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Derkacz D, Grzybowska M, Cebula L, Krasowska A. Surfactin and Capric Acid Affect the Posaconazole Susceptibility of Candida albicans Strains with Altered Sterols and Sphingolipids Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17499. [PMID: 38139328 PMCID: PMC10743603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Candida spp. pose a continuing challenge for modern medicine, due to widespread resistance to commonly used antifungal agents (e.g., azoles). Thus, there is considerable interest in discovering new, natural compounds that can be used in combination therapy with conventional antibiotics. Here, we investigate whether the natural compounds surfactin and capric acid, in combination with posaconazole, enhance the growth inhibition of C. albicans strains with alterations in sterols and the sphingolipids biosynthesis pathway. We demonstrate that combinations of posaconazole with surfactin or capric acid correspond with the decreased growth of C. albicans strains. Moreover, surfactin and capric acid can independently contribute to the reduced adhesion of C. albicans strains with altered ergosterol biosynthesis to abiotic surfaces (up to 90% reduction in adhesion). A microscopic study of the C. albicans plasma membrane revealed that combinations of those compounds do not correspond with the increased permeabilization of the plasma membrane when compared to cells treated with posaconazole alone. This suggests that the fungistatic effect of posaconazole in combination with surfactin or capric acid is related to the reduction in adhesion of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Krasowska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.D.); (M.G.); (L.C.)
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2
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Campbell JX, Schulte NB, Lai B, Harris HH, Franz KJ. Histatin-5 interacts with cellular copper to promote antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Metallomics 2023; 15:mfad070. [PMID: 38061812 PMCID: PMC10733623 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfad070] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Histatin-5 (Hist-5) is an antimicrobial peptide found in human saliva that functions to defend the oral cavity from microbial infections, such as those caused by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans (C. albicans). Hist-5 can bind Cu in multiple oxidation states, Cu2+ and Cu+in vitro, and supplemental Cu2+ has been shown to improve the fungicidal activity of the peptide against C. albicans in culture. However, the exact role of Cu on the antifungal activity of Hist-5 and whether direct peptide-Cu interactions occur intracellularly has yet to be fully determined. Here, we used a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and confocal microscopy experiments to show reversible Cu-dependent quenching of a fluorescent Hist-5 analogue, Hist-5*, indicating a direct interaction between Hist-5 and intracellular Cu. X-ray fluorescence microscopy images revealed peptide-induced changes to cellular Cu distribution and cell-associated Cu content. These data support a model in which Hist-5 can facilitate the hyperaccumulation of Cu in C. albicans and directly interact with Cu intracellularly to increase the fungicidal activity of Hist-5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barry Lai
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Hugh H Harris
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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3
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Cortat Y, Zobi F. Resurgence and Repurposing of Antifungal Azoles by Transition Metal Coordination for Drug Discovery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2398. [PMID: 37896159 PMCID: PMC10609764 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102398] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordination compounds featuring one or more antifungal azole (AA) ligands constitute an interesting family of candidate molecules, given their medicinal polyvalence and the viability of drug complexation as a strategy to improve and repurpose available medications. This review reports the work performed in the field of coordination derivatives of AAs synthesized for medical purposes by discussing the corresponding publications and emphasizing the most promising compounds discovered so far. The resulting overview highlights the efficiency of AAs and their metallic species, as well as the potential still lying in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Zobi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland;
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4
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Abstract
Fungal infections are rising, with over 1.5 billion cases and more than 1 million deaths recorded each year. Among these, Candida infections are frequent in at-risk populations and the rapid development of drug resistance and tolerance contributes to their clinical persistence. Few antifungal drugs are available, and their efficacy is declining due to the environmental overuse and the expansion of multidrug-resistant species. One way to prolong their utility is by applying them in combination therapy. Here, we highlight recently described azole potentiators belonging to different categories: natural, repurposed, or novel compounds. We showcase examples of molecules and discuss their identified or proposed mode of action. We also emphasise the challenges in azole potentiator development, compounded by the lack of animal testing, the overreliance on Candida albicans and Candida auris, as well as the limited understanding of compound efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iuliana V. Ene
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Fungal Heterogeneity Group, Paris, France
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5
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Cong L, Chen C, Mao S, Han Z, Zhu Z, Li Y. Intestinal bacteria-a powerful weapon for fungal infections treatment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1187831. [PMID: 37333850 PMCID: PMC10272564 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1187831] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of invasive fungal infections are rising gradually. In recent years, fungi have quietly evolved stronger defense capabilities and increased resistance to antibiotics, posing huge challenges to maintaining physical health. Therefore, developing new drugs and strategies to combat these invasive fungi is crucial. There are a large number of microorganisms in the intestinal tract of mammals, collectively referred to as intestinal microbiota. At the same time, these native microorganisms co-evolve with their hosts in symbiotic relationship. Recent researches have shown that some probiotics and intestinal symbiotic bacteria can inhibit the invasion and colonization of fungi. In this paper, we review the mechanism of some intestinal bacteria affecting the growth and invasion of fungi by targeting the virulence factors, quorum sensing system, secreting active metabolites or regulating the host anti-fungal immune response, so as to provide new strategies for resisting invasive fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Cong
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chaoqun Chen
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Mao
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zibing Han
- Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zuobin Zhu
- Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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6
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Cao S, Wang Q, Sun Z, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Huang Q, Ding G, Jia Z. Role of cuproptosis in understanding diseases. Hum Cell 2023:10.1007/s13577-023-00914-6. [PMID: 37154876 PMCID: PMC10165592 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell death is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Recently, the term "cuproptosis" was coined to describe a novel type of cell death. This type of cell death, characterized by copper accumulation and proteotoxic stress, is a copper-dependent manner of death. Despite the progress achieved toward a better understanding of cuproptosis, mechanisms and related signaling pathways in physiology and pathology across various diseases remain to be proved. This mini review summarizes current research on cuproptosis and diseases, providing insights into prospective clinical therapies via targeting cuproptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihan Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Zhenzhen Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qianqi Liu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qun Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Guixia Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Zhanjun Jia
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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7
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He C, Zhang H, Guo Z, Mo Z. A cuproptosis-related signature for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:146-164. [PMID: 36915443 PMCID: PMC10007928 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered type of cell death caused by protein toxicity stress, with copper having considerable importance in GC development. Methods First, differentially expressed (DE) cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) were screened in GC. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) of CRGs was analyzed. We then performed enrichment analyses of DE-CRGs. Next, we constructed a GC cuproptosis-related (CR) signature (CRs) using Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses. The predictive efficacy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Furthermore, we performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Different methods were used to assess tumor immunity of the CRs, and the Wilcoxon test was used to examine the expressions of m6A-, m7G-, and ferroptosis-related genes. The "pRRophetic" R package (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing) was used to predict the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 of common chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, the expression of CRGs in different clusters was analyzed using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Results We identified 8 DE-CRGs in GC. There were 9 CRGs with TMB values >1%. We constructed gene expression networks and CRs for GC. The DE-CRGs were involved in important mitochondrial metabolic pathways, and the CRs was a valuable independent prognosis factor. The GSEA revealed that angiogenesis and metabolic-related pathways were enriched in the high-risk group, whereas the low-risk group showed enrichment in DNA replication mismatch and repair pathways. The expressions of immunological checkpoints, ferroptosis-, m6A-, and m7G-related genes, type II interferon (INF) response, major histocompatibility complex (MHC class-I), and the IC50 of the copper-based carrier drug elesclomol were significantly different between the 2 groups of the CRs. Furthermore, the scRNA-seq analysis showed that most CRGs were mainly upregulated in endothelial cells. Conclusions The novel CRs could predict the prognosis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei He
- School of Intelligent Medicine and Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Intelligent Medicine and Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zehao Guo
- School of Intelligent Medicine and Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhijing Mo
- School of Intelligent Medicine and Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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8
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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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9
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Exploring Titanium(IV) Complexes as Potential Antimicrobial Compounds. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020158. [PMID: 35203761 PMCID: PMC8868518 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid mutation of pathogenic microorganisms, drug-resistant superbugs have evolved. Antimicrobial-resistant germs may share their resistance genes with other germs, making them untreatable. The search for more combative antibiotic compounds has led researchers to explore metal-based strategies centered on perturbing the bioavailability of essential metals in microbes and examining the therapeutic potential of metal complexes. Given the limited knowledge on the application of titanium(IV), in this work, eight Ti(IV) complexes and some of their corresponding ligands were screened by the Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery for antimicrobial activity. The compounds were selected for evaluation because of their low cytotoxic/antiproliferative behavior against a human non-cancer cell line. At pH 7.4, these compounds vary in terms of their solution stability and ligand exchange lability; therefore, an assessment of their solution behavior provides some insight regarding the importance of the identity of the metal compound to the antimicrobial therapeutic potential. Only one compound, Ti(deferasirox)2, exhibited promising inhibitory activity against the Gram-positive bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and minimal toxicity against human cells. The ability of this compound to undergo transmetalation with labile Fe(III) sources and, as a consequence, inhibit Fe bioavailability and ribonucleotide reductase is evaluated as a possible mechanism for its antibiotic effect.
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10
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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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11
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A copper(II)-binding triazole derivative with ionophore properties is active against Candida spp. J Biol Inorg Chem 2020; 25:1117-1128. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-020-01828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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12
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Interactions between invasive fungi and symbiotic bacteria. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:137. [PMID: 32794072 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-02913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Infection rates and mortality associated with the invasive fungi Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus are increasing rapidly in prevalence. Meanwhile, screening pressure brought about by traditional antifungal drugs has induced an increase in drug resistance of invasive fungi, which creates a great challenge for the preservation of physical health. Development of new drugs and novel strategies are therefore important to meet these growing challenges. Recent studies have confirmed that the dynamic balance of microorganisms in the body is correlated with the occurrence of infectious diseases. This discovery of interactions between bacteria and fungi provides innovative insight for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. However, different invasive fungi and symbiotic bacteria interact with each other through various ways and targets, leading to different effects on their growth, morphology, and virulence. And the mechanism and implication of these interactions remains largely unknown. The present review aims to summarize the research progress into the interaction between invasive fungi and symbiotic bacteria with a focus on the anti-fungal mechanisms of symbiotic bacteria, providing a new strategy against drug-resistant fungal infections.
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13
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Hunsaker EW, McAuliffe KJ, Franz KJ. Fluconazole analogues with metal-binding motifs impact metal-dependent processes and demonstrate antifungal activity in Candida albicans. J Biol Inorg Chem 2020; 25:729-745. [PMID: 32542530 PMCID: PMC7415656 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-020-01796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Azole antifungals are an important class of antifungal drugs due to their low cost, ability to be administered orally, and broad-spectrum activity. However, their widespread and long-term use have given rise to adaptation mechanisms that render these compounds less effective against common fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans. New antifungals are desperately needed as drug-resistant strains become more prevalent. We recently showed that copper supplementation potentiates the activity of the azole antifungal fluconazole against the opportunistic fungal pathogen C. albicans. Here, we report eight new azole analogues derived from fluconazole in which one triazole group has been replaced with a metal-binding group, a strategy designed to enhance potentiation of azole antifungal activity by copper. The bioactivity of all eight compounds was tested and compared to that of fluconazole. Three of the analogues showed activity against C. albicans and two had lower levels of trailing growth. One compound, Flu-TSCZ, was found to impact the levels, speciation, and bioavailability of cellular metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Hunsaker
- Department of Chemistry, French Family Science Center, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Katherine J McAuliffe
- Department of Chemistry, French Family Science Center, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Katherine J Franz
- Department of Chemistry, French Family Science Center, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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14
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Hunsaker EW, Franz KJ. Candida albicans reprioritizes metal handling during fluconazole stress. Metallomics 2020; 11:2020-2032. [PMID: 31709426 DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00228f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of metal homeostasis is critical to cell survival due to the multitude of cellular processes that depend on one or more metal cofactors. Here, we show that the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans extensively remodels its metal homeostasis networks to respond to treatment with the antifungal drug fluconazole. Disruption of the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway by fluconazole requires C. albicans adaptation, including increased Cu import and storage, increased retention of Fe, Mn, and Zn, altered utilization of Cu- and Mn-dependent enzymes, mobilization of Fe stores, and increased production of the heme prosthetic group utilized by the enzyme target of fluconazole. The findings offer a new perspective for thinking about fungal response to drug stress that pushes cells out of their metal homeostatic zones, leading them to enact metal-associated adaptation mechanisms to restore homeostasis to survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Hunsaker
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, French Family Science Center, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA.
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15
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Starosta R, de Almeida RFM, Puchalska M, Białońska A, Panek JJ, Jezierska A, Szmigiel I, Suchodolski J, Krasowska A. New anticandidal Cu(i) complexes with neocuproine and ketoconazole derived diphenyl(aminomethyl)phosphane: luminescence properties for detection in fungal cells. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:8528-8539. [DOI: 10.1039/d0dt01162b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Anticandidal activity and a complex luminescence in water solutions of the new copper(i) complexes with a ketoconazole derived phosphane ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław Starosta
- Faculty of Chemistry
- University of Wroclaw
- 50-383 Wroclaw
- Poland
- Centro de Química Estrutural
| | - Rodrigo F. M. de Almeida
- Centro de Química Estrutural
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa
- 1749-016 Lisboa
- Portugal
| | | | - Agata Białońska
- Faculty of Chemistry
- University of Wroclaw
- 50-383 Wroclaw
- Poland
| | | | - Aneta Jezierska
- Faculty of Chemistry
- University of Wroclaw
- 50-383 Wroclaw
- Poland
| | - Ida Szmigiel
- Faculty of Biotechnology
- University of Wroclaw
- 50-383 Wroclaw
- Poland
| | | | - Anna Krasowska
- Faculty of Biotechnology
- University of Wroclaw
- 50-383 Wroclaw
- Poland
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