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Phospholipase B Is Critical for Cryptococcus neoformans Survival in the Central Nervous System. mBio 2023; 14:e0264022. [PMID: 36786559 PMCID: PMC10127605 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02640-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an opportunistic, encapsulated, yeast-like fungus that causes severe meningoencephalitis, especially in countries with high HIV prevalence. In addition to its well-known polysaccharide capsule, Cn has other virulence factors such as phospholipases, a heterogeneous group of enzymes that hydrolyze ester linkages in glycerophospholipids. Phospholipase B (PLB1) has been demonstrated to play a key role in Cn pathogenicity. In this study, we used a PLB1 mutant (plb1) and its reconstituted strain (Rec1) to assess the importance of this enzyme on Cn brain infection in vivo and in vitro. Mice infected with the plb1 strain survive significantly longer, have lower peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) fungal loads, and have fewer and smaller cryptococcomas or biofilm-like brain lesions compared to H99- and Rec1-infected animals. PLB1 causes extensive brain tissue damage and changes microglia morphology during cryptococcal disease, observations which can have important implications in patients with altered mental status or dementia as these manifestations are related to poorer survival outcomes. plb1 cryptococci are significantly more phagocytosed and killed by NR-9460 microglia-like cells. plb1 cells have altered capsular polysaccharide biophysical properties which impair their ability to stimulate glial cell responses or morphological changes. Here, we provide significant evidence demonstrating that Cn PLB1 is an important virulence factor for fungal colonization of and survival in the CNS as well as in the progression of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. These findings may potentially help fill in a gap of knowledge in our understanding of cerebral cryptococcosis and provide novel research avenues in Cn pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) is a serious disease caused by infection by the neurotropic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Due to the increasing number of cases in HIV-infected individuals, as well as the limited therapies available, investigation into potential targets for new therapeutics has become critical. Phospholipase B is an enzyme synthesized by Cn that confers virulence to the fungus through capsular enlargement, immunomodulation, and intracellular replication. In this study, we examined the properties of PLB1 by comparing infection of a Cn PLB1 mutant strain with both the wild-type and a PLB1-reconstituted strain. We show that PLB1 augments the survival and proliferation of the fungus in the CNS and strengthens virulence by modulating the immune response and enhancing specific biophysical properties of the fungus. PLB1 expression causes brain tissue damage and impacts glial cell functions, which may be responsible for the dementia observed in patients which may persist even after resolving from CME. The implications of PLB1 inhibition reveal its involvement in Cn infection and suggest that it may be a possible molecular target in the development of antifungal therapies. The results of this study support additional investigation into the mechanism of PLB1 to further understand the intricacies of cerebral Cn infection.
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Wang S, Chen Y, Chen Y, Liang P, Pang J, Zhu B, Dong X. Significantly Different Lipid Profile Analysis of Litopenaeus vannamei under Low-Temperature Storage by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS. Foods 2021; 10:2624. [PMID: 34828903 PMCID: PMC8622687 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-temperature storage is one of the most important preservation methods for aquatic product storage. However, the effects of low-temperature storage on the lipid profiles of shrimp are unclear. Herein, UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS combined with LipidSearch software was applied to analyze the effect of three low storage temperatures (4 °C, -2 °C, and -18 °C) on the lipidomics of Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 15 lipid classes were analyzed, and PC, PE, DG, and TG accounted for vast majority of peak areas. Furthermore, 531 individual lipid variables enriched in 12 metabolic pathways were identified via bioinformatics analysis methods. A total of 56 significantly different lipid molecular species (55 belonging to PC, PE, DG, and TG) were selected as potential biomarkers of lipid oxidation via correlational analysis between physical properties (texture and color) and individual lipid variables. The results indicated that the three low storage temperatures caused different effects on the lipidomics profile of L. vannamei, and PC, PE, DG, and TG could become potential focuses in further studies of lipid oxidation in L. vannamei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Wang
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Yongshi Chen
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Peng Liang
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Jie Pang
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (S.W.); (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Beiwei Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China;
| | - Xiuping Dong
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China;
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Camacho E, Casadevall A. Cryptococcal Traits Mediating Adherence to Biotic and Abiotic Surfaces. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4030088. [PMID: 30060601 PMCID: PMC6162697 DOI: 10.3390/jof4030088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Several species in the genus Cryptococcus are facultative intracellular pathogens capable of causing disease associated with high mortality and morbidity in humans. These fungi interact with other organisms in the soil, and these interactions may contribute to the development of adaptation mechanisms that function in virulence by promoting fungal survival in animal hosts. Fungal adhesion molecules, also known as adhesins, have been classically considered as cell-surface or secreted proteins that play critical roles in microbial pathogenesis or in biofilm formation as structural components. Pathogenic Cryptococcus spp. differ from other pathogenic yeasts in having a polysaccharide capsule that covers the cell wall surface and precludes interactions of those structures with host cell receptors. Hence, pathogenic Cryptococcus spp. use unconventional tools for surface attachment. In this essay, we review the unique traits and mechanisms favoring adhesion of Cryptococcus spp. to biotic and abiotic surfaces. Knowledge of the traits that mediate adherence could be exploited in the development of therapeutic, biomedical, and/or industrial products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Camacho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St Room E5132, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St Room E5132, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Watkins RA, Andrews A, Wynn C, Barisch C, King JS, Johnston SA. Cryptococcus neoformans Escape From Dictyostelium Amoeba by Both WASH-Mediated Constitutive Exocytosis and Vomocytosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:108. [PMID: 29686972 PMCID: PMC5900056 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental yeast that can cause opportunistic infections in humans. As infecting animals does not form part of its normal life-cycle, it has been proposed that the virulence traits that allow cryptococci to resist immune cells were selected through interactions with environmental phagocytes such as amoebae. Here, we investigate the interactions between C. neoformans and the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. We show that like macrophages, D. discoideum is unable to kill C. neoformans upon phagocytosis. Despite this, we find that the yeast pass through the amoebae with an apparently normal phagocytic transit and are released alive by constitutive exocytosis after ~80 min. This is the canonical pathway in amoebae, used to dispose of indigestible material after nutrient extraction. Surprisingly however, we show that upon either genetic or pharmacological blockage of constitutive exocytosis, C. neoformans still escape from D. discoideum by a secondary mechanism. We demonstrate that constitutive exocytosis-independent egress is stochastic and actin-independent. This strongly resembles the non-lytic release of cryptococci by vomocytosis from macrophages, which do not perform constitutive exocytosis and normally retain phagocytosed material. Our data indicate that vomocytosis is functionally redundant for escape from amoebae, which thus may not be the primary driver for its evolutionary selection. Nonetheless, we show that vomocytosis of C. neoformans is mechanistically conserved in hosts ranging from amoebae to man, providing new avenues to understand this poorly-understood but important virulence mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys A. Watkins
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandre Andrews
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Wynn
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Barisch
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jason S. King
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Simon A. Johnston
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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5
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Mechanisms of Pulmonary Escape and Dissemination by Cryptococcus neoformans. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4010025. [PMID: 29463005 PMCID: PMC5872328 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a common environmental saprophyte and human fungal pathogen that primarily causes disease in immunocompromised individuals. Similar to many environmentally acquired human fungal pathogens, C. neoformans initiates infection in the lungs. However, the main driver of mortality is invasive cryptococcosis leading to fungal meningitis. After C. neoformans gains a foothold in the lungs, a critical early step in invasion is transversal of the respiratory epithelium. In this review, we summarize current knowledge relating to pulmonary escape. We focus on fungal factors that allow C. neoformans to disseminate from the lungs via intracellular and extracellular routes.
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6
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Li C, Lev S, Desmarini D, Kaufman-Francis K, Saiardi A, Silva APG, Mackay JP, Thompson PE, Sorrell TC, Djordjevic JT. IP 3-4 kinase Arg1 regulates cell wall homeostasis and surface architecture to promote clearance of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a mouse model. Virulence 2017; 8:1833-1848. [PMID: 28976803 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1385692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified a series of inositol polyphosphate kinases (IPKs), Arg1, Ipk1, Kcs1 and Asp1, in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Using gene deletion analysis, we characterized Arg1, Ipk1 and Kcs1 and showed that they act sequentially to convert IP3 to PP-IP5 (IP7), a key metabolite promoting stress tolerance, metabolic adaptation and fungal dissemination to the brain. We have now directly characterized the enzymatic activity of Arg1, demonstrating that it is a dual specificity (IP3/IP4) kinase producing IP5. We showed previously that IP5 is further phosphorylated by Ipk1 to produce IP6, which is a substrate for the synthesis of PP-IP5 by Kcs1. Phenotypic comparison of the arg1Δ and kcs1Δ deletion mutants (both PP-IP5-deficient) reveals that arg1Δ has the most deleterious phenotype: while PP-IP5 is essential for metabolic and stress adaptation in both mutant strains, PP-IP5 is dispensable for virulence-associated functions such as capsule production, cell wall organization, and normal N-linked mannosylation of the virulence factor, phospholipase B1, as these phenotypes were defective only in arg1Δ. The more deleterious arg1Δ phenotype correlated with a higher rate of arg1Δ phagocytosis by human peripheral blood monocytes and rapid arg1Δ clearance from lung in a mouse model. This observation is in contrast to kcs1Δ, which we previously reported establishes a chronic, confined lung infection. In summary, we show that Arg1 is the most crucial IPK for cryptococcal virulence, conveying PP-IP5-dependent and novel PP-IP5-independent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Li
- a Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research , 176 Hawkesbury road, Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,b Sydney Medical School-Westmead, The University of Sydney , Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,c Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney , NSW Australia
| | - Sophie Lev
- a Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research , 176 Hawkesbury road, Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,b Sydney Medical School-Westmead, The University of Sydney , Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,c Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney , NSW Australia
| | - Desmarini Desmarini
- a Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research , 176 Hawkesbury road, Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia
| | - Keren Kaufman-Francis
- a Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research , 176 Hawkesbury road, Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,c Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney , NSW Australia
| | - Adolfo Saiardi
- d Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London , Gower street, London WC1E 6BT , UK
| | - Ana P G Silva
- e School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Camperdown , NSW 2006 , Australia
| | - Joel P Mackay
- e School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Camperdown , NSW 2006 , Australia
| | - Philip E Thompson
- f Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Monash University , 381 Royal Parade, Parkville , VIC 3052 , Australia
| | - Tania C Sorrell
- a Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research , 176 Hawkesbury road, Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,b Sydney Medical School-Westmead, The University of Sydney , Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,c Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney , NSW Australia.,g Westmead Hospital , Westmead , NSW 2145 , Australia
| | - Julianne T Djordjevic
- a Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research , 176 Hawkesbury road, Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,b Sydney Medical School-Westmead, The University of Sydney , Westmead NSW 2145 , Australia.,c Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney , NSW Australia.,g Westmead Hospital , Westmead , NSW 2145 , Australia
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7
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Taylor-Smith LM. Cryptococcus-Epithelial Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3040053. [PMID: 29371569 PMCID: PMC5753155 DOI: 10.3390/jof3040053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, causes devastating levels of morbidity and mortality. Infections with this fungus tend to be predominantly in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV. Infections initiate with inhalation of cryptococcal cells and entry of the pathogen into the lungs. The bronchial epithelial cells of the upper airway and the alveolar epithelial cells of the lower airway are likely to be the first host cells that Cryptococcus engage with. Thus the interaction of cryptococci and the respiratory epithelia will be the focus of this review. C. neoformans has been shown to adhere to respiratory epithelial cells, although if the role of the capsule is in aiding or hindering this adhesion is debatable. The epithelia are also able to react to cryptococci with the release of cytokines and chemokines to start the immune response to this invading pathogen. The activity of surfactant components that line this mucosal barrier towards Cryptococcus and the metabolic and transcriptional reaction of cryptococci when encountering epithelial cells will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Taylor-Smith
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, West Midlands, UK.
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8
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Gerstein AC, Nielsen K. It's not all about us: evolution and maintenance of Cryptococcus virulence requires selection outside the human host. Yeast 2017; 34:143-154. [PMID: 27862271 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus is predominantly an AIDS-related pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Research studies have historically focused on understanding how the organism causes human disease through the use of in vivo and in vitro model systems to identify virulence factors. Cryptococcus is not an obligate pathogen, however, as human-human transmission is either absent or rare. Selection in the environment must thus be invoked to shape the evolution of this taxa, and directly influences genotypic and trait diversity. Importantly, the evolution and maintenance of pathogenicity must also stem directly from environmental selection. To that end, here we examine abiotic and biotic stresses in the environment, and discuss how they could shape the factors that are commonly identified as important virulence traits. We identify a number of important unanswered questions about Cryptococcus diversity and evolution that are critical for understanding this deadly pathogen, and discuss how implementation of modern sampling and genomic tools could be utilized to answer these questions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleeza C Gerstein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kirsten Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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9
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Abstract
Enzymes play key roles in fungal pathogenesis. Manipulation of enzyme expression or activity can significantly alter the infection process, and enzyme expression profiles can be a hallmark of disease. Hence, enzymes are worthy targets for better understanding pathogenesis and identifying new options for combatting fungal infections. Advances in genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and mass spectrometry have enabled the identification and characterization of new fungal enzymes. This review focuses on recent developments in the virulence-associated enzymes from Cryptococcus neoformans. The enzymatic suite of C. neoformans has evolved for environmental survival, but several of these enzymes play a dual role in colonizing the mammalian host. We also discuss new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies that could be based on the underlying enzymology.
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10
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Abstract
Understanding of the taxonomy and phylogeny of Cryptococcus gattii has been advanced by modern molecular techniques. C. gattii probably diverged from Cryptococcus neoformans between 16 million and 160 million years ago, depending on the dating methods applied, and maintains diversity by recombining in nature. South America is the likely source of the virulent C. gattii VGII molecular types that have emerged in North America. C. gattii shares major virulence determinants with C. neoformans, although genomic and transcriptomic studies revealed that despite similar genomes, the VGIIa and VGIIb subtypes employ very different transcriptional circuits and manifest differences in virulence phenotypes. Preliminary evidence suggests that C. gattii VGII causes severe lung disease and death without dissemination, whereas C. neoformans disseminates readily to the central nervous system (CNS) and causes death from meningoencephalitis. Overall, currently available data indicate that the C. gattii VGI, VGII, and VGIII molecular types more commonly affect nonimmunocompromised hosts, in contrast to VGIV. New, rapid, cheap diagnostic tests and imaging modalities are assisting early diagnosis and enabling better outcomes of cerebral cryptococcosis. Complications of CNS infection include increased intracranial pressure, severe neurological sequelae, and development of immune reconstitution syndrome, although the mortality rate is low. C. gattii VGII isolates may exhibit higher fluconazole MICs than other genotypes. Optimal therapeutic regimens are yet to be determined; in most cases, initial therapy with amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine is recommended.
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Cryptococcal phospholipase B1 is required for intracellular proliferation and control of titan cell morphology during macrophage infection. Infect Immun 2015; 83:1296-304. [PMID: 25605772 PMCID: PMC4363446 DOI: 10.1128/iai.03104-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen and a leading cause of fungal-infection-related fatalities, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Several virulence factors are known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of cryptococcal infections, including the enzyme phospholipase B1 (Plb1). Compared to other well-studied Cryptococcus neoformans virulence factors such as the polysaccharide capsule and melanin production, very little is known about the contribution of Plb1 to cryptococcal virulence. Phospholipase B1 is a phospholipid-modifying enzyme that has been implicated in multiple stages of cryptococcal pathogenesis, including initiation and persistence of pulmonary infection and dissemination to the central nervous system, but the underlying reason for these phenotypes remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that a Δplb1 knockout strain of C. neoformans has a profound defect in intracellular growth within host macrophages. This defect is due to a combination of a 50% decrease in proliferation and a 2-fold increase in cryptococcal killing within the phagosome. In addition, we show for the first time that the Δplb1 strain undergoes a morphological change during in vitro and in vivo intracellular infection, resulting in a subpopulation of very large titan cells, which may arise as a result of the attenuated mutant's inability to cope within the macrophage.
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12
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Shi S, Shen Y, Zhao Z, Hou Z, Yang Y, Zhou H, Zou J, Guo Y. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of ascites syndrome in broiler chickens induced by low temperature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 10:2984-93. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00360h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Biswas C, Zuo X, Chen SCA, Schibeci SD, Forwood JK, Jolliffe KA, Sorrell TC, Djordjevic JT. Functional disruption of yeast metacaspase, Mca1, leads to miltefosine resistance and inability to mediate miltefosine-induced apoptotic effects. Fungal Genet Biol 2014; 67:71-81. [PMID: 24731805 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Miltefosine (MI) is a novel, potential antifungal agent with activity against some yeast and filamentous fungal pathogens. We previously demonstrated in the model yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that MI causes disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis-like cell death via interaction with the Cox9p sub-unit of cytochrome c oxidase (COX). To identify additional mechanisms of antifungal action, MI resistance was induced in S. cerevisiae by exposure to the mutagen, ethyl methanesulfonate, and gene mutation(s) responsible for resistance were investigated. An MI-resistant haploid strain (H-C101) was created. Resistance was retained in the diploid strain (D-C101) following mating, confirming dominant inheritance. Phenotypic assessment of individual D-C101 tetrads revealed that only one mutant gene contributed to the MI-resistance phenotype. To identify this gene, the genome of H-C101 was sequenced and 17 mutated genes, including metacaspase-encoding MCA1, were identified. The MCA1 mutation resulted in substitution of asparagine (N) with aspartic acid (D) at position 164 (MCA1(N164D)). MI resistance was found to be primarily due to MCA1(N164D), as single-copy episomal expression of MCA1(N164D), but not two other mutated genes (FAS1(T1417I) and BCK2(T104A)), resulted in MI resistance in the wild-type strain. Furthermore, an MCA1 deletion mutant (mca1Δ) was MI-resistant. MI treatment led to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MI-resistant (MCA1(N164D)-expressing and mca1Δ) strains and MI-susceptible (MCA1-expressing) strains, but failed to activate Mca1 in the MI-resistant strains, demonstrating that ROS accumulation does not contribute to the fungicidal effect of MI. In conclusion, functional disruption of Mca1, leads to MI resistance and inability to mediate MI-induced apoptotic effects. Mca1-mediated apoptosis is therefore a major mechanism of MI-induced antifungal action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayanika Biswas
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Xiaoming Zuo
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sharon C-A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia; Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR-Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Stephen D Schibeci
- Institute for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jade K Forwood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
| | | | - Tania C Sorrell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Julianne T Djordjevic
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Asano A, Nelson-Harrington JL, Travis AJ. Phospholipase B is activated in response to sterol removal and stimulates acrosome exocytosis in murine sperm. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:28104-15. [PMID: 23943622 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.450981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a strict requirement for sterol removal for sperm to undergo acrosome exocytosis (AE), the mechanisms by which changes in membrane sterols are transduced into changes in sperm fertilization competence are poorly understood. We have previously shown in live murine sperm that the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome (APM) contains several types of microdomains known as membrane rafts. When characterizing the membrane raft-associated proteomes, we identified phospholipase B (PLB), a calcium-independent enzyme exhibiting multiple activities. Here, we show that sperm surface PLB is activated in response to sterol removal. Both biochemical activity assays and immunoblots of subcellular fractions of sperm incubated with the sterol acceptor 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-OHCD) confirmed the release of an active PLB fragment. Specific protease inhibitors prevented PLB activation, revealing a mechanistic requirement for proteolytic cleavage. Competitive inhibitors of PLB reduced the ability of sperm both to undergo AE and to fertilize oocytes in vitro, suggesting an important role in fertilization. This was reinforced by our finding that incubation either with protein concentrate released from 2-OHCD-treated sperm or with recombinant PLB peptide corresponding to the catalytic domain was able to induce AE in the absence of other stimuli. Together, these results lead us to propose a novel mechanism by which sterol removal promotes membrane fusogenicity and AE, helping confer fertilization competence. Importantly, this mechanism provides a basis for the newly emerging model of AE in which membrane fusions occur during capacitation/transit through the cumulus, prior to any physical contact between the sperm and the oocyte's zona pellucida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Asano
- From the Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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Pool A, Lowder L, Wu Y, Forrester K, Rumbaugh J. Neurovirulence of Cryptococcus neoformans determined by time course of capsule accumulation and total volume of capsule in the brain. J Neurovirol 2013; 19:228-38. [PMID: 23733307 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-013-0169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant opportunistic infection in HIV-infected individuals worldwide, despite availability of antiretroviral therapies in developed nations. Current therapy with amphotericin B is difficult to administer and only partially effective. Mechanisms of cryptococcal neuropathogenesis are still not clearly defined. In the present study, we used a C57Bl/6 mouse model with intravenous inoculation of three isogenic strains of Cryptococcus neoformans: H99, Cap59, and Pkr1-33. These strains differ in their capsule production and are normocapsular, hypocapsular, and hypercapsular, respectively. We studied the role of capsule in the morbidity and mortality of our host animal. Surprisingly, we found that the hypercapsular strain was least virulent while the strains that produced less capsule were more virulent and had higher concentrations of organism in the brain. These results suggest that neurovirulence is related to total capsule volume and rate of capsule accumulation in the brain, rather than the amount of capsule produced per organism. Therapies which decrease central nervous system dissemination and inhibit replication rates in the brain may be more effective than therapies which target capsule production.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pool
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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16
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Abstract
Fungal meningitis is a serious disease caused by a fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) mostly in individuals with immune system deficiencies. Fungal meningitis is often fatal without proper treatment, and the mortality rate remains unacceptably high even with antifungal drug interventions. Currently, cryptococcal meningitis is the most common fungal meningitis in HIV-1/AIDS, and its disease mechanism has been extensively studied. The key steps for fungi to infect brain and cause meningitis after establishment of local infection are the dissemination of fungal cells to the bloodstream and invasion through the blood brain barrier to reach the CNS. In this review, we use cryptococcal CNS infection as an example to describe the current molecular understanding of fungal meningitis, including the establishment of the infection, dissemination, and brain invasion. Host and microbial factors that contribute to these infection steps are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Bao Liu
- The Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal disease that infects around one million people each year. Establishment and progression of disease involves a complex interplay between the fungus and a diverse range of host cell types. Over recent years, numerous cellular, tissue, and animal models have been exploited to probe this host-pathogen interaction. Here we review the range of experimental models that are available for cryptococcosis research and compare the relative advantages and limitations of the different systems.
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Unravelling secretion in Cryptococcus neoformans: more than one way to skin a cat. Mycopathologia 2011; 173:407-18. [PMID: 21898146 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Secretion pathways in fungi are essential for the maintenance of cell wall architecture and for the export of a number of virulence factors. In the fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, much evidence supports the existence of more than one route taken by secreted molecules to reach the cell periphery and extracellular space, and a significant degree of crosstalk between conventional and non-conventional secretion routes. The need for such complexity may be due to differences in the nature of the exported cargo, the spatial and temporal requirements for constitutive and non-constitutive protein secretion, and/or as a means of compensating for the extra burden on the secretion machinery imposed by the elaboration of the polysaccharide capsule. This review focuses on the role of specific components of the C. neoformans secretion machinery in protein and/or polysaccharide export, including Sec4, Sec6, Sec14, Golgi reassembly and stacking protein and extracellular exosome-like vesicles. We also address what is known about traffic of the lipid, glucosylceramide, a target of therapeutic antibodies and an important regulator of C. neoformans pathogenicity, and the role of signalling pathways in the regulation of secretion.
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Dippe M, Ulbrich-Hofmann R. Phospholipid acylhydrolases trigger membrane degradation during fungal sporogenesis. Fungal Genet Biol 2011; 48:921-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Chrisman CJ, Albuquerque P, Guimaraes AJ, Nieves E, Casadevall A. Phospholipids trigger Cryptococcus neoformans capsular enlargement during interactions with amoebae and macrophages. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002047. [PMID: 21637814 PMCID: PMC3102711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A remarkable aspect of the interaction of Cryptococcus
neoformans with mammalian hosts is a consistent increase in capsule
volume. Given that many aspects of the interaction of C.
neoformans with macrophages are also observed with amoebae, we
hypothesized that the capsule enlargement phenomenon also had a protozoan
parallel. Incubation of C. neoformans with Acanthamoeba
castellanii resulted in C. neoformans capsular
enlargement. The phenomenon required contact between fungal and protozoan cells
but did not require amoeba viability. Analysis of amoebae extracts showed that
the likely stimuli for capsule enlargement were protozoan polar lipids. Extracts
from macrophages and mammalian serum also triggered cryptococcal capsular
enlargement. C. neoformans capsule enlargement required
expression of fungal phospholipase B, but not phospholipase C. Purified
phospholipids, in particular, phosphatidylcholine, and derived molecules
triggered capsular enlargement with the subsequent formation of giant cells.
These results implicate phospholipids as a trigger for both C.
neoformans capsule enlargement in vivo and
exopolysaccharide production. The observation that the incubation of C.
neoformans with phospholipids led to the formation of giant cells
provides the means to generate these enigmatic cells in vitro.
Protozoan- or mammalian-derived polar lipids could represent a danger signal for
C. neoformans that triggers capsular enlargement as a
non-specific defense mechanism against potential predatory cells. Hence,
phospholipids are the first host-derived molecules identified to trigger
capsular enlargement. The parallels apparent in the capsular response of
C. neoformans to both amoebae and macrophages provide
additional support for the notion that certain aspects of cryptococcal virulence
emerged as a consequence of environmental interactions with other microorganisms
such as protists. A key event in C. neoformans pathogenesis is capsule enlargement
in mammalian hosts. Historically, this phenomenon was attributed to high
CO2 and iron deprivation but the magnitude of capsular
enlargement observed in vivo cannot be consistently replicated
in vitro. This paper reports that C.
neoformans responds to polar lipid extracts with massive capsule
enlargement, with some cells having dimensions comparable to the giant cells
observed in vivo. Phospholipids are identified in this paper as
the inducers of capsule enlargement. Our work is important because this is the
first host-derived molecule that has been identified as a stimulus of massive
capsule enlargement thus providing a potential mechanism for the capsular
enlargement observed in vivo. Furthermore, the fact that the
signal is common to both macrophages and amoebae suggests that the capsule
enlargement response to phospholipids is a mechanism for fungal sensing of
phagocytic cell predators. This provides another example of a correspondence
between a possible environmental signal and a mechanism of virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Chrisman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of
America
| | - Patricia Albuquerque
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of
America
| | - Allan J. Guimaraes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of
America
| | - Edward Nieves
- Department of Developmental and Molecular
Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of
America
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of
America
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ccr4 promotes resolution of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response during host temperature adaptation in Cryptococcus neoformans. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 10:895-901. [PMID: 21602483 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00006-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Adaptation to host temperature is a prerequisite for any pathogen capable of causing deep infection in humans. Our previous studies demonstrated that a Cryptococcus neoformans ccr4Δ mutant lacking the major deadenylase involved in regulated mRNA decay was defective in host temperature adaptation and therefore virulence. In this study, the ccr4Δ mutant was found to exhibit characteristics of chronic unfolded-protein response (UPR) engagement in both the gene expression profile and phenotype. We demonstrate that host temperature adaptation in C. neoformans is accompanied by transient induction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and that Ccr4-dependent posttranscriptional gene regulation contributes to resolution of ER stress during host temperature adaptation.
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Chayakulkeeree M, Johnston SA, Oei JB, Lev S, Williamson PR, Wilson CF, Zuo X, Leal AL, Vainstein MH, Meyer W, Sorrell TC, May RC, Djordjevic JT. SEC14 is a specific requirement for secretion of phospholipase B1 and pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans. Mol Microbiol 2011; 80:1088-101. [PMID: 21453402 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07632.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Secreted phospholipase B1 (CnPlb1) is essential for dissemination of Cryptococcus neoformans to the central nervous system (CNS) yet essential components of its secretion machinery remain to be elucidated. Using gene deletion analysis we demonstrate that CnPlb1 secretion is dependent on the CnSEC14 product, CnSec14-1p. CnSec14-1p is a homologue of the phosphatidylinositol transfer protein ScSec14p, which is essential for secretion and viability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast to CnPlb1, neither laccase 1-induced melanization within the cell wall nor capsule induction were negatively impacted in CnSEC14-1 deletion mutants (CnΔsec14-1 and CnΔsec14-1CnΔsfh5). Similar to the CnPLB1 deletion mutant (CnΔplb1), CnΔsec14-1 was hypovirulent in mice and did not disseminate to the CNS by day 14 post infection. Furthermore, macrophage expulsion of live CnΔsec14-1 and CnΔplb1 (vomocytosis) was reduced. Individual deletion of CnSEC14-2, a closely related CnSEC14-1 homologue, and CnSFH5, a distantly related SEC fourteen like homologue, did not abrogate CnPlb1 secretion or virulence. However, reconstitution of CnΔsec14-1 with CnSEC14-1 or CnSEC14-2 restored both phenotypes, consistent with functional genetic redundancy. We conclude that CnPlb1 secretion is SEC14-dependent and that C. neoformans preferentially exports virulence determinants to the cell periphery via distinct pathways. We also demonstrate that CnPlb1 secretion is essential for vomocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Methee Chayakulkeeree
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School-Western, and Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145 NSW, Australia
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23
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Recent progress on phospholipases: different sources, assay methods, industrial potential and pathogenicity. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2011; 164:991-1022. [PMID: 21302142 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-011-9190-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Significant studies on phospholipases optimization, characterization, physiological role and industrial potential have been conducted worldwide. Some of them have been directed for biotechnological advances such as gene discovery and functional enhancement by protein engineering. Others reported phospholipases as virulence factor and major cause of pathophysiological effects. A general overview on phospholipase is needed for the identification of new reliable and efficient phospholipase, which would be potentially used in number of industrial and medical applications. Phospholipases catalyse the hydrolysis of one or more ester and phosphodiester bonds of glycerophospholipids. They vary in site of action on phospholipid which can be used industrially for modification/production of new phospholipids. Catalytically active phospholipase mainly use phosphatidylcholine as major substrate, but they can also show specificity with other phospholipids. Several accurate phospholipase assay methods are known, but a rapid and reliable method for high-throughput screening is still a challenge for efficient supply of superior phospholipases and their practical applications. Major application of phospholipase is in industries like oil refinery, health food manufacturing, dairy, cosmetics etc. All types of phospholipases can be involved as virulence factor. They can also be used as diagnostic markers for microbial infection. The importance of phospholipase in virulence is proven and inhibitors of the enzyme can be used as candidate for preventing the associated disease.
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Djordjevic JT. Role of phospholipases in fungal fitness, pathogenicity, and drug development - lessons from cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2010; 1:125. [PMID: 21687772 PMCID: PMC3109512 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2010.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenic microbes, including many fungi, produce phospholipases which facilitate survival of the pathogen in vivo, invasion and dissemination throughout the host, expression of virulence traits and evasion of host immune defense mechanisms. These phospholipases are either secreted or produced intracellularly and act by physically disrupting host membranes, and/or by affecting fungal cell signaling and production of immunomodulatory effectors. Many of the secreted phospholipases acquire a glycosylphosphatidylinositol sorting motif to facilitate membrane and/or cell wall association and secretion. This review focuses primarily on the role of two members of the phospholipase enzyme family, phospholipase B (Plb) and phosphatidylinositol (PI)-specific phospholipase C (PI-C/Plc), in fungal pathogenesis and in particular, what has been learnt about their function from studies performed in the model pathogenic yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. These studies have revealed how Plb has adapted to become an important part of the virulence repertoire of pathogenic fungi and how its secretion is regulated. They have also provided valuable insight into how the intracellular enzyme, Plc1, contributes to fungal fitness and pathogenicity – via a putative role in signal transduction pathways that regulate the production of stress-protecting pigments, polysaccharide capsule, cell wall integrity, and adaptation to growth at host temperature. Finally, this review will address the role fungal phospholipases have played in the development of a new class of antifungal drugs, which mimic their phospholipid substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Teresa Djordjevic
- Fungal Pathogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School-Western, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital Westmead, NSW, Australia
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25
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Soares DA, de Andrade RV, Silva SS, Bocca AL, Soares Felipe SM, Petrofeza S. Extracellular Paracoccidioides brasiliensis phospholipase B involvement in alveolar macrophage interaction. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:241. [PMID: 20843362 PMCID: PMC2949701 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phospholipase B (PLB) has been reported to be one of the virulence factors for human pathogenic fungi and has also been described as necessary for the early events in infection. Based on these data, we investigated the role of PLB in virulence and modulation of the alveolar pulmonary immune response during infection using an in-vitro model of host-pathogen interaction, i.e. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells infecting alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cells. RESULTS The effect of PLB was analyzed using the specific inhibitor alexidine dihydrochloride (0.25 μM), and pulmonary surfactant (100 μg mL-1), during 6 hours of co-cultivation of P. brasiliensis and MH-S cells. Alexidine dihydrochloride inhibited PLB activity by 66% and significantly decreased the adhesion and internalization of yeast cells by MH-S cells. Genes involved in phagocytosis (trl2, cd14) and the inflammatory response (nfkb, tnf-α, il-1β) were down-regulated in the presence of this PLB inhibitor. In contrast, PLB activity and internalization of yeast cells significantly increased in the presence of pulmonary surfactant; under this condition, genes such as clec2 and the pro-inflammatory inhibitor (nkrf) were up-regulated. Also, the pulmonary surfactant did not alter cytokine production, while alexidine dihydrochloride decreased the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and increased the levels of IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, gene expression analysis of plb1, sod3 and icl1 suggests that P. brasiliensis gene re-programming is effective in facilitating adaptation to this inhospitable environment, which mimics the lung-environment interaction. CONCLUSION P. brasiliensis PLB activity is involved in the process of adhesion and internalization of yeast cells at the MH-S cell surface and may enhance virulence and subsequent down-regulation of macrophage activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyze Alencar Soares
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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26
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Phospholipase and esterase production by clinical strains of Fonsecaea pedrosoi and their interactions with epithelial cells. Mycopathologia 2010; 170:31-7. [PMID: 20195904 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 02/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the major etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis. The virulence of F. pedrosoi is a meagerly explored phenomenon. The ability to interact with host cells and the production of hydrolytic enzymes are thought to be important virulence mechanisms of fungal pathogens. Here, we measured the production of two distinct lipolytic enzymes, phospholipase and esterase, by three clinical strains of F. pedrosoi isolated from chromoblastomycosis lesions, as well as their capabilities to interact with epithelial cells. All the strains were excellent esterase producers, generating elevated hydrolytic halos after 5 days of growth. Conversely, phospholipase activity was detected only after 10 days, except for the most recent strain of F. pedrosoi (Magé) in which measurable phospholipase activity was detected on day 5. The ability to interact with epithelial cells was also investigated. Regarding the adhesion capability, an indirect connection was observed in relation to the adaptation time of each strain in axenic culture, in which Magé strain showed the best adhesion ability followed by LDI 11428 and 5VPL strains. Both 5VPL and Magé strains were also detected inside the epithelial cells, while the LDI 11428 strain was rarely detected in cytoplasmatic vacuolar compartments. Moreover, these F. pedrosoi strains were able to cause injury in epithelial cells.
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Cryptococcus gattii: An Emerging Cause of Fungal Disease in North America. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2009; 2009:840452. [PMID: 19503836 PMCID: PMC2686104 DOI: 10.1155/2009/840452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the latter half of the twentieth century, fungal pathogens such as
Cryptococcus neoformans were increasingly recognized as a significant threat to the
health of immune compromised populations throughout the world. Until recently, the closely related
species C. gattii was considered to be a low-level endemic pathogen that was confined to
tropical regions such as Australia. Since 1999, C. gattii has emerged in the Pacific Northwest
region of North America and has been responsible for a large disease epidemic among generally
healthy individuals. The changing epidemiology of C. gattii infection is likely to be a consequence of alterations in fungal ecology and biology and illustrates its potential to cause serious human disease.
This review summarizes selected biological and clinical aspects of C. gattii that are
particularly relevant to the recent North American outbreak and compares these to the Australian and South
American experience.
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28
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Obando D, Widmer F, Wright LC, Sorrell TC, Jolliffe KA. Synthesis, antifungal and antimicrobial activity of alkylphospholipids. Bioorg Med Chem 2007; 15:5158-65. [PMID: 17532639 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Revised: 04/26/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The antifungal, antibacterial and haemolytic activity of a series of alkylphosphocholines (e.g., miltefosine) and alkylglycerophosphocholines (e.g., edelfosine) has been investigated. These compound classes exhibit significant antifungal and moderate antibacterial activities. Several new alkylphosphocholine derivatives with amide or ester bonds in the alkyl chain have been synthesised. These compounds show much lower haemolytic activity than miltefosine. Alkylphosphocholines and alkylglycerophosphocholines show significant promise as novel orally available antifungal and antibacterial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Obando
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ng CKL, Singhal V, Widmer F, Wright LC, Sorrell TC, Jolliffe KA. Synthesis, antifungal and haemolytic activity of a series of bis(pyridinium)alkanes. Bioorg Med Chem 2007; 15:3422-9. [PMID: 17383187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Revised: 02/20/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A series of bis(pyridinium)alkanes have been prepared and their antifungal activity, haemolytic activity and ability to inhibit fungal phospholipase B1 have been investigated, together with those of the commercially available antiseptics octenidine and dequalinium. Removal of the amino substituents from the pyridinium rings resulted in a significant decrease in antifungal activity. However, shortening or removing the alkyl chains attached to the amino groups had little effect on antifungal activity and significantly reduced haemolytic activity. Only octenidine was a strong inhibitor of fungal phospholipase B1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa K L Ng
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2006 NSW, Australia
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30
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Ma C, Hu X, Hu F, Li Y, Chen X, Zhou Z, Lu F, Xu J, Wu Z, Yu X. Molecular characterization and serodiagnosis analysis of a novel lysophospholipase from Clonorchis sinensis. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:419-25. [PMID: 17318582 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2007] [Accepted: 01/25/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A cDNA clone encoding a novel lysophospholipase with a predicted molecular weight of 25.2 kDa was isolated from a Clonorchis sinensis adult cDNA library. The enzyme activity of the recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli was determined using phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine as substrates. Western blotting analysis indicated that it belonged to excretory/secretory proteins of the adults. The sensitivity and specificity of the recombinant antigen for serodiagnosis were evaluated with immunoglobulin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using serum samples from 20 patients with clonorchiasis and 20 patients with schistosomiasis. The sensitivity (75%) and specificity (80%) of the recombinant protein were comparable to those of crude extracts, at 65 and 82.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of the recombinant protein was 77% using 100 serum samples of clonorchiasis patients with various parasite burden. The results suggested that the recombinant lysophospholipase protein was not a satisfactory candidate for diagnosis of clonorchiasis, although it might be an excretory/secretory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changling Ma
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, SunYat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
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31
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Erb-Downward JR, Huffnagle GB. Cryptococcus neoformans produces authentic prostaglandin E2 without a cyclooxygenase. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2006; 6:346-50. [PMID: 17158733 PMCID: PMC1797952 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00336-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many single-celled eukaryotes produce prostaglandin-like molecules, but these have not been absolutely verified by mass spectrometry. We have isolated, and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, authentic prostaglandin E(2) from Cryptococcus neoformans. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors did not inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, and the cryptococcal genome lacks a cyclooxygenase homolog. Thus, novel enzymes must exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Erb-Downward
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0642, USA
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32
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Wright LC, Santangelo RM, Ganendren R, Payne J, Djordjevic JT, Sorrell TC. Cryptococcal lipid metabolism: phospholipase B1 is implicated in transcellular metabolism of macrophage-derived lipids. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2006; 6:37-47. [PMID: 17099081 PMCID: PMC1800365 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00262-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococci survive and replicate within macrophages and can use exogenous arachidonic acid for the production of eicosanoids. Phospholipase B1 (PLB1) has a putative, but uninvestigated, role in these processes. We have shown that uptake and esterification of radiolabeled arachidonic, palmitic, and oleic acids by the Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii H99 wild-type strain and its PLB1 deletion mutant strain (the Deltaplb1 strain) are independent of PLB1, except under hyperosmolar stress. Similarly, PLB1 was required for metabolism of 1-palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), which is toxic to eukaryotic cell membranes, under hyperosmolar conditions. During both logarithmic and stationary phases of growth, the physiologically relevant phospholipids, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine, were taken up and metabolized via PLB1. Exogenous DPPC did not enhance growth in the presence of glucose as a carbon source but could support it for at least 24 h in glucose-free medium. Detoxification of LysoPC by reacylation occurred in both the H99 wild-type and the Deltaplb1 strains in the presence of glucose, but PLB1 was required when LysoPC was the sole carbon source. This indicates that both energy-independent (via PLB1) and energy-dependent transacylation pathways are active in cryptococci. Phospholipase A(1) activity was identified by PLB1-independent degradation of 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl phosphatidylcholine, but the arachidonoyl LysoPC formed was not detoxified by reacylation. Using the human macrophage-like cell line THP-1, we demonstrated the PLB1-dependent incorporation of macrophage-derived arachidonic acid into cryptococcal lipids during cryptococcus-phagocyte interaction. This pool of arachidonate can be sequestered for eicosanoid production by the fungus and/or suppression of host phagocytic activity, thus diminishing the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley C Wright
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Level 3, ICPMR Building, Westmead Hospital, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia.
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Köhler GA, Brenot A, Haas-Stapleton E, Agabian N, Deva R, Nigam S. Phospholipase A2 and phospholipase B activities in fungi. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2006; 1761:1391-9. [PMID: 17081801 PMCID: PMC2077850 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2006.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2006] [Revised: 09/20/2006] [Accepted: 09/25/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
As saprophytes or disease causing microorganisms, fungi acquire nutrients from dead organic material or living host organisms. Lipids as structural components of cell membranes and storage compartments play an important role as energy-rich food source. In recent years, it also has become clear that lipids have a wide range of bioactive properties including signal transduction and cell to cell communication. Thus, it is not surprising that fungi possess a broad range of hydrolytic enzymes that attack neutral lipids and phospholipids. Especially during infection of a mammalian host, phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes released by fungi could play important roles not only for nutrient acquisition and tissue invasion, but for intricate modulation of the host's immune response. Sequencing of fungal genomes has revealed a wide range of genes encoding PLA(2) activities in fungi. We are just beginning to become aware of the significance these enzymes could have for the fungal cells and their interaction with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwald A. Köhler
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, U.S.A
| | - Audrey Brenot
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, U.S.A
| | - Eric Haas-Stapleton
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, U.S.A
| | - Nina Agabian
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, U.S.A
| | - Rupal Deva
- Eicosanoid Research Division and Center for Experimental Gynecology & Breast Research, Charité - Univ.-Klinikum Benjamin Franklin, D-12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Santosh Nigam
- Eicosanoid Research Division and Center for Experimental Gynecology & Breast Research, Charité - Univ.-Klinikum Benjamin Franklin, D-12200 Berlin, Germany
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Tuckwell D, Lavens SE, Birch M. Two families of extracellular phospholipase C genes are present in aspergilli. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 110:1140-51. [PMID: 17015001 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycres.2006.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Revised: 07/05/2006] [Accepted: 07/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fungi secrete extracellular enzymes to enable them to harvest nutrients from the environment. In the case of pathogenic fungi these enzymes can also be pathogenesis factors. Here we report the identification in fungi of a complex family of extracellular phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes, homologous to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PLCH_PSEAE. Database searches and phylogenetic analysis showed that the PLCs clustered into two groups with different evolutionary histories. One group, subdivided into PLC-A, -B, -C and -D, was found only in aspergilli and Neosartorya fischeri. Each species only ever showed three of the four PLCs except N. fischeri which had all four PLCs plus duplicate PLC-A, -B and -C genes. Modelling studies indicated that these PLCs had mechanistic similarities to phosphoesterases and aryl sulphatases, but that they probably did not differ in substrate specificity. The second group, PLC-E, was seen in a wider range of fungi including some species of aspergilli and was always found in a head-to-head arrangement with a copper oxidase, similar to the laccases. The PLC genes appear to have arisen from separate gene transfer events from bacteria or lower eukaryotes. Thus, aspergilli have acquired PLCs twice in the course of evolution.
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Siafakas AR, Wright LC, Sorrell TC, Djordjevic JT. Lipid rafts in Cryptococcus neoformans concentrate the virulence determinants phospholipase B1 and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2006; 5:488-98. [PMID: 16524904 PMCID: PMC1398056 DOI: 10.1128/ec.5.3.488-498.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Lipid rafts have been identified in the membranes of mammalian cells, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Formed by a lateral association of sphingolipids and sterols, rafts concentrate proteins carrying a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. We report the isolation of membranes with the characteristics of rafts from the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. These characteristics include insolubility in Triton X-100 (TX100) at 4 degrees C, more-buoyant density within a sucrose gradient than the remaining membranes, and threefold enrichment with sterols. The virulence determinant phospholipase B1 (PLB1), a GPI-anchored protein, was highly concentrated in raft membranes and could be displaced from them by treatment with the sterol-sequestering agent methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD). Phospholipase B enzyme activity was inhibited in the raft environment and increased 15-fold following disruption of rafts with TX100 at 37 degrees C. Treatment of viable cryptococcal cells in suspension with MbetaCD also released PLB1 protein and enzyme activity, consistent with localization of PLB1 in plasma membrane rafts prior to secretion. The antioxidant virulence factor Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was concentrated six- to ninefold in raft membrane fractions compared with nonraft membranes, whereas the cell wall-associated virulence factor laccase was not detected in membranes. We hypothesize that raft membranes function to cluster certain virulence factors at the cell surface to allow efficient access to enzyme substrate and/or to provide rapid release to the external environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rosemary Siafakas
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Level 3, ICPMR Building, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Widmer F, Wright LC, Obando D, Handke R, Ganendren R, Ellis DH, Sorrell TC. Hexadecylphosphocholine (miltefosine) has broad-spectrum fungicidal activity and is efficacious in a mouse model of cryptococcosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 50:414-21. [PMID: 16436691 PMCID: PMC1366877 DOI: 10.1128/aac.50.2.414-421.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2005] [Revised: 07/30/2005] [Accepted: 10/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The alkyl phosphocholine drug miltefosine is structurally similar to natural substrates of the fungal virulence determinant phospholipase B1 (PLB1), which is a potential drug target. We determined the MICs of miltefosine against key fungal pathogens, correlated antifungal activity with inhibition of the PLB1 activities (PLB, lysophospholipase [LPL], and lysophospholipase-transacylase [LPTA]), and investigated its efficacy in a mouse model of disseminated cryptococcosis. Miltefosine inhibited secreted cryptococcal LPTA activity by 35% at the subhemolytic concentration of 25 microM (10.2 microg/ml) and was inactive against mammalian pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2). At 250 microM, cytosolic PLB, LPL, and LPTA activities were inhibited by 25%, 51%, and 77%, respectively. The MICs at which 90% of isolates were inhibited (MIC90s) against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani, Scedosporium prolificans, and Scedosporium apiospermum were 2 to 4 microg/ml. The MICs of miltefosine against Candida tropicalis (n = 8) were 2 to 4 microg/ml, those against Aspergillus terreus and Candida parapsilosis were 8 microg/ml (MIC90), and those against Aspergillus flavus (n = 8) were 2 to 16 microg/ml. Miltefosine was fungicidal for C. neoformans, with rates of killing of 2 log units within 4 h at 7.0 microM (2.8 microg/ml). Miltefosine given orally to mice on days 1 to 5 after intravenous infection with C. neoformans delayed the development of illness and mortality and significantly reduced the brain cryptococcal burden. We conclude that miltefosine has broad-spectrum antifungal activity and is active in vivo in a mouse model of disseminated cryptococcosis. The relatively small inhibitory effect on PLB1 enzyme activities at concentrations exceeding the MIC by 2 to 20 times suggests that PLB1 inhibition is not the only mechanism of the antifungal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Widmer
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney at Westmead, and Department of Infectious Diseases, ICPMR Building, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Ganendren R, Carter E, Sorrell T, Widmer F, Wright L. Phospholipase B activity enhances adhesion of Cryptococcus neoformans to a human lung epithelial cell line. Microbes Infect 2006; 8:1006-15. [PMID: 16487740 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2005] [Accepted: 10/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Secreted phospholipase B (PLB1), which contains three enzyme activities in the one protein, is necessary for the initiation of pulmonary infection by Cryptococcus neoformans and for dissemination from the lung via the lymphatics and blood. Adhesion to lung epithelium is the first step in this process, therefore we investigated the role of PLB1 in adhesion to a human lung epithelial cell line, A549, using C. neoformans var. grubii wild-type strain H99, a PLB1 deletion mutant (deltaplb1), and a reconstituted strain (deltaplb1rec). Adhesion of H99 and deltaplb1rec was approximately 69% greater than deltaplb1 at 4 h. Adhesion of deltaplb1 significantly increased after killing by chemicals or heat, and Fourier-transformed analysis by FTIR spectroscopy indicated this was due to changes in capsular and/or cell wall polysaccharides and proteins. Inhibition by specific PLB1 antibodies, or inhibitors of phospholipase B (PLB), but not lysophospholipase (LPL) or lysophospholipase transacylase (LPTA) activities decreased the adhesion of H99 and deltaplb1rec by 33-58%. Growth under conditions of osmotic stress and high glucose concentration increased both PLB secretion and subsequent cryptococcal adhesion. Dose-dependent increases (to 67%) in adhesion of live deltaplb1 were observed in the presence of 0.1-2 mM palmitic acid. We conclude that PLB1 plays a role in the binding of C. neoformans to host lung epithelial cells, possibly due to production of fatty acids from plasma membranes and/or surfactant by PLB activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjini Ganendren
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney at Westmead, Department of Infectious Diseases, Level 3, ICPMR Building, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Djordjevic JT, Del Poeta M, Sorrell TC, Turner KM, Wright LC. Secretion of cryptococcal phospholipase B1 (PLB1) is regulated by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Biochem J 2005; 389:803-12. [PMID: 15826239 PMCID: PMC1180731 DOI: 10.1042/bj20050063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The secreted, multifunctional enzyme PLB1 (phospholipase B1 protein encoded by the PLB1 gene) is a virulence determinant of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, but the mechanism of its secretion is unknown. The cryptococcal PLB1 gene encodes putative, N-terminal LP (leader peptide) and C-terminal GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchor attachment motifs, suggesting that PLB1 is GPI-anchored before secretion. To investigate the role of these motifs in PLB1 secretion, four cDNA constructs were created encoding the full-length construct (PLB1) and three truncated versions without the LP and/or the GPI anchor attachment motifs [(LP-)PLB1 (PLB1 expressed without the LP consensus motif), (LP-)PLB1(GPI-) (PLB1 expressed without the LP and GPI consensus motifs) and PLB1(GPI-) (PLB1 expressed without the GPI anchor attachment motif) respectively]. The constructs were ligated into pYES2, and galactose-induced expression was achieved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The LP was essential for secretion of the PLB1 protein and its three activities (PLB, lysophospholipase and lysophospholipase transacylase). Deletion of the GPI motif to create PLB1(GPI-) resulted in a redistribution of activity from the cell wall and membranes to the secreted and cytosolic fractions, with 36-54% of the total activity being secreted as compared with <5% for PLB1. PLB1 produced the maximum cell-associated activity (>2-fold more than that for PLB1(GPI-)), with 75-86% of this in the cell-wall fraction, 6-19% in the membrane fraction and 3-7% in the cytosolic fraction. Cell-wall localization was confirmed by release of activity with beta-glucanase in both S. cerevisiae recombinants and wild-type C. neoformans. The dominant location of PLB1 in the cell wall via GPI anchoring may permit immediate release of the enzyme in response to changing environmental conditions and may represent part of a novel mechanism for regulating the secretion of a fungal virulence determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne T Djordjevic
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, ICPMR and Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, NSW, Australia.
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Santangelo RT, Chen SC, Sorrell TC, Wright LC. Detection of antibodies to phospholipase B in patients infected with Cryptococcus neoformans by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Med Mycol 2005; 43:335-41. [PMID: 16110779 DOI: 10.1080/13693780412331282331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted phospholipases are virulence factors of several fungi, including Cryptococcus neoformans. We describe for the first time the detection by ELISA of antibodies to cryptococcal phospholipase B in the serum of patients infected with C. neoformans or C. gattii. Sixty-nine sera from 25 patients with cryptococcosis, 23 patients with Candida infections and 26 with bacterial or viral infections were tested. The sensitivity of the ELISA in patients with cryptococcosis was 100% in immunocompetent hosts and 64.3% in immunosuppressed patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Absorbance readings were significantly higher in immunocompetent patients (P<0.001). Titres remained positive for up to 2 years. Positive results were noted in 10 episodes of invasive candidiasis, three patients colonised with Candida, and three cases of bacterial infection. Mean absorbance readings were significantly lower in patients with bacterial infection (P <0.001). We conclude that phospholipase B is produced in vivo during cryptococcal infection and that serum phospholipase B antibodies are a sensitive marker of present or past infection. Cross-reactivity of the ELISA with sera from patients with candidiasis indicates that common epitopes are present on cryptococcal and candidal phospholipase B, hence fungal phospholipase B may constitute a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Santangelo
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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40
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Rementeria A, López-Molina N, Ludwig A, Vivanco AB, Bikandi J, Pontón J, Garaizar J. Genes and molecules involved in Aspergillus fumigatus virulence. Rev Iberoam Micol 2005; 22:1-23. [PMID: 15813678 DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1406(05)70001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus causes a wide range of diseases that include mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis) with high mortality rates. Pathogenicity depends on immune status of patients and fungal strain. There is no unique essential virulence factor for development of this fungus in the patient and its virulence appears to be under polygenetic control. The group of molecules and genes associated with the virulence of this fungus includes many cell wall components, such as beta-(1-3)-glucan, galactomannan, galactomannanproteins (Afmp1 and Afmp2), and the chitin synthetases (Chs; chsE and chsG), as well as others. Some genes and molecules have been implicated in evasion from the immune response, such as the rodlets layer (rodA/hyp1 gene) and the conidial melanin-DHN (pksP/alb1 gene). The detoxifying systems for Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by catalases (Cat1p and Cat2p) and superoxide dismutases (MnSOD and Cu, ZnSOD), had also been pointed out as essential for virulence. In addition, this fungus produces toxins (14 kDa diffusible substance from conidia, fumigaclavin C, aurasperon C, gliotoxin, helvolic acid, fumagilin, Asp-hemolysin, and ribotoxin Asp fI/mitogilin F/restrictocin), allergens (Asp f1 to Asp f23), and enzymatic proteins as alkaline serin proteases (Alp and Alp2), metalloproteases (Mep), aspartic proteases (Pep and Pep2), dipeptidyl-peptidases (DppIV and DppV), phospholipase C and phospholipase B (Plb1 and Plb2). These toxic substances and enzymes seems to be additive and/or synergistic, decreasing the survival rates of the infected animals due to their direct action on cells or supporting microbial invasion during infection. Adaptation ability to different trophic situations is an essential attribute of most pathogens. To maintain its virulence attributes A. fumigatus requires iron obtaining by hydroxamate type siderophores (ornitin monooxigenase/SidA), phosphorous obtaining (fos1, fos2, and fos3), signal transductional falls that regulate morphogenesis and/or usage of nutrients as nitrogen (rasA, rasB, rhbA), mitogen activated kinases (sakA codified MAP-kinase), AMPc-Pka signal transductional route, as well as others. In addition, they seem to be essential in this field the amino acid biosynthesis (cpcA and homoaconitase/lysF), the activation and expression of some genes at 37 degrees C (Hsp1/Asp f12, cgrA), some molecules and genes that maintain cellular viability (smcA, Prp8, anexins), etc. Conversely, knowledge about relationship between pathogen and immune response of the host has been improved, opening new research possibilities. The involvement of non-professional cells (endothelial, and tracheal and alveolar epithelial cells) and professional cells (natural killer or NK, and dendritic cells) in infection has been also observed. Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMP) and Patterns Recognizing Receptors (PRR; as Toll like receptors TLR-2 and TLR-4) could influence inflammatory response and dominant cytokine profile, and consequently Th response to infec tion. Superficial components of fungus and host cell surface receptors driving these phenomena are still unknown, although some molecules already associated with its virulence could also be involved. Sequencing of A. fumigatus genome and study of gene expression during their infective process by using DNA microarray and biochips, promises to improve the knowledge of virulence of this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Rementeria
- Departamento Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco, Spain.
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Wright LC, Payne J, Santangelo RT, Simpanya MF, Chen SCA, Widmer F, Sorrell TC. Cryptococcal phospholipases: a novel lysophospholipase discovered in the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus gattii. Biochem J 2005; 384:377-84. [PMID: 15320865 PMCID: PMC1134121 DOI: 10.1042/bj20041079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans produces an extracellular PLB1 (phospholipase B1), shown previously to be a virulence factor. A novel phospholipase (LPL1) with only LPL (lysophospholipase) and LPTA (transacylase) activities has now been characterized in C. gattii, and found to be a 66-kDa glycoprotein (by SDS/PAGE), with a native molecular mass of 670 kDa. The pI was 6.3, and it was active at high temperatures (to 70 degrees C), as well as at both acidic and neutral pH values. It was stimulated by calcium and palmitoyl carnitine at pH 7.0, but not at pH 5.0, and palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine was the preferred substrate. Sequencing indicated that LPL1 is a novel cryptococcal lysophospholipase, and not the gene product of CnLYSO1 or PLB1. A protein with only LPL and LPTA activities was subsequently isolated from two strains of C. neoformans var. grubii. A PLB1 enzyme was isolated from both C. gattii and a highly virulent strain of C. neoformans var. grubii (H99). In both cases, all three enzyme activities (PLB, LPL and LPTA) were present in one 95-120 kDa glycoprotein (by SDS/PAGE) with pI 3.9-4.3. Characterization of PLB1 from C. gattii showed that it differed from that of C. neoformans in its larger native mass (275 kDa), high PLB activity relative to LPL and LPTA, and preference for saturated lipid substrates. Differences in the properties between the secreted phospholipases of the two cryptococcal species could contribute to phenotypic differences that determine their respective environmental niches and different clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley C Wright
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
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Guo Z, Vikbjerg AF, Xu X. Enzymatic modification of phospholipids for functional applications and human nutrition. Biotechnol Adv 2005; 23:203-59. [PMID: 15763405 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2005.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2004] [Accepted: 02/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rapid progress in biochemistry of phospholipids and evolution of modern bioengineering has brought forth a number of novel concepts and technical advancements in the modification of phospholipids for industrial applications and human nutrition. Highlights cover preparation of novel phospholipid analogs based on the latest understanding of pivotal role of phospholipids in manifold biological processes, exploration of remarkable application potentials of phospholipids in meliorating human health, as well as development of new chemical and biotechnological approaches applied to the modification of phospholipids. This work reviews the natural occurrence and structural characteristics of phospholipids, their updated knowledge on manifold biological and nutritional functions, traditional and novel physical and chemical approaches to modify phospholipids as well as their applications to obtain novel phospholipids, and brief introduction of the efforts focusing on de novo syntheses of phospholipids. Special attention is given to the summary of molecular structural characteristics and catalytic properties of multiple phospholipases, which helps to interpret experimental phenomena and to improve reaction design. This will of course provide fundamental bases also for the development of enzymatic technology to produce structured or modified phospholipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Guo
- Food Biotechnology and Engineering Group, BioCentrum-DTU, Building 221, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
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43
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Morgan C, Insall R, Haynes L, Cockcroft S. Identification of phospholipase B from Dictyostelium discoideum reveals a new lipase family present in mammals, flies and nematodes, but not yeast. Biochem J 2004; 382:441-9. [PMID: 15193148 PMCID: PMC1133800 DOI: 10.1042/bj20040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2004] [Revised: 06/07/2004] [Accepted: 06/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum exhibits high activities of phospholipase and lysophospholipase [Ferber, Munder, Fischer and Gerisch (1970) Eur. J. Biochem. 14, 253-257]. We assayed Dictyostelium lysates to demonstrate the presence of a highly active phospholipase B (PLB) enzyme that removed both fatty-acid chains from phosphatidylcholine and produced the water-soluble glycerophosphorylcholine. We purified the PLB activity from Dictyostelium cytosol using standard agarose media (size exclusion and ion exchange), and combined this with an affinity purification step using myristoylated ARF1 (ADP-ribosylation factor 1), a protein which has a single fatty acid at its N-terminus. Two proteins co-purified (48 kDa and 65 kDa), and the 48 kDa protein was digested with trypsin, peptide fragments were separated by reverse-phase chromatography, and the resultant peptides were sequenced by Edman degradation. From the peptide sequences obtained, database searches revealed a gene which encodes a protein of 65 kDa with unknown function. The 48 kDa protein therefore appears to be a fragment of the full-length 65 kDa product. Expression of the gene in Escherichia coli confirmed that it encodes a PLB. Characterization of its substrate specificity indicated that, in addition to phosphatidylcholine deacylation, the enzyme also hydrolysed phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The PLB identified in the present study is not related to existing PLBs found in bacteria, fungi or mammals. There are, however, genes similar to Dictyostelium PLB in mammals, flies, worms and Giardia, but not in yeast. We therefore have identified a novel family of intracellular PLBs.
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Key Words
- adp-ribosylation factor (arf)
- deacylation
- dictyostelium
- glycerophosphorylcholine
- non-esterified fatty acid (nefa)
- phospholipase b
- arf1, adp-ribosylation factor 1
- gpc, glycerophosphorylcholine
- lpc, lysopc
- myrarf1, myristoylated arf1
- nefa, non-esterified fatty acid
- nhs, n-hydroxysuccinimide
- pc, phosphatidylcholine
- p-choline, phosphorylcholine
- pe, phosphatidylethanolamine
- pi, phosphatidylinositol
- plb, phospholipase b
- pld, phospholipase d
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive P. Morgan
- *Department of Physiology, Rockefeller Building, University College London, University St., London WC1E 6JJ, U.K
| | - Robert Insall
- †School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Lee Haynes
- ‡CRUK Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TA, U.K
| | - Shamshad Cockcroft
- *Department of Physiology, Rockefeller Building, University College London, University St., London WC1E 6JJ, U.K
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Ganendren R, Widmer F, Singhal V, Wilson C, Sorrell T, Wright L. In vitro antifungal activities of inhibitors of phospholipases from the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2004; 48:1561-9. [PMID: 15105106 PMCID: PMC400561 DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.5.1561-1569.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted phospholipase B is a proven virulence factor for the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans and exhibits three phospholipase activities in the one protein. These are phospholipase B (PLB), lysophospholipase (LPL), and lysophospholipase transacylase (LPTA). Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of using this enzyme as a target for antifungal therapy. We determined in C. neoformans var. grubii strain H99 that 82% of PLB activity was secreted but that 64% of LPL activity and 70% of LPTA activity were cell associated. Cell-associated activities (cytosolic and membrane) were further characterized, since it is likely that any fungicidal effect would depend on inhibition of these enzymes. Four commercially available compounds with structural similarities to phospholipid substrates were tested as inhibitors. These were alexidine dihydrochloride (compound A), dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (compound O), 1,12 bis-(tributylphosphonium)dodecane dibromide (compound P), and decamethonium dibromide (compound D). The best phospholipase inhibitors (compounds A and P) were also the most potent antifungal agents by the standard broth microdilution test. Compound A was highly selective for secreted and cell-associated PLB activities and showed no inhibition of mammalian phospholipase A(2) at 0.25 micro M. Compound O, which was specific for secretory and cytosolic LPL and LPTA and membrane-associated PLB, was not antifungal. We conclude that inhibitors of cryptococcal phospholipases can be selective for fungal enzymes and intrinsically antifungal. They also provide tools for assessing the relative importance of the various enzyme activities in virulence. Our results enable further rational structure-function studies to validate the use of phospholipases as antifungal targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjini Ganendren
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney at Westmead, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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45
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Coe JGS, Wilson CF, Sorrell TC, Latouche NG, Wright LC. Cloning of CnLYSO1, a novel extracellular lysophospholipase of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Gene 2004; 316:67-78. [PMID: 14563553 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(03)00740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We cloned a novel lysophospholipase (CnLYSO1) from Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii by PCR amplification and a cDNA library screen. The open reading frame (ORF) of 1278 nucleotides coded for a predicted 426-amino-acid protein (CnLyso1p) with two highly conserved GXSXG lipase-specific catalytic motifs and a molecular weight of 48.3 kDa. CnLyso1p exhibited 14% and 21% identity to Arabidopsis thaliana and human lysophospholipases, respectively. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses indicated that CnLyso1p was secreted as a high molecular weight protein of 97-140 kDa. CnLYSO1 expressed in a phospholipase B-null mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated lysophospholipase and lysophospholipase transacylase activities at pH 4.0. Targeted disruption of CnLYSO1 did not affect growth, melanin or capsule production by C. neoformans. Secreted lysophospholipase and transacylase activities (pH 4.0) were 50% of wild type and CnLyso1p was undetectable on Western blots. Phospholipase B activity was reduced at pH 7.0 (P<0.006) and at pH 4.0 (P=NS). The amount of secreted Plb1p (the gene product of PLB1) was also reduced. Deletion of PLB1 abolished all three secreted activities at pH 4.0 and 7.0. These results are best explained by post-translational interaction, most likely the formation of a functional complex between the independently regulated gene products, CnLyso1p and CnPlb1p.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G S Coe
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Darcy Rd., NSW 2145, Westmead, Australia
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Noverr MC, Erb-Downward JR, Huffnagle GB. Production of eicosanoids and other oxylipins by pathogenic eukaryotic microbes. Clin Microbiol Rev 2003; 16:517-33. [PMID: 12857780 PMCID: PMC164223 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.16.3.517-533.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxylipins are oxygenated metabolites of fatty acids. Eicosanoids are a subset of oxylipins and include the prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are potent regulators of host immune responses. Host cells are one source of eicosanoids and oxylipins during infection; however, another potential source of eicosanoids is the pathogen itself. A broad range of pathogenic fungi, protozoa, and helminths produce eicosanoids and other oxylipins by novel synthesis pathways. Why do these organisms produce oxylipins? Accumulating data suggest that phase change and differentiation in these organisms are controlled by oxylipins, including prostaglandins and lipoxygenase products. The precise role of pathogen-derived eicosanoids in pathogenesis remains to be determined, but the potential link between pathogen eicosanoids and the development of TH2 responses in the host is intriguing. Mammalian prostaglandins and leukotrienes have been studied extensively, and these molecules can modulate Th1 versus Th2 immune responses, chemokine production, phagocytosis, lymphocyte proliferation, and leukocyte chemotaxis. Thus, eicosanoids and oxylipins (host or microbe) may be mediators of a direct host-pathogen "cross-talk" that promotes chronic infection and hypersensitivity disease, common features of infection by eukaryotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairi C Noverr
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0642, USA
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Himmelreich U, Allen C, Dowd S, Malik R, Shehan BP, Mountford C, Sorrell TC. Identification of metabolites of importance in the pathogenesis of pulmonary cryptococcoma using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Microbes Infect 2003; 5:285-90. [PMID: 12706441 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(03)00028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Primary lung infection with Cryptococcus neoformans is characterised by circumscribed lesions (cryptococcomas). To identify cryptococcal and/or host products of importance in pathogenesis, we applied proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which identifies mobile compounds present in complex mixtures, to experimental pulmonary cryptococcomas from rats. Magnetic resonance experiments were performed on cryptococcomas (n = 10) and healthy lungs (n = 8). Signal assignment to key metabolites was confirmed by homo-nuclear and hetero-nuclear NMR correlation spectroscopy. Cryptococcal metabolites, dominating spectra from cryptococcomas included the stress protectants, trehalose and mannitol, acetate, and in some animals, ethanol. Glycerophosphorylcholine was also abundant in cryptococcomas, consistent with hydrolysis of phospholipids in vivo by the cryptococcal enzyme, phospholipase B (PLB). PLB has been identified by molecular studies as a cryptococcal virulence determinant. We propose that PLB secreted by cryptococci promotes tissue invasion by hydrolysing host phospholipids, such as dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline, which is abundant in pulmonary surfactant, and lung cell membrane phospholipids. Our results confirm the utility of NMR spectroscopy in studies of microbial pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Himmelreich
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Room 3114, Level 3, ICPMR, Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Noverr MC, Cox GM, Perfect JR, Huffnagle GB. Role of PLB1 in pulmonary inflammation and cryptococcal eicosanoid production. Infect Immun 2003; 71:1538-47. [PMID: 12595473 PMCID: PMC148814 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.3.1538-1547.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2002] [Revised: 05/30/2002] [Accepted: 11/22/2002] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal phospholipase (PLB1) is a secreted enzyme with lysophospholipase hydrolase and lysophospholipase transacylase activities. To investigate the role of PLB1 in the evasion of host immune responses, we characterized pulmonary immune responses to the parental (H99), the plb1 mutant, and the plb1(rec) reconstituted mutant strains of Cryptococcus neoformans in mice. PLB1 was required for virulence during infection acquired via the respiratory tract. Mice infected with either H99 or the plb1(rec) strain generated a nonprotective inflammatory response with subsequent eosinophilia, while mice infected with the plb1 mutant generated a protective immune response that controlled the infection. Because PLB1 is believed to facilitate virulence through host cell lysis, we examined the interaction of these strains with macrophages. The plb1(rec) mutant exhibited decreased survival during coculture with macrophages. One factor which may be involved in the survival of yeast in the presence of macrophages is fungal eicosanoid production. Host eicosanoids have been shown to down-modulate macrophage functions. plb1 exhibited a defect in eicosanoid production derived from exogenous arachidonoyl-phosphatidylcholine, suggesting that PLB1 is required for the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids. These data suggest that cryptococcal PLB1 may act as a virulence factor by enhancing the ability to survive macrophage antifungal defenses, possibly by facilitating fungal eicosanoid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairi C Noverr
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0642, USA
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Wright L, Bubb W, Davidson J, Santangelo R, Krockenberger M, Himmelreich U, Sorrell T. Metabolites released by Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans and var. gattii differentially affect human neutrophil function. Microbes Infect 2002; 4:1427-38. [PMID: 12475633 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(02)00024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Differences in the ability of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans (CNVN) and var. gattii (CNVG) to establish localized lesions in the lungs of healthy humans remain unexplained. In this study, CNVG infection in a rat model was characterized by early neutrophil invasion into lung tissue, but phagocytosis of cryptococci was not observed. The chemical composition of non-enzymic components secreted by one strain of each variety (heat-inactivated supernatants from CNVN and CNVG, termed vns and vgs, respectively) were compared, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Effects on human neutrophil viability and functions at both pH 5.5 and 7.0 were investigated, as the pH of cryptococcomas was found to be 5.4-5.6 in vivo. The supernatants were similar in composition, although metabolites in vns were generally present in higher concentrations. In addition, vgs contained two novel metabolites-acetoin and dihydroxyacetone. Polyphosphate was observed in cells from both varieties and may be a source of extracellular inorganic phosphate. Superoxide production in the presence of phorbol ester was enhanced by treatment with vns and decreased by vgs. At pH 5.5, vns caused high levels of necrosis in neutrophils, as well as increased adhesion/migration through A549 lung epithelial cell monolayers. Individual supernatant components such as polyols, acetoin, dihydroxyacetone, and gamma-aminobutyric acid exhibited both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, we found that vgs was potentially less pro-inflammatory than vns. Inhibition of neutrophil function by products of CNVG may promote survival of extracellular organisms, and local multiplication to form cryptococcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Wright
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Level 3, ICPMR Building, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
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