1
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Contreras-Martínez OI, Angulo-Ortíz A, Santafé-Patiño G, Aviña-Padilla K, Velasco-Pareja MC, Yasnot MF. Transcriptional Reprogramming of Candida tropicalis in Response to Isoespintanol Treatment. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1199. [PMID: 38132799 PMCID: PMC10744401 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis, an opportunistic pathogen, ranks among the primary culprits of invasive candidiasis, a condition notorious for its resistance to conventional antifungal drugs. The urgency to combat these drug-resistant infections has spurred the quest for novel therapeutic compounds, with a particular focus on those of natural origin. In this study, we set out to evaluate the impact of isoespintanol (ISO), a monoterpene derived from Oxandra xylopioides, on the transcriptome of C. tropicalis. Leveraging transcriptomics, our research aimed to unravel the intricate transcriptional changes induced by ISO within this pathogen. Our differential gene expression analysis unveiled 186 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to ISO, with a striking 85% of these genes experiencing upregulation. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of ISO's influence on C. tropicalis, spanning a spectrum of physiological, structural, and metabolic adaptations. The upregulated DEGs predominantly pertained to crucial processes, including ergosterol biosynthesis, protein folding, response to DNA damage, cell wall integrity, mitochondrial activity modulation, and cellular responses to organic compounds. Simultaneously, 27 genes were observed to be repressed, affecting functions such as cytoplasmic translation, DNA damage checkpoints, membrane proteins, and metabolic pathways like trans-methylation, trans-sulfuration, and trans-propylamine. These results underscore the complexity of ISO's antifungal mechanism, suggesting that it targets multiple vital pathways within C. tropicalis. Such complexity potentially reduces the likelihood of the pathogen developing rapid resistance to ISO, making it an attractive candidate for further exploration as a therapeutic agent. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional responses of C. tropicalis to ISO exposure. The identified molecular targets and pathways offer promising avenues for future research and the development of innovative antifungal therapies to combat infections caused by this pathogenic yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Angulo-Ortíz
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (A.A.-O.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Gilmar Santafé-Patiño
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (A.A.-O.); (G.S.-P.)
| | - Katia Aviña-Padilla
- Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the I.P.N. Unit Irapuato, Irapuato 36821, Mexico;
| | - María Camila Velasco-Pareja
- Bacteriology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (M.C.V.-P.); (M.F.Y.)
| | - María Fernanda Yasnot
- Bacteriology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia; (M.C.V.-P.); (M.F.Y.)
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2
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Stevanović KS, Čepkenović B, Križak S, Živić MŽ, Todorović NV. Osmotically Activated Anion Current of Phycomyces Blakesleeanus-Filamentous Fungi Counterpart to Vertebrate Volume Regulated Anion Current. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:637. [PMID: 37367573 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of ion currents in filamentous fungi are a prerequisite for forming a complete understanding of their physiology. Cytoplasmic droplets (CDs), obtained from sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus, are a model system that enables the characterization of ion currents in the native membrane, including the currents mediated by the channels not yet molecularly identified. Osmotically activated anionic current with outward rectification (ORIC) is a dominant current in the membrane of cytoplasmic droplets under the conditions of hypoosmotic stimulation. We have previously reported remarkable functional similarities of ORIC with the vertebrate volume regulated anionic current (VRAC), such as dose-dependent activation by osmotic difference, ion selectivity sequence, and time and voltage dependent profile of the current. Using the patch clamp method on the CD membrane, we further resolve VRAC-like ORIC characteristics in this paper. We examine the inhibition by extracellular ATP and carbenoxolone, the permeation of glutamate in presence of chloride, selectivity for nitrates, and activation by GTP, and we show its single channel behavior in excised membrane. We propose that ORIC is a functional counterpart of vertebrate VRAC in filamentous fungi, possibly with a similar essential role in anion efflux during cell volume regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina S Stevanović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bogdana Čepkenović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Strahinja Križak
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miroslav Ž Živić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša V Todorović
- Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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3
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Mutyala S, Kim JR. Recent advances and challenges in the bioconversion of acetate to value-added chemicals. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 364:128064. [PMID: 36195215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Acetate is a major byproduct of the bioconversion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, pretreatment of lignocellulose biomass, and microbial fermentation. The utilization and valorization of acetate have been emphasized in transforming waste to clean energy and value-added platform chemicals, contributing to the development of a closed carbon loop toward a low-carbon circular bio-economy. Acetate has been used to produce several platform chemicals, including succinate, 3-hydroxypropionate, and itaconic acid, highlighting the potential of acetate to synthesize many biochemicals and biofuels. On the other hand, the yields and titers have not reached the theoretical maximum. Recently, recombinant strain development and pathway regulation have been suggested to overcome this limitation. This review provides insights into the important constraints limiting the yields and titers of the biochemical and metabolic pathways of bacteria capable of metabolizing acetate for acetate bioconversion. The current developments in recombinant strain engineering are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakuntala Mutyala
- School of Chemical Engineering, Pusan National University, 63 Busandeahak-ro, Geumjeong-Gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Rae Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Pusan National University, 63 Busandeahak-ro, Geumjeong-Gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Sun M, Liu J, Li J, Huang Y. Endophytic Bacterium Serratia plymuthica From Chinese Leek Suppressed Apple Ring Rot on Postharvest Apple Fruit. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:802887. [PMID: 35310399 PMCID: PMC8929176 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.802887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apple ring rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea is an economically significant plant disease that spreads across the apple production areas in China. The pathogen infects apple fruits during the growing season and results in postharvest fruits rot during storage, which brings about a huge loss to plant growers. The study demonstrated that an endophytic bacterium Serratia plymuthica isolated from Chinese leek (Allium tuberosum) significantly suppressed the mycelial growth, severely damaging the typical morphology of B. dothidea, and exerted a high inhibition of 84.64% against apple ring rot on postharvest apple fruit. Furthermore, S. plymuthica significantly reduced the titratable acidity (TA) content, enhanced the soluble sugar (SS) content, vitamin C content, and SS/TA ratio, and maintained the firmness of the fruits. Furthermore, comparing the transcriptomes of the control and the S. plymuthica treated mycelia revealed that S. plymuthica significantly altered the expressions of genes related to membrane (GO:0016020), catalytic activity (GO:0003824), oxidation-reduction process (GO:0055114), and metabolism pathways, including tyrosine metabolism (ko00280), glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (ko00010), and glycerolipid metabolism (ko00561). The present study provided a possible way to control apple ring rot on postharvest fruit and a solid foundation for further exploring the underlying molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Sun
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Fruit (Qingdao), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Qingdao, China.,National Technology Centre for Whole Process Quality Control of FSEN Horticultural Products (Qingdao), Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Key Laboratory of Modern Agriculture Quality and Safety Engineering, Qingdao, China
| | - Junping Liu
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Fruit (Qingdao), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Qingdao, China.,National Technology Centre for Whole Process Quality Control of FSEN Horticultural Products (Qingdao), Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Key Laboratory of Modern Agriculture Quality and Safety Engineering, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinghui Li
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Fruit (Qingdao), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Qingdao, China.,National Technology Centre for Whole Process Quality Control of FSEN Horticultural Products (Qingdao), Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Key Laboratory of Modern Agriculture Quality and Safety Engineering, Qingdao, China
| | - Yonghong Huang
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Fruit (Qingdao), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Qingdao, China.,National Technology Centre for Whole Process Quality Control of FSEN Horticultural Products (Qingdao), Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Key Laboratory of Modern Agriculture Quality and Safety Engineering, Qingdao, China
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5
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Sousa-Silva M, Soares P, Alves J, Vieira D, Casal M, Soares-Silva I. Uncovering Novel Plasma Membrane Carboxylate Transporters in the Yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:51. [PMID: 35049991 PMCID: PMC8779868 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii has great potential in the biotechnology industry due to its ability to produce a variety of compounds of interest, including carboxylic acids. In this work, we identified genes encoding carboxylate transporters from this yeast species. The functional characterization of sixteen plasma membrane carboxylate transporters belonging to the AceTr, SHS, TDT, MCT, SSS, and DASS families was performed by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The newly identified C. jadinii transporters present specificity for mono-, di-, and tricarboxylates. The transporters CjAto5, CjJen6, CjSlc5, and CjSlc13-1 display the broadest substrate specificity; CjAto2 accepts mono- and dicarboxylates; and CjAto1,3,4, CjJen1-5, CjSlc16, and CjSlc13-2 are specific for monocarboxylic acids. A detailed characterization of these transporters, including phylogenetic reconstruction, 3D structure prediction, and molecular docking analysis is presented here. The properties presented by these transporters make them interesting targets to be explored as organic acid exporters in microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sousa-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Soares
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - João Alves
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniel Vieira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Casal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Isabel Soares-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.S.-S.); (P.S.); (J.A.); (D.V.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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6
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Rendulić T, Alves J, Azevedo-Silva J, Soares-Silva I, Casal M. New insights into the acetate uptake transporter (AceTr) family: Unveiling amino acid residues critical for specificity and activity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:4412-4425. [PMID: 34471488 PMCID: PMC8379382 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Substrate specificity of Ato1 was engineered by altering its pore size. The L219A and F98A substitutions enable succinic acid transport activity of Ato1. Ato1 E144A substitution causes dominant negative organic acid hypersensitivity. Organic acid hypersensitivity is caused by the hyperactive ATO1 transporter alleles. First report of a fully functional bacterial transporter (SatP) in yeast.
Aiming at improving the transport of biotechnologically relevant carboxylic acids in engineered microbial cell factories, the focus of this work was to study plasma membrane transporters belonging to the Acetate Uptake Transporter (AceTr) family. Ato1 and SatP, members of this family from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli, respectively, are the main acetate transporters in these species. The analysis of conserved amino acid residues within AceTr family members combined with the study of Ato1 3D model based on SatP, was the rationale for selection of site-directed mutagenesis targets. The library of Ato1-GFP mutant alleles was functionally analysed in the S. cerevisiae IMX1000 strain which shows residual growth in all carboxylic acids tested. A gain of function phenotype was found for mutations in the residues F98 and L219 located at the central constrictive site of the pore, enabling cells to grow on lactic and on succinic acid. This phenotype was associated with an increased transport activity for these substrates. A dominant negative acetic acid hypersensitivity was induced in S. cerevisiae cells expressing the E144A mutant, which was associated with an increased acetic acid uptake. By utilizing computer-assisted 3D-modelling tools we highlight structural features that explain the acquired traits found in the analysed Ato1 mutants. Additionally, we achieved the proper expression of the Escherichia coli SatP, a homologue of Ato1, in S. cerevisiae. To our knowledge, this constitutes the first report of a fully functional bacterial plasma membrane transporter protein in yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Rendulić
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Portugal
| | - João Alves
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Portugal
| | - João Azevedo-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Isabel Soares-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Margarida Casal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Portugal
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7
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Kim Y, Lama S, Agrawal D, Kumar V, Park S. Acetate as a potential feedstock for the production of value-added chemicals: Metabolism and applications. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 49:107736. [PMID: 33781888 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Acetate is regarded as a promising carbon feedstock in biological production owing to its possible derivation from C1 gases such as CO, CO2 and methane. To best use of acetate, comprehensive understanding of acetate metabolisms from genes and enzymes to pathways and regulations is needed. This review aims to provide an overview on the potential of acetate as carbon feedstock for industrial biotechnology. Biochemical, microbial and biotechnological aspects of acetate metabolism are described. Especially, the current state-of-the art in the production of value-added chemicals from acetate is summarized. Challenges and future perspectives are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhee Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, UNIST, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Suman Lama
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, UNIST, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Deepti Agrawal
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Area, Material Resource Efficiency Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Petroleum, Mohkampur, Dehradun 248005, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Centre for Climate and Environmental Protection, School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK430AL, United Kingdom.
| | - Sunghoon Park
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, UNIST, 50, UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Abstract
Opportunistic pathogens such as Candida species can use carboxylic acids, like acetate and lactate, to survive and successfully thrive in different environmental niches. These nonfermentable substrates are frequently the major carbon sources present in certain human body sites, and their efficient uptake by regulated plasma membrane transporters plays a critical role in such nutrient-limited conditions. Here, we cover the physiology and regulation of these proteins and their potential role in Candida virulence. Opportunistic pathogens such as Candida species can use carboxylic acids, like acetate and lactate, to survive and successfully thrive in different environmental niches. These nonfermentable substrates are frequently the major carbon sources present in certain human body sites, and their efficient uptake by regulated plasma membrane transporters plays a critical role in such nutrient-limited conditions. Here, we cover the physiology and regulation of these proteins and their potential role in Candida virulence. This review also presents an evolutionary analysis of orthologues of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Jen1 lactate and Ady2 acetate transporters, including a phylogenetic analysis of 101 putative carboxylate transporters in twelve medically relevant Candida species. These proteins are assigned to distinct clades according to their amino acid sequence homology and represent the major carboxylic acid uptake systems in yeast. While Jen transporters belong to the sialate:H+ symporter (SHS) family, the Ady2 homologue members are assigned to the acetate uptake transporter (AceTr) family. Here, we reclassify the later members as ATO (acetate transporter ortholog). The new nomenclature will facilitate the study of these transporters, as well as the analysis of their relevance for Candida pathogenesis.
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9
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Durante L, Hübner W, Lauersen KJ, Remacle C. Characterization of the GPR1/FUN34/YaaH protein family in the green microalga Chlamydomonas suggests their role as intracellular membrane acetate channels. PLANT DIRECT 2019; 3:e00148. [PMID: 31245784 PMCID: PMC6556978 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The unicellular green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a powerful photosynthetic model organism which is capable of heterotrophic growth on acetate as a sole carbon source. This capacity has enabled its use for investigations of perturbations in photosynthetic machinery as mutants can be recovered heterotrophically. Fixation of acetate into cellular carbon metabolism occurs first by its conversion into acetyl-CoA by a respective synthase and the generation of succinate by the glyoxylate cycle. These metabolic steps have been recently determined to largely occur in the peroxisomes of this alga; however, little is known about the trafficking and import of acetate or its subcellular compartmentalization. Recently, the genes of five proteins belonging to the GPR1/FUN34/YaaH (GFY) superfamily were observed to exhibit increased expression in C. reinhardtii upon acetate addition, however, no further characterization has been reported. Here, we provide several lines of evidence to implicate Cr GFY1-5 as channels which share structural homology with bacterial succinate-acetate channels and specifically localize to microbodies, which are surprisingly distinct from the glyoxylate cycle-containing peroxisomes. We demonstrate structural models, gene expression profiling, and in vivo fluorescence localization of all five isoforms in the algal cell to further support this role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Durante
- Genetics and Physiology of MicroalgaeInBios/PhytosystemsUniversity of LiegeLiegeBelgium
| | - Wolfgang Hübner
- Biomolecular PhotonicsDepartment of PhysicsBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Kyle J. Lauersen
- Faculty of BiologyCenter for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)Bielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | - Claire Remacle
- Genetics and Physiology of MicroalgaeInBios/PhytosystemsUniversity of LiegeLiegeBelgium
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10
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Rossoni AW, Price DC, Seger M, Lyska D, Lammers P, Bhattacharya D, Weber APM. The genomes of polyextremophilic cyanidiales contain 1% horizontally transferred genes with diverse adaptive functions. eLife 2019; 8:e45017. [PMID: 31149898 PMCID: PMC6629376 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role and extent of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in eukaryotes are hotly disputed topics that impact our understanding of the origin of metabolic processes and the role of organelles in cellular evolution. We addressed this issue by analyzing 10 novel Cyanidiales genomes and determined that 1% of their gene inventory is HGT-derived. Numerous HGT candidates share a close phylogenetic relationship with prokaryotes that live in similar habitats as the Cyanidiales and encode functions related to polyextremophily. HGT candidates differ from native genes in GC-content, number of splice sites, and gene expression. HGT candidates are more prone to loss, which may explain the absence of a eukaryotic pan-genome. Therefore, the lack of a pan-genome and cumulative effects fail to provide substantive arguments against our hypothesis of recurring HGT followed by differential loss in eukaryotes. The maintenance of 1% HGTs, even under selection for genome reduction, underlines the importance of non-endosymbiosis related foreign gene acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro W Rossoni
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)Heinrich Heine UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Dana C Price
- Department of Plant BiologyRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickUnited States
| | - Mark Seger
- Arizona Center for Algae Technology and InnovationArizona State UniversityMesaUnited States
| | - Dagmar Lyska
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)Heinrich Heine UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Peter Lammers
- Arizona Center for Algae Technology and InnovationArizona State UniversityMesaUnited States
| | | | - Andreas PM Weber
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)Heinrich Heine UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
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11
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Ribas D, Soares-Silva I, Vieira D, Sousa-Silva M, Sá-Pessoa J, Azevedo-Silva J, Viegas SC, Arraiano CM, Diallinas G, Paiva S, Soares P, Casal M. The acetate uptake transporter family motif “NPAPLGL(M/S)” is essential for substrate uptake. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 122:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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12
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Guo H, Huang T, Zhao J, Chen H, Chen G. Fungi short-chain carboxylate transporter: shift from microbe hereditary functional component to metabolic engineering target. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:4653-4662. [PMID: 29679102 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Short-chain carboxylic acids and their derivatives are widely utilized in all aspects of our daily life. Given their specific functional groups, these molecules are also utilized in fine chemical synthesis. The traditional petroleum-based carboxylate production methods are restricted by petrol shortage and environmental pollution. Renowned for their more sustainable processes than traditional methods, biotechnological methods are preferred alternatives and have attracted increasing attention. However, the industrial application of biotechnological methods is currently limited by low factors: low productivity and low yield. Therefore, understanding the regulation of carboxylate accumulation will greatly enhance the industrial biotechnological production of short-chain carboxylate acids. The carboxylate transporter plays a crucial role in transmembrane uptake and secretion of carboxylate; therefore, regulating these transporters is of high academic and application relevance. This review concentrates on the physiological roles, regulation mechanisms, and harnessing strategies of Jen and AcpA orthologs in fungi, which provide potential clues for the biotechnological production of short-chain carboxylic acids with high efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Guo
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Fujian Province for Biochemical Technology, National Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Amoy, 361021, Fujian, China.
| | - Tianqiu Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Fujian Province for Biochemical Technology, National Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Amoy, 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Fujian Province for Biochemical Technology, National Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Amoy, 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Hongwen Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Fujian Province for Biochemical Technology, National Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Amoy, 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Fujian Province for Biochemical Technology, National Huaqiao University, 668 Jimei Road, Amoy, 361021, Fujian, China
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13
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Lee BD, Apel WA, DeVeaux LC, Sheridan PP. Concurrent metabolism of pentose and hexose sugars by the polyextremophile Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 44:1443-1458. [PMID: 28776272 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-017-1968-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius is a thermoacidophilic bacterium capable of growth on sugars from plant biomass. Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) allows bacteria to focus cellular resources on a sugar that provides efficient growth, but also allows sequential, rather than simultaneous use when more than one sugar is present. The A. acidocaldarius genome encodes all components of CCR, but transporters encoded are multifacilitator superfamily and ATP-binding cassette-type transporters, uncommon for CCR. Therefore, global transcriptome analysis of A. acidocaldarius grown on xylose or fructose was performed in chemostats, followed by attempted induction of CCR with glucose or arabinose. Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius grew while simultaneously metabolizing xylose and glucose, xylose and arabinose, and fructose and glucose, indicating that CCR did not control carbon metabolism. Microarrays showed down-regulation of genes during growth on one sugar compared to two, and occurred primarily in genes encoding: (1) regulators; (2) enzymes for cell wall synthesis; and (3) sugar transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brady D Lee
- Idaho National Laboratory, Biological Systems Department, Idaho Falls, ID, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA. .,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Energy and Environment Directorate, Richland, WA, USA.
| | - William A Apel
- Idaho National Laboratory, Biological Systems Department, Idaho Falls, ID, USA.,Aspenglow Associates, LLC, P. O. Box 12692, Jackson, WY, 83002, USA
| | - Linda C DeVeaux
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - Peter P Sheridan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA
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14
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Motaung TE, Saitoh H, Tsilo TJ. Large-scale molecular genetic analysis in plant-pathogenic fungi: a decade of genome-wide functional analysis. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2017; 18:754-764. [PMID: 27733021 PMCID: PMC6638310 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Plant-pathogenic fungi cause diseases to all major crop plants world-wide and threaten global food security. Underpinning fungal diseases are virulence genes facilitating plant host colonization that often marks pathogenesis and crop failures, as well as an increase in staple food prices. Fungal molecular genetics is therefore the cornerstone to the sustainable prevention of disease outbreaks. Pathogenicity studies using mutant collections provide immense function-based information regarding virulence genes of economically relevant fungi. These collections are rich in potential targets for existing and new biological control agents. They contribute to host resistance breeding against fungal pathogens and are instrumental in searching for novel resistance genes through the identification of fungal effectors. Therefore, functional analyses of mutant collections propel gene discovery and characterization, and may be incorporated into disease management strategies. In the light of these attributes, mutant collections enhance the development of practical solutions to confront modern agricultural constraints. Here, a critical review of mutant collections constructed by various laboratories during the past decade is provided. We used Magnaporthe oryzae and Fusarium graminearum studies to show how mutant screens contribute to bridge existing knowledge gaps in pathogenicity and fungal-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabiso E. Motaung
- Agricultural Research Council ‐ Small Grain InstitutePrivate Bag X29Bethlehem9700South Africa
| | - Hiromasa Saitoh
- Iwate Biotechnology Research Center22‐174‐4 NaritaKitakamiIwate024‐0003Japan
| | - Toi J. Tsilo
- Agricultural Research Council ‐ Small Grain InstitutePrivate Bag X29Bethlehem9700South Africa
- Department of Life and Consumer SciencesUniversity of South AfricaPO Box 392Pretoria0003South Africa
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15
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Lai T, Wang Y, Fan Y, Zhou Y, Bao Y, Zhou T. The response of growth and patulin production of postharvest pathogen Penicillium expansum to exogenous potassium phosphite treatment. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 244:1-10. [PMID: 28042969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of exogenous potassium phosphite (Phi) on growth and patulin production of postharvest pathogen Penicillium expansum were assessed. The results indicated that P. expansum under 5mmol/L Phi stress presented obvious development retardation, yield reduction of patulin and lower infectivity to apple fruit. Meanwhile, expression analysis of 15 genes related to patulin biosynthesis suggested that Phi mainly affected the early steps of patulin synthetic route at transcriptional level. Furthermore, a global view of proteome and transcriptome alteration of P. expansum spores during 6h of Phi stress was evaluated by iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) and RNA-seq (RNA sequencing) approaches. A total of 582 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired, most of which participated in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, genetic information processing and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Finally, 39 overlapped candidates were screened out through correlational analysis between iTRAQ and RNA-seq datasets. These findings will afford more precise and directional clues to explore the inhibitory mechanism of Phi on growth and patulin biosynthesis of P. expansum, and be beneficial to develop effective controlling approaches based on Phi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongfei Lai
- Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products of Hangzhou City, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China; Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Yaya Fan
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Yingying Zhou
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Ying Bao
- Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products of Hangzhou City, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products of Hangzhou City, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China.
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16
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Casal M, Queirós O, Talaia G, Ribas D, Paiva S. Carboxylic Acids Plasma Membrane Transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 892:229-251. [PMID: 26721276 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-25304-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This chapter covers the functionally characterized plasma membrane carboxylic acids transporters Jen1, Ady2, Fps1 and Pdr12 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, addressing also their homologues in other microorganisms, as filamentous fungi and bacteria. Carboxylic acids can either be transported into the cells, to be used as nutrients, or extruded in response to acid stress conditions. The secondary active transporters Jen1 and Ady2 can mediate the uptake of the anionic form of these substrates by a H(+)-symport mechanism. The undissociated form of carboxylic acids is lipid-soluble, crossing the plasma membrane by simple diffusion. Furthermore, acetic acid can also be transported by facilitated diffusion via Fps1 channel. At the cytoplasmic physiological pH, the anionic form of the acid prevails and it can be exported by the Pdr12 pump. This review will highlight the mechanisms involving carboxylic acids transporters, and the way they operate according to the yeast cell response to environmental changes, as carbon source availability, extracellular pH and acid stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Casal
- CBMA-Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Odília Queirós
- CBMA-Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116, Gandra, PRD, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Talaia
- CBMA-Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - David Ribas
- CBMA-Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sandra Paiva
- CBMA-Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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17
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The Candida albicans ATO Gene Family Promotes Neutralization of the Macrophage Phagolysosome. Infect Immun 2015; 83:4416-26. [PMID: 26351284 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00984-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that causes a variety of diseases, ranging from superficial mucosal to life-threatening systemic infections, the latter particularly in patients with defects in innate immune function. C. albicans cells phagocytosed by macrophages undergo a dramatic change in their metabolism in which amino acids are a key nutrient. We have shown that amino acid catabolism allows the cell to neutralize the phagolysosome and initiate hyphal growth. We show here that members of the 10-gene ATO family, which are induced by phagocytosis or the presence of amino acids in an Stp2-dependent manner and encode putative acetate or ammonia transporters, are important effectors of this pH change in vitro and in macrophages. When grown with amino acids as the sole carbon source, the deletion of ATO5 or the expression of a dominant-negative ATO1(G53D) allele results in a delay in alkalinization, a defect in hyphal formation, and a reduction in the amount of ammonia released from the cell. These strains also form fewer hyphae after phagocytosis, have a reduced ability to escape macrophages, and reside in more acidic phagolysosomal compartments than wild-type cells. Furthermore, overexpression of many of the 10 ATO genes accelerates ammonia release, and an ato5Δ ATO1(G53D) double mutant strain has additive alkalinization and ammonia release defects. Taken together, these results indicate that the Ato protein family is a key mediator of the metabolic changes that allow C. albicans to overcome the macrophage innate immunity barrier.
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Yang W, Catalanotti C, Wittkopp TM, Posewitz MC, Grossman AR. Algae after dark: mechanisms to cope with anoxic/hypoxic conditions. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 82:481-503. [PMID: 25752440 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular, soil-dwelling (and aquatic) green alga that has significant metabolic flexibility for balancing redox equivalents and generating ATP when it experiences hypoxic/anoxic conditions. The diversity of pathways available to ferment sugars is often revealed in mutants in which the activities of specific branches of fermentative metabolism have been eliminated; compensatory pathways that have little activity in parental strains under standard laboratory fermentative conditions are often activated. The ways in which these pathways are regulated and integrated have not been extensively explored. In this review, we primarily discuss the intricacies of dark anoxic metabolism in Chlamydomonas, but also discuss aspects of dark oxic metabolism, the utilization of acetate, and the relatively uncharacterized but critical interactions that link chloroplastic and mitochondrial metabolic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Yang
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Claudia Catalanotti
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tyler M Wittkopp
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Matthew C Posewitz
- Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Arthur R Grossman
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Sá-Pessoa J, Amillis S, Casal M, Diallinas G. Expression and specificity profile of the major acetate transporter AcpA in Aspergillus nidulans. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 76:93-103. [PMID: 25708319 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AcpA has been previously characterized as a high-affinity transporter essential for the uptake and use of acetate as sole carbon source in Aspergillus nidulans. Here, we follow the expression profile of AcpA and define its substrate specificity. AcpA-mediated acetate transport is detected from the onset of conidiospore germination, peaks at the time of germ tube emergence, and drops to low basal levels in germlings and young mycelia, where a second acetate transporter is also becoming apparent. AcpA activity also responds to acetate presence in the growth medium, but is not subject to either carbon or nitrogen catabolite repression. Short-chain monocarboxylates (benzoate, formate, butyrate and propionate) inhibit AcpA-mediated acetate transport with apparent inhibition constants (Ki) of 16.89±2.12, 9.25±1.01, 12.06±3.29 and 1.44±0.13mM, respectively. AcpA is also shown not to be directly involved in ammonia export, as proposed for its Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue Ady2p. In the second part of this work, we search for the unknown acetate transporter expressed in mycelia, and for other transporters that might contribute to acetate uptake. In silico analysis, genetic construction of relevant null mutants, and uptake assays, reveal that the closest AcpA homologue (AN1839), named AcpB, is the 'missing' secondary acetate transporter in mycelia. We also identify two major short-chain carboxylate (lactate, succinate, pyruvate and malate) transporters, named JenA (AN6095) and JenB (AN6703), which however are not involved in acetate uptake. This work establishes a framework for further exploiting acetate and carboxylate transport in filamentous ascomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Sá-Pessoa
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Sotiris Amillis
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Botany, University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens 15781, Greece
| | - Margarida Casal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal.
| | - George Diallinas
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Botany, University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens 15781, Greece.
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20
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Sequencing, physical organization and kinetic expression of the patulin biosynthetic gene cluster from Penicillium expansum. Int J Food Microbiol 2014; 189:51-60. [PMID: 25120234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2014.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Patulin is a polyketide-derived mycotoxin produced by numerous filamentous fungi. Among them, Penicillium expansum is by far the most problematic species. This fungus is a destructive phytopathogen capable of growing on fruit, provoking the blue mold decay of apples and producing significant amounts of patulin. The biosynthetic pathway of this mycotoxin is chemically well-characterized, but its genetic bases remain largely unknown with only few characterized genes in less economic relevant species. The present study consisted of the identification and positional organization of the patulin gene cluster in P. expansum strain NRRL 35695. Several amplification reactions were performed with degenerative primers that were designed based on sequences from the orthologous genes available in other species. An improved genome Walking approach was used in order to sequence the remaining adjacent genes of the cluster. RACE-PCR was also carried out from mRNAs to determine the start and stop codons of the coding sequences. The patulin gene cluster in P. expansum consists of 15 genes in the following order: patH, patG, patF, patE, patD, patC, patB, patA, patM, patN, patO, patL, patI, patJ, and patK. These genes share 60-70% of identity with orthologous genes grouped differently, within a putative patulin cluster described in a non-producing strain of Aspergillus clavatus. The kinetics of patulin cluster genes expression was studied under patulin-permissive conditions (natural apple-based medium) and patulin-restrictive conditions (Eagle's minimal essential medium), and demonstrated a significant association between gene expression and patulin production. In conclusion, the sequence of the patulin cluster in P. expansum constitutes a key step for a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to patulin production in this fungus. It will allow the role of each gene to be elucidated, and help to define strategies to reduce patulin production in apple-based products.
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21
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Lee R, Lai H, Malik SB, Saldarriaga JF, Keeling PJ, Slamovits CH. Analysis of EST data of the marine protist Oxyrrhis marina, an emerging model for alveolate biology and evolution. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:122. [PMID: 24512041 PMCID: PMC3942190 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The alveolates include a large number of important lineages of protists and algae, among which are three major eukaryotic groups: ciliates, apicomplexans and dinoflagellates. Collectively alveolates are present in virtually every environment and include a vast diversity of cell shapes, molecular and cellular features and feeding modes including lifestyles such as phototrophy, phagotrophy/predation and intracellular parasitism, in addition to a variety of symbiotic associations. Oxyrrhis marina is a well-known model for heterotrophic protist biology, and is now emerging as a useful organism to explore the many changes that occurred during the origin and diversification of dinoflagellates by virtue of its phylogenetic position at the base of the dinoflagellate tree. RESULTS We have generated and analysed expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences from the alveolate Oxyrrhis marina in order to shed light on the evolution of a number of dinoflagellate characteristics, especially regarding the emergence of highly unusual genomic features. We found that O. marina harbours extensive gene redundancy, indicating high rates of gene duplication and transcription from multiple genomic loci. In addition, we observed a correlation between expression level and copy number in several genes, suggesting that copy number may contribute to determining transcript levels for some genes. Finally, we analyze the genes and predicted products of the recently discovered Dinoflagellate Viral Nuclear Protein, and several cases of horizontally acquired genes. CONCLUSION The dataset presented here has proven very valuable for studying this important group of protists. Our analysis indicates that gene redundancy is a pervasive feature of dinoflagellate genomes, thus the mechanisms involved in its generation must have arisen early in the evolution of the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renny Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, B3H4R2 Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Hugo Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, B3H4R2 Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Shehre Banoo Malik
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, B3H4R2 Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Juan F Saldarriaga
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, V6T1Z4 Vancouver, BS, Canada
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Alberta, Canada
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, V6T1Z4 Vancouver, BS, Canada
| | - Claudio H Slamovits
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, B3H4R2 Halifax, NS, Canada
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Wang L, Li H, Wei H, Wu X, Ke L. Identification of cadmium-induced Agaricus blazei genes through suppression subtractive hybridization. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 63:84-90. [PMID: 24184195 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most serious environmental pollutants. Filamentous fungi are very promising organisms for controlling and reducing the amount of heavy metals released by human and industrial activities. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in Cd accumulation and tolerance of filamentous fungi are not fully understood. Agaricus blazei Murrill, an edible mushroom with medicinal properties, demonstrates high tolerance for heavy metals, especially Cd. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of A. blazei after Cd exposure, we constructed a forward subtractive library that represents cadmium-induced genes in A. blazei under 4 ppm Cd stress for 14 days using suppression subtractive hybridization combined with mirror orientation selection. Differential screening allowed us to identify 39 upregulated genes, 26 of which are involved in metabolism, protein fate, cellular transport, transport facilitation and transport routes, cell rescue, defense and virulence, transcription, and the action of proteins with a binding function, and 13 are encoding hypothetical proteins with unknown functions. Induction of six A. blazei genes after Cd exposure was further confirmed by RT-qPCR. The cDNAs isolated in this study contribute to our understanding of genes involved in the biochemical pathways that participate in the response of filamentous fungi to Cd exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Wang
- Zhejiang Forestry Academy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Food, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Zhejiang Forestry Academy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Food, Hangzhou 310023, China.
| | - Hailong Wei
- Zhejiang Forestry Academy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Food, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Xueqian Wu
- Zhejiang Forestry Academy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Food, Hangzhou 310023, China; Zhejiang Academy of Medical Science, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Leqin Ke
- Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
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23
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Abstract
In the present paper we describe a new carboxylic acid transporter in Escherichia coli encoded by the gene yaaH. In contrast to what had been described for other YaaH family members, the E. coli transporter is highly specific for acetic acid (a monocarboxylate) and for succinic acid (a dicarboxylate), with affinity constants at pH 6.0 of 1.24±0.13 mM for acetic acid and 1.18±0.10 mM for succinic acid. In glucose-grown cells the ΔyaaH mutant is compromised for the uptake of both labelled acetic and succinic acids. YaaH, together with ActP, described previously as an acetate transporter, affect the use of acetic acid as sole carbon and energy source. Both genes have to be deleted simultaneously to abolish acetate transport. The uptake of acetate and succinate was restored when yaaH was expressed in trans in ΔyaaH ΔactP cells. We also demonstrate the critical role of YaaH amino acid residues Leu131 and Ala164 on the enhanced ability to transport lactate. Owing to its functional role in acetate and succinate uptake we propose its assignment as SatP: the Succinate–Acetate Transporter Protein.
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24
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Uncovering the genome-wide transcriptional responses of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger to lignocellulose using RNA sequencing. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002875. [PMID: 22912594 PMCID: PMC3415456 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A key challenge in the production of second generation biofuels is the conversion of lignocellulosic substrates into fermentable sugars. Enzymes, particularly those from fungi, are a central part of this process, and many have been isolated and characterised. However, relatively little is known of how fungi respond to lignocellulose and produce the enzymes necessary for dis-assembly of plant biomass. We studied the physiological response of the fungus Aspergillus niger when exposed to wheat straw as a model lignocellulosic substrate. Using RNA sequencing we showed that, 24 hours after exposure to straw, gene expression of known and presumptive plant cell wall-degrading enzymes represents a huge investment for the cells (about 20% of the total mRNA). Our results also uncovered new esterases and surface interacting proteins that might form part of the fungal arsenal of enzymes for the degradation of plant biomass. Using transcription factor deletion mutants (xlnR and creA) to study the response to both lignocellulosic substrates and low carbon source concentrations, we showed that a subset of genes coding for degradative enzymes is induced by starvation. Our data support a model whereby this subset of enzymes plays a scouting role under starvation conditions, testing for available complex polysaccharides and liberating inducing sugars, that triggers the subsequent induction of the majority of hydrolases. We also showed that antisense transcripts are abundant and that their expression can be regulated by growth conditions.
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SRE1 regulates iron-dependent and -independent pathways in the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 11:16-25. [PMID: 22117028 DOI: 10.1128/ec.05274-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of iron acquisition genes is critical for microbial survival under both iron-limiting conditions (to acquire essential iron) and iron-replete conditions (to limit iron toxicity). In fungi, iron acquisition genes are repressed under iron-replete conditions by a conserved GATA transcriptional regulator. Here we investigate the role of this transcription factor, Sre1, in the cellular responses of the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum to iron. We showed that cells in which SRE1 levels were diminished by RNA interference were unable to repress siderophore biosynthesis and utilization genes in the presence of abundant iron and thus produced siderophores even under iron-replete conditions. Mutation of a GATA-containing consensus site found in the promoters of these genes also resulted in inappropriate gene expression under iron-replete conditions. Microarray analysis comparing control and SRE1-depleted strains under conditions of iron limitation or abundance revealed both iron-responsive genes and Sre1-dependent genes, which comprised distinct but overlapping sets. Iron-responsive genes included those encoding putative oxidoreductases, metabolic and mitochondrial enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and nitrosative-stress-response genes; Sre1-dependent genes were of diverse functions. Genes regulated by iron levels and Sre1 included all of the siderophore biosynthesis genes, a gene involved in reductive iron acquisition, an iron-responsive transcription factor, and two catalases. Based on transcriptional profiling and phenotypic analyses, we conclude that Sre1 plays a critical role in the regulation of both traditional iron-responsive genes and iron-independent pathways such as regulation of cell morphology. These data highlight the evolving realization that the effect of Sre1 orthologs on fungal biology extends beyond the iron regulon.
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Abstract
pH homeostasis is critical for all organisms; in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, pH adaptation is critical for virulence in distinct host niches. We demonstrate that beyond adaptation, C. albicans actively neutralizes the environment from either acidic or alkaline pHs. Under acidic conditions, this species can raise the pH from 4 to >7 in less than 12 h, resulting in autoinduction of the yeast-hyphal transition, a critical virulence trait. Extracellular alkalinization has been reported to occur in several fungal species, but under the specific conditions that we describe, the phenomenon is more rapid than previously observed. Alkalinization is linked to carbon deprivation, as it occurs in glucose-poor media and requires exogenous amino acids. These conditions are similar to those predicted to exist inside phagocytic cells, and we find a strong correlation between the use of amino acids as a cellular carbon source and the degree of alkalinization. Genetic and genomic approaches indicate an emphasis on amino acid uptake and catabolism in alkalinizing cells. Mutations in four genes, STP2, a transcription factor regulating amino acid permeases, ACH1 (acetyl-coenzyme A [acetyl-CoA] hydrolase), DUR1,2 (urea amidolyase), and ATO5, a putative ammonia transporter, abolish or delay neutralization. The pH changes are the result of the extrusion of ammonia, as observed in other fungi. We propose that nutrient-deprived C. albicans cells catabolize amino acids as a carbon source, excreting the amino nitrogen as ammonia to raise environmental pH and stimulate morphogenesis, thus directly contributing to pathogenesis. Candida albicans is the most important fungal pathogen of humans, causing disease at multiple body sites. The ability to switch between multiple morphologies, including a rounded yeast cell and an elongated hyphal cell, is a key virulence trait in this species, as this reversible switch is thought to promote dissemination and tissue invasion in the host. We report here that C. albicans can actively alter the pH of its environment and induce its switch to the hyphal form. The change in pH is caused by the release of ammonia from the cells produced during the breakdown of amino acids. This phenomenon is unprecedented in a human pathogen and may substantially impact host physiology by linking morphogenesis, pH adaptation, carbon metabolism, and interactions with host cells, all of which are critical for the ability of C. albicans to cause disease.
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Casal M, Paiva S, Queirós O, Soares-Silva I. Transport of carboxylic acids in yeasts. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2008; 32:974-94. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2008.00128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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