PMC3765880 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-13-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be a useful model for studying cellular mechanisms related to sterol synthesis in humans due to the high similarity of the mevalonate pathway between these organisms. This metabolic pathway plays a key role in multiple cellular processes by synthesizing sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. Statins are well-known inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), the key enzyme of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. However, the effects of statins extend beyond their cholesterol-lowering action, since inhibition of HMGR decreases the synthesis of all products downstream in the mevalonate pathway. Using transgenic yeast expressing human HMGR or either yeast HMGR isoenzyme we studied the effects of simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin and rosuvastatin on the cell metabolism. Results Statins decreased sterol pools, prominently reducing sterol precursors content while only moderately lowering ergosterol level. Expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in sterol biosynthesis was induced, while genes from nonsterol isoprenoid pathways, such as coenzyme Q and dolichol biosynthesis or protein prenylation, were diversely affected by statin treatment. Statins increased the level of human HMGR protein substantially and only slightly affected the levels of Rer2 and Coq3 proteins involved in non-sterol isoprenoid biosynthesis. Conclusion Statins influence the sterol pool, gene expression and protein levels of enzymes from the sterol and nonsterol isoprenoid biosynthesis branches and this effect depends on the type of statin administered. Our model system is a cheap and convenient tool for characterizing individual statins or screening for novel ones, and could also be helpful in individualized selection of the most efficient HMGR inhibitors leading to the best response and minimizing serious side effects.
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Skelly DA, Merrihew GE, Riffle M, Connelly CF, Kerr EO, Johansson M, Jaschob D, Graczyk B, Shulman NJ, Wakefield J, Cooper SJ, Fields S, Noble WS, Muller EGD, Davis TN, Dunham MJ, Maccoss MJ, Akey JM. Integrative phenomics reveals insight into the structure of phenotypic diversity in budding yeast. Genome Res 2013; 23:1496-504. [PMID: 23720455 PMCID: PMC3759725 DOI: 10.1101/gr.155762.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the quantitative characteristics and structure of phenotypic diversity, we measured over 14,000 transcript, protein, metabolite, and morphological traits in 22 genetically diverse strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. More than 50% of all measured traits varied significantly across strains [false discovery rate (FDR) = 5%]. The structure of phenotypic correlations is complex, with 85% of all traits significantly correlated with at least one other phenotype (median = 6, maximum = 328). We show how high-dimensional molecular phenomics data sets can be leveraged to accurately predict phenotypic variation between strains, often with greater precision than afforded by DNA sequence information alone. These results provide new insights into the spectrum and structure of phenotypic diversity and the characteristics influencing the ability to accurately predict phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Skelly
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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12
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Liu J, Zhu Y, Du G, Zhou J, Chen J. Exogenous ergosterol protects Saccharomyces cerevisiae
from d
-limonene stress. J Appl Microbiol 2012; 114:482-91. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology; Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
| | - Y. Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology; Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
| | - G. Du
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology; Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology; Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
| | - J. Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology; Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology; Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
| | - J. Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology; Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology; Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University; Wuxi Jiangsu China
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13
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Callegari S, Gregory PA, Sykes MJ, Bellon J, Andrews S, McKinnon RA, de Barros Lopes MA. Polymorphisms in the mitochondrial ribosome recycling factor EF-G2mt/MEF2 compromise cell respiratory function and increase atorvastatin toxicity. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002755. [PMID: 22719265 PMCID: PMC3375252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial translation, essential for synthesis of the electron transport chain complexes in the mitochondria, is governed by nuclear encoded genes. Polymorphisms within these genes are increasingly being implicated in disease and may also trigger adverse drug reactions. Statins, a class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to treat hypercholesterolemia, are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. However, a significant proportion of users suffer side effects of varying severity that commonly affect skeletal muscle. The mitochondria are one of the molecular targets of statins, and these drugs have been known to uncover otherwise silent mitochondrial mutations. Based on yeast genetic studies, we identify the mitochondrial translation factor MEF2 as a mediator of atorvastatin toxicity. The human ortholog of MEF2 is the Elongation Factor Gene (EF-G) 2, which has previously been shown to play a specific role in mitochondrial ribosome recycling. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of expression in human cell lines, we demonstrate that the EF-G2mt gene is required for cell growth on galactose medium, signifying an essential role for this gene in aerobic respiration. Furthermore, EF-G2mt silenced cell lines have increased susceptibility to cell death in the presence of atorvastatin. Using yeast as a model, conserved amino acid variants, which arise from non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EF-G2mt gene, were generated in the yeast MEF2 gene. Although these mutations do not produce an obvious growth phenotype, three mutations reveal an atorvastatin-sensitive phenotype and further analysis uncovers a decreased respiratory capacity. These findings constitute the first reported phenotype associated with SNPs in the EF-G2mt gene and implicate the human EF-G2mt gene as a pharmacogenetic candidate gene for statin toxicity in humans. The mitochondria are responsible for producing the cell's energy. Energy production is the result of carefully orchestrated interactions between proteins encoded by the mitochondrial DNA and by nuclear DNA. Sequence variations in genes encoding these proteins have been shown to cause disease and adverse drug reactions in patients. The cholesterol-lowering drugs statins are one class of drugs that interfere with mitochondrial function. Statins are one of the most prescribed drugs in the western world, but many users suffer side effects, commonly muscle pain. In severe cases this can lead to muscle breakdown and liver failure. In this study, we discover that disruption of a mitochondrial translation gene, EF-G2mt, impedes respiration and increases cell death when exposed to statin. Using the simple unicellular organism yeast as a model, the activity of naturally occurring human EF-G2mt variants is tested. Three of these variants render yeast cells more sensitive to statin. Patients who possess these EF-G2mt variations may be more susceptible to statin side effects. Importantly, the test for statin sensitivity also led to the discovery of mutants that have a reduced energy production capacity. The decreased ability to produce energy is linked to a number of diseases, including myopathies and liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Callegari
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Philip A. Gregory
- Division of Human Immunology, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Sykes
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Sansom Institute, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bellon
- Australian Wine Research Institute, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stuart Andrews
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ross A. McKinnon
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Miguel A. de Barros Lopes
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
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